Tuesday, October 20, 2009
New beginning?
I need a new direction with this site. I really think I need a theme. Maybe it can be like that Julie and Julia site, but without all the food. I've thought about documenting my journey to my future career, but even I don't want to read about that let alone write about it.(Maybe I should be more worried about doing well in school than revamping my website, but whatevs. We all need an outlet, right?)
Hmm... what can I write about? Any ideas?
Sometimes I wish my life were less boring... =P
Posted by DH at 6:03 AM.
0 comments.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
eTextbooks and why Apple needs to release a tablet
Now, you know that I like adopting new technologies as they emerge. I think that in most cases, they help make our lives easier. I'm also all about convergence. If I can have one device that can do it all relatively well, then let me know how much and where I can purchase one. For example, since having an iPhone, I see no need to have a separate iPod, cell phone, PDA, digital camera, etc. I mean, why would you do that to yourself. The digicam I can understand on occasion, but you don't really need it on a day-to-day basis. The only time I long for a dumbphone (vs. smartphone) is when I wish I weren't so completely connected. On those days I long for a life off the grid, although those desires quickly fade when I feel the need to tweet about those feelings.This post isn't about phones or iPods, however, but rather about something that's seems to be all the rage in 2009, namely eBooks and their corresponding readers.
When I first heard about the Kindle, I couldn't help but utter a completely unimpressed "Meh." While I could understand the convenience of having a library in your bag, I felt it wasn't really very useful. It makes sense to want to carry around all your music library with you because sometimes you get the urge to listen to some obscure song. When was the last time you got the urge to read some obscure work of Restoration comedy? Probably never. Aside from perhaps the daily newspaper (which I can currently read online for free) and a novel or two, I don't really need to have THAT much news/literature on me.
Yes, yes. I can hear the buts now. "But you live in LA, the land of the automobile. Kindles are great when you're on the train or subway."
Are you serious? Even if you're on a train a couple of hours per day, how many books are you going to read per trip? I would say you'd be lucky to get through half of a book, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and say you get through one. Ok. So you carry a book with you per day. If you get bored easily, carry two books. Get paperbacks. If you're too picky with your books to get paperbacks, you probably wont want e-versions either.
Ok, so reading the newspaper is the one good thing about e-print. I HATE reading traditional newspapers. Your hands get all dirty and sometimes your clothes. Those sheets are unwieldily and usually involve some form of newspaper origami to read without bothering the person next to you. I, however, will argue that I can do this just as well on my iPhone and don't really need a Kindle.
"But what if there's no reception? And what about that tiny screen?"
Ok, so my iPhone can't download the newspaper like the Kindle can, but how often are we really without reception. Maybe in the subway, but then again, are you really going to bust out your expensive e-reader in that kind of environment? As for the screen, yeah, bigger is nice, but convenient portability is nicer.
Still, I continue to get sidetracked here. Probably because it's 4:30 am and I've decided to blog.
So in short, I think Kindles are a literary travesty and the English major in me will never allow me to stop purchasing hardcover first edition, first printings of any books I care about. I will like having an actual book library… with one major exception: textbooks.
Textbooks are what the future of e-readers should be focused on. Yes, I know Amazon tried to tap that market with their larger screen Kindle DX, but wasn't it just a couple of days ago that news came out that the Princeton trial wasn't going so well? Why's that? I think it's for the same reason tech-happy me has never wanted a Kindle. It's limited in utility and what it does do, it doesn't seem to do well. (I'll be the first to admit that this is an opinion founded upon countless reviews I've read and not on first-hand use.) Believe me, if Kindle DX worked well for textbooks, I'd be first in line to buy one.
So what are the problems?
First, is simple enough: color. Black and white is good for a novel, but not a textbook with pictures and graphics. A chemistry text in b&w is going to be harder to use than a paper one. Yeah, I've heard all the arguments about how e-ink is great and doesn't hurt your eyes. Whatever. I'll take color and the accompanying eye strain.
The second thing is outside Amazon's control, at least for the time being. Currently, textbook publishers have a myriad of systems by which they distribute their eBooks. Some allow you to download your texts to your computer while others have just put their textbook content up on a webpage and you just pay for access to that site. If you can download your text, great. However, if you run into one of those web-texts, you're SOL with a Kindle. All the Whispernet in the world isn't going to help you then.
Lastly (for now, anyway) is annotating your books. Currently, it's not that easy compared to a paper text. You can't just write (or type, in this case) in a margin. It seems the most someone can hope for at this point is an eBook where your notes look like you've been tracking changes in a Microsoft Word document. One gets into a flow when reading and convoluted methods of taking notes just get in the way.
So here I am. Longing for a better way. Enter Apple Tablet rumors.
Putting aside whether or not it's real and if it'll run a full version of Mac OS X or the the iPhone OS, this is a product that, if the rumors pan out, I actually want. Why?
1. Color
2. It's Apple so I'm sure the user experience will be great.
3. Possible 3G connectivity (so accessing web-based books will not be an issue).
4. Am I the only one hoping for Apple to finally put that Inkwell technology to use? What better way to write notes in margins? =P (As well as keeping the ability to type. On screen keyboard like the iPhone? Ability to connect Apple's tiny bluetooth keyboard? Hmm…)
5. eBooks distributed via an iTunes "Bookstore" would also make things easier.
The main con I see is that I fear Apple would try to control the entire e-textbook landscape with a "only books purchased through iTunes can be used." I don't think any of us have forgotten FairPlay have we? Then again, most people probably have.
I would want to be able to load up this mythical Apple tablet with all sorts of content. From PDFs to Word files, purchased eBooks to web-based ones, and everything in between. I would love for it to be able to open and edit my OmniOutliner Pro documents, but I don't that's going to happen if this device is iPhone OS based.
So for textbooks, you will hear no argument from me. I WANT an eReader/tablet… especially if it comes from Apple. Yeah, I'm a little biased, but I'm pretty sure such a device would be quickly adopted in college campuses everywhere.
I definitely know I'll be first in line to buy one. Until then, it's back to deciding if a heavy book is better than one I can only access when I have internet access on my computer.
Labels: Apple, random, school, technology
Posted by DH at 5:12 AM.
0 comments.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
iTunes 9
So 9/9/09 brought with it a slew of iPod announcements. What else could you really expect for this time of year. However, I am not here to talk about nanos or shuffles, but rather the software that came along with all of these new audio devices: iTunes 9.
As usual, Apple has added a bunch of features to the dominant jukebox software in the industry. While some of them are useful, many of them are not. I guess you can't really win them all.
Here are some thoughts.
Home Sharing
Finally an easy way to sync purchased DRM-free aac files across up to five computers on a network. Great if you like your housemates' taste in music, terrible if you don't. Good thing you don't have to turn this on.
Overall impression: ok.
iTunes LP
I'm probably in the minority when it comes to this, but in the 6.5 years that the iTunes Store has existed, I have purchased one, yes one, full album. Why? Well, most albums really aren't worth it. Not only that, but many times, I can get a physical album for the same price (and sometimes even cheaper) than through iTunes. Will expanded liner notes and pictures push me to buy more albums. Probably not. Considering you're not really saving money nor are you actually getting something tangible for your hard-earned cash, one might as well get lyrics to go along with your songs, right?
Note: since I have banned myself from purchasing anymore CDs in order to reduce clutter, I will probably be buying a lot more digital albums in the future. There's a good chance, however, that I'll be making those purchases on Amazon. I will get into that another time, however.
Overall impression: meh.
New look iTunes Store
This is actually a pretty good thing. I felt the previous store felt too much like the webpage-run-from-within-iTunes that it's always been. There was too much navigation involved. Wanna listen to an iTunes suggested song, click and load that song's page. Discovered the song sucks? Hit the back arrow. I like how now, you can load previews to just about anything that is linked to on any given page. Oh yeah, and it kinda matches the iPhone/iPod touch store. You know me and consistency. DEFINITELY more on this in a second…
Overall impression: thumbs-up!
Genius Mixes
I guess this is good for when you're having a party and want to keep the same kind of songs coming. Just hope you have eclectic tastes or all your mixes will end up sounding the same. I think I'll stick to Pandora though. No matter what order you play my songs in, I'm still tired of them. That's not Apple's fault though.
Overall impression: *shrugs*
iPhone syncing stuff
This was probably the most welcome thing for me. I'm glad that Apple finally figured out that arranging apps on ones iPhone can be kinda tedious. Stupid jiggly icons have a way of not wanting to move or ending up in the wrong place. I think that being able to arrange app icons in iTunes will finally allow me to stop turning a blind eye to my iPhone when it comes to it being a vehicle for my obsessive-compulsive tendencies. No longer will unrelated apps be forced to live next to each other just because I've been too lazy to rearrange them. I can't wait.
Also good is the ability to sync music based on artist and all those other ways we have come to navigate music on today's touchscreen devices. I guess I no longer need about 90% of my smart playlists. That's fine. I always felt there had to be a better way to separate things and now there is.
Overall impression: woohoo!
Overall iTunes
Yeah yeah, lots of new features that will make our lives easier. Whatever. What I want to talk about is the user interface (UI) in iTunes. Now it's been a little different for a while and I keep hoping that each update will finally bring it inline with the rest of the operating system. So what happened to this update?! I think it's more different than ever. I mean, just look at it. The scroll bars STILL don't match Snow Leopard. iTunes has solid ones and Snow Leopard keeps the glassy ones that have been around a while. Now, however, the iTunes buttons seem flatter and the volume slider has been changed even more. Why? iTunes has always driven me crazy with it's non-matching and now it's even worse. Seriously. Go look for yourself. I'll wait. Look at the volume slider in iTunes, now open a Finder window in icon view. See that size slider on the bottom right hand corner? Do they look the same? Nope. Shouldn't they? I would say they should.
Now, before the release of Snow Leopard, there were rumors that Apple was planning a major overhaul to the Mac OS X UI. As you might have figured out if you have upgraded your Mac to the latest version of the OS, it still looks pretty much the same as it has for the past few years. (Thank goodness the stripes and brushed steel are gone at least.) So maybe iTunes 9 is a sign of things to come. Maybe this is the future of Mac OS X's look. Maybe I'll finally have the unified interface I've been clamoring for for years now. Then again, that's what I said when iTunes 8 came out and I'm obviously still waiting for it. Yup… still waiting'...
Overall impression: ARGH!!!!!
So those are the thoughts I figured I would share with you. Call me jaded, but I haven't been impressed much with anything Apple has done this year. I'm usually the person who will starting scheming of ways to get the latest gear out of Cupertino, but not lately. It's sad. What's happened to Steve's reality distortion field when it has no effect on me? Hmm… Come on, Apple! Release a sub-$1000 tablet running a full version of Mac OS X and you'll see how quickly the fanboy in me comes out. Stop targeting the unwashed masses out there and throw your lifelong loyal customers something to crave. We deserve it.
Labels: Apple, technology
Posted by DH at 1:22 AM.
0 comments.
Monday, August 24, 2009
New tools
I'm not going to lie when I say that I tend to have a love/hate relationship with my webpage. I'd love to update it more often, but I'll say that it's just not convenient, especially when on the go. I think that's what makes Twitter so much more convenient at times. Still, I think that Twitter will never come close to having an actual blog, so anything that helps move me back to my old page is welcome. As a result, I'm going to give posterous a shot. I figure my blog has nothing to lose. I'm going to test it out for two weeks and see how it works out... Ignore the randomness of this post as it is as much a test as an update. Below, enjoy some random pics of Katsu... =P
See the full gallery on posterous
Labels: site, technology, writing
Posted by DH at 10:00 PM.
0 comments.
Untitled
Posted by DH at 9:26 PM.
0 comments.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Thoughts about the Apple Worldwide Developer's Conference 2009 Keynote
Ok, so far all two of you who care about my opinion in regard to Monday's WWDC announcements, here goes. I usually post pictures and stuff with these kinds of posts, but I'm not going to do that this time because it's late and I'm lazy. I know there's stuff I'm leaving out that I probably have an opinion about but oh well. If you care that much, just ask me. =PMacBook/MacBook Pro/MacBook Air
The biggest change here is that all of the aluminum unibody designs now have integrated batteries. While I know that people around the blogosphere like to bitch and complain about not being able to swap out batteries, how many times does your typical user do this? For all of you MacBook (Pro/Air) owners, do you even have an extra battery? I don't. I suspect you don't either. I think Apple knows this and decided to go with the longer battery life afforded by their new designs. That's ok with me. Hey Apple, just do your power users a favor and stop being so closed with your MagSafe technology. Give companies the opportunity to create maybe external power sources (for those who really need extra power on the go) that can just be plugged in.
SD card slot? Really? Plugging your digital camera's USB cable is that inconvenient, huh? Ok... Anyhow, I'll admit that the Express Card slot was irrelevant for most, but why just SD cards? Now, I understand that Apple would never mar the aesthetics of its unibody portables with anything like a multi-card reader built in, but still. Couldn't you have found a better use for that space? Maybe a second FireWire port?
The one thing I did like was that they upgraded the unibody MacBook to Pro status. When those portables were announced not too long ago, I agreed with the general consensus that there was little that was separating the new MacBooks from the MacBook Pros. I loved how sleek and portable they were and the NVIDIA integrated graphics were relatively powerful. A dedicated graphics card/chip really didn't seem necessary. I would totally get one... except for the lack of a FireWire port. I will never get a Mac that doesn't have at least one FireWire port. You're probably asking, "What does it matter? Like with Express Card, I've never used it." Well, I have four words for you: FireWire Target Disk Mode. That lets you load most FireWire Macs as external HDs. That makes backing up and transferring files a snap. Also, if you ever have a failing drive, FWTDM can make the difference between getting your files off your computer and possibly losing your files forever. In addition, a lot of professional equipment still runs on FireWire. By including a FireWire port on the newly rebadged 13-in. MacBook Pro, Apple has made this a viable system for pro users. (BTW, the entry-level 15-in. MacBook Pro is really just a 13-in. system with a larger screen. It uses the same integrated graphics.)
As for the MacBook Air, the price cut is welcome. It was (and continues being) a little too expensive for what it does. Yeah, it's sexy, but is that worth the price premium over the new 13-in. MBP? No, not really, but if ultimate portability is what you're after, the MBA just became a lot more attractive.
Overall, the portable announcements were ok. Nothing spectacular, but welcome. I think the most important thing here was what wasn't said. The MacBook name is now reserved for the lone, aging white polycarbonate 13-in. system left over from the last iteration of the system. Now, let's just say that Apple were planning on introducing its response to all the superportable netbooks out there. Isn't it convenient that they can now just introduce them as new MacBooks without causing any sort of confusion or adding complexity to their relatively simple product matrix? I think that's what was truly exciting. Just what exactly is in store for the MacBook name?
Snow Leopard
Exchange support, performance improvements, smaller system footprint and PowerPC support is officially dead. We already knew all of this. It was nice to have some details fleshed out, but that's it. It was nothing really spectacular. The $29 price, however, was a welcome surprise. I think Apple could have gotten away with charging the usual $129 because that is what we have come to expect and people would have paid it if only for the improved performance. If anything, this was more a shot at Microsoft than anything. It was Apple's way of saying, "Hey Microsoft, our customers already paid for the OS and when we make it work better, we're going to make the cost minimal. We're not going to make them pay all over again just to get a copy of our OS that actually works the way they expected it to." This was a thinly-veiled jab at the Vista and Windows 7. Things look good for its September release.
iPhone OS 3.0
Copy and Paste and Landscape mode across the board. Cool. MMS... coming later this summer from AT&T. Hmm... Expanded search. Cool. Renting and buing movies straight on your iPhone. Cool. Tethering... with no mention about AT&T. Hmm... Trouble in paradise with AT&T? For sure! Find my iPhone. Cool (and possibly making MobileMe slightly more worth it, but not entirely). Push notifications. About time. In short, the only thing surprising was the June 17th release date. That's pretty specific and next week to boot. I was expecting a vague release date ("late July" or similar) that has been always been typical of Apple software releases. Cool.
And finally, iPhone 3GS
The "S" stands for speed. WTF?! Are you serious? What kind of crap name is that? It doesn't really roll off the tongue, does it? (Steve is gone for a few months and all of a sudden we're regressing to the days of terrible names like the Performa 630 and the Power Macintosh 6100/66? Whatever. Maybe it will grow on me.)
So let's go down the list of new features. It's twice as fast. Have you ever felt your iPhone hardware was too slow? Probably not. The only time you've probably ever complained about the speed is when loading pages in Safari and that's network dependent. I guess faster hardware will make my DDR not lag in the middle, but honestly, it wasn't a big deal to begin with. As for the much-ballyhooed 7.2 Mbps HSDPA capability, guess what, it's not there. AT&T isn't going to start rolling that out until later in the year and wont finish until 2011. Chances are at least one more iPhone will be released before you're able to use those increased 3G speeds.
Improved 3 megapixel camera with autofocus. I guess that's nice. 30 fps video capability with on-board editing is welcome too. Digital compass... umm... sure. Voice control is useful and very 2000. Improved battery life. Cool. That's it. That's all the separates the iPhone 3GS from the older 3G. If you ask me, it's not worth the upgrade if you're already on a 3G iPhone. Even if you're still on the first-generation iPhone, I would suggest you take a good look at the previous generation 8 GB iPhone 3G which is now being sold at a very reasonable $99 (16 GB at $149 while supplies last) with 2-year commitment to AT&T for new and eligible customers. It is available next Friday, June 19.
Speaking of new and eligible customers, that doesn't include most iPhone 3G owners. You're SOL unless you bought your 3G near launch (or spend a lot of money with AT&T). In that case, you can get your new iPhone 3GS for $200 over the advertised prices, $399(16 GB)/$499 (32 GB). If you're not eligible under that, expect to add about $400 to the advertised price to get it at the non-comittment price. Hmm... all of a sudden the nice new iPhone 3GS is costing $599 (16 GB)/$699 (32 GB). You didn't think AT&T was going to let you upgrade, did you? (Yeah, there's way to get cheaper pricing, but I won't go into those here.) That right there is the reason I prefer unlocked phones.
I'm kind of disappointed by the whole iPhone 3GS thing. I was ready to get it on launch day, but now I think I'll hold off and think about it. I'm not really interested in video and dislike the fact that I'll have capabilities I won't be able to use (7.2 Mbps HSDPA) for the time being. I'm seriously considering saving the money, getting an older 3G version, unlocking it and hold off until the update feels worth the commitment to AT&T. Then again, after the seeming ill will between Apple and AT&T shown at the WWDC keynote, who knows if AT&T will be the one you will be committing to next time.
I guess I'll see how I feel about getting the new iPhone closer to launch date, but my lack of enthusiasm now doesn't bode well for my hitting an Apple Store early next Friday.
Conclusion
Overall, this was a boring keynote. Why? I'll tell you. No Steve Jobs and no reality distortion field. Steve has a way of making people want anything he announces. He has that charisma, but that's obviously something that isn't present in the rest of Apple's leadership. I'm sure Apple will continue to do well even after he is no longer with the company, but will the company keep that excitement among its fan base when it comes to new products? I think it will be difficult.
I'm just glad Steve is coming back soon. Rumors have him showing up at a special Apple event surrounding a possible new product announcement toward the end of this month. Now, if only there was a new line of MacBooks he could announce or something... hmm.... =P
Labels: Apple, products, technology
Posted by DH at 3:48 AM.
0 comments.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Quite possibly the best burrito ever!
A French Fry Burrito? Eat the Amazing Spuderito! - LAist: Los Angeles News, Food, Arts & Events
Ok, I'll admit that the picture is a little weird and it's kinda difficult to make things out, but I have to say that this is quite possibly a food that I was destined to eat. It seems to have all the components that make it quintessentially me. Anyhow, presenting, the Spuderito, the french fry burrito!To quote laist.com, "Stuffed with french fries, tomato sauce, cheese, onions and salsa, this messy burrito comes with a huge handful of napkins. Really, it is so spicy it is almost more like a salsarito. If you like, you can add meat for a dollar ten, but that really isn't what the spuderito is all about." They hit it right on the nose. This isn't about meat, it's about french fries. Don't you ever forget that.
Wow. I can't believe this exists. Oh yeah, so where can you get one? Well, apparently they're sold at Rick's Drive-In located at 680 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91101. (For all you Alhambrans, no, this place is not related to the Rick's Drive-In & Out that we are all familiar with.) Anyhow, apparently, Rick's Drive-In is getting pushed out for some new condo development or something and needs to find a new place. As such, don't risk it and go get yourself a spuderito ASAP.
How will you live with yourself if you miss out? I know I couldn't. So... who's up for spuderitos this weekend... and possibly a run around the Rose Bowl afterward to burn off all those calories? =P
Labels: food, restaurants
Posted by DH at 5:34 AM.
0 comments.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
100 Things To Try in L.A. Before You Die
Caroline on Crack - 100 Things To Try in L.A. Before You DieSo in case you haven't noticed by now, I'm kind of obsessed with all things Los Angeles. I am constantly reading the LA Times, as well as numerous LA Blogs. As a result, it's no surprise that I came across this list of 100 things to try in LA before you die. I was curious to see how many I had done considering I've lived here my whole life. I'm already worried that it's probably not that many. Let's see...
Apparently, booze is in red. (I copied the list directly from the site above so credit given where credit is due.) The bolded ones are the ones I have done. Here goes nothing...
1) Cocktail punch at the Radio Room in the Edison
2) Chili dog from Pink’s
3) Rattlesnake and rabbit with jalapeno at Wurstkuche
4) Korean short ribs taco from Kogi BBQ taco truck
6) Ajo Garlic Ramen at Ramenya
7) Sour Kraut Cocktail from Copa d’Oro
8) Red velvet cupcake from Sprinkles
9) Singing Elvis at Palms Thai
10) Churro from churro cart at Disneyland
11) Junk food dessert platter at Simon LA
12) Dessert tasting menu at Providence
13) Classic martini at Musso & Frank Grill
14) Roasted bone marrow at Church & State
15) Pedal boat at Echo Park Lake
16) Bowling and $4 cocktails at Shatto 39 Lanes
17) Kobe-style beef at Park’s BBQ
18) Mulholland Drive from 405 to 101
19) Medicina Latina at Malo
20) Father’s Office burger
21) Maple bacon doughnut at Nickel Diner
22) Mashti Malone’s lavender ice cream
24) Live music at Spaceland
25) Magic Mojito at Bar Centro at the Bazaar by Jose Andres
26) Wine tour through San Antonio Winery
27) Sample everything at Scoops ice cream - I haven't tried everything, but I've been here. =P
28) Bike from Santa Monica to Hermosa Beach and back
29) Mochi from Mikawaya Little Tokyo
30) Broiled San Francisco stuffed French toast at Starling Diner
31) Mojito sampler jelly shots at Bar Nineteen12
32) High Tea at Royal/T
33) Pimp your own burger at The Counter in Santa Monica
34) Carne asada burrito from Tacos Tumbras A Tomas at Grand Central Market
35) Diddy Riese Chocolate Chip Cookies
36) Ride the mechanical bull at Saddle Ranch and have a premium SR AMF
37) Greyhound Proper at Hungry Cat
38) Blue cheese fries at Pete’s Cafe and Bar
39) L.A. Conservancy’s Historic Core walking tour
40) 21+ screenings at the ArcLight
41) Secret beef feast at Totoraku
43) Bartender’s Choice at Comme Ca
44) Tomato, mozzarella, sausage, salami, bacon & guanciale pizza at Pizzeria Mozza
45) Ride the Pacific Ferris Wheel at Santa Monica Pier
47) Bet on a horse at Santa Anita racetrack
48) Loco Moco (foie gras loco moco, quail egg, spam, hamburger) at Animal
49) Blood & Sand cocktail at Tiki Ti
50) Tea and a stroll through Huntington Gardens
51) Drive Sunset Boulevard from Echo Park to PCH in a convertible
52) Double chocolate croissant pudding with Jack Daniels sauce at Milk
53) Hike from Fern Dell Drive to Mt. Hollywood, stopping at Griffith Observatory
54) Meatball sandwich from Bay Cities Deli
55) Scorpion cocktail at Hop Louie
56) Magic Castle
57) Scoe’s No. 2 at Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles
58) L.A. Conservancy’s Last Remaining Seats
59) Philippe’s French Dip with hot mustard
60) Dim sum at Empress Pavilion in Chinatown
61) Remember the Maine at the Varnish
62) Omakase dinner at Urasawa
63) LA Phil concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall
64) Pool party at Standard Rooftop Bar
65) Quarter chicken with side of garlic sauce at Zankou Chicken
66) Goddess spa treatment at Olympic Spa
67) Vodbox at Nic’s Martini Lounge
68) Turkey dinner at Clifton’s Cafeteria, don’t forget the green jello
70) Marty & Elayne at Dresden Room
71) Coleslaw and sourdough toast at Original Pantry
72) Real Black Dahlia Tour by Esotouric
73) Ninotchka at Bar Lubitsch
74) Stay in a bungalow at Chateau Marmont
76) Sunday wine tastings at Silverlake Wine
77) Grilled cheese night at Campanile
78) Power lunch at the Polo Lounge
79) Cadillac Margarita at El Cholo
80) Courtside at a Lakers game
81) Angel City Derby Girls Tournament
82) Box seats at Hollywood Bowl summer concert
83) Dodger Dog at Dodger Stadium
84) Ride the Good Year blimp
85) Sip mojitos poolside at the Hotel Roosevelt’s Tropicana Bar
86) Ringside at Lucha VaVoom
87) Summer movie at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery
88) History Walk from Mission San Gabriel to Olvera Street
89) Taro ice cream at Fosselman’s - Blech! Go for a flavor that isn't potato-y.
91) Apricot & Honey 75 at the Penthouse during sunset
94) Bonfire at Dockweiler Beach
95) Bingo at Hamburger Mary’s
96) Karaoke at Brass Monkey
97) Yee-Mee-Lu “blue drink” at Good Luck Bar
98) Sunset dinner and horseback riding with Sunset Ranch
99) American Food & Wine Festival
100) Hike to the top of Sandstone Peak and sign the register
This was ok, but I think I need to come up with my own list. I'm going to work on that over the next few days and see what I come up with. =) How much do you want to bet that most will be food related? =P
Labels: food, LA, random, restaurants
Posted by DH at 2:50 AM.
3 comments.
Monday, April 6, 2009
This is one of the times when I miss being in advertising
AdFreak: Viagra always has such wonderful gift ideas
Ok, so I took the weekend off from posting. I figure I've been doing pretty well lately and deserved a few days of nothing. Besides, I didn't really run across anything interesting to post. Anyhow, I ran across this article while reading one of the few advertising blogs I still read religiously. Now, how great is this concept? It's dirty, but not. Ok, yeah, it is. (As the post mentions, just look at the bananas in the background.) I love how happy the guys on the fans look, especially the bigger one... err... body wise, not... otherwise.
I wish I had worked on an account like Viagra. Ok, so for the most part it seems like the client wont really let their agency really go to town with all the fun they could have with the product. I mean, it's Viagra so why not make it all about sex? Think of everything you could do with alluding to the effects of the drug. These fans are just an example of what can come out of having a little bit of freedom and an open mind on the client side.
Oh man, I wish I could find one of these. I think it would be hours of fun!
Labels: advertising, random
Posted by DH at 10:35 PM.
0 comments.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Why I love the English...
The Technology Chronicles: Google StreetView car blocked by irate English villagers - SF Gate
You know, it's about time someone stands up to Google. If no company today is powerful enough to do it, then we should all be taking it to the streets.Then again, I think this is something that only the English can do. They seem to have a long history of transforming into angry mobs, although I am a but saddened that they have since lost the torches and pitchforks. *sigh* We don't have enough mobs anymore. No we have lame protesters. It's just not the same.
I love how they blame Google's StreetView for a recent rash of burglaries. I'm sure that criminals out there are, "Wait a tick! What's this? A new neighborhood has been added and it's posh. Let's get to nicking, boys!" When the ridiculousness of that idea is pointed out, they fall back on an even better "how dare you take a picture of my house without my permission?" The nerve of Google. Couldn't a big company like that have gone around gathering signed release forms from everyone whose property is shown? Although, that does make me wonder whether the same mob will come after me if I look at their house and make a detailed mental image of it. Probably. I'd be one of those dangerous foreigners, after all...
Now, I don't know if any of you have ever spotted the Google StreetView car out in the wild, but it's weird! It's like seeing a boom mic on a TV show or something. The Google StreetView car tries so hard to never been seen, that you feel like you've uncovered something you shouldn't have. =P
Anyhow, yeah, I spotted the car and had to take a picture. I mean, how often do you see it, right? This was in Old Sacramento during my trip last summer. Snapping the picture made the whole trip worth it. I am such a nerd.
The mysterious Google StreetView car
Labels: news, random, technology
Posted by DH at 12:25 AM.
0 comments.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Bravo, you are out. auf Wiedersehen!
'Project Runway' lawsuit over; the series moves to Lifetime (updated) | Show Tracker | Los Angeles Times
Wow. How long has it been since the last season of Project Runway? I don't even remember who won. Oh yeah, because what's her name's designs really weren't all that great.Anyhow, I'm kinda disappointed the whole NBCU vs. Lifetime thing ended so easily. I was expecting the fur to fly. I wanted NBCU to accuse Lifetime of showing nothing more than reruns of The Nanny and great made-for-TV movies like the classic, Queen Sized (2008), while Lifetime accused NBCU of riding on Project Runway after such megahits as Coupling. I guess in the end, the best side won because I LOVE The Nanny. =P
Still, I'm looking forward to this new season of Project Runway. I mean, it takes place in LA and I have no idea why that was a good idea. I mean, LA has never really hit me as a fashion mecca, you know. Oh well, I guess it's good when you change the setting on a show. It's kind of like when you spinoff a character of a popular series. That always works.
Anyhow, good luck to Project Runway with its new setting, new designers, new home network and new challenges (hopefully). Then again, after so long, Project Runway could throw some wigs on all the previous bad designers and I'd probably still welcome the show with open arms. Come on! I'm only human and I really do love this show. =P
Hey Bravo, since you're now missing probably the one show that made you famous, I have some advice for you. You know, you used to have this show that was great. It was called Blow Out and starred Jonathan Antin. I'm sure he's not doing anything. How about you call him up and see if he wants to do another season. Also, please feel free to bring back Flipping Out. Ok, I understand that the real estate world is nothing but a proverbial "bag of hurt," but Jeff Lewis was entertaining enough to make even that world fun to watch. No? Hmm... how about more Kathy Griffin specials? Oh? You're already planning that? Ok then. That'll do, I guess...
Posted by DH at 12:36 AM.
0 comments.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Just in time for Easter...
How marshmallow Peeps are made -- chicagotribune.com
Here's a (marshmallow) fluff post. I'm exhausted today and I don't really know if I have it in me to post at the rate I've been doing so lately. Besides, nothing interesting is jumping out at me as necessary for me to share along with commentary. Maybe I'll find something interesting as the night goes on, but don't count on it.As a result, I figure I'd post something that you might find interesting. Ok, I know that people either love or hate marshmallow Peeps or just Peeps. (BTW, if you hate them, you must be some sort of ogre because I don't think it's possible to dislike painted sugar fluff with eyes.) Regardless of how you feel, you may still be curious as to how they're made. Are they extruded? Are they molded? I don't know! I wish someone would tell me!
Well, now someone will!
So check out the link above for a series of photos that will truly make you feel that Easter is near. Or, if you're not the Easter celebrating time, you're but a few days from that Monday when all theose bunny-, egg-, and chick-shaped candies go on clearance. Regardless of whether or not you're Christian, cheap sugar is never a bad thing, right? Right.
(Oh yeah, does anyone else like to eat the eyes on a Peep before the rest of it? Hmm... maybe it was just me...)
Posted by DH at 8:50 PM.
0 comments.
I want!
Amazon.com: Pride and Prejudice [Blu-ray]
The title of this post says it all. There is really no need for any other text.
Labels: literature, wishlist
Posted by DH at 2:22 AM.
0 comments.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
UCSDoh!
UC San Diego sends wrong e-mail to rejected students | L.A. Now | Los Angeles TimesOops!
But on the bright side, it was only wrong for 28,000 people. The other 18,000 got an email that was actually meant for them.
I hope this teaches UCSD to stop letting the work-study students send the admissions emails.
Still, while it sucks, I don't see why people would get all upset. I mean, they'd already gotten rejected earlier in the month. If anything, this should have seemed strange, but in no way was it grounds to ignore the previous communication and all of a sudden assume that you're now in. That would really just be a case of seeing and hearing only what you want.
Still, I love screw ups. As in that episode of The Simpsons, you can actually pinpoint the exact moment when the hearts of 28,000 applicants rip in half... again.
Labels: random
Posted by DH at 8:19 PM.
0 comments.
Today's (kinda) "Duh!" headline
The Most Awesome Chili Fries ...Ever - LAist: Los Angeles News, Food, Arts & Events
Ok, so this really isn't as "duh!" as yesterday, but I think to anyone who's ever been there, there's no question.So LAist.com has decided to award of "The Most Awesome Chili Fries ...Ever" to... *drum roll please*... The Hat of *cough* Pasadena. (More on that in a sec.)
You know, for the longest time I've been trying to find chili fries on the Westside that are somewhat comparable to The Hat. You know what I've found? NOTHING. There are none. If you do find some ok tasting ones, the come in tiny servings and not the mountain you get at The Hat. So nowadays, I find that instead of wasting my time looking around the Westside, I'll just brave the traffic and drive to the good ol' SGV for chili fries that I know are good. Mmm... I could go for some right now... with pickles... *drool*
Hmm... actually, that's not a bad idea. Once traffic dies down, I'm there! =)
Ok, now back to that Pasadena thing. The Hat first opened in Alhambra, CA. (That's a picture of the Garfield and Valley intersection where you can still find it... and where it still looks about the same.) Not only that, but there are 10 locations to this local chain. As such, there is nothing that makes Pasadena noteworthy except for the fact that was the location thie LAist.com people chose to dine at. Take it from me, for whatever the reason, the chili fries are never as good as when you get them at the original Alhambra location. (Oh yeah, but avoid the tuna fish sandwich. I think I got food poisoning from it once. But that's my fault. Why would anyone get a tuna fish sandwich at The Hat anyhow?) And now for something that may really only appeal to people who grew up with The Hat... Did you know they have a theme song? Well, they do! Why do you think I've linked The Hat so many times? Click on one already and listen to the song. If that doesn't get you wanting some chili fries, then I'm sure something else will, but it's still kinda cute considering. I wonder who wrote it and more importantly, why?
BTW, when did my page become a food blog?
Labels: food, restaurants