07.16.07

iThoughts on Phones

Posted in Apple, Design, Tech at 9 pm

“J stood in line for the Friday release and bought us each one. I am suffering from buyer’s remorse and sticker shock…mine is still in the box on my desk. I’m contemplating returning it even though I think it’s super cool. There are just so many things that I can think of to buy with the $600! Talk me into it,” -M

Well, for an old-skool Apple Fanboy like myself, there was a built-in draw to the device, but even beyond that, this goes much further into the realm of ‘tech from the future’ than any device that I’ve had the dubious pleasure of using. Palms, WinCE/PocketPC, Psions, Nokias, Sony Ericsson… You name it, I’ve probably used it and read about it and wondered “wow, if only…” about it.

The iPhone is perfect for me: I do a lot of mail checking and use the web for reference-checking. I’ve got a decent library of music (now with covers) so it’s nice to have a slice of that around. The Phone works just fine, though the $60/month is a bit nerve wracking. Also, I’m in a metro area with really decent coverage by AT&T’s cell service, and though Edge connections are slow, the WiFi makes up for it in the 90% of the time I’m at a place that I’ve set up WiFi: Home and Work.

Let’s put it this way: It’s the first cell phone worth criticizing, to paraphrase Alan Kay on the Macintosh.

Another thought: Apple’s iPhone commercials simply show the phone being used and demoed. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a more realistic presentation of a product in television advertising.

07.15.07

HIV in Bodily Fluids

Posted in General at 11 am

After a certain point, this just seems cruel:

Integrating modes of learning with the HIV prevention message (Abstract)

PROJECT: The three main styles of learning are visual, auditory, and kinesthetic/tactile. Reading the written words on the board allows the visual learner to process the information. Hearing the song allows the auditory learner to absorb the information. Singing a song provides an opportunity for the kinesthetic/tactile learner to get the body involved receive the information. The goal is to have students remember the four body fluids that transmit HIV from one person to another. To the tune of “Row, Row, Row, Your Boat”, use the following lyrics: THERE ARE FOUR FLUIDS THAT PASS THE AIDS VIRUS, BLOOD IS ONE, SEMEN IS TWO, MOTHER’S MILK AND VAGINAL FLUIDS. Repeat five times or until the whole group is familiar with the song. Then split the large group into smaller groups and perform it in rounds.

RESULTS: Student often come back to class the next day complaining that they cannot get the song out of their heads. Goal achieved: Vital information retained.

07.01.07

Recent Purchases

Posted in Apple, Tech at 10 pm

Coolest purchase of the last few days? ThinkGeek :: Planisphere Watch: The Planisphere Watch displays the constellations visible in the Northern Hemisphere. Simply align the date and time (displayed on the edge of the bezel) and you can view the major constellations visible that evening.

It’s great! I’ve been looking for a new watch to ahve as an alternate to the solid blue Fossil watch that I’ve had for a few years. The band on the Planisphere is really sucky, (mine’s different than what they show at ThinkGeek) but I’m thinking I might be able to replace it with relative ease.

The dial’s glow-in-the-dark face was an unexpected surprise, and obviously quite a good idea for such a device. I can’t wait to get out of the city some night to use it fully.

This is the kind of watch that’s more than just a time piece. I really like something that’s a little unique and if that uniqueness lends itself to something useful, then all the better.

This isn’t quite TokyoFlash but it’s still got the little extra that I like.

Oh and I also got a new phone this weekend. It’s not bad either.