Apple iPhone vs Nokia N95

Now I know I love my N95. And, I'll readily go head-to-head with any Apple enthusiast (although I don't think many listen to what is being said back) about why it's better than the iPhone. And, while many non-Apple enthusiasts are just hating on the iPhone I recognize a few things it brings to the mobile industry. First, their touch screen out-does any plasic stylus touchscreen on the market. Also, the user-interface is slick. Finally, Apple successfully introduced to the US market what the mobile industry does all around the world. They sell phones at full price but as feature-packed convergence devices. They didn't do anything new; they just got the US public to get it for once.

The point of this post is to say that someone summed it up just right. Thanks to Darla Mack's post reference, I read the almost perfect quote...

"The iPhone is for consuming content, while the N95 is for creating it."

This is why sometimes talking to an iPhone owner just doesn't make for a constructive conversation. We're arguing the same points from different sides of the table, and I don't mean Nokia vs Apple. I say, "but your phone only has a 2mp camera!" And I usually get back, "so what!" All this time I thought it was ignorant banter when in reality it really didn't matter to them. So, I'd like to say to Jonathan Greene of Atmaspheric Endeavors...thank you. I get it now. I only hope everyone else takes a moment to digest your thoughts as well.

Oh, I still like my N95 more! :)

Long Grove Oktoberfest

Today Susan and I took the puppies to Long Grove for their Oktoberfest. While Long Grove is a great community for walking around on the weekend and being touristy, I think their Oktoberfest was a little weak. The whole reason we went was because last weekend we stumbled upon their Apple Fest. That was amazing! Lots of apples, venders, apple cider, music, apple donuts, crafts, etc. Their square and fountain area were packed. This weekend was much different. In addition to it being small, the brat I has was awful. So, if you're looking for a little Chicago suburbia tourism, hit up Long Grove any weekend other than their Oktoberfest weekend.

Oh, the puppies had a blast being flirted with by all the kids and people entertained with small animals. And, please don't get me wrong. The snacks, beer and weather were great. I'm exhausted from all of the walking around and reining in of the puppies.

Working Girl

Well, I've been at this job now for just over two weeks. Today was my third Monday. Today was also my first "real" day of doing my job. I headed out into the suburbs and talked up my company and product. While I'm not sure anyone can drive around talking to sales people all day, every day for the rest of their lives. I think this job will work out for a while.

It is true that I have it easy right now though. All I have to do is get my business card into the managers' hands. I'm doing my introductions right now. On top of that it is down right gorgeous out. I love autumn. The leaves are changing colors, and everything just looks great. Now, if you ask me in four months what I think of the outdoors, I can guarentee that the Midwest's winter will be getting the best of me. I'll be hating the ice, snow, cold, glare of the sun and everything else that comes with winter.

I just thought an update was necessary. Oh, and I get a laptop for work, so now I'm mobile. Not that I wasn't mobile before with my N95 but I have an added toy thanks to my company. Yea company laptops! :)

Bored

I know I don't post regularly. I keep telling myself (and any readers out there) that I'm going to start posting regularly. So, this is my attempt. I am simply spelling out for all of you that I am bored out of my mind. I should be working, but there is only so much training you can do without any hands on tools to work with. I was hoping to be out there beating the streets and convincing salespeople to sell, but I just don't have the tools or know-how quite yet. And, I can't very well tell FedEx to kick it up a notch. I don't even know if they're the ones handling the shipments.

Oh well, what do you do when you're bored? No, I won't clean. Not fun enough. :)

One Egg or Even No Eggs!

Okay, if you've spent any substantial amount of time involved in 4H you're most likely aware of the one egg cake competition/challenge. I was never in 4H, so I've never experienced the feat or failure personally. But, Susan did it as a kid. Apparently, it is not an easy task. Or at least she makes it out that way hence my utter awe when I saw a bakery advertising eggless cakes! Is anyone else impressed? I think Susan would have been moreso if I hadn't interrupted her last hour of work Friday afternoon. :-)

Gotta Love My N95

This is why I love my phone, or as Nokia calls it and I do most days, my multimedia computer. It is so true. This is why people are loving the Apple iPhone. I'm not going to get into an argument about the iPhone as I have plenty of thoughts on it. The truth is: Nokia has been doing convergence (multiple devices all in one - i.e. phone, camera, mp3 player, pda, etc) for years. In fact they're taking it further and further.

Okay, long story short...I was reading one of my favorite blogs, IntoMobile by Stefan (previously RingNokia). He referenced a Nokia video. It spoke to me.

The world is changing. Mobile phones are so much more than the American public realizes. They're not scary; they are everything in your pocket. I love it. If you can imagine it, it can be done even with a phone.

Watch. Let me know what you think!

Passing Notes

Leaving Lynnwood

Today I'm flying out of Seattle and headed home. Although the trip had it's bumps and bruises, I had a great time. For example the hotel here uses these funky lil keys I have pictured. I've only seen real metal keys and plastic key cards until now. It worked rather well too. Also, I forgot to mention it at them begining of the trip, but I got a free upgrade to an SUV for my rental. No silly Malibu for me. I was riding in style around this state. :-)

While writing this I'm chilling at the SeaTac Airport waiting on my late plane. Thank goodness I overpacked entertaining activities. I not only have to keep occupied for the 4 hour flight now but also for the 2-3 hours at the airport. Gotta love travel! :-)

No Ambition

Sometimes, even when you have time, do you just not feel like posting on your blog? I sat in front of a computer bored most of the day, yet I let posting til now. And, it's about not posting.

I had no ambition today. When you're just not feeling it, do you post something small and/or random? Or, do you just let the day slip away?

Just Stop Talking...Gone

As you may or may not know about me, I'm not good at keeping in touch with people. I tend to get caught up in my day-to-day life. More often than not, people call me not I calling them. I think in addition to being wrapped up in myself - which I know is not a good quality - I hesitate at calling people out of fear of interrupting their life. Maybe fear is too strong of a word, but the people I reach out to most often are those whom I know their schedule or I can text confirmation that now is a good time to talk first.

That being said; there is a disconnect in this world - possibly but hopefully not just with me - where people just stop calling/writing/dropping by. I can think of three people instantaneously that have drifted away without notice or reason. Of those three people I know one made the last call to me. I didn't return it for whatever reason. He never called back. Now I don't think I even know his number. He was a colleague from a job who shared an office with me. It wasn't like we dated or were best friends, but he was a friend.

The other two that I'm referencing today puzzle me a bit more. One was a best friend and the other I did date. One week we're talking and/or hanging out and the next week nothing. This nothingness has continued for months. It's to a point that I'm assuming unless we cordially cross paths on a random street later in life the relationship is over. (Please note: I am not denying my role in any relationship, but confused in general on this concept.) Why would you end any relationship with just not talking again?

Has this process been used on anyone else? Have you called once, twice or so many times it's awkward just to give up assuming they'll call when they have a chance only to never hear from them again?

In today's day and age, how can you lose track of anyone? How can it be impossible to keep in touch, especially if that individual is reaching out initially to you?!? What with telephones at home, work and your pocket and computers also at home, work and everywhere else; I'm sure everyone has at least one number to be reached at and/or an email address. And heaven help us if those don't work; last time I checked we still had a US Postal Service which delivers HAND-WRITTEN mail to peoples' homes.

I again admit that I am the epitome of awful at keeping in touch, but I'm saddened by the relationships that have washed away with time and lack of communication and nothing more. It's hard enough to lose people to fights, death, change and every other reason that severs relationships, but to lose more simply because you never talk again leaves a person a little empty and questioning what happened.

Am I the only one to lose friends, colleagues, associates and such to nothingness, or have you to? Any thoughts to this phenomenon?