Last week I decided to try the new DRM-free music download service from Amazon.com.
I lucked out last week, scheduling a technology visit to HSRA Los Angeles during bluebird weather in Southern California. Minnesota, meanwhile, dove into the deep freeze (sorry family). On the day I came back, it was 65 degrees on the beach and -15 when I left the Wild-Ducks hockey game that evening.
Ouch.
Yesterday was my 39th birthday and I’m feelin’ fine. I really appreciate all the well wishes, cards and gifts from near and far. My family got me a signed, limited-edition Michael Birawer print of the 2007 Minnesota State Fair (see above) and I also received several new Wii games, DVDs and golf balls.
The day was laid back–it started by taking my oldest to an inventors fair at the local high school. We had lunch at a newer place in Mendota called Lucky’s 13 Pub, which had great atmosphere, but not so great food. After a long nap on the couch, we met my sister and parents for dinner at Tavern on Grand.
Only 364 more days to plan for the “big one” next year…
Just before my latest trip to Los Angeles, I received this email from Tom Petters, Owner and Chairman of Sun Country Airlines:
Time for another brief Macworld commentary (for the three people who come here each year for that):
- Not a huge deal, but the iPhone update was instant gratification and has some useful features (with innovative interfaces too).
- Time Capsule seems nice (and priced competitively), but I’m still waiting for the original wireless backup feature shown at WWDC 07.
- Happy to get a free Apple TV update, but the movie rental terms, selection and pricing aren’t going to get me to cancel Netflix anytime soon.
- Mac Book Air: style and elegance that everyone will drool over, despite the trade-offs (more below).
- Randy Newman?!?
I really love the look of the new MBA. Sony has owned the ultra-small laptop market for years, providing strong designs and charging a premium. The Mac Book Air has style in spades and I was actually surprised at the relatively low price (the base model is capable out of the box without any extra upgrades). Sony gets burned by Apple again.
Today my wife and I had a day away from the kids, eating lunch at the wonderful Little Szechuan restaurant in St. Paul, then visiting the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.
I’d like to return to both again soon…
Here is a short piece produced by Matt Jung, a collegiate journalist at USC, about the school in LA: