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iPad

Friday, June 3rd, 2011

After much ado and and the iPad being out of stock everywhere, I finally got hold of one. And my oh my, it is wonderful!

When the first generation ipad came out I was of those that scoffed and said, that’s not a real computer, what use can it be!? But then, last Christmas, I got to play around with one, albeit briefly. And I was sold. The screen? So bloody incredible!

However, I recently got a question asked to me on facebook, and it’s a good one:

“OK, honest question: what do you do with it which you couldn’t do before?”

That is a good question, and it got me thinking, so here’s the edited and slightly expanded answer.

Now, the short answer would be, not much. Or, rather, it would be: use apps. Which isn’t to be despised, because many of the apps are just stunning ;-)
The longer answer would be, that while it is true that everything that I can do on the iPad, I can do on my netbook, the iPad makes many things so easy and pretty. On my netbook, I surf the net and visit all these websites, while on the iPad, I can use apps for many of them, apps that are much prettier and niftier than the actual websites. (Yes, I adore fancy UI’s and effects and everything like that.) And I love the touchscreen. It works so well with the apps (obviously, as they were made for touch screens), and it’s such an intuitive way to work. I truly believe that touch screens are the future. (not that they will replace normal computers, of course, just complement them)

Another good question is, what can my netbook do that my iPad can’t? The answer there would be the same as above, not much. Or, rather, not as I currently use it. Obviously an iPad cannot replace a computer (and it’s important to remember that the iPad isn’t actually a computer); I don’t think Magnus would be able to use his for working on when travelling, for example, the way he can do on his netbook. Nor would it be as good for editing photos and such. However, for surfing the net, keeping up with “social networking” (Facebook, twitter and the like), text editing, reading, rss, games, etc it’s remarkably good. Even writing on it is comfortable (though I do have a Bluetooth keyboard if I feel the need for it). In short, for the average computer user, it actually does very well.

If I hadn’t lived in the UK and so been able to get one subsidised on contract, I don’t know if I could have justified the cost. But so far, I do believe that the iPad is worth the extra cost compared to its competitors (at the moment, anyway). But, I’m only on my second day with my iPad, so who knows what I’ll think when the first awe over my new toy has passed. At the moment though, I think I’ll be spending less time on my netbook, because so much is easier to use on iPad. :-)
Also worth to note is that I’ve got 3G mobile Internet on it, so I can use it everywhere. (which will be nifty once I start doing sleep-ins, ie working sleeping nights) Now, that’s hardly iPad specific, as I could have got that to my netbook, and I already have Internet on my phone. But still, it’s nice. (not to mention that I got the iPad relatively cheap since I took it on contract).

It is interesting to note, that in many instances, the iPad feels snappier than my netbook. Might have something to do with the double core processor, or the fact that my netbook is often used to full capacity, poor thing, but either way, the iPad is quick and responsive and the capacitive touch screen is out of this world good. (kinda makes me want a iPhone, even though I love my HTC phone. Sometime in the future, perhaps)

I should perhaps add that I bought the iPad with the intention of also using it as an ebook reader. I do realise that the e-ink ones make better ebook readers, but that’s the only thing they do and I wanted more. With the iPad, I’ve got both iBooks and kindle (and PDF, of course, plus easy fanfic reading) instead of locking myself into one particular ebook type. Plus everything else it does. And, I’m not convinced that ebooks are better than real books, so I’m loathe to spend all that money on an e-ink reader. I do read ebooks and fics on my netbook, and I’m not bothered by the backlit screen, so I think the iPad will suit me fine.

And if I go travelling (to Sweden for example, as I am wont to do), I’ve got one small and lightweight device that can serve as computer substitute (writing, watching films, music, email, and all the rest), plus an ebook reader. Win, win! :-)
There are loads of good apps and games out here, many of them free. I think the best one I’ve found yet is the twitter app and the rss app, much better than anything on the netbook. And Angry Birds Rio HD is every bit as fun as everyone said. The parrots are a bonus :-D
Oh, and the calendar I got is terrific!

Basically, the iPad is a beautiful device, and there are so many good apps for it, it’s just amazing. And I love love love having a touch screen.

Oh, and I’ve got a deep red back cover for it, which looks just amazing. *happy dance*

(and, as you can see, writing longish texts on the onscreen keyboard is a breeze!)

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Posted in computer, en, internet, technical | No Comments »

religious door knocking

Friday, May 6th, 2011

Yesterday I was woken by knocking on the front door. I thought it would be the much awaited delivery of a package, and so rushed downstairs. Instead, I was greeted by two ladies, telling me they wanted to talk about the bible. I told them I wasn’t interested, but instead of, you know, actually listening to what I was saying one of the kept on talking. God is aware of what’s happening in the world, ba bla bla.

Now, normally I’m very polite, but this time they just rubbed me the wrong way.  And the lady just wouldn’t listen! She annoyed me to the point of me saying that “If your god exists, he doesn’t deserve to be worshipped.” To which she replied, “God isn’t an old man, -”. My “I don’t care” was ignored. She then tried to give me an information pack, which I said I didn’t want, and told her to save the paper. She insisted, I told her it’s a waste, she said “Oh, you never know”. Well, I do know. She was so persistent that her companion eventually said, exasperated, “She said NO, Edith.”. Then they left.

Not much point to this post, but the other lady’s comment was a bit funny. I really don’t mind religious people in general, not even those that come knocking on my door. To each their own, why would I deny them their belief? But when they refuse to listen to anything I say (and thus not even inviting the possibility of a discussion), I grow weary. Be gone with you.

I suppose what really bugs me is they way some people claim that everything in the bible is true and that God is good, ignoring all the evidence to the contrary.  God kills people for no good reason. And hello, fig tree!?!

Posted in en, society, stupidity | No Comments »

Game of Thrones

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

No spoilers were included in the writing of this text.

Game of Thrones. If anyone should have missed it, it’s the HBO adaption of the A Song of Ice and Fire book series of George R. R. Martin. It’s one book per series, so the first series (10 episodes) covers the first book, and also takes it name from it. It premiered 17 April in the US (18th in the UK and comes to Canal+ in Sweden in May), and has already been renewed for a second season.

HBO’s marketing department knew no bounds when it came to GoT. Supporting fansites (including offering up announcements to them at the same time as the press); releasing trailers, behind the scenes clips, character specials etc online; creating an online game which leads to never-before-seen clips from the series; sending of elaborate scent boxes that provide clues to said game to various people, including critics, journalists and fan site creators; the GoT food truck; Iron Throne photo opportunities; Iron Throne pedi-cabs; attendance of HBO people at various fan meetings (including the giving away of GoT freebies); creating massive press coverage; screening episodes for fans; huge billboards; you name it. In terms of fan awareness, HBO wins hands down.

Why am I writing all this? Because I can’t remember ever having been this exited about a show. Everything else pales in comparison. I suppose the Pirates of the Caribbean and the Lord of the Rings films evoked that same fannish excitement, but even they don’t even get close to what I’m feeling now. I’ve been following the production for years now, eager for any scrap of information. Who’s been cast as who, they’re holding auditions for this character which means they’ve kept them in the show, they’re filming at this location which means that they will make that location in the books look like this in the show, etc etc etc. I didn’t attend the annual fan meetings (where GRRM and, when the casting was complete, some of the cast joined in), even though they were held in Belfast which isn’t really that far away, but that doesn’t mean that I didn’t read the minute by minute summaries that turned up online. In short, I’m invested.

And when the greatest moment of them all came, I wasn’t disappointed. When I was about to watch the first episode for the first time, my heart was beating like mad and my hands were shaky. Two episodes in, and this show is GREAT. There are no words to describe how good they are. (Don’t take my word for it, go look for yourselves!) The casting is AMAZING, the writing is SUPERB and the attention to details is TERRIFIC. In short, the entire series is OUT OF THIS WORLD. I wish I could stop waxing lyrical about this show, because if you listen to closely you might be disappointed when you watch it, but I just can’t.

That’s not to say that it’s completely perfect. My major niggle is, why on earth didn’t they let Tyrion and Jaime keep the Lannister blonde hair? There is absolutely no reason for it, and only makes them less distinguished. I mean, I get that it’s difficult to find an actor and an actress who are both good for their roles AND look like twins, but considering how many wigs are used, two more wouldn’t have been that difficult to fix. And the whole point of a certain plot point is that the Lannisters all have that yellow blonde hair. Grumble.

But it’s pretty darn close. And I’ve never seen a filmed version of a book be this close to the original. Not even LotR.

I’m rereading the books in anticipation of the release of the fifth book in July, and I must say, even before the series started, I saw the cast members while I read the book. Yes, the casting is THAT GOOD. And, I must say, it’s agony to reread everything; it’s like watching a train wreck I suppose, you know what’s going to happen but there’s not a darn thing you can do about it. Same goes for watching the show. But a good agony. If that makes sense.

Anyhow, the places to go to for GoT news are, among others, Winter is Coming.Net and GRRM’s livejournal.

Finally, one last mention. The intro is AMAZING. Both the music and the intro itself. A map of Westeros, camera pans over the locations we will visit in the episode (it varies between episodes) and the cities rise up in a steampunk-y way. And, almost hidden away, on the metal surroundings of the sphere, are etchings from the history of the Seven Kingdoms. I almost can’t stop watching - wish there was a way to make Youtube repeat. Did I mention that the intro is AMAZING. At the first viewing it looked a bit corny, but oh the detail, and the general mood, and the music, and… did I mention that the intro is AMAZING? Because it is.

Here’s a link to the intro on Youtube, since the embedding seems a tad unreliable.

*sighs happily*

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Posted in books, en, entertainment, film&tv | No Comments »

using tools

Wednesday, December 8th, 2010

One of the most fascinating things about parrots is that they are capable of using tools. Felix enjoys using a fallen feather or a toy to scratch himself with on the head. Evey time he does that I’m wishing I had a camera at hand, and today I did! The photos are really bad quality, taken from too far away and he’s not doing too much scratching in them. But still! Very cute.

klia_feather

klia_feather2

Posted in animals, en, foto, funny | No Comments »

aaanyhooo….

Sunday, November 28th, 2010

Yeah, yeah, I’ve forgot to write… But, I’ve found a petsitter for Christmas, and I’ve got a job interview tomorrow, so… fingers crossed!

Posted in animals, en, southampton | No Comments »

getting lost for a while

Saturday, November 13th, 2010

This has been a wet and annoying day. I went into town to get some certificates (NVQ2 in Health and Social Care, yay!) copied or faxed by the local branch of the company that I work for, since the branch that deals with care work is some hours drive away from here (and they needed to be verified by someone at that company, so it’d be all official and stuff). However, after I had parked the car and walked all the way to where the local office is, in the rain, I discover that it has been closed. I can see the sign inside, but all the desks and everything has been torn out, and there is no sign saying that they have moved or where. I google it on my phone and yes, I’m at the right address. I call the Social Care office and they are all confused, but someone thinks they might have moved a bit up the street, so I walk along the long long street, forth and back, and find nothing. I call them again and they phone the local branch, and it turns out they’ve moved. Still in the centre, but not as close by as I’d like. I walk there, everything gets sorted, I’m completely exhausted, then back to Ikea and the car.

Good thing of the day: I was starving and stopped by the Ikea restaurant. Free hot drink, yay! I splash out and get tee (free), cinnamon bun, mazarin and delikatoboll. Total cost: £1.70. Gotta love Ikea!

Of course, all this took ages so once I’m in the car again driving to Asda, I get stuck in rush hour traffic. Not too bad, though, and by the time I’m finished at Asda most of it has eased up.

I really like working for this particular company that I’m working for, it’s the same one as in Cambridge. The staff are nice, and I know how things work. But I do need more work than what they can give me, at the moment anyway, so I’m thinking I might have to look elsewhere. Ugh.

The last couple of weeks I’ve been working at a day service for adults with learning difficulties, supporting a lady with Downs. When I spoke to my employer today she said that the company commissioning this post has found someone in their own staff to replace the one that left (and that I was temping for), so I probably won’t be back there.  I didn’t really realise until then how much I’m gonna miss that. The work varied between a bit boring and really nice; the lady I supported is lovely, and had really started to open up once she realised that I wasn’t just there for a day or two, and I really liked the staff at the day service as well. It’s just really really weird not going back there… Same goes for another place I worked at for a bit. I shouldn’t do this kind of temp work, I get too attached to people. It’s sad.

Anyhow, long day, and I was interrupted by dinner, so I’ll stop here.

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Hungover owls

Thursday, November 11th, 2010

Jag älskar Hungover Owls. Och den här bilden är den bästa någonsin! Fågeln i bakgrunden, vilken lyckträff!:-D

Posted in animals, en, funny | No Comments »

Owls

Sunday, November 7th, 2010

No spoilers, unless you count me mention the various species of owls depicted (nothing about the characters).

We went and saw Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of  Ga’Hoole 3D today. I loved it! I mean, animated owls, 3D, and did I mention the owls? Yeah, my type of film.

However… Did they have to give the Barn Owls yellow eyes? I mean, have they even seen a Barn Owl? Sure, they might look black from afar, but they’re really a lovely shade of brown, and they could have easily given the owls a lighter shade of brown to make them more expressive. Barn Owls with yellow eyes… bah!

Also, while I think it’s really nice that they didn’t make me sit through a whole film listening to grating American accents, and while I do like British and Australian… I don’t know, some research to where the various species actually live would have been nice. I mean, there are no Great Grey Owls, Burrowing Owls, or Elf Owls (among others) in neither Australia nor the UK. So why on earth would they have British or Australian accents? Yeah, I don’t get it either. And I know this is a fantasy film, but since they’ve obviously decided to make the owls the type of species that we have here in the real world, and made a pretty good job of making them look good and easily recognised, it really distracted me. Annoying.

I first thought they were being really stupid giving American Barn Owls Australian accents… but according to Wikipedia the Australian Barn Owls are darker than the British (shows what I know, eh), so I can easily buy them being Australian. Though the British ones are prettier, I love the really light sandy grey colour.

Also, I wonder how long the time span is supposed to be. Because if I remember correctly the Barn Owl baby doesn’t look and hour older at the end of the film compared to the beginning. And they grow like mad. Did you know that when an owl is about 16 weeks, it’s as large as it’s gonna get?

Also, and this makes me laugh, the Screech Owl (a Whiskered Screech according to Wikipedia) was WAY too big. They’re like the same size as a Burrowing Owl. *laughs some more*

All this said, I did love the film. I don’t really care about the plot at all (I’m in it for the owls and the 3D), but while I can understand why others may find it lacking, I thought it was decent enough.

And the owls were amazing. The Burrowing Owl? SO COOL. And so well done. I’ve got a few other gripes, like how would the helmet stay on a Great Grey’s head like that? They’ve got like the tiniest heads ever and it’s all just fluff around it, so either the helmet would have to be super light (and probably not very protective) or he’d just need a teeny tiny helmet because it squashes the fluff completely. Oh well. For some reason I find this harder to swallow than the fact that an owl wouldn’t be able to hear anything with a helmet on, and thus wouldn’t make a very good warrior.

Oh, and all of you that think owls make lousy warriors? Have you seen an owl? Have you seen their talons? Did you know that the European Eagle Owl can catch young deer?

To sum it up: if you’ve got a 3D cinema nearby and like owls, go see it. If not, wait until it’s out on DVD.

***
Barn Owl: tornuggla
Great Grey Owl: lappuggla
Burrowing Owl: prärieuggla
Elf Owl: kaktusuggla
Whiskered Screech Owl: (någon slags) skrikdvärguv
European Eagle Owl: europeisk berguv

Posted in animals, en, film&tv, swe | 1 Comment »

The Joys of 3D Cinema

Saturday, November 6th, 2010

Yeah, yeah, I suck at updating every day. I’ve completely forgot, and got a shock this morning when I realised that it’s been three days since my last post. Oh well, I doubt anyone really cares. (apart from me, andI just can’t be bothered) ;-)

I’m kicking myself because I never went to see Resident Evil 4 3D at the cinema. I love those films, and I’m sure it would have been awesome in 3D. *sadness*

However, I’m gonna make sure we catch the last (weekend) showing of Legends of the Guardians 3D tomorrow. An animated film about barn owls in 3D. How can it not be good? Must see. There is just no way it isn’t worth seeing. (just like Resident Evil *more sadness*)

On a happier note, Amazon.co.uk had the first season of Supernatural really cheap; it arrived today. Yay! And M seems like like it (well, the first three episodes anyway, we’ll see what he thinks of the rest). Considering I think it’s like the best series ever (even after more than 5 seasons), that makes me happy.

Also, a piece of advice: if you’ve got a parrot and need to distract him/her - get some bubble wrap.

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bits and bobs

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010

Honestly, I did start writing a (very short) post yesterday, but then I forgot to finish and post it…

I’ve enjoyed working again, but my body does not agree and thinks I’ve overdone it (yeah, right), so now everything aches and I’m absolutely exhausted still. No energy for anything.

However, I’m enjoying working with adults with learning difficulties. Much more so than I had thought I would. It’s different from working with children, but interesting.

On the fun side, Felix discovered bubblewrap today. *pop* *popop* *pop*

Also, my goodness: weirdest goats ever!!!

And I really like this photo. Björn, it reminds me of Dexter!

And last but not least, an observation from yesterday. Note to self: do not do any shopping after work. Because the trip home will (in)conveniently happen during rushour traffic, and that means that the 3 mile trip from Asda takes, oh, more than 40 minutes. I’m telling you Swedes, I don’t care what you say: you haven’t seen real rushour traffic until you’ve lived in a more populated country.

Posted in animals, car, en, film&tv, southampton | No Comments »

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