Things I'd Save from the Fire

I'm a strong believer in memories over materialism, but one item I would risk serious injury for during a fire is "Monkey". Monkey was a hand puppet that my father acquired when I was a toddler. Monkey never had a name, or if it did, I can't remember it. I was completely fascinated by Monkey and it seemed so animated and real, that I never really noticed my father's arm sticking out of the bottom. Eventually, I introduced Monkey to my two children and they couldn't get enough. Requests of "Daddy, do monkey" were frequent and welcomed. There are several generations of wonderful memories in this primate, so rest assured Monkey, I got your back.

Pet Squatting

You got to love a dog that has style. My son's bed can be made daily and by lunch, our dog Dash has customized it into her own comfortable retreat. Check out the cool collar courtesy of Jason at Dublin Dog (http://www.dublindog.com).

Microsoft CEO is delusional - Part II

From Macworld:

"Microsoft plans to open its own retail stores to "transform the PC and Microsoft buying experience," the company said Wednesday as it hired an executive to run the retail operation. The stores will help Microsoft engage more deeply with consumers and learn firsthand about what they want to buy and how, according to a Microsoft press release."

In my opinion, these stores will turn into one big "Genius Bar" and are sure to generate a deluge of YouTube content. Rumor has it that the first store will open on April 1st.

Microsoft CEO is delusional - Part I

Posted on Macworld.com by James Niccolai, IDG News Service:

In his speech at the start of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas Wednesday, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer talked repeatedly about the convergence of computing around three screens—the PC, the smart phone and the television. It is now Windows, not the desktop, that Microsoft hopes to see at the center of it all, linking the three devices.

“Now it’s no longer just about the desktop but really a broader vision,” Ballmer said, adding later: “Microsoft is transforming what Windows is, from a PC OS to a connected platform; an experience that spans the PC, the phone, the TV and the cloud.”

It's obvious that these guys have so much tape on their glasses, that they have lost their vision. Someone please bookmark www.apple.com on Steve's PC. He might be inspired by iTunes, the iPhone, Apple TV and the Mac.

"Green" (repurposed) Christmas Tree

I think our potted Japanese Pine cleaned up pretty good for Christmas.