I Touched an iPad

I had a few minutes today so I wandered into the local Apple Store. I must admit I like going into the Apple Store. There is a lot of interesting stuff in there. I have managed to walk out without buying but it can be hard. The one store I cannot get out of without spending way too much money is the Bomber Store, but that is a different story for a different day.

The main reason I went in was to check out the new iPad. There were several on display. I touched one. I'm not sure if this was a good idea. This is how it all started with my iPhone. I thought it might be neat and then I touched a co-worker's iPhone. I was hooked. I am still hooked.

Back to the iPad. I was impressed. The colour was rich. This blog looked great. I already know how to use it. It would be fully integrated in my life in about an hour. I would sync it up and iTunes along with MobileMe, will do the rest.

I can see it being useful. I travel a lot. I find my iPhone really useful. This would be even more useful and enjoyable. I can see myself taking notes in a meeting with it and emailing the notes at the end of the meeting. I can see myself keeping up with the news and having a couple of books with me wherever I go. It will be great for sharing photos and video. I can do that with my iPhone but this will be much better. For me I can see it being a lot more than a toy.

Now I didn't buy one. I'm sure there are several improvements that Apple will have in the next 6 to 12 months and if I wait, I will probably get a better product for less. Also, I don't need it. As much as I think I do, I have lived to this point without it so waiting a bit longer will not kill me.

I know I will eventually give in and buy one, and I know it will be hard not to give in this week-end, considering the weather is going to be garbage but, I will try to stay strong and hold out. Of course if you know me, who are we kidding.

Prospects of a Rainy Week-End

The Winnipeg forecast is for a lot of rain this week-end. It looks like outdoor activity will be limited to moving from one building to another. We have week-ends like this from time to time but it doesn't mean I have to like it.

I know there are people out there that like a rainy day. They like to curl up with a good book or watch a movie or 10. Some people even like to be outside in the rain. I'm all about personal choice and these don't seem to be my choices.

I may not want to spend every waking minute outside but I do like to be leisurely on my time off. I don't like to have to rush from my car. I guess if this is the worst part to have to run through the rain to my car then maybe things are ok.

A rainy week-end is usually a chance to get rested up a bit. I will take that as the busy time is coming at a great rate of knots. As for the rest of a rainy week-end, I really can't change a thing so I will do the best I can to enjoy it.

Turn It Up, Bring The Noize

Friday night I had the opportunity to see Public Enemy perform at the Garrick in Winnipeg. I came across my ticket last minute. I wasn't sure what to expect. Now if you are thinking, "Is that the Hip Hop group?" Yes it is.

There were two opening acts, a local act and a touring act. They were both fairly good. The main act hit the stage around 1130pm and played until about 120am. They played all the hits, at least the ones I knew. They were good. They talked too much between songs but they are getting on in years and the thermometer on stage said 107 degrees F. That is hot no matter what you are trying to do.

I was surprised by the crowd. I expected to be in the minority being a white guy in his 30's. That was a significant part of the crowd. A lot of the crowd looked like what you would think a music geek would look like. I'm actually quite encouraged by this. It shows that if you are good at what you do your appeal goes beyond your anticipated audience.

Chuck D and Flavor Flav are both very good at what they do. Flavor Flav is more animated on stage but I think Chuck D lays down the rhymes better. They are still politically charged and angry at the establishment. Their message has not changed in a long time. They no longer make headlines but they stand behind what they say.

Looking back I am very glad I went to this show. It is not a typical act for me to go and see, but I was entertained and they do have some important things to say. If you get a chance to go see a performer that you may not normally consider, do it. You may be surprised at what you see.

Once Upon A Time In Mexico

Last week I spent a week at the All-Inclusive Royal Decameron near beautiful Puerto Vallerta, Mexico. For the most part I am not a go and sit by the pool all day kind of guy. I had a really good time there. I was off the resort quite a bit. I took a couple of excursions, where I repelled, rode a zipline, and drove an ATV. The countryside is amazing. The people are great. The weather is awesome. The whole thing was wonderful.

The resort I stayed at was great. I had all the food I could eat and all the drink I could drink. The staff was excellent and attentive. The grounds were clean and the room was comfortable. I could sit in the sun or in the shade. I could always have another drink. I could watch the hockey game in the evening. It was easy to have fun.

I went on this trip with my friend Jill. I knew it was going to be a good time when, on the first night, she was down for the count before the sun set. She was kind enough to tie off the garbage bags in both garbage cans after she bucked her cookies.

I could see myself living in a tropical paradise, running a cantina, serving cerveza, and not taking life too seriously. I could scrape together a living and eat tacos every day.

It may be a while before I visit an all-inclusive resort again. Not because I didn't enjoy it but because there is so much I want to see and do. But someday I will again relax in an all-inclusive resort somewhere in paradise.

Do You Have It In You?

I have been thinking a lot about being human and dealing with change. Both of these are inevitable if you are going to live for any length of time. I have come to realize that everyone is capable of affecting change, the difference between success and failure is the willingness of the person to do what is required to produce the desired effect.

It is commonly held that change is difficult. It causes stress. It can be frustrating. It often fails. To make the change, people must be willing to see it through to the end. People must be willing to make the hard decisions. People must be willing to break down what exists. People must be willing to leave behind the non-believers.

These are often not very easy to do but, anyone can do it if they have the will to.

Having the will to leave behind non-believers is difficult. These could be friends or people who helped you get where you are today. Unfortunately if they are not on board with where you want to go, and will not be convinced to change their position, there is no place for them in the new reality. I know it sounds harsh but for any organization to be successful the members must have buy it on what is to be accomplished and how it will be accomplished.

Breaking down what already exists is also difficult. There may be some good stuff, and there may be a place for it after the change but there also may not be a place for it and this must be accepted or the change will not take place. You have to be willing to be rid of anything that is not in line with how you want things to go. You must be willing to get rid of your own good work and ideas.

So, what it really comes down to is you must be willing to see through the dark times to a better place and stay on the course to get there. Everyone can do this. Not everyone has the will, desire, or effort to get it done. If you want to affect change, do you have it in you?