If you have been reading the tech news lately, you would have noticed a trend in mobile computing called Netbooks. They are basically low-powered mini-laptops, typically with small hard drives, small screens, low-power CPU’s and GPU’s, built-in webcams and small batteries. And they are cheap and small.
After looking around at a few devices (HP 2125, Asus eee, MSI Wind), I bought a Lenovo S10 (black model… they also come in white and red) for $499 from Circuit City (the 512MB/80GB version sells for $399!). Besides liking the Lenovo brand (they took over the Thinkpads from IBM) I also liked the look of the S10. It came loaded with 1GB of memory, a 160GB hard drive and a low-powered Atom 1.6GHz processor. Not bad! I since upgraded the memory to 2GB (additional $40) and installed Vista Business instead of the stock XP (other options were Linux, or a tweaked version of OSX). The one big problem was that it did not have built-in bluetooth, but I fixed that by ordering a built-in card and cable from China.
I now use the S10 as my primary device when traveling and at the office, which is pretty much Mon-Thu every week. Click through to read about my likes and dislikes.
[read more]
tagged as toys, useful -
As a special gift, Maureen treated me to a week-end course on Wine Tasting at the University of Davis (about an hour away from Napa) called an "
Introduction to Sensory Evaluation of Wine".
The course was not only very good in terms of teaching us the differences between smells and tastes, but also taught us a lot about wine making in general. I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in learning more about wine.
I still find it very hard to discern all the different smells in the wines, but at least I have a better reference point for tasting.
(our classroom)
tagged as wine -
My dad had one of these completely mechanical Curta calculators, and I remember how fascinated we were with it. I just saw
this web page showing a video of how to use it, and discussing its amazing history. It was invented by Curt Herzstark in 1938 and perfected while he was a prisoner in a concentration camp, possibly saving his life. Also check out
this diagram showing the complexity and beauty of this machine.
tagged as technology, toys -
Kimberly, Josh, Mo and I went to a restaurant called
Alinea in Chicago. It was the most memorable meal I have ever had. It is more of a sensory experience than a meal, though. Check out the menu and the pictures on the Alinea website. The dish that stood out the most for me was Fava Beans with lavender, banana and pecorino. They served the plates on heated lavender-infused pillows, so that your whole face was embraced by the lavender smells. I guess it is the equivalent of drinking wine from the perfect glass. A sensory experience that I will not forget. BTW, the menu is printed with the size of the circles indicating the relative size of the plate, and the horizontal offset indicating the savoriness or sweetness of the dish. Also see some of the pictures from our
week-end in Chicago. We loved the architectural boat tour.
tagged as food, travel -
This is a beautiful contraption. The concept sounds ridiculous, but check it out. It is quite funny. The LeaveMeAloneBox does nothing more than turn itself off after someone flips it on.
Click here for a larger video.
tagged as funny -
This is simply amazing. It is a fairly long video, but don't give up watching... it has a happy ending. Sometimes the king of the jungle needs to be put in place.
Click here for a larger video.
tagged as internet, movie, south_africa -
Every now and then someone would ask me for recommendations of where to go wine tasting in Napa. Here are my current favorites: St. Clement, Ballentine, Miner, Robert Sinskey, and Domaine Carneros. There are obviously many places you could try (and please submit your comments), but these places are fun, accessible, not too crowded, and very beautiful. Use
this custom google map to find them.
[read more]
tagged as wine -
Rodrigo y Gabriela (with Bonus DVD) 
This is a fantastic new album. These two guitarists mix very innovative percussive moves (on the guitar box itself) with beautiful latin melodies to create something special. Not quite sure where this falls... rock, jazz, new-age, latin world music? Check it out. Well worth buying. I know, this is a shameless plug, but trust me, you will like it.
tagged as music -
Today, May 10, 2007, we were blessed with the birth of our second son, Colin James Theunissen. Everything went very well, and both Mom and Colin are doing great. Vitals are:
- weight: 8.75 lbs
- height: 21.5 inches
- 10 fingers and 10 toes
We are very happy. Please go to my
photo album for more pictures of the baby
tagged as colin -
Took this video with my new video camera, the Canon HV20. Pity that youtube does not support HD playback... it looks awesome on the HD tv. Daniel's little night-time routine... pre-bath, bath, changing into his nighties, reading his favorite books, waking up with his hot chocolate, and getting dressed for the day.
Click here for a larger video.
tagged as daniel -
If you have been reading the tech news lately, you would have noticed a trend in mobile computing called Netbooks. They are basically low-powered mini-laptops, typically with small hard drives, small screens, low-power CPU’s and GPU’s, built-in webcams and small batteries. And they are cheap and small.
