So, my Seahawks finally won a game! Amazing.
Thank the GODS OF FOOTBALL that we are in the NFC West where one doesn't actually have to play well to have a shot at the playoffs!
Speaking of not playing well though, imagine, Tony Romo managed to beat the Redskins with no other offense than his kicker. Just think how well he could do if he had a line, backs, receivers, someone who could snap the ball...
I've had my Barnes & Noble Nook e-reader for over six months now so I thought it might be helpful to update everyone on how its been for me over the long term.
I have to say that my excitement for the device has not waned. It is impressive.
Books are very easy to purchase from B&N, or anywhere else, easy to read in any light, and with the ability to change font size, easy to read even if one's eyes aren't perfect.
It is very telling to me that I haven't read a paper book since I purchased the Nook, and in fact, I'm very quickly disposing of my library of paper books and replacing that library with e-books.
B&N has come out with a color Nook, but I don't think that product is a particularly good one. Without an e-ink screen it lacks the advantages of an e-reader, and as an e-reader lacks the advantages of a full powered tablet like the I-Pad.
Over the months I've purchased a few accessories, specifically cases or bags. The ones that have proven practical are the kind that open like a book. There is a very large selection of such cases; recently I got beautiful leather one that feels great in the hand while reading.
I would certainly purchase another Nook and have absolutely no regrets over my decision to switch from paper to electronic books.
I know that some of the people who read this blog are also writers, some truly great erotic writers.
We all have a story to tell, and many of us are compelled to write those stories. For those who want to publish, I've been with Smashwords for a couple of months now, and have found it a great experience. Perhaps it will work for you as well.
Introduction To Smashwords - Ebook Publishing And Distribution Made Easy
Since my last post I've now spent a great many hours with my new MacBook Air, and I have confirmed my previous thoughts about it. Quite simply, it is an amazing machine. Pound per pound it's the most powerful computer in the world and while it may not be as powerful as a new MacBook Pro, computers are now much, much more capable than 99% of us will ever use, let alone need.
What's great about it?
Instant on.
IPhone like navigation.
Tiny size while maintaining a full size keyboard and trackpad.
Virtually weightless.
Strong aluminum.
Unsurpassed Apple Quality.
No spinning hard disk.
And of course, as with everything from Apple, world-class industrial design.
It's drawbacks?
It is without a firewire port, and I'm one of the few people who use and like firewire.
Its keyboard is not backlit.
Why did I buy it instead of a new MacBook Pro?
There is no point dragging around a big heavy machine when I no longer need the capabilities of the fastest and most powerful of computers. They have now become so fast and powerful that I can't use all of their capabilities.
In my view industrial design is important. We feel good when those things that we spend countless hours with are enjoyable to see, touch, and feel. There has never been a more beautifully designed computer than this new MacBook Air.
Which one did I get?
I got the 13-inch model with the fastest processor and most memory. I added a Superdrive, a 500GB external hard disc, and Microsoft Office. Apple also was kind enough to throw in a new HP printer, I don't need it, but heh the price of zero dollars was perfect!
Would I recommend it?
Yes. Without hesitation to anyone except those who are serious gamers or video editors, those folks might need the power offered by the latest MacBook Pro line.
Beyond my new Air, I notice that Mac now holds about 25% of the PC market, up from about 11% in the darkest days. Things, they are a changin. I'm not though part of that change. My first Apple was an Apple IIc, and I think that this is my ninth Mac. I've never been disappointed or even had one die.
Except of course for the one that the glass of wine spilled inside, but heh, I was able to fix that myself with a handful of replacement parts and some very tiny tools.
Since my last post about it, I've been continuing my use of the Nook, and my initial pleasure with it and the B&N delivery system remain.
I've read three novels, one quite long, and a number of smaller documents on the device so far, and still find it to be a wonderful reading experience.
A tremendous side benefit is all the free books B&N makes available, old and new.
An interesting thing I've noticed while going through the B&N catalog is that the vanilla bookstore sells a great deal of erotica, even BDSM erotica. All of it seems to be geared to women and apparently a good deal of it is sold. Perhaps those who do not have the courage to buy such things in person find it easy to enjoy their fantasies via downloading instead.
A handful of Nook links for those who take my advice and get one of these wonderful readers:
Personalize Your Nook Screen Here
Manage Your Non Barnes & Noble Books Here
Discuss Your Nook Here
I broke down this weekend and finally bought a Nook from Barnes and Noble. I've been debating an e-reader for a long time and recently decided that the technology and price were at the point that I shouldn't put it off any longer. I must say that I am impressed.
I did briefly consider both the Kindle and the IPad. Despite my adoration for all things Apple, it was an easy choice against the IPad due to its use of a computer type screen. I can't imagine reading on a computer for hours. The Kindle would, I imagine give an equally good (perhaps even slightly better with the newest model) reader experience, and I do have some wonderful friends who work for Amazon, but in the end I had to decide against it for a handful of reasons including the inability to change the battery without sending the machine back, its lack of the possibility for additional storage capacity, and the proprietary ebook format Amazon uses. I do know that there is a way to convert other formats for use on the Kindle, but it seems a horrible bother when the Nook can just read them as they are.
The additional fact that a real live person is there in a genuine store to help get you started was a great bonus with the Nook too.
Purchasing decisions dispensed with, let's talk about this wonderful Nook.
First of all, and most importantly, you can read on this bad boy! Over the last couple of days I think that I've probably logged 12 hours staring at its screen, and all without a hint of eyestrain. Additionally, the e-ink screen is all it's promised to be in sunlight. Yesterday, as an experiment, I took it outside and carefully lined it up so that it was directly facing into the sun, lo and behold; the letters were crisp, clear, and readable. Lastly, the adjustable font size is a great benefit. Just last week I started a new and long paperback that had an extremely small font. It was difficult to read in low light (alas a problem I didn't notice just a few short years ago) but on the Nook the font size is adjustable from tiny to massive.
Second of all, this thing makes reading cheap! I love books, old and new. The old books I enjoy are all free for the asking thanks to the efforts of Google and the distribution of Barnes and Noble. The new ebooks aren't free of course, but they are very reasonably priced, some wonderfully priced. As a truly great added bonus, it seems that Barnes and Noble gives away a nice new book to each Nook owner once a week. Gotta love the little "Buy For Free" button that pops up on the touchscreen.
Thirdly, this thing is small! My house is full of books, my playroom has books scattered around, and my office is so crammed with books that there is little room for anything else. I don't mind any of that, but surrounding oneself with books is certainly a pain when traveling by air, and even in the Airstream devoting a shelf to books is quite a trade off. This nook will hold an immense number of books, whatever I could desire to read, all in the palm of my hand. If I do happen to run out of things to read, I can get a new book. Anywhere, 24/7. I even went book shopping yesterday, figuring that if I saw something great in the store I could just remember the title then order it up for the Nook later.
Lastly, this thing is convenient! As mentioned previously, I enjoy reading old books. I've got a good relationship with the local used bookstore and they are always happy to search out and find whatever treasure I desire. It's hard though. I've got to drive down to the store, explain what I'm after, discuss what I desire regarding price v. condition, and then wait until it's found. Once it is found it's another drive down there to pick it up. I did an experiment when I got the Nook. A few months ago I was in search of a rare and old book. I did the steps outlined above and two trips to town, about a month, and a good deal of money later I got my book. With the Nook, I searched for the book, found it for free from a Google scan of the Harvard Library and downloaded it. I don't think that it took more than a minute of my time, and did I mention it was free?
For my first serious foray into reading on the Nook I've selected a novel of about 1000 pages. After a couple days I'm about 200 pages into it (playing with the Nook seems to have used up a good deal of reading time, but that initial desire to press buttons seems to be ebbing now) and am enjoying reading on it immensely. When I'm done with the novel I'll have given it a good test, but so far I can see no advantage a real book has over the Nook.
As a final thought, I am on some level saddened by how well this thing works. It, and others like it, of course spell the end of real bookstores, and I imagine real books eventually. I won't live to see that, so I guess it's OK, but books are truly wonderful things, and I can see a day in the distance when new books probably do not exist. That is sad, but change happens and the world moves forward.
That's it for now; I've got to get back to the fantasy world contained within that little box called Nook.
Yesterday I did a bit of shopping for that most sublime local commodity, fine red wine.
Efeste proved to be my favorite yesterday, most especially their Ceidleigh syrah. Their tasting room is wonderful, as are the people working there, and I'd highly recommend a visit.
My second stop was at Cuillin Hills, a long time favorite; I don't only love the wine they produce, but the names as well! Some Shackled and Dungeon managed to make it into my trunk.
Lastly, I must mention Stevens Winery. Their Black Tongue is quite wonderful.
Moving from wine to a bit harder stuff, I managed to lay my hands on a bottle of Pacifique Absinthe yesterday. Also made just down the road in Woodinville. It has received extremely high ratings from the Wormwood Society and my sample seems to have born those ratings out.
Once in a great while I discover a wonderful television show. Of course, it seems that I always find these shows long after they are off of the TV. That's OK though, because when they are on disk, there are no commercials to interrupt the fun.
Anyway, I've recently discovered Boston Legal, a superb bit of entertainment, and last week Amazon.com was kind enough to deliver every single episode to my door.
Allan and Denny are great folks to spend ones evening with!
The Saints Defeat The Colts
Hopefully I do a bit better than last week!
Saints defeat Cardinals
Ravens defeat Colts
Vikings defeat Cowboys
Chargers defeat Jets
Just before Christmas this year I attended Land Of The Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker at The Triple Door in Downtown Seattle. It was a great little show, and I know that my sissies would love it to death!
I would certainly recommend it to everyone for Christmas 2010.
I've just returned from the post office where I was greeted by a most wonderful gift from my friends in France. A fine new Opinel knife with the easily honed high carbon steel blade. It came complete with a gift box and a carrying pouch. A very nice presentation of a truly remarkable knife.
I have owned three Opinel knives through the years, for both design and function they cannot be beat.
Today I'm watching the Houston Oilers play the Titans of New York. Who would have thought we would ever see those uniforms on an NFL field again? Interesting game going along with the interesting and historical uniforms. I must admit to rooting for the Titans (Jets), and so far, they are not disappointing me.
AFL 50th Anniversary
