1/14/2006
I made $50 bucks today for about 1.5 hours of work signing people in and out of a dental conference. To offset that increase we bought another mic for Daria’s podcasting along with some headphones. We traped on over to Wal-Mart too, to replace our toilet-drenched cordless phone with a new model. We ended up getting a two-phone package (backup!) with the ability to two-way radio between the two units. Doubt we will use that feature too much but having a second cordless phone will be a nice addition around here since the cordless is inevitably on the floor your not come ring time.
I’m weighing the purchase of a computer. The demos always go on sale at my local campus computer store with every Apple hardware update and this particularly computer is the last of the PowerPC powered Macs, which could come in handy for running the software I currently own. Then again our current computer is getting the job done but slower I imagine. So tempting…
7/1/2005
I’ve got a few entries brewing right now but I’m not ready to post just yet. In the mean time I’ll just mention how much I’m enjoying the new phenom Podcasting. Bjørn, if your reading, podcasting is for you—it’s cutting edge but still left of center. Apple describes podcasting as:
Radio-style shows — some from major media, others from passionate individuals — delivered over the Internet to your computer. Unlike streaming audio, which requires you to listen in real time, podcasting lets you control how and when you hear your favorite shows…Choose the time. Choose the place. Choose the show. Save for later or listen now. Podcasting makes it possible. iTunes makes it easy.
Take CBC Radio 3’s podcast for example (playing as I type) featuring unique independent Canadian Music. This is music you thrill to hear; it engages, without forcing itself upon you, in a way that mainstream radio falls hopelessly short of. This isn’t your “Incomplete” by the Backstreet Boys (which I cannot understand why anybody would pay to download from iTMS). After listening to the CBC 3’s debut “cast” I’m hooked, I’ve relistened to this cast 3 times already. Another podcast I’m interested in is LDS Voices , featuring words of wisdom both past and present. The compiler of this podcast is presumably presenting the best of LDS speech, firesides and talks, updated at the rate of one new cast a day. I also subscribed to Mommycast, two moms who comment on motherhood, being a modern woman, music and technology. I love this podcasting thing-it is the best of a new and old idea—listening to the ideas and expressions of others on radio. I can picture my grandparents of yesteryear gathered around listening to old radioshows, and it makes me smile to realize I’m doing the same thing in a new-fangled way.
So check it out, let me know what great podcasts you find. I’m thinking about starting my own podcast someday, its surprisingly easy to do. Apple has made it incredibly easy, see for yourself.
6/24/2005
We just got an airport express base station today, and the installation was seamless. From opening the plastic to first website viewed was about 5 minutes tops (I had to stop and admire the slick packaging). Now I can surf check email from anywhere on my password protected network, from the laptop or handheld. Hopefully this leads to more blogging, studying and learning! 
5/26/2005
Every once and awhile I fantasize about a home of our own—the Muirhead Kingdom castleHouse of Muirhead, if you will. As the son of a distinguished architect, I can’t just simply take up residence in some cookie cutter house (at least permanently) it would be against principle. Occasionally I drive to school and park a few blocks from the University. I love the homes surrounding the campus, they are all unique in design and ornament, they have history and character and design. They seem worthy of the title “home.” As a Apple enthusiast I crave ease of use, interface, simplicity and innovation. I want a smart home that I can control from my bedroom, laptop/desktop or cellphone. Envision my programmed master bedroom: The sun pierces the horizon outside, at the pre-appointed time my blinds/curtains open ever so slowly allowing just the right amount of light in, a gentle wake-up melody plays through the speakers, slowly rising in volume, as needed the energy saving thermostat warms the house in advance. A few moments later, another room fills with music as another family member arises. The toilet seat pre-heats (not glamourous I know, but nice) A pre-recorded message announces calling everyone to scripture study, and More Holiness Gives Me sets the tone for the family commune. The dryer starts up for those morning chilled family members pre-warming blankets for the occasion. Motion sensors (adjusted to the prevailing time of day and sunlight) light the path as everyone makes their way to the library (I want a library) saving precious energy once their need is past. A sensor announces the arrival of the mail, an unexpected ring at the bell reveals the visitor on a remote camera. A bath awaits a cellphone call to begin filling to precise temperature and volume, to soothe aching muscles after a long car trip. The phone rings and the home announces the callers identity, music fades when the call begins. And for all those Dads and Husbands out there all the lights turn out at a command, and the house becomes secure. A contractor visits to make a repair, check on your home from work while he’s there. Get an email when someone breaks in to your house, or how about when windows and doors open to keep an eye on your teenagers comings and goings!
I’ve got more than just technology stewing, perhaps in another post. What’s in your dream home?
5/16/2005
I’ve been craving a laptop for awhile now, and holding myself back pretty well, I might add. But when I saw a flyer from London Drugs advertising a monthly rate for the iBook I’d like to buy, I thought to myself: Maybe if I spread the purchase out over time it would be even cheaper than buying one outright with my student discount and ensuing interest. So I went in today hoping they’d tell me “Why, yes Mr. Muirhead, just sign here and with no money down and no interest you can have your computer today!” Or at least something half-decent. Instead they told me their plan was 18-24% interest a month over 24-48 months. Oooh what a deal, would you like my first-born as collateral? Who do they think is actually going to take them up on that? There are plenty of credit cards with lower rates, not to mention personal bank loans, not to mention the manufacturer.
They made it more than easy for me to hold out another day.
