Biggs' Zone

A Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

Category: General Cogitation Page 24 of 40

Turnabout’s Fair Play, Apple

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On September 1, 2013

In Apple, General Cogitation, Google/Android, Microsoft, Technology

apple_logo-263x300I read an article on CNET recently where the author claims that Apple is in bigger trouble than Microsoft. Granted he was speaking from a mobile perspective and perhaps from that point of view there might be some credence, but overall, I think Microsoft is in a deeper hole. Be that as it may, I do think he has a point (among many other people who have said similar things) that the iPhone is declining in popularity.

The iPhone used to be the hip gadget that everyone wanted, but now that everyone does have one, its not the cool thing to have anymore. This is the reason the author of the article thinks that Apple is in bigger trouble. I’m still really excited to pick up the new iPhone 5S this month and its primarily because I have the 4S and I’m due for a new phone on my contract. Honestly, though, I’m really only getting an iPhone because of the cost savings and comfort level. I’m just more comfortable with the iOS interface and I really don’t want to convert all my music.

Beyond that I don’t really have any brand loyalty. I think the Android phones are great phones as well (I’m not even going to comment on Windows Phone – not worth the text). In fact when people ask me “iPhone or Android”, I tell them that either one are great and they should go to a store that sells both and try it out. You need to pick the phone that you’re more comfortable using (and if that, unfortunately, happens to be a Windows Phone, then so be it).

If the giants are toppling (i.e. Apple and Microsoft) I’m more concerned about how that affects the industry then I am about how it will affect what cell phone I own. It will be a harsh reality for IT folks if Apple and Microsoft fall. Whether you love them or hate them, Apple and Microsoft are industry staples and are necessary to keep our world moving forward, Google can’t do it alone.

Soapbox: Dropping the Ballmer

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On August 23, 2013

In Microsoft, Soapbox, Technology

Steve BallmerI heard today that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has announced that he will retire sometime within the next 12 months.

Finally some good news for Microsoft!

Ballmer, in my opinion, has been less than stellar (and that’s me being kind). He hasn’t had a clue since the first time he came running and screaming out on the stage. He definitely knew how to wake a crowd up … and then put them all back to sleep. I think once he retires the only direction Microsoft can go is up. He doesn’t have too many accolades to be proud of since becoming CEO.

Windows Phone – FAIL.

Windows Surface – FAIL

Windows 8 – FAIL

XBox One – Almost a FAIL, but there’s still time.

Windows 7, and all the Visual Studio developer tools, are really the only noteworthy products that has come out of Microsoft’s doors in years (aside from the XBox 360, but I’m speaking specifically computers but the 360 is also a really great product!).

I really am pulling for Microsoft that the next guy to step up to the helm not only has a clue on how to market a product but really knows what the users actually want. Microsoft should no longer be trying to dictate to the user, they should be responding more on what they user wants and try to anticipate based on industry trends. I know, I make it sound so easy, so why shouldn’t I just do it. Yea, no thanks! Crazy, not stupid (though Ballmer was a bit of both – maybe a bit heavy on the “crazy”).

/endsoapbox

New Respect for Ashton

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On August 15, 2013

In General Cogitation, Movies

[embedplusvideo height=”388″ width=”640″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1a7QYb2″ standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/zuBSRC1zpHw?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=zuBSRC1zpHw&width=640&height=388&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep4098″ /]

Whether you’re a fan of Ashton Kutcher or not, the advice he gives in this video is almost as important as the audience whom he is addressing. He won a Teen Choice Award and, as you can tell from the video, he has thousands of screaming fans. You know there are teens hanging on his every word and when you have a captive audience who is easily influenced by celebrity behavior, I’m glad he took the opportunity to provide sound, practical advice instead of trying to influence teens with some hippy, celebrity political nonsense.

I think what I love most about his speech is the passion in which he delivers some of the key points. The notion that opportunities don’t always just fall in your lap, they are acquired through lots of hard work is something that I think is lost in younger generations. You learn to appreciate the things you have when you work hard to obtain them. I love his attitude toward his success as an actor and that he had to do all the shit jobs before he got his big break.

I wasn’t all that motivated to see his latest movie where he portrays Steve Jobs. I had a hard time imagining “Kelso” as one of the biggest innovators of the modern era. I even joked that Kutcher as Jobs seemed about as plausible as American Pie’s “Steve Stifler” as Bill Gates. However, after watching this video, our Kelso has grown up. He even admits that one of the points he makes in his speech was something he just learned after playing the role of Steve Jobs. It’s rare to see a rising star appear humble in front of thousands of screaming, doting girls.

It’s that humility, and his great advice, that has given me new respect for Ashton Kutcher. Now I do feel motivated to go see his new movie.

Lighting the Night 2013

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On August 9, 2013

In General Cogitation

light_the_night_logoI want to start off by expressing that I work for a wonderful company. Every year my company participates in a charity event called Light the Night. Its a 2 mile walk that raises money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society which conducts research for treatments and cures of blood diseases and cancers.

As some of you may know, I recently lost my wonderful sister-in-law to her battle with a rare form of lymphoma. Therefore, not only will I be walking in her memory, but my company’s team has also asked to walk in her memory. It is a great and touching honor that Cardinal Solutions would make such an offer.

The sad and unfortunate passing of Natalie has given me new vigor to raise money for lymphoma research and as such I hope that you will make a donation to our team. On the right hand side of the page you will see a widget that shows my fundraising progress. If you click on the Donate Now button it will take you to my fundraising page where you can make a donation. Any amount can help make a difference in the lives of those battling leukemia and lymphoma.

The walk in Cincinnati is scheduled for October 10th. I’m looking forward to meeting up with all the other folks who are supporters, survivors and those, like me, walking in memory of having lost someone. It is merely a 2 mile walk, so while it won’t be physically arduous, it has the potential to be emotional.

I hope you will be willing to make a donation and if you have any questions, please visit the Light the Night website.

So I Saw A Chiropractor

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On August 6, 2013

In General Cogitation

My back has been bothering me for a while now. It usually happened when I’ve been moving around a lot for instance after having completed my exercises and I start doing some housework. I would start to feel a sharp pinch in the middle of my back. I had never seen a Chiropractor before and I know there are some folks that don’t really buy into professional as medicinal. Considering how much my back was bothering me, I decided to keep an open mind.

I set up an appointment with a chiropractor just up the street per a suggestion by a co-worker. I wasn’t sure what to expect but after two visits my back is already feeling amazing. I had a muscle that was so tense it had pulled one of my vertebrae out of alignment with my spine. The doctor that I visited explained to me what was happening, what he would do to fix it and what kind of exercises I can do to help keep that muscle from tensing up again.

I have to say, based on how I’m feeling I don’t think there is any doubt as to the legitimacy of a chiropractor’s medical ability to diagnose and fix back issues.

If you live in the Cincinnati area and want to know the chiropractor I used, his name is Dr. Allan Byrne and he is located on the corner of Salem and Sutton in Anderson/Mt Washington.

Gone Before Her Time

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On July 25, 2013

In General Cogitation

Natalie Ungari 1978 - 2013

Natalie Ungari
1978 – 2013

Earlier this week my family and I had to lay to rest our sister-in-law, Natalie. She was 35 years old, married to my wife’s brother and they had two extraordinary daughters (ages 1 and 3). I cannot find the words to express the sorrow and grief all of us are feeling and I can’t even begin to comprehend what my brother-in-law is experiencing. All my prayers go out to him.

Nat always took such good care of herself. I always thought I got up early, but it never failed that before I even had my first cup of coffee she came walking in the door after completing an early morning run. I wish I had that kind of dexterity! I know that was the kind of lifestyle she was encouraging with her daughters as she only allowed treats on rare or special occasions, much to the chagrin of the grandparents 🙂

Nat was diagnosed with a very rare form of lymphoma (called Subcutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma). She’s had it for as long as I’ve known her but it was in remission until about a year ago (just before their second daughter was born). They tried several treatments but ultimately decided to do a bone marrow transplant and during the chemo treatments, to prepare for the transplant, she was taken into the ICU when the doctor’s found fungal pneumonia. She fought it gallantly but ultimately passed away from complications associated with the pneumonia.

When I was reading the beautiful obituary there was a section near the end where a foundation was mentioned called the National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD – http://www.rarediseases.org/). This organization was formed to research “orphan” diseases to identify, treat and cure rare diseases. Donations in Natalie’s name can be made to NORD.

Just as these organizations are dedicated to finding treatments and cures, the family and friends of Natalie are dedicated to passing on to her daughters just how extraordinary and tremendous of a person she was. We will see to it that her influence on us will pass vicariously to her children.

We love you, Natalie!!
Rest in Peace.

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