But It's All Good In The End

The iPhone 4S is a hit with consumers, even if the techie pundits and industry writers weren't wowed by the product at its official unveiling. 

All's fine with the smartphone world.  Apple will continue to be profitable.  The competition will keep Apple on its toes (and vice versa).  And we the public will continue to be offered periodic "way cool" gadgets. 

Now I can post this.  Let's all just have a laugh.  (Warning:  contains PG-13 language):

Danged near perfect

Last Friday evening I took little Geoana out to the high school football game.

I enjoy the game.  She partakes in social activities.

I sit in the stands.  She goes to the grassy hillside and holds court with her friends.

I follow the game.  She's vaguely aware of the gridiron contest.

We both make use of the concession stand.

Last Friday evening was about as close to perfect as football game weather can be.  Clear.  No wind.  Cool temps.  In fact the temps started going down quite a bit once the sun dipped below the horizon.

The only thing marring this outing was the performance of our guys.  They were shut out and were plagued with mental mistakes.

But I guess that's not important in the long run.  Not when you're making memories like what I just described.

(Taken during pregame warmups.  If this isn't Americana I don't know what is.)

To 5 or to wait?

Today's big question for the after-work leisure time:  Do I update the iPhone to iOS 5 or wait a couple of weeks? 

Reasons to do it now:  Because it appeals to my geeky nerdy side which likes gadgets and all updates heretofore.  Start using iCloud right away, check out all of the other cool functions of the newer interface. 

Reasons to wait:  Let the bugs be worked out for several days.  No hurry (not like the new release is going away anytime soon.  Best to not do this during the busy workweek. 

I'll wait. 

However my newness appetite is satisfied anyway.  Geogal gave the OK to update her iPad2 to the new OS.  I'm sure she'll check out the features once she finishes her Angry Birds tournament. 

I didn't intend to post today, but....

Just a few thoughts about the death of Steve Jobs.

First, a reminder that you can be one of the wealthiest people in the world but riches don't guarantee you a long life.

Second, there's a lot to be said for having a vision and following it.  We can all do that, right where we are.  We don't have to be CEO's, entrepreneurs, or in otherwise "high positions" to do so.  Make a difference, right where you are.

Why am I writing this right now?  Regular readers of this blog know I am a fan of Apple's products and will continue to watch the company's latest offerings (as I did yesterday).  Geogal will be getting herself an iPhone before much longer and little Geoana is saving up for an iPod Touch.

Here's hoping Apple will stay the course.  I like their products because they work.  Simple as that. 

In parting, here's a look at what started all of the Apple phenomenon:

The Great Pumpkin Waltz

Was invited to a friend's pumpkin picking party (how's that for alliteration?) this past Saturday evening.  To use the colloquial expression: a good time was had by all.  Little Geoana got to play outside with a few friends plus enjoy cooking hot dogs and s'mores over an open fire.

But the entire time one song kept going through my mind's ear.

Here's the original version from the Vince Guaraldi Trio:




And here's an update from 1988 or so, courtesy of Chick Corea: