Category Archives: Technology

06.16.24
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Thoughts: A hatred of exercise vs a compulsion to complete a goal

This post has been seven years in the writing.

Back in 2016, post-Xmas, I decided I was fat and unfit and had the inclination to do something about it.

Some quick research led me to what was then named ‘Couch to 5K’. It’s an app designed to gradually take someone who’s sedentary and hasn’t run in their life, to being able to run a 5km distance. (It’s now called ‘5K Runner‘ by the way).

Today, June 16th 2024, I completed the challenge. Yes, I want to die, but I’ve ticked this one off.

Looking back, it’s been quite the journey.

Starting on December 27, 2016 – I embarked on a 25 minute walk/run. Basically 6 one-minute ‘runs’ with 90 second recovery periods. So not terrifying – but on reflecting it wasn’t as easy as it sounds. I managed to persevere until the 9th of Feb 2017 – at which point I twinged something. Made a restart of the programme on May 6th and continued through to June 25th – at which point I twinged something. Restarted August 17th – twinged something. Restarted 18th October then twinged something 26th October. Restarted 22nd November… you get the idea.

I was very stop/start. And rapidly lost interest. I’d managed to achieve the ‘1/2 way to 5k’ badge – but it felt hollow.

Covid arrived and given the time spent at home walking a lot, I decided to have another go. January 2022 – THIS was going to be my year. It wasn’t. I managed to go for four runs, then pulled something in my calf.

At that time I worked out that my old running shoes were actually trying to kill me. And my old running shorts were chafing my inner thighs to unfriendly levels.

So, I made use of the time off to spend some money and purchase running gear that was appropriate.

August 2022 – had another go. Then stopped.

January 2023 – had another go. Stopped in February 2023.

October 2023 – had another go. Once.

You get the idea. I really was fighting an internal battle with this goal.

In January 2024, I determined that THIS was my year. I replaced cabled headphones with AirPods. I found a fanny-pack that could house my phone and not bounce around uncomfortably. I bought an Apple Watch and became obsessed with tracking my health data.

So – shoes, shorts, shirts, phone, sounds, monitoring… everything was in place. But really what has made the difference, on reflection, is that I changed jobs in January. All of a sudden I had the psychological headspace to actually focus on me. No longer was I having to carry ‘other people’s trauma’. In 2024 I have been able to develop a routine. 2-3 runs per week. Repeating a days run if necessary. Running within my capability – not pushing hard. Training my legs to be able to keep moving. Training my lungs to keep breathing.

Yes, there were times of insecurity. I was in danger of being overtaken by people in wheelchairs at times. I’m pretty sure I don’t look comfortable. But I have been able to put those thoughts aside.

I started to notice other runners – how they move. Did you know there’s a runners code? A raised eyebrow of knowing. And a slight air of superiority as you run past non-runners. I’m in the club now!

It astonishes me that today I ran 35 minutes without a break. It’s a long way from 60 seconds and struggling.

Don’t get me wrong, I still think exercise is stupid. But my need to complete something that I began so long ago compelled me. Am I better for it? Absolutely! Will I continue? Absolutely.

So, thank you Fitness22, great software. I’m glad we met.

^SJD

05.06.24
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Thoughts: An Audio Crisis and the Loss of Fanboi-ism

I have been an Apple fanboi since childhood.

I remember, growing up in Palmerston North, spending as much time as I could annoying the one store that stocked Apple products.

I haunted my friends house as his dad had an Apple IIe.

I dominated the one Apple computer that my high school had.

I pored over every word printed in magazines dedicated to Apple.

Beautiful memories.

Fast forward…

Apple got into home audio. And the more of it I’ve experienced, the more I’m convinced that they really need to stop.

When HomePod Mini was announced, I was super-excited. Bought one immediately and actually was quite impressed. I loved the product. I had it bedside and enjoyed dozing off to Pink Floyd, or Toto, or Level 42, or Journey… you get the idea.

I had to get another, to set up a stereo pair. Could you imagine? A wide stereo field of goodness!

I did get another. And I paired it.

And then the sadness started. Six months of total frustration. Yes, they paired successfully, and every now and then worked in unison. But music would just stop. A speaker, one side or the other, would cut out. It was hideous.

I tried everything. Software updates, even including betas.

I added a network extender (for god’s sake, I live in a 1 bedroom apartment)..

All to no avail.

Apple simply hasn’t gotten the networking right on this product.

A little bit of research, and I’m now the deliriously happy owner of a pair of Sonos Era 100’s. The HomePod Mini’s have been retired and donated.

You know what?

The audio of Sonos is vastly superior to Apple’s audio. The frequency response is vastly superior. The pairing is superior.

Justified.

I am a happy listener once again!

^SJD

07.13.16
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Thoughts: Pokemon Go

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So, as a 14 year old trapped inside the body of a middle-aged man, I HAD to sign up for Pokemon Go. And yes, putting aside the obvious issues around privacy and security, it’s actually pretty fun.

I’d pre-empted spending today with my kids (10, 13) by installing and learning this thing. It’s quite sophisticated. I’m loving the augmented reality aspect of it.

Pokemon-Go1

Getting out and about with them was hilarious. We found all the things. We captured all the things. We observed packs of teenagers all monitoring their phones and running around looking for Pokemon.

Such fun!

One thing I learned today is that the algorithm that creates PokéStops has selected secure sites that are home to a number of NZ’s infrastructure industries, and kids are breaking in to these sites to collect. Warnings have gone out industry-wise!

Yet another thing for me to obsess with for a while and connect with my kids over. They’re really my best things.

^sd

 

11.20.15
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Thoughts: My iPhone died

So, I woke up this morning to a dead iPhone. Truly dead. Not just flat battery dead. It’s been a long time coming, but the last week I knew it was on its way out. 

I managed to stay calm and collected. I mean, how bad could it be? It’s just a phone, right? 

So, I trotted down to my local Vodafone to get a replacement underway (I do recommend PhoneInsure if you don’t already have it). They dutifully and quickly did their paperwork and a replacement is underway.

But…

  
They gave me this as a loaner. Now, of course I’m grateful for it as it means I have some semblance of being ‘on the grid’, but OMG, how dependent have I become on modern technology.

This Nokia is a freaking nightmare!

I have no contacts loaded. I don’t know who is calling me or the numbers of anybody!!!

I have no idea how to text anybody. The interface is nonsensical. And completely unusable.

I don’t know how much money I have in my accounts. Who has paid me? Who hasn’t. How do I transfer funds when needed? I can’t!!!!

I don’t know where I need to be or who I need to see.

I don’t know what I need to purchase at the supermarket.

I can’t check in to places. My mayoralty’s are at risk!

I can’t claim my purchase receipts at Farro Fresh.

And so many more innovations that have become critically important to my life and business. All gone.
These could be the longest ten-fourteen days of my life.

*breathe breathe breathe calm breathe*

11.07.13
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Big Boys Toys – Auckland 2013

Medium-RectangleI’m very excited to go visit the annual Big Boys Toys show this weekend.

I was fortunate enough to attend the Launch event. It’s going to be fantastic. Plenty to see and do, and also geared a little less chauvinistic and more family-friendly than previous years.

Outside: Stunt Cars, Wakeboarding, Levi Sherwood doing ridiculous things on his bike. Inside: cars to drool over (not on – can’t get that close) and technology to discover.

For more information click here.

11.01.13
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Thoughts about Apple

Apple

I’ve been an Apple fanboy since 1977. I have memories of hours spent on an Apple II, playing games such as Aztec, Taipan and Loderunner.

I remember the joy in the local Apple store when they took delivery of their first Macintosh. It was a revolution.

I’ve been an active part of the Apple ride since. I remember attending keynotes at the MacWorld trade shows. I remember the hideous beige Mac period, and the triumphant return of Steve Jobs. I have met so many great people through my association with Apple, and many have become lifelong friends.

Possibly like many others, I’ve been wondering what Apple will do post-Jobs. Happily it turns out that his DNA has been firmly grafted throughout the company.

The latest launch is testament to this.

My 11 yr old son watched the keynote of his own volition. He learned that the new version of OSX was a) free and b) available as a download and c) would work on his aged MacBook. And he proceeded to download and install it himself. The ease of use and intuition of Apple technology is stunning.

I love how Apple has given away the new OS. I’m amazed and impressed that they have given away the new versions of their iWork suite.

They’re clearly setting precedents and outflanking their competition.

Combining this with spectacular new Mac Pro and new versions of iPhones, iPads and more, I think this company is going from strength to strength.

I can’t wait to see what is next!