Month: March 2015

Prices came down enough for me to finally get my first smartphone. First I learned that phone companies were giving away older iPhone models, Verizon gave me a model 5C for 99 cents! But the monthly data plans costs are lower. So I took removed all services from my landline, essentially making it an emergency-only device, and joined the 21st century.

The first week I felt like a stumbling, bumbling, visitor from the days when telephones weighed 20 pounds and you could throw them out the window and they wouldn’t break (it’s true, we all tried it). I got a little happier when I saw how easy it was to text message, access voice mail, and make phone calls. But I got truly excited for the first time when I downloaded an app called ScannerPro.

I do a lot of research, and increasingly libraries and archives want you to photograph documents instead of copy them. So if you need a copy of a 50 page document you have to take 50 separate pictures, and then go home and import 50 separate pictures into, for me, iPhoto, then process 50 separate pictures, and finally print out 50 separate pictures. Takes freaking FOREVER.

With ScannerPro you scan the pages, which it does so well it goes quickly, and then it automatically converts it into a 50 page pdf, which would be enough to dance in the streets about right there, but then with a tap you can upload it to Dropbox (or Google drive or email, et.) and you’re done!

The first time I used it I practically sobbed. I scanned 240 pages of documents, called out “I’m done!” and blew the librarian’s mind. She was sure this would take all day at the very least.

Later I saw someone buy a cup of coffee by simply holding up their phone in the direction of the cash register. Now I’m learning about contact-less payment. And Apple Pay, except you need an iPhone 6 damnit. Already I’m behind! But I don’t care. I love the 21st century!!

What other apps should I explore? What are your favorite apps?

A very scary Easter Bunny in the window of a West Village … I think it was a barber shop.

There was a time when a new dress was one of my favorite things! I sought them out, twirled around in my apartment in them when I found a great one. If selfies were a thing back than I’d have a million shots of me spinning around my apartment, a maniacal fashion pixie. Back then I’d hit the streets in one of my dresses and feel like I could conquer the world. It was my superhero suit.

I still enjoy dressing up from time to time, but it never means putting on a dress. It’s great looking jeans, boots, a cute top and I’m done. It still feels like a superhero suit though. I think it’s the boots.

A quick shot during the intermission at the Loser’s Lounge last night. The woman at the very right, with the short blonde hair and in the gold dress is one of the performers, Cici James. Now that’s a great dress! If I was in my twenties I’d be plotting how to get it myself (then making sure I don’t travel in the same circles as Cici James!) or something else by the same designer.

Tonight I will be listening to the Loser’s Lounge tribute to Blondie and the Pretenders, so today is a good day no matter what. (Famous last words.)

Apparently I’m one of the few who is happy about all this snow. I walk around with a smile on my face. Has anyone ever seen this snow-shoveling sign before? I haven’t.

Riley Brea was one of my top favorites! I can’t believe he wasn’t one of the top 8. He’s only 18 though. Hopefully this will all be a soon-to-be-forgotten blip in his life and career, but I would liked to have seen more of him now. Adam is my other favorite, so I’m glad he made it through, although I really think he needs to drop the wild and crazy class clown persona. I’m not saying this isn’t a genuine side to him, but it’s tiresome when it’s all you see.

I don’t have a favorite girl yet. Actually, my favorite was already eliminated, but I don’t remember her name. I think she was from New Orleans. That reminds me, there was another girl I loved, Harry played the piano while she sang. She wasn’t even sent to Hollywood! I was shocked.

Harry Connick, Jr. is still the best thing about this show. I wish they gave him more time to critique. I really appreciate his precise and informed take. If I was a singer I’d want to hear his suggestions. Overall, I didn’t think the singers did Motown justice, although there was some good moments. Most of it was a mess or a bit of a bore, alas.

Another shot taken the same day as the one I posted yesterday. I’m guessing I’m somewhere in my 30’s when this picture was taken.

Echo is an online service I opened to the public in 1990. It was an early social network except we called them virtual communities at the time (and it’s still around). See the dial up modems? Remember them? I don’t know when this picture was taken but it had to have been in the very early 1990’s. I think there are 2400 baud modems in this shot! The top shelf has what was then the newest, fastest modems. 9600. Haha.