Omega13

We got a new iMac yesterday. We’re upgrading from our three-year old PowerPC MacMini. It was getting sluggish to say the least (iPhoto would take two minutes to launch, for example). After seeing the Intel-based systems in action, I knew we had to save to get one of them.

So, I get the system open, and the first thing I noticed is that the Apple Wireless Keyboard that I ordered is a piece of junk. It’s not a full -size keyboard. It’s essentially a laptop-style keyboard. I don’t know why Apple bothered to make this an option for a desktop workstation. So, I called up the Apple Store to ask them if I can get a full-size wired keyboard instead. They did one better: they found a Logitech wireless mouse/keyboard combo on their web site and are shipping it to me - no charge. “Oh, and don’t worry about shipping the old one back, either.” I was taken totally aback. When I asked what the deal was, he just said they wanted their customers happy. My guess is that Apple has had a few complaints on this and just told their staff to give a freebie. Hopefully they will wise up and make their own keyboard soon. It was nice to see them go above and beyond - without me even asking.

Next, I’m getting the system set up. I’ve never used the migration tool before. It’s impressive! Run software, reboot old mac holding down on “T”, connect firewire cable between systems, reboot new mac, tell it copy stuff. An hour later, all the old information and settings are on the new system. No moving programs, no tweaking settings on email, it’s done. The iTunes shared library was moved over and worked flawlessly (that was one I figured it would miss). All the old applications I’ve tried so far (Office, Quicken, etc.) seem to be working fine on the Intel system as well. I’ve never had a computer migration take so little time. I was almost in shock. Other than a handful of system setting tweaks, I didn’t have to do anything.

Apple just gave me two great more reasons to rave about them.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry to run for re-election in 2010

Please, please, please tell me I’m going to wake up from this nightmare.  Texas needs a real governor, not a special interest, good ol’ boy, back room, perfect hair twerp. 

Tuesday night’s Boston Legal was a great example of what hooked me on the show.   The show is a guilty pleasure a good bit of the time - it’s silly and almost perverse (okay, sometimes it is perverse).  There are some episodes that hit hard at you, though.  The good ones have a lot to do with quality of life (and death).  One last year was on Katrina victims being put out of their misery at a hospital during the hurricane when no help was coming.

William Shatner’s character - Denny Crane - is well past his prime and in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.  Functional enough to do most day-to-day things, but just scattered-brained enough to put people off their guard.  In this particular episode, Shirley Schmidt (Candice Bergen) is wanting to euthanize her father.  He has been incapacitated by Alzheimer’s and no longer recognizes anyone.  He cringes at the slightest touch.    The doctor’s won’t over-medicate him, though, because he’s not in any pain.

Alan Shore (James Spader) is Denny’s best friend, and is arguing for Shirley before the court.  The bit below is about half of the entire court scene.  I really wish someone had captured the whole scene.  The complete one was powerful: “We put our DOGS to sleep to spare them pain and suffering, but we can’t do the same for a man?!”    That leads into the rest of it:

Well, the quiz is several years out of date, but still funny: 

Which OS Are You:

Not many photos have been on the tour site for Michelle’s trip to Rome/Greece.  There’s typically only been one a day posted.  This one showed up on the site just a little while ago, though.  They are almost in Greece in this photo, which means it was taken Friday morning on the ferry.  They were supposed to land near/in Patrus.  Looks like she’s having fun!  Click on the photo for a large one.