And I Feel Fine

The end of the world as we know it, or TEOTWAWKI to those in crazier circles, is something that can loom over some people much more than others. I'd say loom over people more 'these days' but I don't think that's actually a true statement. There are always Henny Penny's out there just watching and waiting for the sky to fall, it's more a reflection of the general populace's mood as to how much attention it's being paid.

In internet culture, survival skills (built more for vampire and zombie attacks) are a cute way to mask a person's fear that it's all going to come crashing down around us. The weirdos that prepare for this kind of thing in earnest will have the enviable position to say 'I told you all so' if society ever does have a coronary, but until that time they're relegated to being the nutjobs that parents gently shoo their children away from in the grocery store lines.

For myself, I love camping. Actually, I don't think I love camping as much as I do packing to go camping. It's the strategy of trying to figure out how much space you'll have, what you'll want vs. what you'll need and trying to get ahead of whatever Mother Nature has in store for you. It's been a goal of mine to build a few hiking packs for those living here at The Estate, but I just haven't gotten around to it yet. Them being able to double as 'ditch bags' if anything serious ever happened would be a nice peace of mind just to have stored within easy access.

Uh oh, I think I'm identifying with the weirdos. Again.

Punch it, Chewie!

Heat Rave!

As someone who more often than not tries to avoid the low-hanging fruit of conversational topics, to have a comic devoted to weather should show just how annoying it is here at the Ranch. This heat keeps you from really doing anything outside, unless you're willing to donate a pint of your sweat to the cause.

It reminds me that at my last job the most frequent thing you'd hear the IT guys telling each other is how they're lucky that they still come to work with pants on. Only in retrospect do I realize how little they were joking.

It's all good though, with all of the comics I had been stockpiling once I knew I was getting the iPad there's more than enough to do inside. Apple's in the process of releasing details on a smaller, less expensive version of the iPad. Thankfully enough though, I wouldn't be interested in having a device with a smaller screen so I'm more than happy with my handy little hardware purchase. So much so I think I'll go spend some time with my comics outside.

Punch it, Chewie!

The I Stands For Intense

Well folks, it finally happened. The stars aligned, the trucks were on time and I now have the iPad. My self control was at an all-time high today, because I received the package at my desk before 10am and didn't power on the machine until I got home in the late afternoon.

I'm able to also report that the new iPad (or iPad 3rd gen if you're being literal) is completely as advertised and worth it. The screen resolution is amazing and doesn't track fingerprints, while the screen remains lit. Battery life is also strong, since I ran it almost non-stop for 3-4 hours streaming videos, reading comics, downloading apps and customizing settings. When I was nearly done, I could tell a slight amount of heat in the back, but honestly that could have been just as much from my holding the tablet in my hands.

It's very satisfying to wait for something like this for so long and then to have it meet and in some cases exceed your expectations. It's a good night here at The Estate.

Punch it, Chewie!

Stick-Up Artist

Sometimes I get it in my head that a stick figure comic is a good idea. It's hard to tell if it is in fact worth it or whether I just enjoy the fast turnaround on a ten-second doodle. Knowing me, I'd say it's safe to lean towards the latter.

I'm an almost tablet owner! My shiny new iPad is en route (hopefully as we speak) and should be here in just a few more days. Receiving the screen cover today was like an appetizer (or teaser) to the main event.

It's amazing that with my love of electronics and things that are currently put the pop in culture, even though my hobbies and interests haven't really changed in decades, that I don't travel more to visit the West coast or anywhere else for that matter. When my iPad arrives, it will officially have seen more of the world than I have since it shipped from just outside Hong Kong. Weirdly fitting.

Punch it, Chewie!

Holiday Leftovers

Wait, it's not the weekend right now? With the 4th of July's fireworks and day of revelry with friends and family alike, it certainly felt as if we all could kick our feet up for a few days. However, this wasn't to be and we all had to trudge down the road and realize how much more we'd rather be asleep.

I know that for all the relaxing and hanging out we did in the past day and a half that I am exhausted and ready for a weekend of doing more of the same. So much so that I'm going to cut this short and head back to trying to find a game to play for a little bit before my brain shuts off completely for the evening.

Punch it, Chewie!