Tag Archives: iPad

Bedridden

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This broken tooth has been one of the most painful events of my life.  I have been mostly sleeping all day, because that seems the best way to cope.  In between long naps, my iPad has kept me company.  Take some pills, watch Netflix, cruise social media sites and play a few simple iPad games like Star Wars Commander.  That is my life today.

Instagram is for Squares

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Please don’t hate me, but I have been experimenting with Instagram lately.  It is sort of like a blog that allows for a single photo with some associated text.  I have fallen for several accounts including National Geographic and National Geographic Travel (standard accounts everyone should follow).  I used to hate that you couldn’t post a full photo, but were restrained to a square format for pictures.  These links will help to describe the relatively new and simple functionality whereby you can post most any sized photo (Link 1) and (Link 2).  They just show up as square images on one version of your personal feed, but are normally sized everywhere else on the App.  If you are a fan of Instagram, or would just like to check it out, look for earthrobert on the site, and don’t be a square.  ðŸ˜›

Sunny

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As an experiment in Texas Summer heat, the air conditioner decided to break for a few days.  Just in time for a forecast of “it’s going to be hot out there”.  In case you are wondering, the indoor temperature range will vary from 82 degrees as a low to 88 degrees as a high, with more time spent on the 88 degree side of things.  This does not make for a pleasant experience while relaxing at home, but does provide free sauna treatments for all.

Apple Music

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Anyone else out there trying the new Apple Music?  They currently have a free, three-month trial membership going on.  I am liking it so far and need to try the feature where you can save music from the collection for offline listening.  Given a little time, I could build out a nice, energetic playlist for walking.  If I get a good one going, I will post it somewhere to share.  Let me know if you have a favorite playlist of your own, and I will give it a listen.

Periscope Map View

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Periscope keeps getting cooler, and I get more and more addicted to the App.  I can hardly fall asleep now without watching an episode of “Sock Cop” to see Tug Boat, Popsicles, Mills Motors, some Doo Doots, Parkours, and Dr. Peppers.  The best new feature (on iOS only for now) is the Map View.  I have provided a few screenshots to give you an idea of how it works.  You click on the globe icon, and you are presented with a world map and choices for some periscopes you can watch that are originating in that specific part of the world.  I can go to Miami, Amsterdam, Cancun, Rome, Honolulu, or anywhere else at the touch of the screen, and see what someone is doing and broadcasting at that moment.  If I am planning a trip, I can maybe find a friendly local and ask them for advice about their city.  The second screenshot is an example of zooming in on the current activity in Austin.  I can even choose geographical areas of the city to see what people are broadcasting from the North side, for example.  Keep innovating, Periscope People, and I’m sure I will return each evening to see what’s new in the world.

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Medium

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I am experimenting with a new App today called “Medium“.  It is an App that allows you to read stories and articles, similar to Reddit, but without the baked in naughtiness. I installed the App and then glanced through the top stories (as voted upon by fellow readers).  The story that caught my eye was in the eleventh spot – about traveling alone.  Since I am thinking about taking a trip soon, I wanted to pick up some sage advice.  I found out about “Whatever The Fuck Time”, which is that time when you just do what you want.  Simple enough.  It is defined in the screen shots below.  I don’t know if I can recommend the App yet or not, but it is free, so feel free to check it out if you like.  ðŸ™‚

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Star Wars: Commander – Update

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Anyone remember my blog post from back in February when I shared my nerdy iPad game called “Star Wars: Commander”?  Well, I am still playing.  I know you were kind of excited when I first started my tiny little base with an initial base rating of 75.  As of today, my base rating is 1085, and this helps determine what kind of battles I get into with other players.  So far, I have won 309 attacks on other unsuspecting people’s bases, and 43 defenses of my own spectacular impregnable fortress of a base.  Now I am assuming that you are totally excited?  Don’t worry, I will continue to neglect my chores and other important things like reading books for example just so I can update you with my gaming progress.  Yay!

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