Category: Technology

Moving In?

If you give me a chance I would. Wow.  I just read about the Mio.  Do not be fooled into thinking it is a car.  It is a house.  But a house with a difference and would be beyond perfect for us when the kids leave home and Daniel is completely focused on his work.

The Covo Mio is designed for people who work from home and love technology.  Featuring smart home lighting, heating and security, numerous charging ports, a built-in 55% monitor, it is the work addict’s dream.

I personally really was impressed by its full working kitchen with a stainless-steel oven top and a ton of smart storage too.  With stereo speakers built in and a seven-foot bar top, who could not see this as their mancave, she-shed or fab personal retirement home?

Safety of Portland’s Streets

It seems that while I originally thought that Oregon was one of the best, safest states in America to cycle, I have now heard something to the contrary.  But apparently the jury is still out on whether the roads are safe in Portland for cycling and walking.  So here’s the latest scoop. 

Recently, the Portland Bureau of Transportation was questioned on its budget, expenditure and financial spending and how well the roads are improving, or – as the case more seems to be – deteriorating.  The study found that roads are somewhat pock marked (not great news), but in general, the streets are pretty safe.  According to our Mayor (Sam Adams), the priority has been to keep drivers “alive [rather] than totally comfortable on side streets.” It has been that which has been priority.  And, that does make me happy.

Adams also argued that he has put this strategy into place because it makes sense.  The result has been a huge reduction in traffic fatalities (great news) while at the same time, there has been quite an increase in the population of Portland.  The conclusion was thus, “you are more likely to stay alive biking, walking and driving around Portland than you were before.”

Fun Photo Shoot?

So Amanda’s nearing the end of her pregnancy now (she has about two months left to go and thankfully it’s gone pretty smoothly). She had been talking about getting some professional pictures taken before the birth of her bulging belly.  Apparently these are all the rage these days (I couldn’t do it as I was just too paranoid and wouldn’t even talk about being pregnant or the possibility of having a baby until my kids are out, but everyone is different). 

Anyway, because I love Amanda so much and I’m really so excited for her and her hubby, I started looking into different professional photographers in the area and I came across Toor Photo and I really liked what I saw, so I bought her a gift card so that she can go with her husband and get a really fun photo shoot before her little one arrives and she wonders why she ever wanted to get pregnant so badly!

And The Fun Goes On

 

A lot has been going on – from what I’ve now heard from a variety of sources – at the International Portland Auto Show.  Daniel just went and salivated, but our neighbor Bill, actually did something there!  He joined the very popular line so that he could ride through an obstacle course.  It was a lot of fun obviously, but its main aim was to boast what the Jeep Wrangler Unlimiteds and Grand Cherokees could do.  And it seems like it’s quite a lot.  For sure Bill said these were the most popular items.  But I think Daniel is still salivating over the Boxx he saw there, and like I told him, “there’s no harm in dreaming” (just so long as that’s as far as it goes).

They think that the show drew tens of thousands of people, perhaps even up to 100,000 as that is how many came last year and the figure is the same for most years I think.  It’s in its 103rd year so it really is popular.  It’s a good job the Oregon Convention Center at 32,000 sq. ft. is big enough to host all those people!

Cool Auto Debuts in Portland

So apparently, one of the most recent cool gadgets was unveiled at the Portland International Auto Show that Daniel attended.  He did mention it the night he got home, but I think I was falling asleep having had a tough evening with Ethan who was screaming his cute little head off. Anyway, it’s called a Boxx and it’s said to be up there with the kind of cool stuff the late Steve Jobs used to produce.  So Daniel’s super-excited of course because anything associated with Jobs or Apple makes him salivate.

The question I asked him yesterday (when I was a bit more awake) was in what way is it so Apple-oriented?  He said it looks a bit like a huge iMac that’s standing up but is fitted with a seat, wheels and handlebars.

But as we all know, it couldn’t have been Jobs who designed it.  So who is the man (or woman) behind the Boxx?  A guy called Eric Vaughn – from Portland – designed this cool moped.  I was quite proud he was from Portland; I do take such pride in my city.  Daniel thinks it mainly looks like a suitcase…and of course, he wants one.  Actually it’s his birthday in a few months’ but with a $3,995 price tag, I don’t think our budget can stretch that far… still, it’s nice to dream! 

Here’s to a happy Monday!