Moving to lollipop on a nexus 7 - Don't do it

I was excited to up grade to lollipop on my nexus 7.  I did not have a good experience. I experienced freezing and locking. 

I did a factory reset and it became boarder line useful, but it stopped being able to charge.  It was taking ten hours instead of three or four.

  My nice husband reflashed it back to kitkat which is where it will stay until a major patch for lollipop comes out.

Initial Review: Pebble SmartWatch

I love gadgets.  When my husband mentioned the Pebble, I looked into it and decided I really wanted one.  I went off to Target and bought a white Pebble.  Since it was something of an impulse buy, I regretted it the next day and gave it my husband to try.  While he was using it, I did some more research and decided I wanted it back.  So far I am happy with my purchase.

I wanted the Pebble so I wouldn't miss calls or texts.  I also wanted to be able to control my podcasts without having to get my phone out of my pocket.  Also, have I mentioned I like gadgets?

Pros:
- not missing notifications.  Today my phone was charging, and I still got the Facebook messages and text messages I was sent.
- battery life.  Pebble's website claims 5-7 day and I am on track to hit four or five days.  I can live with charging twice a week.
- skipping ahead in podcasts without having to find my phone.  The podcasts I listen to are from radio shows, so there are often commercials and news and weather reports from days ago.  With the appropriate app, I can use the Pebble's music controls to fast forward through them.
- cost.  At $99, I don't mind taking a risk.
- waterproof.  Apparently I could take it swimming.  I'm not that brave, but it means it will be fine if I accidentally wear it in the shower.
- apps.  There are a large number of apps that can run on the watch.  Some of them require paid apps from the itunes store.

- kids.  My daughter could play on my phone and I wouldn't miss any texts or notifications.

Cons:
- size.  The watch is as wide as my wrist. (I have small wrists).  It looks huge on me.
-color.  I got the white.  I wish I had gotten the black.  The white stands out more than I thought it would.  (Updated: I put a black watch band on it and it looks much better.  It also made the match seem to fit me better because there wasn't several inches of watchband sticking out.
- random bluetooth disconnects.  The regular notifications use bluetooth-le and it doesn't seem to be as reliable as the regular bluetooth.  This means sometimes my calendar notifications and reminders don't go to my watch like they should.

Fyi:

- It does not have a speaker or microphone.  I can answer my phone, but still have to find the phone to talk.  It is more useful for declining calls when I forgot to turn the phone off.
- The screen is an e-ink screen.  It is not a touch screen.  Neither of these things bothered me because I didn't want a watch that I had to charge every day.
- One of the main things I wanted to do is be able to jump ahead / fast forward during podcasts without messing with my phone.  This is possible, but I had to buy DownCast for my iphone.
- There is a website where you can make your own watch face for the Pebble
- I wasn't terribly impressed with the pedometer app, so don't let that be a deciding factor.

Cake Mix Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

I modified the pumpkin cake recipe on the Western Family Spice Cake box and came up with this recipe. The whole family enjoyed these.  Even though they are made with a cake mix, they are muffins not cupcakes.  That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Cake Mix Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
1  spice cake mix
2 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
2 c pumpkin
3 eggs
1/2 c oil
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 c chocolate chips

Pre heat oven to 350.  Mix ingredients.  Put muffin liners in tin.  Put approximately 1/4 c of mix in each cup.  Bake 14 - 18 minutes.  Makes approx. 18.

Review: Kindle paperwhite

(This is a review for the 2012 model)
I got a refurbished paperwhite.  I love this device, it is the ultimate e-reader for me.  I wasn't sure if I would like the touch screen, but I love it.
Pro:

• read in the dark
• love the touch screen, so much easier to select what you want
• good battery life

Cons:

• no dedicated turn page button
• refresh can seem slow, but no worse than a regular kindle

For me, this device is perfect in every way except for the lack of a dedicated page turn button (wanted because I like to eat and read and don't want to get grease on the screen).

Electra Townie 3i Review

My husband is really into biking.  I like walking.  I don't like worrying about falling over, yes, I have very little sense of balance.  I few years ago I bought a cruiser-style bike with lots of gears.  I didn't ride it unless my husband was with me.  Honestly, it intimidated me.  Shifting gears was intimidating and my husband had warned me that certain combinations of back and rear gears were bad, but I could never remember which ones.  I also didn't like having to balance on my toes when stopped.  I have children and riding with them means lots of stopping, sometimes quickly.

I thought trying biking again would be fun, but I wanted a different bike.  My balance had improved a little thanks to riding the exercise bike.  I began my quest for the right bike for me.

I initially considered a recumbent tadpole tricycle.  I tried out Sun's entry level trike, but it had a few issues.  It was very expensive.  It was bulky and would be harder than a traditional bike to store fit along the edge of the garage.  The main issue was my husband hated riding it.  If I was going to spend a lot of money on a bike, I wanted it to be one we both liked.  So trikes were out.

I remembered several years ago (before I bought my first bike) about the Electra brand.  Their bikes were slightly reclined to allow the rider to put her feet down flat.  I didn't consider them at the time because they cost more than I wanted to pay, but compared to a recumbent, they were quite cheap.  I went over to a Infinity Cycles who happened to have the Electra Townie 3i and it was on sale. 

What I liked:

• I could put my feet down flat when stopped an feel stable
• It had three speeds with an internal hub, so no parts sticking out to get caught on things, and it should be very reliable
• It had three speeds, which is easy for me to understand and not feel intimidated by
• It was cute.  I also bought a rack for it so I could carry things.
• The seat goes low enough my eleven-year-old daughter could ride it too.  She likes this bike and she is timid bike rider as well.
• The bike rode like I expected it to.  I felt very in control.
• I can pull a bike trailer with my four-year-old in it just fine, but the area around where we live is fairly flat.  I stay mostly in first gear with the trailer.
• It has holes to fit a water bottle holder, fenders, and a rack.
• I really liked riding it.

What I didn't like:

• I am a little over 5'8" (with long legs).  The seat is at its max height and it is just barely tall enough for me.  It is slightly too short for my husband (5'11), not that he really wants to be riding my girly bike :)
• It is longer than a normal bike (probably 12" or so).  This meant it fit in our minivan, but the middle seat and back seat had to be laid down.  It also had to lean over because it was too tall to stand up in the van.
• My husband did not feel comfortable carrying it on our bike carrier because so much of it stuck out past the car.
• The gap between 1st and 2nd gear is a little bigger than I would like.
• I am slightly concerned that three gears may not be enough, but as a put-put bike, it does great.
• The direction you twist the shifter to move up a gears just seems backwards to me.  I'll get used to this though and it isn't a big deal.
• Initially, I had trouble shifting to 2nd speed.  I don't have that problem now.  It was me getting used to the shifter.
• Coaster brake.  This bike has one hand brake and one coaster brake.  I wish it had two hand brakes, but I'm getting used to it. 
• Fixing a flat on the rear tire is a pain

I've ridden my bike 25 miles now.  In terms of speed, I'm riding it pretty comfortably now in 2nd speed.  I average 8-9.5 mph.  My fastest is around 15 mph.  I think my husband took it up to close to twenty and averaged 14 mph.  I'm not comfortable going fast yet, so overtime, I expect my speed will increase.

I really like my new bike and am having fun riding it.  I would recommend it to others who are concerned about balance or are timid bike riders and anyone that wants a fun bike.

Update (6/3/2014):
Still loving riding this bike.  I attach the child trailer to it and pull my daughter around.  I usually can't get out of first gear pulling her, but the trailer isn't supposed to go very fast anyway.  That may also be because I'm not back into biking shape yet.  I think at the end of last year I could pull her in second gear.  I like that I feel in control of this bike.  I wish I had five gears instead of three sometimes, but the three work just fine.

Update (7/12/17)
I recently sold this bike and bought a Townie 7d instead.  The three speeds were limiting me a little, because my preferred riding speed was right between the 2nd and 3rd gear.  The range of speeds on the 7d fits my riding style better.  It also has two regular hand breaks instead of a coaster break.  Having to shift only while pedaling is not a problem now that I'm better at riding a bike.  I still loved the 3, but the 7d fits me better now.

The new subdivision and park

A builder is going to put in a new subdivision on Center Street and approx 1500 s in Lehi.  Here's the pdf of the plan: http://sirepub.lehi-ut.gov/sirepub/cache/2/jwsqesous4ewuvi3mx4g0awe/51139109132013091852733.pdf  I'm excited because it includes a park with playground equipment.

On a less happy note, they are looking at putting in a gas station across pioneer crossing from us.  http://sirepub.lehi-ut.gov/sirepub/cache/2/jwsqesous4ewuvi3mx4g0awe/50774609132013091037910.PDF

Lehi shed zoning

This is what I got from talking to the zoning and building department at Lehi City about building a shed.

• Sheds >200 sq ft need a permit
• If the shed is in the backyard, sheds must be at least 6' from the back of a house
• if the shed is on the side of a house, there must be 10' from the side of the shed to the property line
• behind the house, the shed must be 16" from the property line.

I'm trying to be accurate, but call Lehi City yourself to verify before building. 

Weird things i want

Random things I would like:

This nesting nativity
or this nativity
This metal heddle hook 

5 dpi heddle for 28" ashford

wind chime (one with lower notes)
amazon gift cards

I wish:
Tile backsplash for kitchen
Under counter water heater for kitchen
Solar panel kit from harbor freight.
new flooring for upstairs
solar panels for house
band saw
Lego Mindstorms

Things I've wanted in the past:

Zoomer the robotic dog

Fenders for my bike
miter saw / circular saw
Kreg jig
"I dream of a world where a chicken can cross the road without its motives being questioned" shirt

this vase:
bike computer
Backup camera for van
Heated throw or blanket
Structures: or why thing don't fall down
The Complete Illustrated Guide to Furniture & Cabinet Construction
To the Rescue
calipers
blue mascara
dremel

Best parks in Northern Utah County

Here's some of what I think are the best parks in northern Utah County.  I'm sure there's plenty more, we just haven't made it to them yet.  This list is in no particular order.

Neptune Park
Address:  452 W 400 N  Saratoga Springs, UT 84045
Why it's Great: huge climbing pyramid, play structure, nice separate play area of younger children
Caveats: it's a newer park, so not a lot of shade

Bonneville park
Address:  1450 North 800 West, Orem, UT
Why it's Great: Big play structure, swings.  
Caveats: Some of the older kids like to climb up the outside of the big slide.  If you have an adventurous little one, you might want to keep an eye on them. This park isn't amazing, but in my mind this is how an average park should be, but often aren't.

Discovery park
Address:  1435-1511 N 100 E, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062
Why it's Great: Huge amazing wooden play structures.  This is a great place to let older children run free.
Caveats: Not really for younger children.  The slides are really high off the ground.  There is a younger child's area, but my little kids quickly bored of it and wanted to go with the big kids, so I had to follow them everywhere. 

Dry Creek Trail Park
Address:  100 W 1580 N  Lehi, UT 84043
Why it's Great: Nice play structure, creek to wade in, short walking trail with bridge that crosses the creek, Frisbee golf  course, big old trees to climb, nice restrooms (for a park)
Caveats: lawn is not in good condition, lots of weeds, but a great place for kids.  I'm not sure if the creek is running all the time or just when the irrigation water runs

Nielsen's Grove Park
Address:  1931 S Sandhill, Orem, UT
Why it's Great: Cool swings that move in a giant circle (think swings like at the fair), small play structure, trails for walking, fountain, pond with ducks
Caveats: circle swings aren't always working well


Other Cool Parks: 

Draper City Park
Address: 12500 S 1300 E, Draper
Why it's great: manual exercise equipment, play structure, electronic play toys
Caveats: none

Liberty Park
Address: 600 E 900 S  Salt Lake City, UT 84104
Why it's great: huge splash pad, two big play structures, lots of walking trails, big pond
Caveats: I haven't actually been there in the summer yet, very pretty in the fall though.

Children's Discovery Garden
Address:  3900 N. Garden Drive, Lehi, Utah 84043
Why it's Great: splash pad in summer, hedge mazes, small stream to race boats, caves, spider web for climbing
Caveats: This is part of Thanksgiving Point and costs money ($6).  Closed during the princess festival.

Summer 2013 fun plans

I'm using this post to make a list of the fun things I want to do with my kids this summer (not in any particular order):

1. Natural waterslide (Alpine Sliding Rock)
2. Provo river falls
3. Timpanogos Cave
4. North rim of the Grand Canyon
5. Battlecreek falls
6. Bridal Veil falls
7. Boulder, CO
8. Thanksgiving Point Gardens
9. Thanksgiving Point Children's Garden
10. Splash pad in Highland
11. Museum of Ancient Life
12. Discovery Gateway (via FrontRunner)
13. Hutchings Museum
14. Neptune Park

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins made with Libby's Easy Pumpkin Pie Filling

After Christmas, my husband picked up several cans of Libby's Easy Pumpkin Pie Filling on clearance.  I wanted pumpkin muffins, so here's what I came up with.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins made with Libby's Easy Pumpkin Pie Filling

2 c white flour
2 c whole wheat flour
1 c oats
1 T cinnamon
1 T baking powder
1 t salt
1 30 oz. can of Libby's Easy Pumpkin Pie Filling
1/2 c oil
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Mix dry ingredients together.  Mix pumpkin, oil, and eggs.  Add wet mixture to dry mixture.  Mix.  Fold in chocolate chips. Spoon 1/4 c of batter into greased muffin pan.  Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes or until done.  Makes 24 muffins.

Samsung Transform Ultra Review

I've been wanting to upgrade to a smart phone.  My current phone, the Tracfone Samsung t404g , worked great and was good for texting, but I wanted to be able to have "emergency" internet access when I was out,  be able to move my calendar from the wall to google calendars, have GPS access, and be able to be a mobile hotspot for my tablet if needed.  I really liked having a keyboard, so I wanted one on my smart phone as well.  I didn't need a top of the line phone because I'd rather do most of my web browsing and email on my tablet.  I also wanted a phone that could fit in my pocket and had OK battery life.  I decided on the Samsung Transform Ultra with Ting as the provider.  I really like this phone.

Pros:

• fits in my pocket
• battery life is acceptable (have to charge every other day with my light use)
• keyboard comes in handy when my fingers refuse to type properly on the onscreen keyboard
• alarms and calendar come in handy
• camera does OK
• works as a hot spot
• netflix and angry birds run fine

Cons:

• original one I got had a broken settings button and was a little unstable, but the one I got as a replacement seems stable and works just fine (I got a refurb)
• not the fastest processor in the world, but it gets the job done
• screen is not high-def, I don't care, but others might
• current version of Kindle app doesn't work well on it (hangs and hard-locks the phone), had to downgrade to an older version
• When roaming the sms messages don't ring

Other thoughts:

• not worth paying $200.  It's worth about $70 (the refurb price)

Don't let the long con's list give you the wrong impression.  This is a great phone for someone who doesn't need a top of the line phone. It does exactly what I need it to.

About Ting

Ting is cellular provider I'm using.  It runs on Sprint's network, but will roam for voice onto verizon.  I thought the rates were reasonable, especially since I won't use much data. I'll pay $25 a month for 500 minutes, 1000 texts, and 100mb of data.  An advantage is I can add another phone for $6 a month and it can share in the pool of minutes, texts, and data.  Because it is a pay-as-you-go plan, I had to buy my phone (Lucked out and got a refurb for $30).  If you like the idea of Ting, you can go here and get $25 off your phone.

update (1/16/2013):
I've had this phone about two months.  I still really like it for what it is: a quick way to check email, an ebook reader, a gps, and a phone.

Nexus 7 review

For my birthday, my husband surprised me with a Nexus 7.  I love this device.  I use it primarily for reading, web browsing, email, and Facebook.  I've owned an iPod touch 4th gen and the original Kindle Fire.

Pros:

•  smooth UI experience (especially with the Jelly Bean update)
• very nice screen
• access to the Google Play Store (the Amazon app store for kindle was smaller)
• support for multiple users so my husband, I, and my kids can all have their own accounts
• like the live wall papers.  I have these great tropical fish that swim around.
• bluetooth works well and it can pair with the speaker I had laying around
• Most websites work well, including the desktop version of Slate.com (which is a site that most tablet browsers have problems with)
• PBS streaming videos work well as does netflix
• Stable, haven't had a hard lock yet (keeps fingers crossed, since I just called down the wrath of Murphy's law)
• I can put app short cuts exactly where I want them.  
• Calendar widget is very useful
• Touch response is almost instant, I don't have to tap twice
• Browser has this cool magnify feature that if it can't tell which link I clicked, it magnifies a little piece of the screen so I can choose, so no more wrongly clicked links.

Cons:

• don't really like the newest version of the kindle app, but that isn't the nexus's fault
• multiple user support means you need to install apps multiple times, or rather, each account needs access to a Google play account that has a certain app purchased.  I created a new gmail account to just be for apps because I really don't want my kids having access to my mail.
• I think there are still a few issues with multiple users, relating to memory usage, but a reboot fixes it and it doesn't happen very often
• access to Amazon videos involves jumping through some hoops.  Installed Firefox Beta because it still supports flash (and the flash apk).  Amazon Prime videos work, but the video controls don't.
• occasionally gets into a state where settings menus won't pop up for minutes.  Reboot fixes this. I'm not sure why it happens.  My current theory involves too many processes running.  I've installed an app killer.  Next time the problem happens, I'll be able to see if it is memory related.

Other thoughts:

•  Battery will last all day, probably get a little over a day of web browsing, email, reading, and my kids playing games.  I charge it every night.
• My husband likes this better than the Kindle Fire.  He didn't like the Fire's screen or laggy interface

So was the upgrade from Kindle Fire worth it?  I don't know.  It is a much nicer user experience over all.  The screen is great.  The faster processor means I'm not waiting around for anything.  My husband likes it a lot better. I'm glad I own it.  But the Kindle Fire did everything adequately.  The Nexus does everything well.

update 12-25-12:
So a few weeks ago my nexus started acting strangely. There was some kind of windowing problem where only the main window of an application would open. This affected facebook, kindle, the settings menus, and google play. I reset to factory defaults and the problem went away (although I also didn't have multiple accounts like I did before). Since the reset, it has been acting fine, so I'm not sure what the problem was.

I also got a bluetooth keyboard for Christmas. It makes typing text so much easier. My kids will be happy since I won't have to kick them off the computer every time I need to type something long.

Kindle Fire HD vs Nexus 7 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 for an upgrade

So, I'm currently wanting a new tablet.  Not that there is anything wrong with my Kindle Fire, but some of the new tablets look even cooler.  I use my Fire mostly for web, email, and reading.  I do watch an occasional Netflix or Amazon video I have downloaded.  My kids use it mostly for games (educational and not so educational).  I have not seen either of these new tablets in person yet.  My pros and cons below are based only on specs and reviews.  I'm hoping to get over to Best Buy at some point [made it, see update below] and see if they have either the Fire HD or the Nexus 7, so I can see them.

Kindle Fire HD
pro

• Amazon videos and apps I've paid for
• parental controls
• HDMI (probably would never use)
• better WiFi (maybe)

cons

• no Google integration (keep have delusions of moving my calendar off the wall and onto Google Calendar)

Nexus 7

pro

• gps (not sure how useful this is without cellular service)
• Google integration
• faster processor

cons

• no amazon video

Both

• nicer screen
• nicer user experience
• more memory
• camera
• more memory (16 g)
• microphone 

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0
pros: 

• front and rear camera
• GPS
• ice cream sandwich
• overlays (little pop ups of apps that can go over things)
• can act as remote control
• expandable memory
  

cons:

• Screen resolution (Same as original Kindle Fire)
• price (sometimes, most places seem to be running this right at $199 which makes it comparable)
• 8 gigs of memory
• cameras aren't very good

Token Ipad Mini Comment

Ipad mini looks cool, but it is just so much more expensive.  IOS is a nice user experience, but I hate iTunes. I do have some iTunes videos, so I wouldn't loose those.  I do have an iPod Touch.  My understanding was that iPod apps don't work really on the iPad, so I'd have to rebuy apps.


[updated 10/30/12]
Just found out the nexus 7 is dropping in price to $199.  Now I'm really torn.  I need to decide if I'm keeping the original kindle fire or not.  If I'm not, I would get the kindle fire hd to keep the amazon video and the parental controls.  If I am keeping it, I can just load it with all the apps, movies, books that they use, turn on the limited parental control  and let them have a tablet.

[updated 11-1-12]
Went to Best Buy today and saw the Kindle Fire HD and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0.  (Woman there said Nexus 7 is not any brick and mortar stores(She was wrong, I found it at another retailer later)).   I loved the screen and volume on the Fire HD.  But otherwise, it just didn't seem that much different from my current Fire.  (I didn't try out the camera.)  I actually really liked the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0.  The interface seemed nice.  The camera had serious problems in best buy's lighting.  If it were just a little more awesome, I'd seriously consider it.

So, what to choose.  I haven't decided yet.  I'm leaning towards not upgrading this year.  My Kindle Fire's screen doesn't bug me and the speed fits my needs.  Although, who knows, I may change my mind :)  The Samsung is on sale right now at Costco for $199.

[update 11-3-12]
Went to a local retailer and saw the Nexus 7.  I really liked this device.  User experience was smooth, and I loved the feel of the screen.  I think it is my favorite of the three.  The Fire HD bothered me a tiny bit with all the adds.

For someone buying their first tablet, any of them will work.  Gamer - Nexus 7, Amazon fan / parent - Kindle Fire HD, likes a lot of media - Samsung Galaxy 2.
[Update 11-29-12] Got a Nexus 7 for my birthday. Love it. It is a fun device.

Owl and dinosaur fleece hats for Halloween

This year my daughters are being an owl and a tyrannosaurus rex.  I made these hats out of felt and fleece to go along with their costumes.

The picture doesn't show it, but the t-rex has spikes going down the back.  I think they came out pretty darn cute.

Making them is easy.

1. Cut a rectangle of fleece.  The length should be the diameter of your child's head plus the seam allowance.  The height is the distance from the middle of your child's ear to the top of their head plus seam allowance (probably about 1/2"). For my 3 year old I had about 20" X 7" (including seam allowance)
2. Sew a hem along the bottom of the hat (you can also do this at the end, but I'd rather sew a straight piece of cloth than a circle.
3. fold the hat like it will be when it's finished.  Then figure out where you want your felt animal parts to go and sew them on.  The seam on these hats is down the middle of the back of the head.  On the owl, I sewed the face parts on after the hat was made, but it is much easier to do it before.
4. fold the rectangle in half, with right side facing in.  Sew along the edge to make seam up the back of the head.  If you are doing a dinosaur, add in the spikes in the seam. (I can't explain this well, basically fold parallel to the short sides, so when fold, the rectangle will be 10" x 7")
5. Sew across the top of the hat (the side NOT hemmed).  On the dinosaur, I didn't sew straight across. Using a disappearing marker, I drew a bump on each side for eyes and a bump in the middle for the top of Rexy's "head".  Then I sewed along this line.  On a regular hat, you will probably want to sew a curved line that starts about an inch below the top on the sides and peaks at the top, otherwise the hat will have a square look.
6. Stick hat on your child's head and enjoy.

Awesome strawberry varieties for utah county

This year I planted two varieties of strawberries: Sparkle and Tribute.  Both did very well.  Tribute didn't start fruiting until almost July, but after that did incredible.  We'll see how they survive the winter.  They both also produced a ton of runners.  I'm looking forward to tons of fruit next year.

Chocolate mint ice cream

• 1 c milk
• 2 c cream
• 1/2 c cocoa powder
• 3/4 c sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 3/4 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 pinch of salt

mix sugar, salt, and cocoa powder.  Mix into milk.  Stir in cream, vanilla, and peppermint.  Refrigerate 2 hrs then put in ice cream maker according to manufacturer's directions.

Kindle Fire vs iPod Touch 4th gen

I'm a sucker for gadgets, and I think touch screens are cool which is how I ended up with a Kindle Fire (original) and an iPod Touch.  I already had an iPod Touch, but I thought it might be nice to have a larger screen and try out android.  I also wanted to have another gadget because half the time my iPod is being used by my husband or kids.  I'm in the process of deciding which of the two devices will be my primary device and my husband will use the other one.

I know a lot of reviews compare the Fire to the iPad, but this doesn't make sense to me since really, the Fire is closer to the iPod Touch. The price point is similar on the 8 gig model of the two devices.

iPod Touch

• better touch responsiveness
• more apps
• brightens/darkens screen automatically
• buttons for volume
• camera (but I don't use much, so this is isn't really that big of an asset)
• microphone (same as camera)
• light and fits in a pocket 
• can organize apps into categories on the device
• better parental controls

(original) Kindle Fire

• bigger screen
• fewer apps, although most of the apps I'm most interested in are available
• can display Amazon videos
• requires 2 hands to use (at least for me, my wrist starts to hurt if I use it one handed for too long)
• flash - this means I don't need a special app for facebook or twitter, I can use the web one, also pbskids seems to work just fine
• tabbed browsing 
• searching the Amazon app store makes more sense than itunes to me (i.e. you can sort by price)
• the screen is also big enough to make using web-based google calendar useful
• can see more text at once in an e-book

both have

• netflix
• basic email (gmail and hotmail are painless to set up)
• music
• words with friends

I'll probably add more information as time goes by. I haven't decided yet which I like better.  I definitely prefer watching videos on the Fire because the screen is bigger, but in terms of portability, the ipod touch wins.

Lego Friends

So thanks to KSL, I now know about Lego Friends, a line of Legos for girls.  Can I just say, Lego did their homework.  The sets are a tree house, a dog show, a horse show, a pool, etc.  I know my two daughters would actually be very interested in these sets.  The sets remind me of Play Mobile.

In the KSL article, there's some people who are upset about having a special line of Legos for girls, but I don't see the problem.  If this introduces girls to Legos and the fun of building, then Lego should go for it.  I can imagine my girls getting the sets, then getting into the regular Legos for added pieces.

I think I may have found one of my daughter's birthday presents:

 

or maybe this set:

Yeah, that's pretty much her dream Lego set (actually, the dog show is her dream set, but I'm not spending that much on Legos). 

Review: The Leonardo

The Leonardo
Location: 209 East 500 South  Salt Lake City, UT 84111-3203

(801) 531-9800

Cost: $12 a person or you can get a family 4 pack for $40.  Kids under 5 are free.


Review:  I've been hearing lots of advertisements for this museum on KSL.  I'm a sucker for museums, so for my birthday, my family and I went.  Parking wasn't too bad, there were metered spots near by and they were free for 2 hours (at least at Christmas time).  The museum was a mixture of art, creativity, and technology. 

On the ground floor was a few large art pieces (one of which scared my two-year-old).  There was also a creation area where we made cardboard puppets for use upstairs in the stop motion animation studio.  I had fun making my puppet.  There was also a cool interactive floor map, but we never got a chance to try it as it was always in use.

Upstairs we tried out the a 3D motion capture room. You moved around in a room and an animated elf copied your motion.  My kids had a blast playing with a green screen.  My four-year-old had fun playing with a touch screen computer that she could use a paint brush on.  We didn't get to try the stop motion exhibit since all were in use.  We didn't get a chance to really explore the artificial limbs exhibit or other things as this museum was not holding my youngest child's attention.

All in all, I liked the museum.  It would be OK for kids four and up, but ideally probably six and up.  My main complaint with it was that we always had to wait.  Most of the exhibits, only one person could use at a time and the exhibits could be used for a long time.  It was not crowded when we went, and we were always waiting.  I look forward to see what else they add.  It's worth a trip, but not if you have young children.