Tretakoff Musings

Where has this tip been? I go through this all the time, with auction or vacation photos. CNET explains how to rename your digital photos automatically in Windows XP. Slick.

Pretty cool. I expect this idea to become more refined. Most computers are on all the time, and have way more horsepower than can ever be used. Sure, you can put it to work with a distributed computing project, like SETI @ Home, but why not put your idle computer to work for you?

Follow my logic here: Computers: Most homes now have a computer. Most computers are hooked up to the Internet. Most homes have broadband now. Entertainment: Digital entertainment has exploded, especially with the advent of MP3's. There is already a massively successful business model around downloadable digital content: the iTunes store. DVR's are already in more use than VCR's, and are set to become a mainstay of the home: people like watching their programs, when they want to. Placeshifting, the method of using one's digital content where ever you are, is starting (Slingbox). And YouTube is becoming one of the most trafficked sites online, because people like to watch video. Gadgets: cellphones are becoming smartphones. The screens and memory are already there, and are set to become the mainstay of the cellphone set. The iPod Video has already proven there is a market for people to watch video, wherever they go. Piracy: DVD's are routinely ripped and put online wi...

I've recently been talked into biking home occasionally from work. Normally, I bike to the Sausalito Ferry, and then to the office, and then back the same, but Charles has been taking this biking a lot more seriously. His enthusiasm is infectious, so I've been talked into, after a long day at work, riding through the city, then over the Golden Gate. First, I've come to one conclusion: I hate hills. I don’t know why, but even though I have been doing this bike thing for a while, I still can’t stand going up hills. I am absolutely unashsamed at walking the bike, when needed, and the ride to the Bridge has two major ones that I can’t quite get up and over: a Charlie Horse (why the hell do they call it that???) always strikes. Luckily, Charles is patient, and puts up with me. Second, I never thought biking could be anything but a solitary endeavor. Yet, with Charles as a companion, we talk and ride, and, 13 miles later, I'm amazed I survived. Of course, he rides another 10 ...

A wonderful night's sleep in our Chinese wedding bed, followed by coffee, fresh fruit, juice and pastries delivered to the room, and we were ready for the next day of exploration. We intended to head straight to La Jolla, to the north, and started through Balboa Park, when Amy looked to the right, and said, "That's an interesting building. I wonder what that is?" I turned off to get a better look, and we found the magic that is Balboa Park. Balboa Park is from the same vein as San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Built in the early 1900's for an Exposition (why don’t we have more of these now?), it is a monument to the combination of classic architecture, art, and soul-enriching spirit. It's HUGE, and the landscape is lush, meticulous, and a discovery around every corner. For instance, the seemingly innocuous parking lot disclosed a glimpse of an amazing architectural gem; we headed in, and found an incredible theatre! Through the courtyard, we could see even...

In the heart of the Gaslamp quarter, the Dakota Grill was one of several theme restaurants in the Cohn Restaurant Group's repertoire. Elegantly appointed, with the right mix of casual and class, the place was big, but not cavernous. Tinkling pianos came from the upstairs lounge, and we were seated on a Thursday night immediately. First, the wine list. Nothing terribly remarkable, especially for a semi-chain in SoCal, but they did have a great option: flights! If you are not familiar with wine flights, buckle in. For a little more than the price of a single glass, a flight usually gives you a taste of three different wines, paired to let you really taste the difference. Usually, they are the same varietals, varied by year or vineyard, but Dakota offered a little different: irreverent pairings, titled "Red Red Wine" or "Sideways" and the like. I went for the Red Red Wine: Charles Krug Cabernet, a Zin from Paso Robles, and a blend from Alexander Valley. Ok, the f...

Coronado Island is home to some of the most tranquil harbors and beautiful Southern California beach land ever. Of course, it's also got the requisite tourist village and some fun restaurants; we ate at a 50's joint, called the Beach-N-Diner : nothing special but HUGE salads. Really loud music they were accommodating enough to turn down so we could all catch up. After filling our stomachs, we headed to the main draw of the island: the Hotel Del Coronado. A sprawling, beautiful wooden hotel, it evokes the '30's sense of splendor. Everything too perfect, with the Pacific as the ideal backdrop. We toured the lobby, then headed to the deck to sit with drinks and take in the scenery. After, we peeked in the courtyard: the architecture is magnificent. Like the Levi Strauss building grafted to an oceanliner. Private decks, soaring palms, and a gazebo. Magnificent. A short drive around Coronado to see the naval installations, then back to the Inn for some respite. Then, dinner....