Some things I need today:
Mac Keyboard. My G11 is very nice for gaming, but for working and typing it’s not so pleasant.
iPhone Case. I bought a refurbished 3G (black) for a pittance and need something that will protect the thing but still allow me to carry it in my pocket. I loathe belt clip-ons and cases that turn a svelt, curvy phone into a ruggedized cargo container.
iPhone Apps. I don’t want to waste my 99 cents. What do you people find indespensible?
Briefcase/Laptop Case. My new company is going to issue a nice, new laptop to me. I gotta lug that thing in style, foshizzle.
Pants. The new job doesn’t permit silk Hawaiian shirts and jeans. I don’t like pleats, and I don’t like pants I have to have dry cleaned. My size is typically 32”x32”, nothing fancy, no Big-N-Tall. Am I stuck with Dockers?
Motorcycle. OK, let’s just admit that I’m scared sh!ttless about riding a motorcycle in Orlando. I trust *myself*, just not the 10 million tourists who routinely try to kill me every day. But I’m going to be driving only twenty miles per day round trip to work and I like to dream that I could have a bike.
Wii Game. I bought Virtua Tennis and the advanced controller attachment. It’s fun, but not outstanding. I tried Zelda for Wii and fell asleep. I am not going to buy another game console, but so far all the Wii games look boring and uninteresting.
Pork Chop Recipe. I have four nice porkchops and apples at home. Gimme a good, simple recipe that my six-year old son will like.
For a iPhone case, I go to sgpstore.com. I like the Ultra thin case with the Steinheil anti-fingerprint film. Shipping is quick and they have good customer service.
Apps I recommend are Shazam, SciFi Wire, Kindle reader, tv.com and Pandora.
All the other replies are TL;DR, so if someone said it already I apologize.
If you want something for yourself ONLY with your son not there, get Mad World, it’s awesome. Super Smash Brothers Brawl is great, though 6 is probably too young to play it. Also Super Mario Galaxy and Super Paper Mario rock.
As far as iPhone Cases go, I HIGHLY recommend the InCase Slider case. (See here: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9136179&type=product&id=1218032066416 ) I have it, and it’s a fantastic protective case that doesn’t stand out from the actual phone, you can hardly tell it’s a case, and it’s great for the occasional drop, it actually has small shock absorbers on the inside! It’s not rubberized, so it isn’t super grippy, which I like because it makes it much easier to slide in and out of my pocket. I used to have a rubberized one, and it was a pain to fish out of my pocket when someone called etc.
Another iPhone accessory that I would highly recommend is this Anti-Glare screen protector. (See here: http://store.apple.com/us/product/TS504LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDA0NA&mco=MjQyMDMzMQ )
They reduce glare A TON on the screen, and they are very resistant to scratches and fingerprints.
Check out No More Heroes for the Wii. It’s an older game so it should be inexpensive, but you do NOT want your son to get near that one. It’s full of gore, violence, and sexual innuendo. However it’s hands down one of the best games for the Wii
I’d just slice the apples and sautee them in a little butter until they’re about half cooked – serve them with the pork chops and maybe some mashed potato or green veg
Games for Wii:
If you are a fan of baseball, I recommend MLB 2K9. I’m personally a big baseball fan…Go Brewers…but even for non-fans it’s fun.
The only other game I have gotten for the Wii is Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. The graphics and gameplay dynamics are very nice. However, the game isn’t very extensive and the plot is lacking in some areas.
Laptop carrying case. I use a very nice Osprey shoulder bag. It’s got ample room for a laptop, charger, and any work you would have to carry in or out with you. It’s nice enough to carry with a business casual dress, but not if you have to wear a suit and tie everyday.
As for the porkchops and apples.
You could make a kerrie in which you put the apples (cut into little block-like pieces).
Serve the pork with the kerrie and some rice. Can be heaven…
Bart
For Wii? Metroid Prime 3 is a must, even without having played 1 or 2. I also admit to loving Super Mario Galaxy to death, quite shameful, but it is a lot of fun. I find it pretty easy to pick up and put down, unlike WoW.
iPhone case? Nooooo… just keep your front right pocket free for it – no scratches, no worries.
Pants – 511 tactical ftw
http://tinyurl.com/6faru6 (511.org)
For a bike idea try looking into the Honda Shadow series. I have put 15000 miles on a 600cc Shadow VLX over the last 4 years without any problems at all.
Plenty of power, 55 miles to the gallon, low maintenance cost, and somewhere in the neighborhood $4,000 at the bottom end new.
I sink way too much of my time into Super Smash Brothers: Brawl and Mario Cart. The latter would probably be a fun game for your son too. I remember my GB version being the highlight of my childhood life for a long time.
I can’t say much about the rest of the list, unfortunately.
heres a recipie for apple pork chops ive used and liked.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Apple-Pork-Chops/Detail.aspx
check out http://www.gelaskins.com/ for a great slim iphone protector. It’s the best cover I’ve ever used.
Check out Punch out for the Wii it’s some old school goodness.
As for apps. My national paper I read has a free app which is great for wasting time. Pay .99 right now for Peggle. it’s so worth it.
I can help on the pork chops end of things. Braising is pretty quick, makes moist food, and depending on the flavors you use can be sweetish or more savory. For pork I like sweet. Also, you can do the veggies and starch while the stuff is in the oven.
Brown the chops on both sides in a cast iron or other oven-safe pot (or transfer them to a baking dish).
Add fruit juice and a bit of water – maybe 1/3 cup of juice, granulated garlic, salt, pepper, diced apples (as an example because you had them) or other fruit chunks (peaches, pineapple), mustard (if your dinner partner cares for that) and cover. Bake in the oven for about 40 minutes.
I did this recently with ginger/lemon grilling sauce, pineapple juice, garlic, and a tablespoon of orange marmalade and thinned it out with water. Even my picky child goes for this.
I too hate pleats and have found that eddie bauer has the most comfortable and hassle free work slacks. No pleats and good looks. If you can get away with it columbia makes a little more comfortable kahki that looks good and wears like iron
For the pork chops, keep it simple.
pan on med high until it is nice and hot. sear for 60 second on each side, then drop the heat to medium and do each side for 2-3 minutes (3 minutes for 1 inch think, less as the pork chops get thinner). This will leave the pork chops a little pink in the middle, which is good.
Make apple sauce. Cut up the apples into a small sauce pot (big slices fine), medium high heat with about half an inch of water at the bottom and the lid on. After the water gets going drop the heat to medium. Once the apples get nice a soft, pull them out and let the boy go at them with a potato masher. sugar and cinnamon to taste.
Wii games: Boom Blox for you and jr., Okami if you never played it on the PS2, and No More Heroes for bloody swordplay.
For a laptop case, look here. I’m not sure any of this is your style but if you travel to work on a motorcycle, you’ll want protection. My husband swears by the hard shell cell phone case (second link) which may or may not have room for an iPhone but if it does, you’ll never worry about dropping the thing.
http://www.boblbee.com/us/default.asp
http://www.boblbee.com/us/artiklar/Artikelfullpost.asp?id=501&acc=true&flik=2
I use a Razer Pro Type with my Mac. It’s great to type on, has programmable macro keys and even a fancy iPod dock built right it. Also keeps the nice Mac aesthetics going.
The only Wii game I play is Super Smash Bros. Brawl. We have huge Brawl games at my college. It’s simple to pick up and play, and I’m sure that your son would enjoy it.
This is the briefcase I settled on: http://store.saddlebackleather.com/categories/79-Briefcase/products/1646-Leather-Briefcase-Dark-Coffee-Brown
It’s heavy, but I love it.
They also make a laptop sleeve: http://store.saddlebackleather.com/categories/87-Laptop-Sleeve/products/1684-Leather-Laptop-Sleeve-Dark-Coffee-Brown-with-pouch
As a daily motorcycle commuter and from having been in orlando traffic. I’m thinking you would be borderline suicidal to try and ride a motorcycle to work in orlando. I also didn’t see as many motorcycles in orlando as I expected, not sure if its just all the old people/tourists or what. But on a nice day like today I’ll see about 20 bikes on my way home. Mine is a yamaha Virago 250, yes not the largest but extremely nimble lots of low end torque for 0 – 50, so great around town and back and forth to work but not great for a long cruise or high speed. Oh the 70+mpg is a huge bonus especialy when gas was $4 a gallon.
For pants little more expensive than say Dockers but last as long if not longer, and have a larger cool factor. http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/hidden_cargo_pants.shtml
Also they are wash and wear, as long as you don’t leave them in the dryer but take em out and hang em shouldn’t need to dry clean them. Course making sure you have everything out of the pockets can be a challenge and Iphone’s don’t like washers or dryers
I, too, have a G11 keyboard and it took me while to get used to it for typing. It just seems like the keyboard layout is a little more compact. Kept hitting the wrong keys…. a lot. Now I”m pretty o.k. with it. I just had to “adjust”.
For you i phone I recommend the cases made by Griffin. I’m in a line of work where I carry the phone in my shirt pocket all day. It’s a sleek hard case that has a thin rubberized surface. (so it doesn’t fall out of said pocket) They are only sold on pairs and have multiple colors that are, of course, interchangeable. Can’t say enough about them.
Boom Blox. Hands down awesomeness.
Coop and/or competitive modes for gaming with the little guy too.
My girlfriend loves this game and I gotta admit I dig playing it with her.
There are 2 out now. The second one, Boom Blox: Bash Party just came out. I think it’s about $40. Better than the first one, but the first one is still fun.
Boom Blox is made of win.
Two words;
Carhartt Slacks.
Hell, they’re practically formal wear out here in the intermountain west.
For the Iphone case let me recommend the Otterbox Defender. The local pseudo mac store cant keep them in stock. I did allot of research to find one that would protect my Iphone from my clumsy fingers (i tend to drop phones occasionaly). The Otterbox has served me quite well. Its got a hard plastic case with plastic film covering every opening except the speaker ports and those are covered by a water resistant cloth. The hard plastic case is then covered in a very nice rubber sleave that has flaps that close over all of the holes in the case (Headphone jack, data port, and mute switch). I could drop my phone from six feet and not worry about it breaking. And although it doubles the thickness of the phone I actually prefer that because it seems to fit in my hand better. I talked a coworker into buying one and two days later she dropped it into a shallow puddle outside her house (in the rain of course) and didnt notice it missing for a good ten min. When she found it she picked it up and discovered no water had gotten into the case.
http://www.otterbox.com/iphone-3g/iphone-3g-defender-case/
I honestly don’t understand the blatant irresponsibility of the whole motorcycle discussion. IMHO dads who may possibly have custody of their only child should never, ever ride a motorcycle on a regular basis, especially not to and from work on busy rush-hour roads. BRK, get the sports car, buy anything else to satisfy your testosterone-based urges, but skip the bike if you want to really be a good dad.
Some statistics (from http://www.iii.org/media/hottopics/insurance/motorcycle/):
• Motorcyclists were 35 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled in 2006 and eight times more likely to be injured, according to NHTSA.
• The fatality rate per registered vehicle for motorcyclists in 2007 was 6 times the fatality rate for passenger car occupants, according to NHTSA.
• Older motorcyclists now account for half of all motorcyclist fatalities. NHTSA data show that in 2007, 49 percent of motorcyclists killed in crashes were age 40 or over, compared with 33 percent 10 years earlier.
35 times more likely. 6 times the fatality rate. 49% of dead riders are over 40 (and presumably many have taken the classes and/or are experienced riders). These are sobering numbers. We play a game where tenths of a percentage point, mere fractions, are analyzed and calculated ad nauseum. Imagine if I acquired a helm that made me 6 times more likely to die in a raid. Why would I *ever* want to wear that? Just my $.02.
-Macbane of Twisting Nether
@Macbane: I’m a father, and I flat out resent and take umbrage at your argument.
Statistically speaking, we’re more likely to die at home than anywhere else, simply because we spend more time there than anywhere else.
You can either cower from the possibilities and let them rule how you live your life, or simply live it.
You tell me which one you’ll get more enjoyment out of.
Try Super Mario Galaxy for the Wii, your sun might even like it!
For the iPhone, you really want something that makes it a bit grippier. The shiny plastic shell it comes with is very slick, and it often seems to want to slip from your fingers. Some of add-on cases are just as bad. Something in silicone (to help prevent fumbles), that also gives a bit of standoff protection around the edge of the screen (to keep the glass from face-planting on the floor if you do drop it) would probably be best. You can get some that are fairly thin.
I’ll put in a plug for Lego Star Wars for Wii – it’s childishly simple, yet tongue-in-cheek faithful replay of all the episodes, and if you try and unlock all the achievements, you will be challenged. Plus, your son could play it too.
I’m going to throw in a second for Lego Star Wars for the Wii. It’s a great game. My two boys (9 and 7) love it, and it’s challenging enough that I like it also. Kilaen is right about unlocking all the different parts and areas. If you go this route, get the “Complete Saga” version.
Lego Batman and Lego Indiana Jones are close runners up in that race.
Just for Dad – Call of Duty: World at War is pretty darn good.
Another Vote for the Lego series for the Wii.
My son (6) adores both Star Wars and Indy. He wants Batman but dad is waiting for it to come down in price (plus it is missing a KEY element, a John Williams soundtrack!)
Skarlarth and Co.
Medivh
@Orion, it’s not simply how likely we are to die where, it’s about affecting those odds by our actions. Obviously more deaths happen at or near to home simply because that’s where we’re likely to be, but if I can decrease those odds substantially by not doing dangerous activities, as a parent I’m opting to do that. Hence no handling of poisonous snakes, no cooking dinner over indoor campfires, no juggling chainsaws, and no riding of motorcycles in my day-to-day existence. I happen to think that, helmet or no, motorcycling is an irresponsible hobby for a parent to indulge in.
Saying you can either cower from the possibilities and let them “rule your life” or simply live is a false choice. I just try to judge, however simply, the risk/reward ratio of the things I do.
For the Wii I vote for Wario Wares Smooth Moves. Its more fun in a group, but I think a 6 year old boy would like it (if you wanted to play with your son). It has a lot of immature humor in it, like trying to stick a finger into a nose, but I still find it hilarious.
For Wii, Super Mario Galaxy can be a real blast. There is a “co-op” mode that will help keep you and your son playing together. If a kid ever comes up against a challenge he (or she) just can’t seem to get past, you can switch controllers. The awkward moment is defeated (sorry, http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1425 reference), and he still gets to stay involved as a critical part of the success. The cuteness factor of the game can’t be denied, and there was enough challenge to keep me interested. Everybody wins
There’s also Mario Kart Wii, which is fun to play through, but gets a little old once you’ve found the track secrets. Should keep a kid occupied for quite a while, though.
http://www.ctshirts.co.uk/
These won’t blouse out like the fat ass american pants do. They’re well made. You’ll look good and you can say you order your clothes from England for extra sexy achievement points!
@Macbane – Actually, just because you have ridden a long time – doesn’t mean that you were ever any good at it – lots of people are just plain old lucky.
* The motorcycle riders involved in accidents are essentially without training; 92% were self-taught or learned from family or friends. Motorcycle rider training experience reduces accident involvement and is related to reduced injuries in the event of accidents.
http://www.motorcycle-accidents.com/pages/stats.html
This is why so many of us are saying – Take a class, even if you’ve been riding for a long time.
I’d rather not see him ride with a young child at home but ultimately its his decision – I just hope that if he does decide to ride that he takes every precaution he can to insure his safety.
I second the incase types that SuperDocious mentioned. I have the rubber protective cover one that he didn’t like. It can get stuck in your pocket a little. But you pull it out and are ready to go. It goes around to the front and protects the glass front from droppages.
Wii Lego Star Wars is great. Lego Batman seems fun, only played the demo though, plan on getting it later. Have Indiana Jones and it’s not as fun as Star Wars.
You falling asleep with the Wii Zelda makes me cry.
The mother of all Iphone cases.. The new Mophie Air.. the case make the iphone around the same size as the 1st gen iphone.. BUT!! the kicker is, it doubles up as a battery..
this Badboy of a case doubles you’re iphone battery!!
$79 but worth it..
http://www.mophie.com/juice-pack-air-p/1059_jpa-ip3g-blk.htm
Mac Keyboard – I love my G15, but if you have the money and can find one, the Matias Tactile Pro 2.0 keyboard. Best keyboard to type on…period. Similar to the old Apple Extended Keyboard II and IBM Model M’s.
iPhone Case – The best for a small, slim case is a case called cozip. I have only found it on Amazon, but it is amazing. Polycarbonate, thin case that offers a good grip and only adds 1-2mm more to the back of the iPhone.
iPhone Apps – Shazam, Pandora, Rowmote, Tweetie (if you are on Twitter), BeeJive ($16, but best IM client out there), and Field Runners
Laptop Case – I prefer the messenger bag style over the boring laptop bags, so I went with an Ogio messenger laptop bag. Very stylish, tons of room….I love it.
Pants – I like pleats and nice slacks that require dry cleaning, so I can’t help you much here. Like you, I prefer jeans, but for work, I’m always suited up.
Motorcycle – I recently sold a Yamaha Royal Star Deluxe (1300cc V4). My next will more than likely be a Yamaha Warrior (1750cc). I love cruisers, but there is a lot to be said about being able to zip around on a sport bike. I would recommend both Honda and Yamaha. Harley’s are over priced, will shake you to death, and will spend more time in a shop than the Honda/Yamaha equivalent.
Wii game – I have had the same problem you have. Most look a little too boring for me. Smash Brothers Brawl is fun, but only to a point. I tend to feel that way about most Wii games.
Pork Chop recipe – You’re on your own. I love pork chops, but I do not cook.
Dear god man,
Do NOT wear Dockers to your new job, I know I might be the only person that will talk to you about your clothes. But put down the JC Penny CC and think for a min.
Walk into a Dillards or a Nordstroms PLEASE, I know they cost a ton. but really they are so much better. I like the Daniel Cremieux line at Dillards, comfy long wearing and they fix nice. Remember your single now.
Believe me the ladies will notice.
Gratz on the Job BTW
Darkwood
Pants!
Bill’s Khaki’s make some very fine flat-front WWII style trousers. These are, however, frightfully pricey. Alternate option: Ralph Lauren makes comfy khakis too and trust me, they’re cheaper than the previous option. May I suggest sierratradingpost.com and bluefly.com as good outlets for the stylish engineer on the go.
Banana Republic is another good place for plain-front slacks and shirts which are in style, nice fabrics & colors and fairly lo-maintenance (you may have to turn on an iron 15 minutes a week).
Bill’s Khakis – as you would say – Fo-shizzle!
You falling asleep with the Wii Zelda makes me cry.
I agree with you a lot of the Wii games are kind of boring, I will endorse Super Mario Galaxy like so many others and add Okami; Okami is a an action game that requires you to “draw” to perform attacks and create/rebuild things throughout the world, it takes a while to get used to, but it’s pretty fun after the initial learning curve. Also it’s entirely hand-drawn, which looks amazing.
I would say you’re stuck with dockers unless you wanna pay a lot. My advice would be to remember what the people around the office were dressed like when you visited. You don’t wanna be the overdressed newbie just as much as you don’t wanna scrub newbie, trust me.
As for the porkchops and apples, find a cinnamon-y glaze and/or marinade and go to town. The kid will dig it.
Best of luck,
-Vid
Skip the bike until the kid is grown mate.
-ex ER nurse…
Check out “MySims” for the Wii. It’s perfect for a 6 year old that’s really creative.
http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/wii/mysims?q=mysims
Daniel,
I’ve done dockers etc.. but in the alst 4 years of consulting, I’ve grown to like the “big-boy pants” from Jos. A Banks… pricey, but comfortable, durable, and they look good!
get pocket god for your iphone app…its worth the 99 cents and they’re adding new stuff to it that you can just redownload and get the update, its tons of fun