Android Developer Challenge Gallery

Google is in the process of developing a cell phone operating system called Android. Google hosted a competition to see who could build the best/most useful application for the phone, and the results are very impressive. CompareEverywhere is an application in which you use the built in camera on the phone to scan a barcode, which it automatically looks up to compare prices, find reviews, and connect with local stores. Another is called Locale, which automatically detects where you are and sets your phone settings accordingly (e.g., if you are at work, you can have it set to turn to vibrate). One more application is called PicSay, which is a basic photo editing program for your cell phone. You can take a look at the other finalists at the Android Developer Challenge Gallery.

I'm still waiting for my cell phone contract to expire, which is why I haven't bought an iPhone, yet. However, if Android phones go on sale before my contract expires, I might be very tempted to purchase an Android phone instead. The user interface looks like it will be very slick and the platform will be more open than the iPhone. Plus, it may have a lower price tag for its service. I guess we'll see all the details when we get a working model. I, for one, am looking forward to it.

Four Day Work Week For Utah State Workers

I just came across an interesting article that in Utah, they are moving to a four day work week for State employees. The rationale for this (among others) is that the State can turn off the power in buildings, which will in turn save on energy expenses. Personally, I think that it is a fantastic idea. I'd be willing to work 10 hours a day to get an extra day for the weekend. I sometimes feel like I'm working ten hours a day anyway.

And if not ten hours a day, then why not have a day or two a week where we can telecommute? My firm just gave out Sprint wireless cards to employees that travel a lot (you might be able to guess why I got one...). Now, I can virtually work from anywhere that I can get cell phone reception. And, not only does technology make it easier to work remotely, it also follows the new "green initiatives" that corporate America is starting to foster. Imagine how much less gas you would use if you only drove to work four times a week instead of five. Think how much less traffic there would be on the roads, especially if companies staggered the four days that their employees worked. Seems like a pretty good way of saving gas and lowering emissions. Or, I guess we could always just force every American to check the pressure in his/her tires...

Company Soccer Team

One of the fun things about living in Silicon Valley is that I work with companies that most people only see as websites or technology products. For example, I've visited Google's campus, which is very impressive (and has pretty good free food for employees). Recently, this connection has extended to my company soccer team. We've had soccer games against MySpace (tied) and Facebook (won). I wonder how the game went between MySpace and Facebook -- that's probably the best way to choose which website to support. :) I personally prefer Facebook (I ended up cancelling my MySpace account because of all inappropriate advertisements), although I tend to stay with email, blogging, and Google Talk as my usual methods of communication. But if you're ever looking for me in the social networking arena, I'm on Facebook.

San Diego Anniversary - Part 2

For the last few days of our anniversary/vacation, we relaxed with Mitch and Mandy in the San Diego area. On Sunday, we went for a nice walk to the local park and enjoyed the nice weather. We also got some really fun pictures. Since Fay only holds a smile for a few seconds at a time when taking pictures (she otherwise loves to smile all of the time), it took a few snapshots before getting just the right face.


Fay, Celeste, and Mandy


Fay, Celeste, and Matt


Fay's personal gymnastics coach
After getting back from the park, Celeste and Fay decided to sit down and read for a little bit. Fay started to read the usual picture book, but decided that Celeste's book looked far more interesting. Celeste obliged to trading books. Maybe Celeste's book was a little too grown up for Fay... or maybe Fay's growing up a little too fast.

Bride's Maid Dress

My sister is getting married in a couple weeks. Celeste just got the bride's maid dress in the mail a few days ago. In my unbiased opinion as her husband, I think that she looks fantastic. I took a couple snap shots of her in front of our apartment. Enjoy!