Joe Muscara's Blog

First, I think Apple’s efforts towards the environment are excellent. The use of recycled materials, lowering carbon footprints, etc. are all things I am happy to hear about, and this is part of Apple’s DNA.

As far as the iPhone and Apple Watch product announcements themselves, nothing blew me away. I think it’s because most of what they’ve done is incremental. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot they’re doing that I would like to have, but nothing I’d replace my Series 7 Watch and iPhone 14 Pro for yet. Like when I went from the iPhone XR to the 14 Pro, I think these new upgrades are great for those who are a few versions behind and are ready for a new model. But for me, I’m more ready for the new features in the forthcoming OS upgrades, like a Snoopy watch face!

If a headline includes a phrase like “here’s what you need to know,” I am likely to say out loud, “no, I don’t!” and move on. If the introduction to an article says something like, “read on to find out more” I probably won’t.

Now get off my lawn.

Every time there is an Apple Event, I wish they would prove the assumptions in rumors wrong, like the name of the next iPhone. They usually announce more and better stuff than the rumors though. I don’t really pay much attention to the rumors. I’d rather get the right info from the source when it is ready to be announced by them.

I have had an Apple Watch since the first version (and Series 3, 5, and 7 after that), and I have yet to find a Watch face that I *love.* Some can be cool, some are nice, but nothing that blows me away. Which surprises me, as great as Apple generally is at design. Maybe watchOS 10 will improve that, I do like the Snoopy/Peanuts one and the better use of the full face overall might improve things.

Having grown up in New York, I understand why there are many in the U.S. who feel like it’s “the end of summer.” But here in Houston and places like it, not even close, weather-wise. Hopefully in a couple of weeks the weather here will be more normal and we can start enjoying it for a change.

I think it’s funny that there’s a big battle in the Texas GOP over Ken Paxton. I mean, if he’s prevented from being AG and running anymore, it’s not like they won’t get someone else who is just as radical, or even more so. The chances of a Democrat winning the seat are probably less than the margin of error.

Some people see darkness when it’s only a passing shadow.

Here’s one for all those living rent-free in my head, including the person who first said to me, “why are you letting them live rent-free in your head???”

I find it fascinating when people make enemies of those who are basically on the same side as them because they think they aren’t as extreme as they are.

Generally, I don’t like political parties. They seem to be just another way for humans (mammals) to herd-think and for othering. Both are encapsulated in statements like, “vote for us, we will save you and democracy from them who are trying to destroy it.”