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Archive for the 'Wine' Category

Top 10 Sites/Apps for a Cell Phone

Posted by Pete on May 30th, 2007

sony ericsson w810i

I recently upgraded my phone’s data plan to an unlimited data plan. Now the question is what are some of the coolest sites and applications out there that I can use for my mobile? Below is my top ten list:

10) TellMe – I’ve already covered TellMe By Mobile and so far its been pretty cool. This app installs onto your phone and you then speak the name of the business you are looking for into your phone. TellMe’s service will recognize your voice and return a list of businesses that meet your search. From there you can call the business or see its location on a map.

9) Opera Mini – The “mini” is about the file size, not about the functionality. This is a great browser replacement for anything on your phone. The browser connects to its own servers to access the net which actually optimize the sites you visit for a mobile display and to reduce data size for faster browsing.

8) Citibank Mobile – This one only works if you use Citibank but it’s all the functionality of the website, rolled into your phone. Check your balance, pay your bills, transfer money between accounts, all in the time it takes to open your laptop and wait for it to load up.

7) TuneUsIn.com – Looking for free ringtones or wallpaper? This site has a large database of great songs and pictures you can download directly to your phone…did I mention it’s free?

6) Google Maps – This application downloads to your phone and works just like the Google Maps we’ve all come to love. plus there’s real time traffic updates as well.

5) Surfline – Those of you by the beach will probably love this one. Surf reports and forecasts on your phone. Get the latest swell height, temperatures and even a live image before you hit the beach.

4) logabottle – Like wine? My problem is that I always forget what bottles I like or which ones I want to try. Why remember when I can check my own wine review database. Not only is this a great site on its own but the mobile access to my own reviews allows me to recall which wines I like while I’m browsing the aisles at the store.

3) Remember The Milk – This is another great site on its own. Its a web 2.0 to-do list which I use to manage my personal tasks. The nice thing is that my to-do’s aren’t limited to just my computer. Wherever I am I can see my tasks.

2) Netflix Mobile – Access your Netflix queue, search for movies to add and more.

1) Google Reader – There are plenty of reasons to use Google Reader. This is just one more reason.

Honorable Mention:
TagTag – Don’t like any of the WAP sites out there? Create your own and host it on TagTag’s website. Its mostly simple read-only functionality but its nice to use if you need a website to access easy to forget things like recipes, directions, birthdays, anything you need to remember while on the go.

Anything I missed?

Online Wine Database

Posted by Pete on May 4th, 2006

So I mentioned in a few previous posts about making a conscious attempt to log more wine tastings. I came across this site which i might switch to instead of logging them here. There’s a couple of reasons:

1. Its more of a database which means I can search and sort the data when I’m looking for something rather than in a blog where you have to read all the posts to find the one you’re looking for.

2. I can access this data from my cell phone. This comes in very handy when you’re at a wine store and need a suggestion.

3. It incorporates Google Maps. I can easily see which regions I’ve tried and start to figure out what areas I like over others.

you can check out my first entry and I’ll post here when I add new ones.

Solitude - Carneros 2003

Posted by Pete on April 25th, 2006
Producer: Solitude
Region: Carneros of Sonoma California
Grape Varieites: Pinot Noir
Price: $18.00

Conclusion: Another good wine from the Carneros region. Reasonably priced and something I found in the store but had never heard of before,
Score: 4 out of 5

Gloria Ferrer - Carneros 2002

Posted by Pete on April 20th, 2006
I’m trying to add a new section to the site specific to different wine tastings. This is my first attempt with a wine I tried a few months ago out at dinner. The thing that really stood out with me was the finish, which wasn’t overly strong at all like most wines.

Producer: Gloria Ferrer
Region: Carneros appellation of Sonoma California
Grape Varieites: Pinot Noir
Price: $22.00

Conclusion: Very nice, not overpowering. Hints of chocolate.
Score: 4 out of 5