Mike Industries

Ten Things I Am Thankful For

1. Seattle — If the rest of the world knew that we actually have more livable weather than Washington D.C., New York, Chicago, Arizona, Atlanta, and even most of Florida, everyone would live here. When it rains, it only mists, and when it’s sunny it’s one of the most beautiful places in the country. If you like to waterski, hike, bike, run, snowboard, climb, boat, golf, shop, parasail, or just about anything else outdoors, you owe it to yourself to visit the Puget Sound region. Come during the summer months and you’ll never leave.
2. Google Reader — Google Reader may be the most useful app on the internet. If you’ve been putting off using an RSS newsreader because you don’t want to deal with yet another application, try setting your home page to google.com/reader and setting up a profile of news feeds. Unlike client side newsreaders, Google Reader is automatically in sync no matter what computer you happen to be at. Even if you’re in a remote corner of the world on your cell phone, you can check your news and blogs through the genius that is Google Reader.
3. iPhone — It is the world’s best portable device ever, period. Beautiful form factor, great feature set, and sexy as hell. If you have a few bills to burn, I highly recommend partaking in the glory that is the iPhone.
4. Series 3 Tivo — More than any other product I’ve ever used, Tivo is the one thing you don’t know how much you need until you get it. Unlike the mixed opinions people always give you about their VCRs, I’ve never heard one person tell me they don’t love their Tivo. And if you’re going to take the plunge, I highly recommend the Series 3 High Definition Tivo. The built-in two tuners let you record two shows simultaneously while watching a third.
5. Boomtown Merlot Wine — I’m not a wine snob. I probably can’t tell a $10 bottle from a $10,000 bottle, but one thing I do know is that I like my wine mild and smooth. Boomtown Merlot wine from Dusted Valley Vintners in Walla Walla, Washington fits that bill perfectly and I tend to buy it by the case these days. If you’re looking for a smooth, buttery red without a trace of oakiness, this could be your wine.
6. Adium — Simply the best multi-protocol instant messaging client available. Incredibly thoughtful and flexible interface.
7. Trader Joe’s Frozen Pizza — Ok, let me get this straight. Someone in Italy handtosses a pizza with fresh ingredients, someone else packages it up, someone else ships it across the Atlantic to the east coast, someone else drives it across the country to Seattle, someone else delivers it to my local Trader Joe’s store, someone else sells it to me at the register for three dollars, and somehow, someone is making money off of this??? What? This is quite possibly the best pizza I’ve ever had outside of Italy and yes, it’s three dollars at your local Trader Joe’s. Make sure you buy the large flat one which says “Made in Italy” and you won’t be disappointed.
8. Taylor Made Driver — Drive for show, putt for dough. Just about every Taylor Made driver I’ve ever owned has been money off the tee. Current weapon: Left-Handed R7 driver with a 9.5 degree loft, a stiff shaft, and a bad attitude.
9. Haagen Dazs Caramel Cone Ice Cream — The best widely available flavor of ice cream in the United States.
10. Laceless Shoes — A couple of years ago, I gave up wearing shoes with laces. Besides running shoes, it’s all slip-ons for me now. Since making the move, my life is that much simpler, I have an easier time at airport, and I don’t imagine looking back anytime soon.