Weekender #73

• Birb watch: Nothing new to report this week from the driveway.

• It’s amazing to think that Apple’s Newton Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) arrived on the scene 30 years ago. Ars Technica’s retrospective on the Newton, 30 years on is a short but concise summary of the events that led up to the launch of the Newton as well as it’s demise. I purchased the original Newton on launch day and owned almost all iterations of the Newton that came out afterward, except the eMate. I loved the Newton and had always hoped that it would evolve into something more. It’s interesting to reflect back on how the nucleus of the iPhone/iOS were derived in some way or another from the Newton. One day, I’ll write all about all of the PDA type devices I’ve owned over the years and my portable computing journey.

• I was saddened to learn that after 40 years, the final Anna Miller’s cafe is closing down in Takanawa, Japan. For those that aren’t familiar with Anna Miller’s, it’s an American style restaurant chain that started in Japan that also has a location in Hawaii where I live. Once the Takanawa location closes, the Hawaii location will be all that remains. While I’ve eaten at the local Anna Miller’s, I’ve never eaten at one in Japan, and I’m kinda sad I won’t be able to experience that.

• In other sad news, I learned that iconic Batman artist Tim Sale passed away this week. He was only 66.

• Finally. 26 years later, Microsoft has killed off Internet Explorer. I’m not sad about this one.

• If you’re a Studio Ghibli fan, you might be interested to read Vulture’s Pre-Studio Ghibli Guide to Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. The article showcases their work for other studios in movies and television before starting Studio Ghibli.

• I really enjoyed listening to Hikaru Utada’s Live Sessions from Air Studios. I originally recieved the DVD/Blu Ray of this when she released her album BAD MODE _earlier this year, but just haven’t had time to watch it, so it’s great that it’s on music streaming now. The live set is a mix of her latest material from _BAD MODE as well as two tracks from the last two Evangelion films ‘Beautiful World’ and ‘One Last Kiss’, and two B-sides from her American debut album Exodus, ‘Hotel Lobby’ and ‘About Me’, which I was surprised to hear her perform. The musicianship on this is so good, you won’t believe that the album was cut live! Listen on Apple Music.