Disoriented

There's a constant arms race between concert security and concert-goers when it comes to recording. Most venues have a no-recording policy. Reading between the lines, this really means "No camcorders or professional equipment, but digital cameras and cell phones are OK." This has led to a phenomenon where everyone in the crowd holds up their camera throughout the whole show. The iPhone has replaced the lighter.

Which brings me to the Flip Mino HD. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it works for recording concerts.

• The Flip looks more like a cell phone than a camera. Unlike a camcorder, security doesn't get suspicious. I got padded down before entering the venue and security didn't raise an eyebrow.
• The audio didn't distort (much). Rock concerts are obscenely loud and the cheap mic on my digital camera distorts, making video clips useless. The Flip did an decent job.
• It records in 720p high definition. The quality is great for such a small device.

That said, there are a few thing which could be improved.

• Add the ability to turn off the screen while recording. Not only would it save battery life, it's less conspicuous.
• Remove the red light. Nothing says "I'm recording" more than a red light. Short of desoldering it yourself, there's no way to disable it.
• There's no stabilization. The Flip is so lightweight that any little hand movement will produce shaky video.

Not being a beer guy, I headed to the HopScotch Festival yesterday with high hopes for the scotch tasting. The website claims "a flight of 5-¼ oz. single malt Scotches is available for just $10." But the "scotch tasting" was anything but.

• Bulleit Bourbon: Bourbon is not scotch.
• Crown Royal Reserve: This is a blend, not a single malt.
• Bushmills Black Bush: Another blend.
• Johnnie Walker Green Label: Another blend.
• Talisker 10: Single malt, but it's a whisky.

Each was served in a thimble-sized plastic cup -- far from the claimed 5¼ ounces.

I know this is a benefit for the Seattle International Film Festival, but I demand a refund. I will be staging a silent protest of the SIFF and encourage everyone within the sound of my voice to do the same.

Fortunatly, I found solace at Brouwer's. (The pommes frites are amazing.)