I’m a big fan of induction ranges. They’re great for instant heat, precise temperature control and low on energy consumption. They’re perfect for anywhere that can’t get a gas range – especially condo’s and apartments. While Kenmore and GE were the first to make a full range, Samsung just introduced their own, and at a 10% lower price than the others.

Update: These are available at Future Shop and Sears. Sears prices it at the same price as their Kenmore Induction Range.

The Ferrari 458 is the replacement for the F430. Many journalists are releasing their reviews of it, and Evo Magazine from the UK produced these two videos.

Fancy yourself to create a new Google Maps Mashup, or mine some public data? The City of Toronto has given open access to several datasets that they have. It’s a new venture, so don’t dismay the lack of data  yet. I’m sure as people create some new and interesting tools with it, that demand will rise and they’ll put their more valuable data online.

I’m quite happy they are doing this. Spending a career in IT has led me to lament the “it’s MY data” mentality and the unwillingness to share it. For a City to open it’s data doors, even slightly, is a great first step.

Kitchen Confidential is the book that made Anthony Bourdain famous. The TV host of food and travel show, “No Reservations” got his start in the self-described “dark underbelly” of New York’s restaurant kitchens. It’s a very raw look at the life of a chef and insightful look at the man on TV.

The book, now almost 10 years old, gives a look into a much younger and much bolder Tony Bourdain. It’s entertaining and filled with colorful stories. If it was a movie it would probably be rated ‘R’.

On a different note, I learned of an episode of No Reservations that I have yet to see on TV. It was an episode filmed about their trip to Beirut. On the second day of the trip, the 2006 Lebanon War broke out and what started as a food documentary turned into human drama. The episode focuses much on what it was like being in the middle a war in the relatively safety of their hotel/safehouse while waiting to be evacuated by the US Government. It was probably the best episode of the series – and won an Emmy.