Microsoft’s Macintosh Remote Desktop Client has been… neglected for quite a while. It still generally works, but it’s never been much of a looker, it’s behind in features and performance, and some basic functionality (like trying to save a connection) often leaves users completely baffled or frustrated.

But take heart: a new Remote Desktop will be available on Mac OS X, iOS, and Android later this month. It’s a Halloween miracle, and one that may make Azure services slightly more palatable to cross-platform developers and users!

For Microsoft products that are great, I can’t say enough good things about Exchange Online/Office 365 for Business. If you’re looking for managed push email (and calendaring) and have already scratched GApps off the list, check it out.

Being of Scandinavian descent, we have a great affinity for dill in my family. There are very few dishes that can’t be improved by a little dill, and as a result it’s been a garden staple for several years. Phoenix being Phoenix, however, dill can be a problematic herb: it tends to prefer steady, cooler temperatures. We often get erratic weather which dill does not enjoy.

So was born last year’s garden lab experiment: Battle of the Dills. The old standby of Bouquet was seeded along with newcomer Tetra (or Dukat). The results were interesting (and again proved this kind of experimentation is well worth the effort and meager garden space it requires).

Bouquet Dill

• Better overall flavor throughout the season
• Maximum height of approximately 5 feet
• Suffered partial losses during varied weather
• Bolting common as spring began; could be retarded by cutting
• Dead by mid-spring
• Large, recognizable seeds; good for pickling

Tetra Dill (Dukat Dill)

• Good flavor at peak season, bland but recognizable at end of season
• Maximum height of approximately 4 feet
• Unaffected by varied weather
• Did not bolt
• Survived through summer, though with reduced flavor
• Smaller seeds; less flavor per seed, but can use more seeds
• Can address plant as Gul Dukat and shout angry DS9 dialog at it

With the new dill season upon us, the battle royale continues with additional contenders. Joining the fray this year are Mammoth and Fernleaf varieties.