Macintosh
Going Analog
It’s no secret I love gadgets and technology, and products from Apple in particular. I’ve been a user and fan for as long as I can remember. But as great as gadgets and technology are, they’re not without problems. They can’t all be great, can they? No.
Some are crap for sure. Many of these devices or gadgets break, need updates or whatever at often the exact time you need them to work, which leaves you with no way to get done what you need to get done. Apple, at least, seems to do a pretty good job of putting out tech people want and products that, as they say, “just work.” But they’re not perfect either. The truth is, no piece of technology is perfect and it may never be.
I know. I’ve already said a lot of pro-Apple stuff here. But don’t worry, this isn’t going to be a pro-Apple or anti-technology article. I also won’t try to get you to switch to a Mac or iPhone. But I do have a few positive things to say on a related subject.
Put simply, I’ve re-discovered the joys of analog.
Even as a long-time tech devotee, I’ve always used analog tools too. I believe they can co-exhist and compliment each other. I’ve written blog posts, articles, screenplays and more using a computer for many years, but I’ve always put things down on paper, in a notebook, using a pen or pencil first before I start banging away on the keyboard.
I’ve got notebooks full of the stuff in boxes. Recently, I was going through them in an effort to organize my office (after all, we did move almost two years ago so it’s past due), and I discovered something: I missed them. I missed my notebooks, my pens, my pencils and my paper.
The sad fact is I haven’t been writing much of anything lately. Being a father who stays home most of the time with a toddler has a tendency to stifle your creative flow. In a lot of instances I’d rather be catching up on sleep instead of doing any writing.
But that’s not all of it. There’s a lot of reasons not to do something and I’ve been good at finding most of them. Sometimes you just get into a slump. Consequently, I haven’t been writing much or using my analog tools.
But that changes now.
I’m going to embrace the analog and go back to my notebooks, pens and pencils. The spark, actually, was my return to film photography. It got me thinking. Then, going through my office I found the cache of pens, pencils and the notebooks I had spent years filling up. That was the rest of the inspiration I needed.
So, to kick things off, I’m starting a new journal project. My notebook of choice will be the Rhodia Webnotebook
To help get the word flow started, I’ve decided to adopt this simple plan highlighted in an article I recently read. Unfortunately, I forgot to bookmark the link and now can’t give credit where credit is due. I wish I could.
If I find it, I’ll update this post. Or, if any of you know the origin, feel free to let me know in the comments so I can credit it.
The approach is simple. Ask yourself three questions in your journal every day. If you answer them, even in a few sentences, you will at the very least be writing every day.
What I’ve discovered is if I start answering the questions, I usually end up writing a few more pages beyond the simple answers. That may just be me, but I’ll bet if you try it, you’ll get similar results. And you’ll be writing.
Here’s the questions:
- What was accomplished? As in, what did you do today? Took out the trash? Read a good book? Had some great coffee? Made a new friend? Whatever happened, write it down. It doesn't have to profound or life-changing, it just has to be something (or somethings) that you accomplished that day.
- What should not be forgotten? Did something really great and memorable happen today? If so, write it down. Did your baby crawl for the first time? Did you get that dream job you always wanted? Did you get to spend ten minutes just thinking and dreaming? If you want to remember it and never want to forget it, write it down. Years from now when you've maybe forgotten this day completely, you can open the journal, read all about it, and remember.
- What's coming up? What are you doing tomorrow? Next week? Next month? Are you taking a trip, getting a raise, adopting a baby or going on a blind date? Write it down. Are you looking forward to something? What do you want to be doing in a year? Or, it can be as simple as reminding yourself that tomorrow is trash day.
Some Apple WWDC 2014 Keynote Reactions
Today at Apple’s WWDC event in San Francisco, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and other key players at the company, took the stage at Moscone Center to announce some of the new and cool stuff such we can expect from Apple over the next year. In a word (or two), it was pretty exciting.
Yes, I’m sure it’s partially because I’m a long-time Apple fan and I use their software and gadgets on a daily basis. I also just love new, shiny things. But whatever the reason, I do usually have a very positive reaction to what’s announced at events like these.
It’s usually later that I become disappointed when things don’t work exactly as advertised. iOS 7, I’m looking at you.
However, today I’m optimistic and with the announcement of iOS 8, OSX Yosemite and more, I am pretty excited. For now.
Sadly, we didn’t get any new hardware to ogle today, but that was to be expected. WWDC is, after all, a developer conference. For software, not hardware. Still, new hardware is a lot more sexy than new software, at least most of the time, so it was missed even though I didn’t really expect to see it
Fortunately, a lot of the software and features announced today are pretty darn cool. Some of the new goodies I’m most looking forward to using are things like iCloud Drive (let’s hope the pricing is more competitive), Handoff, the ability to have both iMessages and SMS on all your (Apple) devices, WiFi Calling (voice calls over WiFi), Health and Homekit, which allows the iPhone or iPad to control smart devices in the home such as lights, garage door openers and the thermostat.
Those seem to have the most potential to make a difference in my own life. But there’s a lot more coming, and after I’ve had a chance to mess with both Yosemite and iOS 8 for a week or two, I’ll share some more thoughts.
Until then, I think my favorite new feature so far is probably Handoff or the improved camera and photos apps. Having messages, documents and more synched across my iPhone, iPad and Mac is pretty nice. If it works as advertised, I can see that being very useful indeed.
Plus, I’m always looking for ways to take better photos more frequently. As they say, the best camera is the one you actually have with you and with the improvements to the photo and camera apps in iOS 8, plus the fact I pretty much always have the iPhone with me, it may actually be the best camera. That would be nice.
Of course, it remains to be seen what any of these new features really mean for me in the long run. Will any of them improve my life in any measurable way? Who knows?
I do know that it’s fun to speculate and try new things to see what you can do with them. It makes life that much more interesting. So, on that note, I’m off to download some new software. Wish me luck.
Steve Jobs, An American Legend
I haven’t said much about the upcoming biopic of Steve Jobs, featuring Ashton Kutcher as the iconic Apple frontman. I’ve done that mostly because when I first heard about it, I was sure it was going to be a disaster, so why bother talking about it?
However, now that I’ve been seeing more and more material from the movie, I have to admit my attitude has changed. But changed how, you may ask?
Look, I don’t have anything in particular against Kutcher or against people trying to make movies about icons like Steve Jobs. We live in a world where things like that are still possible, and I, for one, am very happy about that.
So what’s my problem (or problems) with the movie? To be honest, after several months of hearing about it, watching trailers and talking about it with other film and tech people I know and respect, I’ve kinda forgotten what my problem with it is.
In truth, I kinda forget about the movie until a new trailer, or other piece of marketing, arrives in my inbox. And maybe that’s the problem I have with it. It’s not that I’m angry or think that Kutcher will do a terrible job portraying Jobs, it’s that I just don’t care.
I don’t care enough about the movie to have an opinion anymore, positive or negative. And that brings us to the latest trailer for the movie Jobs. I’ve watched it at least twice. It’s not horrible.
It’s not blow-you-out-of-your-seat great either. It’s just . . . there.
Will I see the movie when it comes out? At this point, probably not. Although, I really do hope something changes. I really hope something comes along that sparks my interest. I don’t like being indifferent. I really do want to care.
I guess that’s something, right?
[blip.tv blip.tv/play/hJh3… width=“550” height=“331”]
A Few Interesting Things For a Friday
It’s almost the weekend. Pat yourself on the back for making it this far. It’s been an interesting week for sure.
But let’s put all that aside for a minute and take a look at some fun things for a Friday. Next week we can all go back to the usual BS.
Don’t worry, it will still be there. Promise.
First up is the cool LEGO Star Wars Ewok Village Set (pictured above). Sure, I felt the same way about the Ewoks as you probably did, but this is still pretty cool.
In more LEGO news the company apparently doesn’t want to rest on its laurels by having the worlds biggest LEGO space ship. They also want to build the ultimate LEGO house. Sure, why not?
If you like comics as I do, you may want to, occasionally, read them on your iPad. But what’s the best app to accomplish this? Well, the gang at Lifehacker recommends Comic Zeal. I like it, but as it’s only for non-DRM comics, I also use the Comics app from ComiXology to read my Marvel, DC and other publisher’s stuff.
With Apple’s WWDC coming up next week, there’s lots of speculation as to what the company may announce. I think we’re going to see iOS 7, a new Pro desktop, maybe a new laptop and a new music streaming service, but what else? Wired has the full compliment of predictions. We’ll know if any of us are right next Monday.
Finally, are you a science geek? Or perhaps you have a child (or two) that needs to learn the periodic table of the elements? Well, what better way than with a music video. Watch and enjoy. You just might lean something. I did.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUDDiWtFtEM?rel=0&w=525&h=295]
Happy weekend.
A New iPad Writing Update
As previously mentioned, I’ve been trying to write with the iPad as much as possible instead of using the MacBook Air or any other OS X-powered Mac. After a couple weeks of doing this, I’ve got some thoughts to share.
First, and this should not come as a surprise, I love almost everything about the iPad as a device. It’s extremely portable and has amazing battery life, even when used for several hours of work and pretty much continuous syncing of Dropbox via Verizon’s 4G LTE. I can only imagine the portability and battery life are going to get better and better as we see newer versions of the iPad.
As a device used for content consumption, the iPad also excels. If you want to watch a movie or TV program via Netflix or iTunes, the iPad is your best choice. The screen is excellent and the afformetioned battery life can get you though several programs during a long plane ride to Hawaii, or wherever you’re going. It also features an impressive collection of apps devoted to bringing you content.
On that note, the iPad is excellent for reading books via the Kindle or iBooks app or comics using an app like Comixology. I also enjoy checking out news, Twitter, Facebook and my Instagram feed using an app like Flipboard. These kinds of content consumption, and the quality experience they provide, are all pretty much a given.
Weekend Plans, New Apple Stuff and More
I realize today is only Thursday, but it’s never too late to plan for the weekend. That said, it is likely I will be in Long Beach this weekend going to the Long Beach Comic & Horror Con.
I’ve been taking care of a lot of things recently (many of them personal) and need a bit of a break to explore my inner (and outer) geek. So, in that spirit (and because I missed Comic-Con in San Diego due to my back) I’m going to head to Long Beach this weekend.
I expect it to be interesting and fun. Plus, it will be nice to see a few people I haven’t seen in some time as well as check out some new comics and horror stuff.
Plus, there’s a couple panels I want to go to as well. They mostly have to do with making comics and such, stuff most of you probably are not all that interested in. I also plan on taking a few pics, so be on the lookout for those as well.
In other news, I have opted against getting a new 13" MacBook Pro with Retina Display and will also not be getting an iPad Mini. Why?
The short answer is I already have way too much stuff already. The longer answer is I just got a new laptop a few months ago (the amazing 13" i7 MacBook Air) and I already have an iPad I hardly ever use.
So, I don’t need to spend the money on new stuff I don’t really need or something I probably wouldn’t use very often. Plus, I’ve read a fee reviews of the new MacBook Pro and from what i gather it isn’t quite all there yet. So, I’ll wait until it is.
I’m actually quite pleased with these decisions. I think I’m growing.
See you in Long Beach.
A Little Apple History: Print Advertising 1975 - 2002
If you know me, even a little bit, you know I’m a huge fan of all things Apple. I use an iPhone 5, MacBook Air, iPad and have had other Apple products going all the way back to before the first Macintosh. In short, I’m old school.
Let’s face it, the company makes, and has made, some insanely great products. Another thing the company is known for is its advertising. They’ve created some of the most innovative and informative commercials in history, probably the most famous of which is Ridley’s Scott’s ‘1984’ spot. That’s it at the bottom.
They’ve also had some pretty cool print ads over the years as well. To illustrate, these guys (and gals) have taken the time to put together a very nice look at Apple’s print ads from the years 1975 to 2002.
It’s pretty cool and I actually remember some of these ads. It’s fun to look back and see how far Apple, and we, have come.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhsWzJo2sN4&w=500&h=281]
Interviews With the Original Macintosh Design Team
When I find intersting stuff, I drop it in here. Although, as I’ve not put up much lately, I guess there’s not that much interesting stuff to be found. Or, I’m just not looking hard enough. Meh.
Anyway, this is quite interesting, especially if you’re a fan of Apple and the Mac. Enjoy.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTtQ0l0ukvQ?rel=0&w=420&h=315]
Coffee, Macs and More
I love gadgets, tech and toys. As I’ve grown older, that love hasn’t lessened. Although, the quantity of gadgets, tech and toys may have decreased slightly, the quality (and the associated cost) has increased, so there’s that.
That’s just the “circle of life” or something. Anyway, that leads me to recent developments. One of these developments has to do with my search for the perfect way to make coffee at home.
Some of you may be shocked and wonder how I could betray my beloved Starbucks, Coffee Bean or various other establishments I frequent. It’s simple, really, I just want to do it at home so I get used to working at home again. I would also like to save some time where I can too.
On a busy morning, if I have to take the time to stop at Starbucks or wherever on the way somewhere else, it can often take quite a bit of time. So, in the interest of efficiency (and to save a buy or two, let’s face it) I’m going to make coffee at home.
During a previous attempt at this I had purchased one of the Tasimo devices that makes coffee from a capsule. The results were less than stellar. In fact, the coffee kinda sucked.
This time around I’ve done much more research and committed to a much better solution. At least I think it is.
I’ve decided that the only way to make it work at home is to get the best coffee maker you can get. That one, if you ask pretty much anyone who knows anything about it, is The Moccamaster
That’s a picture of it right there. Nice, huh.
I expect this little beauty to arrive early next week and I will report back on how awesome it is. Yes, I expect it to be awesome.
In other news, I am also trying something else again that I had tried several years ago: going all-laptop and having no desktop Mac.
At this moment, I have two computers. One is a 27" iMac and the other is my 13" MacBook Air. I’m am giving the iMac to a worthy person (selling, actually) and will be using the MacBook Air exclusively from this point forward.
However, this choice does present a few problems. The first of which is my iTunes library is way too big to fit on the Air. So, for the moment, it will have to reside on an external drive. Not ideal.
Second, my iMac also served as the media and print server for the house. With it gone, certain people are going to have to go upstairs and connect to the printer via usb if they want to print. Also, not ideal.
So, that means I will most likely have to get some sort of computer to use as a file, media, print server and iTunes repository. That will most likely mean a Mac Mini.
Before you ask, I’m not considering a Windows or other solution at the moment. We’re too invested in Apple tech at home to try to make that work right now. Maybe if I get some more free time I can put together a nice Windows server instead.
For now, it will probably be a Mac Mini running Apple’s Lion Server that will take on those duties at home. Plus I would like to work with Lion Server a bit more so the new Mini serves that purpose as well.
Of course, if I’m going to be using the MacBook Air as my only machine from this time forward, I kinda think it should be the latest model, don’t you? Just go with me here, okay? The one I have know is a 13" 2.13 Ghz Core 2 Duo with 256 GB SSD.
I feel a newer 13" MacBook Air i7
So, lots of changes coming in my tech world. Fortunately, I don’t mind change all that much – especially when it brings newer, shinier toys.
A Sister's Eulogy for Steve Jobs
This was written by Steve Jobs sister Mona Simpson and given at a ceremony for the late Apple co-founder and all-around genius. I thought it was worth reposting and preserving here for me, and for you.
I grew up as an only child, with a single mother. Because we were poor and because I knew my father had emigrated from Syria, I imagined he looked like Omar Sharif. I hoped he would be rich and kind and would come into our lives (and our not yet furnished apartment) and help us. Later, after I’d met my father, I tried to believe he’d changed his number and left no forwarding address because he was an idealistic revolutionary, plotting a new world for the Arab people.
Even as a feminist, my whole life I’d been waiting for a man to love, who could love me. For decades, I’d thought that man would be my father. When I was 25, I met that man and he was my brother.
By then, I lived in New York, where I was trying to write my first novel. I had a job at a small magazine in an office the size of a closet, with three other aspiring writers. When one day a lawyer called me — me, the middle-class girl from California who hassled the boss to buy us health insurance — and said his client was rich and famous and was my long-lost brother, the young editors went wild.
This was 1985 and we worked at a cutting-edge literary magazine, but I’d fallen into the plot of a Dickens novel and really, we all loved those best. The lawyer refused to tell me my brother’s name and my colleagues started a betting pool. The leading candidate: John Travolta. I secretly hoped for a literary descendant of Henry James — someone more talented than I, someone brilliant without even trying.
When I met Steve, he was a guy my age in jeans, Arab- or Jewish-looking and handsomer than Omar Sharif.
We took a long walk — something, it happened, that we both liked to do. I don’t remember much of what we said that first day, only that he felt like someone I’d pick to be a friend. He explained that he worked in computers.
My Favorite New Apple Ad - 'Broken Promises'
As you probably know, Windows 7 came out this week and, of course, Apple launched an ad campaign to fight this latest encroachment by the “evil empire.” Here’s my favorite one of the new ads so far featuring your old friends Mac and PC. Enjoy.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtvloPFYocw&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0]</p>
Video Friday -- Thursday SXSW Edition -- Dennis Liu's 'Pretending to Work'
Yes folks, its true. I’m in the wonderful city of Austin, Texas for that melange of music/film/interactive goodness known as South by Southwest. Or, as all the cool kids refer to it: SXSW. I’m here covering the event for the fine folks at AOL/Weblogs who, on occasion, pay me to write about cool events such as this.
I do not complain about the weather or anything else when out at events like SXSW and always appreciate the opportunities afforded me as a member of the AOL/Weblogs team. Thank you benevolent AOL/Weblogs overlords for all that you do for me.
Okay, with that done, we can now get on to the business at hand and I can bring you a cool new video from innovative filmmaker <a href="http://www.dennisaliu.com/">Dennis Liu</a>.
You may recall I interviewed Dennis for TUAW awhile back about his previous work, a music video for <a href="http://www.thebirdandthebee.com/">The Bird and the Bee's</a> song "Again and Again." Now, Dennis is back with another Mac-centric short film which I find not only highly amusing but extremely innovative in its simplicity. Plus, it helps you find ways to watch porn at the office.
Putting it another way, this kid's got chops.
Oh, before I forget, if you happen to be in Austin for SXSW, be sure to say hello. Also, I accept most offers of free beer and/or cookies. And cake. I like cake. But please, no pie. Sorry, you gotta draw the line somewhere and I draw it at pie.
Enjoy the video.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7h1uGzKvgE&w=425&h=344]
I realize I missed this week’s ‘Photo Tuesday’ but I have a good excuse for it. Unfortunately, I can’t say what it was because its a secret – at least for now. Let’s just say I spent some time on Tuesday doing something very cool and I will be revealing just what that thing was shortly.
Until then, let's take a look at some interesting links for the week, shall we?
My interview with <em>Hack/Slash</em> creator Tim Seeley at <a href="http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/05/15/interview-tim-seeley-on-hack-slash-and-suicide-girls-crossovers/">ComicMix</a>
My latest BSG Weekly at <a href="http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/05/12/battlestar-galactica-interview-mark-verheiden-on-athena-anders-and-the-hybrid/">ComicMix</a>
My interview with innovative filmmaker James Liu at <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/15/tuaw-interview-filmmaker-dennis-liu/">TUAW</a>
I thought I had <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/15/11-600-horizontal-pixels-of-heaven/">a lot of computers</a>.
If you happen to be in LA on June 1st and want to take a stand against abuse of photographers taking pictures in public places, check out <a href="http://www.boingboing.net/2008/05/15/photographers-stand.html">this post</a>.
And just so we have some artwork to accompany this post, here's a couple of my favorites from Tim Seeley. One from<em> Hack/Slash</em>. Which, by the way, is a great comic you should be reading. And one from his other work on <em>Forgotten Realms: Halfling's Gem</em>. Enjoy
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/hackslashsg.jpg" alt="hackslashSG.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="607">
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/halflinggem.jpg" alt="halflinggem.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="454">
New Apple Stuff and Other Updates
Apple honcho Steve Jobs announced a bunch of new stuff today. Among the items were new, <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/07/apple-announces-new-imacs-with-aluminum-enclosure-glass-display/">improved iMacs</a> complete with shiny anodized <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/07/apple-announces-new-keyboards-to-go-with-new-imacs/">aluminum keyboards</a>, <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/07/ilife-08/">iLife '08</a>, increased storage and other <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/07/mac-com-updates-with-more-storage-new-tips-on-using-ilife-08/">improvements to .Mac</a> (finally) and a <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/07/iwork-08/">new iWork suite</a> of applications -- including an "Excel killer" called Numbers. All in all, some pretty interesting new stuff that I can't wait to try out.
I've already ordered iLife '08 and will probably get iWork '08 too -- any chance to use something besides Word is ok with me. I might also go for a new iMac, but probably not right away. They do look cool, though, so it will be hard to hold off for too long. Also, it might be fun to get a new Mac Mini as well, seeing as how his Steveness saw fit to update those today as well. With the recent release of the iPhone and now this stuff, its great to be an Apple user these days.
Also, if you like Apple and you like Podcasts then you're in luck because over at TUAW we're doing another live Talkcast/Podcast about all-things Apple. Its this Thursday, 9:30PM Eastern and I'll be on it along with my esteemed TUAW colleagues <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/bloggers/scott-mcnulty/">Scott McNulty</a>, <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/bloggers/david-chartier/">David Chartier</a> and <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/bloggers/michael-rose/">Mike Rose</a>. We also did one last week as well so check <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/03/tuaw-talkcast-available-for-download/">that one</a> out too.
For all the details on how to listen to this week's Talkcast and even call in live with your comments and questions, head on over <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/07/thursday-night-9-30-et-tuaw-talkcast-the-second/">here</a>. We like doing these Talkcasts that become Podcasts and they will probably become a regular thing. So, if you have the time, tune in. Finally, I wrote a bit of <a href="http://www.cinematical.com/2007/08/08/comic-con-final-thoughts-and-the-wrapup/">an editorial</a> on my feelings and the state of Comic-Con over at Cinematical.
It should be up tomorrow barring any unforeseen issues like they decide I've written it way too long and gone off on a tirade or something. Me on a tirade or writing something way too long? Not possible.
The Apple Developer Keynote Made Me iSleepy
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It may come as somewhat of a surprise that I, the vehement Apple fan would ever say anything even remotely negative about my favorite computer -- er, sorry "consumer electronics" -- company, but here I am saying just that. After much hype, speculation and furor all across the web and beyond, the Apple Worldwide Developer Conference <a href="http://events.apple.com.edgesuite.net/d7625zs/event/">Keynote</a> went off this morning not with the expected bang, but with a whimper. And not a particularly interesting whimper either.
Sure, there were some interesting things about it but those bits of joy were few and far between. Basically, what it amounted to was a big commercial for Apple's upcoming update to OSX called Leopard and some bits about the iPhone and the fact that yes, you can now experience the bliss of using the Safari web browser on your <a href="http://www.apple.com/safari/download/">Windows PC</a>. There are some cool ones like <a href="http://www.apple.com/macosx/leopard/features/timemachine.html">Time Machine</a> and the new look for the <a href="http://www.apple.com/macosx/leopard/features/desktop.html">Desktop</a> but without actually using it I can't get too excited yet. If you're really interested, the full list of the new features Leopard has to offer can be found <a href="http://www.apple.com/macosx/leopard/features/">here</a>.
I have to say I was expecting more. Although, some might argue that I really shouldn't because this event is geared towards software developers and so isn't the place to debut new, exciting updates to Apple's products. Nor is it the proper venue to announce new additions to Apple's ever-expanding line of consumer electronics. That might be true but Apple needs to remember one thing when they decide the content for these keynotes: everyone is watching.
Apple is a trend-setting company whose products have a tremendous appeal and whose influence is felt in many corners of the business and consumer markets. They are not the little company in Cupertino trying to make it anymore. They are a world player to rival the biggest in the industry and they shouldn't waste any opportunity to announce new stuff -- especially stuff people are really waiting to see. So, given all of that, what did I want from the keynote? I'm glad you asked because I made a list:
• Something about an update for Apple's ailing suite of .Mac offerings. The days where getting what amounts to an email account and 1GB of online storage for a hundred bucks a year are drawing to a close. Apple needs to make .Mac more valuable and even better, make it free, for it to compete in today's world where Google gives it all away. Not only that, but now it seems that .Mac was not only overlooked during the keynote, but has disappeared from Apple's website completely. Mmm, I wonder where it's gone? Hopefully it will surface somewhere new and be more fantastic than ever. Google anyone?
• Something about an update for Apple's suite of iApps which include iPhoto, iMovie and iWeb. I like all of these applications but it would be great if they did more -- especially in the case of iWeb. Its pretty good for version 1.0 but it really needs more features and more custom features to remain viable. Of course, there's always the chance that the iApps are also going to appear somewhere else. Maybe they will end up being available the same way .Mac will?
• New hardware. How about an updated iMac in stunning aluminum enclosure or something I really, really want: a 13" MacBook Pro. Surely Apple recognizes the need for a ultra-portable Mac laptop for business people who don't want to lug the 15" MacBook Pro around with them and who won't want to use a MacBook. More than anything, I would really love Apple to come out with this kind of machine. If they do, I'll be ordering one the first second its available. I can't be the only person who wants one of these, can I?
• Tone down the iPhone hype a bit. Sure, the iPhone looks cool and on the surface seems to have a bunch of great features. But seriously, its not the second coming or anything. It's a phone that supposedly does a lot of other stuff still unproven in real-world conditions.
So, while you're flogging the crap out of the iPhone, it might not be a bad idea to remember your loyal user base of Mac computer users. You remember them, right? The ones that kept buying Macs even though everyone in the press was predicting Apple's imminent demise? They kept the company going during the dark times of Amelio and Scully so please try to remember and throw them a bone once in awhile. They deserve your respect and your thanks.
All the hype and attention surrounding the iPhone and its imminent release to a salivating public is one of the reasons I'm counting the days until it finally comes out. Once its finally out there and succeeds massively or falls flat on it shiny, touch screened face, maybe Apple can then get back to doing what it has always done best, make terrific computers that "just work." Until then, if I have to watch any more Keynotes like this I'm gonna need a lot more coffee.
Obama or Clinton? Chris Rock Helps You Decide. Plus, A Great Commercial
It’s not a secret how I feel about our current President. If you’re not sure, let’s just be polite and say I think he’s not doing a very good job at all. In fact, I think he’s probably one of the worst Presidents we’ve ever had and will go down in history as one of the key reasons this country went from world leader to world joke. Well, maybe ‘joke’ isn’t the right word (we are still well-reagrded in some circles) but we sure don’t look as good as we used to.
The real question on my mind now is who the heck do we get to be our next President when we have our election in only eighteen months or so. We need someone who can help restore the world's faith in our country and help us reagin our standing as the world leader we should be.
I pretty much know how I'm going to vote but its always good to hear other opinions. Following that logic, here's what Chris Rock has to say on the subject:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/1RlVtsAvKfs]
Also, if you're a fan of interesting commercials (and great ones from the past), politics and the Mac as I am, then this next bit of video should be right up your alley.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/6h3G-lMZxjo]
I really like some of the more subtle updates to the add -- especially the inclusion of the iPod on the hip of the hammer-wielding woman. From a technical standpoint, also very well done. (Actually it occurred to me later that the person making this video probably used the updated version of the commercial already featuring the iPod and didn't add it himself/herself. Still, a great job.)
Lastly, I've been thinking about how to reform our government and the election process and have some ideas. But for now, just enjoy the video. We can get into massive change later.
300: Made on a Mac + The Screaming Death Monkey
Over at <a href="http://www.ballergoods.com/home/2007/3/12/300-creating-the-visual-effects.html" target="_blank">this site</a> they have an interesting bit of info on the film <a href="http://imdb.com/title/tt0416449/" target="_blank"><em>300</em></a> and how the Macintosh was a very big part of getting the film done. Some of the Apple tech that was used to make the film possible include Final Cut Pro, Shake and Quicktime. Even though the film was primarily edited on an AVID system, the filmmakers said they prefer to use Macs running Final Cut instead of AVID. Interesting bit of info. And, if you want even more, head on over to the <a href="http://www.fxguide.com/article405.html" target="_blank">FX Guide</a> site. Even more bits of interesting info there including the above mentioned 'Death Monkey.'
While we are on the subject of <em>300</em>, I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the film. As I usually do these days, I went in with almost no expectations and as open a mind as I could possibly muster. Fortuntely, the film more than lived up to the hype and I was rewarded with a great experience. Sure, the film isn't perfect but its a visual treat that should not be missed. Obviously, I'm not alone here because the film made over $70 milion in the first weekend -- the third biggest opening weekend for an R-rated film of all time, btw. So, get a babysitter and go out and see the movie if you haven't already.
Also, got some new stuff up over at Cinematical -- including details on <a href="http://www.cinematical.com/2007/03/13/frank-miller-from-now-on-i-direct-my-own-stuff/" target="_blank">Frank Miller's career aspirations</a>, Michael Eisner's <a href="http://www.cinematical.com/2007/03/13/michael-eisner-takes-us-one-step-closer-to-movies-via-internet/" target="_blank">new venture</a> and the <a href="http://www.cinematical.com/2007/03/10/hollywood-and-youtubes-relationship-on-the-rocks/" target="_blank">YouTube saga</a> -- as well as a brand new '<a href="http://www.laist.com/archives/2007/03/13/ask_the_macist_getting_gmail_with_apple_mail.php" target="_blank">Ask the MACist</a>' over at LAist. Plus, I should have a couple things coming out at <a href="http://www.comicbookresources.com" target="_blank">CBR</a> in a few days as well. And, possibly something new and cool I'm not at liberty to discuss just yet too. You'll just have to chcck back to find out, sorry.
Going to Mars (Edit)
As much as I love ecto and all its blogging goodness I sometimes wonder if something better is out there to suit my needs. So, I have decided to give Mars Edit a try. I only downloaded it this evening and this is the first post with it. So far, so good. Over the next week or so I am going to put it through its paces, kick the tires and generally see what's what with the program.
Then, as I often do, I will give it a thumbs up or down and say some reasons why. Until then, happy blogging all and to all a good night.
Live at Macworld Expo Keynote
Apple iphone with touch screen running osx. so that's pretty cool.
Apple tv released next month.
Live at Macworld Expo Keynote
I'm here and seated and ready to see the magic of a steve jobs keynote. starting soon.