My follow up design for another litho print. Gettin addicted to graphic design.
by the way, all designed using the Open Source software I mentioned in a previous post, Inkscape and GIMP.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Shades of Democracy Podcast
I recently stumbled upon this interesting talk radio podcast. Every episode is filled with interesting, indepth, uninterrupted, non-comercialized interviews. Additionally, they usually give good political based links to check out and insightful quotes from the past or present. Give it a listen.
Shades of Democracy
Mac Mobile users...
I found a really cool battery monitor app a bit ago called CoconutBattery.
CoconutBattery
This app will tell you (I don't know with how much accuracy) how much of a charge your battery still holds, how many charge cycles your battery has been through, etc. Pretty cool, lets you save a snapshot so you can monitor how your battery is doing over time. Enjoy.
This app will tell you (I don't know with how much accuracy) how much of a charge your battery still holds, how many charge cycles your battery has been through, etc. Pretty cool, lets you save a snapshot so you can monitor how your battery is doing over time. Enjoy.
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Eff.
For those of you who missed it...Frankenfinger.
Who knew packaging could be so hazardous? Well, I did (packaging kills people in some cases).
While I was enjoying my night, cracked a beer, and the metal cap cut right through my thumb. What a bummer.
Pretty much healed now, just a thick scar left (hope I didn't gross anyone out with the picture)
Who knew packaging could be so hazardous? Well, I did (packaging kills people in some cases).
While I was enjoying my night, cracked a beer, and the metal cap cut right through my thumb. What a bummer.
Pretty much healed now, just a thick scar left (hope I didn't gross anyone out with the picture)
Sweeny Todd
My aunt (Amy Smith) played the lead female in St. Dunstan's production of Sweeny Todd.
Sweeny Todd
I went to see it today, with parents, grandma and Becky. Great show! Of course, my aunt was the best ;). Pay the site a visit, and check out the show if you are in the Birmingham area!
I went to see it today, with parents, grandma and Becky. Great show! Of course, my aunt was the best ;). Pay the site a visit, and check out the show if you are in the Birmingham area!
Friday, October 28, 2005
Lithography
This is my first attempt at one color lithography. Let me know what you think...there will be more soon. Trying to think of a new design.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Rap Lyrics
My favorite rap lyric comes from Young Jeezy, Trap or Die,
"Got the Chevy same color Tropicana orange juice."
He brilliantly uses two brand names in one sentence, and even uses one brand to describe the color of another brand. What will they think of next.
PS. Are GM and Tropcana BOTH paying Young Jeezy?
"Got the Chevy same color Tropicana orange juice."
He brilliantly uses two brand names in one sentence, and even uses one brand to describe the color of another brand. What will they think of next.
PS. Are GM and Tropcana BOTH paying Young Jeezy?
For you mac or linux users...
In my search for reasons to purchase Adobe CS2, I came across these excellent (free) replacements for Photoshop and Illustrator. The photoshop replacement is called GIMP (http://www.gimp.org/). It is a great photoshop alternative, offering some of the same look and feel. It doesn't have nearly all of the functionality, but its free. All you need to run in OSX is X11 available at http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/x11formacosx.html. As for an illustrator substitute, Inkscape (http://www.inkscape.org/) can create images fairly intuitively. Also free, also requires X11. If you run Linux, also not a problem (and they are probably included with most distros anyway).
Have fun!
Have fun!
Smoky Mountains
Boy, wish there were some way to teleport...
I like clouds (as in this picture) but every day? Is this some kind of torture?
I like clouds (as in this picture) but every day? Is this some kind of torture?
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Music...
Some albums you should buy for the hell of it.
SMiLE Brian Wilson
Jazz From Hell Frank Zappa
Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots The Flaming Lips
Try listening to Jazz from Hell while reading some Machiavelli...
if you don't have iTunes http://www.itunes.com/
Try listening to Jazz from Hell while reading some Machiavelli...
if you don't have iTunes http://www.itunes.com/
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
The sound of an idiot box...
What is it about the sound of a TV that is so aggravating? Is the sound really so complemented by the flashing images that it can just be horrible? I can hardly watch TV on my own motivation, I only watch it if I am with other people who are watching one, or in a bar or such place that has one or more on. For some reason it is much easier for me to tolerate radio broadcast, as it consists of only sound, therefore the it must sound appealing, and it must actually capture your imagination to keep you focused.
Another thing, for you solo TV viewers: Is TV really that inspiring that it causes you to laugh out loud for your own sake? I can understand wanting to communicate to a fellow watcher when something is funny, but you yourself know it is funny. I cannot think of many things more hideous than a person sitting in front of a screen laughing out loud. Laughter may be an involuntary action, but it is an involuntary communication.
Also, to you TV marketing and advertising guys and gals that make songs to commercials: you must be geniuses, because I can't tell you the amount of brainwashed idiots I hear singing your stupid songs to their TV's. Bravo. At least you guys and gals can sleep well knowing that you "make a difference".
Another thing, for you solo TV viewers: Is TV really that inspiring that it causes you to laugh out loud for your own sake? I can understand wanting to communicate to a fellow watcher when something is funny, but you yourself know it is funny. I cannot think of many things more hideous than a person sitting in front of a screen laughing out loud. Laughter may be an involuntary action, but it is an involuntary communication.
Also, to you TV marketing and advertising guys and gals that make songs to commercials: you must be geniuses, because I can't tell you the amount of brainwashed idiots I hear singing your stupid songs to their TV's. Bravo. At least you guys and gals can sleep well knowing that you "make a difference".
Friday, October 14, 2005
What does this mean?
Last night I had a dream...must have been early morning since my last post. This dream was not my usual dream.
So I'm taking a nap in my dorm room (but the room is the mirror image of mine, bed on the other side), and Dave Grohl and Adam Curry show up. They want me to take this survey about something...I wish I could remember what. Anyway, we were talking about stuff when I realized that Dave had a new iPod like device. But this one changed its skin based on what music was playing. Basically, I remember playing with it, the buttons all changed color when you adjusted settings and I changed it to some reggae he had, and it started morphing into different green, red and yellow patterns. Pretty cool. I called it a "reggaepod" and they thought that was clever, but I had to tell them that I stole that from Drew, from the Dawn and Drew Show.
Wow, I have never really dreampt about "celebrities" like that before...except for the time that Madonna seduced me...
So I'm taking a nap in my dorm room (but the room is the mirror image of mine, bed on the other side), and Dave Grohl and Adam Curry show up. They want me to take this survey about something...I wish I could remember what. Anyway, we were talking about stuff when I realized that Dave had a new iPod like device. But this one changed its skin based on what music was playing. Basically, I remember playing with it, the buttons all changed color when you adjusted settings and I changed it to some reggae he had, and it started morphing into different green, red and yellow patterns. Pretty cool. I called it a "reggaepod" and they thought that was clever, but I had to tell them that I stole that from Drew, from the Dawn and Drew Show.
Wow, I have never really dreampt about "celebrities" like that before...except for the time that Madonna seduced me...
Banter about new iPod
Ok, so the new iPod that plays video is here...
Why is everyone complaining? All I see on any blog is "I just bought an iPod with a color screen, does Apple want to alienate me as a customer!!", "Apple is making all of my stuff obsolete!" "I can't upgrade my iPod to video???" Even, "What about my iMac, can I use FrontRow with it?" "Do you think the remote works with old iMacs?" I don't know what people would do if they actually had brains. Apple Computer does not force anyone to buy any of their products. You may argue that iPod "forces" you to use iTunes music store. You are not forced to do anything, if you don't like iTunes, buy something else. iPod + iTunes is not just a marketing slogan, it is a product. Take the time to figure out what you are buying.
Also, as far as Apple updating their product lines too fast? Give me a break. If you are now upset because you have an old iPod, you probably should have waited until they made the one you want. If you don't still think it is magic to hold a large music library in your pocket, then you have been brainwashed. When I got my 3G 20GB iPod, it was the best portable music device on the market. Yes, there have been countless updates to the iPod lineup. I still use it everyday, it still performs just as it did when I bought it, and no, I'm not going to complain about any innovations that Apple has made to date. In its application still today, it is the best portable music device on the market. If you need support for photos, album art, video...your iPod is now available, buy it and shut up, or deal with the fact that you bought the wrong thing.
Or, just blame everything on someone else. Its their fault anyway right?
Why is everyone complaining? All I see on any blog is "I just bought an iPod with a color screen, does Apple want to alienate me as a customer!!", "Apple is making all of my stuff obsolete!" "I can't upgrade my iPod to video???" Even, "What about my iMac, can I use FrontRow with it?" "Do you think the remote works with old iMacs?" I don't know what people would do if they actually had brains. Apple Computer does not force anyone to buy any of their products. You may argue that iPod "forces" you to use iTunes music store. You are not forced to do anything, if you don't like iTunes, buy something else. iPod + iTunes is not just a marketing slogan, it is a product. Take the time to figure out what you are buying.
Also, as far as Apple updating their product lines too fast? Give me a break. If you are now upset because you have an old iPod, you probably should have waited until they made the one you want. If you don't still think it is magic to hold a large music library in your pocket, then you have been brainwashed. When I got my 3G 20GB iPod, it was the best portable music device on the market. Yes, there have been countless updates to the iPod lineup. I still use it everyday, it still performs just as it did when I bought it, and no, I'm not going to complain about any innovations that Apple has made to date. In its application still today, it is the best portable music device on the market. If you need support for photos, album art, video...your iPod is now available, buy it and shut up, or deal with the fact that you bought the wrong thing.
Or, just blame everything on someone else. Its their fault anyway right?
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
New Mac Stuff!!
I am in a much better mood now, nearly no thoughts remain of Microsoft...
iMac G5. I was going to buy one to take back to school with me this year...but I had a hunch things were going to change fast with this system. It is beautiful, and really all anyone needs out of a computer. Now it really is all you need. That remote? Ingeneous, especially the remote menu system. Just as the iMac was marketed towards ipod owners, now it is a HUGE iPod.
New iPod. Not totally excited about this. As much as I look at my iPod screen (ok, to change songs, check the volume or time left) am I now going to walk down the street watching too? Or take it somewhere to show someone a show? Stick a bud in your ear and listen to this tv show. The iPod hasnt been a real "sharing" device.
I do have to admit that it is an awesome new design and price for a hdd based iPod. Don't get me wrong.
iMac G5. I was going to buy one to take back to school with me this year...but I had a hunch things were going to change fast with this system. It is beautiful, and really all anyone needs out of a computer. Now it really is all you need. That remote? Ingeneous, especially the remote menu system. Just as the iMac was marketed towards ipod owners, now it is a HUGE iPod.
New iPod. Not totally excited about this. As much as I look at my iPod screen (ok, to change songs, check the volume or time left) am I now going to walk down the street watching too? Or take it somewhere to show someone a show? Stick a bud in your ear and listen to this tv show. The iPod hasnt been a real "sharing" device.
I do have to admit that it is an awesome new design and price for a hdd based iPod. Don't get me wrong.
Microsoft?
Ok, this is serious...
Microsoft makes software that somehow everyone has adopted as THE standard. As the "the computer" runs windows and you NEED Office to be compatible. However, everyone also assumes that computers always crash, always get viruses and are always afraid of something bad happening and killing all running applications. This assumption is one of the most depressing things about people, they continually pay for and deal with total mediocrity.
What started this stream is I use a Mac, and for some reason or another (compatibility) chose to use Microsoft Office. Most files I turn in for school must be in this format...bla bla bla, should be using OpenOffice.org. Anyway, the only program that regularly kills on my iBook is any part of Office (safari gets killed by web apps at times, but usually not a huge problem, it is not a content creation app). I don't know what Microsoft expects of their products, or customers. Hopefully in the next few years, there will be enough free and open software that is actually maintained by people who care (people who use the software) and get rid of this crap hole that Microsoft has started. Back to retyping some bs...
Microsoft makes software that somehow everyone has adopted as THE standard. As the "the computer" runs windows and you NEED Office to be compatible. However, everyone also assumes that computers always crash, always get viruses and are always afraid of something bad happening and killing all running applications. This assumption is one of the most depressing things about people, they continually pay for and deal with total mediocrity.
What started this stream is I use a Mac, and for some reason or another (compatibility) chose to use Microsoft Office. Most files I turn in for school must be in this format...bla bla bla, should be using OpenOffice.org. Anyway, the only program that regularly kills on my iBook is any part of Office (safari gets killed by web apps at times, but usually not a huge problem, it is not a content creation app). I don't know what Microsoft expects of their products, or customers. Hopefully in the next few years, there will be enough free and open software that is actually maintained by people who care (people who use the software) and get rid of this crap hole that Microsoft has started. Back to retyping some bs...
Tiger Kills HDDs?
My first rant begins...
Has anyone had hdd trouble after upgrading from Panther to Tiger? In my case, I use an iBook G4 800MHz. Upgraded from Panther when Tiger launched, and my hdd died at the end of July. In just 2 months my hdd was dead. Now this may just be a coincidence...my mac was 1.5 years old, and being a laptop it was moved around a lot. But seriously, is 1.5 years a normal life expectancy for a mobile hdd, or did Tiger kill it? I have been running Tiger on the replacement hdd (thank you applecare, paid for itself here) since the end of July, no problems, everything has been great. The real kicker is that my girlfriend may be encountering the same problem...she upgraded from panther nearly 2 months ago, on her iBook G4 1GHz. She is starting to hear the same hdd noises that I heard in the weeks before failure...
Pray for the best, or is Tiger killing?
Has anyone had hdd trouble after upgrading from Panther to Tiger? In my case, I use an iBook G4 800MHz. Upgraded from Panther when Tiger launched, and my hdd died at the end of July. In just 2 months my hdd was dead. Now this may just be a coincidence...my mac was 1.5 years old, and being a laptop it was moved around a lot. But seriously, is 1.5 years a normal life expectancy for a mobile hdd, or did Tiger kill it? I have been running Tiger on the replacement hdd (thank you applecare, paid for itself here) since the end of July, no problems, everything has been great. The real kicker is that my girlfriend may be encountering the same problem...she upgraded from panther nearly 2 months ago, on her iBook G4 1GHz. She is starting to hear the same hdd noises that I heard in the weeks before failure...
Pray for the best, or is Tiger killing?
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
My Dad has taken an assignment in China for 6 months starting sometime after the holidays. This is a very exciting time for him, and for the family. I am starting this blog to document his journey, and hopefully to get him started when he gets there. In addition, this will be my outlet for opinions on tech, music I am currently listening to/making and some of my reflections on current world events.
I know I know, I will have more news or a rant soon, and hopefully it inspires thought more than offends.
I know I know, I will have more news or a rant soon, and hopefully it inspires thought more than offends.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
