Thursday, June 28, 2007

Back to Paradise

I'm moving back to Durango from Denver (yeah) and that is the reason for the sporadic postings. Hectic to say the least, and I will be back posting in the post-iPhone era (and hopefully post-slumping Yankees era). Should be up and running by Monday, although Durango just started hearing about this internet thing, so it may be a little rough at first. Enjoy all the praise and complaints of the wondrous iPhone, and have a Happy 4th!

Cheers,
Murph

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Hold it No More

Despite the breaking reviews, calling plan prices, and footage of the two losers camping out in front of the 5th Avenue store in NYC for the iPhone; my trusty favorite, LifeHacker shed light today on a very important site that allows users to locate a bathroom wherever they are. Wow. Visit MizPee to find a clean, public bathroom with some provided reading material when you just can't hold it anymore. It is text-messaged based, so you must send your location and MizPee will reply back with a text message with a map to the nearest john. Haven't you ever had to go so bad that you are willing to whip out your phone, load up your mobile browser, fill in a form, wait for a text message to get a list of possible toilets, and then spend a few minutes deciphering the text message to your best choice? Apparently all the good ideas have already been taken on the internet. Very original, but this may only be for the extremely desperate geek who are incapable of making a decision without the assistance of a computer. I hope the VC's did not put too much in this venture, but Mizpee should at least get an A for effort. We all just need some distraction from the phone thing. For this, we must turn to the toilet.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

iPhone Tour

I know the hype on Apple's new iPhone is a bit much, but watch this 25-minute guided tour posted on the Apple website, and it makes it just a little tempting to get one. Whether it works as fluidly on the AT&T network is soon to be discovered, but the iPhone truly looks like an amazing device, that I will probably never be able to afford.


(Click Picture to take tour)

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Pixer for Macs

From CoolOSXapps, there is a handy little application called Pixer, that is simple to use and quite handy for resizing photos (in batch, also). Just drag a group of photos into the pixer icon and a little box pops up asking you for the size you want. There are several shortcuts to the sizing, so no need to worry about determining the right pixel dimensions. For example, drag in just one or as many as you like and enter 50% and Pixer instantly resizes your photos and saves them to the desktop, or wherever you grabbed the photo. If you are in iPhoto, just drag into Pixer, set the size and your done. I find myself wanting small photos for Craigslist uploads, or sending via email, and Pixer gets it done fast. Picasa by Google was my favorite photo programs. Among many great features, you could export to any size, email photos with the choice of what size, and sending to Blogger instantly. iPhoto does great things, but still waiting for the day when Picasa is available on Macs. Picasa does have an Uploader to Picasa Web Albums that integrates with iPhoto, but not the whole enchilada. For now, try Pixer for a quick-fix to shrinking photos one at a time, or in batches.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

SModcast

Because I feel the need to share my interests to a less than 5 reader base, my next suggestion to the masses is subscribing to Kevin Smith's (Clerks, Mallrats, Dogma) podcast, called SModcast. You can get SModcast via iTunes, by doing a quick search. The podcast is hosted by Kevin Smith and his faithful producer, Scott Mosier, who is calmly witty and blends nicely with the off-beat stories rambled on by Kevin for about one hour. The show is much like Seinfeld in that there is usually not much of a topic, but it always manages to keep me laughing and intrigued. Kevin Smith has a great podcast voice and has a smart sense of humor that usually questions the oddities in life, and always comes off as just a regular dude from Jersey. SModcast, as Smith regularly points out, rarely does factual checks on anything, and is 100% opinion, but that is probably why it works. It is real and totally hilarious. When you need some decompression and a little humor, Smodcast will take off the edge. P.S. Do not disregard the subtle music in the background. It always relates to the topic in someway, and clearly it is well thought out.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Fake Steve Plug

This is a pretty funny video from Fake Steve Jobs. What, never heard of Fake Steve? You need to check out this site, it is pretty good. It is a spoof site pretending to be written by Steve Jobs, and it is getting quite the publicity lately. People are trying to guess who Fake Steve really is, with some saying it is really Jobs (I am not in that camp). The site is suspiciously right on with current industry and Apple news, and does have an 'insider' perspective, which makes it plausible that it is someone with close ties to Apple, but my guess it is someone well versed in tech journalism around the Bay area. It is very well written, by the way. There is also a rival site, Fake Steve Ballmer taking the Microsoft side of the story. Pretty clever stuff. Anyway, here is a funny satire on the new Microsoft Surface computer posted on Fake Steve Jobs:

Monday, June 18, 2007

Blurb

BLURB.com is a self-publishing site that looks very interesting and will undoubtedly be a success. Blurb is a place to publish your own book, choose the layout, and have Blurb sell it for you. You set the selling price and Blurb sends you the profits after their cut; just as any publisher would do. The process looks simple and there is a noticeable personality to the site that could be fun for those looking to get their ideas to print. The nice thing is you completely control the formatting, layout, and what you want to put in your book. Blurb does offer professional templates designed by those in the industry. You can make a photobook, publish your blog posts, make a scrapbook, write a novel, promote a podcast...Make one copy for yourself or try to make money selling it through Blurb. The site is also making its way to Flickr, a very popular photo-sharing site, so folks can create their books using Flickr photos. Also, the pricing looks extremely reasonable and users have the choice between soft and hardcover. Check out Blurb, and get your manifesto to print (or at least Junior's first steps).

Saturday, June 16, 2007

YouTube Remixer

From CNET , there is an article on a new web-based editing tool, dubbed Remixer, for videos on YouTube that looks pretty cool. You need to sign-in to YouTube in order to use. It looks like a simple interface to easily edit videos, with drag-n-drop to add text, music, and effects..At a glance, it seems uncomplicated, and I bet the homegrown movie makers will start adding some quality videos, thanks to this new online app, powered by the mighty Adobe. After all, now that YouTube can sync with AppleTV, many folks watching YouTube on their TV will appreciate the quality boost. The editor is similar to the many online photo editors out there, but simply focuses on video-editing. Good concept that will no doubt make many of the YouTubers excited. Just think of the effects that could have been added to the cat playing piano...Here is a screenshot of Remixer:


Friday, June 15, 2007

iPhone Creativity

This is a great 'unofficial' iPhone ad from the website iphonenewyorkcity.com. Apparently this will not air on T.V., but more of an independent creative project from director, Alec Sutherland and producer, Todd DosSantos. Check it out; it is very well done:



Thursday, June 14, 2007

Double Jeopardy

Jason Giambi used steroids back in the day. He admitted it. His 2oo3 grand jury testimony leaked out, in which Giambi admitted to a grand jury that he used steroids between 2001-2003. He addressed the Yankee fans and media with a sincere apology for the fiasco. Although he never used the word steroids in his public apology, he made it clear that he was guilty of using, and he was sorry. Done. Americans are all about giving second chances, and Giambi got one (which is not easy with NY fans). Time to play baseball.

Here's the kicker: in May 2007, Giambi said that steroid use is wrong and that he should have never used them back in the day, and urges the young players not to....In comes the Bill Gates look-a-like, Bud Selig, 'Ah-ha!, Jason Giambi just admitted to doing steroids in the early 2000's." MLB must take action and wreak havoc on Giambi because he said the 'S' word in public. What!? I love baseball as much as anybody, but why does the MLB insist on making a debauchery of itself and the greatest pastime we have. Giambi does not deserve the ridicule and distraction (again) for doing the right thing and being man enough to admit he was wrong. MLB is determined to use anybody to spread the word that they are tough on steroids at anyone's expense. What can they possibly gain by tarnishing Giambi for something he has already paid for? Last I checked, the law still protects citizens from being charged for the same crime twice.


Tuesday, June 12, 2007

No-No

I always give credit when credit is due. So, congrats to Justin Verlander, the 24-year old phenom from the Tigers, pitched a no hitter tonight against the brew-crew from Milwaukee. Verlander (7-2) struck out 12 batters in Detroit's 4-0 win over the Brewers. Verlander was the second to throw a no-hitter in the MLB this year, as Mark Buerhle from the ChiSox did it back in April. With today's dominant hitters (for example, he faced the red-hot Prince Fielder tonight), this is no easy feat. Well done Justin.

Monday, June 11, 2007

Lost , But Not Forgotten

Harold Reynolds is back. Deadspin announced that MLB has hired the ex-ESPN Baseball Tonight broadcaster. Reynolds was released by ESPN a year ago because of sexual harassment complaints. The whole controversy seemed to get swept under the rug, and Harold just seemed to disappear from the spotlight. See the MLB press release here, and apparently Reynolds will commenting day games 5 days a week. I do not know what really happened at ESPN, but since his departure Baseball Tonight has gotten pretty lame in my opinion. I have voiced my thoughts on how terrible I think Joe Morgan is, and I am happy to see the return of a quality sportscaster, who knows baseball. Congrats Harold, and remember, Confucious say: Hands in pocket...

Keynote

Steve Jobs' keynote at the WWDC is this morning, and for many, Santa Claus has nothing on Jobs. What will He give us today that we will not stop talking about until 4 weeks before the next keynote address in January? The power is just unbelievable to me that people cannot wait to hear what surprises are in store. Steve Jobs could tell the world today that his Golden Retriever just had puppies and a new photo album, created in iPhoto of course, is now on the Apple site for the world to see, and it would not matter. He has created a captivated world who understands that Apple will provide useful and fun products that add to the computing experience for all. The developers and high-end folks understand the beauty behind the OS-X, particularly with the new Leopard, which will be showcased and released to developers-only today. The public understands that a new iMac, or iPod, or iAnything, will be the next best thing on the market. Apple has taken marketing to a new life form, and CEO's around the world can be nothing short of envious. Has any company created such buzz in history? The only fault I see to the marketing craze is that consumers often hold out waiting for the next best thing. Should I buy my new Mac now, or wait for Leopard? Should a buy that cool iMac or wait for the brushed metal iMac said to be on the horizon? The cycle of anticipation never ends.

My guess for the next big release: Touch/wide-screen iPods with huge hard drive for the video rental service speculated for the fall. Apple Insider details the negotiations Apple is having with Hollywood for $2.99/month movie rentals on iTunes. The 80GB small screen will not seal the deal for many. We shall find out soon.



Sunday, June 10, 2007

Better Gmail

I must give some props to two of my favorite internet things in celebration of my re-entering the blog-world. First is Gmail, and second, Lifehacker, a great productivity site.

Gmail is by far the handiest email program out there, but many of its cool features are hidden and not so obvious to the average user (particularly those who think Hotmail is still awesome). Thanks to Lifehacker, they are continuously informing their readers of all the tricks, hacks, and tidbits to get the most out of Gmail. For a good starting point of Gmail tricks and tools, start with the monster roundup here.

For Firefox Users (isn't everyone?): Lifehacker has helped develop a great Firefox extension called Better Gmail that has a whole bunch of great Gmail features. It is packed with stuff, so it is easy to get overwhelmed. Adam from Lifehacker made a good video tutorial on supercharging Gmail that I thought was well done.

Get the most out of Gmail, it has a lot to offer.

Saturday, June 09, 2007

Firefox 3 on the Horizon

Firefox 3 is in Alpha mode, which means nothing to average folks like me, however, it does mean that a newer version is on the horizon. Ars Technica has an in-depth review of some of the new features of Firefox 3.0, or Gran Paradiso, and speculates that the beta version (for folks like me) could be out in late summer or September.

I think Firefox is an amazing browser and find new tricks and tools everyday that just make me smile. While over half of internet users still think that the stupid blue e is the only way to get to the internet, Firefox is creeping up in numbers. Microsoft is at 79%, FF 15%, Safari 5%...That may seem like MS is dominating but I think Internet Explorer was in the high 90% not too long ago. Safari will continue to grow because all the old people trying Macs will use Safari like the little blue e. What amazes me is the buzz and excitement that abounds when Apple releases a product (s), or the anticipation for Firefox 3.0. When is the last time anybody gave a rat's arse when a new version of IE came out? Great, IE7 is here and I can't download it because I failed 1 of the 37 verification and validation tests. Yippee.

Do you think Firefox will ever catch up to Internet Explorer? Or, could Safari? Leave a comment and tell me your vote.

Friday, June 08, 2007

Slowly But Surely

Mark my words: the turnaround has begun. After an impressive sweep of the struggling White Sox, the Yankee bats are starting to come alive and Wang and Mussina put on a clinic in Chicago. So did the offense in the late innings of Thursday's 10-3 rout, with A-Rod casually hitting yet another grand slam in the 8th to seal the deal. Despite a near no-no from my least favorite pitcher in baseball, Curt Schilling, the Red Sox have lost 4 out of 5 and will graciously allow the Yanks to start getting in position by the All-Star break. Did I mention that the Rocket will be back on Saturday against the Pirates?

By the way, congratulations to Torre on his 2,000th victory. Also, my final message to sports writers and commentators: the should George fire Torre? speculation must officially stop.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Anything Better Than YouTube?

I love the fact that YouTube is partnering with just about all the major players in the entertainment industry. They recently struck a deal with Warner and EMI to show music videos. In honor of the groundbreaking momentum of a great site that keeps getting better, here is a video collection of one of my favorite artists, Dave Matthews. The first video is a great rendition of Neil Young's Cortez the Killer with the amazing guitarist, Warren Haynes of Allman Brothers fame, live in Central Park. Tip: Once the video starts playing move your cursor over the bottom of the YouTube box to play more Dave videos. Pretty cool feature...Enjoy the show!

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Big Brothers? So What!

The superpowers of Google and Apple have all the tech geeks in a stir this week with the release of Google's 'Street View' on Google Maps, and the unveiling of iTunes Plus (DRM-free) on Apple's iTunes store.

Google Maps now offers a feature called Street View that allows the user to browse down a street (in only major cities, so far) and see actual storefronts, landmarks, people...The footage is so clear that you can see into some apartments, recognize people, and maybe see some things that people would rather not be seen (like slacking off when they should be at work). My opinion: as a regular user of Google Maps to locate directions and find hotels, restaurants in unfamiliar cities, I think it is very cool. You can actually see the building you are looking for and know when you are driving to look for the big red building on the right hand side of the street, etc. People, relax, your information is not that valuable to strangers, and who really cares if you have a cat that sits in front of your window. I can record anybody's license plate just by walking down the street, and I do not need Google Maps to know that you are a slacker. Google is not spying on you (at least in Maps) and suck it up and enjoy a really cool app that willl prove to be very useful to many.
On the Apple front, iTunes Plus is a section of iTunes that sells DRM-free music that the entire world has been begging for since the birth of iTunes. DRM-free music essentially gives the user the ability to do whatever they want with their purchased music and put it on any mp3 player. Previously, Apple was restricted to DRM music which coded each track and made it difficult to use on anything except an iPod. DRM music is still available for $.99 and DRM-free tracks are now $1.29/track. Furthermore, DRM-free music is of higher quality (256 ). The problem people have discovered is that even though it is DRM-free, apparently Apple is encoding personal information such as names, email addresses...on each track that you purchase. So, if someone steals your iPod, someone with a lot of time on their hands can dump your music on their computer, do super-duper hacking tricks on each mp3 file, and know your name. Hell, they can even send you an email to let you know that you have horrible taste in music. Please, my only concern would be that I cannot live without an iPod, and I must fast for the month so I can shell out the $349 for a new video iPod. I would only be thinking about how far behind on my podcasts I'd be while saving for a replacement. Embrace DRM-free music and if you are so paranoid, I have a great turntable for sale.

Bottom line: Google and Apple rule our lives and frankly, I don't care. So long as they keep bringing the goodness of products and fun apps on the web, they could have my soul for all I care.

Sunday, June 03, 2007

iPhone Confirmed


Hold on tight, as the hype is just getting started. It is now official, the much anticipated iPhone will be released on June 29th. The ads hit the T.V. on Sunday night and as usual, they make you want to have one. See all three of the ads here.

Retraction: Only 1 of Us is Returning

Guess Roger couldn't hang with our comeback celebration. Torre confirmed at the yesterday's Yankee/Sox slaughter that Clemens would not be starting in the much anticipated White Sox game on Monday due to a groin injury. Not that I am convinced the Rocket is the key to the Yankees turmoiled season, but I do think he will provide a positive psychological surge to the Bombers. Where is the offense?? The starters are doing their part (bullpen could use some help), but how about some run support? Not panicking yet, as Boston will slip at some point, and when they do, the Yanks need to gain some momentum.

Friday, June 01, 2007

Happy Returns

With a slight difference in salary, I have decided to join the Rocket
by coming out of 'retirement' and will resume posting to The Acoustic Blog.