6 Jun 2012

Venus Transit 2012 - Great Video

15 Oct 2011

Could Apple's Siri Replace Ford Sync?

It just dawned on me that Apple's Siri could trump a system like Ford's Sync system. If voice recognition in a phone is growing in it's capabilities why would one want to pay extra to have it built into their car when they could carry it around all the time?

I am always afraid to buy options like high end audio/gps head units. I am of an age when we used to replace head units after a few years either to gain capabilities or because the OEM unit broke. Seems we are approaching a day when all we need is an interface to the phone. I still think a radio is a good thing as I live in a major metro area and traffic and weather info can change by the minute and you don't have to fuss with which app to use or the like. But, I digress.

If we just had a radio head unit/amp/bluetooth/usb thing in our car you could forget the complex GPS or crazy interfaces these OEM folks give us. Perhaps this won't happen tomorrow, but I can hope for a day when I can dock my iPhone or Android phone IN THE DASH and let it do the heavy lifting.

Siri? Give me directions to the Apple store.
6 Oct 2011

Steve Jobs

Like most folks on the Internet I felt compelled to post some thoughts on the passing of Steve Jobs. The majority of us never met or really knew Steve but we would like to think he represented us in the halls of Apple. 

The Mac was invented to be the computer for the people and even though it had a high price, the capabilities it provided me and many others was invaluable. I first saw a Mac in college and felt from that day forward this computer would be pivotal in the area of typography and desktop publishing. Plus many folks forget the Laserwriter printer was a breakthrough product providing near typeset quality text on plain paper.

The iPod, iPhone, iPad are truly great innovations, but my history with Apple (and indirectly Steve) goes back to the Mac Plus. I was a student at Purdue University and a student of graphic design. I got an ad for the Mac at the student union and took it to my Dad. My father was an early computer adopter and I felt there was a chance he could see the benefit of this device. The funny thing is my Dad saw it as a spreadsheet and number cruncher. I saw it as a cool way to make text and make a brick wall pattern. Whatever the case, we both saw the benefit and my father agreed to purchase the Mac Plus.

I wish I had it back, but I ended up donating it to a school who needed it worse than I. I already had moved on to a newer Mac and felt the old Plus needed a better home and in all honesty it was the best solution. I passed it on and like to think another kid got inspired to do something creative.

With that said, I know there are many stories like this one out there on the net. I just wanted to throw my two cents in and thank Steve and his drive for perfection to give us creative and powerful tools that at their core made our world a little better.

Thanks Steve. Rest in peace.
1 Aug 2011

Adobe Edge

Adobe Edge looks like a good first step for Adobe to get into HTML5 animations. If you are into Flash Animations then this looks like a good transition tool. Worth a look.
 
1 Aug 2011

I am attending Adobe MAX 2011

I am attending AdobeMAX

Great conference. I have attended multiple times since 2002. I highly recommend attending. Hope you can make it.

 

By the way, 2011 will be my 7th MAX. I have been to ...

Orlando - 2002

Anaheim - 2005

Chicago - 2007

San Francisco - 2008

LA - 2009

LA - 2010

 

1 Aug 2011

Virtual Movie Set

Very cool technology here in this video.

18 Jun 2011

In honor of Dad ...

It has been just over a year since I lost my Dad to cancer. He lived a good long life, but I cannot help but think if it were not for that cancer he would still be with us.

If you happen to come across this post, and your father is still among the living, by all means give him a call. I wish I could call mine. Happy Father's Day Dad. I miss you.

28 Jan 2011

Challenger: 25 years ago

CNN: Challenger Disaster Live on CNN

I remember this day like it was yesterday. I was a sophomore in college and had the flu. I was listening to the launch as I was sick. When it happened I sprang out of bed and like many people was glued to the TV rest of the day.

 

18 Jan 2011

Coyote Cobra

Coyote Cobra: Superformance MKIII roadster powered by the Mustang's
5.0L V8 http://tinyurl.com/4rmrc9r
17 Jan 2011

Happy Birthday Steve Earle

Steve Earle - Copperhead Road

Jon Stepro's Space

"A place for my stuff"
- Credit to George Carlin

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