Apple's New Ipod Shuffle

Hey all, it's been a really long time since I've posted anything. Mainly because my life hasn't changed in a big way lately. Just work and school is all that's going on.


A few weeks ago, Apple came out with the new ipod Shuffle. This time, there are no buttons and it talks to you, meaning you can have playlists rather than just a library of all your songs. The only buttons are located on the headphones. There are only 3 buttons on them. It's insane.

The Shuffle turns out to be almost half as big as it's predecessor. I got to see what the headphones looked like taken apart, and it is super super small... and that brought up a question: Why couldn't they put the buttons on the ipod, making it less than a millimeter thicker? Because the bad thing about the headphones having the buttons, the ipod is completely useless without the headphones! If you lose them, break them, or anything, you have to get a 30 dollar pair. And they are already proven to be pretty cheap headphones (though I like them).


It's even rumored that the Shuffle has a chip that makes it impossible to make third-party headphones for them. Which sucks, and really doesn't seem like Apple at all.


Despite all this, I love the idea of the voice over, which enables users to have playlists. Before, that had been the only thing I disliked about the Shuffles. It really opens up a new step in technology. But the reactions I've heard about the voice over makes me think people aren't ready for that kind of technology. Which brings something compltely different. It seems as people have kind of flat-lined when it comes to liking new technology. People STILL want physical keyboards on the iphone, don't like the voice-over, and I know many people who hate such sites like Twitter, which are simple ways to keep people updated. Very interesting and I might expand on that later.


Anyway. As far as the ipod goes, I think it's a great idea, the buttons should just stay on the actual ipod. I don't think it's as big of a deal as people make it though. For the record I wouldn't get one, but they are nice.

MacWorld Expo- ¿Donde esta Steve Jobs?

Not impressed. Actually scratch that- more like disappointed. I was hoping for a new Mac Mini, iPods, or something. All they really did was change the battery in the Macbook Pro and get an update for iLife, and iWork. 

So now the Macbook Pro battery lasts 8 hours and can have more charges in its life than any other battery. That is very impressive. It's greener too, and does not add any weight! The thing I am skeptical about though is that they got 40% more room for the battery by taking away the stuff that makes it removable. Now it's just in your computer, and you can't take it out yourself to replace it. Well, it'd be a challenge. Other than that, great. Saves energy, and still the same weight. That is definitely ground breaking. 

And iLife. Finally it sounds like the brought back the effects to iMovie. Our last version had nothing but time editing and titles. I was so pissed about that that I downloaded a fake version of the old iMovie that worked even better than the real thing had in past OS generations. I guess it was to get more people buying the Final Cut Pro which soo much, that it is only worth it if you are actually making movies. So I am glad that's back.

iWork. Now it's like Google Docs I have heard. Still haven't read into it, but it sounds like it's going to the Cloud. Pretty cool, but I wonder if you can still hardcopy your work to the physical hard drive.

And where is our new Mac Mini? I was hoping for a cheaper version, or a larger hard drive version.  And there were also hot rumors about a laptop series that was way more affordable. Unlikely, knowing Apple, but really, that would buy in a lot more people. All my friends that don't have Macs say it's because they are so expensive.--- Expensive, but worth the quality.

And since I lost my iPod on the slopes of White Pass, I was really really hoping that they would have a little iPod update for the Shuffle or Nano. I need one to get me through to next October when my Verizon contract is up and I can buy an iPhone.

Lately. The WWWeb.

I am bummed because I have had many many really good blog ideas lately that jump through my head, but I never get to writing them down or actually blogging them.

But yesterday I was browsing the Economist.com Opinion pages, and it was talking about Net-Geners compared to Millennials. It talked about how the older generations see us Net-Geners- or Facebookers- as narcissistic, spoiled, and lazy. 

Granted, I do agree that a load of my generation are as described. I am actually a little nervous when we grow up and are controlling the government, education, and so on. The author says that, since we have grown up with computers we are better at utilizing the information that can be found on the web, and that we yearn for knowledge. In general claiming that we will be the new successful "managers" or boss when we are grown up.

I think both sides are extreme exceptions. Many of my generation just smoke pot and want everything to come to them. Sure they may use a computer to entertain themselves, but that doesn't mean they seek knowledge from online sources or are striving for a job in computer tech.

I'm not sure where I'm going with this. I feel like the article did not finish well. It felt like a statement now that I scanned it again.

On the same subject though, I do think it is important that Millennials embrace computer technology. I can't express how frustrating it is when I hear a parent tell a friend of mine to get off the computer because he's spent enough time on it for one day. Sure- we all need exercise- but computers no longer keep you from talking with friends and family. Everyone in my Mom's side of the family has a Facebook, and we chat and playfully bicker more than ever.  Phones- hmm, well I never cared for communicating on them much. Unless you need to be one-on-one, there is no point. If it is a matter that concerns your entire family, send out a bulk message on Facebook, and then everyone can basically start a discussion board on that email. And if that's not enough, get on iChat (okay, OR aim, igoogle, etc.) and do a group video/audio chat. It's cheaper than talking on the phone! Well basically you don't pay at all besides WiFi fees.

If it weren't for Facebook, I wouldn't be talking to my family at all besides for trips we take to actually go see them. The book is indeed, flat because of the internet, outsourcing, etc. I believe it is going to help our economy and way of life in a big way for my generation, if not older geners that embrace it.

The internet, is not evil, much less computers. Sure, get some exercise. But really, don't see it as being stuck in a hole with no social life. Embrace the fact that it creates jobs, flattening communications, and is a source of knowledge.

Technically a Year, Sort of 11 Months.

So I believe it was this week last year that I broke up with my last girlfriend. And the girl that I "dated" for a week in February doesn't really count. So I've basically been single for an entire year. There are pros and cons to this of course, but I think it's mostly a positive. I have had this entire year to mature and understand what was so incredibly wrong with my last two relationships. Earlier this year I wrote about how high school relationships are bound to be dysfunctional, and just create more drama than is needed. I still strongly go by that, but at times I've felt like saying 'screw being single, I'll ask her out and if it doesn't go well, oh well.' But I've fought that urge to "test the waters" with dating-- not worth it.

This year has proved to be the most fun with friends. We all have our licenses and more freedoms, we've hung out way more than before. Becoming older is awesome, and having the time to chill with friends his awesome, without the crutch of having a girlfriend that may not like doing exactly what my friends and I enjoy.

So here's to my single life- anniversary! Haha.

To Serve.

After watching Black Hawk Down again, I can't express my gratitude to all our past, present, and future soldiers. No matter what they are there for us. No matter how trivial the mission is, they do it. They are why we are free. If noone sacrificed their lives for the country, we wouldn't have a country. And as someone who has considered joining the army before, I recognize that choosing to serve really does effect how your life will go: if you will have a spouse, kids, or if you do, if you'll live to see them again. Any man who would risk not seeing his loved ones' faces again for millions of people that he doesn't know is a man I have unwavering respect for.
This movie also reminds me of the bitterness I feel towards President Bill Clinton. He pulled out of Mogadishu after Black Hawk Down, defeated, making the deaths of that day completely in vain. I respect him as a president, but in many ways I was appalled at the applause he got at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. I don't care if he was the last democratic president and they all love democrats, it's what he did! It's like how most people would have felt about Bush if he had pulled out of Iraq four years ago. I think it would have made the soldier's sacrifices in vain.
This past year I have begun to understand what our soldiers have done for this nation, and I can't stop feeling thankful for them. Our politicians may be awful, but they are unwavering; always there. I feel one day, if our country is in a major war, I may join their ranks. At the moment I don't think it is what God wants me to do, but it may be one day. I would be proud to stand along others who are willing to die for other's freedom. To fight for the people, not the president. They are strong, admirably so.
If you are reading this, please; give a moment of silence for the following soldiers, and the past, present, and future soldiers. My respect and eternal debt is with them.
Gary Gordon
Randy Shughart
Daniel Busch
Earl Fillmore
Matt Rierson
Tim Martin
Jamie Smith
James Cavaco
Casey Joyce
Richard Kowalewski
Dominick Pilla
Lorenzo Ruiz
William Cleveland
Thomas Field
Clifton Wolcott
Donovan Briley
Cornell Houston
James Martin
18. All died in Battle of Mogadishu.

C.Atheist.T.

So apparently in Olympia Washington a group of Atheists decided to put up a "sign" right next to a nativity scene. It talked about the "real reason" for the season and about there being no holy beings. And this got me thinking.

What's up with atheists? I have you noticed most of them are cynical people who don't conform to society or people around them? They always are alone but they say the prefer it to "making myself look like an idiot". I watch this guy on youtube who keeps telling his viewers how he doesn't "give a damn" about what others think, hence his bad hair days, etc. Many small things like this seem very typical in atheists. I have an atheist friend. If all my other friends think something I say was hilarious he probably won't laugh. And when the others don't laugh he does. I find it very interesting.

Not only do they seem cynical, but hugely arrogant. Atheists always seem to be the ones bragging that they are not going to vote because our government is so screwed up, or saying how most people's humor is pathetic unless it is just as cynical as say... Dr. House from tv. They can't conform to anything no matter what it is. 

To not believe in a god is inhuman. We were programmed to look up to something. Explain to me why tribes that have never experienced a modern human because they are so deep in Africa still have their own forms of angels, demons, etc. Every culture has a god they look up to and explain the beginning of time, the sun, etc.

Tell me how that psychological programming cannot prove there is a god out there. I have my own religious beliefs, but any god.

My point of this was not to point out how weird atheists are, but to point out how psychology common sense proves them wrong to a certain extent. Many atheists I know have not grown up in a solid family... Just saying their life experiences in comparison with their beliefs and attitudes are very interesting.

Oh, and don't get offended I'm sure there might be an exception to my Cynical Atheist Theory. Whether you're the exception or not, it is interesting that there are many many atheists like I've described-- that are completely open about it.

I welcome comments about your opinion, just be mature.

Turkey Time!

Baby Nora, Julie and Brian came down for Thanksgiving! Nora is now 14 months old! She calls Brian dada and Julie mama! It's adorable! She ran around shirtless for quite some time with a giant turkey balloon clipped to her pants! Good Thanksgiving so far!

Sneaking Food Into a Movie

Wednesday is Thanksgiving Eve. Our youth group has a tradition of going to a children's movie and sneak in as much food as possible. We take over the theater- I mean who would be there on a holiday night? A few times people have sneaked turkeys in. I've gotten bottles of sparkling cider.

I have googled ideas for hiding things, but I need more ideas. Leave me a comment with your ideas.

 

And let me know if you'd like to go to this as well.

Posted by email from John's Posterous

I Challenge All Phone Manufacturers...

Motorolla, Blackberry, Samsung, all you guys who make phones, I have a challenge for you. The iPhone is inarguably the best phone out there. No question. It has kicked all your guys' butts. Many of you have made touch screen phones that don't compare, but look freakishly like the iPhone. Now it's time for something new.

I challenge you all to create a phone that is better than the iPhone and not a touch screen! I think this could get interesting.

Some Sad News About My Favorite Music

Metal may actually be bad for your heart, studies show.

Man, could anything be more depressing? Well apparently Metal is. It is shown that the "stressful" music decreases blood flow to the heart, and "happy" increases. I definitely and skeptical because what are the chances they tested this on someone who likes metal? Is it still sub-consciously stressful?

Don't ban unhealthy music! Haha.

Here is a "'metal' art" drawing I did once. [Bereft of Reason] Haha.