Halloween Backwards

I guess photo booth is mirrored. In a way that makes sense, but it's also a bit of a pain. Either way, here's my Halloween.

Preview

It looks like I'll be getting a digital camera this weekend, which is when I intend to go all out with my Mac/Digital Camera/Ikea desk coverage. Until then, here's a preview.

I'm Tired

So, I arrived at the Apple Store, about 20 minutes before the re-opening for Leopard. I thought there might be 10 or so people in line, but there was actually 100 or more really nerdy people already in the queue. I felt so much geek pride at that moment. Once the store re-opened at 6pm I was in and out in about 5-10 minutes. I also got a free t-shirt, which is kind of ugly, but it's free.

As far as Leopard goes, to me it feels more like a really nice upgrade than a complete overhaul. I don't think I would have bought it, knowing what I know now, if I had a Mac running Tiger. A lot of upgrades are fantastic, especially being able to look at files without launching an application - it's like leafing through a book. Overall though, if you can't get a discount there's not a huge reason to run out and buy it. Not to mention, you'll be sitting around for 2 hours looking at the progress bar for the install, which is what I did last night. That's all for now. I'll be posting a digital camera review, and probably a further Mac update once I get wireless set-up and start taking pictures with my camera.

It feels really good, and comfortable to be part of the Mac team.

We're Leaving Ground

No, you're not at a homecoming football game, but that unmistakable keyboard riff does mean that it's time to kick some ass. Or more so, it's time to count down until the release of Leopard, which is a mere 23 hours off. If I can steal some wireless, the next post will be from a Mac. Until then, it's the final countdown.

Let Me Know

I'm fairly sure I first heard about Róisín Murphy on Pitchfork. Róisín, pronounced Roy-shin, is from Ireland and was previously the front-woman for electronic group Moloko. Her new record, "Overpowered" features the track "Let Me Know". "Let Me Know" is definately a throw-back to early 90s dance music, but not a carbon-copy, there's a heathly dose of newness. Róisín also has some serious pipes, even if she doesn't flaunt them. The most important part about this track however, is that it is ridiculously danceable. The lyrical theme of not minding too much if a former flame wants some company, isn't too tough to get into either.



The song is pretty easy to find at hypemachine if you feel like downloading it.

Dumbledore Is Gay

This news has most likely spread all over by now, but it's still rather great. This revelation comes straight form J.K. Rowling. Check the BBC for an official write-up.

BBC

Leopard Is Ready to Pounce

It's official, OSX Leopard is being released on October 26th at 6PM, and I've already got a personal shopping appointment set up for that exact date and time. I've already got my mind set of what digital camera and external I'm going to buy too. Woo!!!

Apparently I'll also get a free OSX Leopard T-shirt. I hope they look cool.

Apple Says Windows = Virus

If you head over to the Apple website and type Virus into the search box, the only result that shows up is an entry about Windows.

Potentially Too Convenient

So, Al Gore has won the Nobel Peace Prize along with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Both have done a great deal to raise international consciousness about environmental issues and through their efforts may make the future better for the entire planet. Odds are this award given will just get boiled down to political talking points. The left side of the political spectrum will say it puts winds in their pro-environmental sails and the right side will cremate the beaten dead horse of the "argument" against global warming, which you think would have become embarrassing by now. In the end at least the right side may keep breathlessly preaching about how there's not consensus on the issue as the boat leaves without them. On the other hand the so called progressive left will play to the center and do just enough to forestall criticism. Basically I just wish political figures campaigned on being sensible and doing the right thing, but for now they'll got for the convenient thing and keep dispensing talking points.

More Mac Tips

I've got about two weeks, most likely, until I've got a Macbook with OSX Leopard. So, I've been looking at all the ways to get the most out of a Mac. First, here's just a good shortcut. Press Apple/⌘ + Space to pull up Spotlight and do quick searches of your Mac. If you haven't used Spotlight, it's a great way to instantly find files, programs, settings, and just about anything on your Mac.

Onto a much more useful website I found. The people over at MacRumors, a great Mac News website, have a website with a list of video codecs for the Mac. So, if you've got issues with AVI, Divx, WMV and a host of other video formats, this website has a codec that will let you play those videos. The neat thing is that there are a bunch of codecs that let those files play in Quicktime, so you don't need to download and install new programs that clutter up your Mac. I've never actually used any of these codecs so I'm not sure how fool proof they are, but I would believe if MacRumors is posting it, it's probably problem free. As a matter of act MacRumor says "These are installed into the QuickTime plug-ins folder and usually require little or no setting up."

MacRumors - Video Codecs

Republican Debate In Michigan

Question: How do you solve the economic problems the US is facing?

Answer From Leading Republican Candidates: Have a good attitude, be confident, be optimistic. We can do it! America is awesome.

Have they been reading "The Secret"?

I Know You Can Show Me

This is one of those songs, given the right situation, you would take very seriously and totally jam out to. Or you can just embrace the cheesiness and jam out anyway, without the sadness. The dude has some serious pipes too.

Big Blue Bear

What a cool idea. Created by Lawrence Argent and at located the Colorado Convention Center.

Demotivation

I get the feeling this might be several years old, but it's still hilarious.

The Appendix Might Have A Purpose

A theory as to the purpose of the appendix has been put forward by surgeons and immunologists from Duke University. The theory is that the appendix produces bacteria that aids in digestion. If someone gets a disease like cholera or amoebic dysentery the bacteria that aids in digestion is completely wiped out. Curiously, the appendix is located in a prime location to deliver those bacterias to the digestive system, and might kick in when the tract is clear of it's digestive team. However, in this day and age we pick up bacteria from the huge amount of people we regularly come in contact with, so the appendix is still, practically useless. However people that live in sparsely populated areas typically have a lower rate of appendicitis, so it's worth keeping around at least. At the moment it's still a theory, but it seems "...the most likely" according to Douglas Theobald of Brandeis University.

AP via MSNBC

All Day Holiday

Next Friday Shugo Tokumaru drops a new record, which probably won't come out here for a while. He did happen to post two animated videos for tracks off his new record. This song "Parachute" brings back that warm Shugo glow I'm used to. It's probably the peppiest thing he's written, but it's still sounds like a guy in a bedroom messing around with a bunch of recording gear. This video doesn't make any sense though and currently I'm killing y'all with my rap game.

Finish This Rap

My kitchen ease,
Makin' suckas say please.
Got you on your knees,
With my Mac 'n Cheese.

Keep it food related.