HNY :: MMVI

A Happy, Healthy, Safe & Prosperous New Year!!

Guy Kawasaki, Blogger

Mac evangelist Guy Kawasaki (finally) joins the blogging age with "Let the Good Times Roll."

TekServe Offers A Free Seminar on VODcasting

From the ever resourceful Bernie comes word of TekServe's upcoming free seminar--

How to VODcast, the ins and outs of Video Podcasting

Who Should Attend:
Video bloggers, musicians, news programs, filmmakers, artists and anyone interested in learning about VODcasting.

Location:

Tekserve
Seminar Room
119 West 23rd Street
New York, NY 10011

Register Now: Tuesday, January 10, 2006, 5:30 pm

Also check out other upcoming seminars.

Pre-Release Blunder -OR- Shot Across the Digital Bow?

I know some members of the BlogFam think my blog is often a publicity dump for Apple. Well get ready for Mac hysteria with Macworld San Francisco just six days away!!

The web (and not just Mac fanboys and Macheads like me) has been abuzz with reports of an unintentional display of an update to Apple's iLife digital suite and a new program dubbed iWeb:

Apple May Be Readying iLife Update

...A support page for Apple's Garageband music program made reference to both iLife '06 and iWeb, but offered scant details. The current version of iLife, released last year, is iLife '05. Apple does not have a product called iWeb, but it does have its .Mac Internet subscription service as well as its Safari Web browser.

I'm of the mind that Apple may have leaked a peak to deflect a bit of attention from the Consumer Electronics Show. I believe this is especially true considering a certain someone was delivering the keynote at the start of CES 2006.

This has lead to even more rampant speculation about upcoming software and hardware updates and introductions.

MWSF 2006 Predictions

With just about 15 hours to go before Stever Jobs' keynote at Macworld San Francisco, I offer my humble predictions about hardware and software updates and introductions.

A. Mac Mini

The Obvious
- The introduction of Intel processors
- Faster, with the low-end version ~1.67GHz and the top-of-the-line (Super Drive) version with at least 2GHz
- Hard Drive capacity of 80 - 120GB
- Installed memory goes up to 1GB, with probably up to 2GB build-to-order options (at least for top-of-the-line version)

The Goodies
- The top-of-the-line (Super Drive) version will now sport dual-layer DVD authoring
- iLife ’06 with updates iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, GarageBand (probably not iTunes just yet), and the introduction of iWeb
- Built-in AirPort Extreme and internal Bluetooth across the line
- Front Row and Photo Booth ain't just for the iMac anymore

The Maybes
- Mac mini becomes a media center with additional software introductions that makes it a living room must-have for the entire family
- Slightly smaller and different (rounded?) form factor that allows it to sit on top of the TV or a home entertainment shelf nearly out of sight

The Hell Freezes Over Department
- Different colors or case materials: just leave a good thing along!
- DVR capability: What, and cannibalize video downloads?!

B. iBook

The Obvious
- The introduction of Intel processors that make these babies zoom; of course, given the troubled history of Mac portables, this has to be there if Intel processors are Mac-ready
- Introduction of ~13.5" form factor

The Goodies
- Front Row and Photo Booth ain't just for the iMac anymore (if the Mac mini gets it, I'm sure ALL hardware announcements gets it)
- Larger Hard Drives on-par with its PC counterparts *fingers crossed*
- Super Drives across the board for all sizes, which necessitates,
- Two Firewire ports, correcting a long-time and glaring mistake on Apple's part
- Built-in AirPort Extreme and internal Bluetooth across the line

The Hell Freezes Over Department
- iSights included like the latest iMac
- Price drop or even parity with current iBooks

C. iPod Shuffle

Minor updates which includes: smaller form factor, probably lower prices (~ $20), and likely the introduction of a black version a la the Nano; I seriously doubt multiple colors, a one-line display (it wouldn't be a Shuffle dammit!!) and Apple dropping the smaller version. Kids and portable audiophobes love the 512MB Shuffle.

D. iMac

No major updates at all with the pretty recent iSight-capable, Front Row-introduced iMac. Possibly a modest speed bump. I don't expect Intel processors just yet.

F. iPod

With the even more recent introduction of the 5G iPod, I don't expect any updates. If iTunes is updated, that will be just about it. Possibly a firmware update for some minor software introductions just for the iPod

G. Power Macs

Wait till MWDC this summer. The consumer lines will be the testing ground for the introduction of Intel Processors. Developers will go berserk if Jobs even hints at across-the-line Intel introductions.

Possible Disappointments

I. Powerbooks

See above regarding Power Macs. Consumers are ready, professionals need the longer lead times to prepare for the Intel conversion. Of course, investors, analyst and your typical Apple fan boy will cry, moan, pull out his hair and see this as a major blow. "But all the rumors promised Intel Power Books!! Wah!!!"

II. Mac Mini

The update isn't as big as I predicted. Larger hard drives, Super Drives across-the-line and Photo Booth on some systems won't be enough. Not even for me. I expect at least my above predictions to be true.

III. iWorks

Everyone expects "Pages," Apple's spreadsheet program, to be introduced. If nothing else is announced, it's a blow with AppleWorks barely lingering. When is Steve going to take this pathetic thang to the barn and pull the trigger! Pages won't make this a viable suite. Jobs needs to include at least mail.app (and iWeb?) integration.

IV. Wild Cards

Who knows. I'd be blown away with Intel processors in PowerBooks and anything else besides the Mac mini and iBooks. With Apple's history, expect the unexpected. Software introductions and a hardware zinger is not out Jobs' realm either.

I'll grade my expectations and report on MWSF 06 tomorrow night after I've had ample time to digest the keynote and public reaction. I'll be glued to Mac Rumors, Appleinsider, The Mac Observer and probably Think Secret all afternoon beforehand.

MWSF 06 Report Card

See Apple Insider for all the details. Especially since they were the one Apple/Mac rumors/news site with the most accurate predictions.

***Refer to my previous post for my MacWorld San Francisco 2006 predictions.

A. Mac Mini - Score = F

Completely off. Left untouched with no hint that there'll be an update anytime soon. Indeed, I suspect that the next non-speedbump update won't happen till after this summer's MWDC.

B. iBook - Score = F

Not one change. Possible update before MWDC inline with the new PowerBook replacement, MacBook Pro

C. iPod Shuffle - Score = F

No change in sight. I guess Apple is leaving a good thing alone.

D. iMac - Score = F

Far from leaving this stalwart alone, Apple has made this a must-have for us MacHeads in need of hardware updates. I have to seriously consider this instead of a Mac mini (unless it gets updated within the next 4 - 6 weeks).

F. iPod - Score = A+

No change. And no, the remote doesn't count.

G. Power Macs- Score = A+

It looks like MWDC 2006 will see the Power Macs (or whatever they'll be called if the new MacBook Pro is any indication) updated similar to today's announcements.

I. Powerbooks- Score = D

Although I said no updates, the MacBook Pro is an introduction with the new software, updated software and pretty much unique form factor. But it is the professional line of portables getting the Intel processors, which I didn't foresee at all.

II. Mac Mini- Score = Incomplete, already covered by A. above

III. iWorks- Score = B-

Udated, but no true stand-alone spreadsheet program and iWeb is part of the iLife update.

IV. Wild Cards- Score = No letter, just extra credit for suggesting some possible surprises. The pro update (MacBook Pro), the iPod Radio Remote and iMac update are phenomenal.

With this pathetic report card, I probably won't even attempt this for MacWorld Developer's Conference 2006!!

Introducing the iMac

I'd been a Mac user and enthusiast for just under a decade. I would talk up the virtues of leaving the Windows-based PeeCee world every chance I got. But the biggest help with that came this date in Apple history:

Apple Matters | January 14, 1999: Bondo, er Bondi... Whatever, People Love It

The original iMac was kind of a make or break proposition for Apple. The company had only recently returned to profitability but was offering very little to get consumers truly excited. Then Apple unveiled the gumdrop shaped original iMac.

Listen to the complete entry as a podcast. Apple Matters will continue this Apple history section for an entire. I hope it becomes a permanent feature.

Her Three Sons

File0006, originally uploaded by ronntaylor

My maternal uncle Ernest sent me scans of some recently found family photos. Here my Grandmother Lucille poses with my three uncles: Ronald (who I'm named after), Ernest himself and Ralph.

An Evening with Walter Mosley and Harry Belafonte

I know this gives me than enough time beforehand, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to make it. VIA one of the listserves I belong to:

Conversations with The Nation: An Evening with Walter Mosley and Harry Belafonte

Conversations with The Nation is a continuing series featuring authors, activists and others from The Nation community. The spring 2006 season begins with award-winning novelist Walter Mosley and legendary singer and humanitarian Harry Belafonte. Their wide-ranging conversation focuses on American culture and politics and will consider this nation's ongoing struggle against injustice, exploitation, and racism. They also explore the challenges posed by globalization, and ask what more can be done to fight poverty in Africa. A book-signing follows the conversation. Co-sponsored by The New School and The Nation Institute.

Inverted Screen Capture

Inverted Screen Capture, originally uploaded by ronntaylor

I haven't used Capture & Grab since my first iMac. Inspired by flickRer _kevin/Kevin Chung.

Contacts Capture

Contacts Capture, originally uploaded by ronntaylor

A varied bunch, it's enjoyable to see the diversity and randomness of some of my "contacts." *** Warning: Adult Content via some of the links at Flickr. ;-)

Pixar To Be Bought By Disney

After several days of rumors -- with many Mac addicts and MacHeads decrying such a move -- Pixar will become a Disney property. From CNET reports on Business Week's online story:

Biz Week: Disney board OKs Pixar deal by Ina Fried

On its Web site, the magazine said that Pixar CEO (and Apple Computer chief) Steve Jobs could take a seat on the Disney board. The magazine's sources said that Pixar's board still needed to give its approval for the deal.

Since Apple (and Pixar) CEO Steve Jobs will become the largest Disney shareholder -- if figures are correct, he'll control anywhere from just over 6% to a bit under 8% of the conglomerate -- he would/should become the CEO of Disney or the Chairman of the Board of Directors. If this story is correct, he'll simply be given a seat on the Board. I think it's the most appropriate action. I can't imagine Jobs deflecting any attention from Apple. Hell, I'm surprised he didn't work out a sale of Pixar much sooner. And those advocating CEO/Chairman Jobs for Disney forget one fact: he is/was an absentee owner of Pixar. And to great effect. John Lasseter was the defacto brains behind the studio. I just wonder what he'll do now. Of course, I'm guessing his stock options have made him a much, much richer man with this news so Jobs can continue to get all the glory and credit, Lasseter will stay content.

And speaking of content, one can only imagine what will be coming Apple's way. Movies, long and short, including animated and non-animated; content from TV properties ABC-TV and Disney's cable channels above and beyong "Desparate Housewives,' "Lost," and the ESPNs; and my favorite possibility The History Channel! Really, the possibilities are endless.

Happy 22nd Birthday Macintosh

With today's big announcement of Pixar's purchase by Disney (and at least ten new videos from the same already on the iTMS) and today being the 22nd anniversary of the Macintosh, I offer the original Mac commercial that aired on this date in 1984.

( video link taken down. check back April 1st for the 30th Anniversary of Apple Computer when I'll briefly post it again )

Waiting For February 1st

For Black History Month? Hell no!! I've been waiting to devour Diary of A Lost Girl: The Autobiography Of Kola Boof for weeks now. It's only a matter of days, although I don't plan to read it till I have the absolute time necesary to devote to it.

Oprah, The BS Queen

I think I've already talked this issue to death. Both in private emails and a couple of listserves. But the NY Times ran yet another Op-Ed on the Oprah-Frey mess:

How Oprahness Trumped Truthiness - New York Times

FOOL millions, make millions. Fool Oprah, lord help you.

She did not stop there, going on to lecture Nan A. Talese, the head of Doubleday, about the need for the book industry to be more careful in choosing what to stand behind — good advice, from someone who should know. Her show was a tutorial in how to take responsibility and deflect it to others at the same time; by the end, the truth and Ms. Winfrey were aggrieved in equal measure.

Very early on, J. Bernard Jones provided a dead-on, level- and clear-headed counter-point to all the fawning others have heaped Oprah's way.

Below is my response cut-N-pasted from one of the listserves (warning: it may not be too coherent because several other responses are referenced. I'm just too lazy to edit this)--

I believe Mr. Jones had the perfect reply on Oprah's shitty state... I guess I feel the same: she's been on a terrible streak of meanness these past several months. The Frey Affair is the most recent -- and obviously most horrendous -- manifestation of that evil nature of late. I only saw the last ten minutes of the Plummer/McMillan episode, but it was more than enough for me to see Oprah has a problem with gay/MSM men of color. Does it have anything to do with Stedman? I won't go there. I do know she's smelling her shit and wrongly recognizes the scent of Chanel No. 5.

The LKL phone call was her feeble attempt to control the budding outrage caused by the relevations of The Smoking Gun. I actually think had she not called in, the scandal wouldn't have been so big and at the very least, not really involved her and the show as co-conspirators. As much power as she has in the eyes (and wallets!) of the TV watching public, she should have known better than to take anyone's word on their book.

One of the many reasons she briefly stopped her book club was because of all the pressure of her choices and because publishers were trying anything to get her to choose their book. Why do you think she's chosen so many "classic" books since her return? Couple that with credible proof that she was informed of Frey's deception and again, she is just as guilty as Frey and the publisher. In all honesty, I think Frey is the least at fault. Yes, I know that doesn't sound congruous with my above statements. He did turn in the manuscript with an eye towards publishing it as fiction -- if some circles are to be believed. And the publsher definitely knew that there were wild exaggerations and total fiction in his "memoir." Sometimes a single Senior Editor can almost green-light a manuscript. Rarely, however, will a book pass muster without the eagle-eyed scrutiny of fact-checkers and Managing Editors, no matter how powerful, nor respected the editor. That includes Talese, IMHO.

I expect Oprah's next several picks to be other "classic" books (ie. the current selection of Wiesel's "The Night," a book written in the 60s and vetted by a tremendous amount of documented history -- written, oral and even videotaped. Those Nazi bastards were egoists at heart).

Unfortunately, the public has a short attention span and Oprah will
escape without a scratch. I don't want her hurt, just to come back to
reality. Yes Oprah, you're shit does stink.

Krazy Soul*

Not that I'll be there... work, laziness and being broke will see me simply waiting for the release of this next CD, "A Brighter Day."

* Kevin So's Xanga/update blog.