Happy Birthday, Apple! (Continuous Updating)

Let the festivities begin!

It's been 30 years. From a company begun by two college dropouts, it has blossomed into a multi-billion dollar corporation responsible for the most wonderful of technological feats. I'll spare you the public history of Apple and provide a more personal one.

My first mac was a Performa 6360. My dad got it after having problems with DOS and his pc. It was a good machine, but complaints were definitely to be had. After a few years with it, I received a green iMac G3 250mhz for my birthday. I still have it. It was a excellent machine and great for the Apple image. Remember the 5 color iMacs? Whoever designed Apple's most hated gadget - the "hockey puck" mouse should have been slapped. In 2002, I bought the swivelhead iMac G4 800mhz. I went top of the line with it - superdrive and 60gb hard drive. It still functions as my primary computer and music server. In 2004, before heading off on two week tour of Korea, I purchased an iBook 800mhz as a secondary, and sacrificial computer. It was a hell of a deal for just $650. The iBook may be my secondary (due to speed and HD space), but I use it significantly more than the iMac due to school. My next computer will most likely be an Intel Core Duo Mac mini. I have plans to set up a HiFi media center, blowing tons of money on something that will be technologically outdated in only a few years.

Apple has not only blessed me with computers, but gadgets as well. I own a 3rd generation iPod. Few have seen these 15gb wonders. They are the ones with the four buttons on the top - no clickwheel. I love it though. Over the last two years, I have become an audiophile and spent too much money to mention on just a $300 music player. Because (like the hockey puck mouse) Apple failed in its accessories, I had to buy a new set of headphones. The er6i by Etymotic Research are the earphones of choice for me and other spendthrifty audiophiles.

My obsession has also exited the bedroom/office and entered the public arena. A few years ago, I went with my dad to see the "Woz," Steve Wozniac at NKU. The man is amazing. I have sported a green Apple watch (to match my gumdrop iMac), I have a black Apple tshirt, and last Christmas, I received an Apple ballcap which I don't leave home without. The future doesn't look good for a recession of obsession. An Apple tattoo would look mighty fine on my right forearm.

There are a few turning points in Apple's history that really bring back good memories for me - where I just gazed in awe at their magnificence:

Mac OS 8
Mac OS 8.5
Mac OS X (I hated it at first, but now refuse to use OS 9, even to play my
favorite oldschool games.)
The gumdrop iMac (multi-color)
Swivelhead iMac (What other computer can stick it's tongue out at
you?)
3rd Gen. iPod
iPod nano
iTunes
30" Cinema Display
MacBook Pro

Consider browsing the links below to kill some time. Remember, ten years ago, Apple introduced the Twentieth Anniversary Mac ($7,500). What will today's celebration bring? Stay tuned for updates.

Think you're a Mac Genius? Test your skills here. (I got 7/10.)
Here's a good editorial on Apple riding high on iPod fanaticism.
Who are Apple's Heroes and Villains? Find out here. (Sculley is still a villain in my book.)
Some even made birthday cakes!
If Steve leaves Apple, what would happen? Bob Keefe speculates here.
Comics are a great way to brighten up your day. Especially if they involve geekery.
Is Apple headed for world domination? Looks like it.

UPDATE 0030 EST: It looks like there will be no 30th Anniversary iPod or a giant announcement. Back to your spontaneously scheduled blogposts.

Where Has The Patriotism Gone?

Do you remember the flags? Do you remember the streets lined with Old Glory? Do you remember sweaters, clocks, stickers, buttons, hats, shirts, and anything else you could carry, wear, or put on display colored red, white, and blue?

It's hard, but think back. After September 11th, America rallied. We put aside our separate political agendas, our rudeness, and petty squabbles to gather behind Lady Liberty. Manufacturers of flags couldn't meet the demand of consumers. Wal-Mart said they sold more of Old Glory in one week than they had in the five previous years. Citizens of New York City did the unthinkable - they held doors, championed police, and some reports even claim eye contact was made in secluded areas. Uncle Sam finally had a fan base.

What happened? Where did the flag-wavers go? All of the flags, were they properly disposed of? When spring cleaning 2002 came around, was the banner that survived the winter frost no longer worthy of flying over green pastures or multi-family subdivisions?

Spring cleaning 2003 may have been the tipping point for the patriotic. The U.S. invasion of Iraq had rolled snake eyes in the search for weapons of mass destruction and our sons and daughters in arms were dying. The evening news ran the names and hometowns of GI's that brought the cost of war home to John and Jane Doe. Is that when the flags came down? Was that the reason? Did perceivingly poor decisions by America's leader symbolize everything that was America?

Sadly, when the flags fell, the America-bashing rose. Today, using scenes of a waving flag in a political commercial is taboo. Celebrities badmouth not only America, but the flag itself. Four-and-a-half years ago, if you flew the banner from a pickup truck, people would sympathize with those who have given so much for the freedoms we enjoy. Now, if you're caught with one, you're a redneck, or worse yet - a conservative. Where has it all gone? Has the nation decided that it's more appropriate to join the masses of war protesters than wear a "Don't Tread On Me!" shirt?

It seems now, the only way the heart of the good 'ole American spirit can be resuscitated is for thousands more to be slaughtered on our sacred soil. Pessimism doesn't drive this speculation, reality seems to. Whichever side you take in the political circles, it only seems appropriate - nay, dutiful - to wave Old Glory high above the hills so that those who wish to do us great harm will know: You can test our will, but you can never break our American spirit.

Quick Hits Saturday

Saturdays at home are usually one of my three days off. Here in Iraq, it's like any other. Though, I really can't complain. On with the news...

The FBI noticed a bunch of Middle Eastern men were enrolled in a truck-driving school in Missouri where the population of Middle Easterners in the regional area was disproportionate to those enrolled at the school. About 60% attending the school had last name of M.E. origin. C.A.I.R.! A.C.L.U! Where are you?! Hurry up and get on this one! Think of all the civil liberties being infringed upon. It's a goldmine of lawsuits. I wonder if Miss Huffington and Mr. Moore will finally give credit to the enforcement officers that are doing their job to stop another attack. I always expect too much, don't I?

While the U.S. is placing new sanctions on the country of Belarus due to last weekend's "flawed elections," France is getting away with what Apple calls "state-sponsored piracy." I say we hand out sanctions like Jack Bauer hands out ass-whoopings.

Speaking of Jack Bauer, I jumped on the bandwagon of '24' fans last night. I watched three addictive episodes and I'm hooked like Charlie Sheen to hookers 'n blow. I may be one of the last on the Earth to catch the show.

In Hollywood news, Actor Randy Quaid is suing the producers of Brokeback Mountain for giving him the *shaft*. He's claiming he was persuaded to take a pay cut because it was a "low-budget film." Seems like a *low blow,* if you ask me. But, in the end, he may end up with more than his foot in his mouth. (Insert more bad puns here.)

Many people have not heard of the British TV series, Coupling. If you can get your hands on the DVD box set, give it a whirl. It's a funnier English version of Friends.

An Easter bunny display has been banned from the St. Paul City Hall lobby. I really wish I was making this crap up. City Council president, Kathy Lantry said, "As government, we have a different responsibility about advancing the cause of religion, which we are not going to do.'' Public funds (with "In God We Trust" printed on them) were not used to pay for the display featuring a cloth bunny, colored eggs, and a sign reading, "Happy Easter." Perhaps she couldn't recall who her city was named after - Saint Paul of Tarsus. He helped pen the Bible, which some would consider a religious book. I expect Miss Lantry's proposal to change the city's name on my desk by close of business.

Hillary's Hypocrisy

Is Sen. Clinton turning into Howard Dean? It sure seems like it. With every flap at the gums, it makes her and her party seem even crazier. Every time she utters a sentence, it serves as great political ammo for the opposing Right. Take, for instance, yesterday's comment concerning her proposal to block the upcoming immigration bill:

"It is certainly not in keeping with my understanding of the Scriptures. This
bill would literally criminalize the Good Samaritan and probably even Jesus
himself."

Well, let's first look at her stand on immigration I championed her for nearly a year ago:

"I am, you know, adamantly against illegal immigrants. People have to stop
employing illegal immigrants. I mean, come up to Westchester, go to Suffolk and
Nassau Counties, stand in the street corners in Brooklyn or the Bronx (and)
you’re going to see loads of people waiting to get picked up to go do yard work
and construction work and domestic work…"

Wow. Quite a difference. Maybe she found God over the last few months. Well, maybe not:

"If they do that, wear it as a badge of honor, because you know what?There are lots of things that we should be angry and outraged about these days."

Last time I checked, anger was one of the seven deadly sins as listed by Pope Gregory the Great.

Perhaps she's just not catholic and doesn't believe in the 7 Deadlies. Would, maybe even for a moment, the Almighty agree with her vote on partial-birth abortion? *Hint: She voted not to ban it.* Would Christ also agree with her vote for war? Matthew 5:39 reads,

"But I tell you, don't resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also."

She continued with her support of her decision up until last year (when she smelled the White House throne) when she said,

"If Congress had been asked [to authorize the war], based on what we know now,
we never would have agreed."

I'm not sure whether to believe she's a poor Christian or an excellent politician. I am, however, willing to consider both.

Moonbats On Parade

Ah yes. What a better way to spend a weekend than by attending anti-American rallies. For those who couldn't attend, here are some of my favorite pictures:




















Here are more to troll through:

http://www.zombietime.com/global_day_of_action_march_18_2006/
http://wcvarones.blogspot.com/2006/03/san-francisco-war-protest.html#comments
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?o=2&f=/c/a/2006/03/19/BAGNDHQONV1.DTL
http://www.indybay.org/archives/archive_by_id.php?id=4126&category_id=18

Violence

I just got back from an intense workout. Here's the playlist I use for lifting. This is quite different from the one I use for running. Both I set for shuffle.

After the Eulogy - Boy Sets Fire
Let the Bodies Hit the Floor - Drowning Pool
Prepare For War - Hatebreed
Skulls - Misfits
Last Breath - Hatebreed
Liberate - Slipknot
Driven By Suffering - Hatebreed
War? - System of a Down
Kick Some Ass - Stroke 9
Faster Than the World - H2O
War All the Time - Thursday
Die, Die My Darling - Misfits
Jarhead - Story of the Year
Sun Doesn't Rise - Mushroomhead
Wait and Bleed - Slipknot
Dust to Dust - Misfits
Sleep Now In the Fire - Rage Against the Machine
Out of My Way - Seether
Do or Die - Dropkick Murphy's
Burn the Lies - Hatebreed

Quick Hits (Ike Turner Style)

I really could go for a good beer right now. I guess I can wait five-and-a-half months.

First, Current Events...

DailyKos is taking an informal poll of how Howard Dean is running the DNC. 84% of the 14,000 surveyed approve of the way he's doing his job. Wow. I suggest the man stick with his base's ideas. I'm sure that'll turn the White House blue in 2008. Those center votes are all his if he keeps up with the BushLied routine. *Please note the sarcasm* Don't forget Dean supports Code Pink.

Speaking of Code Pink. According to their co-founder, Iran really just needs a nice sit-down dinner at Red Lobster, and, oh, "North Korea has no nuclear weapons."

Let the straw polls begin! DailyKos has theirs. TownHall has theirs. Right now, Russ Feingold and George Allen are leading.

Those who have an appreciation for college professors should check out Mike Adams' new column. I couldn't stop laughing.

Man! God's pissed off again. This time, he's punishing Jews with the bird flu. This guy's got endurance like no other. Over the last year-and-a-half he's been pretty busy with Katrina, the tsunami, and gathering his minions (yes, I said minions) to picket near funerals of fallen servicemen. And to boot, everybody talks to him on his day of rest - Sunday. This guy needs a serious break.

Next, geekery...

So, you have an iPod. Wanna learn how to turn your packaging into a speaker? Of course you don't! But, some bored fool in Japan found a way. For 38 bucks, why not buy two!?

Last night, I knelt down next to my bed and said a prayer. "Oh, lord of the nerds, the great and honorable Steve Jobs. I thank you for everything you have done for the world. I only have one favor. Please put out an iPhone of some sort. You see, for years, I've had to carry around a cell phone, pocket organizer, iPod and wallet. Please free me and others from this excess baggage. Thank you, your Steveness. Amen." Well, the man/god must have heard our prayers. There's a 75% chance an "iPod with phone functions" will be released by the 4th quarter. And who says praying doesn't work!?

Finally, pictures...
Where once a ruthless dictator stood, a new one stands...

Tuesday Quick Hits

Killing time, right now...

Isaac Hayes has quit South Park after being offended by the show's mockery of Scientology. Too bad. I really enjoyed his character and songs. But, if I remember correctly, Hayes didn't have a lick-a-problem poking fun at Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Co-creator Trey Parker said they "never heard a peep out of Isaac in any way until we did Scientology. He wants a different standard for religions other than his own, and to me, that is where intolerance and bigotry begin." I hope the next episode they bang out directly pokes fun at Hayes' decision.

About 700 cartoons have been submitted for an Iranian newspaper's Holocaust contest. My question is, if their policy is "the Holocaust never existed," how can they make fun of it? I won't hold my breath to wait for Jews to start riots, burn down embassies, and murder people.

George Clooney has an interesting read up on the Huffington Post. It's a short read. Check it out.

Bush has finally ordered 48,000 boxes of records and 3,000 hours of audiotapes be released. They were found after the U.S. invasion and many have already found proof Saddam moved his WMD's prior to. Unfortunately, I don't think anyone in the general electorate will care. The administration already backtracked on its claim of WMD's in Iraq.

"France is pushing through a law that would force Apple Computer Inc to open its iTunes online music store and enable consumers to download songs onto devices other than the computer maker's popular iPod player." Leave it to France to infringe on a company's right to regulate their business and product. Steve, if this passes, shut off the service in France.

Amazon.com has a new program called Amazon Prime. Free shipping and they pay for tax. 90 day trial. Can't beat it.

That's all for today. Tomorrow, I get a haircut.

Saturday Quick Hits

I’m really beginning to enjoy these entries.

You really gotta love the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. They’ve done it again. This time, following a Supreme Court ruling the Ten Commandments could NOT be displayed on government property, a banner which read “Bong Hits 4 Jesus” was ruled OK to be displayed by students across from their high school. I got it now, ten rules to guide a moral life - bad. Illegal youthful potsmoking for your savior - good. To boot, the court allowed the student who was suspended for 10 days displaying the banner to seek damages.

Jim Lacey of the Weekly Standard says that the 14 service-members injured and two killed by Sgt. Hassan Akbar’s grenade and M-16 fire prior to the war in 2003 deserve a Purple Heart. This was not friendly fire. Akbar, traitor in arms, had deserted the mission and sided with an enemy of the United States. If you sustain injuries from enemy fire or terrorist attack, you are rightfully deserving of such a prestigious award. It’s been three-and-a-half years, but it’s never too late to write your congressmen.

I’m really looking forward to this season’s Soprano’s. Rumor is it won’t be the last. A new show starts up this season that I think has potential – Big Love. Check out the trailer here.

Boston Catholics are not providing adoption services anymore because Massachusettes requires them to consider gays and lesbians as parents. As much as I detest the close-mindedness of the Church, the State shouldn’t step in to rule over a private agency. Furthermore, Catholics should get with the times and recognize gays and lesbians as normal people, not sinners.

Here’s what will be hanging on my trailer wall soon. Check it out.

Why Hillary Can't Win 2008

Senator Kennedy might as well run. If Democrats were smart, (I’ll let you judge whether they are or not) they would block Hillary’s attempt at becoming the next Commander in Chief. The reasons why she won’t sit in the executive’s seat again are quite convincing.

1. Damage Control is of no importance to Republicans. This will be the main factor in costing Hil the seat. I cite previous races that (sometimes temporarily) have ruined the public image of opponents:
a. John Kerry – Swift Boat Vets, purple hearts, Heinz Ketchup outsourcing.
b. Max Cleland – Television ads featuring Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein pictures spliced in with his.
c. John McCain – Radio ad accusing McCain of being indifferent to funding breast cancer research and questioning his character and conservatism.

Mrs. Clinton has too many skeletons in her closet to count. The GOP will ignore the Whitewater scandal, her husband’s pardoning of friends for cash, and her (perceived) loyalty to her husband for the sake of personal political gain. Those stories are old news and once the headlines have been run, the public doesn’t want to hear it again. The Republican Party will focus on newer affairs and scandals she is involved with. One of which is her link to Jack Abramoff and sweatshop contributions to her PAC. It doesn’t take too much imagination to hear sound-bites of Hillary speaking out against child labor and the “Abramoff Culture of Corruption” followed by an announcer booming, “But, do you trust a senator that takes money from sweatshop operators?” If you thought the GOP brought out the big guns to put the kibosh on Kerry, they’ll use poison-tip scud missiles to annihilate this wounded bunny rabbit.

2. Her ratings are poor. ’08 may be two-and-a-half years out, but it would take nothing short of a John Edwardsian miracle to lift the public’s view of the former White House wife out of the gutter. A Rasmussen Poll taken on March 8th found 29% of those surveyed would “definitely vote for” her and a whopping 40% would “definitely vote against” her. That’s 40%, and she’s not even running against anyone. How would that figure look if Giuliani or McCain was the opponent? This is not to mention the 43% of those polled who view her “unfavorably.”

3. Even Liberals don’t want her to run (and Conservatives beg for it). They’re not all misguided drones – some actually have a vision for the Democratic Party. Arianna Huffington blogs, “[I]n private conversations, a growing number of [Hollywood insiders] say they are determined to find another candidate to support.” In an open letter to madam ex-president, The Tampa Tribune pleads for her to leave the spot open for someone that can “define a party that needs to convince voters it can govern from the vital center.” James Carville “wouldn’t bet the farm” on Hil’s 2008 win.
Despite the utter contempt for the Senator from New York, Conservatives want her to run – only to be crushed by any of three possible opponents, Allen, Giuliani, or McCain. Sean Hannity has expressed on his radio program support for her nomination and primary win, only for the catastrophic defeat brought on by her Republican opponent. Even in jest, many Conservatives have chuckled about how great it would be to see Hillary try and beat anyone other than George Michael.

4. She can’t get votes from the middle. If you thought Kerry looked like a flip-flopper, John and Jane Doe will be bombarded with anti-war/pro-troop rhetoric that will help dig her approval ratings further into the ground. She attempts to look non-partisan, yet strong by meeting with Senators across the aisle, but her voting record places her barely right of Michael Moore.

Unfortunately for the Democratic Party, the “village” that “it takes” isn’t the one that will adopt her as the next President. Fortunately for those with a rational ideology, i.e. the “Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy”, her loss in ’08 will keep the White House red. The hue may change, but red it will stay if Hillary decides she’s worth betting on.

Teen Rallies In Support Of Troops

16-year-old Alexandra McGregor is taking on an honorable task - organizing a "Support Our Troops Day" set to be celebrated March 26th. Detroit Free Press has more:

She hopes will become an annual, national event.

If that seems a distant possibility, consider this: She is already well on her
way to getting just such a resolution passed by Oakland County commissioners,
and the U.S. House Armed Services Committee has approved a measure designating
the day -- at least this year -- "National Support the Troops Day."

While the congressional measure approved Friday now goes before the full House
of Representatives, Alexandra's plan for a local commemoration continues to take
shape.
Plans include a candlelight ceremony at the flagpole and in the
auditorium at Kettering. Participants will observe five minutes of silence to
recognize U.S. troops. And when it's all over, she plans to send video clips of
the event to troops around the world.

And with support of the servicemembers, comes support of our Commander in Chief:

Alexandra's dream is that President George W. Bush or first lady Laura Bush will
attend the ceremony, but she admits that's a long shot.

U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg introduced the resolution. Keep an eye out for those who vote against the proposal.

Going Forth To Do Great Things

::From the airplane flying Germany to Kuwait::

A few hours ago, I awoke from a nap on a concrete floor in Hamburg, Germany to finish my day-long voyage from Ft. Bliss, Texas to Kuwait. From there, I will fly to Baghdad International Airport and begin another voluntary tour for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

So many people have asked why I have volunteered a second deployment. Some even questioned my sanity. I believe the inquisitors are due an answer. As if there are not already 3,051 reasons for my actions, I do have more personal ones. These are not ordered by importance.

I do this for the 13 stripes, a field of blue, and fifty white stars that are velcroed to my right shoulder.

I do this for the preservation of the U.S. Constitution, democracy, freedom, and self-determination.

I do this for the Iraqi people, so that democracy, freedom, and capitalism will continue to grow and thrive.

I do this for Iraqi women, so that one day they will be blessed with equality.

I do this for the nearly 2300 other voluntarily service-members that have given their life for similar reasons.

I do this for soldiers, Marines, sailors, airmen, and coasties that have and currently serve. It is because of them that our nation is so great.

I do this so that those who do not support what I do have the right to express their feelings.

I do this so that, unlike so many other nations, criminal suspects are righted innocence until proven guilty.

I do this for my wife and future family. Absence truly does make the heart grow fonder. The monetary benefits from this deployment will give us the opportunity to buy a house.

I do this with vengeance and hatred toward those who destroy innocent life and stand in the way of freedom.

I do this with pride in my self, leadership, and mission.

If ever there were such a humble task, this is it. It is an honor to serve with such a wonderful voluntary force.

Hot, Dry, & Sandy

I'm currently in Ft. Bliss, Texas, down near El Paso. How about more stuff I find interesting around the web?

A funny man in a bow tie (Tucker Carlson) lashed out at Arianna Huffington about some comments she made about a relationship between his father and Scooter Libby. He calls her a "nasty little propagandist." B-E-A-utiful.

Looking for a new workout? Try Condi's! She is well known for rising early every morning to keep in shape.

Unfortunately for Michael Moore and Cindy Sheehan, one of their "freedom fighters", al Zarqawi's aide, was captured by U.S. forces. Fortunately, for people like her son, this may lead to a capture of the top al Qaeda and less coalition casualties.
TUAW is whining about Jobs' announcement on the 28th. 41% of readers thought it was mediocre and there was a 6% negative difference between those who found it a "huge dissapointment" versus those who read the announcement as "pretty cool." TUAW brought this on themselves. They get the readers all hyped up and feed the rumor mill. When the bus finally comes to town and Sammy Sosa steps off, people complain that it's not Derick Jeter. For those who haven't been following the nerdiness, Apple is trying out the HiFi thing and the Mac mini now comes with the Intel Core Duo.

I've just read that presidential candidate Harry Browne has passed on. This is very sad news for me. He was my first presidential nominee I supported (prior to being of age to vote). Here is where the libertarian stood on the issues. He will be remembered for a man striving to better America.

Malkin and Drudge are up in arms about Leftist high school teachers bashing Bush. Here's what one teacher said to his class:

"Who is probably the single most violent nation on planet Earth?! ... The United States of America! And we're a democracy. Quote-unquote."

Sorry, I'm just not surprised. Maybe if he had compared Bush to Hitler, Conservatives would be more justified in their shock. OH! But he did! Hmph... still not surprised. Please, will a professor out there please shock me? I haven't been taken aback since Ward Churchill of the University of Colorado at Boulder called the victims of 9/11 "little Eichmans."