Biting into the Apple Hype

A supposed leaked image of the rumored Apple Tablet, although consensus is that the image is a fake amongst the internet community

Tomorrow around 9am PST in California, Apple will hold an event which several announcements are being speculated, namely the introduction of a completely new tablet product.  With the tight-lipped secrecy surrounding R&D with the free-thinking company, speculation and theory runs wild in the days leading up to these events, fueled by constant reports on potential directions and an equal number of phony leaks and other misinformation. While the tablet device has been pretty much confirmed (through what they like to call “controlled leaks”), it isn’t like Apple to make only one ground breaking announcement, we are likely to hear numerous changes coming that will affect an even greater market share due to the volume of consumers Apple now has.

As a technology enthusiast (one, who specifically works in a Mac environment), today bore a striking similarity with how I felt as a child on Christmas Eve.  The excitement and imagination runs wild as you find yourself entrapped in the time remaining until you can truly discover what Santa under the tree for you.  I’ve had a good opportunity to review numerous articles that speculate on what will be announced tomorrow, and I’ve wanted to take this chance to share 20 of my own thoughts based on these readings:

• The new tablet device (iSlate?  iPad?) will be a larger form of the iPhone; not a Macbook with a touchscreen
• While it will utilize the same OS concept as the iPhone, it will possess the resources capable of handling a product like a converted version of Adobe Photoshop.
• If external media drive is required for any reason, the tablet will utilize the same technology as the MacBook Air to achieve this
• Two – Three models, starting price range 600-800 dollars
• new SDK may provide a modular ability to scale up applications for the increased screen real estate
• A focus on how the tablet product will change reading.  Expecting either an application for an E-book reader OR a partnership to distribute content through the iTunes/Apps Store.
• iPhone OS 4.0 will enable multi-threading on 3G or 3GS devices and later (leaning towards 3GS and newer)
• The next iPhone will be announced.  Hardware specs will surpass that of current competition.
• Upcoming version updates to both Leopard, Snow Leopard, and/or iTunes to improve communication/integration between devices (including bluetooth communication)
• Apple iLife ’10

My wild card thoughts include:

• Announcement of integrated broadband capability with Verizon for Tablet
• Announcement of a CDMA iPhone (gearing towards Verizon)
• Reduction in pricing for iPod Classics, Nano, and Touch devices
• Introduction of Adobe Flash to the iPhone
• Official announcement of the conclusion of the AT&T exclusivity agreement
• Collaboration with Microsoft using Silverlight or other MS Products
• WiMAX capability on either the tablet or the iPhone
• Partnerships with College textbook publishers to provide their content through the tablet device
• An app from Marvel to read their comics online through the Tablet Device (Marvel –> Disney –> Apple)
• sensors to recognize eye movement to determine what part of the screen you are focusing on

So there you have it, 10 thoughts that I feel are very plausible, and 10 thoughts that I consider my wild card predictions.  We’ll see where I sit come tomorrow afternoon.  If you have your own ideas feel free to share them.

Kalamazoo –> Please Help Find Charles!

To my friends (and others) living in Kalamazoo, Michigan:

Sometime Sunday evening my friend Lindsay’s dog Charles ran away and is still missing.  He was last in the area of Kenbrooke Ct and W. Michigan Ave (map).  Charles is a smaller breed male dog, and has a tan fur coat with black on the top of his back and white feet.  His collar has his identification listed and Lindsay’s contact number, but at this point we fear that his collar has come off of him since there has been no contact yet.

Please aid us in locating Charles

If you see or hear anything related to Charles, please contact either myself at Joseph dot Mainwaring at gmail (or via Twitter @theaccordance) or Lindsay at linnyv86 at gmail (I apologize for making the email addresses difficult – but this post will likely be scanned by spam bots)

I’m reaching out to those of you who are or were at some point pet owners to assist if possible in finding Charles.  Lindsay has been searching for Charles nonstop since he ran away and I know, that if Keifer were to wind up missing I wouldn’t be able to rest until I found him.

Also, please pass this plea for help along.  Retweet on Twitter and share on FB.  Forward the link to your friends via email.

Why Mike Sullivan should join the Bears

Mike Sullivan, current Offensive Line Coach for the San Diego Chargers.

As I had said in my tweets earlier, I wanted to start a grass roots movement to have the Chicago Bears hire Mike Sullivan to fill the vacant Offensive Line Coaching position.  While I’m fully aware that they are not even thinking about a O-Line coach before they fill the Offensive coordinator position, I still had the desire to illustrate why I think Sullivan may be an ideal candidate for the Bears:

• Sullivan is the current Offensive Line coach for the San Diego Chargers, whos team made it to the playoffs this year with a 13-3 record.
• San Diego is currently ranked 3rd in Passing yards and 4th in Points scored (you need a good O-Line and good coaching for those stats)
• Sullivan is a Chicago native (‘Nuff Said)
• His diverse coaching background aside from San Diego includes the Cleveland Browns, Western Michigan University, University of Miami (Graduate Assistant), and internationally in France, Spain, and Germany.
• Sullivan’s collegiate football career at Miami University (FL) from 1986 – 1991 includes two National Championships, he’s familiar with what’s required to make champions.
• Sullivan is energetic, and is very personable.  Out of the dozens of coaches I’ve had the opportunity of working beside, he’s one of my favorites.

In addition, I can firmly say I’d start rooting for the Bears more often if this hiring occurred.  As someone who was born and raised in Michigan who also owns a football autographed by the Superbowl I Green Bay Packers, I haven’t been driven by any means to root for the boys from Soldier Field.

Photo Share: Kanine Christmas

Un-phased

Yesterday news broke of an attempted terrorist attack involving a Northwest flight bound to Detroit Metro from Amsterdam. Thankfully, the attempt was not successful, but the impact of the event has spooked many whom I know, mostly due to how close this one actually was to home.

Before I continue with my thought, I want to you to understand that I realize the gravity of the situation. DTW is frequently used by many I know, an I myself have flown to/from there on numerous occasions. In fact, I have a relative who works on the ground crew for NW/Delta, so don’t think that my thoughts are of ignorance.

When I read the news of the attempt, I was un-phased with the event. I found it as relevant to my life as knowing what President Obama was having for Christmas dinner. I continued on about my daily routine thinking nothing of it, but as the day continued and word spread I noticed a trend at both the homestead and on the social news feeds of fear.  People taking time away from the thoughts of Christmas to ponder the thought that it could have been them on that plane, and that the attempt could have been successful.

Now, while we are fortunate that the events of yesterday we’re not of disaster, our reactions still empower those radical groups.  Fear is one of the most dangerous parasites that can inflict man, as it can blind judgment and reason if improperly channeled.  We should not be fearful of what-if, but greatful on such a holiday that disaster was averted, and continue on with our lives.  If we minimize the psychological impact of radical ideology, their influence diminishes.  It’s not the solution, but a statement in response.  A statement that our resolve is stronger than theirs.

2009: A Year in Recap

First off, I apologize for the 10 month hiatus that I took in writing entries into the blog.  While I can tweet my actions without hesitation, a significantly greater effort is required for quality blog posts.  My biggest regret over the entire matter is that, 2009 was a very active year for myself, and there are many stories that would have been great to share in detail.  As I look back on the year, I feel these moments stick out the most for me:

• Re-developing a self-identity
• Letting go of the past
• Sports Sports Sports!  NBA, MLB, NASCAR, PGA, and College Football
• Establishing long lasting friendships
• Frugal living
• Detroit, Michigan
• Persistance in Job Hunting
• Chicago, Illinois
• Transitioning to a fully self-sufficient individual
• Learning to still enjoy my youth as I mature
• Figuring out how to maintain friendships as my friends spread out across the country

As the last remaining days of 2009 wind down, it’s time again to start anew, figure out what’s in store for me next and persevere over adversity.

Vision

My new prescription glasses, no longer do I struggle seeing.

This weekend I finally was able to get my eyes examined, and they had my new frames ready for pickup after an hour.  Since I’ve been struggling since I moved to Chicago with my vision it’s going to be different wearing these all the time, but I’m thinking about getting fitted for contacts next month.  I would have gotten the fitting instead, but I figured I needed a pair of frames anyways as a backup.

Joepalooza XXIII

SC (right) and myself at Monaco Bay for JoePalooza XXIII

When you live life in the fast lane you work hard, and play hard.  You set the tone, bring in your all-star lineup, and let the scene play out.

This past weekend to celebrate my 23rd Birthay I orchestrated Joepaloooza XXIII, an annual event which my closest friends get together and cut loose, leaving a path of entertainment in our wake. I wanted to say thanks to everyone who attended for making the event memorable.

Thus far 2009 is going in the right direction.

You Just Lost the Game

Rules of the Game:

1. You are playing the game.
2. Whenever you think about the game, you lose.
3. Loses must be announced.

The objective is to forget that the game exists.

The Number 23

JV (left) and myself pose at Wild Bull a few weeks back.

February 3, 1986, I was born, and the world was not ready.

Okay, well I’ll drop the ego, but today I am celebrating my 23rd birthday.  It’s been a crazy ride thus far, with any luck 23 will be less dramatic and more successful than 22, but as far as I’m concerned the sky is the limit!  I want to thank my family for putting up with me all these years.  I’m a stubborn SOB sometimes, but my stubbornness has paid off many times, and has paved a way for me to be where I am today.  I also want to thank my friends, especially JV, CB, & LS.  You guys have been there for me for anything and everything, I owe you each many times over.

To me, 23 is not any birthday.  It is a significant milestone, specifically because my birth date is 2/3.  To commemorate the occassion, I’ve decided to add to the collection of ink on my body today by getting the roman numeral XXIII tattooed after work today.  I’ll post a picture up later once I’ve gotten the work done.

As far as celebrations are concerned, tonight will more than likely be low key.  Possibly dinner and a movie or something along those lines.  Saturday however, we’re going no holds barred at Monaco Bay, I’ll recap the event after the weekend (with pictures).