Jeff’s Blog

Here’s an interesting article I just read:

It will do everything the iPhone does well–surfing the Web, serving up music and movies, and letting you flick through your voicemail messages with a fingertip–only faster and cheaper.

Yet imperfections still lurk, in spite of Chairman Steve Jobs‘ maniacal attention to detail. Even before its release, there are some niggling issues–some minor, others major–that make the iPhone a mere gadget, just like any other.

[Seven Disappointing Things about the iPhone]

Since its release, the iPhone has been a clearly revolutionary device. It actually has Mac OS X (well, almost…) on a device the size of… well… a phone. It has the stability and overall cool factor of any Apple product, and the extreme attention to detail that is the only reason their devices can be sold at such high prices. I do not own one, and before I do, I noticed these things too. However, they fixed quite a few of these little shortcomings in the 3G, such as built-in GPS. But the things in this article just don’t make sense to live without in such an expensive investment.

Unfortunately, as well, I personally doubt it will ever become unlocked for other services to use. AT&T is just milking iPhone users with the outrageous plans that are the only thing available to them. This partnership is mutually beneficial, too, because now that the iPhone is cheaper up-front, it costs more to actually use it!

As much as I’d actually like one of these for myself, I don’t want to be without basic features like video recording and cut-and-paste functionality. Maybe it would be better to look into Android…

After much procrastination, I’ve decided to start blogging again and not write my own system because it’s easier to just use Wordpress. The internet will be filled with my pointless ramblings once again.

Nye Works Version 2.0 Beta

What?!?! But… it hasn’t changed in… nearly a year! We’re all on the edge of our seats to see what happens with this.

So far this summer, I’ve been up to a lot. I am working as a web designer at the BVSD again, and I got a raise this year. My old boss (the webmaster) left, and they’re still in the process of hiring a new one. Also this year, I got to bring in my keyboard and compose some background music for a podcast they’re doing, which was amazingly cool. I got to use Garage Band and make loops with my own bass lines, drum beats and other licks until it sounded like a song.

Along with working, I did C’s Jazz in Summer again this year, which was not as good as it was last year. It was still great to play jazz though, and the guitarist was amazing at playing blues. I’ve also been doing a salsa group with CCJA. There have only been two sessions so far, but it’s going to be really fun.

I also participated in Bike to Work Day, a yearly event in which many businesses provide free breakfast to people who either bike or walk to work in an effort to reduce pollution from cars and get people active. Finally, marching band has started again, and we’re really far ahead. We plan on doing very well in the state competition this year, and we’re well on our way. We’ll be marching and playing in the Independence Day parade this Wednesday as well.

Those are all the major things that have been going on; I also switched my blog to WordPress, but that’s not really important. This summer is a week shorter due to a school schedule change, and it’s already going fast, but it’s not that bad. At least I have something to do.

I just completed my new blog system. It’s now officially been about six months since I’ve posted a new entry, but this is the groundbreaking. After several failed attempts at coding a new blog system, I temporarily gave up and switched to Google Blogger. However, I got my drive back and made what I consider to be the greatest blog I’ve ever made. Welcome to Generation Four.

I have been very busy pretty much since school got out. I’ve been working for the BVSD doing web design, attending Marching Band practice every Monday night from 6pm-9pm, and participating in C’s Jazz in Summer, a jazz improvisation camp. Of course, I always leave time for playing catch with my brother and dad, playing video games, watching Rockies games and occasionally working on version four of my blog.

Michael Nye and I recorded our first podcast episode yesterday morning in podcasting class.

It’s called the Software Destruction Unit Podcast, and you can find it here.

We review different software, and usually there’s a version for both Windows and Mac. We link to what we discuss, so that you can check it out to.

Subscribing: soon, it will be available in the iTunes Podcast Directory, but for now you can go to the SDU website and drag the XML icon into iTunes. Or do it here:

Writeboard is an awesome online word processor. But the best part is that you can share it with other people. They can make revisions, and then save it as a new version. Anyone can then compare the two versions, and the site will show what was added and what was removed.

It’s completely free, and you can make as many “Writeboards” as you want. They’re password-protected, so that only people you want to be able to get in can get in.

I’m using it for two major things:

• Planning SDU with Michael Nye
• Taking notes in school.

The computers at school are so locked down with parental controls that I can’t even connect to my digital locker, so I have to use the Internet to save my work. I figured this was an excellent place.

Anyway, you should go try Writeboard right now. It’s really cool. Also, there are some other good web-based programs from the same company that you should try out. The company is called 37signals.

I’m at Michael’s house right now! And let me tell ya, he really does have some fast internet. Real fast internet.

So I’m watching movies and streaming music while I can. Plus now I can show him how his site looks in Internet Explorer.

In other news, I’m catching up in my Java class. Today, I finished two programs! I’m planning on almost finishing the course over Winter Break.

Earlier tonight, 9News showed part of the clip of Christmas lights synchronized to a song by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. (Alternate Link to Video)

They went on to say that the music that the lights went along with was played on a short-range radio frequency, so you could hear it in your car when you drove by. This was from last year, by the way.

It’s awesome that it got so much publicity. Usually things on the internet that become popular don’t get picked up by news sources, or at least not famous big ones. I was really surprised when I looked up and saw what I had seen online a while ago.

Check the video clip out, it’s awesome.