After a year and a half of being away from video production, I’ve decided to take up the reins once again. Part of my hiatus came with the changing out of one machine for another — namely, my old G4 mirrored-door for my Intel Mac. Seemed the version of Final Cut Pro I had didn’t want to play with an Intel processor or the too-futuristic video card inside. So, through a combination of FCP not being sold as a stand-alone app any longer, not wanting to regularly work on my old machine in light of my shiny new one, no longer doing public access TV, and the whirling dervish of my work/school/podcast life, video slipped into the background and more or less took a long nap.

Then, I woke up one day and realized just how much I missed video work. I mean, really missed it. Not producing SubSIN on a regular (or any) basis not only took me out of that loop but kept me unpracticed and, ultimately, lagging behind with the growing tech advancements. Yes, even a few years can matter. So, I tightened my belt a bit and bought the obscenely expensive Final Cut Studio. Standing at the counter of Small Dog while it was being rung up, I joked to the clerk about how $1000 gets you such a small box. Well, $1069.99 with tax, to be precise.

For those video geeks in the audience, Final Cut Studio used to come in a box the size of a large toaster. Now, it’s the size of five CDs stacked. Whether it’s Apple once more appeasing the “go green” crowd or the recession hit them a little harder than expected, or both, the manuals are not the nice hefty tomes they used to be. That’s sad because I like nice hefty tomes. Oh, sure, all the manuals to all of the Apple software are on their site in downloadable PDF format, but I’m still an old fashioned computer nerd at heart (despite my strikingly good looks). Gimme books, damnit!

And I definitely knew I was getting a bit of bang for my buck when I experienced the mind-numbing installation time: 6 and 1/2 hours over the changing of seven DVDs. Total hard drive space claimed: 48.7 GB! If I was Jewish, I would say, “Oy Vey!”

Dividing up the suite to my needs, I’d say it’s (initially) going to be Final Cut Pro for video work, Soundtrack Pro for podcasting, Compressor for YouTube prep, and the other three apps for wherever they apply. I’m looking to pick up a Kodak Zi8 for on-the-go video shooting (fun stuff, not the high-end vid work I’d otherwise do). Anyone have any input on those? Would love to hear it.

Conclusion? Well worth the purchase on so many levels. Least of all, my returned enthusiasm for the video medium. Feels good to be back home.

School is going well. Grades are up and participation is high. My one online class, however, is a bit of a thorn in my side. Seems my idea to take it in expectation of it being easier or at least less time consuming fell completely flat. It’s actually far more time draining and easily three or four times harder than a classroom-based equivalent. The Web-based structure of the learning environment is, at best, counter intuitive and, at worst, confusing and inept. And, that’s coming from someone who’s been a computer user for almost 30 years. At the risk of my GPA, I might barely squeak by with a minimal grade if I’m lucky. In short, no more online classes. I don’t work well with them, it appears.

As far as Terror Transmission goes, all is well on that front. Jason and I will be adding some interesting content to the show over time, contributing self-produced video to the YouTube page, and doing some horror convention stuff in the summer. Naturally, we’d like you all to take a minute of your time and vote for us at Podcast Alley. It doesn’t hurt. Really, it doesn’t. It only takes a minute and you’ll feel oh-so-good about helping us out. Thanks.

That is all. End of line.

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Although I’ll probably have a lot more to say about this device when it’s actually released (March or April, depending on whether or not you want 3G service with it), here are some initial thoughts, mixed with some response to the trendy knee-jerk style (and, admittedly, sometimes thoughtful) criticisms.

Yes, it’s called an iPad. Go ahead and get all of your inner seventh – grader’s giggling and snickering out of the way, because although it is a somewhat unfortunately named gadget, keep in mind that iPod wasn’t initially embraced by the masses, either. (I believe, “what the fuck’s a ‘pod’” came out of the mouths of many.) Yes, I know, tampons, periods, Aunt Flo, bloody, bloody, bloody, etc, ad nauseam. Better now? Good, then let’s graduate grade school and move on to the adult world.

From what can be seen thus far, it really looks spectacular! And feature-rich as well. Some folks found there were some surprises in the upcoming Apple tablet. Others are having fun with the name to no real productive ends. And at least one Gizmodo writer chimed in with some complaints, which I’ll briefly address here.

“Big, Ugly Bezel” – The bezel has to be a reasonable width for a number of obvious reasons. Two that immediately come to mind include stabilization of the glass screen (and also to minimize impact of same) and providing a place for your thumbs or palms to go so you’re not covering the viewing area with them. Other that that, the bezel is fine.

“No Multitasking” – This is probably where the point of this not being nor trying to be a laptop or netbook should come in. Certainly, many of us remember the gripes about the Macbook Air not being just like the Macbook Pro, even though the former wasn’t meant to be the latter in key areas. A tablet device, by dint of its size, thickness, and components, is not going to have the feature set of an actual portable computer, such as a Macbook. At least, not yet. Also, this is running iPhone OS, not Mac OS. Overall, this “no multitasking” thing doesn’t bother me at all, and might get fixed in a future upgrade of the software, anyhoo. It doesn’t have sex with you, either, but try not to freak out merely because it doesn’t rigidly match your own little wish list.

“No Cameras” – A camera might have been nice, but maybe there just wasn’t any room for it. Take a look at those dimensions again. More to the point, you’re simply not going to be able to shove every piece of mobile tech into it without compromising its weight and size considerably.

“Touch Keyboard” – There’s always something for someone to bitch about, isn’t there? Putting an actual keyboard on this device would either make it too big or reduce viewing area. If it had a tiny screen, it would be an iPhone. If you went big enough for a physical keyboard, it’s basically a laptop. The iPad is, once again, neither of those.

“No HDMI Out” – It’s a portable device with a limited feature set due to its physical realities. It probably won’t have pop out subwoofers and crank to 600 decibels in 5.1 surround sound as well. One more time for the slow kids… it’s… a… tablet.

“The Name iPad” – I’m older than 12. I’m fine with the name.

“No Flash” – Nor on the iPhone, and there are very well stated reasons for it. Do the research and find out why.

“Adapters, Adapters, Adapters” – Like any other portable device. Seen the plethora of ones for all of the biggest smartphones out there? Must a slightly larger device that, once again, isn’t a laptop or netbook, be any different? Also, must your needs really require tons of plugs and external doohickeys be with you every moment of iPad usage? Or couldn’t you just load what you need (like any other portable device) and move along?

Also note that Apple wants to differentiate this device from its other devices, so it’s not going to nearly match all functions of any one Apple product. (The pricing structure of the iPhone/iPad/Macbook lines alone should be your first tip off.) I’m glad there is no speakerphone in this tablet because that would make millions of people even more obnoxious than they already are with their cellphones. Unlike some, I’m excited to see the eBook functionality, as I do read them currently on my iPhone. I’d like to see if it goes anywhere with digital magazine and other periodical subscriptions as my abode’s capacity for storing yet another shelf of physical mags is reaching maximum density. Don’t care about the music end of it at all, so that’s neither here nor there for me. I do wish it could be held onto better, but I’m sure some entrepreneur (or 57 of them) will put out iPad cases with some sort of strap in the back to slip your hand through, or something similar. Right now, it’s all speculation as to where the tablet will go in terms of popularity, accessories, apps (a major part of this gadget!), and added features over time. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing this infant product’s first steps into an unfriendly world. (A day trip to my favorite Apple store in the whole world — Small Dog Electronics — is reserved for April. We Vermonters are so lucky to have a great shop like SD.)

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Yes, I know, it’s a year-old model and hardly “retro.” Well, one day it will be, so I’m just preparing for the future. I’m very forward-thinking, you know.

Anyhoo, this is #28 in the Apple Retro Collection, for those keeping count. It’s the aluminum body model and not the plastic one that came in black or white. The video below goes into further details on the specs — LOTS of details, just so you’re prepared. The processor is pretty darn sweet, especially compared to my ancient iBook G4, which this is replacing as my main laptop. And like its predecessor, this new laptop is now THE machine Jason and I use to record Terror Transmission. The G4 was good for awhile, but it got a tad pokey at the tail end with live recording. With the MacBook, it is blazing along without a hiccup, and that’s just what we audio producers need to hear. And, no crazy whirring fan trying to calm down an old processor about to max out. That’s rather nice, too.

Also, there are two new additions to my Apple Extras collection: Apple TV and AirPort Extreme. Might review the former if and when I have some time. It really is an incredible digital media hub.

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from the Unofficial Apple Weblog:

Throwboy… make handmade pillows, usually in the shape of Mac-related icons. And they just recently sent word about a brand new line of pillows: just in time for Halloween, they’ve branded the Finder and related icons with a little October 31st flavor. Sure, they’re silly and pretty useless (really — who buys a pillow for a one day-a-year holiday?), but just look at them! The FrankenFinder especially is pretty darn charming.

For more info, click here.

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from instructables.com:

This Halloween season, bring an old computer back from the dead. Here’s all you need to turn that dusty old Mac Classic into a glowing, Halloween treat. Besides a working computer and a little technical know-how (very little), all you need is three cans of spray paint and a bit of epoxy. And here’s the best part… no slimy guts to clean out!

To make your own, check out the instructions here.

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Swastika cookies, bitches! Nah, just kidding. You aren’t bitches.

In other news, Jason and I will be releasing the sixth episode of Terror Transmission — yea, our Halloween holiday episode — tomorrow (15 October)! And we’re already hard at work on the next show, preparing to go into the viewing room this week to do commentary on one of my favorite slasher flicks. I’ll be researching a bit for this one as well, not to mention emptying my head of all the trivia I have on this movie. Should be a good time. Look for that one on 1 November, possibly a night or two sooner if my Halloween plans get too involved.

And are you missing out on the hoo-larious pics J and I have been shooting of ourselves to coincide with the movies we’re commenting upon? Well, miss out no more!

Speaking of podcasts, my good pal Kevin Slaughter will be releasing the actual first episode (no, not a special, a supplement, a clip, or a teaser, but the very real Episode 1) of his show, Underworld Amusements very soon. Check into his website here and there to see when.

So, Apple’s having some issues with Snow Leopard, the latest iteration of their operating system software. Naturally, this is something that the rabid anti-Mac fanatics can jump on and gleefully roll around in like so much dung. Despite the transparency of such behavior, I once more repeat the sage advice to wait before you upgrade to a new full version of an OS — in fact, wait awhile. I don’t touch any new jump to 10-point-whatever for at least six months, often even a year, and it’s a wise practice to adopt. That pretty much weeds out the bugs naturally inherent in such a jump, at the expense of the folks who blindly leap on loading the OS as fast as possible without checking for incompatibilities with third-party software, known bugs, or arisen complaints on the Internet. You know, the exact same things that occur with Microsoft’s Windows? If it’s as important as an operating system, be careful, regardless of whose logo is on it.

Favorite Twitter feed of the moment: ShitMyDadSays

That’s all I’ve got. Very busy the next couple of days with work, school, podcast, Halloween, etc. That, and trying to brace my front door from all of the women trying to beat it down. I tell you, it ain’t easy being me.

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Besides your dreams? Well…

Currently prepping for the recording of episodes 5 and 6 of Terror Transmission. Most likely, #5 will be recorded Sunday and #6 later in the week. Regardless, it’ll be close for a 1 October posting for the former, which means I’ll have to edit every chance I get. Episode 6 should be okay for its 15 Oct release, and, yes, we will definitely be keeping in mind that wonderfully spooky holiday at month’s end. The movie we have picked for the last half of October is both appropriate and, perhaps, not quite predictable. Once it’s actually produced, I’ll do the usual hint-dropping on the Twitter feed.

Been playing a bit with iTunes 9, and it’s got some really decent features added to it. Finally, a reasonable way to move, add, and delete iPhone apps — from the iTunes end! Brilliant! Genius Mixes, though, are a little iffy. Purportedly, these groupings are to gather similar tracks from your library and play them much like a genre-specific radio station — as their own playlists. Sometimes, it doesn’t quite get the inclusions right. I believe Tom Jones has about as much to do with the Dracula soundtrack as does Sabbat with Rick Springfield. And I even have my gigantic digital music collection meticulously well-tagged. So until they work out the bugs, I suppose that the Brady Bunch will have to share play-space with the Star Wars soundtrack, and Of The Wand And The Moon with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Kooky!

And, yes, the rumors are true. No, not the neo-Nazi one, but the one about me going back to school. I am enrolled once again, at my alma mater, earning yet another (but distinctly different) degree. Initial observations: 1) It’s “interesting” to be 23 years older than the other students. And by interesting, I mean awesome. The immaturity and naivete from some is blinding, and I couldn’t be happier to be the age I am. Someone tell me I wasn’t THAT obnoxious. 2) When you take school seriously (read: not as a party-happy 20-something metal band guy), it’s actually hard at times. You also notice that as a serious student, you are in the vast minority. Then again, mommy and daddy aren’t footing the bill for me. 3) I’m still mistaken as a professor… and now by other professors! Is it something I wore?

Outta time. Gotta go…

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Note: This was posted on Vermont Craigslist by an anonymous person, but it so eloquently sums up my disdain for the completely delusional and uninformed sellers of Apple products on that site, especially #1. No one cares that you paid $3000 for that machine almost eight years ago, and it doesn’t mean you deserve $2500 for it now. Try $200. And then go home and cry to your mama. That is all. – MGP

I keep an eye out for good deals on Mac computers on Craig’s List and would like to offer a word or two of advice to those who are trying to hawk their Apple wares. Others who are looking for good deals on Macs may also find some of this information helpful:

1. Don’t be greedy. Your computer is not worth 90% of what you paid for it new. In fact, it’s probably not worth 50%. I know it may have only been a year or two, but computers (even Apple computers) lose their value really quickly. Think of it as you would a new car: As soon as you drive it off the lot, you’re out a good chunk of the cash you paid for it. Here are a couple of good sites that should give you an idea for what a reputable Mac reseller charges for used or refurbished computers:

http://www.gainsaver.com
http://www.macofalltrades.com
http://www.mac-pro.com

2. Don’t be arrogant. For all your amiable qualities, you are not a reputable Mac reseller. If you were, you probably wouldn’t need to list your computer on Craig’s List. I know, I just told you to use those prices for reference, but you shouldn’t charge more or even the same as they do for a computer like yours. They generally test all the components of the computer and have a basic if-it’s-broken-when-you-get-it-we’ll-take-it-back kind of a warranty. You don’t. If it is still covered under an Applecare warranty, this point may be moot, depending on how much time is left on it.

3. Don’t be greedy, part two. Hardware and/or software upgrades do not greatly increase the resale value of the computer. I know that software is expensive and the extra hard drive and memory are nice, but you’re not going to be able to raise the price of the computer more than $100-200 at most. You will probably have better luck selling the software and hardware separately.

4. Don’t be a criminal. Leaving software on the computer without also including the original disks is software piracy. Software developers should get paid for their work. This goes for the operating system as well. If you lost the original system disks, then that’s your own fault and the buyer should get a discount so they can pay for a legal version of the OS. If you never had the original system disks, then you are a pirate and should repent of your wicked ways and purchase the software. If you think the price is too high, then get a Linux computer. In a week or two you’ll be happy to pay the full retail price.

5. Don’t be greedy, part three. You shouldn’t justify your ridiculous asking price with a sob story about how you just got out of school, lost your job, can’t find a new job, and/or lost your spouse to some wandering gypsy fortune teller with a mohawk, a tricked out El Camino, and a tattoo of an avocado on their forehead. The economy’s just as rough for people looking for a computer as for those trying to sell one and you might get more out of using your computer to bludgeon said gypsy fortune teller to death and pleading insanity.

6. Don’t be lazy. You should list the specifications of your computer in your ad. You may get more responses if you are vague, but you’ll have to repeat the same information over and over and you’ll probably get flagged as spam (I know I flag vague ads as they are generally scams). If you are specific, you may get fewer responses, but I promise those responses will be from more serious buyers.

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After seven years of heavily milking my old G4 Mirror Door, I decided it was time to get something a bit more powerful under the hood (though, in all fairness, that G4 still has a lot of life to it, and I might end up turning it into a media server or something along those lines). So, I went down to Small Dog and got myself an Intel iMac! (Great sales people there, by the way. Always friendly and helpful, even though that makes me sound a little like an otherwise grumpy old man.) Yes, it’s a hell of a lot faster, and the widescreen is excellent for timeline-based audio and video editing, not to mention the amazing screen resolution. And since Snow Leopard will be Intel only, that was pretty much the final nail in the PowerPC coffin for me. At least as a regular production machine. For now, I have my old monitor right next to the iMac, serving in extended desktop mode, though I have some other plans for that older piece of hardware in the future, as a bit of an extension of the “command center” concept. All in all, a wonderful new set-up for future projects, including my secret audio one, which benefits greatly from this upgrade. Too happy. (For those keeping score, this is Mac #27 for my Apple Retro Collection.)

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from YouTube:

Drawing from some of the most pivotal points in his life, Steve Jobs, chief executive officer and co-founder of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios, urged graduates to pursue their dreams and see the opportunities in life’s setbacks — including death itself — at the university’s 114th Commencement on June 12, 2005.

Probably one of the most moving video clips I’ve seen in months. Inspiring beyond words. Yeah… I’m 40.

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