Gonterian

While I’m widely known to be deep and long in Apple stuff, I like to think I’ve become this way for practical and aesthetic reasons. That said I’m no Apple evangelist. I will admit drawbacks and limitations in the products I own and use.

Since the release of the iPhone, I’ve followed the loudly vocal debate between the advocates of Apples approach and their many and varied opponents amongst technical literati, open source advocates and folks who just want something that Apple didn’t include. A few things seem notable, especially in light of this week’s debut of the iPad.

1. If the feature you want is not included, whatever that is, it can be hard to get over that. In my case, I’ve got devices and computing—well, covered. So with the iPad, I was interested, but I hardly was expecting myself to want one since there aren’t any “features” I feel I need, period. After thinking the iPad over, I’ll say I’m very interested.
2. If you can’t add kernel extensions, play FLAC files or set the default keyboard to dvorak, the thing is a failure.
3. I saw over a half dozen posts about the “dangerous threat” of Apple moving towards “closed,” such as the app store. “Computers were designed to be open…” Last time I checked, you can build a linux box for a weeks lunch money. No? Just because Apple wants to build devices with a controlled UI does not in any way cause you lose open computing. It’s just not what Apple does.
4. No flash? No comment, not worth the breath.
5. No upgradable parts? Why would that matter if the device can do what most users need it to? You can always design and build your own if you want/can.
6. Windows? Any current Macintosh computer is a viable PC, seems like we forget that. Not iPhone/iPad? Would you want Windows Mobile, really?
7. Again, if you want something Apple doesn’t provide, there are unlimited opportunities to buy, design or build what you want. Why is Apple bad for not building it the way you think it should be?
8. FUD. Somehow this is like telling me it’s the bartender’s fault I got drunk [which in many places in our country it is.] If you feel that Steve Jobs has brainwashed consumers into buying his under-featured, closed-sourced, limited, un-upgradable products against their best interests, shame on them for buying the stuff. I hold everyone responsible personally for anything they pulled the trigger on and bought. If Apple products don’t do what you need, don’t buy them.
9. Apple is way more expensive. This issue is subjective. If you don’t think the products are worth the money, no worries. In my case, I know how much time I spend in a Windows or Linux environment to accomplish what I do on a Mac. Macs do what I need best. That’s not you, just me.
10. Design, oh that?

I took all new picts around the place in December, 2009.

Click on the photo to go over the the slideshow page.

The Front Porch

can i say this one thing? the holidays often are the hardest and not always happiest time, but if you embrace the moment, face fear, you move forward for us all.

love life and expect it.

g.

The photo says it all, and yes, bike commuting does make it easy to stop and “see the forest for the trees!”

Fall commute, lakeside 11/10/2009

croc and foliage from my roof

The season of leaves past with a couple of rushes of wind around Halloween and the trees are now mostly bare.  That doesn’t stop me from remembering October with happiness.  I had a great staycation with CuJo and really was able to get a bunch done on the house.  The taste of satisfaction propels me into our impending winter with enthusiasm and hope.

I’ve not felt so excited about the winter season since my return to the east and move to VT in 2004.  Many of the goals that were set prior to that move have been met and newer unexpected goals and initiatives have also panned out.  Not that some good intentions came up short, but the overall plan has been a huge success and this November, I’m really trying to take stock and think back over the journey.

It would be senseless for me not to thank the many who’ve helped and supported me through the last five years.  Special thanks to Cujo, my mom and sister, to Propeller and NGA and to all of my friends in VT.

Namaste.

G

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I’ve been out of the studio for a while.  As you may know I bought my first house this year and that has kept me very busy.  I actually even rented out my own space in Studio-g2, figuring I wouldn’t have much time to paint.  Now that I’m getting settled in, I want to get back to creative stuff.  I have a show of paintings right now at the Starry Night Cafe in N Ferrisburgh, if you happen to be down that way.  I’m going to head down and have dinner and plan to hang two more pieces.  One is this tryptich here.

untitled tryptich, 2009, from "Shellacs"

This collection is called “Shellac” as I took the largely black and white etudes and coated them with amber shellac.  The restaurant seems to be happy with the work and so I’m excited to bring them some more.

Interesting that Facebook seems to be grabbing my blog posts as “notes”…and I’m pretty sure I never set that up…like magic [???]

This plant has endured both love and neglect from me and has become a trusted friend and confidant.  Yes, I do talk to my plants.

The violet tolerates long periods of time without water, which allowed it to live happily in studio-g2 while we came and went and came and went—mostly forgetting to water all summer.  Thank you. I promise to treat you better.

My African Violet

Gourd, found in the Abenaki traditional garden behind one of the farms in the Intervale. CuJo and I went for a nice quiet fall walk on the path down there. Not much left of the corn and beans, but the squash and gourds were still looking good.

The adaptability of nature never fails to amaze me….gourds are especially tough. This one felt completely solid!

gourd in Abenaki Three Sisters Garden

It seems like I can build a set of sites in a weekend. Well, they all lack refinement, but for maybe 6-8 hours of work? I completely migrated off my old host, made decisions about what old stuff to toss, picked a new theme and moved all my data. And by Sunday PM, I was ready to chill.

Check out fixed impressions. My many times restyled but still kickin’ fixed gear blog!

rusty chain