Journal

Memorial Day on my Facebook, State of our Union

2012-05-28T16:21:34Z

Browsing through the endless feed, something insane looking grabs my attention:

Chris Hayes: I'm 'Uncomfortable' Calling Fallen Military 'Heroes'

By Mark Finkelstein Effete: affected, overrefined, and ineffectual; see "Chris Hayes." OK, I appended the name of the MSNBC host to the dictionary definition. But if ever you wanted to see the human embodiment of the adjective in action, have a look at the video from his MSNBC show this morning of the too-refined-by-half Hayes explaining why he is "uncomfortable" in calling America's fallen military members "heroes."

Here's a link to the Newsbusters post. (There's a lot of interesting, quick articles at newsbusters.org — if you're interested in something other than TV's typical liberal rhetoric.)

Crazy, I tell you. Immediately after reading/watching the post, I noticed a friend recently "liked" a Clibe sketch (image). It seemed particularly poignant, as if I was somehow telling myself to forget about changing the liberal mindset.

I typically don't do artsy catch-phrases, quotes and truisms; not because they seem like an artistic cop-out (they kind of are), not because they're usually bad and boring (this is the case, as these memes are usually started by talentless trolls), but because to do them well takes much more time than it's worth. Unfortunately, Clibe isn't good for much else.

Not every liberal is insane — unrealistic idealists, maybe — and there are certainly crazy conservatives… getting sidetracked.

Memorial Day: honoring the fallen, our heroes, is NOT a message or statement about war. It's about respect for those brave enough to defend us all, and remembrance for those whom made the ultimate sacrifice. Our way of life is constantly being threatened; our armed forces oppose enemies abroad, and far too often, Americans treat them like dirt — like a nuisance.

Our way of life is being threatened from within

High taxes, new regulations, inflation, overspending, Obama, ObamaCare, $5 TRILLION dollars increase in debt, rising unemployment (and numerous people employed, but still not making enough money to escape poverty), the loss of the American dream and American industry, self-created necessity on foreign oil and rising gas prices, Occupy (instead of occupation, often by choice and what Hannity calls the entitlement mentality)…

…big government, American socialists and Marxists, Washington corruption (once Presidential hopeful John Edwards, anyone?), products made in China, complacency, arrogance, racism, widening poverty gap, class warfare (constantly ignited by liberal media and Obama: the rich are screwing the poor, paying 'less' in taxes — yeah, sure, Romney's 15% is somehow less money than the average person's 35%)…

…millions more on food stamps due to this Presidential administration, the Obama machine and supporters taking the fallback position, "blame Bush," instead of actually fixing the problem (remember, Obama promised "hope" and "change" — his words — along with cutting the deficit and unemployment in half), dismal public education, ridiculously overpriced colleges, student loans that can't be paid off…

…failing criminal justice system (prosecuting and jailing simple drug offenses is a waste of time and money, and it isn't stopping people from getting high if they want to), prejudicial courts (judges, attorneys, prosecutors, laws), prison overpopulation, increased gang activity, failed "war on crime" and "war on drugs," wasted money on "prevention" programs, cultural glorification of vigilantism…

…drug addiction, alcoholism, extreme obesity, underage drinking and drug use, early puberty, meat glue and pink slime, fast food diets, high divorce rates, mixed messages (on violence, sex, drugs, beauty), meth.

How can we trust?

People have lost faith; but because humans need faith, it's misplaced frequently — in bad science, technology, government, large corporations... an interesting point: so many people complain about large chain stores that pay minimum wage, import products from Asia, kill off small brick and mortar businesses — and yet, people still shop at Walmart… because of low prices.

Politicians can't seem to just tell the truth without embellishment, make realistic promises and curb spending. Even if taxes were increased dramatically and raised more money, our government would just find some new initiative to pour it into and increase debt.

Crazy

Obama won't release his college transcripts, admitted to drinking and using cocaine in high school, worked at a law firm but did who knows what there (he didn't try cases, that's for sure), lied about a relationship in his book, and promised numerous things in 2008 and didn't deliver—

We're supposed to trust him? People are actually going to vote for him?!

Barack Obama is the first sitting President in over 30 years to lose more than 40% of the vote in three primaries. Maybe that's the "change" I can put "hope" into.

Bradtastic Online and oStylus DOT magic

2012-05-27T02:44:30Z

Over a decade of work, about to be online…

Together for the first time. I'm excited. An iPad + iMac Bradtastic/SaysBrad endeavor.

Several days ago, I was looking for a video, World Business Review with Alexander Haig on AIS Insurance (my father's business) — the original WMV, that is. In this search effort, I uncovered not only the file in question, but a collection of designs — hand-drawn, vectored, painted, Photoshopped — the works… my collection of art, illustration and design from over the years.

I've never hosted this in a single location, and I think it's about time. This revelation has me excited; I decided then, to design something unique and original for Says Brad.

The image posted here, drawn with an oStylus DOT.

This design, done entirely on iPad 2 and the new iPad, incorporates lettering and an outline done in SketchBook Pro with a background image created using Wurm.

I love the oStylus DOT.

I drew it with my favorite capacitive touch stylus, the DOT (oStylus DOT images), created in Canada by the genius jeweler, Andrew Goss. [I recently posted a review featured on #madewithpaper as well.] Check it out; give it a try, and you'll love the DOT also!

Some key features of the DOT

Unprecedented control – the unique tip is small enough to feel like a regular pen, but large enough that it's always recognized by tablets. Some styli like the Jot offer a smaller nib, but those aren't as consistent. Wacom Bamboo capacitive stylus offers similar reliability, but less accuracy, and it feels like the blunt instrument that it is.
Won't scratch your screen – I won't lie, I haven't vigorously tried to scratch my screen — that'd be ~~silly~~ stupid — but under normal use, even with firm pressure, it hasn't happened. The folks over at oStylus have tried to scratch the screen by using the oStylus incorrectly and found no damage. If you keep your screen relatively free of debris, you should be fine.
Great for artists – Because of its pencil grip, amazing precision and reliability, this tool is wonderful for drawing and handwriting. If you utilize tablet art apps, you need the DOT. If you're looking for a stylus for rapid brush strokes, you may want to check out the nomad brush (featured on my sidebar).
Supports a family-oriented small business with great customer service – Andrew Goss stands behind his products and makes these by hand. You won't get corporate speak and run-arounds dealing with him.
Note: Not so great for games and typing – If you're looking for a stylus to replace your finger for things like navigation, typing and games, the Bamboo may be a better fit. It's inherent, soft tip makes a liter contact with the screen, and you won't have to deal with loud tapping. However, if you're only getting one stylus, go with the DOT. For sure.

iPad users, digital artists, cool people:

Follow me online for art updates, links to cool stuff, app advice and reviews and some common sense. My social links are on the sidebar, and I'd really appreciate it if you shared my blog with your friends — specifically, if you know someone with some type of physical limitation, please refer them to me. I'm trying to collect other stories about mobility issues and overcoming these challenges with technology to share with people.

I know that for many people, an iPad seems extraneous, expensive, frivolous, but for me, it's a lifeline. As a supplemental technology, many people don't need one, but it can be a primary computer, I've been using it that way for years now.

Live Long and Prosper says Spock

2012-05-24T17:11:38Z

Here's a new design/illustration for Blogsy, my favorite iOS blogging app. If you're wondering what it has to do with Star Trek, just take a look at the Blogsy app icon. Lance, the CEO Of Fomola (makers of Blogsy) is a big sci-fi nerd like me.

If you own an iPad and blog, you need Blogsy. It has the power of a desktop app with the usability of iOS, and supports most blogging services, including TypePad and WordPress. (If you use Squarespace like me, contact the Blogsy devs through Twitter or their website and tell them to hurry up and add full Squarespace support!)

This piece took a long time: what you're looking at is probably the tenth or eleventh draft. It was created entirely on the iPad 2, using Autodesk SketchBook Pro. The iPad 2 version supports 12 layers, and this drawing uses all of them. This Blogsy Spock drawing is probably the last artwork I'll post from the iPad 2, because I recently got a new iPad!

If you've never seen my blog before, hi.

I do just about everything from my iPad, because mobility is an issue for me. I have to deal with a lot of pain, muscle spasms, and migraines — I can't sit up a desk for very long, and I'm asleep more than I'm awake. Being disabled, it is easy to feel isolated — the iPad allows me to stay connected. My girlfriend calls it my security blanket, because I take the iPad everywhere and get upset if I don't have it.

:-)

When I'm feeling okay, I like to design logos, graphics and advertising materials, and I write as well. I've been doing more illustration and conceptual stuff, and now that I have my new iPad, I can work on large format stuff as well. I've been experimenting with digital painting and also like to take photos and post them at my tumblr using Instagram. (user: bradtastic, if you want to add me.)

What's next

I'm mostly dealing with personal things, but I can take on some small projects from time to time. If you like what I make and want something of your own, please let me know! I also produce vector art using InkPad, Adobe Ideas and Illustrator. I can design cool business cards, brochures, banners and posters, and can refer you to great web and software developers as well.

I've been thinking of ways to help other people with disabilities and limited mobility utilize technology and make the most of tools like the iPhone and iPad. The iPad can replace a notebook computer for many things, and it's a great note taking and sketching platform.

This website is always work in progress. I've been adding links to my favorite sites and services here, but if you want to follow more of my finds, add me at Pinterest and Pearltrees, "bradtastic" — you can also find me on GetGlue. The sidebar has links to my other social pages.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope to hear from you...

Ubisoft for AC3: Using social networks well

2012-05-07T17:10:16Z

Ubisoft just sent me an email that I think is brilliant — it's a notice to "help unlock the world gameplay premiere of Assassin's Creed III."

It goes on to say, "tweet, share, and recruit friends to unlock the footage."

How brilliant is that?!

There's even a progress bar included, ostensibly showing the current status of the effort. Though somewhat transparent, this is still an effective way of getting fans to market for you, to earn** something you would've given away anyway.

What do you think of their marketing campaign for Assassin's Creed 3?

Paper by FiftyThree actually awesome!

2012-05-04T04:09:44Z

If you sketch, doodle, jot, draw or paint, you will love Paper by FiftyThree.

That's what I think, anyway, especially if you use an oStylus (Bradtastic Approved, of course!) the world's best capacitive touch stylus. Of course, you need an iPad.

Download Paper by FiftyThree (from the App Store)

They've announced on their blog that Paper has been downloaded 1.5 million times, an impressive number, especially for an app that isn't a game (and even for a free app). They also announced the number of pages that have been created, though I don't know how they know that without spying on people's usage… a scary thought. I will have to ask them.

Initially, I didn't like Paper.

I thought it was overpriced form over function, more style than substance. My opinion was formed using the one free tool, and though I'd like to think that the App Store reviews did not influence me, I'm sure that that was a factor as well.

I was comparing Paper to "pro" drawing and painting tools. In doing so, I missed the beauty of Paper — simplicity. I saw its minimalist interface as a negative, something between crude and kitschy. I thought of paper as one thing trying to be something else, and decided to dislike it on that alone. Throughout, I still acknowledged that custom ink engine and crisp feel were special — noteworthy… good.

Discovery.

About a week or so ago, I downloaded The Essentials (the $7.99 USD IAP) after discussing it with several people, reading reviews and emailing FiftyThree. I decided that it made more sense for two reasons:

The Essentials may include other features or tools in the future.
it's a hassle to download each individually at a savings of 3¢.

I first got the full Paper experience first on the iPad 2, and was immediately struck by the difference. The trial versions (called "Try it!" in the Store) do not do justice. Paper instantly transforms (think butterfly) from dull to dangerous. This wonderful sketching app delivers a rich, satisfying experience, perfect for doodlers and serious designers alike.

Some ways to use Paper

Paper can be used to make masterpieces — I've seen some — but that's not its strength. Here are a few ideas.

mind-mapping
visual notes

Both of these have dedicated apps, but the simplicity and aesthetics makes Paper a good choice for concepts.

doodles, scribbles
diagrams
graphology (handwriting analysis)
telephone notepad

good for phone numbers and jotting quick thoughts while on the phone; also great for idle moments and rants (while you're placed on hold)

logo ideas
conceptual design
scenery
symbols

artists of all skill levels and types will likely find that Paper's tools are a great balance between speed and control.

Four stars, work in progress.

Paper isn't perfect — it's WIP. FiftyThree is still adding features. If you have suggestions, contact them; I did, and got a very sincere reply. Being critical of an app and offering constructive feedback early on will help to shape the direction of this tool.

Some people just don't like Paper, and that's okay. There are a lot of drawing apps on the iPad, and many great professional tools such as:

Procreate
ArtRage
SketchBook Pro
Layers
Brushes

And there are inexpensive alternatives with wonderful functionality as well:

Sketch Club
Infinite SketchPad
Noteshelf

There's also fun, social stuff like Clibe.

I created an Infinite Sketch discussing key points of Paper, pros and cons, and additional features that I'd like to see.

Check out a web version of the Infinite SketchPad outline that I made. I would love to hear your ideas as well, so don't hesitate to comment or message me!

Coming soon: more detailed thoughts on Paper, including comments on specific tools and the UI.

(btw, I love being able to set auto-post times for blog entries, allowing me to write when I'm feeling okay, yet stagger the entries. I know this isn't a new or revolutionary feature and that many people use it, but still… it's brilliant!)

Free virtual workstation! OnLive Desktop for iPad

2012-05-01T17:11:46Z

I'll get right to it: OnLive Desktop is awesome.

It's free. It's amazing. Made by the mad-scientists behind the uber cloud gaming service, OnLive Desktop for iPad offers users a cloud-based virtual desktop, complete with Microsoft Office, storage and basic apps/tools like Calculator and Paint. The paid version includes web browsing as well. All of the processing happens on their end, they simply take your keystrokes and inputs and give you the visual.

Love the clouds

Current technology trends remind me of a character from the manga/anime Naruto: Shikamaru, the cloud-loving loafer. Years ago, technology enthusiasts obsessed about terabyte hard drives, but now that we have them, we prefer smaller solid state drives. Why? It's all about speed and convenience.

We're impatient. We need it now!

Luckily, ISPs have kept up with our increasing demands (though they demand their pound of flesh and price gouge us to near-death), offering super-fast net connections that offer incredible connectivity and mobility. Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G... powerful 2lbs notebook computers and fantastic do-everything tablets — there are too many reasons to get away from the desk, and now there are plenty of ways to do it.

But desktops have advantages. At least, they used to. Now you can get that power and stability on-the-go! If you have an iPad, try OnLive Desktop. it's better than buying Windows and Microsoft Office, and you really don't have much to lose if it's not for you — you may even know someone who could really use it. I haven't tried it in any other form (other than the iPad app), but if it can run well on iOS, it should be great everywhere.

Need something else?

Later on I'll share thoughts on two more similar apps, Splashtop Remote Desktop, and Air Desktop (an app that allows the iPad to become a second computer screen). I'll also share some sweet accessories!

Upcoming changes

2012-05-01T07:31:21Z

Hi everyone! My plan is to continue to update as usual, despite several personal issues taking up extra time. I've been fortunate last month; made some new friends and contacts, and have a lot to share over the summer.

I'm still trying to adjust to life as it is now — I think attempting to find my place in this world, with a disability, sent me off in the wrong directions and on a few false-starts.

Continue reading for information on upcoming posts, changes to my site and my approach to online media, and some basic thoughts on life. If you're interested in electronic cigarettes (vapor/e-juice) or living in the bay area, read the following and contact me!

Migrating from iPad 2 to new iPad

2012-04-30T16:10:09Z

The new iPad — so exciting!

But not without its own issues. (This update applies most to people thinking about upgrading to the new iPad from an earlier model) The new iPad, or iPad 3, is slightly thicker and heavier than the 2, but is otherwise similar in look, shape and feel.

I won't go into the specs too much, but for those unfamiliar with it, here are the highlights.

retina display, 2048x1536 resolution (versus 1024x768), 4x pixels!
5MP camera, 1080p video & FaceTime camera
dictation (translates spoken English into text in the cloud; requires net connection) — works well!
optional 4G LTE (Verizon model can act as a hotspot)
still no Siri — come on, Apple, give it to us! Please send them an email and let them know you want Siri on the iPad. Maybe if enough people complain… (let us be the squeaky wheel)

Two things to keep in mind

For $99, Apple offers AppleCare+ protection for the new iPad. This coverages extends the warranty to two years and also covers two instances of accidental damage ($49 service fee per instance). For the price, it's a great deal for the higher end models; it's peace of mind, and will cover screen scratches, coating wear and more.

However, if you intend to get AppleCare+, purchase it together with the new iPad. It must be purchased within 15 days otherwise, and if the iPad is opened, you'll need to make a genius bar appointment at a retail store for an "iPad inspection." Trust me, this is a huge hassle.

Last, if you're "restoring" from an iPad backup (migrating/transferring from iPad or iPad 2 to the new iPad), many apps will sync without converting to retina graphics. Example: although I had the newest version of SketchBook Pro installed on my iPad 2 when I made the backup, when I opened it on the iPad 3, no retina graphics. It's like it was running in iPad 2 mode. Many of my favorite apps ran similarly, and needed to be reinstalled to correct the issue.

Unfortunately, many of my favorite apps still lack new iPad versions. With time, developers will update apps and the retina display issue should be resolved. For now, I'm using it as an opportunity to start fresh — my new iPad will run my favorite apps, and the iPad 2 will be a testing ground for new apps I'm not yet sure about.

Don't let me dissuade you from the new iPad, however. It's awesome. Whatever the hassles, I think it's worth it!

Disability Blues

2012-04-17T01:14:50Z

Tired, and kind of cranky today. Lots of pain. I think my iPad needs to be repaired, the software, anyway... It keeps crashing. Not good, when it's basically your only computer.

I've been enjoying drawing on my iPad with my oStylus DOT (thanks again, Andrew!) — if you have a capacitive touch tablet and draw (or want to) on it, you MUST get the DOT. Now.

My favorite drawing apps are Noteshelf, Infinite Sketchpad, Sketchbook Pro, Brushes, Adobe Ideas, Procreate and Zen Brush. If you do any vector art, Ink Pad is incredible. Adobe Ideas is technically vector as well. Sketch Club is also worth mentioning again.

I saw an advertisement for the new WACOM Intuos5 multi-touch tablets; they look really nice. I've never been good at using those, but they're about 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of the 12" Cintiq, and perhaps more usable. It has greater sensitivity and multi-touch. That's pretty sweet.

I don't have much to say about other apps today, but here's some game stuff:

I have some Eve of Impact promo codes to distribute! See if you can break past 100K!

The Witcher 2 is out tomorrow!
Mass Effect Infiltrator seems to play better, and there's a neat space game called Dangerous worth checking out if you like space sandbox type RPG/sim games.
Ubisoft added a marketplace to Assassin's Creed Recollection where you can buy and sell memories (cards).
If you like card games and strategy, check out Shadow Era and Playdek's Food Fight iOS and Nightfall — as well as Ascension (by a different publisher) — but Shadow Era is free (and not the junk kind of freemium, either) and *one of the best CCGs I've ever played. It reminds me of *Magic: The Gathering in my youth when the game was simpler, with fewer cards and strategies.

That's all for now.

I think I need a nap. I'm too tired to go through and link everything. Just use Google.

Green Energy Solutions?

2012-04-11T23:00:30Z

Why don't we install wind tunnels, turbines and some kind of water collectors down Tornado Alley and the Gulf coast? Someone should figure out how to turn these tornados, hurricanes and other natural disasters into sources of power. That'd be badass.