Apple Computer will be holding one of their famous ‘special media events’ today at 10am Pacific (1pm Eastern) at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco. It is expected that Steve Jobs will unveil the magical “Apple Tablet” (or iSlate or iPad or whatever it might actually be called). Unless you live under a rock, or have no interest whatsoever in technology, the hype surrounding this mystery product is as big (or bigger, depending on who you ask) as the announcement for the unveiling of the original iPhone.
In the last year, several sites have shown prototypes (based on on ‘wish lists’ and not actual input from Apple itself), leaked ‘spy photos’ (most turned out to be fakes) and specs (again, mostly from ‘wish lists’ based on available technology). Apple is famously secretive with any new product in development. Developers are sworn to secrecy and products are developed under tight security. (Hey, if you were lucky enough to be working for a company like Apple developing world-changing products, you’d probably keep your big mouth shut too.)
The hype surrounding this product is so huge because, if the rumors are true, it will be a game-changing eBook reader and entertainment device. If some of the leaked specs are true from those who have actually seen this mythical creature, it could well accelerate how we consume ‘print’ media. This is important (especially to me, a traditional print designer) because there has already been a fundamental shift in how people acquire this type of information. Newspapers and magazines all over the world are closing. Traditional book manufacturers are shifting away from large volume sales and putting their resources toward the eBook publishing model. Magazines are relying more on their web outlets for revenue, driving readers from the print versions to the website, not the other way around.
The tablet will not replace your iPod or your Kindle, but could be the device that combines the best of both. I see it as a casual device for reading and entertainment, and as a bridge between netbooks, but done only the way Apple can do it. This will usher in a new era for computing, but also present new opportunities for designers and developers in this expanded space. The competition will need to follow the Apple lead. A simple eBook reader like the Kindle or a $300 netbook will no longer suffice.
The World Wildlife Foundation created this great video short titled “Change the Way You Think”. It show in a very simple manner the small things that we do everyday that have an impact on our world and environment. Using your morning latte as an example, it plainly illustrates the resources and energy that goes into the production of a simple cup of coffee. It asks you to think further about the choices you make everyday, from your morning coffee to how your run your business.
The bottom line: The health of business is directly connected to the health of the natural world. And both can grow and flourish—together.
You’ve got a cabinet full of spices. Some of them are used frequently (Pepper, Garlic Powder, Dried Oregano, etc.). Others were purchased for a certain recipe (which caused you run to the store for that 1 oz. jar of Tarragon leaves that just sits in the cabinet). What else could you use these spices for? More importantly, are they still fresh? SpiceAdvice.com has a handy chart listing many common spices and suggested pairings and usage, divided by foods. Looking for something that goes with Allspice? Got some fish that needs a little something? Check the chart.
The design leaves a little to be desired, plus an option for a print-ready version would have been helpful. There’s also sections on storing spices and tips on checking for freshness.
Today the infamous ‘Drexel Shaft’ near 30th Street Station was imploded. The structure, located above the old Penn-Coach train station, was a steam power plant built back in the 1920′s. The structure was taken out of operation in 1964 and has remained empty ever since.
The structure was so-named by Drexel students upset over what they termed unresponsive treatment by Drexel administration.
One of my favorite bands from ‘back in the day’, The Pixies, are celebrating the 20th anniversary release of their seminal album Doolittle.
“The Pixies were led by Black Francis (AKA Charles Thompson), this Boston band reveled in the raw, loud energy of punk, but harnessed it in service of catchy melodies laced with bizarre lyrics. Doolittle, is widely considered to be one of the best alternative-rock albums ever, and their influence extends to a legion of artists, including PJ Harvey and Nirvana. After five records in five years, they were gone, splintering into the Breeders (led by bassist Kim Deal) and Francis’s solo namesake, Frank Black. In 2004, however, the band reunited for some highly publicized performances.” (via Amazon.com)
Fans, get over to their site and download a FREE 4-song Live EP.
Songs included are:
