Monday in Manhattan

Extreme Sheep LED Art

Valley Lodge Japan Invasion 2009

The bear market can be cute

Via Andrew Sullivan.

Krod Mandoon

I'm not going to let my insecurities prevent me from admitting that I think this looks kinda funny.

Krod Mandoon	Thurs Apr 9, 10p/9c
Krod Mandoon Series Preview
comedycentral.com
Matt Lucas Kevin Hart Sean Mcguire

President Obama on Leno

Apple's iPhone OS 3.0 event

Tomorrow at 1PM Eastern. Thoughts...

<> Will new hardware be announced? I'm learning toward yes, though it would be unusual for Apple to announce new hardware at a developer-oriented event. Rumors point to a mid-2009 release of a large iPhone-format tablet device, which would likely require developer support leading up to release. So I expect a portion of iPhone OS 3.0's new functionality will relate to support for devices that are not yet released, which would imply an announcement.
<> I can't wait for copy and paste, which seems like a forgone conclusion.
<> I do NOT think it's a forgone conclusion that iPhone OS 3.0 will be available for current (and previous) generation iPhone/iPod touch devices. Or let me put it this way: I think there's a chance Apple will fork 3.0 functionality into different paths, depending on the device line. To that end...
<> I see a bifurcation of the iPhone OS platform, which is presently essentially a single platform shared between both models of the iPhone and the iPod touch (with the only notable differences being lack of mobile network and GPS on the touch, and the EDGE/3G/GPS differences between the first and second iPhones). I think we're in for a "second wave" of Apple device functionality, which will include the tablet form factor and a new high-end iPhone. Both of these will include new levels of performance and functionality beyond the initial generation, and there will be a class of apps that specifically target this functionality, which won't work on the older models.
<> I think the tablet will tether with the iPhone to provide mobile networking.
<> Every time I think about Apple, I think back to this tweet of Andy Ihnatko's, and ask myself, "Can this be it???!!!" I think there's a good chance we'll find out about whatever Andy was referring to tomorrow.
<> Can't wait to see how WRONG I turn out to be about ALL of this stuff!!!

Chuck Schumer

Great article in The Atlantic about Chuck Schumer.

I've been familiar with him, but wasn't aware of the extent of his contributions to better life, which include, to quote the article: "limiting ATM and debit-card fees; making cell-phone numbers portable; forcing credit-card companies to disclose more information. The section on your credit-card bill listing the interest rate, annual fee, and finance charges is known as the “Schumer Box,” for a provision he inserted into the 1988 Truth in Lending Act."

On the level

Revamped Graphic Equalizer from Marcelo Costa on Vimeo.

http://twitter.com/jeffsolomon

Much of what I've used this blog for- posting URLs, quick thoughts, etc.- is now taking place on my Twitter stream. So if you're interested in the content of this blog, I invite you to follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jeffsolomon.

This blog will remain my forum for any sort of significant expression, but most of the links and tidbits are Twitter-bound these days.

IT guy is foiled by efficient presentation software

World Builder

World Builder from Bruce Branit on Vimeo.

Kindle on the iPhone

Today Amazon released a Kindle app for the iPhone and iPod touch.

Here's the relevant article from The New York Times.

Here's a key quote:

"Amazon also said its recently unveiled Whispersync function would work for people who own a Kindle and one of the Apple devices. They can access their library of previously purchased e-books on all of their devices at no additional cost. Amazon will also create automatic bookmarks, so that a user can stop reading a book on one device and pick it up on another device at the same spot in the text."

Amazon just morphed the Kindle from a hardware concept to a software concept. Bravo- this is exactly what I've been hoping for.

BONUS: now that Kindle content is available for the iPhone and iPod touch, anyone with one of those devices now has the ability to purchase and enjoy "A Week in the Life of Allan Johannes", a short story I wrote ten years ago and published for the Kindle last week.

Starring James DiSalvatore

Great interview with actor James DiSalvatore at the Schenectady Daily Gazette.

He's one of the hardest working, most passionate creative types I know.

If you know me, you might know Jim from the classic short films "Return to Sender" and "Haunted".

And also this:



And this:



Check out Jim's website here.