Nope, this isn’t a real post, just an update to the site after the move to the new host. There was some errors not finding actual permalink articles, so those have been fixed. I also made the site 100% XHTML 1.0 Strict validated! Woo…

I know I barely write anything here anymore, but I thought I would share this list. Who doesn’t love a good list?

I work professionally as both a designer and web developer. This list of 15 links are websites/blogs I frequent on a daily basis for inspiration, how-to’s and generally sites that stave off the boredom. This list isn’t in any specific order.

QBN
http://www.qbn.com/
QBN is a great source for both design job postings and inspiration. There’s new featured sites/articles daily and also a big community showing off other links and interesting art-design related content.

Bittbox
http://www.bittbox.com/
Bittbox is all about finding good (and mostly free) resources for designers. It’s not quite updated everyday, but it’s still good to check it out everyday in case something new is posted. Whether you’re looking for good fonts, stock textures, stock vectors, and much more, there is tons of it on this site, usually for free.

Uncrate
http://uncrate.com/
Uncrate is all about the newest stuff. Whether you’re into furniture, gadgets, music, cars, this site has all the newest cool “things” that are available to buy.

Subtraction
http://www.subtraction.com/
Subtraction is a blog written by Khoi Vinh, a very inspirational designer working at NYTimes.com. Not only can this guy design but he can also write, very well (better than me). It’s not always updated daily, but there is a huge, and I mean HUGE archive section on his writings. Topics range from Art, Design, Computers, Net/Pop Culture, Web Design and more.

Yay! Monday!
http://yaymonday.com/
Yay! Monday! is a weekly collection of websites, art, photography, design and video by Chris Kalani. He didn’t dig my UNDATA project, but i’m not bitter.

Design Observer
http://www.designobserver.com/
Design Observer is definitely a good read, when you are in the mood to read. The articles here are top notch; expert writing staff. The topics vary quite erratically, but they are always interesting and they always make me think at the end of the read. This site also has a huge archive of writings.

Design You Trust
http://designyoutrust.com/
Design You Trust is a design blog for the masses. Any designer or artist is able to register and post a new blog about their own work, work they find inspirational or pretty much anything design or art related. Despite the freedom expressed here, the posts seem to be all very good (save a few), and very inspirational.

A List Apart
http://www.alistapart.com/
A List Apart is another one of those good, top quality reads, especially for those in the web design field. Expert writing staff. The archive on this site is also huge. “For People Who Make Websites”.

The FWA
http://www.thefwa.com/
The “Favourite Website Awards” is a daily updated website that features… websites. Lots of the websites featured on this site are top notch inspirations. Many are very flash heavy; the site itself is made in flash. This website has a great archive, and it’s fun to view what was hip in web design a few years ago.

Web Designer Wall
http://www.webdesignerwall.com/
Web Designer Wall is all about showcasing the latest “web trends” in a very informational fashion. The tutorials featured here are very personalized, which is probably the reason it doesn’t get updated frequently, but when it does, the articles are always great. A website by Nick La.

Cool Hunting
http://www.coolhunting.com/
Cool Hunting is a good resource to find out all the new and “cool” design and art related things going on. The items shown are usually very design/art culture orientated. It’s kind of like a mix between Uncrate and Design You Trust, two sites also featured on this list.

Smashing Magazine
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/
Smashing Magazine is one of those must-reads for any graphic or web designer. There’s tons of inspirational material, design resources (most of them free), and lots and lots of lists about many different subjects.

etc.
http://www.fortysomething.ca/mt/etc/
etc. Is probably one of the best web resources out there. This site loves lists, tons and tons of useful lists on CSS, HTML, JavaScript, Web Development Tips, and etc. (pun intended). Don’t let the sub domain address fool you, this is one serious web site.

Good-Tutorials
http://www.good-tutorials.com/
Good-Tutorials is a website dedicated to, well you guessed it… tutorials! There’s thousands of tutorials on here for lots of different software and languages including CSS, HTML, JavaScript, Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, and more. I know there’s lots of good tutorial websites out there (another pun intended) but I prefer this one due to how the main page is layed out.

N.Design Studio
http://www.ndesign-studio.com/
Another one by Nick La focusing on blogging and a section of tutorials and freebies concerning mostly Illustrator and Dreamweaver. Make sure you check out the Design Resources page.

Well that’s it for now. I’m sure there’s lots more out there that I should of added, but didn’t. Maybe I’ll post some images later.

PART 1
Look, before I even get started. I am not a Microsoft fanboy and I am not a Apple fanboy, and I don’t hate either of their operating systems either. I am just a person that uses both Windows and Mac OS on a frequent basis for graphic design, web design, gaming and even just surfing the net. I hear people almost everyday praising Mac/Apple computers, whether it’s my teachers, co-workers, friends or family. These people can all have one of these statements applied to them:

1. They have never been familiarized to a Windows PC, and refuse to be.
2. They use a Mac to check emails and surf the web.
3. They don’t even own or use a Mac at all, they just repeat what they have heard.

1. They have never been familiarized to a Windows PC, and refuse to be.
There exists some real die-hard fans of Apple out there that have never really touched a Windows PC in their life because they are convinced it doesn’t work as good, as fast, as fluid, or even work at all. Some of these people only use one reason, and one reason ONLY to why they use Macs over Windows PCs. Some of those reasons include:

• Mac <OS 10,9,8…> is so much easier to use and more user friendly than Windows.

You’re just being blinded by the graphic user interface and the hardware exterior. Let’s face it, Mac’s interfaces through computing history usually look better than their Windows counterpart. The presentation and overall look of the monitors and hardware exterior is also much more appealing then the standard PC (non-gaming that is). But instead of making up fake excuses, just go out and say it, “I like the way they look”, because even the newest Mac OS is not any easier than XP or even Vista. It’s the same damn thing and you know it, there’s just different methods of doing the same thing.

• Microsoft stole Windows architecture from Apple, and continue to copy them to this day.

Of course, there’s variations to this claim, but it’s still a pretty stupid reason not to use something, even if it is true. We import lots of things to our country from different places all over the world, for examples spices. At one time, thieves may have stole these spices and brought them back for trade. Does that mean you shouldn’t use pepper because it was stolen and traded at one point in time? A pretty weak analogy, I know, but it’s a pretty weak claim too. Microsoft continues to do what works, what the users want; if they didn’t then we would all be using Macs right now.

• Macs don’t get viruses or spyware.

That’s weird that there’s tons of virus protection software out there for Macs then, isn’t it? The most popular PC-based scanner and protection software usually also have a Mac version. That’s really strange, isn’t it? Look, it’s true that there’s less of a security risk on Macs because virus programmers usually want to create the biggest impact on the public, so why would they go with 10% (actually 7.6% as of June 21st, 2007) of the computing population over 90%? The percentage is rising though. Let’s see how the Mac stands up against security issues at 20% or 30%. I think Microsoft is doing a real good job at controlling security at 82.4% of the market share, especially with their advancements in Vista.

2. They use a Mac to check emails and surf the web.
These are possibly the worst type of Mac users of them all. Of course you love Macs if all you do is read email and surf the web, because that’s generally all it’s good for (don’t get mad yet). I mean, even with emulating software (weird that there’s tons of emulators out there for Macs to run Windows applications and games, but not many Windows to Mac emulators) you are not going to be able to run millions of useful applications and games. And while on the subject: It’s emulated, so it’s not going to run at a full Windows speed, if it actually runs at all.

While I’m at it, let’s dispel another thought. Most people think that all graphic designers, animators, movie makers or any type of creative professional at all use Macs. Sure, that was how it was a long time ago; unfortunately the stereotype stuck. All Adobe/Macromedia (now Adobe anyways) work for both operating system now, interchangeably. The only thing different is the hotkeys and some of the interface; which are all based around the keyboard for Macs because they refuse to get out of 1980 and supply a default two or three button mouse. Hell, even some Adobe programs only ever seen light on Macs in the most recent Creative Suite, like Adobe Premier Pro CS3 (which is hailed to be better than Apple’s Final Cut Pro).

For one last comparison, let’s take a look at Maya, a very powerful 3d animation program (used at Pixar). You need a very powerful computer to be able to run and render in Maya. You will not be able to run this program effectively on your standard Mac computer, because Mac computers don’t innately come with good video cards (because of no gaming support), and will not be able to run or render Maya, or very poorly. Yet, on the Windows-based PC side, any computer with 1GB of ram or a decent video card will be able to run it. Supposedly one of the minimum requirements for Maya is also a three button mouse, which I found hilarious.

3. They don’t even own or use a Mac at all, they just repeat what they have heard.
Look people, you have never used a Mac, you have never owned one. You probably really want to buy one, because in all honesty, it’s the cool thing to do, and they look so damn nice. But really, is it worth it? Is it worth the extra thousand dollars to be so non-conforming that you end up being an even bigger cliche? But please don’t think you know anything about the Mac OS, because you don’t.

-

Sure, buy a mac if you want to read a PDF, if you want to surf the web, and maybe even to match with your iPod. Buy a Mac if you want to design, make movies, or do anything. Because, in the end, it’s the same thing as a Windows PC, just more trendy. It has faults, it is fallible, just like Windows, just like Linux, just like you. Stay tuned for part 2 where I write about designing on a Mac.

This article, although fairly dated by now still features some interesting thoughts I had at the time and I have updated this article slightly specially for view on Conviction Conjunction. Here’s a self proclaimed logical retort on all the critics of the new age “emo”, “emotional”, “screamo”, or otherwise hardcore music. It starts like this:

Get off your throne of intolerance and take a look at what emotional music actually is. The term “emo” in terms of music is actually a fallacy within itself. What music isn’t emotional? Every song should have some type of emotional response on the artist or on the listener, otherwise the “artist” hasn’t really done their job? That’s why they are called artists. Think about any song, then think about how that makes you feel, that’s an emotion tough guy. Okay let’s move on…

You might be saying well, all emo music is gloomy, depressing and only deals with the bad things about life. Sure the trend may be set that way. But artists do what works, what corresponds with the current trends of today, otherwise we would never had “eras” of different music. Although, in contemplation I think we as a musical culture are getting very diverse in that aspect. Think about the 70’s. What do you think of when you ponder on the music from that era? Disco and rock and roll probably come to mind. What about the 80’s? Lot’s of pop rock, synthesizers and hair metal. What about lately? Hmmmm… rap is pretty big, there’s lots of dance music, lots of techno, brit pop is also very “in” right now, emo is slowly dying off but still in the race or evolving into something new. But sure, emo music was definitely a big part of the 2000’s and LOTS of bands capitalized off that.

In a phrase to cut these lips: emotional music if anything is more real than any other music (spoken like a true emo). We have all been hurt, we have all shed pain. Why can’t these ideals have their own soundtrack? What right do you have to listen to Shikira and say that emo music is too depressing. Shikira’s songs, like a lot of other popular dance artists are driven on other (although quite relative) emotions. All music is emo, all music is emotional. We are are humans, we have emotions, why try so desperately to cover them up? Nihilists i’m looking at you… naw just joking.

That’s another thing, the emo music scene itself also contains another misclassification called “emos” who are the people that listen emo music. Emo people listening to emo music. Can anybody say blatant over exaggerated generalization? I mean, we don’t call people that listen to power metal, “power metals”, or what about rap, we even refer to them as “rappers” or “gangsters”, definitely not “raps”. Why aren’t the people that go to rave clubs called emos? I mean, they are happy, they are always signing and dancing (usually under the influence, but besides the point). Last time I checked happiness was an emotion, which “emo” is supposedly short for.

Hate the scene, hate the music, you’re only driving closer to the ideals and stereotypical notions you applied to what is emo. Hypocrite.

Originally written: July 12th, 2006

I’ve really been struggling to find the reason behind fandom. Not the act of being a fan itself, but what it entails. Sure, people can like something and then try and be apart of it: that’s being a fan. But when people start decorating there houses soley with their favorite football team’s posters: that’s fandom. Why do people feel the need to do this? Are the football players going to come to their redneck house one day and say how awesome of a fan he is for buying a couple $2.99 posters and a wearing a sweater with their faded logo on it. Maybe it’s to show off, or maybe it’s to try to impress other fans; if so, your just as lame and tired as that faded sweater you are wearing to show off your interest to others.

Here’s an example of how fandom interferes with logical thinking. On MSN, I had seen somebody write in their MSN name: “Way to go Sundin, 500 goals!”. Sure, you are showing your support, but to who? You obviously don’t have Sundin your MSN, and you most likely will never, ever, meet Sundin. So what benefit does this have? Again, it’s really just to show off to other people, so maybe they will start a conversation with you. You may as well change your name to “It’s pretty good weather we are having today!”. You might actually even get more remarks about it.

People gather around at bars and at homes to watch the sunday game. This night is filled with chip eating, beer drinking, and yelling at the television for a couple hours. Who are you yelling at? Are they going to hear you? Even if you were actually at the game in the front row they probably wouldn’t be able to hear you and your fatass anyway. Although I do admit, it’s a lot more respectable and logical to participate in a real life audience. At least you are filling a seat and cheering that can be noticed as a whole to the players.

“COME ON, WHAT WAS THAT?”
Oh now your a football coach, as if you could, if you had the chance, do a better job than a professional football player. Sure buddy, just keep sucking those beer back and adding to your gut. There’s a reason why you’re watching the football game instead of playing it.

“YA!!! TOUCHDOWN!”
I’ve seen a person saying this alone when they thought nobody was watching and with a group at a party. I can’t tell which is sadder. On one hand, you truly are talking to yourself, and on the second hand, if you’re doing it at a party, you are just trying to show off and see how cool you are for liking the underdog team or something. Maybe just be an interesting person instead of trying to get attention by yelling at a television screen? I don’t know, maybe that’s just my twisted thinking.

Another thing is the hostility between opposing fans. Two people with different favorite hockey teams are sometimes worst enemies just for the fact they cheer for a different team. It doesn’t matter that they don’t even know one another, they already hate each other. A lot of sport bar fights probably start like this. This isn’t just a sport thing either. Playstation fans hate Xbox fans that hate Nintendo fans. It’s a vicious hate circle based on the fact each side it too stupid and arrogant to take other people’s point of views into consideration. Who gives a shit if you think Microsoft is money hungry, or that the Gamecube is a kiddy system, or that the Playstation has shitty graphics. Is your deluded perception going to change anything except drive you deeper into a social stereotype?

Originally written: October 15th, 2006

As a kid, I was always questioning things; I was and still am a very curious person. Faith and religion were one thing (or two things) that I never questioned because my mother told me that’s how it was, and I had no reason to think otherwise. I grew older and seen how wrong that ideology actually was. There in fact was a reason to think otherwise and in fact my religion: christianity was not the only religion out there to my surprise. I later learned that Christianity was not the oldest and definitely not the most plausible or logical to me anymore.

I grew a little more and realized that all organized religion had no bearing in my life, and had nothing to offer me. I chose not to live my life based on faith and hope. I chose to live life realistically, questioning, scientifically, rationally, and most important, logically. I continued to keep the idea of “God” in the back of my mind however. I still “prayed” when I wanted something to happen, or wanted something not to happen. That’s the way i was told to help solve my life problems. Although it did comfort me, it was obviously worthless, as it never solved anything, it maybe even had a negative effect on the situation. Later, I chose to ditch the idea all together.

I then discovered that I was now grouped in a category named atheists. But my questioning mind didn’t stop there. I then tried to question, well, how did we all get here? How did this all start? Although I believe in what modern science and physics has proven about the Big Bang, the universe itself, and evolution, there still remains the lingering question: Well then what is the meaning of life?

I then realized this is why there is religion and faith in the first place. This question cannot be answered, so we have to invoke spiritual deities and other pseudo higher powers to instill us with some comfort and reassurance that this life is meaningful. But I then realized this isn’t an answer, it’s a blindfold, it’s just an excuse to cover up the question itself.

The fact is that this life on this planet has all been formed by a chain of events that lead to the eventual creation of atmosphere and sustainable life. Scientifically it can all be proven. But pseudo scientists (usually backed with their own religious agenda) continue to force beliefs on the general public that make no sense. Our universe is so vast, so huge that we can not even put it into science yet. There is at least another 200 billion galaxies besides ours. Why limit yourself to the idea that a God created us, and only us. There is other life forms out there, maybe wondering the same thing we are.

Now I am grouped into a generalization called “nihilist”. Before I even knew what nihilism was, I was already executing the chain to this belief since childhood. I am fine with this. Even though my life is bleak, and meaningless by nature, I am no longer blind, I have no force controlling my life. I am free to do whatever I want with my limited time.

Originally written: July 6th, 2006