eunomia

Hindsight

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Hartley) — Wed, 23 May 2012 02:55:00 +0000

These guys might think they all artsy and ironic....

But so did these guys...

Hands

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Hartley) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:15:00 +0000

2 guys, different songs, both wanting us to look at their hands....

Google Music Manager Won't Leave Me Alone

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Hartley) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:34:00 +0000

No matter how many times I un-check the "start with Windows" box, Google's Music Manager manages to ignore it and re-start itself every few weeks....as if maybe I've changed my mind and it knows what's best for me despite myself. Easy solution? Uninstall.

Timbuk2 Messenger Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Hartley) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 01:00:00 +0000

I'm LOVING my new messenger bag from Timbuk2. From the website to the ordering process to the bag itself, it was a great experience. The bag is high quality and durable with lots of flexibility. Some of the compartments are detachable too, which is convenient. The one thing I'd change is that I'd like a handle on top so it can be carried without using the shoulder strap. In fact, it looks from the site like it's supposed to have one, but mine doesn't. Overall though, I fully recommend Timbuk2, and this bag specifically (the D-Lux Laptop Messenger Bag).

James Taylor Guitar Lessons

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Hartley) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 03:58:00 +0000

Ever wish you could sit down with James Taylor and have him show you how he plays Country Road? Here's your chance. He's launched a series of online guitar lessons that make incredible use of video technology. It's as close as I can imagine most of us would ever get to an actual one-on-one lesson with the man himself. It features in-the-guitar-looking-out camera angles, as well as thoughtful explanations. Happy picking! And be sure to visit his site for larger, high quality versions.

First Aid Kit - new album

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Hartley) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:18:00 +0000

The new album from The First Aid Kit is the latest obsession I can't seem to stop listening to. I first heard about them in a Rolling Stone review. They sound like a less foreboding Emmylou Harris while their voices carry the narrative, silky quality of Mama Cass on "Make Your Own Kind of Music."

And in a nice lyrical nod to some of their roots, they sing...
I'll be your Emmylou and I'll be your June,
if you'll be my Gram and my Johnny, too,
just sing little darlin' sing with me...

visit 'em at thisisfirstaidkit.com

What To Do....

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Hartley) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:11:00 +0000

I practically feel like I'm cheating on a friend. I've been managing my to-do list for years with Remember the Milk, but this weekend I started flirting with Orchestra and am intrigued. RTM is by far the more feature rich app, but in the world of task management, it's a game of clicks and usability. The interface of Orchestra's iPhone app is sublime. It's sort of like the Android vs. iPhone argument: both are fine devices, but I like to sum it up as follows: the Android gives me the tools to make my life easier....the iPhone actually MAKES my life easier.

Record Store Day (unofficial)

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Hartley) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 02:54:00 +0000

On Saturday my buddies Steve and Hank and I set out on our own personal Record Store Day. Had a blast hitting Tunes in Hoboken, Princeton Record Exchange in Princeton, and Vintage Vinyl in Fords. Gonna make it an annual thing.

Here's the bounty I came away with....in no particular order:

Elvis Costello - "Punch the Clock" 2-disc 2003 version on Rhino

The Knack - "Get the Knack" re-issue

Material Issue - "International Pop Overthrow 20th Anniversary Edition"

Deanna Kirk - "Beauty Way"

Tired Pony (cool cover + interesting people + Steve's recommendation)

Alex Chilton - "Free Again: The '1970' Sessions"

Pretenders - "Viva El Amor" ($.50!)

Rush - "Feedback"

The Louvin Brothers - "Satan Is Real" / "Handpicked Songs"

Beastie Boys - "Paul's Boutique 20th Anniversary Edition"

Chicago - "Chicago At Carnegie Hall Volumes I, II, III and IV"

and for the kids....

Big Star Box Set

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Hartley) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 04:40:00 +0000

Like a dream come true for many rock fans. I just (finally) got my hands on the Big Star box set, Keep An Eye on the Sky. While I haven't really had a chance to dive into the music yet, the package alone is spectacular. In addition to four discs there's a 100-page book - not a booklet, a BOOK - loaded with the history of the band. Kudos to Rhino Handmade on this one! Photos courtesy of Rhino Handmade.

Dear Java People

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Hartley) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:23:00 +0000

I don't know who you are or what you do. I don't know how (or if) you make my life any better. I know that your constant update notices are annoying and an intrusion into my day. There must be a better way to do whatever it is that you need to do.

Signed, The Average Computer User

Race to the Perfect Mix of Usability & Features

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Hartley) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 03:29:00 +0000

Path - a great new "smart journal" app (only available on mobile devices) - is incredibly easy to use, but slightly feature-deficient. Evernote - a note-taking app (all platforms) - is incredibly feature-packed, but slightly clunky. Both apps are excellent, but I find myself still needing a cross between the two. If Path had tagging and some kind of desktop counterpart, or if Evernote had more 1-click, stream-ish ease of use on my phone, I could go either way. Having been a faithful Evernote for years, they have my loyalty, for now. See you at the finish line fellas...may the best app win!

Goin' a Little Overboard, Are We Shoes.com?

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Hartley) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:32:00 +0000

Being a marketing guy I really shouldn't be casting stones, but REALLY? Don't the good folks over at Shoes.com ever get tired of sending me emails? They've almost reached that "I'll buy someplace else just out of spite" point.

Gift Like You Mean It at MusicGifter.com

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Hartley) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:16:00 +0000

MusicGifter.com has great music gifts, including exclusive packages from artists like Kelly Clarkson, AC/DC and more. Cool stuff. *

* disclaimer: I not only work at Sony, but I worked on this project. So there.

Wilco's Tiny Desk Concert at NPR

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Hartley) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 03:59:00 +0000

It's amazing what bands can and will do now vs. 5 or 10 (or even 20) years ago. NPR's latest Tiny Desk Concert finds Wilco setting up at someone's desk - literally - for a quick show!

Up Yours, Thing 2

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Hartley) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:54:00 +0000

Dr. Seuss inspires stories whose memories linger.
Especially when Thing 2 is giving Thing 1 the finger.

(from On Beyond Bugs: All About Insects)

A Free Agenda for Occupy Wall Street

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Hartley) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 23:45:00 +0000

Since Occupy Wall Street still doesn't seem to have any discernible goals or demands, I've got a couple of suggestions to get them started:

1) No bonuses for CEO's if their company loses money.

2) for companies receiving govt bailout money: no bonuses, raises, dividends, non-critical travel, parties, donuts or birthday cakes until every dime of taxpayer money is paid back.

3) no crying in baseball.

Rework (the book)

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Hartley) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 02:30:00 +0000

Rework is a book by the founders of 37 Signals. It's a quick read full of great advice on bucking old conventions in an evolved business world. My only complaint is that they're very one-sided with regard to some of these conventions. For example, they make great points about why you should NOT write a long-term business plan ("they're really just guesses"), but for many people or businesses, a long term plan serves a valuable need - even if that need isn't necessarily to predict exactly where they'll be in 5 years. That said, it's a minor observation about a fantastic and insightful book.

37signals/rework

Marshall Crenshaw on Letterman

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Hartley) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 03:02:00 +0000

Great clip of Marshall Crenshaw making his network TV debut on Letterman - thanks to The Falcon's Nest blog for turning me onto this clip!

And another gem....interviewing with Dick Clark on American Bandstand:

Dawes on VH1

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Hartley) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 01:33:00 +0000

Dawes are my favorite new band by a long shot. They've got a pure American band sound rooted in Laurel Canyon, The Band and Jackson Browne. Superb songwriting, great sound, and a non-look look you can be comfortable with even if you're not a hipster from Brooklyn. Here they are on VH1's "You Ought To Know."

Get More: Dawes, You Oughta Know, Dawes Music Videos, Live Performances

Bose MIE2 Mobile Headset

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Hartley) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:45:00 +0000

I'd previously written about the Urbanears Medis Earbuds, which I liked, but I now have to say that the Bose MIE2's blow them out of the water. I started out liking the Medis a lot but noticed that after wearing them for any period of time, depspite the nice fit, they began to hurt my ears. Maybe I have some sort of device-rejecting ears, but the fact remains that they ended up being uncomfortable for me. So I decided to try the Bose. I'd had the previous version (the TriPort In-Ear headphones) and found that while the sound was excellent, they constantly fell out of my ears. I was a bit skeptical about the new ones and that little Batman-ish wing they have. After giving them a shot I've found that the sound, comfort and stability are all spectacular. I never imagined I'd be this satisfied with in-ear headphones. And they work perfectly for cell phone calls.

Which is Safer, the Mafia or the NBA?

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Hartley) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:11:00 +0000

Here's how murder and the biggest professional sports leagues stack up against each other according to Google:

mafia+murder = 26 million Google results (our control search)
NBA+murder = 22.1 m
NFL+murder = 19.5 m
MLB+murder = 14.9 m
NHL+murder = 12.1 m
NASCAR+murder = 10.4 m
FIFA+murder = 6.3 m
CFL+murder = 1.5 m

Javaris Crittenton due in L.A. courtroom
The former Laker was robbed of $55,000 worth of jewelry in April, police say. He is accused of fatally shooting a woman Aug. 19, and is to appear in court in L.A. on Wednesday. more on LATimes.com.

LA Times on Glen Campbell

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Hartley) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:43:00 +0000

Glen Campbell is coming to the end of his amazing career. I'm looking forward to what promised to be an interesting and hopefully amazing album. I've had his latest -
Meet Glen Campbell, an album of well-chosen covers - stuck in my various players for the last year or so. full article

Urbanears Medis Earbuds

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Hartley) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 04:25:00 +0000

My never-ending search for the perfect earbuds landed me with a pair of Medis from Urbanears. At $50 they're not cheap, but have some serious strong points. The aesthetic - from the lavish and clean packaging to the overall look & feel - is on par with Apple products. You love them before you even hear them. The sound is good/excellent, and they stay in place without abusing your ears. Plus, they have a great website. If you're in the market for quality earbuds, check 'em out.

$50 at Urbanears.com

Insurance Companies and Usability

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Hartley) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:58:00 +0000

Think about how far companies go to make the process of doing business with them easy. Insurance companies somehow get away with doing the complete opposite. Their business is built on the premise of making it DIFFICULT for customers to use their services. What would happen if a usability expert was let loose in an insurance company and somehow put in charge of claim forms? ZipCar did it to the rental business. Zappos did it to buying shoes online. Of course, insurance companies don't want to do THAT kind of business with you....ya know, the kind where they pay what they owe....so I guess I'll just call this another rant, and call it a night.

Dawes Sold Out

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Hartley) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 02:19:00 +0000

A thoroughly depressing pop-up window on the Dawes website: