Link: http://www.apple.com/ipad/

While many Apple fanboys and technophiles are still wetting their pants after the initial unveiling of the new iPad, I find myself joining a growing segment of technology enthusiasts that find themselves wondering, why?

There is no doubt that Jobs and Co. have had their fingers squarely on the pulse of successful innovation ever since the beginning of the iPod phenomenon. And the Mac OS continues to maintain the standard for beautiful, simple and functional UI design in an operating system. But has success after success finally set Apple up for a very vicious self-inflicted wound? Or does the product have enough buzz and name recognition to continue the steamroller-esque trend? Based on initial marketing research and survey information alone, it looks as though the iPad is set to exceed the iPhone in initial demand. But what actually happens when the product actually becomes available is really anybody's guess.

From my perspective though, the iPad is a severely overpriced dissapointment. Basically a scaled-up iPhone/iTouch, it offers no real justification behind its $500-$830 price tag. To give a point of reference, here are some of the core Apple-provided specs for the iPad:

Dimensions/Weight
Height:9.56 inches (242.8 mm)
Width:7.47 inches (189.7 mm)
Depth:0.5 inch (13.4 mm)
Weight:1.5 pounds (0.68 kg) Wi-Fi model; 1.6 pounds (0.73 kg) Wi-Fi + 3G model

Screen
9.7-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen Multi-Touch display with IPS technology
1024-by-768-pixel resolution at 132 pixels per inch (ppi)

Storage
16GB, 32GB, or 64GB flash drive

Wi-Fi model
Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR technology

Wi-Fi + 3G model
UMTS/HSDPA (850, 1900, 2100 MHz)
GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
Data only2
Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR technology

So based on the specs, what you are basically getting is a more fully-featured e-reader platform with 3G support (for an extra cost). And for this type of device, the more memory the better, which means that if you want to max out at 64GB, you're looking at a hefty $699 (wifi only) or a wallet-busting $829 (wifi/3G).

Are you kidding me??? I'm simply shocked that Apple thinks that this is a value for consumers. For a few hundred less, I can get a Windows-based laptop that will do everything this product does and much more. If I wanted to go the Mac route, for the same price or a little more I could just as easily get a MacBook. I mean, really, the thing doesn't even have USB support and you're still restricted to synching via iTunes! And I'm sorry, but as much as some people rail against it, still no Flash support? Simply ridiculous.

I guess in the end, this device will appeal mainly to Mac fans or those wishing to be on the 'cutting edge' of new hardware releases in order to have a new toy to show off. Because anyone else with at least half of a working brain can see that the value of the iPad is dismal considering how much it costs. Sure, it looks awful pretty. But $500-$800? Sorry guys, either drop the price or build greater flexibility and/or functionality into it!

After having a few days to really let my Avatar IMAX 3D really sink in, I've been thinking a lot about some of the characters and themes that the film portrays and discusses. On the whole, Avatar is really nothing new in a storytelling sense. Before the credits even began to roll, I found myself thinking of heavy parallels with both Dances with Wolves and John Boorman's The Emerald Forest. In terms of filmmaking and the technical aspects, I think more than enough has already been said that can be said.

One of the most interesting things to me about the film though remains the character Colonel Quaritch, which was portrayed superbly by Stephen Lang. For those of you that are American Civil War and/or film buffs, you'll remember that the height of Lang's film career thus far was easily his stunning portrayal of Confederate LTG Thomas J. 'Stonewall' Jackson in Ronald F. Maxwell's flawed Gods and Generals. Although Gods and Generals was a huge dissapointment to me in several ways (not to mention a commercial dud), Lang brings the same intensity and believability to his character in Avatar.

In Avatar, Colonel Quaritch is clearly one of the film's central (and most important) antagonists. It is his character that leads the mercenary contingent protecting human economic interests on the moon of Pandora. He is a career soldier, ruthless and driven in his quest to protect human interests at the expense of all others. By the end of the film, Quaritch is killed by Neytiri and Jake Sully, and his character is ultimately seen to represent all that is shameful and wrong with the human race.

But I see Quaritch as something much different. Quite the contrary to the general belief of him as a ruthless soldier hell-bent on the destruction of the Na'vi, I instead see him as the real hero of the film. It is Colonel Quaritch that truly understands the importance of the concept of natural selection on a universal scale, and the necessity of human expansion for the sake of continued existence. Did he enjoy destroying 'Home Tree' and killing scores of Na'vi? Probably yes, but only out of a sense of absolute dedication to the cause of humanity and the continued survival of the human race.

I justify my thinking because of a strong belief I have grown to have in the importance of what I see as several key factors in the survival of the human race: Procreation, education, communication, creativity, protection and expansion. To me, the most sacred and important thing any human being can do is to procreate and raise educated, well-adjusted children that positively contribute to the further survival and expansion of the human race. The second most important thing that any human being can contribute is anything that directly or indirectly leads to more favorable chances of the ultimate survival of the human race.

Avatar does not make clear the question of if Colonel Quaritch has any children. On this point, I would assume that he has none and so by this measure alone his existence can best be described as a failure. But on the second point (contributing to the ultimate survival of the race), Quaritch is without question absolutely dedicated to and actively involved in human efforts contributing directly to the survival and expansion of our race. Yes, his methods are certainly cruel and mechanical. But to him, what is at stake is nothing less than the continued survival of humanity. And while the Na'vi/Pandora represent a significant ecological and cultural treasure, they must unfortunately be subjected to the laws of nature without any regard for emotional attachment. Is it a pretty position to take? Certainly not. But what is at stake is nothing less than our very existence in the universe!

If the Na'vi (or the entire moon of Pandora) must be consumed or destroyed so that humanity may survive, then so be it. And it is in this sense that Quaritch becomes the true hero of the film. With his death, Quaritch becomes a martyr for the just cause of humanity. An unfairly simplified and maligned character that in truth was probably the only human character in the film that understood that to survive (as a race) in a violent and unpredictable universe, humanity must constantly grow and ruthlessly expand if we are to have any chance at all at existing a thousand or more years from now. And while some say we would certainly lose our very humanity in the process, I would argue that human evolution and technological advances will hopefully compensate somewhat for what certainly is a grim, hard path towards the goal of ultimate survival.

Jonathan Walters [3:24 PM]:
holy crap... I downloaded the police radio app for 99 cents. Too freaking cool
Sean Raines [3:25 PM]:
ugh, you're going to be one of THOSE people, aren't you?
Jonathan Walters [3:25 PM]:
LOL
Sean Raines [3:25 PM]:
"i don't need this app but it is awesome so I must have it and use it!"
Jonathan Walters [3:26 PM]:
I can't believe you said that! You're the one downloading a barcode scanner!
Sean Raines [3:32 PM]:
yeah, but, well, ya know...
Jonathan Walters [3:32 PM]:
lol
Sean Raines [3:32 PM]:
IT'S AWESOME!!
and what does it mean to you if i want to have an app for keeping track of my monthly cycle!
it's incredibly accurate, if i had a cycle that is
Jonathan Walters [3:33 PM]:
LMFAO

Link: http://gizmodo.com/5380711/crazy-headsploding-animation-defies-any-classification

A friend at work posted a link to this video on Facebook, and I thought it was too interesting not to re-post here. Beware though of lurking adult content (lots of violence and mild sexual references) within:

What has me so awestruck about this piece is in the elaborate planning required to pull it off. Not only is there a lot of artwork involved before even turning the camera on, but I'm sure the planning and storyboarding process alone took up a significant portion of the entire production time.

For something so complicated and well developed, it's amazing how the creator was able to give the piece an overall feeling of spontaneity and simplicity!

As if you needed me to explain why I consider Jim Lee the greatest comic artist working today:

Even the pieces he does quickly like this one are amazing.

I wanted to write a post today sharing what I've found in my search of the internet for information and resources to help make me a better artist. Many of these resources are web forums, which I find to be excellent for inspiration, developing fresh ideas and soliciting advice where you may be stuck in a rut. And while many think of forums in terms of text-heavy bore-fests that require a ton of reading, these are quite the opposite and thrive because of their users' visual participation.

So without further ado, here they are (in no particular order):

1)Deviantart (http://www.deviantart.com)

Arguably the best creative resource on the web, period. Basically a user-driven community of creatives, Deviantart showcases user work ranging from traditional to digital media, and includes everything from fine art to photography. The site also contains a treasure trove of tutorials, stock images and tools for users to experiment with.

2)Conceptart.org (http://www.conceptart.org/)

If deviantart is the best 'general' art resource on the web, then conceptart.org is probably the best 'specialized' one. Featuring the talents of the Massive Black team, this site is ripe with creativity that appeals to both 2d and 3d artists. Although the site focuses on concept art specifically, the forums are bursting with all kinds of artistic inspiration and resources. I also highly recommend checking out the monthly challenges they run on the forums, which can be an excellent way to jumpstart your creativity engine!

3)Fineart.sk (http://fineart.sk/)

As far as free anatomical reference material goes, this is probably the best site on the internet. Featuring the work of Andrew Loomis and others, this site provides visitors with a wealth of free anatomy resources. Although there are a few pay sites out there offering more, you can't beat the price for what this site offers.

4)The Flight Forums (http://www.flightcomics.com/forum/)

For those focusing more on sequential art, the Flight Comic forums offer an excellent place to discuss work, receive critique and be inspired. Although the community here goes through hot and cold periods (like most any long-history web forum), there is still a very active core group that welcomes new users willing to contribute.

5)Gnomon Workshop (http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/)

One of the best resources available for digital artists. While mostly focusing on 3d subjects, Gnomon still has an excellent catalog of instructional videos catering to everyone from comic book people to tattoo artists. If you don't mind spending a few bucks and/or prefer video instruction, Gnomon is the place to go!

Other worthy resources:

Shutterstock.com
Penciljack Forums
Drawingboard.org
Blambot Fonts

Link: http://www.24hourcomicsday.com/

On October 2nd and 3rd last week, I participated for the first time in the 24 Hour Comics Day Challenge at ACME Comics in Longwood, FL. It turned out to be one of the most awesome things I've done for myself in recent memory, and I met a bunch of super-talented and cool-to-talk-to artists that live in the area. Several of those attending such as Ron Salas and Derrick Fish are published artists with face-melting talent. At first I was extremely intimidated (you have no idea...), but these guys were all class and not once did anyone make me feel like I was out of my league. To my honest disbelief, I actually received several compliments and statements of encouragement.

Just to back up a minute, for those actually reading this that have no idea what the '24 hour comics day challenge' is, let me elaborate. The challenge originally started several years ago like many things do: Small. Artist Scott McCloud challenged his friend and fellow artist Steve Bissette to create a 24-page finished comic book in 24 hours. Both of them tried to do it, and thus the challenge was born on a dare. Since that small beginning, the challenge mutated into an international event, with thousands of artists participating at hundreds of locations across the globe.

I went into the challenge knowing that I was ill-prepared and not exactly skilled enough yet for something of this intensity. But it's in my nature to fling full-force at a thing even if I'm not prepared, or know it will burn me out or kick my butt. To add more difficulty to my own situation though, Cate had a death in the family last week that left me very nearly dropping my plans for the event so that I could be there for her. I underestimated my wife though, and she insisted that this was something that was too important to pass up. In hindsight, I totally agree with her.

I arrived at the event at around 11:45pm on Friday night, just as the rest of the guys were getting all the tables set up and ready. After this, everyone got their materials ready and Marc at ACME gave us the short 'good luck' pep speech as we began. I ended up choosing to do a comic that is basically an autobiography, with a focus on how my friends, family and past relationships are shaping my thoughts and feelings as I prepare to become a dad. It was apparent to me before I started that this was tremendously over-ambitious from a drawing standpoint, but I figured it would at least be something easy for me to write since it is already in me.

Throughout the event, the staff at ACME (mostly Marc, because he was with us most of the 24 hours) were fantastic and extremely supportive. They even went as far as to setup an art table in the main area of the store so that we could rotate over there where customers could see our work as we did it. Too cool! We were also catered for breakfast, lunch and dinner by both the store and local businesses that are friends of the store, which was super awesome as well.

By the time the event had formally ended at midnight on Saturday, nearly all of us that had started the event had also finished it. In the end, I only actually completed three full pages. But I (hopefully) ended up making a few great new friends and found new energy in all the fantastic art that was being created around me.

This was definitely the spark I needed to revive my efforts at becoming a successful sequential artist, and I have no doubt now that I can make it happen.

Next stop, biweekly drawing sessions at ACME and live model sketching on the Sundays at Crealde...

Link: http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Movies/09/21/remakes/

CNN.com posted a story today talking about what most of us film fans have been grumbling over for some time already: Movie remakes.

I consider myself a serious moviephile, but the bottom line is that if it's a good movie then I don't care if it's a remake or not. Of course I was upset when I heard about the Karate Kid remake, but I'm over it because in the end it should be enjoyed in it's own right and not compared directly to the original to declare success or failure.

And I'm not sure about others, but I am VERY excited about the prospect of another big-budget re-imagining of Frank Herbert's DUNE by director Peter Berg.

On another note, here is a great link to a site called Screen Rant for all you fellow film (& TV) lovers out there.