New Music Made with GarageBand for iOS

Here's a few songs I've recently done with GarageBand for iOS.  While one of my musical friends keeps telling me I'm limited by what the software/hardware can do/allows, it's a fun pastime.

It Still Takes a Village

It’s interesting how humans act and react to each other and situations.  We can be so fickle.  We can get our feeling hurt over seemingly little things.  One minute we can be friends with someone, and the next we can be angry at something said to us or about us.

In my line of work, the Type-A personality is most common; and it’s needed.  I deal with bad people and have to be an authority figure, strong and decisive, almost all the time.  There are opportunities that present themselves to show empathy for a situation my “customers” get themselves into.  (Just the other night, for example, one of them came and explained the death of his son to me.  With tears in his eyes, this guy told me about how he felt responsible for a car accident that injured and ultimately took the life of his 13 year old boy.)  But most of the time, I have to direct and order these “customers” to do particular things to keep the facility running smoothly and on schedule.

And the rest of the people I work with have to lead in the same way, causing the potential for more conflicts among ourselves.  All these strong willed, opinionated, Type-A people, working in close quarters for 12+ hours at a time, will and does cause drama.  One minute everyone is getting along, and in seconds all hell can break loose.  One person may perceive another is not working or is not doing a particular task well.  Other times, someone thinks something is being done completely wrong or in an inefficient way.  Or someone says something about one person that is then spread to others, and then feelings are hurt and defense mechanisms come up.

Now, being in my forties and having managed upwards of 75 employees, I can take a step back and use the conflicts as learning experiences.  I also try and point coworkers to the same mindset.  Don’t get me wrong, I can be overly sensitive and worried about what another person says about me or to me.  But, I don’t want to be that way.  I want to feel secure in who I am and what I do, and to be able to learn from people and situations that typically make me insecure.

It’s about making the best of a situation.  Whether it’s a bad situation to learn from or a misunderstanding to straighten out, it’s important for all involved to stay sane and to take the opportunity to grow and learn and change when needed.  If we get to full of ourselves, we lose.  If we get too judgmental of others, we lose.  If we aren’t honest with others and ourselves, we lose.  It’s important to remember, we are all imperfect creatures.  We all have something to learn from each other.  Just because we are no longer children, it doesn’t mean it no longer "takes a village."

My Bright Idea #19 - Google Messaging, Calendar, and Other Features

My Bright Idea #19 - November 28, 1014

Google Hangout (Google's messaging and video chatting app) should become more like a super version of iMessage, by managing all SMS, MMS, and Hangout messages, and have the video and audio sharing features added.  Besides a possible rename to something like "Google Messaging" or "GMessage" the app should include the management of regular text messaging to gain more customer usage (if you look at iMessage's implementation, most iPhone users have it set-up).  The Google messaging app should be available on both iOS and Android devices, as well as, in Chrome and desktop software.  Again, this will increase customer usage.

The purpose for better integration on multiple platform is to add additional features for users already using Google's other apps.  One example I imagined is a smart recognition feature that automatically creates suggested calendar events from the content of text messages.  A text like, "Do you want to go see a movie tomorrow?" could create a possible calendar event for the user to review (similar to iMessage's manual ability to create calendar events from keywords like "today" or "tomorrow").  The event could be added to a "Suggested Events" section of the calendar app or be accessible right in the messaging app to confirm as a calendar event.  Additionally, subsequent text that may include other information about the movie, such as which movie, the time and location, could be added to the "suggested calendar event".  Friend(s) involved in the text (such as group texts or mentioned within) could automatically be added as suggested invitees.  Once the event is confirmed, all invitees who choose to accept then have it added to their own calenders.

The messages could also (with permission granted by the user) be reviewed by Google's server to add related content suggestions like where a particular movie is playing or where tickets can be purchased.

Additionally, the Google Calendar App could be updated with other social features, such as, the option to share certain types of events with certain groups (say from your Google+ Circles).  With a feature added to select particular calendar 'event types' in the creation of the event, a particular event could be shared with a select group(s).  A "Social Events" calendar event, for example, could be shared with your "Friends Circle" so they know about upcoming movie nights or dinner parties.  A "Work" calendar event could be shared with your "Coworkers Circle" so your daily schedule could be used for scheduling other work events or meetings.

Additional management of your Circles should also be added to the contacts in your Gmail, for easier access and modification.  Or a Google Contacts/Address Book App and/or website should be created for managing all a user's contacts, groups, circles, etc.  All features should have management capabilities from either the messaging app or the calendar app, with integration with all other Google Apps.

Due To Time...Twitter vs Jimmy the Gun Site

I used to enjoy blogging...a lot.  I loved sharing my finds and expressing my thoughts.  But these days I just don't have the time.  Instead, I use 140 characters to share and express.  My Twitter feed is really where all my time and effort is spent now.  It's quick and easy.

Follow @jimmythegun

My Bright Idea #17 - GetGot App (UPDATED)

My Bright Idea #17 - November 26, 2013
I had this idea a long time ago, but finally put it into my Notes on November 26, 2013.  There should be an app, I call it "GetGot", that allows you to create a shopping list and share it with others.  The idea is for one person to create a list of needs (like a grocery list) to "GET".  Then, another person, one the list is shared with, can go to the store and purchase the ideas on the list, marking the items as "GOT".  The listed items can be moved back to the "GET" list as needed, helping create your next shopping list as you need the items.

UPDATED to Idea - July 19,2014
This seems like a pretty basic part of the app these days, but the app should use the GPS in your device and allow the device to direct you to the store and ultimately the aisle in  the store where you can purchase the item.  Additionally, the app should be smart enough to offer suggestions of where to buy the item and where it may be the cheapest.

My Bright Idea #18 - Predictive Punctuation

My Bright Idea #18 - March 4, 2014
I originally came up with this idea in March, but only recently (after the latest iOS 8 release) thought I'd document it here on the site.  Also, the original idea was specifically for the double space bar tap at the end of a sentence.  I thought it should be smart enough to add a question mark when the sentence is structured as a question, rather than always defaulting to a period.  Words like when, what, which, where, how, who, why, are could be add to the predictive punctuation algorithm.  Now I think, with a little nerdy grammar knowledge and some sentence structure know how, coding and algorithms could be written to incorporate better comma usage.  Maybe we can even fix some of the incredibly awful uses the Internet and its minions have of the run-on sentence.  Perhaps Predictive Punctuation can evaluate a paragraph of text and add all the missing commas, periods, and other missing punctuation to make reading more intelligible.

My Bright Idea #17 - GetGot App

My Bright Idea #17 - November 26, 2013
I had this idea a long time ago, but finally put it into my Notes on November 26, 2013.  There should be an app, I call it "GetGot", that allows you to create a shopping list and share it with others.  The idea is for one person to create a list of needs (like a grocery list) to "GET".  Then, another person, one the list is shared with, can go to the store and purchase the ideas on the list, marking the items as "GOT".  The listed items can be moved back to the "GET" list as needed, helping create your next shopping list as you need the items.

My Bright Idea #15 - iCloud Storage Size

My Bright Idea #15 - July 31, 2012
This is another old idea, but one that is still not resolved.  I think the iCloud storage size should match your device's storage size.  If you have a 16GB device, Apple should offer you 16GB of iCloud storage for free.  The 5GB that comes free is not enough storage anymore, especially now that iCloud and the way iOS works no longer requires connecting the device to iTunes.  The smallest devices have more than the free offering, limiting the usage of iCloud's free storage.  Yes, it's a way to make more money for Apple, but this can not be one of their major profit lines.

My Bright Idea #14 - Silence Notifications

My Bright Idea #14 - July 30, 2012
This bright idea is very old and has been revealed, so I lose create for it being mine.  On July 30, 2012, I wrote the note: "Notification Center needs a time for notifications to be silenced."  This was fixed in September 2012 with iOS 6's "Do Not Disturb" feature.  The Android version does not work as well, but it's there too.

My Bright Idea #13 - The Next Generation of The TV

My Bright Idea #13 - December 19, 2011
This "My Bright Idea" post is the unlucky number "13", but I think the idea may already be in the works with Apple's rumored TV project.  I think the next generation of television should change from the standard "over the air" style setup and be more like on-demand via high speed Internet.  This would mean you watch what you want when you want, without filling up your DVR or missing an episode of your favorite show due to a signal, DVR, or scheduling issue.  Logistically, I see the scheduling of shows and their episodes looking similar to today's setup, with an "episode air time and date".  This would be the "release time" for the shows' newest episodes.  But watching the episode would be completely different.  Instead of watching a show at its schedule day and time or setting up a timer in your DVR, this on-demand style set up would allow the viewer to stream the episode after it's release time.

Also, because the networks and producers of television shows need to make money, advertisements would be embedded in the stream and/or pop-up at the top or bottom of the screen, or before the stream started.  With advertising profits shrinking because of DVRs,and their commercial skipping or fast-forwarding features, this streaming option would force the commercials to be played, similar to Internet streaming now.

The hardware would need to be ready to grab a stream of the available shows (similar to Netfix's streaming setup), as well as, grab the over-the-air signal for live viewing.  The menu system would need to be similar to a TV guide, but with fully functional search features, including shows and their past episodes.  Each network could still have their different stations, as well as, local news and information specific to each network. While live viewing or searching a particular networks "channel" ads profits would benefit the particular network. The menus could be set up in such a way that each network can have the list of all their shows, combined with lists of all the available seasons and episodes, and even suggestions and social media elements for discovery options.

My Bright Idea #12 - Mircosoft and "The W"

My Bright Idea #12 - December 14, 2011
Microsoft should buy W.com and turn it into their cloud based storage service.  The W would Work with all Windows products for seamless storage and access to all the user's files.  It would compete with Apple's iCloud service, and offer Windows Phone users similar capabilities, but offer seamless integration with all of Microsoft's products and other services.

The W is for Windows, for the Web, for the World Where you Want it.

My Bright Idea #11 - iVoIP, The Apple Home Phone

My Bright Idea #11 - November 21, 2011
Apple needs to create a VoIP calling feature for Wireless network calling.  I call it "iVoIP".  It would be the Apple Home Phone and work with the iPhone, once it's on your home WiFi network.  Since so many people don't even have home phones anymore, it would be an awesome way to have your cell phone work on your home wireless network, saving valuable cell minutes, and in my case, provide a better signal and higher call quality.  It would also be cool if aftermarket companies designed home phone style docking stations that charged your cell phone, and allowed for a more conventional handset to be used throughout the house.  Retro styles, multiple handsets throughout the house, charging, music playing, etc. would all be cool aftermarket devices.

Jimmy the Gun, And His Trusted Sidekick, Pepper Spray (UPDATED)

I have to work on the UC Davis campus every few weeks.  I've been taking our newest team member with me, partly for training, but mostly for the additional set of eyes.  There is a lot to do in a branch I visit so infrequently.  Today I was asked when I was scheduled to be there next.  After giving my schedule, I made a joke about bringing pepper spray with me. My co-worker, the one who has been going with me, asked if that was my nickname for her. We had a good laugh about it and we came up with our new super hero characters and slogan:

Jimmy the Gun, and his trusted sidekick Pepper Spray.  Righting the wrongs and mocking the stupid.  It's what we do.

For those of you who have not heard about the pepper spraying incident, the video is below.  It is a little shocking for those sheltered few still left in our society, but I offer this advice:  no matter what your political views are, if a member of law enforcement gives you a direct order, you better obey it or be prepared to experience pain compliance and arrest control techniques, and be ready to part with your freedoms as an American Citizen.  If an officer of the law is actually unjustly violating your rights, comply now and sue later.  It will be much more satisfying later in court if you stay "in the right".  But the second you do not comply with the directions of someone, who has been deemed capable of enforcing the laws of our society and, subsequently, has been given the authority to take away many of those rights and freedoms from law violators, you are wrong.



This video clearly shows the 2min 28sec delay from warning to spraying.  That's soooooo much time to move out of law enforcement's way.
As an upstanding member of society, if you are given the order to move out of the way of officers so they can effect a lawful arrest, you would gladly move out of the way.  If you deemed that arrest as unlawful, as an upstanding member of society you would still move out of the way, and later file a formal complaint with the agency, and possibly move to file suit against the officer(s) involved.  It is only the members of society who do not conform to the rules that get pepper sprayed after being warned to move out of the path of officers effecting an arrest.  At least in this video that's the case.

UPDATED: Here's a video with audio of the cops warning the Occupy Morons.  "Spray away", I say.

My Bright Idea #10 - Google's MMORPG Using Google Earth

My Bright Idea #10 - September 6, 2011
Google should develop an MMORPG using Google Earth and the 3D buildings that people are creating.  People can join the "real world", but play and do things they may not normally do or be able to be part of.

This goes with my MMORPG "Real World" Game idea, where people play out themselves in the real world, but are able to choose to be "good" or "bad" and perform tasks to that end.  You either choose to do things like stopping crimes seen in the game, or you choose to do them.  People would live out their desired role, leading toward enforcement of rule and law or the destruction of it.  Each "good" or "bad" thing done would earn the player points toward their goal.  Depending on where and how the crimes or prevention is done, the player would earn roles in the world they create.  There would also be an underlying points system for those things done without detection.  This would allow for things like secret alter-egos in the world.

For example, if someone decided to be "good" and prevented crime, they may choose to become a COP, working a beat, etc.  But if they prevent crimes that are behind the scenes, in dark allies, in back rooms, etc., they can earn roles such as FBI agent, with access to more information about other players or game characters, that might not otherwise be known.  FBI agents would have access to information saved in the server, but not part of a characters "known" status in the world.  If someone decides to be "good" but hides their identity with masks or costumes, they can eventually gain a super power.

On the bad side, the range of positions starts at street thug and goes to crime boss.  And, for those that are able to reach crime boss and complete dangerous tasks without detection, they can "accidentally" be turned into a super villain with a super power, gained by a tragic accident within the game.

My Bright Idea #9 - Read My Twitter Feed for Me

My Bright Idea #9 - June 20, 2011
The Twitter app on the iPhone should be updated to allow users to; first, record their user name as an audio file attached to their profile; and second, add a feed reading function that audibly reads a feed aloud so a user can hear the feed while doing other things, such as driving.  By allowing users to record their user name to their profile, Twitter can include that quick audio file during the reading portion any time the user's name appears in the feed.

My Bright Idea #8 - Falling Down 2, The Law Makers Will Pay

My Bright Idea #8 - May 28, 2010
Someone needs to make the next installment of the movie "Falling Down", about a man who goes after the law makers who are telling him how to live and raise his kids.  Things that have set him off include: seat belt law, helmet law, no juice in daycare, schools monitoring kids lunches, no dodge-ball, blaming McDonald's for fat kids, etc.

My Bright Idea #7 - Eco-Escalators

My Bright Idea #7 - March 25, 2010
Escalators should be put on motion sensors that start the escalators as someone approaches, and stops them when they are not in use.

My Bright Idea #6 - Bio Diesel for Garbage Trucks

My Bright Idea #6 - March 24, 2010
Garbage can be turned into bio diesel; therefore, garbage should be turned into bio-diesel for garbage trucks.

UDATED February 4, 2012:
It's here.  Check out this story.

My Bright Idea #5 - The Bean Spreader

My Bright Idea #4 - January 10, 2010
The Bean Spreader, a device that clamps onto a can of beans and helps spread beans out at an even amount, would be helpful in making nachos, quesadillas, and huevos rancheros.  Anything needing a thin layer of beans evenly spread over a large area would benefit from a bean spreading device.

My Bright Idea #4 - I Thought of The Atrix First

My Bright Idea #4 - January 1, 2010
Someone should design a handheld device that docks with a keyboard, monitor, and mouse to act as a full sized computer.

This actually happened with the introduction of the Motorola Atrix, a little over a year later on February 13, 2011.