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  • Watchmen
    Watchmen
    by Alan Moore

    Winner of the Hugo Award… one of the greatest graphic novels.

  • The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack
    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack
    by Various Artists

    The Soundtrack, for under $10.

  • Xbox 360 12 Month Live Gold Card
    Xbox 360 12 Month Live Gold Card
    Microsoft Software
  • Borderlands
    Borderlands
    2K Games
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WARNING: This website’s content is addictive. Consult your doctor before devoting more than ten hours each day to this blog. After all, it’s supposed to be superfluous… even when it’s not.

Unless otherwise specified, all site content — including images — are owned exclusively by Brad Chin. Please don’t steal art or creative works (including music); it’s someone’s livelihood, and you wouldn’t like your stuff stolen, either!

Please contact me if you would like to commission some art of your own — including writing, advertising/marketing, design, and/or illustration. If you would like to use anything you see here for non-commercial purposes, please let me know first. Thanks!

Sunday
31Jan2010

New Browsing, Products and Services

I've been waiting for Apple to announce a MacBook Air upgrade — hopefully a chasis redesign — but so far, nothing. The iPad looks really nice, however. Although the iPad seems like just a super-sized iPod touch — no camera, no multi-tasking, no Adobe Flash — I think it's great. Of course I don't like the limitations, but I'm okay with it. I use my iPod touch and iPhone for most of my work; a large-scale device, thin and light, with iWork apps... how is that not awesome? I'm writing this post from my iPhone — of course I'd like a 9.7" screen version! I hope the device has keyboard support.

I tried to update this blog from my Playstation 3, but I couldn't login. Squarespace isn't built to support the PS3 Mozilla browser. I did however pair my Apple Bluetooth keyboard with my PS3; making a few updates at my Backpack page, catching up at Gmail and using Bighugelabs' Writer was fairly convenient... and cool.

There were display issues with PS3 browsing and working (writing), but altogether, the experience was eye-opening. I'm thinking about trying to hookup my MacBook Pro to the plasma screen for easier writing; software such as Writeroom, or anything else with a full-screen "distraction-free" writing environment, will increase my output — allowing me to write even when sitting upright hurts too much.

I'm still looking into three-column designs.

Lastly, I've been streamlining my modern practical self defense system. More on that — perhaps with some sketches — next post. At the moment, I'm working on adding to AIS-insurance.com as the company has many hot new products, real game-changers, and interestingly — these aditions aren't insurance products.

One of the new services almost everyone can use. CARA HealthAdvantage offers a discount drug card — prescription discounts across the country at virtually all major pharmacies. Best of all, the card is free... and limitless. Download or request your copy; you can use it, and in addition, your family and friends can, too. Help your loved ones save some money.

You should know that I don't deal with scams, and I'd never peddle or offer one.

If you don't know me, look at AIS' history — thirty years doing business the right way, fighting to support individuals and small businesses, to give them benefits typically reserved for only the largest corporations willing to shell out top-dollar.

As always, if you want more details, contact AIS (800-788-6524) ask for Ed (direct extension 115) or Doug (125). Alternatively, you can contact me here, Twitter @bradtastic, or at Facebook.com/bradtastic.

Tuesday
19Jan2010

Year 2010 Redux, Hiatus

2010… is life any different for you? Better, I hope.


Hello everyone. To those of you who don’t follow my Twitter or Facebook (you really should… starting, say, now :-) ?), my departure from online contact probably seemed abrupt — I haven’t posted anything since Christmas. Things have just been busy. Website redesign is tricky with the technology — and disability — that I have.

I’m currently working on several website designs and redesigns — and those are some of the smaller projects. I’m still writing everyday, reading and learning… psychology and sociology, physics and mathematics have been of interest. I’m conceptual-designing; it’s fun, frustrating, and complicated.

My Superfluous Personal Blog (this blog) is going to be revamped, likely with an added column and new art. I just can’t make the time at the moment with more… pressing things to attend to. I need to take a desk apart, and I need to look at moving.

A Tablet PC and iRex Digital Reader 1000S would surely help speed things along. WACOM Active Digitizer screens… and fortunately, many of them are on sale, including Fujitsu Tablets and the older Motion computing LE1700 slate tablets. I’m also looking at digital paper e-book readers: such as the Kindle DX, QUE and B&N nook.

If you’re looking to help and get some credit, support and advertising (along with other services), send me a message. You could end up with lifetime advertising here and at other Bradtastic sites. Contact me for details. I’m also interested in the Alphasmart NEO — they recently lowered the price to $169! It’s a great supplemental tool for any writer.

Friday
25Dec2009

Merry Christmas was her name...

... She's so damned hot today, I don't know what to say.

It's too sunny, too hot. I'd intended to post something pithy, poignant and possibly maudlin... like last year.

Today, I just want the sun to drop and I want rain. In the bay area, burning logs is illegal tonight. Yay, spare the air!

Stephanie gave me really nice presents.

I'll write and share later, perhaps about etiquette, respect and value. It's not very festive, but it's on my mind.

I heard it's going to rain tomorrow and the day-next. That'll make me happy.

Monday
21Dec2009

Bradtastic Premier 2010

From the desk and TabletPC of Brad Chin: “Bradtastic 2010” Premier site logo, rough draft. Like I’d really let you see the final thing!

Superfluous? I don’t think so. 

This is to let everyone get a glimpse of some of what’s coming. I’m going to move Bradtastic… however, I don’t know what to do with all of that old content. There’s a lot of it that I’d like to keep — but I also like the idea of starting over, fresh, since so much is different. 

What do you think?

Please… let me know. Also, please leave a link if you happen to know of a high-quality questionnaire/polling system online. I liked that Livejournal had a system built in; but for many reasons, I’m not going to go back to LJ. Unless they paid me… I suppose a free permanent account would suffice. 

 

About the art and one of my obsessions

I’ve been trying to utilize my Tablet technology as much as possible. Unfortunately, my device is more than five years old now; the battery-life is less than 35 minutes with full-conservation settings, it’s bulky and hot.

My inkblogging has garnered more attention than expected, and I’d like to continue with the format. I think it’s a perfect medium for discussing writing instruments and paper as well. I even have the perfect domain name for such a review site!

I’m still compiling my thoughts on the Levenger Ledgerdomain notebook… I think that it’d be pretty cool to start-off a paper and pens review site with a “Bradtastic Approved Notebooks” feature! (Or is it, “featurrette?”

 

Meanwhile… some real-life wondrousness!

In digital-life form — Check out (and add or bookmark) Bradtastic Antipresto for links and images. I post iPhone art, skyline shots, funny stories, and sketchbook glimpses on a regular basis. [Note: if you’re not particularly fond of Antipresto’s DISQUS comments handling and style/theme, rest-assured, neither am I. My tumblr will be modified — improved.]

 

Friday
18Dec2009

Art of the Arts.

A “THOUGHT-SKETCH,” a little something to explain why I’ve been so pen and pencil obsessed over the past few days.

I’ve been asked about my love of fine writing instruments and rare paper, and my pursuit of the perfect notebook and pen. Some wonder why it’s so important to me, or what the difference is between a Montblanc fountain pen and a freebie BIC ballpoint. The obvious physical differences aside, I suppose that it’s similar to the differences between a Squarespace or TypePad paid blog, and a freebie Blogger site. 

The significance of art, and its preservation:

Would the Declaration of Independence carry the same significance if it were scribbled on napkins with chalk? 

I doubt that many people ask themselves, or others, this question very often (if ever); however, this is something that I consider regularly. If an artist doesn’t value his or her own work, should anyone else? If a writer doesn’t think that his blog is worth paying for, should you consider it worth reading?

People want to believe that the old adage, “don’t judge a book by its cover,” is followed — and believed — but it isn’t. Our culture has impressed upon us all the importance of aesthetics, advertising and marketing… and we give more credence to the claims of the financially supported (or otherwise famous) than those without similar backing.

I use fine paper to encourage fine writing…

Hopefully, I can create a fine all-around product. If I didn’t believe that I had considerable talent or skill in something, I wouldn’t waste the time or money. I don’t think that everyone should go out and buy $50 notebooks and $1,300 pens… I know that not everyone can afford it. However, there are finer things at a lower-pricepoint. Two-dollar pencils and ten dollar notebooks.

Opening a well-constructed notebook with beautiful paper sets a wonderful tone. Hovering above the page, uncapping a fine writing instrument, my mind becomes enveloped by the significance of the moment, the idea, the message, and my purpose.

I place importance on my work before I even begin, by placing importance on the facilitators of my creations — be it a notebook and pen, pencil and paper, or a computer and blogging service. I like to use products and services created by people who put every ounce of themselves into their craft in hopes of creating a masterwork. Knowing this, I try to do the same.

First, I respect my art. If I won’t, why would anyone?

Thursday
10Dec2009

Enlightenment, Barbs and Shards

The past 24 hours of my life have been spent in intense intellectual pursuits; contemplating, in part, life itself.

Insofar as meaning and success are subjective and personal — I cannot claim over them holistic masterful understanding. However, people share innate, intrinsic values and desires. These elements bind us all.

As certain scientific advancements seek to further our knowledge of the known universe, each new discovery propels some minds into new, increasingly more difficult equations and sophisticated mysteries. The more we know, the more we realize what we cannot know.

Meanwhile, many people are struggling to piece together, amidst chaos and entropy, some semblance of a happy existence. Regardless of our unique beliefs, the human condition is one of faith and exploration. As limits are tested and prior boundaries are obliterated, I find myself looking inward — at seemingly more significant unknowables.

In this effort, I find comfort knowing that I'm not alone — even though I often choose, and prefer, forms of isolation. I enjoy my space; often I don't like the company of others, but I'm aware that through human interaction and friendship, part of my meandering can become a journey with a theoretical destination.

The destination is unreachable and there is no endpoint.

The human lifespan is infinitesimally insignificant when viewed alongside that of our known universe. I know that I try to understand myself beyond time as surely as I know that I cannot. Contextually, this feels and seems naive... (we have no reference points beyond our physical dimensions) but I posit that there's more to consciousness. I've felt things, seen things... and I believe.

I've made several small breakthroughs, and intend to continue to share my understanding with whomever is willing to invest in the journey. I'm also looking to include others during my process of creating a larger community.

Presently, this group is small; I don't intend for it to become mainstream either, as the complex nature of the exchange requires intellect and reasoning far beyond that of the norm.

This isn't just another, mere philosophical discussion — this is fun. Others either understand that, or they don't. If you think you're special enough and capable enough, first ask yourself:

Are you looking for answers, or for new, more difficult questions — can you find fulfillment by simply achieving a greater awareness of what you don't know?

[NOTE: this entry was composed on the iPhone, using the Squarespace application. This is an unedited first draft — far from complete. It does not represent more than a miniscule fraction of the ideas it attempts to convey. There will be more, presented with greater authority and wholeness. Basically, I thought it important to start the process... if nothing else, enjoy my iPhone art created with the Autodesk Sketchbook Pro Mobile app!]

Wednesday
09Dec2009

Incoming

There’s a lot of new stuff headed this way. I should have a notebook from Levenger to review sometime soon, and I suppose that’ll be a decent time to take another look at the Canteo Classeur. Also new to the Bradtastic Approved, some iPhone apps!

About Bradtastic Premier

I’ve been working on modifications and additions to the AIS website and product/services line-up. That, along with illness and pain has prevented me from getting the new Bradtastic.com up and running. Enough of it is done — insofar as I could release it as is — but I’d like to get it just right… especially with 2010 just weeks away.

And then some…

I’ve recently revamped my Gamertag image and “branding,” where I’m known (well, not really “known”) as Rainfault, inasmuch as I’ve created a new Twitter, @rainfault and TypePad Microblog (more info) — rainfault.typepad.com/blog/ 

Also, some Borderlands images can be found at Bradtastic Antipresto

Plus…

Christmas approaches… a time for family and friends. Last year I made a post about the importance of relationships and the significance of happiness. This year, I suppose I’ll do something similar — with significant amounts of added-insight. I’m much the more brilliant-er. “srsly.” 

All jokes aside, I owe much of my happiness and survival throughout this year to my family and friends. Thank you all, again and again. You’re the very best.

Tuesday
08Dec2009

Life and Technology

Revamping websites, updating status messages, checking Facebook... we're hooked. I can't leave my iPhone — it might as well be tethered to me.

Today I need to add some files to the company site and start getting my Bradtastic site up. I've been writing more recently — that's part of the reason for the delays and online absences — but with the holidays and winter-weather illnesses (and my disability), I can't find enough time to set-aside for soul-searching...

Plus editing. And straightening.

2010 is going to be an amazing year, I already know that. However, I'm trying to setup December — I want to finish 2009 with ferocity — I want momentum for January, to start immediately on improvements.

Technology helps. I've found all kinds; I'll even share some, but there's more... a lesson from the old school.

Paper.

I've mentioned it before, but here it goes again. The pen is mighty; it's able to go places even the smallest netbooks and UMPCs won't dare.

A high quality pen plus paper is a creative experience; ideas seem to flow more freely, organization is simple, and concepts morph into reality. I try to recommend the best at different budgets, but really...

How much is a great idea worth? Success?

Im expecting a new notebook for review to arrive soon. I've written a bit about several paper products in the past; nothing comprehensive, however, and I want to offer something substantial and informative — as well as entertaining.

More on Canteo Classeur, Moleskine, Behance Action Method and Japanese notebooks... and a new overview of Paperblanks and Levenger's Ledgerdomain book will become more of a focus here.

I spend a great deal of time building wish lists, but don't always go into detail about why certain kinds of tech intrigue and impress me. I've used the Livescibe Pulse pen for some time now — it's awesome — and I want to review it, too.

I'd always intended to make Bradloves — now "Bradtastic Superfluous" and "Bradtastic Limited" — about my approved, the best of the elite. Hopefully, I can change a few minds, influence a few purchases (and get a few gifts? *fingers crossed!*) and reveal awesome niche products and services to best of the mainstream. Consider it a bit of a "thanks" from me to you; for reading my blog, for your generosity and support.

Please, don't be shy. Comment. Share. Question. If you have a product that you'd like me to review, contact me.

Friday
04Dec2009

Topical leads to seriousness

I’ve been chatting with Daniel — a “student” of mine — while playing some Borderlands (2K Games’ masterwork RPS — role-playing shooter); he’s figured-out, over this year, that his serious interests involve writing. His love of videogames is a natural outlet, and hopefully, writing about games (or for them?) can become a career for him.

As some readers of mine might remember, I’ve wanted to write about games for some time. I dabble in it, from time-to-time, usually at Gamespot. I tried making a dedicated gaming blog, but never could make enough free-time to pick up the necessary momentum to carry the project along.

I might have another chance now… and an opportunity to do things differently.

In discussing videogame reviews, one facet stood apart — particularly interesting to me — the nature of trust. People generally read reviews to accumulate more information, to make a better decision. However, if the reader doesn’t trust the reviewer, the review won’t mean much — that’s if it’s even read!

Why should anyone trust a review? How can we assess whether or not the author shares similar views, has similar tastes?

At the time, I didn’t think of this thought-trajectory as being particularly-profound, but it lead me to new findings, new ideas and concepts. Free-association, mixed with a bit of luck, I suppose. 

I’ve decided on a few fixes; I thought about what makes me trust a review — and the reviewer, what I think when we don’t share the same tastes, and what makes me come back for more. I also thought about Bradloves and Bradtastic.com, and the future. Indeed, 2010 looks like a turn-around year.

Before I get back to work, I thought I’d mention quickly: I’ve been told that I’m hard to shop for, get gifts for. That’s not at all true. At my Links page, I have two wish lists (so far) — each with gifts ranging the gamut. If you don’t have lists of your own, you should think about making one (or five)!