Oakland, rated best weather in America.
[By both Rand McNally and Parade Magazine]

I suppose, on a day like today, I’ll write a little blog post.

On a day like today, I’ll battle the less-than-favorable weather with some down-and-dirty blogging!

WordPress versus Squarespace, part one.

The 500 pound giant.

However, I also use a netbook (the iPad isn’t out yet!), and on it, Squarespace is practically unusable.

iPhone screenshot: Momento [Software — iTunes Apps]

I’ve been testing and reviewing iPhone apps since the App Store’s launch with the intent of sharing my findings. I even thought about adding a new category here — then and again, today. However, for now, I’d like to keep it simple and concise — after all, this post was composed on my iPhone 3GS using the Squarespace application (finishing touches applied at my desktop — as the screenshot shows… I was running toward low-battery). 

My first pick, and a bit about the post.

I downloaded Momento just-barely over one-week ago, and it’s already one of my most-used — and frequented apps. It’s a referral tool, a tracker, and a calendar… or rather, a journal — in condensed form.

I’m rather pleased with this app as my first-pick — Bradtastic Superfluous isn’t going to turn into a “review blog,” much-less one restricted-to, or focused-on, iPhone apps. It’s far-too restricting, limiting my outlet and output, but beyond that and significantly — there are tons of review sites out there. Some of them are even okay!

If you’re looking for iPhone apps on a regular basis…

I recommend following the Twitter trends and iPhone blogs. Better yet, follow the recommendations of people that you trust, or blogs about your industry or interests. Check back here — I will write about what works for me.

Back to Momento.

Momento is a great tool for busy people. Writers, thinkers, researchers, readers… just about anyone can benefit from this app. Additionally, the more time one spends away from the computer — primarily desktops — the more useful this app becomes. As a writer choosing to devote time and energy to pen-and-paper over keyboard and screen, much of my output isn’t searchable — at least not in the functional, tech-way — databased, tagged, indexed and hyperlinked.

Momento brilliantly indexes and displays what I’ve decided to call my “dynamic quickies;” despite what the perverse might think. (I don’t actually use that term… I just made it up) Basically, I can display my Twitter feed; my personal posts, separate from everyone else’s crap and clutter. Twitter users should have a separate app for their favorites anyway — why double-up and duplicate — there’s no reason to have two apps for one category. Beyond the feeds, Momento has a simplistic, clean interface designed for adding short entries. For those so-inclined, photos can be added as well. (I use Evernote for that, but I’ll get into that separately… Evernote certainly deserves its own review. Many exist out there already; if you aren’t using Evernote during your daily ritual, you should look into it.)

Momento’s “something special,” usable… about tagging.

If Momento just displayed external feeds (from Facebook, Last.fm, Twitter, etc) and allowed for additional entries, it wouldn’t be that special. I’m sure I’d still like it; it’s attractive, well-designed with clever artwork and graphics, but it’d lack a key element: usability. The added special ingredient: tags. And not just Plain Jane, one-dimensional, single-facet tagging; Momento offers sub-categories: tagging people, places, events, and whatever else you can think of as “extras.”

This app could’ve just been something cute and somewhat-clever; a place to dump thoughts and record daily on-goings, but tags makes the information usable. I can refer back to my entries… mostly, because I can find them. Not everything that I write is going to be relevant all of the time — some of it won’t ever be critically valuable — but I don’t want to be presented with every thought I’ve ever had when I’m trying to find just one. It doesn’t even matter how much time I have to search — it’s not pleasant. If I happen to be pressed… I’ll develop a headache. Apps should not add stress.

Bottom Line: 9 of 10.

If you don’t use your computer regularly — for whatever reasons — you should seriously consider this app. If you don’t have an iPhone… as Gordon Ramsay might say, “you’re mad.” However, seriously think about what your daily processes are before committing to a new system of any kind. Don’t use this app (or any) just because I use it — or because someone special uses it. Don’t waste your time; as a 21st-century human, time is valuable and finite — you probably won’t have forever.

Youth is fleeting and important; with so much to get done in twenty-four hour days and 168 hour weeks, maximizing your peek-efficiency and minimizing lulls is crucial. Simplifying your tools eliminates waste and makes for a life with fewer moving-parts — fewer points of failure. Consider each addition critically; positive or negative, every extra thing that you do is a complication.

While success certainly requires some intricacy, finesse is often more about what isn’t done, isn’t needed.

Coherence is order.

I hope this helped — more to come. If you do start using this app, please comment… let me know what you think.

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.

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

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.

... 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.

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.]

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?

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!]

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.

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.