Tag: danny dileo

Life, One Day at a Time

San Bernardino/Sandy Hook Elementary

I just ran across a breaking news story regarding a shooting taken place at San Bernardino Elementary school. My heart sinks to the ground. Even without knowing a single detail, the title is horrific enough.

I will spare any possible readers my regurgitating soapbox routine of gun control. All my mind could fathom right now is rewinding back to that winter morning when I learned of Sandy Hook Elementary and those unfortunate, tragic events. That morning still lives fresh in my head. Listening to music, cutting hair at my family’s hair salon in Naugatuck, CT when all of sudden the radio DJ interrupts the song and breaks that shocking news.

I’ve often wondered how the rest of the country was affected by that story. Being from and living in Connecticut, I could tell you it’s grasp was tight and unforgiving. From the moment that radio DJ came on and started speaking, we all were experiencing these details together. One, more horrific then the previous. Picture someone telling you the worst news you ever heard, then topping it with each new revelation. The victim count 7, 8,9, 14, 15, 23, 25. Then when you realized these were all innocent little children. Agonizing.

I’ll never forget my client’s reaction as the news broke. She starting sobbing. After gathering herself a little bit, she looked at me through the mirror and said politely: “I’m so sorry, its just too much to take in.” I completely understood. Emotions poured out of everyone that morning. Willingly or not.

This current day tragedy (San Bernardino Elementary) may not even be anything like Sandy Hook. I am writing this before the details are being released. But the headline alone shocked and disturbed me like a lost, bad dream I thought I came to terms with.

A good lesson that the past can never be forgotten, just a good teacher. If we are open to learn.

Deep Thoughts, Life, Technology

The Most Skippable iPhone?

Like a kid at Christmas, there I was doing my part. I waited patiently. I was ready. This year though, Apple had other plans.

I have been anxiously awaiting this years iPhone release for more than a year. It has been my customary tradition to upgrade my most used tech device every 2 years. Even when Apple introduced their now infamous “Upgrade Program,” I still held off. Because frankly, I like keeping my phones for 2 years. I don’t why, I just do.

So around June-ish the rumors started to hit pretty heavy that the new upcoming iPhone is not what we thought it may be. It’s not redesigned, it’s not exciting and most notably it’s not even garnering the most attention. Turns out this year, the next next iPhone is getting more attention then the soon anticipated one. The rumors started to hit hard that Apple was working diligently on a revolutionary, edge to edge screen design for the 10th anniversary iPhone that would release in 2017. This was a first. I didn’t know what to think about this. Essentially my mind translated all this into: this new, unreleased iPhone (2016) is already outdated.

I didn’t like this. Who would? Here I am intentionally waiting for the new hotness, only to start hearing rumors that the new hotness is not the new hotness. I thought to myself, “Be Patient”. Wait and see. And wait I did…

Fast Forward…. Enter September 7, 2016. Apple officially reveals iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The rumors were dead on. Not newly designed. Not exciting. Not new hotness. To be fair, the iPhones 7 have a lot going for them. This marks the first time Apple has ever made a design 3 times in a row. At this point I would assume they have perfected it. So a big benefit is naturally, if your buying an iPhone 7, your receiving a very well polished, solid device to surely last you 2 years.

So there I was faced with this unusual situation I never chose to be in. I waited, I did my part. Apple showed their cards and I’m kind of left scratching my head. What do I do? I thought about this a bunch. I didn’t want to waste my upgrade on a phone only to be left out in the dark when/if Apple does release this magical, unicorn, 10th anniversary iPhone next year. Also another huge element in my decision making was Apple’s new operating system, iOS 10. In my mind, iOS 10 was going to make or break my decision. If it ran awful on my current iPhone 6 my choice would be an easy one. If it ran silky smooth. That would pull me in the keeping the 6 camp.

On the other hand, iPhone release week is a fun time to be an Apple fan. You get caught in the excitement extremely easy and naturally, you want to be a part of it and on my traditional 2 year cycle, I usually am. Another huge benefit I was to gain is simply having a new phone. My current phone is 2 years old and showing some age. The great thing about buying a new phone every 2 years is really receiving upgrades from 2 new phone generations, not 1.

So honestly speaking, the night preorders hit, instead of my usual super excitement, I set my alarm for 2:55 AM with an indecisive (who me?) mind. My alarm sounded, clock showed 2:55. Here I go. Pull out my trusty laptop. Apple.com here I come. Do all my preorder set up and come to the moment of truth: the “place order button.”

Excitement got the best of me. I preordered feeling “OK” about the decision but also in the back of my head knew iOS 10 dropped in 3 days. If iOS 10 would run smoothly on my current iPhone 6 and I wasn’t impressed with the 7, the plan of action would be pretty clear: my usual return policy which is return everything! Lindsey now calls it my “ride of shame” which I laugh at because it unbelievably accurate of my emotions when I’m driving to the Apple store with a receipt and a box.

So, iPhone 7 preordered and coming on launch day and awaiting iOS 10. The day of iOS 10’s release I was excited. Kinda like the excited I used to be for new iPhone releases. And that spoke volumes to me. I asked myself why? The truth I came to find out was simple. I really didn’t want the iPhone 7. In many ways I was hoping to pass on it. If I passed on it, I would have many, many options for next year.

iOS 10 released and I honestly think my phone runs better then it did on iOS 9. The big things checked out: battery life, responsiveness, all good! I was excited. I felt confident my 6 would be good to last another year, Then my 7 came in the mail. And to give Apple credit, the phone is gorgeous. I ordered the matte black model and boy I’m happy I did. Even without a new design, somehow Apple made this phone better looking then ever. I was tempted briefly to keep it (of course I was) but after some clear thinking and adding up all the moving parts: iOS 10 performance on my current phone, next year impending magical phone and keeping my upgrade intact. I just couldn’t do it. Ride of shame, we meet once again.

So thats it, thats my story (so far). The back up plan is if something happens to my third year iPhone that deems it unusable, I’ll bite the bullet and head on over to Apple and pick up a 7. Until then I feel at peace with my decision. An odd choice ill be the first to admit. I’ve never had a cell phone for 3 years. So we will see how that pans out.

I should note, people have mentioned the obvious to me. What if Apple’s magical unicorn phone does not come out next year? Do you hold on to your iPhone 6 a 4th year? The answer: I don’t know. I doubt it, but we’ll see. For the record, I’m really hoping Apple comes through.

Like many reviewers currently out there, I can’t bash Apple. My decision was based on what I wanted and not what Apple did or did not do, if that makes sense. Sure the iPhone 7 didn’t ring my bell this time around. That doesn’t mean it’s not a great phone. In fact it is a great phone. Any time Apple makes something 3 times over you better believe its a solid product. You also have to give Apple props that my current daily driver (iPhone 6) is 2 years old and simply running better then ever. What other tech company can boast about something like that? So in one way the iPhone 7 is Apple’s most skippable phone. In many others, Apple’s most conceived phone. Its all in how you look at it.

If you ordered an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus. Be excited. It’s a worthy representation of the newest iPhone. But as for me, When I returned mine I finally got to play with one in the store. The best way for me to sum up my hands on experience of an iPhone 7 is simple. IPhone 7: next year’s iPhone hidden in this years casing. Its extremely clear to me that this years iPhone is a transition phone until next year. And you know who can’t wait to be excited again for a new iPhone announcement? This guy.

Technology

WWDC 2016 Predictions and Hopes

It’s that time of year again! I genuinely like to ponder and predict results of WWDC. I kind of feel its the result of my podcast listening. Im not always accurate except one year in particular but I always enjoy the whole experience.

A little background for those who don’t know what WWDC is. Once a year, Apple does what they like to call WWDC or “World Wide Developer Conference”. Basically the gist is all the Apple developers around the world can come to a week long conference where Apple employees can give classes and help them with their apps. In the beginning of the week Apple does what they call a “Keynote”. This is significant to us. The keynote is when Apple will present what they have been working on for future builds of iOS and (soon to be called) Mac OS.

Below are some predictions that I have gathered over the past couple months:

Lets talk hardware first. This will be quick enough. NO HARDWARE! There, that was easy. While many people will be disappointed, to my knowledge Apple views WWDC as a software conference and while sometimes they release hardware, it won’t be this year.

Apple Music
First up, Apple Music. Debuting to much criticism and rightly so, Apple Music is the result of Apple’s 3 billion dollar acquisition of Beats Audio. The service was unveiled at last year’s WWDC with arguably the worst presentation Apple has ever rolled out. The presentation itself mirrored the finished product. Confusing and bloated. My prediction is Apple will uncharacteristically revamp Apple Music just a year in. While it won’t be a complete overhaul. It will be a repainting, per say. Agree with it or not, music has always been super important to Apple. They know the shortcomings of Apple Music and it doesn’t sit well with them.

iOS 10
Taking a look around the tech landscape will simply tell you Apple has fallen a bit behind in the Artificial Intelligence category. Amazon bravely is paving the way with the Echo and Google just recently announced Google Home. Both products are amazing and both quite honestly trump Siri in it’s current form. So one prediction for iOS 10 is finally Siri 2.0 with a Siri API. They simply can’t afford to not have this now.

Another tent pole feature and one I have been waaaaaiting for is dark mode. OS X got this two years ago and I have been hoping this would come to my iPhone ever since. That’s more of a hope than a prediction, but lets get it done Apple!

watch OS 3
It’s a given right? This has to be a rethinking of the watch software. No one could or would complain of its physical design, but Apple Watch’s software needs some help. Personally, get rid of the app icon grid and please let third party developers make watch faces. I know Jony Ive is cringing somewhere , but this is a much needed feature. Much like the success of the iPhone, developers could bring fresh air into this product.

I would also love to see the exercise and workout features get a little smarter. There is no good reason why I should have to manually tell my watch to activate a workout. It should just simply be able to tell my heart rate is elevated and automatically put me in a workout.

Also it goes without saying that the watch is in need to “feel” faster. While i enjoy mine, it certainly lags at times. I know this is more of a hardware issue then anything. But a little software work would help.

Mac OS
That’s right! A new name! Finally Apple can shed the long numbers, cat naming schemes and California names and just make this a whole bunch simpler. Also, i think the biggest announcement here is going to be SIRI integration. It really seems odd to me the Macs are really the lone Apple devices with the absence of SIRI. Rumors have pointed to this and i’m really hoping it pans out.

Another Application Apple may be readying is a new, slimmer iTunes. iTunes is really tough for Apple. It’s really the only true legacy software Apple currently supports. They have to provide support for so many older devices, it’s extremely tough for them to push it forward in a drastic way. A lot of people love to harp on how Apple is falling behind and the current state of iTunes is enough proof. Personally, I think it’s a really hard problem to fix. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t, It means more concentration belongs there.

Whatever happens on June 13th its important to remember Apple is a company and not a magical entity that can spawn whimsical products when they like. Always keep your expectations low and you will be the much more delighted when they announce whatever they announce! Happy WWDC!

P.S. Lets work on that Dark Mode :)

Technology

Three Year iPhone Design Cycle

Nikkei Asian Review is reporting Apple is moving to a new 3-year design cycle for the iPhone:

The new version slated for this autumn will look almost identical to the current iPhone 6. Functions such as the camera, water resistance and battery capacity will likely be improved, and the headphone jack will be removed. Also, a high-end version of the model will give users better-quality photo capabilities via correction functions.

This makes sense considering the leaks this far.

Read the scoop.

A Day in the Life

Day 2

5/22/2016

I was talking with my good buddy Jeremy today. He reminded me of something important. We all start somewhere. If you try a new diet, there must be a start day. If you want to begin a new habit or shoot for a goal, you need a “first” day.I lose track of this all time. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in things.

My department is starting rookie school again on Monday and I have been here the past two days. Because of my  coincidental presence,  I have seen some preparation for the new class, etc.  Talking with Jeremy, combined with seeing all this has reminded me of the times I was trying desperately to get onto a Fire Department. It made me extremely thankful to have a job and actually enjoy it and also allowed some recollections of my first couple weeks here. Funny how we forget things so easily sometimes.

After a busy day 2, I am looking forward to tomorrow AM so I could go home and spend time with Liam and Luca. Maybe a bonfire tomorrow night? Unsure.

Liam and Lindsey are continuing to get better and the fast road to a full recovery. Thumbs up.

On a side note for those asking. I’m not sure if I will continue these daily updates. I just wanted to try something new and somehow this idea popped in my head. So if sometime soon 24 hours go by and you don’t see one, don’t be worried. Most likely I’m still alive! Had the time I feel I am rambling, the other half I’m not talking about anything of interest. At least that’s how it feels. But we will see.

Here’s to a quiet night!

Movies

Grizzly Man (2005)

Let me state this immediately, Grizzly Man is not for the faint of heart or thinking. It raises more questions than it answers, and most importantly; the ultimate demise of Timothy Treadwell is a tragic result of serious unfortunate events. All that said, Grizzly Man is one of best documentaries I have seen. No matter how disturbing the experience may be.

As Werner Herzog rightly states towards the ending of this masterful documentary, it is not the nature of the bears into which the viewer is gaining an insight, but rather the nature of humanity. By focusing on ‘grizzly man’ Timothy Treadwell, Herzog is able to pose questions of remarkable profundity in a simple and unassuming way. Was Treadwell right to abandon human society in search of meaning and contentment with his life? Was his apparent clarity a facade? What is so wonderful is that Herzog is satisfied with asking the questions and leaving them unanswered, inviting the viewer to engage themselves into the debate. 

As with all truly great documentaries, Herzog remains unobtrusive, and his opinions on his subject are never revealed. Although he admits a level of respect and admiration for the footage which Treadwell shoots, Herzog’s opinions on his lifestyle are left unsaid. In fact, the renowned director is incredibly sensitive in his handling of the subject, showing respect and compassion to both the eponymous bear-lover and his friends and family. Herzog’s narration is the highlight of this documentary, being seemingly peripheral to the action but heavily influencing the viewer’s perception of it.

Although ‘Grizzly Man’ is very much a character study of a paranoid yet inspired, unhinged yet seemingly content man, the nature footage is a key feature of the film. Some of the close-up footage of the bears is unlike anything I have seen before, with the Alaskan wilderness providing a stunning back-drop. The filmmakers have also been very canny in their editing of the footage, with it showing a seeming progression into madness from Treadwell – the loose ends of film after what he would have intended to be used being particularly insightful.

As both a nature documentary and as an example of introspective philosophy in film, ‘Grizzly Man’ is triumphant. Although the Grizzly Man’s footage alone would make for fascinating viewing, Herzog uses Timothy Treadwell’s quest as a springboard for questions that relate to everyone. Should we be scared by Treadwell’s lack of fear or should we respect it? Should we envy his apparent clarity, his having discovered meaning in life, or should be feel disconcerted by his paranoia and distrust for the human world? Herzog poses these questions without the grandeur that they may usually hold, and his simple yet poignant narration unobtrusively elevates this documentary to a status it would otherwise not have.

Movies

The Hateful Eight

I’ve been absent from the film review world as of late. So I figured after seeing QT’s latest this would be as good of a time as any to jump back in. I’m writing this less than 24 hours after viewing The Hateful Eight, so I’m sure my take will change somewhat..

The Hateful Eight is Tarantino’s love letter to himself as much as it is to the western genre. Rather than take a step back to exercise any restraint or nuance, he has blazed forward, continuing on a path escalating the seemingly impossible-to-match absurdities of his prior films. Filled with the usual colorful characters, tight dialogue, and  energetic pacing, the film also exhibits an uncanny self awareness.

Only by the time the film’s mystery unravels itself, is it possible to witness the full extent of this aforementioned self awareness. Tim Roth in a hilarious turn essentially plays Christoph Waltz; The various characters’ colorful dialogue, despite being super entertaining, equates to nothing ultimately, which left me somewhat wanting more out of these colorful fellows.

The film itself, which plays like a re-imagining of John Carpenter’s The Thing set in the dusty Minnie’s Haberdashery in the midst of a blizzard, features a simple premise turned complex by various twists, turns, and subversions. With masterful control of the camera  (as usual) and a brilliant manipulation of the audience’s focus, Tarantino fills the cabin with a tangible sense of paranoia. The characters are sketchy, hiding mixed intentions, secrets, and all a sense of individuality that define them as characters. From this spawns an insatiable tension, one that derives itself heavily on the spontaneity and the aliveness that each character possesses. Each actor gives a convincing performance, bringing their character to life. Walton Goggins as the new sheriff with a dubious past and Jennifer Jason Leigh as the repulsive Daisy Domergue both stand out.

Despite being almost entirely dialogue-driven, it is hard not to be completely enthralled. Occasionally, scenes are filled with raw tension, only to immediately be defused by the film’s great sense of humor. It really is amazing entertainment, enough so for its 3 hour run time and its execution to not feel as indulgent or drawn out as it really is.

An overture immediately captivates, effectively creating an atmosphere well before the producer’s slides get their chance to grace the screen. Initially, the 70mm felt like another unnecessary flourish – even now, it does not resonate as fundamental to the film’s beauty – but it certainly did help. Heavily stylized and, when paired with Enrico Morricone’s orchestral score, The Hateful Eight is a veritable epic, imbued with a sense of grandeur.

Watching the The Hateful Eight something hit me, this wasn’t so much a Tarantino film as much as it was heading in Alfred Hitchcock direction. Of course I say that with only the two thirds finished, but it felt true. Unfortunately (for me) anyone who has seen this can testify on the final third and Tarantino making it his own.

The violence is fairly brutal, even comically outrageous especially when contrasted with the film’s white, snowy backdrop, but still it remains fairly intimate. It’s themes, of trust, of unity, and of dealing with an era’s mixed up political ideals, resonate maybe more now then back when.

Life

Small achievements count too

Today I received notice I passed my Firefighter 2 exam. It dawned on me that this is something I should be proud of. I failed at my first attempt mainly because I have so much going on with Florida and obtaining my certifications there, that I sort of swept this test under the rug and hoped for the best. Well, that didn’t work out too well.

When I found out I failed, I was devastated.  Unfortunately, I put the potential (Jacksonville) in front of the here and now (Waycross). That didn’t sit well with me and sort of acting as a well needed wake up call.

I set out to drive all the way up to the GA Fire Academy and retake the test on my own dime. I studied and the result showed. Nothing magic, just studied hard and trying my best.

I guess I’m writing this as a reminder to myself, while I plan to work hard for my future in firefighting (no matter where I end up), I ought not to lose sight of the present and little achievements. They matter also.

Future advice for my future self: I need growing in the area of taking a step back and enjoy little accomplishments in life. Far too often I lose sight of the little for the big. I would like to work on that in all areas in my life.