I'm Back!!!

[MacBandit]

I don't know how many of you even noticed I was gone but I have returned. Me and my fiancé took a trip to San Francisco last week. While we were in the Bay Area we took a trip down to Cupertino and I have some photos of the Mother Land (http://homepage.mac.com/louiskst/PhotoAlbum69.html).

While we were there we went into the main entrance and inquired on things you could do. We were told that the main entrance and the company store are the only things open to visitors. Well we walked back out and I took another shot of the entrance and at that very moment Steve Jobs came walking buy with someone I don't know. Me and my Fiancé both couldn't believe our eyes.

The Apple company store has all sorts of trinkets and clothing there for sale. Something I was unaware of. I picked up some clothes and other miscellaneous items.

We also visited the Apple Store at the Valley Fair mall while we were there since it's just down the road. I took a couple photos of the outside but upon entering was told that I would have to turn my camera off and photos were not allowed. That kind of pissed me off. It's not like they had anything there that was a secret.

Okay back to the forums have I missed anything good? I'm sure all sorts of heck broke loose here after the war started but I'll stay out of the political crap.

[Mr. Anderson]

Ok, very cool and why the hell don't they sell that stuff in the Apple Stores!!

I'd personally love to have an Apple Hat - that would be great....damn, now I'm going to have to go.

D

[Rower_CPU]

Nice pics! I gotta get up there one of these days...

[eyelikeart]

I visited when I made it out to San Jose/San Francisco in October of 2001. I wasn't all that impressed with the Campus Store though, as they had mostly branded items rather than equipment. I was hoping to be able to take a tour of sorts, but was informed by the front desk attendant there was no such thing and visitors weren't allowed past a certain point. I didn't get many photos either. :(

One cool thing I picked up was my self-retracting ethernet cable. B2TM knows of it well, as I left it as his place and had to wait a few months to be reunited with it. ;)

[MacBandit]

Hey if anyone goes there in the next couple months please let me know. I meant to buy 4 money clips and instead bought 2 money clips and 2 key rings.

The money clips are for my groomsman, my father, and me as a wedding present thing. So you can see were that puts me. I either need to find something new to give them or I need to get in touch with someone that will be there and pay them to ship a couple more to me.

[wdlove]

Too bad you weren't able to get a photo of Steve. Were you able to get a smile from him? Did you inquire why the speciality items aren't sold at the other Apple Stores? Thank you for taking the time to post the photo's! ;) That is probably the closest I'll ever get to Cupertino! :(

[MacBandit]

Originally posted by wdlove
Too bad you weren't able to get a photo of Steve. Were you able to get a smile from him? Did you inquire why the speciality items aren't sold at the other Apple Stores? Thank you for taking the time to post the photo's! ;) That is probably the closest I'll ever get to Cupertino! :(

Steve brushed by me when I was spinning around after taking the photo of the entrance. I really didn't have time to say anything to him. Also he looked very busy and only gave me a quick glance. Knowing his personality I thought it was best I didn't bother him. I would have gotten a photo if at all possible.

[vniow]

Wow, you've got some excellent photography there Macbandit, wow.

http://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=251718

[trebblekicked]

thanks for the pics!
what is the deal with apple refusing to sell their non-essential wares online?! i loved the coffee cup assortment, and those money clips were bad ass.

[MacFan25]

Nice pics, MacBandit! Maybe I will get out to Cupertino one day, and see Apple HQ. :)

[szark]

Great photos! I meant to take some when I was there, but for some reason I didn't. :confused:

I'll have to take some in June when I return for WWDC.

[mcrain]

Great pics! Although, you know you're going to pay for that picture of yourself in the brewfest... Can anyone say photoshop?

[Doctor Q]

Originally posted by MacBandit
Okay back to the forums have I missed anything good?You know about Arn getting married (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22243)?

[wdlove]

Originally posted by MacBandit
Steve brushed by me when I was spinning around after taking the photo of the entrance. I really didn't have time to say anything to him. Also he looked very busy and only gave me a quick glance. Knowing his personality I thought it was best I didn't bother him. I would have gotten a photo if at all possible.

Not even I'm sorry? ;) Curious what do you mean, "Knowing his personlity."?

[scem0]

I envy you, at the only apple store I've been to, there hasen't
been pens, or other apple branded items.

http://homepage.mac.com/louiskst/.cv/louiskst/Sites/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2003-03-24%2018.46.53%20-0800/Image-9AD847445E6B11D7.jpg-thumb_140_105.jpg

[alset]

Next time you make a trip to the Bay Area post a note about it. Come see your fellow MacRumors teammates at the Bay St Apple Store. Also, you're right about the great merchandise at Apple HQ; I got my niece an Apple baby-t there. I wish I didn't have to fight traffic to get there, or I'd do all my wardrobe shopping there.

Dan

[wdlove]

Originally posted by scem0
I envy you, at the only apple store I've been to, there hasen't
been pens, or other apple branded items.

http://homepage.mac.com/louiskst/.cv/louiskst/Sites/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2003-03-24%2018.46.53%20-0800/Image-9AD847445E6B11D7.jpg-thumb_140_105.jpg

Those pens would be great for my big hands!

[RBMaraman]

Originally posted by MacBandit
I took a couple photos of the outside but upon entering was told that I would have to turn my camera off and photos were not allowed.

They don't allow photos because it's a security issue. Think about it. Someone could come into the store, take photo's of all the security camera placements, guard locations, etc. and use those pictures to rob the store without being caught. That's the explaination I was given when I was kicked out of a mall for shooting some video.

Anyway, nice photo's MacBandit. I agree with everyone else, the Apple Stores need to sell those cool little novelty items.

[MacBandit]

Originally posted by alset
Next time you make a trip to the Bay Area post a note about it. Come see your fellow MacRumors teammates at the Bay St Apple Store. Also, you're right about the great merchandise at Apple HQ; I got my niece an Apple baby-t there. I wish I didn't have to fight traffic to get there, or I'd do all my wardrobe shopping there.

Dan

I did but I did it in the private forums. Guess more San Fransicans need to donate to the site so they can read the top secret stuff.

Thanks to all of you for your kind words on my photos. The ones I took at Apple were definitely not my best (wasn't trying) but they worked. I do have a lot of other photos at my homepage that I am very proud of though so feel free to browse.

[MacBandit]

Originally posted by Doctor Q
You know about Arn getting married (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22243)?

Well I know about his present or should I say presents. I guess I missed the actual date.

[cb911]

they've got some cool pens in the store there, wouldn't mind some of them myself...

doesn't Redlightrunner sell some of that stuff? i'm pretty sure i've seen some of the pens and luggage locks on their site...

[Mr. Anderson]

Originally posted by cb911

doesn't Redlightrunner sell some of that stuff? i'm pretty sure i've seen some of the pens and luggage locks on their site...

I just went and checked, redlightrunner.com sells the hats, but the navy blue with white logo is $35!!! That's a bit much - how much were they going for in the store?

D

[MacBandit]

Originally posted by dukestreet
I just went and checked, redlightrunner.com sells the hats, but the navy blue with white logo is $35!!! That's a bit much - how much were they going for in the store?

D

I don't remember right off but most of the prices were in line with what you would expect at any department store.

I got a hooded sweatshirt for $33, a very nice long sleeve mock turtle neck for $2, a stainless steel ball point pen for $6.48 and a few other things. The prices are very reasonable I felt for the products they had in comparison to conventional items anywhere. I would guess the hats are between $15 and $20.

[Doctor Q]

Originally posted by RBMaraman
They don't allow photos because it's a security issue. Think about it. Someone could come into the store, take photo's of all the security camera placements, guard locations, etc. and use those pictures to rob the store without being caught. That's the explaination I was given when I was kicked out of a mall for shooting some video.A few years ago I took a tour of F.B.I. headquarters while on vacation in Washington. I was in the waiting area taking a photo of a wall-mounted photo of J. Edgar Hoover when they asked me to stop. I was surprised (you can't take a photo of J. Edgar Hoover?) but realized later it was simply a broad security measure. These days, they no doubt take it even more seriously.

More recently, my friend and I were taking photos in a hardware store, to be used in a silly home-made game we were making, when the store manager came over to ask us to stop. He was worried that we were spies from a competitor. Although I'm not sure what advantage other hardware stores would get by examining such photos.

[Mr. Anderson]

Originally posted by Doctor Q
More recently, my friend and I were taking photos in a hardware store, to be used in a silly home-made game we were making, when the store manager came over to ask us to stop. He was worried that we were spies from a competitor. Although I'm not sure what advantage other hardware stores would get by examining such photos.

Well, prices for one. And what brands they might be carrying.

That actually sounds like an intersting experiment - go around taking pics of merchandise in stores and see how often you get asked to stop.....

D

[wdlove]

That is quite a nice new Avatar that you have MacBandit! My guess is real! Is that an original animation of yours?

[MacBandit]

Here's a photo I left off the site. Sorry for the quality. I was going down the road and it was raining and the damn flash was on.

[MacBandit]

Originally posted by wdlove
That is quite a nice new Avatar that you have MacBandit! My guess is real! Is that an original animation of yours?

Some day I you will ask me that and I will say yes. At this point unfortunately I have to say know. I found it at deviantart.com.

I do have a preview copy of PhotoshopElements 2.0 now though and next chance I get I want to make my own tar.

[Mr. Anderson]

Originally posted by MacBandit
Here's a photo I left off the site. Sorry for the quality. I was going down the road and it was raining and the damn flash was on.

Actually the whole effect is kind of cool. The billboard is great, though....

D

[vniow]

Oh snap Macbandit, you're other 'tars were kinda racy, but that one's just over the top.http://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=251718

Not that I mind at all.....http://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=257755

[eyelikeart]

Originally posted by vniow

Not that I mind at all.....

he he...I think that most of us don't mind it... ;)

[MacBandit]

Originally posted by vniow
Oh snap Macbandit, you're other 'tars were kinda racy, but that one's just over the top.http://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=251718

Not that I mind at all.....http://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=257755


I live in that city you know the one on the edge, on the edge of forever. The bleeding edge of tar decency that is.

[shadowfax]

Originally posted by MacBandit
Here's a photo I left off the site. Sorry for the quality. I was going down the road and it was raining and the damn flash was on.

LOL that's actually the reason i prefer the modest 15 inch still. those are some nice pics, macbandit, and welcome back, glad you enjoyed your trip!

by the way dude, this is scary. your 'tar's bosom is bouncing in time to the radiohead music i have on, "Nice Dream." hmmmmm.....

[still prefer my tar, but nice one!]

[MacBandit]

Originally posted by Shadowfax
LOL that's actually the reason i prefer the modestg 15 inch still. those are some nice pics, macbandit, and welcome back, glad you enjoyed your trip!

I agree the 15" is most definitely the best in the line still. Not really all that much bigger then a 12" but oh so much more useable and more powerful. My fiancé wants one but I'm having her wait until we see what they do to it in the uavoidable update to come.

[wdlove]

Originally posted by MacBandit
I agree the 15" is most definitely the best in the line still. Not really all that much bigger then a 12" but oh so much more useable and more powerful. My fiancé wants one but I'm having her wait until we see what they do to it in the uavoidable update to come.

Have you set a wedding date yet? Making plans for your honeymoon?

[MrMacMan]

Originally posted by vniow
Oh snap Macbandit, you're other 'tars were kinda racy, but that one's just over the top.http://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=251718

Not that I mind at all.....http://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=257755

What are you talking about his tar is great!

[Computer_Phreak]

Originally posted by MrMacman
What are you talking about his tar is great!

well since vniow is a girl...

she might not think its "great" like us guys do:D

[shadowfax]

Originally posted by Computer_Phreak
well since vniow is a girl...

she might not think its "great" like us guys do:D

maybe not quite the same, but pretty close, methinks. like a guy without a member or a small brain ;)

[scem0]

MacBandit's tar isn't bad when at school I see a video of a
baby being birthed with no cencorship whatsoever. :eek: :rolleyes: :D :D

[trebblekicked]

Originally posted by Shadowfax
by the way dude, this is scary. your 'tar's bosom is bouncing in time to the radiohead music i have on, "Nice Dream." hmmmmm.....


ROTF! i had to try it, and sure enough...nice catch shadowfax.

[MacBandit]

Originally posted by Shadowfax
by the way dude, this is scary. your 'tar's bosom is bouncing in time to the radiohead music i have on, "Nice Dream." hmmmmm.....

[still prefer my tar, but nice one!]

If you need I can always increase or decrease the rate of bounce.:D

[MacBandit]

Originally posted by wdlove
Have you set a wedding date yet? Making plans for your honeymoon?

Yeah it's on 7/27 near Tacoma, WA. As for a honeymoon I'm not sure. I will be without work in a week or two and plan on taking a couple/few months off. I think we're going to go on an extended trip down to Yosemite, Devils Post Pile, Grand Canyon, over to Moab and who knows were else. All this will be before the wedding though. I think most likely we will do a short weekend honeymoon since we are taking the trip before hand. Also money might become an issue.

[wdlove]

Originally posted by MacBandit
Yeah it's on 7/27 near Tacoma, WA. As for a honeymoon I'm not sure. I will be without work in a week or two and plan on taking a couple/few months off. I think we're going to go on an extended trip down to Yosemite, Devils Post Pile, Grand Canyon, over to Moab and who knows were else. All this will be before the wedding though. I think most likely we will do a short weekend honeymoon since we are taking the trip before hand. Also money might become an issue.

That's quit a novel idea, a honeymoon before the wedding. Just think you might start a new trend. ;) I can see the reasoning, might as well take advantage of the time that you have. Do you already have a new job?

[Doctor Q]

Originally posted by wdlove
That's quit a novel idea, a honeymoon before the wedding. Just think you might start a new trend."The honeymoon was such delight, that we got married that same night."
--Fanny Brice, in Funny Girl

[MacBandit]

Originally posted by wdlove
That's quit a novel idea, a honeymoon before the wedding. Just think you might start a new trend. ;) I can see the reasoning, might as well take advantage of the time that you have. Do you already have a new job?

No, I am dedicated to not having a job for a short time. I have some people interested in me and my dad doing some photography for them and other people wanting me to help them with there websites. Also I can do some motorcycle servicing on the side as there isn't another BMW motorcycle shop for 70miles.

[howard]

please take no offense whatsover but i'm actually not to fond of the tar. it was fun to see once but now the constant moving kinda gets annoying. i like tars where the movement is subtle...yours is too....eye catching hehe.

[MacBandit]

Originally posted by howard
please take no offense whatsover but i'm actually not to fond of the tar. it was fun to see once but now the constant moving kinda gets annoying. i like tars where the movement is subtle...yours is too....eye catching hehe.

Don't worry I'll be changing it soon. I think maybe I'll put a big pause in between jiggly bounces.

[wdlove]

Originally posted by MacBandit
Don't worry I'll be changing it soon. I think maybe I'll put a big pause in between jiggly bounces.

She seems to not be enjoying it as much now! :p

[MacBandit]

Originally posted by wdlove
She seems to not be enjoying it as much now! :p


Nah, she just doesn't get overexcited anymore. Saves it up for one big jump.

[Mr. Anderson]

Originally posted by MacBandit
Nah, she just doesn't get overexcited anymore. Saves it up for one big jump.

ah, but the colors are a bit more pixelated - what happened?


D

[MacBandit]

Originally posted by dukestreet
ah, but the colors are a bit more pixelated - what happened?


D

More frames longer duration only 20KB.

[Mr. Anderson]

ah, but what are you using to make it?

If you have image ready, the paused image could be set for 10 sec and you would have any more frames, just different times on the frames.

D

[MacBandit]

Originally posted by dukestreet
ah, but what are you using to make it?

If you have image ready, the paused image could be set for 10 sec and you would have any more frames, just different times on the frames.

D

I'm using Photoshop Elements 2.0. The pause doesn't create frames it just seems to add a little to the overall size. I added more frames to get it to pause for a while between jumps. I increased the time between frames to slow down the operation as a whole. I wish I could add a different time delay between different frames.

[wdlove]

I think that the time delay is too great now! ;)

[MacBandit]

Originally posted by wdlove
I think that the time delay is too great now! ;)

I have it at .2 seconds / frame right now and I could move it to 1.5 or somethign in between. It might cut down on the size enough to have better quality.

[GeneR]

You mean they sell Apple bomber jackets???

[MacBandit]

Originally posted by GeneR
You mean they sell Apple bomber jackets???

If it was in the photos they do. They also sell dress shirts.

[GeneR]

Originally posted by MacBandit
If it was in the photos they do. They also sell dress shirts.

Coolness.

Hey MacBandit,

RE: Your Avatar

I have enjoyed your new Avatar, and was wondering if it's some sort of homage to the Anime company, GAINAX, with what they did in
AIM FOR THE TOP? Just a thought. It's pretty funny. :D

[MacBandit]

Originally posted by GeneR
Coolness.

Hey MacBandit,

RE: Your Avatar

I have enjoyed your new Avatar, and was wondering if it's some sort of homage to the Anime company, GAINAX, with what they did in
AIM FOR THE TOP? Just a thought. It's pretty funny. :D

No, and no, I haven't even heard of it. Where can I get more info?

[GeneR]

Originally posted by MacBandit
No, and no, I haven't even heard of it. Where can I get more info?

Any Anime shop worth it's weight will know the title, AIM FOR THE TOP (a.k.a. "TOPONERAE GUNBUSTER", and "GUNBUSTER"). When GAINAX first came on the scene about a decade (?) ago, they put out this one six part series and it was a smash hit.

One thing that they did which has become a trademark (in a way) is they have their lead female character jiggle her boobs in very much the same fashion that can be seen in your avatar.

For the Japanese (so I am told) they found it startling because nobody had ever done that with their anime characters before. So, the tradition began...

I think you can find GAINAX's website through Google. However, I don't know the direct link. GAINAX is also responsible for NEO GENESIS EVANGELEON. Don't know if you're an anime or manga buff...

[MacBandit]

Originally posted by GeneR
Any Anime shop worth it's weight will know the title, AIM FOR THE TOP (a.k.a. "TOPONERAE GUNBUSTER", and "GUNBUSTER"). When GAINAX first came on the scene about a decade (?) ago, they put out this one six part series and it was a smash hit.

One thing that they did which has become a trademark (in a way) is they have their lead female character jiggle her boobs in very much the same fashion that can be seen in your avatar.

For the Japanese (so I am told) they found it startling because nobody had ever done that with their anime characters before. So, the tradition began...

I think you can find GAINAX's website through Google. However, I don't know the direct link. GAINAX is also responsible for NEO GENESIS EVANGELEON. Don't know if you're an anime or manga buff...

Not a buff so much as a fan. I grew up on Robotech and got back into it the first time I saw Heavy Metal and Akira. I currently watch Cowboy Bebop and have all the episodes on DVD.