Roll & Rock:

Blog Famine: The 4-Hour Chef

In case anyone whose ever read my blog hadn't noticed...I’ve been on a long blog drought.

And, in case I haven’t mentioned it recently...it’s because I work for Apple.

I used to to love to write about the music business and music technology...and my 20+ year love affair with all things Apple.

But I love my current life with Apple...even more than I enjoy writing about it.

I’ll stop there.

But I do enjoy writing.

And...the only way to get good--or stay good--at something is to practice.

So, I recently challenged myself: What other things fascinate me...besides Music, Technology and Apple?

Let’s see...I’m also fascinated by sports medicine, fitness and nutrition.

Bottom line: I’m still a hedonistic surf punk who grew up in the 70’s. 

Translation: I like to party and I like to eat well...but if I want to live forever (ha!)--I’m going to have to be smart about it.

Enter Tim Ferriss.

I’ve lived alot...and done alot--but Dude has done even more than I have--and is much younger than I am.

I’m still teachable.

I loved his last book: The 4-Hour Body.

I learned lots from it...but there was also a lot in there that reinforced what I’ve always believed about about health and fitness. I call it Surf Punk Nutrition.

Like I said...I love to eat...and to eat well!

So, I was really pumped when I got wind of his latest release...The 4-Hour Chef.

I even bought multiple copies...right out of the gate. That’s when you know you are a fan!

The only other author I’ve bought multiple copies of books is Guy Kawasaki.

Many years ago, I bought 25 copies of “Selling The Dream.”

Yes...I was that moved by it.

I’ve just barely dug into “The 4-Hour Chef” 

And I’m already pumped.

Or, at least I was inspired enough to start writing again.

And, inspired enough to buy come nice cuts of grass-fed beef from a local farm!

So, for those of you with the patience to read my erratic blog posts...

Stay foolish...stay hungry...and stay tuned!

Cider Creativity: Doritos Contest

My compadres are muy talented. Check this out! (you have to wait through the brief intro...but it's worth it...BRILLIANT!)

Blogging Schemes: Apple Dreams

And now…a word from our sponsor:

I haven’t posted much lately.

There’s a good reason for it.

I am now working for Apple!

For those who know what an Apple geek I am…it’s definitely a “pinch me…I’m dreaming” moment!

I have been in training for much of the last 6 weeks.

All I can say is…Apple is as amazing a company on the inside as they are on the outside.

I will actually go to the mothership in Cupertino for more training in a few weeks.

I can’t wait!

So what does this all mean for David Bach…the blogging digital rabble-rouser?

Well, it does mean that I will honor Apple’s historic privacy.

There will be no spillage here.

Like my son in the military, I will have to say things like, ”Sorry…that’s classified information.”

Or my favorite, “I can neither confirm nor deny that.”

Last Saturday, I got to be part of the iPad launch. It was amazing!

So what does this mean for my involvement with Brainwave Studios and Franktown Rocks?

I remain involved and committed to the success of our music-based virtual world for kids. Hopefully, there will be some newfound synergy within my newfound Apple connections.

One cool thing about Apple is that they encourage your creative outside interests.

That can’t be said for most companies.

I am blessed!

—Over and out…for now.

iPhone Business: Dongle Love

You knew this was coming...

There are lots of cool emerging point-of-purchase payment systems for the iPhone...but this is my favorite!

It will soon be fashionable to boast about having a small dongle.

The Awful Truth: Apple Paradigm

And now...a word from our sponsor!

Bob Lefsetz is probably the king blog guru for music biz commentary.

Sometimes his posts are so "on" that all I can do is forward them uncut.

 

I especially love his comparisons of Apple Computer and Steve Jobs vs. The Music Business!

Without further ado...Ladies and Gentleman...BOB LEFSETZ!:

"Insanely great products a handful of times a year.

Imagine if Apple introduced a product no one wanted.  Something lame.  And held a press conference every other week to trumpet its features.

Then you'd have the music business.

What's the lifespan of excitement on a laptop?

Certainly not a year.  Maybe nine months at most. Which is why Apple updates them before they get long in the tooth.  To drive excitement.  To drive desire.

Want a new iPod?

You know there's going to be a new lineup in September.

Just like you know there's going to be a new iPhone in June.

Just like you know once every twenty four months or so, Steve Jobs is going to blow our minds with a whole new category.

In between these announcements?  A dearth of information.

Well, not exactly, the minions online are constantly debating what's in the future, the same way we used to get excited about the coming albums of our favorite artists.

Instead, we now see these releases trumpeted in advance in magazines and newspapers.  Singles are leaked.  And when they stiff, new tracks are proffered.  Then, an album comes out, with more music than anybody wants to listen to.  And we're supposed to play this same damn album for two or three years until there's a new one, while the act goes on the road and cleans up.  Huh?

First thing Steve Jobs did when he returned to Apple a decade ago was trim the product line, to make it comprehensible.

Time for you to do the same thing.  Only release great stuff.  Until you're in such demand that people want the other stuff.  And don't hype the other stuff the same way you do the great stuff.  Maybe you sneak out the "album tracks" unannounced on your Website, for fans only.  And, I hate to scare you, but album tracks are for fans only anymore anyway.

And either make yourself totally available or cloak yourself in secrecy.  The latter works, especially if you're a happening/in demand act.  No one foresaw the "In Rainbows" promotion.  That was its genius, not the name your own price feature.  How suddenly, there was a Website, and not that much more.  The band didn't give interviews, the public went crazy and built the story.

Steve Jobs is bigger than any rock star.  Not because he's better one on one, but because he seems to hover above us.  Delivering what we don't even know we want, but makes us so happy.  Like the Beatles with "Sgt. Pepper".

We laugh at Lady GaGa because she substitutes outfits for charisma.  It's the gooey center we're interested in, not the wrapping.  The twenty first century is not about flash, but substance.  If you want to last."

...Preach it, Bob! I think I'll go cut a single!

Mac Pea: Pod Book

Macworld Expo today...gotta love it!

Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard

Once You Go Mac...

My love for Apple is no secret. I have been a foaming-at-the-mouth enthusiast ever since I got “saved” to the Mac in the 80’s. Anyone reading this blog will probably have to endure a certain amount of “apple polishing” but one thing I can say is that while I am an Apple lover, I am NOT a PC hater. In fact, when I try to evangelize my “unsaved” PC friends—there is always a little voice in my head that says, “Oh, well, let them remain with the masses”. Yes, I know…that’s a totally jacked-up and egotistical position but there is a certain bit of elitist thrill in being part of the smaller group. The underdog mindset of most Mac users does lead to some very creative musings. This one (see screenshot) is pretty hilarious and leaves no-holds-barred with its comparison between Mac usage and interracial bliss. This comes from one of the better Apple blogs.

I guess I’m giddy ‘cause we’re only two days out from MacWorld O7—where Steve Jobs will again roll out something cool—against a giant presentation backdrop built in my favorite of all current Apple apps…Keynote! I’m excited like a kid before Christmas. Whether you favor Mac’s or PC’s, its hard to argue against the fact that Apple does roll out some pretty killer gadgets.