Journal

Can you trust your iPhone as an alarm clock?

Rob Brennan — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 01:38:17 +0000

This blog post inspired by Episode 60 of Build and AnalyzeWhat's worse than having to get up early in the morning? Not being able to trust an alarm to wake you up. What happens when you have a major event that you simply cannot miss? Do you trust your smartphone?

Ringing in the new year by surviving an unfortunate turn of events on Spruce Mountain

Rob Brennan — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:54:46 +0000

2012.01.01 New Year's Day hike on Spruce Mountain (Plainfield, VT)I kicked off the new year by planning a hike up Spruce Mountain in Plainfield, VT. I knew the hike would be full of adventure. It would also mark the first time I've hiked in the winter. I knew this was going to be a memorable trek into the Green Mountains. Little did I know that I was going to be put to the ultimate winter survival experience.

Goodbye, 2011 [EXPLICIT]

Rob Brennan — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:06:37 +0000

If I could put 2011 in a box, holy hell. WHACK. The top right corner caves under the crushing blow of a hammer. THWOMP. The middle buckles as I repeatedly jump on it with all my weight. SSSSRRRRIIIIPPPP. The packaging is torn to hell and stood on its end for one more…one more…CHINK. Broken glass rattles around inside the box. The cardboard packaging frantically pleads for mercy. Guess what, baby? We're JUST getting started. Several fireworks are crammed into the opening in the upper right corner. A golden flame roars to life on the tip of a match; eager to ignite the pending explosion. It's time to begin the journey. It's time to blast this fucker to hell.

All I want for Christmas (EXPLICIT)

Rob Brennan — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 23:45:58 +0000

My Christmas list...as envisioned by my five year old nieceI know there are a number of folks who will want to chastise me based on the title alone, but that's what I celebrate. More on that later. Without further ado, Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.

But in the meantime, if you celebrate something else, may this post send happy holiday wishes to you. And even if you don't celebrate a single thing, I'm still going to send some love and positive energy your way. Here's to life, living, and love - headed YOUR way; like it or not.

Oh no he di'int!!! Did I just manage to wish my readers some positive love without rattling off the usual list of holidays? Yup. I sure did.

::pauses for dramatic effect and applause::

So what the hell was the point of that, exactly?

TAYZR is now available in the App Store

Rob Brennan — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 14:48:01 +0000

2011.11.11 TAYZR officially approved and available in the App StoreWa-HOOOOOOOO! That's the only word to describe how I'm feeling right now. I am pleased to announce that the iOS app I've been working on has not only been submitted for review, but approved by Apple in the App Store.

TAYZR marks my initial debut into developing production apps for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. My prior work has consisted of prototype or proof-of-concept apps, but as of today I can claim one publicly available app to my credit.

...and it's a good one. It's free, and it's a great way to let your Facebook friends know that you're thinking about them. Grab your copy today!

Using Evernote and your iPhone to keep track of...your pantry?

Rob Brennan — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 01:40:15 +0000

Evernote and the iPhone 4 are great tools to use together.I love Evernote. Not just the kind of love where you feel a creative burst when you sit down to use your favorite app. I mean the kind of love where once you walk in the door, you're ready to get down to it and enjoy some sweet lovin'. This is what using Evernote on the iPhone is like.

Recurring alarm bug resurfaces in iOS 5

Rob Brennan — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 11:57:37 +0000

iOS 5 is incredible - but why can't the engineers fix this %$#@%$# bug??Picture it. November 8th. 2010. I was writing a seething blog post about my iPhone failing to adjust to the time change - with a recurring alarm going off exactly one hour later (see Apple Fail: Daylight Savings Time Adjustment Delays Alarms 1 Hour)

Exactly one year later, the brilliant minds at Apple STILL have failed to address the recurring alarm issue.

Yes. That's right. That stupid little bug that only happens twice a year is back.

Live - Since Refuge - 2011.08.21

Rob Brennan — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 01:00:39 +0000

Here is our complete show as performed at Cocktail's nightclub in Morrisonville, NY. Hope you enjoy it!

2011.08.21 Live at Cocktails (Morrisonville, NY) by Rob Brennan

Since Refuge is...
Ty Hull - Vocals / Guitar
Matt Schwartz - Guitar
Steve York - Bass
"Taco" Rob Brennan - Drum set

Dealing with change, new priorities, and the road that lies ahead

Rob Brennan — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 00:26:01 +0000

2011.08.23 Rob drumming on his djembe at Goddard CollegeOver the past few months, there have been a number of significant changes in my life. Most notably was the mutually agreed upon decision for my wife and I to go our separate ways.

As a free spirited soul who loves living and existing within the public eye, this decision was one that caused me to pull back a bit. For avid readers of my blog - or for friends and family members - it may be surprising that such an event unfolded...and that I have remained quiet about it (at least, in a public sense) for so long.

Happy 32nd birthday...to me

Rob Brennan — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:28:10 +0000

iPhone birthday cake created by my wife. Notice how she incorporated elements of my birth date (day and year) in the icons.Tell me this isn't cool. Here is the awesome birthday cake my wife made for me. Aside from being one of the most delicious chocolate cakes I've ever had, it surprisingly had the same reliability as my AT&T cell coverage, too.

But in all seriousness, I am genuinely thrilled to be turning thirty-two (32) today. I cannot help but reflect on how incredible my life has been lately. I'm honored to be married to the most loving and thoughtful woman I have ever known. Along with sharing my life with my wife, I have the honor of spending time with my amazing in-laws. I'm happy to be channeling my time and energy into relationships and opportunities that truly mean something to me...and not wasting my time with superficial relationships. Most importantly, I am thankful to be in good health - recognizing how appreciative I am to enjoy life.

As I write this, I still cannot forget the genuine sadness of losing my Uncle Bill just over a year ago. And yet, I feel he's still a major part of my life. I mean, how else do you explain the Green Bay Packers winning the Super Bowl...and my Boston Bruins fighting for the Stanley Cup that same year? Thanks, bro. I know you're up there keeping a watchful eye on us all. Every time I hop behind the drums ready to throw down a funky groove - or dive into some creative work - I know you're right along with me. Keep it phunky.