misc links...

iPaper: a Simple Way to View and Share Documents on the Web
http://blog.wired.com/monkeybites/2008/02/ipaper-a-simple.html

Keep Tabs on Hard Drive Health with HD Tune
http://lifehacker.com/357542/keep-tabs-on-hard-drive-health-with-hd-tune

sounds in your head? (continued)
http://blog.wired.com/defense/files/Bioeffects_of_Selected_Non-Lethal_Weapons.pdf

What would it take to send the U.S. economy—and New York’s—into free fall?
http://nymag.com/nymag/features/39952/

My Favorite Speculation in the Coming Dollar Rally
http://www.dailywealth.com/archive/2007/nov/2007_nov_08.asp

Make Your Site Mobile-Friendly in Two Minutes
http://www.mikeindustries.com/blog/archive/2005/07/make-your-site-mobile-friendly

can easily change themes of the site
http://www.mikeindustries.com/blog/archive/2005/07/make-your-site-mobile-friendly

bookplate art
http://bookplatejunkie.blogspot.com/2007_07_01_archive.html

http://www.avvo.com
Our mission is to help people navigate the complex and confusing legal industry. Choosing a lawyer is an incredibly important decision? Yet most people have no idea how to go about doing it. Avvo is guided by two basic principles: 1. Focus on the needs of regular people. Avvo was created specifically to help people who know very little about the law and may have no experience choosing a lawyer. 2. Provide information, as well as guidance. We believe that providing open access to information about lawyers, coupled with guidance on how to use that information, is the best way to help people choose the right lawyer.

misc. links of the day...

Is it possible to embed javascript in flash?
Why would I want to do that? One reason is that I could embed that swf object in a sprout.

FS Command: A Short Introduction
http://www.moock.org/webdesign/flash/fscommand/

Flash / JavaScript Integration Kit (Beta)
http://weblogs.macromedia.com/flashjavascript/

Creating Beautiful Interfaces with CSS - 081806
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-988708193861222512

MIT prof's notorious talk on How to Talk
http://www.boingboing.net/2008/02/19/mit-profs-notorious.html

Next Nature -- a designer's vision of a nature overtaken by corporatism
http://www.boingboing.net/2008/02/19/next-nature-a-design.html
LIFT08 Presentation video
http://blog.wired.com/sterling/2008/02/the-freakiest-m.html

SitePoint CSS Reference
http://reference.sitepoint.com/css

sounds/voices in your head?
http://physorg.com/news122567894.html

If you agree that we should be able to purchase alcohol on Sundays in GA, please click on the link in the AJC article below and sign the petition. http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/stories/2008/02/18/booze_0219.html

AVCHD hoop jumping

We got a new Sony AVCHD video camera at the office - and the camera/video is fantastic! But the format is so new, it seems that only newer software/editing tools support it. Before you go out and get it, make sure you have the software to edit it! Could even be more than the camera itself!?! Here is some detailed info on AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition). The codec is now being used by Sony, Panasonic and Canon in their new HD cameras.

CoreAVC, a reasonably cheap($15?) and quick h.264 decoder for Windows, can decode AVCHD as well as a variety of other h.264 formats (info via doom9).

Some peeps are using this $30 converter for AVCHD (windows only).

Supposedly Mac supports AVCHD native with iLife 08 (via amazon). and FYI - the swiss army knife for Quicktime (Mac OS) is the Perian codec.

And in related news... 'DVD Jon' frees your media with DoubleTwist.
*Much thanks to Jeff Gray and Michael McReynolds for info posted here.

embeddable video playlist

swfIR / sIFR 3beta2

Question: Is there an html or other device we can download, and it show all the sIFR fonts in my collection? Much like a font book?
Could it be possible to use sIFR fonts in other apps? Like AfterEffects, Photoshop, Illustrator, on your system?
Flash is so prevalent, could it be a better format (than TTF, etc)?

sIFR Flash Fonts Library
http://www.isarie.com/?p=17

convert any TTF font into a SWF Flash file for use with sIFR. (Requires .NET 2.0).
http://digitalretrograde.com/Projects/sifrFontEmbedder/

sIFR 2007: The Roundup (sIFR3 beta)
http://www.sitepoint.com/blogs/2007/04/27/sifr-2007-the-roundup/

swf Image Replacement: sIFR for your Pictures
http://www.swfir.com/

sIFR3 beta2 - FEB 08
http://novemberborn.net/sifr3

sIFR showcase web examples
http://www.alvit.de/sifrbeauty/

More sIFR font collections
http://cg.scs.carleton.ca/~luc/sifr.html
http://www.fortysomething.ca/mt/etc/archives/design_elements/fonts/

Set Top Box/PVR/PC

Why burn content to DVD to watch it on your tv? Media is dead?!? Not yet. This box (Divx Connetcted) is apparently only for watching (windows) divx videos, music and photos (jpgs/bmps). But it does look like there are plugins being developed, however it looks like the plugins are channel/content based? More info on this device here: 01 | 02 | 03
Im not planning spending my money on physical media like Blu-Ray, especially since it will be defunct soon. With online storage and backup available - the only thing holding (most) people back is cost and transfer time. And that may be the tipping point.
I think that a mythtv, dreambox, orb.com, slingbox, or apple tv may be a better solution for now.
My ideal set top box would have:
-internet surfing
-plays most file formats
-storage or usb for external drive
-does videophone
-built in wifi, acts as a router

THE SIGNAL MOVIE RELEASE

So some friends of mine created a movie (THE SIGNAL), and it premieres this Thursday, February 22, 2008 - at the Plaza (Atlanta GA). Im planning to be at the premiere - and celebrating with them. My buddy Kevin told me about sproutbuilder - so I thought I'd try it out:

grandcentral + gizmo = supafree?

Are free calls to 60 countries possbile? Im trying to find out... GrandCentral adds Gizmo Support!!! (article here) Info on how it works - on GrandCentrals website. More info on free VOIP forwarding. BETA video calls for windows users. *Of course you will need headset to use for phonecalls on the PC. Questions that i dont have complete answers for: -free unlimited international calls? -works with cellphone too? Also checkout ringbranch.com and fring.com.

Web 3.0 ideas/concepts

(in other words, what i (and ideas from others) think the next generation of web needs to be)
-every webpage could be user re-configureable. And a layout/style button. In theory, the last person to modify the page - is the way the next new person would see it. The returning users would view the layout that they have chosen or created (via a cookie). The layout button would be a dropdown, to view all of the various styles in sequential order. This would enable users to potentially make the site more usable to each individual. Elements such as videos/channels and music could also be shown on the page - along with the provided content from the site. Something like - we are promoting this video, here are your collected videos. The user could quickly add this sites video to their playlist or video collection. The same goes for the written content, photos or music. Could the user add elements? Based upon a browser setting, other users could choose to enable or disable this, along with a
Social aspects(facebook) and widgets would also be tied in. I would think that the mobile users would have an impact in this as well.
-content is open and easily portable or collectable
-less keyboard(more 1 click functionality) - easier to use(usability). Using openid for automatic username & passwords, voice entry, (kinda similar to minority report).
-Fully controlling our data and interface. A mash-up, personalization through configuration
-Ease of connectability, thru various hardware advancements
-Semantic -to perform reasoning on user's behalf or machine-facilitated understanding of information in order to provide a more productive and intuitive user experience
-more pervasive??? (technology used by other devices as well - phones)
-applications would be hosted
-more free services & software
-3D paradigm(2nd life web experience) will come of age in Web 4.0

To borrow from businessweek: A web that gives people the tools to craft their own tools, their own software, etc. Why go to YouTube when you can set up your own MyTube, with the same functionality but tailored to the specific purposes of your blog/community website/etc. People will be able to create their own complex online social media tools with a few clicks, but remain linked to other tools and other people through tagging, rss and all that good stuff.

Special Reports Web 3.0

Silicon Valley Entrepreneur & Strategy Consultant Sramana Mitra, after receiving reactions and feedback on her definition of Web 3.0, writes a follow-on synthesis explaining why the Semantic Web can only be implemented in a Contextual Domain. Thus, Web 3.0 according to her, is a Verticalized, Contextualized, Personalized Web. 01 | 02 | 03

From geraldjoseph.typepad.com:
1. gestural and voice computing-with the growing emergence of interaction design, user interface design technology and innovative emphasis software will eventually be operated via gestures of the hand or eye (similar to virtual reality gaming) and voice via certain demands
2. more software embedded in browsers-many new software companies are moving towards the 'always on' model where software operates via a browser and doesn't require any downloading or installation on your desktop or server
3. eventually there will, most likely, be a linkability web app that allows you to use all of your disparate desktop, server, and mobile devices and programs (including telephones, fax, instant messaging, pagers) in a single browser window on your desktop or handheld device
4. you also have to begin to expect the advent of avatar interactions in virtual worlds as a part of social networking and social shopping

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_3

Much thanks to Charlie Deppner, Michael McReynolds for thoughts/input.

Freelance opportunities abound

Had dinner with my friend Kris Sheets the other night - and he mentioned oDesk. Its worth a look. Apparently they made a splash on the scene in 2006. They outsource to Freelancers, IT Companies, Programmers, Web Designers, and more - oDesk. And here is my profile. Articles here: The On Demand Global Workforce - oDesk, oDesk/O'Reilly Tech Visualizations, oDesk Provides On-demand Skills.

I found a huge list of freelancing job sites.

My buddy Bill told me that eworkmarkets.com(now defunct) was what he used, until they folded. They charged $$$ and left a lot of people unpaid, no warning - in 2007. He also had a cool idea - an app that emails you when certain jobs match across several sites. Some might have this function already. Also - if you wrote a very niche app but wanted to know when/if someone was looking for that type of app. There are sites that you can sign up for for "reputation" reviews
like rapleaf and spock. So if some client is on that, and has good feedback/reputation, you have more confidence in them. You can also use these sites: programmermeetdesigner.com
, xing, linkedin, rentacoder, elance. The problem with a lot of these job sites is that they often have mostly low $ stuff.

Edit PDF documents online with PDF Hammer

PDF Hammer is an online utility that lets you perform basic edits to PDF files. You can upload an individual file or multiple files and rearrange or delete pages and then export your project as a new PDF file. The site provides a quick and simple solution for combining multiple PDF documents into one file or for stripping away pages you don't need in a long document.

The developer is working on adding additional features like the ability to rotate pages and apply watermarks and stamps to pages. The only thing that would make PDF Hammer easier to use? A desktop client. Sure it's nice that you don't have to register or download anything to use the application. But if you've got a bunch of files to edit, it can be kind of tedious uploading them one at a time. Via: DownloadSquad.com. More info: How to pwn PDF password protection, Convert docs to PDF online -free.

Update: Five Email Addresses that Convert Documents (docx, mp3, wav, pdf, html) and Convert PDF to HTML online.

Music for 18 - Steve Reich

A cool article I heard over the weekend - with some very cool music... At almost an hour in length, the piece unfolds like a slowly shifting dream, with sections of repeated material ebbing and flowing around a cycle of 11 chords. It's scored for strings, percussion, woodwinds and voices, and takes tremendous concentration on the part of the 18 players. To this day, the work is mainly performed by the composer and his loyal group of musicians. Listen Via NPR. Some ok videos on youtube.

Free SEO Tips/Comparison

Want to know how to get your Website high up in natural search results, but don’t want to pay a search engine optimization (SEO) firm just to find out what you are doing wrong? Now you can get a free, automated evaluation of your site on Website Grader. Just type in your Website address, and it will spit out a report detailing what you can do to boost your site’s SEO juice. It even gives you a grade. Part of Hubspot. Via TechCrunch

the ole Web 2.0

From Wikipedia - the phrase Web 2.0 can refer to a trend in web design and development — a perceived second generation of web-based communities and hosted services (such as social-networking sites, wikis, blogs, and folksonomies) which aim to facilitate creativity, collaboration, and sharing between users. So whats next (Web 3.0)? To help answer that, I wanted to get a grasp of what Web 2.0 was. I will address 3.0 in a future blog post....

creating a playlist

The great thing about this site is that it hits google videos, youtube, and myspace - with more to come. My question is - why dont they let users have the functionality to aggregate other video content from other sites? Looks like Lycos may have similar functionality too. I really like the wide capability of the chumby player, but I want to get rid of the shell - and just have the screen. There are more playlist generators out there, so take a look around and see what works best for you: How to create an XML playlist, with youtube.com, imeem.com, JW FLV MediaPlayer, MeFeedia.com, VideoSticky.com, Clipstream.com, with Silverlight... Does your blog or website have videos?

RIA done quickly = Adobe Thermo?

Bad news is, still in private beta -and no date of release has been set. "Thermo" is an upcoming Adobe product that makes it easy for designers to create rich Internet application UIs. Thermo allows designers to build on familiar workflows to visually create working applications that easily flow into production and development. Great video intro here. Thermo lab page. With hot new technologies -discussed in video, you gotta subscribe to this.

More to share?

Nowadays, do really really need the entire computing power of one PC (for each of us)? For gamers - maybe so. But think about it - is there a hardware device that will allow any PC to be used by 2 or more users -simultaneously? Kinda the idea of a reverse of a KVM switch. Ideally, the other users would have another screen (to view), keyboard, and mouse. Worst case scenario - users could share a split screen. But just imagine how this might help the poorer communities. Maybe even help curb some eco waste? Great for coffeeshops that share wifi/pcs. Could this be done remotely (like logmein.com) or at least wirelessly? Could this idea greatly extend the OLPC (One Laptop per Child Foundation)? or http://pixelqi.com/?

WARNING! Apple's QT 7.4 update disables...

Apple's recent QT 7.4 update disables Adobe's After Effects: "According to numerous posts on Apple's discussion forums (several threads of which have been deleted by Apple), as well as a number of popular video editing blogs, Apple's recent QT 7.4 update does more than just enable iTunes video rentals — it also disables Adobe's professional After Effects video editing software. Attempting to render video files after the update results in a DRM permissions error. Unfortunately, it is not possible to roll back to a previous version of QT without doing a full OSX reinstall. Previous QT updates have also been known to have severe issues with pro video editing apps." My question is: Could you convert the Quicktime to another format -and be able to edit? -Via Slashdot. More info here: DefectiveByDesign.org

easy, cheap, web based backup!

Originally started in May of 2006, Carbonite (Windows only, Mac peeps should try Zmanda or Mozy) will backup all the data on your computer as long as it’s connected to the internet - for only $50/year! The service has no upload limits!
My favourite thing about Carbonite is actually the "set and forget" nature of it. Installation is just a single wizard-driven setup executable and an online registration. After which you pick the files you want to back up (by default its My Documents and Desktop) and bob's your uncle! Backup is done is the background over your broadband connection and it picks up when you're computer's idle and slows down when you're working.
The only things to grapple with here is trusting these servers and the time it takes to backup and restore. It will take a few days to backup all my data (excluding programs) but once that is done, it is only incremental backups that take place. A complete restore will take about half that time depending on the speed of your broadband connection's downstream.
Carbonite=$50 yr (link 01, 02)
Mozy=$5 mo. (link 01)
Zmanda=$.20 GB mo. (link 01)

OnlineLeagueManager.com

So my company [Novologic.com] is ramping up production of the revised interface and web based service for one of their subsidiaries: OnlineLeagueManager.com I created the look and feel for the new design, and may be involved with the production. Its been in use for over 4 years now, by various parks and leagues. Why wait in those long lines - and have to deal with all that paperwork? If you, or someone you know is interested in learning more about this service, please contact Steve Taylor @ 770-277-1030ext247 or info@novologic.com.

Jott & Sandy = Productivity Boost

With Jott, a user can call a toll-free number and leave a message up to 30 seconds long. The resulting audio file is transcribed by workers in India, and its contents are sent to the user as an e-mail or text message -FOR FREE! Jott has just rolled out some incredible updates where you can send a note, not only to yourself, but to other people who's email addresses or SMS #'s you have loaded into your contacts. Send a message to one person, or a group of people. Its ideal for to do lists, reminders, communicating with groups, blogging, and more. Combine Jott with Sandy for even more productivity assistance.
Jott is only one of several young companies experimenting with new services marrying voice, text messages, and the Internet. In November 2006, voice-over-Internet company ViaTalk introduced Braincast, which works much like Jott, except that it delivers the actual sound file recorded by the user rather than a text transcription. (Jott sends both.) QTech of Hyderabad, India, is testing a similar service called ReQall. Pinger lets users send voice mail without actually placing phone calls; the recipient gets a text message with a link to the audio file. British firm SpinVox works with cellular carriers to turn subscribers' voice mails into e-mails, text messages, or blog entries. And for $9.99 a month, SimulScribe will convert up to 40 of your voice mails into text messages. Credits: Technology Review, StudentLinc, Jeff Gray, Burke Allen & Bob Horton

spam filtering for snail mail?!?

Are you tired of opening your postal mailbox only to find it littered with catalogs for products you'll never buy or from companies you've never heard of? Do you think about deforestation as you throw out the catalogs without even thumbing through them? The Ecology Center started a project (complete with slick web interface) called Catalog Choice to help us fight back against catalog spam. It's a pretty simple concept: you register on the site, search their catalog database for that "unique gift" catalog you want to stop receiving, and tell Catalog Choice that you want to opt out of it. They will contact the catalog company for you, ultimately saving trees and your mailbox space.

The service is free, and you can have multiple names and residences on one account. While there is not currently a way to opt out of all catalogs with one click, you can submit catalogs that don't appear in their lists. We are fans of helping the environment and preventing spam at no cost! Via DownloadSquad.com -

SupaEasy Remote Desktop

Crossloop is a remote desktop application with an easy to understand interface. You can literally get up and running in minutes without knowing a thing about ports or protocols.

There are other applications that will let you connect to another PC over ther internet like LogmeIn or VNC. But neither is as easy to use as Crossloop. Normally, remote desktop applications require that the host PC to run a server which can be complicated to set up, not so with Crossloop. The person needing assistance just installs crossloop and runs the main application, then goes to share, and gives the access code to whoever is helping them. That person then enters access code and all the difficult stuff is handled by the Crossloop server.

Crossloop recently created a social network, connecting people who have problems with people who want to fix them. You can even build up expertise, a type of karma system that reflects on how effective you are. From: Downloadsquad.com

Free movies - it was only a matter of time

Obviously illegal, Joox.net is currently an underground website from Sweden, but climbing the ranks on digg, lets you watch free Video-on-demand, Movies, Music videos, TV shows, Documentaries, Cartoons, and more without paying, thats right FREE. You need Divx to watch. Movies don't last long so the ones on the front page are most likely to be there. And you can also download them!?! Thanks to Frank for the link! More info here. Joox.com too?

Free Anti-Virus

So I recently had an infection with the adware device Virtumonde (on my WindowsXP laptop). I did the research, found tons of articles and links, got led in several useless directions, begged my friends for help - and tried harder. I highly recommend installing the free Adaware 2007(by Lavasoft), even tho it found the problem (and several), it somehow DID NOT get rid of it completely (but its still a great tool). What did seem to work (only time will tell) is the AVG Free Advisor. And the kicker - yes, its free!
The other great free program that I recommend is the Commodo Personal Firewall. Sure it nags you very very much in the beginning, but after a week - the thing is silent, in the background, watching for any unrecognized stituation. Their other product BOClean, didnt seem to work too well - so skip it if you can. I think that this firewall is far better than the WindowsXP firewall.
For an ad blocker, I just use the Firefox browser (most ads and viruses are made to work with IE) with these plugins: Adblock, Adblock Plus, Adblock filterset G updater. Personally I think Norton is too bloated, and McAfee just puts all kinds of hooks into your system - not too mention - why pay for this stuff? If you are so compelled, I highly recommend nod32(by eset). If not, just make a donation or purchase a full version of some of the software listed above.
UPDATE: Runscanner looks interesting. And this could come in handy: Hotspot Shield is a free program which creates a virtual private network between your computer and a wireless router. While its focus is mainly on protecting your private information from hackers, it also keeps sniffers from recognizing that you are outside the US.

Grab files from cache

So being a Firefox fan (and an Opera fan before that), I have been dissapointed that I hadnt heard of an easy way to grab files from the cache (easily, like in IE). I went looking for an answer, and I found something that works pretty good. The best option that Ive seen was this simple built in function: "Right-click on the page > View Page Info. Switch to the \"media\" tab > select the file you want to download > Press [Save As]". I found several viewers - but I dont want to view - I want to grab files from the cache. Sure it still treats swf (and maybe other files) kinda wierd, but you can still get em.

Lego Equipment?

Great concept, lets see if this thing takes off... Bug Labs will soon be launching what Webware calls 'the LEGO of gadgets.' From their site: 'BUG is a collection of easy-to-use electronic modules that snap together to build any gadget you can imagine. Each BUGmodule represents a specific gadget function (ex: a camera, a keyboard, a video output, etc). You decide which functions to include and BUG takes care of the rest, letting you try out different combinations quickly and easily. With BUG and the integrated programming environment/web community (BUGnet), anyone can build, program, and share innovative devices and applications. We don't define the final products — you do.'" Here's just one example: MP3 Module. Originally from Slashdot.

I'll say it again...

Sustainability. Many companies could spend some time researching that word, and how it relates to their business or products. I think it will be more than just a trend of the future... Some people are just doing what they believe in, instead of waiting for the evidence. And thats a pretty strong statement. Eleven Questions - Here is a list of questions you should ask yourself, before begining a project.
1. Do we need it? Can we live without it?
2. Is the project designed to minimize waste?
3. Can it be smaller, lighter or made from fewer materials?
4. Is it designed to be durable or multi-functional?
5. Does it use renewable resources?
6. Is reuse practical and encouraged?
7. Are the product and packaging refillable, recyclable or repairable?
8. Is it made with post-consumer recycled or reclaimed materials and how much?
9. Are the materials available in a less toxic form? Can it be made with less toxic materials?
10. Is it available from a socially and environmentally responsible company?
11. Is it made locally?
About Sustainable Design, MASSIVE CHANGE, A very interesting video on (driving loyalty) building brand, marketing, and gaining marketshare. VIDEO: Eric Ryan Presents The Method Story, method Revolution (company music video), Donny Deutsch interview with Method founders, News segment with method founders, method = detox your home. ECO NEWS 01 | 02 | I wanna say that I remember reading that Benjamin franklin was big into recycling, how to reuse items or working towards zero waste. Does anyone have a link for this? One last question... Have you inspired someone today?

gadget widget ads.... next is blipverts?

Think you have a short attention span now? The future looks even more like a blipvert (submit yours here?). And just when I've figured out that multi-tasking may not be the best way to get things done. I truly believe that we need more time to think about things, the impact of those things, process them (hopefully learn from them), and continue moving forward. So user beware, there are more and more things out there to attract your attention, and the modus operandi is: "It has to be compelling enough for someone to want to grab it and place it onto their page." Widgets are the new ad kid on the block. And there are so many things you can do with them... SmartLinks - 02, Widget Ads, Google Gadget Ads, Google Gadgets, SnaggableAds (pointroll | clearspring).
Sure people can use these things wisely, and for good purposes, but the people driving these and its motivation come from ad firms and money. So continue to educate and prepare yourself, for our ever-changing, shorter attention-span future. FYI - new ad term: engagement clicks = measure the ways the consumer interacts with the ad. More info on widgets/gadgets. How to keep widgets from slowing down sites (javascript embedding)
Thanks to Kevin Crawford for the heads up - or shall I say - the hypnotic stare.
ps. Anyone know how to remove the skin of the Chumby, so it just shows the window?

Replicating prototyper

"Wealth without money..." I've been thinking about a device like this... A device that will let you create things that you need. All you need is the raw (or hopefully recycled) material. More info here. The RepRap project is working towards creating a universal constructor by using rapid prototyping, and then giving the results away free under the GNU General Public Licence to allow other investigators to work on the same idea. Nanotechnology should also be able to do this. But I dont know the timeline for either. I remember reading about a device that would take material and replicate things, wonder if I could find it...

FREE video editing software

It was only a matter of time... open source version of video editing software. Sure, most of us use FinalCutPro, AfterEffects, or Avid. But open source is the way to go. So go check it out. Sure there are some other great things out there too (or atleast soon): Movica, LiVES, Starling, Premiere Express, My question is, when is somebody gonna post an API? More here, and other apps here.

Adobe Flash Player 9 (HD)

From the desk of Kevin Crawford... Adobe has released the support of HD Video in their latest flash 9 player. After installing there is a gallery of video to look at. Its the next level of video. There is also a technical document provided here & here(PDF). Best Flash websites of 2007? Not sure if I agree, but most of them are kinda neat. I dont want a website to be a piece of art in a museum. It just wouldnt be a website. A website is supposed to provide information, give something back to the user, and potentially be a portal for users that love the product, service, or things that the website is. Youtube is great for its videos. Wikipedia - great for its info. Good websites shouldnt try to be something that they are not. But if they try, they better be pretty good a trying - or its a failure. Feel free to hit me up on more of my highly opinionated thoughts on this...

cold auto battery?

So my girlfriends car wouldnt start this morning, she came in and said that it was prolly the starter. She has a 2001 VW Golf - and her starter always makes a shreaking noise when starting. I guess this is just a feature with VWs?!? Anyway, I heard her try to start her car, and it did sound like it was turning over - so it didnt seem like a starter problem to me. I put some shoes on and went to the garage and got my jumper cables. I hooked up the cars and let them sit - charging for a few minutes while we planned on ideas for the towing of her car. After a few minutes - it started up just fine. We havent used it since Friday night - so the battery just may have been affected by the big temperature drop over the weekend? Kevin gave another good tip for this situation... turn the car lights on for 15-30seconds or more before starting the car. This should get the chemicals in the battery moving so its will be more active and ready for the charging. I gotta remember to put the other set of jumper cables in my car tonight - cuz this is the season...

Semantic Search?

So the CEO (Burke Allen) at my company (Novlologic.com) was talking about how cool Aritys search product is. Supposedly it is "Semantic" in the way it works - possibly the future of search - and that they are interested to work with Google, Yahoo!, Amazon, Microsoft - or someone like that. They are wondering what to do with the product. Im curious to know why they dont just put it out there for the public. Im sure it would get tons of attention. I thought the product is called "ramp up", but looking at their site it may be associated with one of their other products (@tlas, or EXPRESSway). 10 Semantic Apps to Watch |

SubMediaTV

Some of the best words that Ive heard from my friend at SubMedia.tv:

Yep, I think the election is a sham. I vote because it takes no effort. The ideal strategy is protecting yourself and your loved ones by creating community, buying local foods, organize a community garden, saving money, but also getting active in informing people of what's coming and what's here.

I never claim to have all the answers, but if you are not ready to do some direct action, the best you can do is help bring people together and have tight group of peeps who have your back, who are aware of what's happening and who are preparing for tough times.

But we can't be running scared. We need to own this shit or it's going to own us. Yes someone (us) need to stop this madness.
I will vote for Kucinich in the primary and Nader (if he runs) on the general.
Well said Frank! And... Ten Steps To Close Down an Open Society

Agave Nectar = Perfect Margarita?

Thanks to Sarah Peacock, Joy and I were introduced to what might be the best margarita Ive had. There are a couple of variations to the recipe, but I would consider these fraternal twins. The secret? Agave Nectar -(NO high fructose corn syrup related ingredients like Cointreau or TripleSec). Julio Bermejo of Tommy's Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco: 01, 02. Partida Agave Nectar Margarita: 01, 02. Agave as THE sugar substitute on Oprah: video. Do the research, and look for deals on agave: 01. FYI - we also played the new Cranium $30, which is my new favorite boardgame.

KING CORN

CreamCorn was my nickname in college, dubbed this by Kevin Morningstar - cuz of my breath. And now Im wondering, if there is more to that... I heard about this on NPR over the weekend. I had no idea. Watch the trailer here. Official website here.

buymytronics.com

I stumbled across a pretty cool concept - IF, it really takes off. Right now, they are only taking game consoles and iPods/iPhones... website here.

seeqpod

Chuck Norris

At 67, the Chuck Norris Legend is still in full swing. And whenever I need a laugh, I go directly to the source.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is based on a true story: Chuck Norris once swallowed a turtle whole, and when he crapped it out, the turtle was six feet tall and had learned karate.

Aviary, Flash PaperVision, AS3 Particles, Adobe MAX...

I was asking for help in finding a flash animation similar to this one. Sherman, gave me so much more to look at: a suite of Flex-based rich internet applications - Aviary / BLOG - Adobe MAX - Flash Player 10 Keynote video - and some flash interaction - Drive a Car - scatter menu - as3 particles - and here is my googledoc with more flash info.

the REAL THING...

Yep, you can get these shoes for only $30. Hoodies, watches, jeans, shoes and more... All replicas at a fraction of the cost. http://www.replicabc.com
More cool clothing on the cheap! (it says free shipping on orders $40 or more, $6 flat fee for shipping on orders below that) Thanks to Adam for this link: http://www.classiccloseouts.com
As you already know, I prefer the thrift store (Value Village, Goodwill, Salvation Army)...

Microsoft Officially Launches Silverlight

Silverlight - A cross-browser RIA tool and then some, rumors are that this thing is powerful, flexible, and may have a bright future ahead. Mashup App Creator Built On Silverlight | Installer 01 | Installer 02 | 4 Popfly videos | on LINUX! | telerik rad controls | design agency video interview | GAME 01 | GAME 02 | Get emotional?

KIVA.org - microfinance lending

I just made a loan to someone in the developing world using a revolutionary new website called Kiva. You can go to Kiva's website and lend to someone in the developing world who needs a loan for their business - like raising goats, selling vegetables at market or making bricks. Each loan has a picture of the entrepreneur, a description of their business and how they plan to use the loan so you know exactly how your money is being spent - and you get updates letting you know how the business is going. The best part is, when the entrepreneur pays back their loan you get your money back - and Kiva's loans are managed by microfinance institutions on the ground who have a lot of experience doing this, so you can trust that your money is being handled responsibly.

I just made a loan to an entrepreneur named Hilda González in Paraguay. They still need another $50.00 to complete their loan request of $100.00. (you can loan as little as $25.00!). Help me get this business off the ground by clicking this link to make a loan to Hilda González too.

It's finally easy to actually do something about poverty - using Kiva I know exactly who my money is loaned to and what they're using it for. And most of all, I know that I'm helping them build a sustainable business that will provide income to feed, clothe, house and educate their family long after my loan is paid back. Join me in changing the world - one loan at a time.

A new kind of philanthropic giving -- particularly among the young and web-savvy -- is facilitated by a non-profit organization called Kiva. Donors are encouraged to give microloans to entrepreneurs in the developing world. Listen to the report on NPR, Yahoo!, Kiva Chronicles - Follow the real-life story of a couple who decided to change the world, one loan at a time. What a great way to help others... If they default on the loan, it becomes a donation? (is it tax deductable?) Their 1st loan was made on April 1st 2005. Loans are made via PAYPAL. kiva.org | inveneo.org | socialedge.org | The GlobalGiving index

biomimicry colors =Cool color palettes

Really inspiring color palettes - and tool (Kuler). The Great Barrier Reef | Scottish Highlands | The Painted Desert -Arizona | Thanks to Billy for the links!

sIFR 2.0: Rich Accessible Typography for the Masses

A way to replace fonts inside arbitrary HTML tags (say, H1, H2) with a non-web font? In other words, the user does not have to have the font installed on their system. I wonder if FlashPaper or PDFs will start to use this as well... http://www.mikeindustries.com/sifr/ -Thanks to Ben for the link!

The Free, Cross-Platform Sound Editor

Honestly, I see more and more apps moving to the free model. Props to Sourceforge for most of them! http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ -Thanks to Burke for the link!

seam carving for content-aware image resizing

Video1 | Video2 | Ariel Shamir presents the latest incredible technology shown at SIGGRAPH 2007. -Not available to the public yet. I just cant believe that Google hasnt bought it yet and its a plugin for Picasa. Adobe/Microsoft, whats taking so long? Highest bidder? Thanks to Ian for the news! UPDATE: Looks like its already been implemented!?!

ePostcard goes live...

Not my first acting gig at Novologic.com, but its definitely one of my more prominent videos. We teamed up with BoosterRocket.net to produce this. Supposedly going out to 30k people. So sit back and have a laugh... ePostcard link

My first email scam

Here are the emails:
01 - A Potential Buyer has Contacted You
From: Lee Darlton (ownersweb@owners.com)
Medium risk You may not know this sender. Mark as safe | Mark as unsafe
Sent:Thu 6/28/07 9:36 AM
Reply-to: leedarlton@yahoo.com
To: doncransono@hotmail.com

Greetings from Owners.com! Lee Darlton has seen your listing at http://www.owners.com/AWW5725 and has sent you the following message:

Hello, I am interested in buying your property that you have for sale. Please contact me if it is still available for further arrangement, I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks.

Lee's Email: leedarlton@yahoo.com

***Is this message SPAM or FRAUDULENT? Click here to report this message to Owners.com: http://www.owners.com/tools/composemail/reportEmail.aspx?email=leedarlton%40yahoo.com (If link does not work, please copy and paste it into your browser.)

We care about your safety and security. Please beware of potential fraud. Most scams involve one or more of the following:
* Inquiry from someone far away, often in another country.
* Inquiry from someone acting on behalf of a "client" or "customer".
* Buyer is willing to purchase site unseen.
* Buyer cannot or will not meet face-to-face or speak on the phone.
* Proposed transaction includes a cashier's check, postal money order, Western Union, online escrow service, or wiring funds into a bank account.

Should you receive a message that meets one or more of the above criteria, we recommend that you do not reply in any way. Instead, please forward to us at help@owners.com for further investigation.

02 - Questions on your property for sale...Do respond a.s.a.p.
Sent: Sun 7/01/07 10:24 PM

Hello, Thanks for your mail. Sorry for the delayed response. Meanwhile I believe first to secure the property through a deposit before any arrangement is to be made. I am impressed with the property. I will love to call you to discuss with you but i am still on a business trip in UK and would like to know the followings about your property.

1. Your bottom price(State it)
2. Is the property originally painted?
3. What is the present land metre
4. How the property has been maintained.
5. Any records available?
6. How many owners?
7. Insurance certificate if any?
8. When did you buy the property and why do you want
to sell it?
9. Are you a US citizen?
10.The property and the ownership is on whose name?

However, I would like to know your last pri ce (non-negotiable)from that of the net price for onward transaction,if your price is ok then I can arrange for a deposit while my agent will call you to arrange for the property inspection and other necessary renovation if any will be taken care of by him. Do get back to me immediately as I have limited time to conclude this this transaction. Till I hear from you have a wonderful day.
Regards, Lee

03 - Payment/Inspection Arrangement
Sent: Fri 7/13/07 7:10 PM

Hello Donald, Thanks for the information. I have accepted your price.I will make a deposit of ($30,000) to you for the property. I have made out a certified cashiers check of ($38,000) then the balance of $8,000 is for my broker for his trip to the states for property inspection and other necessary renovation and welfare. So you're required to deduct the deposit of ($30,000) and send the balance of ($8,000)to my broker for other necessary arrangements and if he is satisfied with you then i will go on to complete the transaction in the states.So if this is Okay with you kindly mail me back am so much in love with your property. Please Confirm this and provide the name, full contact and phone/fax number as required for check payment to be delivered
directly to you. This is for security reason,again that am paying directly
to you in person and for easy communication b/w both of you.

Kind regards, Lee
+44-703-187-0085(6am-12am.....mon-fri)U.S

04 - payment confirmation
Sent: Sat 7/21/07 9:05 AM

Hello, Sorry for the gap in communication which was due to the fact that i had a serious accident and was hospitalised. However, i write to inform you that the payment package for the property been bought from you will get to you in about 8 days time. You should consider your property sold. I advice that you should stop accepting offer from other interested buyers since your payment has been confirmed. Once again, i apologised for the delay in this transaction and will be contacting you as soon as you receive the payment package.

05 - Thank's for ur patience
Sent: Thu 7/26/07 12:37 AM
Hello , Thanks for your patience,Sorry for the gap in communication It was sent via express regular mail and you will receive check before saturday or monday.so please get back to me once you receive it.

06 - Information needed
Sent: Fri 7/27/07 10:23 PM

Hello , How are you doing?Hope fine. pls hold $2,000 out of the $8,000 and keep it these will be given to the agent when they come for inspection at ur place.Please go ahead and send the $6,000 to the agent via MONEY GRAM OR WESTERN UNION money transfer outlet around you. She will head to the location of the property as soon as she picks up the funds in order to carry out the inspection. The agent will contact you as soon as the funds are picked up by them to fix a convenient day and time for the inspection.

You should split the $6,000 and send to each of the information below, minus the transfer charges.
Below is the agent's information Brooklyn, Newyork :$3,000(minus transfer charges)
Name: Lisa Lancaster
125 Brooklyn Avenue
Brooklyn, Newyork 10001

2:Below is the Agent's daugther information:$3,000(minus transfer charges)
Name:Dr Rose Lancaster
125 Brooklyn Avenue
Brooklyn, Newyork 10001

AGENTS EMAIL - ( agency_delivary10099@yahoo.com
Please remember that you are required to forward the two(2)money transfer details after you have done the transfer so that she will proceed immediately
1 - Western Union transfer control/reference number(MTCN)
2 - Senders name and Address
3 - You are to state in your e-mail the exact amount that you sent after the transfer charges have been deducted.
I will complete and sign the contract and i will have it sent to you immediately it's done before the inspection takes place in 3 days time. The agent will also provide a copy of it on the inspection day.
I will like you to please get back to me soon as the transfer is done tomorrow so that all necessary things can be concluded soonest. I await to hear from you as soon as possible.

Thanks and God Bless You
Kindest Regards

073007 - I recieved the check in the mail (see images above)

073107 - I take the check and printed emails to the bank...
I walk in, the guy asks "Welcome to Bank of America, what can we do for you today?".
I respond, "I'd like to speak with customer service.
BOFA: Whats this in reference to?
Well, I think I gotta fake check. (I hand it to him)
BOFA: Hmmm. Well... Uh... (he looks it over). Lemme go have this checked out.
I wait 5 mins and he comes back with the printed emails I gave him.
BOFA: Yeah, we called the other bank. Sorry about that. Usually the clue is that you have to send money somewhere else, as part of the deal. Anything else we can helpya with?
You can keep the printed emails. Are you guys gonna investigate?
BOFA: Well we can tell you how to file a police report. Our hands are kinda tied since this is outta the country.
(Even tho the 2 people that Im supposed to send money to are in NYC).
Aight, we'll maybe the next one will be real.
BOFA: Have a good day.

Banks arent that interested in protecting the people. This illustrates that point. If you get your credit card # stolen, all they normally do is just give you a new card & #. SCAMMED

A Fox, a Wolf, and a Whole Lot of Bull

(what else can you expect from Fox news?) - The story of how FOX news will spin a topic, even tho the guy answers the tough questions directly - and back it up. Our media is such a joke. I can only hope its not too late for us. This guy is the most well spoken, with the best ideas - that I have ever seen. And he's Republican?!? Wierd! Either way, Ron Paul gets my vote - and more. Part 1 | Part 2

Realtors, why do they make so much money?

Either way, their days are numbered. With new web apps squeezing the most out of data, individuals can do much better off without a realtor. Why do realtors (or their companies) get paid so much for doing so little? Look around at your options before signing with a Realtor. Looking to buy? Do it without a realtor and get 75% of the commission - http://www.buysiderealty.com | http://www.trulia.com | http://www.iggyshouse.com | http://www.housingmaps.com | http://www.zillow.com | Update: The Real Estate Bubble Commeth