WALL-E Rocks – Two Great Mac Jokes

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Just saw WALL-E with my son, and in typical Pixar fashion, it is awesome!

Two quick things I found hilarious for the Mac-Geeks out there.

First, there is a character in the film called Auto, who is an auto-pilot robot for the ship. The character’s voice is done by Macintalk, the speech synthesizer included with the Mac back in 1984. It sounded familiar, and I confirmed it as the “actor credit” actually appears at the end of the film.

Second, there is a scene where WALL-E reboots... and yes, it is the Macintosh startup chime that you hear. I found myself laughing out loud (and I think I was the only one within 20 rows of me who got the joke (geek!).

|

OT: Help Iowa Flood Victims & Listen to Great Music

Sunday, June 29, 2008

My last home before Washington, DC was Des Moines, IA. A lot of friends and colleagues have been affected by devastating floods that most have overlooked. The short version, floods worse than Hurricane Katrina have been battering the Midwest... few have noticed.

One of my favorite bands, the Nadas, has an online album to raise awareness and funds.

River Songs - Authentic Records' Flood Relief Benefit Bootleg

Contribute to United Way of Central Iowa's flood relief fund while reliving some of your favorite moments from Authentic Records Authentic Records' Flood Relief Benefit on Sunday, June 22. Please pay what you can for this exclusive download. All proceeds benefit United Way of Central Iowa.
1. Barkers Beauty - Fat Andy
2. Come Lay Down - She Swings, She Sways
3. Promise - Benjamin Wagner
4. The Friday Night Fight - Brother Trucker
5. Angels & Devils - Tony Bohnenkamp
6. Feel Like Home - The Nadas
7. Templeton Rye - The Nadas
8. The River - The Nadas

The download is free, but donations matter. Do what you can.

Technorati Profile

|

This Bag is Awesome – My thoughts on the Boda Dry

Friday, April 18, 2008

At the recent Photoshop World conference, I picked up a new camera bag. This one is a lens bag, and is designed to condense your camera bag into a few lenses and essential gear. Be sure to check out the BODA Dry (a ton of the Photoshop World instructors and staff picked up on this). Here's what's cool.

boda_front

The bag hold 4+ lenses (including long lenses)
It's very comfortable with both a shoulder and a waist strap (I find the shoulder strap more comfortable, but the waist strap fits well and has hip pads like a backpackers pack).
The product looks durable with waterproof bullistic cordura and even a very tight zipper to keep rain out.
It has a media card wallet, lens changing pouch, and even business card case.
The gear is designed to be used with one hand (and the thoughtful construction shows).

I used the bag while hiking around Red Rock (outside Las Vegas) and it was a true joy. Very comfortable and very easy to use... I still love my Kata bag for lugging the gear, but when I trim down to go mobile... this one is great.

|

Important Video – Slightly Off Topic

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Today is Diabetes Alert Day.

My company helped produce this video about an important public issue. Please watch.

|

New Options for Web Galleries

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Looking for a better way to show your images on the web? Adobe has boosted Bridge with new web galleries.

"Adobe® Media Gallery (AMG) for Adobe Bridge adds quick, powerful Web gallery creation to Adobe Photoshop® CS3, Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended and the Adobe Creative Suite®. AMG makes it possible to create HTML or Flash-based galleries from any of the file formats supported by Bridge; adjust the galleries using the built-in preview; and export the results or upload them via FTP."

The add-on is free... and works great with easy preview and FTP options. You can download the free plug-in at http://labs.adobe.com/wiki/index.php/Adobe_Media_Gallery.

|

Scott Kelby Releases 2nd Annual Gonzo Holiday Gear Guide

Monday, November 12, 2007

Thanks to Scott Kelby for releasing his very cool guide to gift shopping (for geeks and photographers at least).
“It’s here: the long awaited, unabated, triangulated, amalgamated, 2nd annual edition of Scott’s Gonzo Holiday Gear Guide!

This year’s expanded in-depth guide includes nothing but the coolest, personally hand-picked gear for the photography and Photoshop freak on your holiday list.”

|

Strata 3D in Photoshop

Saturday, November 10, 2007

I just got done with a full-blown review on Strata 3D plug-ins for Photoshop CS3 Extended for Layers Magazine. I can't spill all the beans (my full review will appear in next month's issue). But I couldn't wait to point out a great new tool. Be sure to check out Strata Design 3D In. This very cool plug-in lets you bring in 3D models to your Photoshop projects. Sure. you're thinking doesn't PSCS3 Extended do that already? Nope... not this well. This plug-in ties into Vanishing Point and lets you match the models and lights to the perspective of your photo. Plus you get even greater control over rendering out lights and reflections. This tool is hot, and I highly recommend you try the demo out.

|

New Scripts for Photoshop CS3

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Adobe's Russell Brown has produced a great new collection of FREE workflow scripts for Photoshop CS3 & CS3 Extended. Be sure to check out Dr. Brown's Services 1.9.2 which offer some great features for video.
"Background Remover," "Interpret Video," "Fit Video to Audio," and "Slide Show" scripts take advantage of Photoshop CS3 Extended's new video capabilities.

If you want to save time, download Dr. Brown's Services 1.9.2

|

Free Online Seminar at Adobe.com – Sign Up for Your Spot

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Adobe is offering a free class that you can take on using Photoshop with their video products. It's a live online seminar and I highly encourage you to sign up in advance.

EVENT DESCRIPTION: Working with Photoshop Extended to use with Premiere Pro and After Effects
Join Richard Harrington, author of Photoshop for Video and Understanding Adobe Photoshop, contributing author for After Effects On the Spot, After Effects at Work, and Broadcast Graphics on the Spot, to learn how to prepare your digital images for video. Using the best professional techniques, bring your still images to life using Adobe Premiere Pro CS3 and Adobe After Effects CS3. Richard is also the host of the weekly show, Photoshop for Video and runs a blog with the same name at www.PhotoshopforVideo.com.
When: Thursday, November 15, 2007 10:30 AM-12:00 PM (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada).
Where: online & telephone
Sign Up: www.adobe.com/go/dveseminars

|

An Amazing Website for the Land of Oz

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Sci-Fi Network has a very cool series that "re-imagines" the Land of Oz. The show is called Tin Man, and while the show looks fantastic, it is an amazing promo site that deserves mention. They have created a really unique sub-site called The Infinite Oz which offers a virtual reality experience. What I like is how immersive and creative the website is. It also features the work of several up and coming 3D artists. Go take a look... really!

|

Understanding Adobe Photoshop Needs Your Help

Sunday, September 30, 2007

I suspect that many of you may be viewers of the Understanding Adobe Photoshop podcast... I really need your help.

The show is starting to get some major attention (all of it good that will let me do MORE episodes and give away more stuff on the site). But I really need to get its iTunes review score and its ranking up.

So... please click here, to go to iTunes and post a review (the negative reviews are pretty much from when we first launched and had episodes go down for a few days).

Some recent facts:

1. ALL the back episodes are now live on the page thanks to the folks at Podango. So even if you are a subscriber, visit the iTunes page and download any missing shows.

2. The show was named to iTunes Photoshop Masters page (really... I had no idea there was such a page). Congrats to Scott Kelby, Terry White, Russell Brown, Matt Klowskowski and Jan Kabili (all peers).

3. We re-branded the show with cool graphics (heck, replace your old shows with new ones).

4. ALL shows are now 640 X 480 (so again replace those old episodes with higher res versions).

Go.... PLEASE.... Really!

Thanks!

|

There’s a Rock I’ve Been Living Under...

Sunday, September 02, 2007

If you'll be at the Podcast and New Media Expo show this weekend, consider checking out these free classes on the show floor. Podango is offering an “Unconference,” a featured program of the Podcast and New Media Expo (PNME) taking place September 28-30, at the Ontario Convention Center.

Podango, the online video and audio network that enables publishers and advertisers to “get heard” by today’s hard-to-reach, niche audiences, is heralding a wide range of topics and speakers. They include: new media pioneer Scott Bourne, host of The Apple Phone Show; Paige Heninger and Gretchen Vogelzang, hosts of MommyCast; as well as Jason Van Orden, David Lawrence and others. Speakers will share ideas for building and monetizing audiences in today’s niche-oriented, interest-driven new media marketplace. Read More...

|

Great Piece of Freeware for Producers/Directors/DPs

Monday, August 06, 2007

If you need to put together a storyboard, you have lots of options. But the process of laying out the pages and dealing with changes to shot order or selection can get tedious. Fortunately there is a free solution called Directors Boards which alleviates most of the challenges (no, it won't draw for you).

This great program is based on Filemaker, but doesn't need you to have the full program installed in order to run. You essentially load in information regarding the shots including the audio and video columns, shot number, and a thumbnail image. Directors Boards then allows you to organize the shots as well as create a sldieshow presentation or print out professional looking storyboards. The product is cross-platform and free... what more do you need? Well there is a more robust version called Directors Notebook, which we are putting through its paces and will have a detailed review soon.

|

It’s a Good Week for Me in the Podcast Universe

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

If you'll be at the Podcast and New Media Expo show this weekend, consider checking out these free classes on the show floor. Podango is offering an “Unconference,” a featured program of the Podcast and New Media Expo (PNME) taking place September 28-30, at the Ontario Convention Center.

Podango, the online video and audio network that enables publishers and advertisers to “get heard” by today’s hard-to-reach, niche audiences, is heralding a wide range of topics and speakers. They include: new media pioneer Scott Bourne, host of The Apple Phone Show; Paige Heninger and Gretchen Vogelzang, hosts of MommyCast; as well as Jason Van Orden, David Lawrence and others. Speakers will share ideas for building and monetizing audiences in today’s niche-oriented, interest-driven new media marketplace. Read More...

|

Cool Free Fonts

Sunday, July 08, 2007

Looking to expand your typographical toolbox? Then be sure to visit Dinc Type at the unique URL www.GirlsWhoWearGlasses.com. The site is sassy and filled with great fonts. The unique thing is that while fonts are free, the selection frequently changes and fonts appear then disappear. Its like an incredible import shop where everything’s free, but the inventory keeps changing. Bookmark and keep checking back as their fonts are absolutely fantastic.

|

Photographer's Rights

Thursday, January 18, 2007

I have personally experienced harassment first hand when it comes to urban photography. In DC, one routinely gets threatened or chased off in the spirit of 'national security.' So it was with great joy that I came across this entry over at Stu Maschwitz blog. I also found another helpful post at John Nack's prolific blog on the same topic.

You can find a great PDF here that describes the rights of photographers (and videographers) within the U.S. Print this out and place it into your gear bag for the next time you get harassed.

|

Great New Digital Camera

Saturday, December 09, 2006

I have now made the leap to a new digital camera. I have been very happy with my Nikon D70 (albeit its a few years old), but I have desired a smaller camera that I could keep in my laptop bag for the many trips I take. The thought being that carrying a full bag of lenses and camera parts isn't always going to be practical.

I was about ready to give up my shopping quest (don't even get me started on the in store people who tried to convince me that I didn't need to shoot Camera Raw). But some research and photography buddies turned me onto Leica camera. I have purchased (but not yet received) what I think to be the perfect camera for my needs.

The Leica D-LUX 3 offers a superb amount of pro features in a small package:

10-megapixel CCD (18 x 24-inch prints)
Shoot both RAW and JPEG
Manual setting options (focus, aperture, ISA, bracketing)
High-quality lens takes (equivalent to 28 mm - 112 mm)
Ability to shoot three aspect ratios (4:3 - 3:2 - 16:9)
Optical stabilization and fast processing (burst 1 fps)
High-quality aluminum housing
Video Record HD 720P @ 15 fps & SD @ 30 fps in QuickTime
Choice between automatic or manual ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800 or ISO 1600.
Includes full copy of Photoshop Elements

The cameras are back ordered due to popularity, so you'll need to allow a few weeks to get yours (I'm still anxiously waiting).

|

iMix #5 – Music from 2006

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Here's my latest iMix, a collection of songs posted to the iTunes music store for others to enjoy. Just click this link to visit the iTunes music store and you can here a little part of the soundtrack of my life. Music from 2006 is a collection songs that I discovered in 2006. I've limited it to one song per artist (but I recommend checking entire albums). Visit iTunes to listen to the tracks, pick up the ones you want, and vote for the iMix in the rankings.

|

Kuler – Very Cool Online Color Picker

Saturday, November 25, 2006

If you need to try out different color combinations, be sure to try Kuler from Adobe labs. This flash-based application lets you browse a wide variety of designer created color schemes as well as create your own. It supports all the major rules from Analogous to Shades. The controls are beautifully designed and the entire application really inspires creativity. In order to access it, you are supposed to have a live connection to the Internet. You'll need to be online to take advantage of the shared and highest rated features, but I've found a work-around for those times when an Internet connection isn't an option. I was able to save a web archive in Safari (File > Save As) which can then be opened up when I am not on the Net. Be sure to check this very cool application out.

|

Holiday Shopping Guides for Gadget Loving Geeks

Sunday, November 19, 2006

There are two great gift guides for the holiday season (both published by friends). If you need to find something for the digital geek in your life (or even just want something to give others ideas) then check these two out.

First, you have Scott Kelby's “Gonzo Holiday Gadget Guide.” This free PDF features a ton of cool digital photography and photoshop related goodies. All the products have been tested by Scott himself, which is cool as he certainly knows his stuff. You can download it from http://www.planetphotoshop.com.

The other guide is from Terry White (who is a true road warrior who works for Adobe). The 2006 Holiday Gadget Gift Guide is an interactive PDF links to some of the coolest gizmos out there. Terry covers everything from digital video to frequent traveler to music lover. His choice are really very good.

|

New Freebies for Video Pros

Saturday, October 28, 2006

I've posted some new items online to help spice up your projects and make your digital life a little easier.

• Background Textures from Digital Anarchy
• NTSC Test Image (For use with Photoshop's Video Actions)
• Power Window/Vignette to enhance Film Look
• Over The Shoulder Data Sets Template

I hope you enjoy. If you spot any problems, please let me know.

|

Never Lost on a Road Trip Again

Friday, September 29, 2006

I have found the best gadget for traveling... an affordable GPS system that you can take with you on the road. I'm in LA for the Podcasting Expo and I bought a portable GPS unit (for those of you who've driven LA, you'll understand the need to bale from a clogged highway and find a new route). The Garmin Nuvi 360 Pocket or Vehicle GPS Navigator just rocks.

• It just works, zero problems getting a signal and clear directions.
• It has Bluetooth which is really cool. Pair it with your cell phone and it works as a speaker phone. Need to find a hotel or restaurant, click the built-in guide then push the phone button and you are connected. Dial the office and you have a great hands-free speaker phone. It's clear for both parties and totally works.
• It has built-in storage, and can play music (and even cooler Audible books).
• The screen is bright and clear, plus its a touch screen
• It charges via a USB cable or runs of a cigarette adapter.
• You can put it into a pedestrian mode for walking around cities (it'll ignore one ways, or places that aren't accessible to pedestrians).
• There are no subscription fees.

Be sure to check it out... this little device has taken away a big chunk of the stress I feel in rental cars (and makes my wife happy as she uses it in her non-GPSed car when I am not traveling).

Thanks to Terry White from Adobe for the initial tip.

|

My Laptop Backup Strategy

Saturday, September 16, 2006

I have bad luck when it comes to laptops (or perhaps as the Apple tech said, I work my laptops harder than 99% of the users out there). It seems I have experienced data loss a few times to many and I finally sat down and figured out a back-up strategy. So you can save yourself a headache, I offer you my workflow to achieve data nirvana.

1. Get a small, high-quality drive that you can take with you. My choice was to get an OWC Mercury On-The-Go case. There are four different options to choose from and they each offer connection options that are impressive. My choice was to get the case only and drop in a SATA laptop drive. I was able to get a 160 GB drive that is big enough to hold the contents of both my MacBook and MackBook Pro. (If you are curious... the MBP is my small writing/blogging machine while the 17 inch is for teaching and production... 17 inch laptops and coach seats don't go together.)

2. Get backup software like Data Backup from Prosoft. I like this package because its affordable and I have had great experiences with the company's other software like Data Rescue and Picture Rescue. This package allows you to Clone your drives and make a bootable image so you can easily restore files. My favorite feature is its robust scheduling tools including the ability to have a backup start whenever you plug in the backup drive. Simply set the program to automatically open as a login item (right click on its icon in the Dock at choose Open at Login). Then choose to set a schedule and set an event for the presence of the backup target.

3. Remember to plug-in the backup drive weekly, and keep it in the bag of your laptop.

That's it... much less stress for the road warrior.

|

iMix #4 - Radio & TV

Sunday, July 30, 2006

Continuing my mixtape habit.... I invite you to listen to an iMix (a collection of songs arranged around a topic). Just click this link to visit the iTunes music store and you can here a little part of the soundtrack of my life.

Radio & TV features some songs for those who work in the film/video/broadcast industry. A little satire, a few good beats, and some nice instrumentals. Seems that all my iMixes run with a theme... but I guess all good mix tapes do.

|

iMix #3 - 1980’s Rewind

Saturday, July 08, 2006

Continuing my mixtape habit.... I invite you to listen to an iMix (a collection of songs arranged around a topic). Just click this link to visit the iTunes music store and you can here a little part of the soundtrack of my life.

"1980's Rewind" features Some songs that pulled me through the 1980's. Some alternative and pop classics as well as a few 'guilty pleasures.' These are the songs that don't embarass the decade.

|

Cool Free Fonts

Saturday, July 08, 2006

Looking to expand your typographical toolbox? Then be sure to visit Dinc Type at the unique URL www.GirlsWhoWearGlasses.com. The site is sassy and filled with great fonts. The unique thing is that while fonts are free, the selection frequently changes and fonts appear then disappear. Its like an incredible import shop where everything’s free, but the inventory keeps changing. Bookmark and keep checking back as their fonts are absolutely fantastic.

|

iMix #2 - Socially Aware

Saturday, July 01, 2006

OK, I used to make mix tapes all the time for friends.... If you're on this site you're at least an acquaintance. I invite you to listen to an iMix (a collection of songs arranged around a topic). Just click this link to visit the iTunes music store and you can here a little part of the soundtrack of my life. "Socially Aware" is a collection of newer songs that remind me that music with a message can motivate and move you at the same time. Visit iTunes to listen to the tracks, pick up the ones you want, and vote for the iMix in the rankings.

|

Two Childhood Favorites in One

Thursday, June 22, 2006

So, I really don't need any time distracters, but I've found a good one. Take LEGOs and add Star Wars, and you get a great game. Sure the premise seems pretty silly, blocky computer graphics with characters you know all too well. But the game play is surprisingly fun. The levels are challenging with lots of twists and bonuses to unlock. Plus the levels are huge and entertaining. The game is available for all console systems as well as Mac and PC. Just be sure to add a gamepad style controller if your playing on a computer as its a little too robust to try and run from a keyboard.

To get it for your system, visit Amazon.

|

iMix #1 - Saturday Morning Wakeup

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Here's my very first iMix, a collection of songs posted to the iTunes music store for others to enjoy. Just click this link to visit the iTunes music store and you can here a little part of the soundtrack of my life. "Saturday Morning Wakeup" is a collection of music to gently start your weekend off. Three decades of music here for when time doesn't matter. Visit iTunes to listen to the tracks, pick up the ones you want, and vote for the iMix in the rankings.

|

weblog

River Songs - Authentic Records' Flood Relief Benefit Bootleg