tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-190702462024-03-08T17:26:23.997-05:00K A C H U PKachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19070246.post-1615716786826300932008-08-09T23:39:00.002-04:002008-08-09T23:45:10.420-04:00A New Packet of Kachup:knock knock:<br /><br />...anybody still around? Yeah? Wow, a patient bunch you are! Thanks for hitting your bookmark for this site!<br /><br />Time for some new content, wouldn't you say?<br /><br />OK, that sounds good to me too. I've been saving a bunch of cool sites for you to check out, and of course, I need to keep you up-to-date on Apple Computer news! Finally, time to really blog about the world outside my door -- movies, books, food, family, friends -- I promise.<br /><br />Be back soon!<br /><br />~KachupKachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19070246.post-86164894474762799592007-09-05T14:45:00.000-04:002007-09-05T14:47:31.430-04:00Apple Updates iPod LineupApple introduced an extensively updated iPod line today including:<div><br /></div><div>iPod nano - all new model with larger screen capable of video playback </div><div>iPod classic - hard drive iPods feature larger drives, thinner design</div><div>iPod touch - based on iPhone with Wi-Fi capabilities</div><div>iPod shuffle - only update is color selection</div><div>iPhone - 4GB model dropped, 8GB model gets $200 price cut to $399</div><div>iTunes 8 - new version of software with support for new models </div><div><br /></div>Check the <a href="http://www.apple.com">Apple website</a> and major news sources for more information shortly.Kachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19070246.post-78465599784760893432007-08-15T14:50:00.000-04:002007-08-15T16:55:10.609-04:00Tape Findings, and Found Magazine WebsiteTwo fun finds today...the first is <a href="http://www.foundmagazine.com/">Found</a>, a website devoted to found objects. According to their About section:<br /><br /><blockquote>We collect found stuff: love letters, birthday cards, kids' homework, to-do lists, ticket stubs, poetry on napkins, doodles-- anything that gives a glimpse into someone else's life. Anything goes. <p>We certainly didn't invent the idea of found stuff being cool. Every time we visit our friends in other towns, someone's always got some kind of unbelievable discovered note or photo on their fridge. We decided to make a bunch of projects so that everyone can check out all the strange, hilarious and heartbreaking things people have picked up and passed our way.</p></blockquote><p></p><br />As an off-shoot of this site, there is another one, called <a href="http://www.sweetthunder.org/tapes/weekninetyfive.html">Tape Findings</a>. Now this one really appealed to me. I can still remember being a kid, and my little sister and I playing around recording our voices on a Radio Shack Realistic Cassette Recorder. We'd record anything, really -- me reading the paper, or the latest Guinness Book of World Records. Anyhow, this web site brings together these lost-and-forgotten tapes, and like Found, they can be banal or funny, serious or strange, but wow, what a great site for the voyeur in us all.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.foundmagazine.com/">Found Magazine</a><br /><a href="http://www.sweetthunder.org/tapes/weekninetyfive.html">Tape Findings</a>Kachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19070246.post-53194173231618660182007-08-08T08:36:00.000-04:002007-08-08T08:50:48.700-04:00Apple Updates: Macs, iWork, iLifeHello again, Apple fans. Apple, Inc. announced some updates to hardware and software yesterday, and for a more complete overview than what I could provide, I thought I'd list here the opinions of the gang over at Small Dog Electronics, who put together some great Mac newsletters. I've used some of their content before, and I really like their writing style, so take it away, Small Dog!<br /><br />[Copyright 2007 Small Dog Electronics, Inc., Waitsfield,<br />Vermont USA - All Rights Reserved]<br /><br /><blockquote>New iMacs!<br />By <a onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" href="mailto:Ed@Smalldog.com">Ed@Smalldog.com</a><br /><br />Today Apple announced greatly updated iMacs. They featuring brand-new<br />Extreme 2 Duo Intel processors (more on those below), a boldly<br />refreshed pro design featuring 20" or 24" glass displays encased in<br /><script><!-- D(["mb","aluminum, an all-new keyboard and iLife 08 (more on that below, too!)\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>Standard configurations are:\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>20" iMac with a 2.0 GHz processor, 250 GB hard drive and ATI Radeon\u003cbr /\>HD 2400XT video card - $1199\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>20" iMac with a 2.4Ghz processor, 320 GB hard drive and ATI Radeon HD\u003cbr /\>2600 Pro - $1499\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>24" iMac with a 2.4Ghz display and 320GB hard drive and ATI Radeon HD\u003cbr /\>2600 Pro video card - $1799\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>All models come standard with 802.11n and Bluetooth 2.0 wireless\u003cbr /\>capability, an 8x Superdrive, 1 GB of RAM, and the new Apple\u003cbr /\>Keyboard. They can be customized with up to 4 GB of RAM, and up to a\u003cbr /\>1 TB hard drive.\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>The new iMacs feature three USB 2.0 ports, a firewire 400 port, a\u003cbr /\>firewire 800 port, a gigabit ethernet port, mini-DVI port, an audio\u003cbr /\>in and audio out port. All models also continue to feature a built-in\u003cbr /\>iSight camera and microphone. You can run a second display up to 23"\u003cbr /\>from the mini-DVI port.\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>The new glass displays are glossy, and the resolution appears to be\u003cbr /\>the same as current 20" and 24" iMacs - 1680x1050 and 1920x1200\u003cbr /\>respectively.\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>\u003cwbr /\><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>\u003cwbr /\><><><><><><>\u003cbr /\><><><><><>\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>Updated Mac minis!\u003cbr /\>By Jimmy, \u003ca onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\" href\u003d\"mailto:Jimmy@Smalldog.com\"\>Jimmy@Smalldog.com\u003c/a\>\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>Previous to this announcement today there was a lot of speculation\u003cbr /\>around the death of the Mac mini. Many though Apple was going to\u003cbr /\>phase it out of their product line but today instead of doing that\u003cbr /\>Apple refreshed it.\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>The new Mac minis include Core 2 Duo chips which are up to 33% faster\u003cbr /\>",1] ); //--></script>aluminum, an all-new keyboard and iLife 08 (more on that below, too!)<br /><br />Standard configurations are:<br /><br />20" iMac with a 2.0 GHz processor, 250 GB hard drive and ATI Radeon<br />HD 2400XT video card - $1199<br /><br />20" iMac with a 2.4Ghz processor, 320 GB hard drive and ATI Radeon HD<br />2600 Pro - $1499<br /><br />24" iMac with a 2.4Ghz display and 320GB hard drive and ATI Radeon HD<br />2600 Pro video card - $1799<br /><br />All models come standard with 802.11n and Bluetooth 2.0 wireless<br />capability, an 8x Superdrive, 1 GB of RAM, and the new Apple<br />Keyboard. They can be customized with up to 4 GB of RAM, and up to a<br />1 TB hard drive.<br /><br />The new iMacs feature three USB 2.0 ports, a firewire 400 port, a<br />firewire 800 port, a gigabit ethernet port, mini-DVI port, an audio<br />in and audio out port. All models also continue to feature a built-in<br />iSight camera and microphone. You can run a second display up to 23"<br />from the mini-DVI port.<br /><br />The new glass displays are glossy, and the resolution appears to be<br />the same as current 20" and 24" iMacs - 1680x1050 and 1920x1200<br />respectively.<br /></blockquote><br />Mac Minis:<br /><br /><blockquote>Updated Mac minis!<br />By Jimmy, <a onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" href="mailto:Jimmy@Smalldog.com">Jimmy@Smalldog.com</a><br /><br />Previous to this announcement today there was a lot of speculation<br />around the death of the Mac mini. Many though Apple was going to<br />phase it out of their product line but today instead of doing that<br />Apple refreshed it.<br /><br />The new Mac minis include Core 2 Duo chips which are up to 33% faster<br /><script><!-- D(["mb","then previous chips, allows 4GBs of RAM, has 4 USB ports, has digital\u003cbr /\>in/out audio and has a Gigabit ethernet port. The new minis also come\u003cbr /\>with iLife ‘08.\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>According to the Apple tech specs page (\u003ca onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\" href\u003d\"http://www.apple.com/macmini/\" target\u003d_blank\>http://www.apple.com/macmini/\u003c/a\>\u003cbr /\>specs.html) on the Mac mini it does not come with 802.11n wireless\u003cbr /\>networking which seems a bit odd to me. Overall it’s a nice upgrade\u003cbr /\>and I would love to replace my Xserve with one of these.\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>\u003cwbr /\><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>\u003cwbr /\><><><><><><>\u003cbr /\><><><><><>\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>iLife \'08!\u003cbr /\>By Ed, \u003ca onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\" href\u003d\"mailto:Ed@Smalldog.com\"\>Ed@Smalldog.com\u003c/a\>\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>Apple also announced a new version of iLife, now called iLife 08. As\u003cbr /\>an iLife 06 fan, I have to say this new version looks incredible.\u003cbr /\>Here is a brief rundown of the new features in each iLife application.\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>iMovie 08 - iMovie is being released as an all-new application, and\u003cbr /\>has a new interface and icon to show it. The app is now centered\u003cbr /\>around an iPhoto-like library, where you can catalog all your video.\u003cbr /\>This is something I\'ve always wanted - it should be very convenient\u003cbr /\>to keep all the video on your Mac in one central location, ready to\u003cbr /\>be watched, scanned, and even edited.\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>iMovie now claims to accept video from "any source," and the video\u003cbr /\>can be mixed & matched in single projects. It also features a newly\u003cbr /\>expanded "Share" menu, with updated options for outputting video to\u003cbr /\>iPod, iPhone, Apple TV - and direct exporting to YouTube. The YouTube\u003cbr /\>feature is going to be huge. Steve Jobs is telling people to skip the\u003cbr /\>",1] ); //--></script>then previous chips, allows 4GBs of RAM, has 4 USB ports, has digital<br />in/out audio and has a Gigabit ethernet port. The new minis also come<br />with iLife ‘08.<br /><br />According to the Apple tech specs page (<a onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" href="http://www.apple.com/macmini/" target="_blank">http://www.apple.com/macmini/</a><br />specs.html) on the Mac mini it does not come with 802.11n wireless<br />networking which seems a bit odd to me. Overall it’s a nice upgrade<br />and I would love to replace my Xserve with one of these.</blockquote><br />iLife '08<br /><blockquote><br />iLife '08!<br />By Ed, <a onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" href="mailto:Ed@Smalldog.com">Ed@Smalldog.com</a><br /><br />Apple also announced a new version of iLife, now called iLife 08. As<br />an iLife 06 fan, I have to say this new version looks incredible.<br />Here is a brief rundown of the new features in each iLife application.<br /><br />iMovie 08 - iMovie is being released as an all-new application, and<br />has a new interface and icon to show it. The app is now centered<br />around an iPhoto-like library, where you can catalog all your video.<br />This is something I've always wanted - it should be very convenient<br />to keep all the video on your Mac in one central location, ready to<br />be watched, scanned, and even edited.<br /><br />iMovie now claims to accept video from "any source," and the video<br />can be mixed & matched in single projects. It also features a newly<br />expanded "Share" menu, with updated options for outputting video to<br />iPod, iPhone, Apple TV - and direct exporting to YouTube. The YouTube<br />feature is going to be huge. Steve Jobs is telling people to skip the<br /><script><!-- D(["mb","DVD, and exchange high-res video files computer to computer, or\u003cbr /\>computer to TV. iMovie also integrates with the new .Mac iWeb Gallery\u003cbr /\>- which I\'ll discuss below.\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>There are actually dozens of added features, upgrades, and\u003cbr /\>enhancements throughout iMovie 08. It really is a whole new\u003cbr /\>application. We\'ll explore iMovie in depth in the future; you can\u003cbr /\>read about some of the new features here:\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>\u003ca onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\" href\u003d\"http://www.apple.com/ilife/imovie/\" target\u003d_blank\>http://www.apple.com/ilife\u003cwbr /\>/imovie/\u003c/a\>\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>iPhoto 08 also received some updating love. A new feature called\u003cbr /\>Events allows you to easily group and organize huge iPhoto libraries.\u003cbr /\>New photo editing features include noise reduction, white balance\u003cbr /\>adjustment, selective improvement, guided cropping and more. You can\u003cbr /\>choose to automatically show or hide photos based on your star rating\u003cbr /\>(you do rate all of your photos with stars, right?) There are new\u003cbr /\>books and calendars available (including much larger calendars than\u003cbr /\>the previous options.) Photos can now be exported to a new .Mac Web\u003cbr /\>Gallery, which promises a better way to post and organize photos\u003cbr /\>online. You can contribute to the gallery "from anywhere" you have\u003cbr /\>internet access. Read more here about the new version of iPhoto here:\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>\u003ca onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\" href\u003d\"http://www.apple.com/ilife/iphoto\" target\u003d_blank\>http://www.apple.com/ilife\u003cwbr /\>/iphoto\u003c/a\>\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>Garageband is updated with a slew of new features. The biggest all-\u003cbr /\>new feature is the Magic Garageband. This is a "virtual onstage band"\u003cbr /\>that you can jam and record with. There are new interactive\u003cbr /\>instruments that can be edited in real time. There is a new multitake\u003cbr /\>feature. Garageband can now record high-fidelity 24-bit/44.1kHz\u003cbr /\>audio. There is a built-in Mastering Engineer to make your songs\u003cbr /\>sound like a commercial CD. There is a new visual EQ to allow you to\u003cbr /\>",1] ); //--></script>DVD, and exchange high-res video files computer to computer, or<br />computer to TV. iMovie also integrates with the new .Mac iWeb Gallery<br />- which I'll discuss below.<br /><br />There are actually dozens of added features, upgrades, and<br />enhancements throughout iMovie 08. It really is a whole new<br />application. We'll explore iMovie in depth in the future; you can<br />read about some of the new features here:<br /><br /><a onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" href="http://www.apple.com/ilife/imovie/" target="_blank">http://www.apple.com/ilife<wbr>/imovie/</a><br /><br />iPhoto 08 also received some updating love. A new feature called<br />Events allows you to easily group and organize huge iPhoto libraries.<br />New photo editing features include noise reduction, white balance<br />adjustment, selective improvement, guided cropping and more. You can<br />choose to automatically show or hide photos based on your star rating<br />(you do rate all of your photos with stars, right?) There are new<br />books and calendars available (including much larger calendars than<br />the previous options.) Photos can now be exported to a new .Mac Web<br />Gallery, which promises a better way to post and organize photos<br />online. You can contribute to the gallery "from anywhere" you have<br />internet access. Read more here about the new version of iPhoto here:<br /><br /><a onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" href="http://www.apple.com/ilife/iphoto" target="_blank">http://www.apple.com/ilife<wbr>/iphoto</a><br /><br />Garageband is updated with a slew of new features. The biggest all-<br />new feature is the Magic Garageband. This is a "virtual onstage band"<br />that you can jam and record with. There are new interactive<br />instruments that can be edited in real time. There is a new multitake<br />feature. Garageband can now record high-fidelity 24-bit/44.1kHz<br />audio. There is a built-in Mastering Engineer to make your songs<br />sound like a commercial CD. There is a new visual EQ to allow you to<br /><script><!-- D(["mb","graphically adjust frequencies for each track by clicking and\u003cbr /\>dragging EQ bands. Parameter Automation sets the parameters of\u003cbr /\>instruments and effects to change at multiple points within a song.\u003cbr /\>You can now organize the structure of a song by using predefined\u003cbr /\>sections (intro, verse, chorus, and bridge), print software\u003cbr /\>instrument tracks as music notation with automatically formatted\u003cbr /\>staffs and complete measures, and display the name of chords in real\u003cbr /\>time as you play on a USB keyboard. Also - you can now export tracks\u003cbr /\>as MP3s. Read more here:\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>\u003ca onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\" href\u003d\"http://www.apple.com/ilife/garageband/\" target\u003d_blank\>http://www.apple.com/ilife\u003cwbr /\>/garageband/\u003c/a\>\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>I\'m glad to see that iWeb has been updated. First, you can finally\u003cbr /\>easily switch iWeb themes. This was not possible in the previous\u003cbr /\>version of iWeb. There are eight new themes to go along with this\u003cbr /\>feature.\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>There are new animated web album pages. You can put 500 photos online\u003cbr /\>per album. iWeb makes it easy to integrate Google Maps and Google\u003cbr /\>Adsense on your web pages. A new feature called Web Widgets makes it\u003cbr /\>easy to embed a snippet of live content from another website on your\u003cbr /\>iWeb page. Web Widgets would include YouTube videos, stock tickers,\u003cbr /\>weather reports, and more.\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>Finally, Apple has made it easier to use a personal domain name with\u003cbr /\>your iWeb pages. Read more about iWeb here:\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>\u003ca onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\" href\u003d\"http://www.apple.com/ilife/iweb/\" target\u003d_blank\>http://www.apple.com/ilife\u003cwbr /\>/iweb/\u003c/a\>\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>iDVD received the least love in this upgrade. The main feature is\u003cbr /\>new, pro-quality DVD encoding. Apple says "the new professional-\u003cbr /\>quality option in iDVD uses advanced encoding technology to maintain\u003cbr /\>the highest possible quality for DVDs that are near or at the disc’s\u003cbr /\>capacity."\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>There are 10 brand-new themes, and the all of the older themes are\u003cbr /\>",1] ); //--></script>graphically adjust frequencies for each track by clicking and<br />dragging EQ bands. Parameter Automation sets the parameters of<br />instruments and effects to change at multiple points within a song.<br />You can now organize the structure of a song by using predefined<br />sections (intro, verse, chorus, and bridge), print software<br />instrument tracks as music notation with automatically formatted<br />staffs and complete measures, and display the name of chords in real<br />time as you play on a USB keyboard. Also - you can now export tracks<br />as MP3s. Read more here:<br /><br /><a onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" href="http://www.apple.com/ilife/garageband/" target="_blank">http://www.apple.com/ilife<wbr>/garageband/</a><br /><br />I'm glad to see that iWeb has been updated. First, you can finally<br />easily switch iWeb themes. This was not possible in the previous<br />version of iWeb. There are eight new themes to go along with this<br />feature.<br /><br />There are new animated web album pages. You can put 500 photos online<br />per album. iWeb makes it easy to integrate Google Maps and Google<br />Adsense on your web pages. A new feature called Web Widgets makes it<br />easy to embed a snippet of live content from another website on your<br />iWeb page. Web Widgets would include YouTube videos, stock tickers,<br />weather reports, and more.<br /><br />Finally, Apple has made it easier to use a personal domain name with<br />your iWeb pages. Read more about iWeb here:<br /><br /><a onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" href="http://www.apple.com/ilife/iweb/" target="_blank">http://www.apple.com/ilife<wbr>/iweb/</a><br /><br />iDVD received the least love in this upgrade. The main feature is<br />new, pro-quality DVD encoding. Apple says "the new professional-<br />quality option in iDVD uses advanced encoding technology to maintain<br />the highest possible quality for DVDs that are near or at the disc’s<br />capacity."<br /><br />There are 10 brand-new themes, and the all of the older themes are<br /><script><!-- D(["mb","also compatible. The interactive "drop" editor has been updated. Menu\u003cbr /\>navigation, real-time preview, and theme switching are all faster.\u003cbr /\>Indeed, iDVD touts better performance throughout rather than a glut\u003cbr /\>of new features. Read more about iDVD here:\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>\u003ca onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\" href\u003d\"http://www.apple.com/ilife/idvd/\" target\u003d_blank\>http://www.apple.com/ilife\u003cwbr /\>/idvd/\u003c/a\>\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>iLife \'08 requires a PowerPC G4 (733MHz or faster for iDVD), PowerPC\u003cbr /\>G5, or Intel Core processor, 12MB (1GB recommended) of RAM, and Mac\u003cbr /\>OS X v10.4.9 or later.\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>\u003cwbr /\><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>\u003cwbr /\><><><><><><>\u003cbr /\><><><><><>\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>Numbers and Pages and (Key)notes, galore!\u003cbr /\>by Kali, \u003ca onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\" href\u003d\"mailto:Kali@smalldog.com\"\>Kali@smalldog.com\u003c/a\>\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>I have been waiting for an update to iWork for what seems like\u003cbr /\>forever. So, I was happy to see Apple finally announce an update\u003cbr /\>today that includes revamped versions of Pages and Keynote, and a new\u003cbr /\>application called Numbers.\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>Pages is a word processor that has style; more specifically, it has\u003cbr /\>nicely designed templates that make it sort of a word processor-slash-\u003cbr /\>desktop publishing program. (I like to think of it as an InDesign\u003cbr /\>“lite” or something like that.) In Pages ‘08, more templates have\u003cbr /\>been added, and Apple has declared you will be able to “switch easily\u003cbr /\>between word processing and page layout modes.” Sounds great to\u003cbr /\>someone who loves to multitask.\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>Keynote is designed for presentations, and is fantastic for the same\u003cbr /\>reason—it’s really easy to use, and the templates actually look nice!\u003cbr /\>",1] ); //--></script>also compatible. The interactive "drop" editor has been updated. Menu<br />navigation, real-time preview, and theme switching are all faster.<br />Indeed, iDVD touts better performance throughout rather than a glut<br />of new features. Read more about iDVD here:<br /><br /><a onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" href="http://www.apple.com/ilife/idvd/" target="_blank">http://www.apple.com/ilife<wbr>/idvd/</a><br /><br />iLife '08 requires a PowerPC G4 (733MHz or faster for iDVD), PowerPC<br />G5, or Intel Core processor, 12MB (1GB recommended) of RAM, and Mac<br />OS X v10.4.9 or later.</blockquote><br /><br /><br />iWork<br /><div style="direction: ltr;"><br /><br /><blockquote>Numbers and Pages and (Key)notes, galore!<br />by Kali, <a onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" href="mailto:Kali@smalldog.com">Kali@smalldog.com</a><br /><br />I have been waiting for an update to iWork for what seems like<br />forever. So, I was happy to see Apple finally announce an update<br />today that includes revamped versions of Pages and Keynote, and a new<br />application called Numbers.<br /><br />Pages is a word processor that has style; more specifically, it has<br />nicely designed templates that make it sort of a word processor-slash-<br />desktop publishing program. (I like to think of it as an InDesign<br />“lite” or something like that.) In Pages ‘08, more templates have<br />been added, and Apple has declared you will be able to “switch easily<br />between word processing and page layout modes.” Sounds great to<br />someone who loves to multitask.<br /><br />Keynote is designed for presentations, and is fantastic for the same<br />reason—it’s really easy to use, and the templates actually look nice!<br /><script><!-- D(["mb","There are several new features to Keynote ‘08, such as new effects\u003cbr /\>and transitions between slides. It also looks as though slide\u003cbr /\>manipulation has gotten a little slicker, too: you’ll be able to\u003cbr /\>remove a background with one click. And, if you need a little help,\u003cbr /\>new video and animation support will add punch to an otherwise\u003cbr /\>lackluster presentation!\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>Now on to the newbie: Numbers ‘08 adds spreadsheet functionality to\u003cbr /\>the iWork suite, which it had previously lacked. Those of you who use\u003cbr /\>(or have used) Appleworks know that it was a feature not brought over\u003cbr /\>into Pages. In reality, I don’t use spreadsheets too often in my\u003cbr /\>every day life, but it seems to me that Apple needed to remedy this.\u003cbr /\>Numbers is touted as “spreadsheets the Mac way,” which has to mean\u003cbr /\>both its ease-of-use, and an impressive, clean interface! (I don’t\u003cbr /\>think Apple will disappoint.) Some of the features include:\u003cbr /\>customizable templates, tables, charts, an interactive print view,\u003cbr /\>and “effortless” compatibility with Microsoft Excel.\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>iWork ‘08 will be available for $79.99… we’ll add more info as soon\u003cbr /\>as we can get our hands on it!\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>\u003cwbr /\><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>\u003cwbr /\><><><><><><>\u003cbr /\><><><><><>\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>.Mac, My New 10GB Friend.\u003cbr /\>By Kali, \u003ca onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\" href\u003d\"mailto:Kali@Smalldog.com\"\>Kali@Smalldog.com\u003c/a\>\u003cbr /\>\u003cbr /\>I have a great time with my .Mac account~ we go everywhere together.\u003cbr /\>Well, maybe not everywhere, but pretty close. Anyway, I\'ve had\u003cbr /\>my .Mac account for about 5+ years now, and among other things, I\u003cbr /\>have really enjoyed having a nice, short email address that I can\u003cbr /\>check anywhere, my own personal website to share with others, to be\u003cbr /\>",1] ); //--></script>There are several new features to Keynote ‘08, such as new effects<br />and transitions between slides. It also looks as though slide<br />manipulation has gotten a little slicker, too: you’ll be able to<br />remove a background with one click. And, if you need a little help,<br />new video and animation support will add punch to an otherwise<br />lackluster presentation!<br /><br />Now on to the newbie: Numbers ‘08 adds spreadsheet functionality to<br />the iWork suite, which it had previously lacked. Those of you who use<br />(or have used) Appleworks know that it was a feature not brought over<br />into Pages. In reality, I don’t use spreadsheets too often in my<br />every day life, but it seems to me that Apple needed to remedy this.<br />Numbers is touted as “spreadsheets the Mac way,” which has to mean<br />both its ease-of-use, and an impressive, clean interface! (I don’t<br />think Apple will disappoint.) Some of the features include:<br />customizable templates, tables, charts, an interactive print view,<br />and “effortless” compatibility with Microsoft Excel.<br /><br />iWork ‘08 will be available for $79.99… we’ll add more info as soon<br />as we can get our hands on it!<br /><br /></blockquote></div><div style="direction: ltr;"></div>Thanks to Small Dog!Kachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19070246.post-8074447119717108922007-07-18T08:23:00.000-04:002007-07-18T09:31:43.064-04:00Shorpy, a Vintage Photo BlogSure, there are many fine sites out there that showcase contemporary photography, such as <a href="http://www.flickr.com"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Flickr</span></a>. But what about all those cool vintage photos that we have laying around, maybe in old photo albums, or ones acquired in garage sales? Well, now they have their day in the sun.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.shorpy.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Shorpy</span></a>, billed as "The 100-year-old photo blog", showcases all sorts of cool vintage photos. You can create an account and add your own, if you like. The site states that they are particularly interested in photos "from the dawn of photography to the 1940s". Check it out!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.shorpy.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Shorpy</span></a>Kachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19070246.post-74188751997680168742007-07-12T12:52:00.001-04:002007-07-12T13:06:03.660-04:00List of accessible Google servicesOn the <a href="http://googleblog.blogspot.com">official Google Blog</a> today, I saw a post that discusses the many services Google offers to clients who have varying accessibility issues -- whether sight or mobility-based. This list shows a little more than a dozen of their various services (hyperlinked to the service itself), then also includes a link at the end to join the <a href="http://groups.google.com/group/accessible/">accessible Google user group</a> and make your voice heard on various topics.<br /><br />I love to find companies that go the extra mile on accessibility issues, whether they are located online, or in brick-and-mortar buildings. This is also another reason I love <a href="http://www.apple.com">Apple, Inc.,</a> as they have always had <a href="http://www.apple.com/accessibility/">a team devoted to these very issues</a> as well.<br /><br /><a href="http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2007/07/overview-of-our-accessible-services.html">Overview of Our Accessible Services</a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">[via the <a href="http://googleblog.blogspot.com">Official Google Blog</a>]</span>Kachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19070246.post-62467313076944501792007-07-11T12:14:00.000-04:002007-07-11T12:27:19.554-04:00Garage Sale AmericaOK, let's switch gears a bit. Here's a fun site. Garage sales have been around forever -- well, at least as long as people have had garages, I guess. With the explosion of antique collecting and the promise of finding that potential treasure in your neighbor's basement, plus the recent popularity of shows such as "<a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/roadshow/">Antiques Roadshow</a>", the garage sale is as popular as ever.<br /><br />Well, Bruce Littlefield has taken it upon himself to travel to garage sales from coast to coast, and as many as he can find. Then he reports on his finds on a blog, and the wonderful website that surrounds it. You'll find a spot to list your own garage sale, find others, do's and don'ts, and much more. The site is beautifully put together and a pleasure to navigate.<br /><br />Here's a fun example from his blog:<br /><br /><blockquote>EVERYTHING I EVER NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE, I LEARNED AT A GARAGE SALE<br /><br />•Everybody’s looking for something.<br />•Just because it’s old, doesn’t mean it’s gold.<br />•One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. And vise versa.<br />•When you give, you get.<br />•Life can be perfect, even in its imperfections.<br />•There’s nothing worse than the one that got away.<br />•Even “free” comes with a price.<br />•A bargain is something you didn’t know you needed at a price you couldn’t resist.<br />•Greed isn’t pretty.<br />•Know when to cut bait.<br />•Nothing is yours forever.<br /></blockquote><br />So dive in -- or maybe, drive in -- you never know what "gotta-have" is awaiting you, maybe on the next street over this weekend.<br /><br /><a href="http://garagesaleamerica.com/">Bruce Littlefield's Garage Sale America</a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><br />[link courtesy of <a href="http://www.gettrio.com/">gettrio.com</a> emailing]</span>Kachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19070246.post-38799604639465194692007-06-28T10:37:00.000-04:002007-06-28T10:45:54.867-04:00ARTICLE: David Pogue - iPhone FAQ<a href="http://www.davidpogue.com/">David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pogue</span></a>, technology columnist for the New York Times, took a look at the <a href="http://www.apple.com/iphone"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">iPhone</span> </a>in his "<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/pages/technology/circuits/index.html">Circuits</a>" column yesterday, and today he's back with a really good article that reads as a F.A.Q. for all of us eager users that can't wait to get their mitts on one, and have questions about what our hundreds-of-dollars flying out of our wallets are going to get us.<br /><br />On the bright side, he mentions that some folks will ultimately say "neat, but, it's missing (fill in the blank)". He notes:<br /><br /><blockquote>Apple has indicated that it intends to add features through free software updates, so the real, secret answer to some of the “no” answers is actually, “Coming soon.”</blockquote><br /><br />Excellent!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/28/technology/circuits/28pogue.html?_r=1&oref=slogin">Often-Asked <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">iPhone</span> Questions - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">NYTimes</span>.com</a>Kachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19070246.post-71940292434018263502007-06-28T10:20:00.001-04:002007-06-28T10:32:15.529-04:00ARTICLE: Apple Lays Down the iPhone RulesOriginal article at engadget.com, <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/28/apple-lays-down-iphone-purchase-rules-for-tomorrow/">here</a>. Apple has come out with some rules on purchasing an iPhone, due to launch tomorrow, at Apple Stores and AT&T stores.<br /><br />Highlights --<br /><br /><ul><li>Two iPhones per person, max.</li><li>First come, first served.</li></ul><br />There is also a gadget Apple has that will let you look at availability for a particular Apple Store.<br /><br />Check it out!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/28/apple-lays-down-iphone-purchase-rules-for-tomorrow/">Apple Lays Down iPhone Purchase Rules</a>Kachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19070246.post-83637874792401734962007-06-21T10:52:00.000-04:002007-06-21T13:50:24.941-04:00iPhone Mania: 3 BlogsThe first day of summer is upon us, and you know what that means -- we're just days away from the release of Apple's <a href="http://www.apple.com/iphone">iPhone</a>! (Wait, what? That's not what it means? Oh. Well, anyway...)<br /><br />I think it's safe to say that no techie gadget (certainly no cell phone) has ever seen so much anticipation, so much pressure, to be the end-all and be-all of everything cool in this world than the iPhone does at this moment. Yes, it will be released, and there will be those folks that will buy one on the first day, the first minute, the first second that it's available. Heck, there's probably people camped out at <a href="http://www.apple.com/retail/">Apple Stores</a> right now. So what is it about this gadget? Apple says it's the best <a href="http://www.apple.com/ipod">iPod </a>they've ever made, that, oh, by the way, happens to also be an internet appliance and, oh yeah, the best phone ever. I'd love to say that I will personally test all these features myself and report here, but it's just a wee too steep for my budget at the moment. But hey, we should be able to play with one at the Apple Store once they become available (at least I hope so.)<br /><br />However, until it launches, I say enjoy the hype. I know of no other company that inspires such brand loyalty and can whip the fan base into a lather than Apple, Inc can. After its release, there will almost undoubtedly be some bell or whistle that doesn't work exactly as advertised, or was left off completely. But until then, we have the image of a perfect product, and Apple can do no wrong.<br /><br />Here's some links to sites blogging about the iPhone, courtesy of the <a href="http://www.gettrio.com/">gettrio.com</a> newsletter I receive:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.iphonefreak.com/">iPhoneFreak</a><br /><a href="http://www.theiphoneblog.com/">theiPhoneBlog</a><br /><a href="http://www.talkiphone.com/">TalkiPhone</a>Kachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19070246.post-52162907343286530982007-06-19T10:04:00.000-04:002007-06-19T10:30:40.738-04:00Free Software: Bryce 5.5 for Mac & WindowsYou gotta love free stuff, right? Well, it's not Free Friday yet, but this one is too good to sit on. Bryce is an application you use to create 3-D landscapes and more. From the product download page description:<br /><br /><blockquote>Create breathtaking realistic 3D landscapes and animations with DAZ 3D Bryce 5.5. The easy user interface simplifies the design process for a novice or the seasoned professional. Start out building or importing a landscape as impressive as the Grand Canyon. Populate it with buildings, people or any other object you create or from the extensive DAZ 3D library. The Light Lab provides you robust control over your sunsets, moonlight nights or high-noon ambiance. Tree Lab allows you to plant your landscape like the gardens of Versailles. You'll have to register your copy of Bryce 5.5 on the publishers web-site to gain access to your free Bryce serial number.</blockquote><br /><br />It turns out that that Daz 3-D, the company that makes Bryce, is <a href="http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/software/bryce/-/">touting version 6 now</a>, so what better way to get folks interested in maybe upgrading to v6 than by offering v5.5 for free? Niiice. It's available for Mac and Windows platforms off the downloads.com website.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.download.com/3120-20_4-0.html?tg=dl-20&qt=bryce%205.5&tag=srch">Search link for Bryce 5.5 on Downloads.com</a><br /><br />Once you get a copy of Bryce (it is a longish download depending on your connection speed; my T1 took almost 30 minutes), launch the app, and then it will ask you for your license code. You obtain a free code by going to the Daz3D site and creating a Daz account for free.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.daz3d.com/bryce55">Daz3D webpage to obtain free serial number for Bryce 5.5</a><br /><br />Not bad...this product retailed for about $80 when it was out on the market new...enjoy!Kachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19070246.post-25709599496782299762007-06-13T08:17:00.000-04:002007-06-13T08:35:51.455-04:00WWDC '07 Keynote Highlights<span style="font-family:arial;">On Monday, Apple CEO Steve Jobs gave the keynote address at this year's Apple World Wide Developers Conference. This meeting is targeted at the companies and programmers who develop software for the Macintosh platform. Steve's presentation focused on key features of the MacOS X 10.5 Leopard that will be released in October.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://events.apple.com.edgesuite.net/d7625zs/event/">Watch a Quicktime stream of Steve Job's presentation</a> (approx. 90 minutes long)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">MacOS X 10.5 Leopard Highlights</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The new release of MacOS X will feature an extensively refined desktop and Finder, bringing many of the features of the iTunes interface to the Mac desktop. It also features easier to use file sharing, the new Time Machine backup utility, Spaces - a screen virtualization tool, and Quick Look that allows you to preview entire documents without opening them in an application. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Safari 3.0 Beta for Mac and Windows</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">Apple also released a beta version of the Safari web browser for not only the Mac platform, but for Windows XP and Vista as well. However, I'd caution you that this beta version has already been found to be fairly buggy, so be cautious. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">More MacOS X 10.5 Links</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.apple.com/macosx/leopard/">Apple 10.5 Leopard website with video previews</a></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.macworld.com/2007/06/firstlooks/desktopfinderfl/index.php">MacWorld Preview article</a> </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=199903269">Information Week review</a> </span><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >[Thanks, <a href="http://www.wright.edu/%7Everne.smith/">Verne</a>!]</span>Kachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19070246.post-45712651495183380672007-06-12T09:56:00.000-04:002007-06-12T10:00:11.419-04:00Steve Jobs' Keynote Video Now AvailableFor those of you that weren't around for the live event blogging, the video of Steve Jobs' keynote presentation at the WWDC '07 has been posted by Apple.<br /><br /><a href="http://events.apple.com.edgesuite.net/d7625zs/event/">Steve Jobs WWDC '07 Keynote</a>Kachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19070246.post-85617720851712329692007-06-11T11:23:00.000-04:002007-06-11T11:34:21.794-04:00Steve's WWDC Keynote Coverage on EngadgetHello, fellow Mac fans. For those who don't know, today is the kick-off of the <a href="http://developer.apple.com/wwdc/">Apple Worldwide Developer's Conference (WWDC)</a>. And you can't kick-off an Apple conference without a keynote by His Steveness, Steve Jobs. I still miss the days where Apple released satellite feed links so you could watch along in real-time, but I guess those days are over as Apple keeps the lid tight on news, even as it happens.<br /><br />Oh well. In the meantime, you can watch <a href="http://www.engadget.com">Engadget.com</a> provide live updates on their <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/11/steve-jobs-live-from-wwdc-2007/">webpag</a>e, and we'll all gather 'round the virtual watercoolers after, to discuss topics like the iPhone and the upcoming Leopard release.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/11/steve-jobs-live-from-wwdc-2007/">Engadget.com WWDC live updates</a>Kachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19070246.post-41935847972174690912007-06-05T12:18:00.000-04:002007-06-05T12:22:57.056-04:00NEWS: Apple Updates MacBook Pros<font class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;" face="Georgia" size="3"><font class="Apple-style-span">Apple on Tuesday introduced a refresh to its line of </font></font><font size="3"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.apple.com/macbookpro"><font class="Apple-style-span" style=""><font class="Apple-style-span"><font class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(18, 55, 148);">MacBook Pro</font></font></font></a></font><font class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;" face="Georgia" size="3"><font class="Apple-style-span"> laptop computers, raising CPU speeds, memory capacity and improving graphics performance across the line. The new systems can accommodate up to 4GB of RAM and feature CPU speeds of up to 2.4GHz.</font></font><div style="font-family: arial;"><font class="Apple-style-span" style="" size="3"><font class="Apple-style-span"><br /></font></font></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><font size="3"><a href="http://www.macworld.com/news/2007/06/05/macbookpro/index.php">http://www.macworld.com/news/2007/06/05/macbookpro/index.php</a></font></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><font size="3"><br /></font></div><font size="3"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.macnn.com/articles/07/06/05/new.led.macbook.pros/">http://www.macnn.com/articles/07/06/05/new.led.macbook.pros/</a></font><font class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;" face="Georgia" size="3"><font class="Apple-style-span"><font class="Apple-style-span" style=""><font class="Apple-style-span"><br /></font></font></font></font> <font class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; orphans: 2; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; font-family: arial;" face="Helvetica" size="3"><font class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; orphans: 2; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /><div><br /></div></font></font>Kachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19070246.post-54443099915301933122007-05-31T08:33:00.000-04:002007-05-31T08:52:45.479-04:00Via Engadget: Steve Jobs at D: 2007Steve Jobs was interviewed by Walt Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal yesterday at the <a href="http://d.wsj.com/">D: All Things Digital Executive Conference</a>. Amongst the topics were the upcoming <a href="http://www.apple.com/iphone/">iPhone</a> release (Steve coyly confirming that it would ship in June, even if it was the last day in June), <a href="http://www.apple.com/itunes/">iPod/iTunes</a>, and <a href="http://www.apple.com/appletv/">AppleTV</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.engadget.com">Engadget.com</a> has excellent coverage of the event, with a transcript, on their webpage. I also have here a link to the edited interview. Excellent reading and viewing.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/30/steve-jobs-live-from-d-2007/">Engadget: Steve Jobs Live from D 2007</a><br /><a href="http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid452319854/bctid933742971"><br />Link to Steve Jobs interview</a>Kachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19070246.post-69700855413102461842007-05-29T13:15:00.000-04:002007-05-29T13:31:08.066-04:00ARTICLE: A Day In The Life Of An Apple GeniusHopefully, you've had a chance to visit an <a href="http://www.apple.com/retail/">Apple Store</a>, the real brick-and-mortar stores that sell and show-off Apple technology to its brilliant best. Once in the store, you might notice something called the "<a href="http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/">Genius Bar</a>" towards the back. What is that, exactly? Do they serve really cool drinks with techie names back there?<br /><br />Well, actually, the Genius Bar is where you can get expert Apple advice on software or hardware questions or problems. The folks trained to be such experts are called, naturally enough, Apple Geniuses. How did they reach that exalted position? Lots of hard work at the mother ship, my friend.<br /><br />Read all about it in this behind-the-scenes exclusive interview with two Geniuses (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Geniusesses</span>, Genii?) in Mac|Life Magazine, <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/exclusive_a_day_in_the_life_of_an_apple_genius">here</a>. And to answer a possible question: No, even considering myself an Apple power user for many years, I don't think I'd make it out of boot camp here. Yeah, they're that good.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/exclusive_a_day_in_the_life_of_an_apple_genius">Exclusive: A Day in the Life of an Apple Genius</a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">[courtesy of <a href="http://www.maclife.com">Mac|Life.com</a>]</span>Kachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19070246.post-68906412172650314512007-05-19T20:35:00.000-04:002007-05-19T20:46:58.164-04:00GAMING NEWS: Blizzard Announces StarCraft IIAs noted on <a href="http://www.macworld.com/">macworld.com</a>, <a href="http://www.blizzard.com/">Blizzard Entertainment</a> today released news of its latest game in the pipeline. And it is the sequel to one of their best-selling games of all time, StarCraft. Enter <a href="http://www.starcraft2.com/">StarCraft II</a>. Besides the fact that I came to know Blizzard through playing StarCraft before the WarCraft series (and now the <a href="http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/">World of WarCraft MMORPG</a>), I'm stoked that they are developing the Mac version and the Windows version at the same time. This epic game set in outer space pits three playable races against each other for domination of their corner of the universe. Many sleepless nights will soon ensue.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.macworld.com/news/2007/05/19/starcraft2/index.php?lsrc=mwtoprss">MacWorld article</a><br /><a href="http://www.starcraft2.com/"><br />StarCraft II Official Page on Blizzard.com</a>Kachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19070246.post-60973778086315893372007-05-17T10:18:00.000-04:002007-05-17T10:48:02.125-04:00SuTree: Free Video "How To" LessonsI like this one a lot...I've run across some websites that tell you, via text descriptions, how to do certain tasks, like tie a necktie, solder a wire, cook an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">omelet</span> -- and they are fine for what they are. But, if you're a visual learner like me, you tend to do better when you can see someone showing you how to do something.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sutree.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">SuTree</span> </a>is that site. From the home page, it describes itself as:<br /><br /><blockquote><a href="http://www.sutree.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">SuTree</span> </a>is a knowledge community. We nurture the ultimate tree of knowledge: the world's largest index & library of free video lessons, video tutorials, video lectures & video how to guides. Our content is handpicked by our users and then examined by our team/community. </blockquote><br /><br />Very cool. Also, you can add comments and rate the training as well. Pretty sweet! Now I can learn to <a href="http://www.sutree.com/play.asp?s=fmfxyivufzrzqymfrecky">sketch that cartoon cat</a>!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sutree.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">SuTree</span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">[via <a href="http://www.gettrio.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">getTRIO</span>.com</a> newsletter]</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Extree! Extree! This just in! I was also reminded that another tutorial site in the same vein is <a href="http://www.expertvillage.com">ExpertVillage</a>. Indeed! More great content...a 2-fer-1 post today!Kachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19070246.post-3304837056274221152007-05-17T09:01:00.000-04:002007-05-17T09:04:48.453-04:00Microsoft Office/Mac - 2007 Converter DelayedMicrosoft announced yesterday that the plug-in/converter to allow Office Mac 2004 to read the new Office/Windows 2007 file formats has been delayed yet again. The company indicated that a full set of converters will not be available under after the release of Office/Mac 2008 later this year.<br /><br />Announcement on C|Net news.com <a href="http://news.com.com/Microsoft+delays+Office+converters+for+Mac/2100-1012_3-6183588.html?tag=nefd.top">here</a>.Kachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19070246.post-26498773998800379742007-05-15T15:18:00.000-04:002007-05-15T15:30:54.771-04:00Calling a Photoshop Goddess or GodHello. Mac power user I may be, but one thing I haven't got a handle on is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Photoshop</span>. In my job at the Help Desk, I just don't have a use for it on a daily basis. I take some training in it, play with it, then come back to my job and, because I don't have a personal copy, the skills just fly out the window. I will be purchasing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Photoshop</span> Elements, I've decided, but that will have to wait for a paycheck or two. In the meantime, one part of this new Blogger template I'm using is driving me nuts. Yep, that obviously <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">un</span>-Mac-like laptop up in the top right of the blog. As this was how it came out of the box, I figured it wouldn't be such a big deal. But it bugs me now. A lot.<br /><br />So, what to do? Well, I thought about it, and I happen to know (virtually, that is) some folks that might be able to help -- that's you! Certainly someone out there is a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Photoshop</span> guru that can scrape out that Windows-running tin can up there and replace it instead with a similarly-oriented shot of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">MacBook</span> Pro instead. Up for the challenge? <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/7156/2649/1600/128746/laptop-1.jpg">Here's</a> what my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">xml</span> template tells me is the URL of the pic. Can someone out there help me out and pick it apart, eliminate that laptop, and drop in a nice image of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">MacBook</span> Pro instead, while keeping all the rest the same (colors, border, etc.)? Please e-mail your results to my blog address, on the sidebar at the left. If there are (hopefully) multiple results, I'll either pick my favorite, or rotate them every month or so. I don't have anything to offer as payment, but the thanks of a grateful blogger.<br /><br />Is anyone willing to take up the challenge? Let me know...and thanks in advance!<br /><br />~KachupKachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19070246.post-43030026536451263122007-05-15T13:08:00.000-04:002007-05-15T15:10:17.908-04:00Videogames: Fabulous at 40Before all the computer and console games of today, there was a humble beginning, where a videogame called "Pong" ruled. Someone had to come up with the original idea, of course. Someone had to take a look at a relatively new technology (television), now in homes all over the country, and wonder if it would be possible to bring games into those houses, over the TV.<br /><br />The year was 1967. Ralph Baer was ready to make history.<br /><br />Read more about the rise of the videogame on 1up.com, <a href="http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=0&cId=3159462">here</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=0&cId=3159462">Video Games Turn 40</a>Kachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19070246.post-67959925261263390012007-05-15T10:40:00.000-04:002007-05-15T10:55:05.270-04:00ARTICLE - Apple updates MacBook with faster processorsFull article on Macworld.com, <a href="http://www.macworld.com/news/2007/05/15/macbook/index.php">here</a>:<br /><br /><p></p><blockquote><p>Apple on Tuesday updated its consumer <a href="http://www.apple.com/macbook/macbook.html" target="_blank">MacBook</a> computers adding faster processors, 1GB RAM and larger hard drives in all models.</p> <p>The new MacBooks come in three models — a white 2.0GHz and 2.16GHz, and a black 2.16 GHz model. All of the MacBooks include a built-in iSight video camera and the latest generation of 802.11n wireless networking. The notebooks also come with iLife ‘06 and Mac OS X 10.4.9 Tiger.</p></blockquote><p></p><br />Woohoo...now we're cooking. As for those of you who just bought a new 'book in the last week or so, I feel your pain. The one drawback to Apple being so tight-lipped about what's in the pipeline.<br /><br />Mac on!Kachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19070246.post-7248718026331673422007-05-15T09:28:00.000-04:002007-05-15T09:55:11.029-04:00ARTICLE - Malware alert: Google warns of 'dirty' websitesArticle text found on silicon.com, <a href="http://software.silicon.com/security/0,39024655,39167124,00.htm?r=1">here</a>.<br /><br />Google has warned web users of the increasing threat posed by malware that can be dropped onto a computer as a web surfer visits a particular site.<br /><br />The search giant carried out in-depth research on 4.5 million websites and found one in 10 web pages could successfully launch a 'drive-by-download' - such as a Trojan - onto a user's computer.<br /><br />Full Google "Ghost in the Browser" report (PDF file) available <a href="http://www.usenix.org/events/hotbots07/tech/full_papers/provos/provos.pdf">here</a>.Kachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19070246.post-25236500643225039292007-05-11T13:09:00.000-04:002007-05-12T16:45:17.997-04:00Verizon's Fast Action Hero(Tip courtesy of SheWhoShallNotBeNamed. OK, we'll call her Nancy) ;)<br /><br />"Verizon's Fast Action Hero<br /><br />R/GA's bringing a new kind of heat with<br />Action Hero, an initiative for Verizon touting the power of the provider's<br />broadband network. After picking one of three basic action plots (killer bugs,<br />mad scientist or robots on the loose) you get the opportunity to upload a photo<br />of your own face, pinpoint the dimensions, and have it made into 3D. After the<br />upload you direct the action, off the completed project goes—to a group of<br />servers, where it runs through the modeling program Maya and, in under 24 hours,<br />returns to you as a completed film. While in the past similar technologies have<br />been used in video games, this appears to be the first time a dedicated,<br />customizable 3D effort has appeared on the web in a promotional campaign, and<br />Verizon doesn't seem reticent to flaunt it—the site took over MySpace for a day<br />in its launch phase. http://actionhero.verizon.com/ "<br /><br />Thanks again, Nancy. And yes, you too can be featured on this very blog! Send your finds to the email address on the sidebar to the left.Kachuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13210608422026290761noreply@blogger.com0