"History Buff brings news stories about archaeology from around the world together on one site. From finds in ancient Egypt to new discoveries in anthropology"
Sure, I'm a sucker for a nice pair of legs. But I find myself checking this site daily. Michelle Moran is doing a great job linking to the fascinating world of archaeology and pre-history. She has a real passion for the history of the world and is kind enough to share with us.
There is so much being discovered and re-discovered all around the world. Her site is getting my Archaeology/Anthroplogy juices flowing. Thanks Michelle. Here's the link to her blog,
http://michellemoran.blogspot.com/
As I used to say, people have been messing around longer than you think and never assume you know what really went on before you were born.
Now how cool is that?
August 29, 2008
Beta Software: Xobni
"Drowning in Email? Find People, Email & Attachments Instantly"
I read about Xobni several months ago when it was still in "closed" beta. It's still in beta, but now anyone can download a copy, as I just did. Xobni integrates with Outlook 2003/2007.
Since this is beta software, backup your Outlook data first.
By default Xobni is installed as a sidebar on the right side of Outlook. Once Xobni indexed my Outlook, when I click on an email message, it displays the name of the person who sent the email, the number of emails I've received from that person, their phone number (auto extracted from the email), a list of email addresses associated with that sender and a history of messages sent/received - whew. There's also a link to schedule a meeting, compose new email, a ranking and a list of file attachments sent/received - double whew.
Oh yeah, there's also a search box at the top of the sidebar. I typed in the word "logo" and Xobni almost instantly slid open a new window with a list of email messages containing the word "logo". Wow!
You can access additional tools by clicking on the "Xobni" menu item at top. One of the really cool tools is "Xobni Analytics". This shows a graphical representation of emails sent/received and a list of the senders by rank, total received, total sent, total emails, flag status, folders, more, and you can filter chart data too.
If you are a power user of Outlook, this tool is probably one you need.
Warning: Check out their FAQ before installing - http://www.xobni.com/support/faq?cat=Incompatibilities
Web: www.xobni.com
Now how cool is that?
I read about Xobni several months ago when it was still in "closed" beta. It's still in beta, but now anyone can download a copy, as I just did. Xobni integrates with Outlook 2003/2007.
Since this is beta software, backup your Outlook data first.
By default Xobni is installed as a sidebar on the right side of Outlook. Once Xobni indexed my Outlook, when I click on an email message, it displays the name of the person who sent the email, the number of emails I've received from that person, their phone number (auto extracted from the email), a list of email addresses associated with that sender and a history of messages sent/received - whew. There's also a link to schedule a meeting, compose new email, a ranking and a list of file attachments sent/received - double whew.
Oh yeah, there's also a search box at the top of the sidebar. I typed in the word "logo" and Xobni almost instantly slid open a new window with a list of email messages containing the word "logo". Wow!
You can access additional tools by clicking on the "Xobni" menu item at top. One of the really cool tools is "Xobni Analytics". This shows a graphical representation of emails sent/received and a list of the senders by rank, total received, total sent, total emails, flag status, folders, more, and you can filter chart data too.
If you are a power user of Outlook, this tool is probably one you need.
Warning: Check out their FAQ before installing - http://www.xobni.com/support/faq?cat=Incompatibilities
Web: www.xobni.com
Now how cool is that?
Photo: 50mm F1.4 Prime Lens
I'm all excited about two 50mm lenses, one for Canon and one for Pentax digital cameras.
You may not realize how cool a 50mm F1.4 lens is. Way cool. While I was in college, my brother the photographer (he has a BFA in photography), graciously lent me his Pentax KM Rangefinder 35mm camera. This was a fully manual camera outfitted with a fast 50mm F1.4 lens. Putting that lens on that camera body created a tool I absolutely adored using. That camera captured rich, sharp, saturated photos. I used to tell people I couldn't take a bad picture using that camera. I sure miss it.
I just discovered that Pentax and Canon both make a 50mm F1.4 lens - compatible with their digital line of cameras. These days I hate spending money on film and film processing. So, I'm always looking for a good digital camera alternative.
Canon does make a much cheaper 50mm F1.8 lens - don't buy it. Buy the 50mm F1.4, it is an investment which will pay benefits for years.
If you have never used a fast 50mm lens, then you are missing out on the opportunity to vastly improve your portfolio. A 50mm "prime" lens, "sees" like the human eye does. It also forces you to get up close to your subject. Certainly a zoom lens is handy to have around, but for my money, a fast 50mm lens is far more versatile.
FYI: Canon makes an even faster F1.2 lens, but it is more expensive and difficult to find.
Pentax Lens: Canon Lens:
Now how cool is that?
You may not realize how cool a 50mm F1.4 lens is. Way cool. While I was in college, my brother the photographer (he has a BFA in photography), graciously lent me his Pentax KM Rangefinder 35mm camera. This was a fully manual camera outfitted with a fast 50mm F1.4 lens. Putting that lens on that camera body created a tool I absolutely adored using. That camera captured rich, sharp, saturated photos. I used to tell people I couldn't take a bad picture using that camera. I sure miss it.
I just discovered that Pentax and Canon both make a 50mm F1.4 lens - compatible with their digital line of cameras. These days I hate spending money on film and film processing. So, I'm always looking for a good digital camera alternative.
Canon does make a much cheaper 50mm F1.8 lens - don't buy it. Buy the 50mm F1.4, it is an investment which will pay benefits for years.
If you have never used a fast 50mm lens, then you are missing out on the opportunity to vastly improve your portfolio. A 50mm "prime" lens, "sees" like the human eye does. It also forces you to get up close to your subject. Certainly a zoom lens is handy to have around, but for my money, a fast 50mm lens is far more versatile.
FYI: Canon makes an even faster F1.2 lens, but it is more expensive and difficult to find.
Pentax Lens: Canon Lens:
Now how cool is that?
August 3, 2008
Software: Serif PagePlus SE
Desktop Publishing on the cheap.
As much of a Web and Blogging advocate that I am, sometimes you just need to print to paper. For many years I used Aldus/Adobe PageMaker for creating documents. More recently I've used Microsoft Publisher for brochures, cards and posters. What do you do if you can't find your copy of Publisher for that 11x17 layout you have to get out the door? Not with Microsoft Word my friends.
Then I remember, I also played around with Serif products about 10 years ago when they released their Windows 95 publishing software. I quickly found out that the company still exists and yes, they still make a desktop publishing product. From http://www.download.com/, I found a link to download pagePlus SE 1.0.
*note: Here's another place to download either PagePlus SE (free) or PagePlus 9 ($9.99), http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/software/PagePlus/default.asp
The SE edition of PagePlus is a free to use, complete desktop publishing solution. All the tools necessary to design complex page layout with text, graphics, and photos is there. This version of PagePlus is easy to use and figure out. Some of the essential tools include, group/ungroup objects, layers, image properties (I especially appreciate the transparency options), master pages and guides. Happily, PagePlus SE 1.0 is working great for me. No complaints and only praises about this product.
Now how cool is that?
FYI: Serif has other versions of PagePlus for sale on their Web site. PagePlus X3 is the current version and sells for about $99.99.
This newest version includes an extensive library of professional templates (that alone justifies the price) there's also a slick new Logo Studio among many other tools. If I have more desktop publishing projects to do, I'm seriously considering upgrading to the full X3 version. Recommended!
As much of a Web and Blogging advocate that I am, sometimes you just need to print to paper. For many years I used Aldus/Adobe PageMaker for creating documents. More recently I've used Microsoft Publisher for brochures, cards and posters. What do you do if you can't find your copy of Publisher for that 11x17 layout you have to get out the door? Not with Microsoft Word my friends.
Then I remember, I also played around with Serif products about 10 years ago when they released their Windows 95 publishing software. I quickly found out that the company still exists and yes, they still make a desktop publishing product. From http://www.download.com/, I found a link to download pagePlus SE 1.0.
*note: Here's another place to download either PagePlus SE (free) or PagePlus 9 ($9.99), http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/software/PagePlus/default.asp
The SE edition of PagePlus is a free to use, complete desktop publishing solution. All the tools necessary to design complex page layout with text, graphics, and photos is there. This version of PagePlus is easy to use and figure out. Some of the essential tools include, group/ungroup objects, layers, image properties (I especially appreciate the transparency options), master pages and guides. Happily, PagePlus SE 1.0 is working great for me. No complaints and only praises about this product.
Now how cool is that?
FYI: Serif has other versions of PagePlus for sale on their Web site. PagePlus X3 is the current version and sells for about $99.99.
This newest version includes an extensive library of professional templates (that alone justifies the price) there's also a slick new Logo Studio among many other tools. If I have more desktop publishing projects to do, I'm seriously considering upgrading to the full X3 version. Recommended!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)