Snow Leopard operating system update

One great thing about about usin Macintosh is the great operating system. It is always being updated and tweaked and there is rumor that June 8 is the date for Snow Leopard. More here
http://www.macuser.co.uk/news/249273

The Macs are back with Jack, Cloey in 24

Cloey is working on Mac laptop while trying to orchestrate Jack's way out of the building with Tony. Cloey is using 9 different screens on the Mac to watch what is going on in all the rooms, corridors etc. 

Planetarium on your iPhone or Mac

I have been using Starry Night software for quite a number of years to help me track and photograph comets and much more. Now the company has a cool free dashboard widget which you can upload to you iPhone or Mac. With it you can view the sky that night and more.
Download it and try it.

Make a make green (with envy?) and more

The "greenist" Mac yet

http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/12/11/apple-debuts-greenest-macs-ever/

Remembering Michael Crighton a Mac enthusiast

Editors' Notes: Remembering Michael Crichton 

Michael Crichton passed away last week. He'll be remembered for his
many books and screenplays, but Rob Griffiths will remember him as a
passionate -- and generous -- Mac enthusiast. 
http://www.macworld.com/article/136585/2008/11/crichton.html?lsrc=mwweek 

Raiders of the Lost Macintosh 12/2008

Raiders of the Lost Macintosh 12/2008
Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS(dreric1kansas@aol.com

Xmenu (www.devon-technologies.com)
Customizable menu bar
free
Can add 5 menus which show contents of the folders
Unlimited hierarchical menus that are updates automatically
Can display small icons

Exif Untrasher
recover images from memory cards accidental deletion
free
www.bluem.net/downloads/exif-untrasher_en

Cardraider
recover images from memory cards accidental deletion
also offers iPhoto integration to restore photos directly into iPhoto
$19.95
www. ecamm.com

Mousepose
Highlights a cursor position on the screen (Powerpoint, Keynote etc) and displays a colored circle where you click your mouse button and shows the keystrokes onscreen
$16.95
www.boinx.com

equinux
Integrated Leopard only internet needed connection for ebay sellers. Easy to understand interface with excellent auction tracking tools.
$39.95
www.equinux.com

Screenflow
Screen capture capabilities which can also use iSight and video capture. Also has zoom, highlighting and key commands. Universal binary
$99.99
www.varasoftware.com

Spanish vocabulary (Custom Solutions of Maryland)
free
Practice your Spanish with this quiz like game/application. Vocabulary (1840 words) pop up and you type it in. Drop down menu offers hints if you can't get it.
customsolutionssofmaryland.50meg.com/spanishvocab.htm/

Lego Digital Designer
free
Build lego models by using your Mac. Then upload the it to Lego's website and then actually buy what you build. You can even design the box it is shipped in.
www.ldd.lego.com

Stellarium
free
Using your longitude and latitude coordinates. this program shows you the stars, planets and much more. Also offers motor driven telescopic control and has a brightness reduction night mode for advanced telescope users.
www.stellarium.org

It is already on your OSX
Enlarge your Mouse Control Cursor
Way to customize enlarge the size of the cursor for presentations, on screen visualization and location/ finding
free It is already on your OSX
Directions: Screen preferences > Universal Access> click the Mouse tab / Mouse Trackpad (laptop) > adjust the slider bar near the bottom of the window (your pointer will grow or shrink so just adjust to your liking)

Buy a Mac or PC the next round

Interesting new Apple Mac ideas about PC buying .
There is also a host of interesting comments
http://www.switched.com/2008/08/06/mac-vs-pc?icid=100214839x1206972894x1200363179

Apple slows, new Apple Store close by me and an interested Apple article

Even as Apple expects a slow quarter, an Apple Store opens up very close to me in the Kansas City area, and I find an interesting article about why many computer enthusiasts buy the iPods, Macintosh and more.

http://www.vanityfair.com/online/culture/2008/07/15/apple-crack.html

Mac vs pc again and switching good read

Lot is said about the differntial cost but there is much more to think about.
They really like the acer for many reasons over Macbook pro
http://shopping.aol.com/articles/2008/03/28/acer-vs-apple/

The author recently switched and talks about his experience for himself and others. Finally he says "And be aware... Once you switch to a Mac, you'll never go back." to find out what else he said read the link

http://shopping.aol.com/shopping-blog/2007/12/14/switching-to-mac/

Women leads police to recover her own Mac computer from thieves. She used the Leopard feature " Back to Mac"

Women leads police to recover her own Mac computer from thieves. She used the Leopard feature " Back to Mac"
Learn how she did it
http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2008/05/girl_gets_stole.html?cid=nl_IWK_daily

Online Video book can teach you a lot

How to Do Everything with Online Video (How to Do Everything) by Andrew Shalat

reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS: (dreric1kansas@aol.com)

Author: Andrew Shalat
published: 2008
Publisher: Publisher: McGraw-Hill Osborne Media; 1 edition
Released:(November 19, 2007)
Pages: 270
$30 USA
$39 Canada
15 E UK
ISBN-10: 0071496432
ISBN-13: 978-0071496438

Strengths: The book is very readable but are a little lackluster in terms of visuals. Book simplifies tutorials but included in-depth information. This book has a nice objective oriented listing in the inside cover of the front cover page as well as a nice website resources listing on the inside of the back cover. The Chapters are well thought out and and have easy to read numbered tutorials. Good solid information for both Macintosh and PC/Windows users was well done. The index is well written. A nicely written resources listing and more are included on the inside back page.

Weaknesses: The book has only black/white text which makes the chapters a little drab. There a few screenshots and they don't have screen pointers or anything else within these to explain how to use hardware or software. The weaknesses are mainly cosmetic in terms of the sequencing of the chapters depending upon whether you are novice, intermediate or advanced user.

Rating: 5/5

Introduction

A book that shows you how to shoot professional-quality videos has to demonstrate how to edit files, prepare clips for posting online, and then provide solid information about sharing video projects via blogs, websites, and podcasts. If you are looking for a book to meet these needs, then the book How to Do Everything with Online Video is a nice one to buy.

The author, Andrew Shalat is a designer, writer, author, and is the coauthor of CNET Do-It-Yourself Mac Projects.
Hands-on tutorials for the easiest and best video editing software for use on PCs and Macs are included.

This 270 page book has 12 chapters, a nice index but no glossary of terms, which would have been nice. The inside front cover has a real nice listing of 25 objectives that tell how the book can help you and what you can learn. These 12 chapters are packed with useful information. These include starting off with ; Shooting videos; editing your video; uploading your videos (including using YouTube, embedding websites, myspace, your own web pages and launching Vodcasts with iTunes); understanding and working with “tags” and using them with Google (another great part was emailing your tags through network sites) ; film school in a book; telling a story; storyboarding (very well thought out) ; information concerning directing your video; basic editing with either Adobe Premier Pro, Final Cut Express HD and/or iMovie O8 and finishing your video had good solid information.

While I have dabbled with YouTube, the book let me know more of my potential.

What I particularly liked is his information about adding audio tracks, nice converting and embedding a video to a flash video ( including some interesting codes to use), extending my utilization of tags with Google and more. Eventhough I have created and sold videos, I found more “food for thought”.


Conclusion

The black on white text and the lack of color within the chapter makes things a little dull. The author explains how to use the hardware and software information but also includes specific helpful techniques concerning what kinds of videos to create with videos. However I really don’t like the order in which the chapters are sequenced. Novice and possibly intermediate video users, especially those trying to learn new techniques, should start with Chapter 2 and then Chapter 5- 8. If you want to get to the heart of working with software, for either Mac or PC users , you should start with Chapter 10 or 11.

The screenshots will not explain visually how to use YouTube especially if you run into a little trouble. But what I have found YouTube is not that difficult to use and this book can help start and master using the Video editing and sharing capabilities. If you need more information another book may suffice.

There are few pages for YouTube utilization but that might be enough to get your started as it is fairly easy to use except for more complex techniques. As a confirmed Macintosh user, I like that the author included information about iMovieHD as well as the new version iMovie 8. There are advantages or disadvantages and reasons for using either/or or both of these iMovie versions, The author includes a section about the compositional use of video involving "the rule of thirds” , This was really nice as I found this idea this technique only used for photography. It is "little" specific gems, like this, that are integrated throughout the chapters and really make this book a very useful one for learning about working with video in several ways.

In short, this book is "crammed" with good solid information. This book will not only have you " up and running " in no time but also help you in your improvement of your YouTube movies, ideas and creativity or enhance skills your already possess. The additional technigues and ideas will take your farther over time.Mostly for novice or intermediate users, even Advanced users may learn a trick or two as I did. It might not be the ultimate guide to Online video creation and usage, but it will get your started and take you far.

Mac OS X Hints Superguide

Macworld Weekly Newsletter
April 7th, 2008
Macworld - The Mac Product Experts
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Mac OS X Hints Superguide


By Rob Griffiths mailto:rgriffiths@macworld.com

Hints for Leopard Users

Back in the fall of 2000, I was making the transition from Mac OS 9 to
OS X, and finding the new operating system both complex and a bit
unintuitive. In particular, I kept getting tripped up by features that
weren't documented on Apple's Web site or covered in OS X's Help
files.

Being somewhat geeky by nature, I decided to create a Web site where I
could keep track of all the little tips, tricks, and hidden features I
was discovering in OS X. That way, I could easily access the tips from
any machine I happened to be using. And because I knew I wasn't the
only one out there exploring the inner workings of Apple's new
operating system, I built the site so others could post their own OS X
tips and insights.

Over the last eight years, that little siteMacOSXHints.com, in case
you haven't guessed by nowhas grown into a collection of more than
10,000 OS X tips, covering every major release from the initial public
beta through 10.5. And with thousands of contributors from across the
globe, it offers a constantly-growing collection of OS X knowledgeall
freely searchable.
http://www.macosxhints.com?lsrc=mwweek

But the site's not perfect. Many of the tips assume a high degree of
familiarity with OS X and fairly deep technical knowledgeespecially
tips involving Terminal. And searching through more than 10,000 hints
to find the one you really want can be complicated, to say the least.
Which is why I'm pleased to announce the latest edition to Macworld's
Superguide series, OS X Hints, Leopard Edition.

To create this book, we scoured not just MacOSXHints.com, but also
Macworld.com, to find the most useful tips and tricks for OS X 10.5
users. We've also rewritten them all in a clear, easy-to-read fashion,
complete with screenshots, to make them as easy to use as possible.

This hand-picked collection includes more than 200 tips, covering
almost every corner of Leopardincluding customizing the look of
Finder windows, searching hidden system files with Spotlight, and
making the most of OS X newcomers like Quick Look and Spaces. We dig
deep into Leopard's system settings to fine-tune preferences, save
time with undocumented shortcuts, and unlock powerful file-sharing and
printing features. We've also collected step-by-step advice for
squeezing more power from OS X's built-in programs, including Mail,
Safari, iCal, iChat, iTunes, Preview, and more. Of course, no guide
for power users would be complete without a trip to Terminal. If
you're new to OS X's command-line interface, we'll show you how to get
started and how to protect yourself from dangerous actions.
Command-line veteran will find tips for taking advantage of new
Leopard commands and strategies for working in Terminal more
efficiently.

Obviously, this collection wouldn't be possible without the amazing
contributions from the OS X communityand that's why every tip in the
book remains freely available on MacOSXHints.com and/or Macworld.com.
But if you'd rather not take the effort to dig through 10,000+ hints,
and want the best versions of the hints, then this collection is for
you.

The book is available in several formats, so you can choose the one
that works best for you. If you're interested in a PDF (suitable for
viewing in Preview or Adobe Reader), you can buy one and download it
immediately for just $12.95.
http://store.esellerate.net/macworld/osxhints

Or you can get it as a high-quality, full-color paperback book for
$19.99.
https://m1.buysub.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11901&storeId=11901&productId=441473&sourcekey=MWEBSITE

Don't want to download the PDF? You can also get it mailed to you on
CD-ROM for $15.
https://m1.buysub.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11901&storeId=11901&productId=441473&sourcekey=MWEBSITE

And if you want to see more before you pony up your hard-earned cash,
we've created a 1.5 MB downloadable sample from the book for you to
check out, just to give you a taste.
http://files.macworld.com/files/downloads/hintssample.pdf




* Macworld Reviews, Secrets & Notes *



First Look: Photoshop Express

After playing with the beta for Adobe's Photoshop Express online
service, senior reviews editor Jackie Dove found the service's
features deep, its performance respectable, and its interface
intriguing.
http://www.macworld.com/article/132854/2008/04/photoshop%20express.html?lsrc=mwweek

Inside the Spotlight menu

Spotlight is an indispensable tool for finding anything on your Mac.
All you need to do is learn its tricks. In the first part of our
Spotlight series well give you an overview of the Spotlight menu,
including how to customize how results are presented, how to save time
with keyboard shortcuts, and how to reboot spotlight when it
misbehaves.
http://www.macworld.com/article/132755/2008/04/spotlight1.html?lsrc=mwweek

Review: Google Gmail

Google's Gmail does one thing -- e-mail -- but does it exceptionally
well. You'll like how its simple interface lets you concentrate on
mail with few distractions.
http://www.macworld.com/article/132644/2008/04/gmail.html?lsrc=mwweek

From the Lab: Mac Pro options put to the test

The current Mac Pro may be the most customizable machine to ever come
out of Cupertino. But what do each of those options add in terms of
performance? Macworld Lab has configured a Mac Pro to test tweaks to
memory, the hard drive, and the graphics card to figure out what
effect each upgrade has on the Mac Pros speed.
http://www.macworld.com/article/132808/2008/04/macpro_options.html?lsrc=mwweek

Geek Factor: Leopard's Unix tricks

There are many new (or substantially revised) Unix commands in OS X
10.5. Rob Griffiths picks the five most interesting and useful ones.
http://www.macworld.com/article/132556/2008/04/geekfactor2504.html?lsrc=mwweek

Review: OmniFocus 1.0

OmniFocus has one thing in mind, and that's to help you Get Things
Done. It's one of the most polished to-do managers out there, though
it requires some practice to really take advantage of the software and
to understand its interface. Overall, it's a powerful way to manage
tasks.
http://www.macworld.com/article/132832/2008/04/omnifocus1.html?lsrc=mwweek

Mac 911: Troubleshooting .Mac iCal syncing

Does .Mac tell you it can't sync your iCal events due to inconsistent
data? Here are a couple of options for solving the problem.
http://www.macworld.com/article/132799/2008/04/dotmacicalsync.html?lsrc=mwweek

Playlist: MySpace Music and the benefits of competition

MySpace and the music labels join to kick the stuffing out of iTunes.
That trump you hear does not signal the end of the world.
http://www.macworld.com/article/132826/2008/04/myspacemusiccompete.html?lsrc=mwweek

Find Files Fast: Advanced searches in the Finder

The Spotlight menu is often the quickest way to start a search. And
with the right keywords and Boolean operators, the Spotlight menu can
dish up impressive results. But finding the files you need isnt
always as simple as typing a few words.
http://www.macworld.com/article/132817/2008/04/spotlight3.html?lsrc=mwweek

Review: Ableton Live 7 digital audio workstation

Ableton Live is an extraordinary audio tool that, with the addition of
Drum Racks and Slices, has become even more musical.
http://www.macworld.com/article/132766/2008/04/ableton_live_7.html?lsrc=mwweek



* News & Tips Links *



by Philip Michaels (pmichaels@macworld.com)

Photoshop CS4 to be 64-bit for Windows, but not for Mac

Adobe said the next version of its Creative Suite will feature a
64-bit version of Photoshop, but not for Mac users due to changes
Apple made in its programming direction.
http://www.macworld.com/article/132810/2008/04/photoshop64.html?lsrc=mwweek

MySpace Music to offer downloadable music

MySpace Music is set to compete with the iTunes Store and Amazon.com
MP3 Store as it launches a download service with three of the biggest
commercial music publishers.
http://www.macworld.com/article/132821/2008/04/myspacemusic.html?lsrc=mwweek

iTunes Store now top U.S. music retailer
http://www.macworld.com/article/132825/2008/04/itunes.html?lsrc=mwweek

Apple releases iTunes, QuickTime, and Front Row updates
http://www.macworld.com/article/132809/2008/04/itunesupdate.html?lsrc=mwweek

Adobe releases Photoshop Lightroom 2.0 beta
http://www.macworld.com/article/132791/2008/04/lightroom2.html?lsrc=mwweek

WD offers quad-interface external drives
http://www.macworld.com/article/132793/2008/04/mybook.html?lsrc=mwweek

ColdFusion 8 gains 64-bit support
http://www.macworld.com/article/132840/2008/04/coldfusion.html?lsrc=mwweek

iGlasses webcam software adds app support
http://www.macworld.com/article/132777/2008/04/iglasses.html?lsrc=mwweek

LaCie offers new triple interface hard disk
http://www.macworld.com/article/132815/2008/04/lacie.html?lsrc=mwweek

============================================================
* Advertisement *

Mac OS X Hints Superguide - Leopard Edition
by Rob Griffiths and the Editors of Macworld on Sale Now!

Unleash Leopard with 200+ tips and tricks

* Work smarter with time-saving tips
* Master new Leopard tools such as Quick Look, Stacks, and Spaces
* Personalize your Mac with custom settings and hidden preferences
* Reveal hidden features in Safari, Mail, iChat, iCal, and others
* Unleash OS X's full power with command-line tips and tricks
* And more!

On Sale Now!
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Macsunite jan-feb 2008 issue

MacsU.N.I.T.E. © 1998-2008
Macsunite jan-feb 2008
Macs Users Network for Integrating Technology Into Education
Blog

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Editor: Dr.Eric Flescher (dreric1kansas@aol.com)
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DrEric1MacNews/Macsightings Blog : http://dreric1macnewsmacsightings.blogspot.com/
Staff Writer at macCompanion Magazine (http://www.maccompanion.com/)

more NEWs at:
DrEric1MacNews/Macsightings Blog:
*****
? questions, let me know
Dr.Eric Flescher (dreric1kansas@aol.com)

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Coming in the Next Issue

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TECHNOLOGY

Sayings
Editorial

Ads
Mac Editorial
MAC SIGHTINGS, PR and Getting the Word Out


Mac, Apple, and other News
IPOD stuff (now below after Technology because ipods are for pc too!)
Mac digital/video in applications section
SEE Hardware-Software/Book info review
New OSX stuff

Mac Reviews by Dr. Eric Flescher ( dreric1kansas@aol.com)
see below in Hardware-Software/Book info review for tech and book reviews which are generic and non mac specific

Mac web sites and links
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Dragthing. Here is an update...
_http://db.tidbits.com/getbits.acgi?tbart=07402_


********************
Sayings
_*************************************
Mac Technology Editorial
****
Times are changing. Sometimes this newsletter does not go through Yahoo (don't know what 's up) or I run out of time. In the meantime, all of this newsletter and more (cartoons, graphics, visuals that can't go on this newsletter) will appear at my blog as well. So you can see it on the newsletter and on the web. That way you can also do RSS feeds and I can do more for the newsletter and the related blog.
I don't have an iPod yet but I am thinking about getting the iPhone for all it can deliver once I can either contact with anyother carrier other then AT&T. I don't mind AT&T as we just go cable and internet with it (finally we could break out of the Comcast high speed stranglehold - which sucked ). I like the DVR capability (even running shows in the past ), recording more then one movie at a time, all the other channels and the on screen menu and more.
I have not upgraded to Leopard yet, I have tried some RSS feeds, have several blogs and websites. Then again I am trying to do my videos and put them on DVD. It seem strange that Apple has completely overhauled their iMovie but I am not surprised as I have had trouble synching to doing my DVD with iDVD so I am hoping when I get the new iMovie and iDVD things will be better. I will have more to say on my blog (try it ) and more in future issues with reviews.

Meanwhile I wonder whether it would be better to shut down this newsletter and just put it up on the blog or post this on the blog too. Any thoughts?

More about the best products of the year from Macworld and PC magazine.

More later

Dr.Eric Flescher (dreric1kansas@aol.com)
http://dreric1macnewsmacsightings.blogspot.com/
***
IPOD/ iPhone stuff
**
2007: The Year in Review

from Macworld 12/2007 P.132 " 2007: The Year in Review" by7 John Motlz (crazyapplerumors.com)

middle column

" Truly the "IT" device if 2007- if not the decade, century, millenium, and indeed all of time and space - the iPhone finally arrived on June 29. Its arrival was greeted by a chorus of angels , followed by a solar eclipse , an overflight by a flock of doves , and a dire warning from a strange bearded man who kept mumbling something that sounded like " $200 price -cut."

Hilarious!!

Very cleverly done. I have seen several total solar eclipses and am a big mac fan.

Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS(dreric1kansas@aol.com):

*************************************
MAC SIGHTINGS, PR and Getting the Word Out
more at
*****
Nicholas Cage looks at mappro laptop with evidence white Apple logo at new National Treasurer movie (also iPods)
***

more at
http://dreric1macnewsmacsightings.blogspot.com/



****


APPLE NEWS News Mac, Apple, and other
***
PC magazine list some of its Best of 2007 see Technology section

MacWorld lists Editor Choice Awards for 2007


****
apple site for the links

************************

MAC DIGITAL/VIDEO
************************


Creating a time-lapse effect
You can create a time-lapse effect when you import prerecorded video from your camcorder, or when you capture live video from your camcorder or iSight camera. This is useful if you want to show the progression of an event (such as a blooming flower) in a fraction of the time it took in real life.
Note: You can't create a time-lapse effect for video you've already imported into an iMovie project, but you can use special effects to speed it up. To learn how to use special effects, see Related Topics below.

To create a time-lapse effect when importing prerecorded video:
1. Turn on your camera, and connect it to your computer. If you need help with this, see Related Topics below.
2. In iMovie HD, press the camera icon (shown above), and choose Time Lapse from the pop-up menu.
3. Select the Capture Frame checkbox and specify the number of frames from which you want iMovie to capture one frame of video.
4. Click OK.
5. Import your video into iMovie as you normally do, using the iMovie capture controls. If you need help with this, see Related Topics below.
To create a time-lapse effect while capturing live video from your camcorder, connect your camcorder to your computer using a FireWire cable, set your camcorder to Camera mode, and remove the tape. In iMovie HD, press the camera icon (shown above), and choose Time Lapse from the pop-up menu. Select the Capture Frame checkbox and specify the number of frames from which you want iMovie to capture one frame of video, then click OK. Click the Import button at the bottom of the iMovie monitor to start recording. Click Import again to stop recording.
To create a time-lapse effect while capturing live video from your iSight camera, press the camera icon (shown above) and choose iSight or Built-in-iSight from the pop-up menu. Press the camera icon again, and then choose Time Lapse from the pop-up menu. Select the Capture Frame checkbox and specify the number of frames from which you want iMovie to capture one frame of video. If you're recording into an iSight-formatted project, choose whether you want to permanently embed date and time text into the video. Click OK. Click the Record With iSight button at the bottom of the iMovie monitor to start recording. Click Record With iSight again to stop recording.

*********************
NEW OSX stuff- including cool widgets
************************

Feeder - 1.5
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/25878
Product Description:
Feeder is a fully featured application for creating, editing and publishing RSS and iTunes podcast feeds. Here are just some of its many features:
• Create, download and import RSS 2.0 and iTunes podcast feeds
• Full support for the iTunes RSS podcasting extensions
• Drag and drop enclosure files to create new items
• Automatically tag audio and video files with artwork, artist, etc in all popular podcast formats including MP3s, M4As, M4Vs (iPod video) and QuickTime movies
• Quick and easy feed editing with auto-complete, templates, HTML tags and previews
• Customizable interface easily adapts to the task at hand
• Validates feeds to the RSS and iTunes specifications
• Upload artwork and enclosure files when publishing
• Publish with FTP, SFTP, .Mac or to folders on disk
• Ping online services after publishing to notify them of changes


What's new in this version:

• User interface updated for Leopard
• Media RSS Thumbnails for Miro
• Improved performance when tagging MP4 videos
• Enclosure Redirects for podcast statistic sites such as blubrry.com
• Can now publish using Password-less SFTP
• Editing improvements for pasting links and using templates
• Specify default servers for enclosures and images during publishing setup
• Automatic generation of MD5 sums and DSA signatures for Sparkle Appcasting
• Improved AppleScript


Operating System Requirements:

This product is designed to run on the following operating systems:
• Mac OS X 10.5 Intel
• Mac OS X 10.5 PPC
• Mac OS X 10.4 Intel
• Mac OS X 10.4 PPC


Additional Requirements:

• Mac OS X 10.4 or higher

feedback from others so far:


(1 of 1 users found this comment useful)Bobby T (Bobby Thompson) It took me a little time to figure out how to configure a couple things, not everything is intuitive right off the bat... But after figuring out there were additional selections server settings, i was able to get all the files to go where I wanted them...

Otherwise everything seems to work great...


Best of Its Kind - Version: 1.3.6, 8/4/2006 06:26PM PST

(1 of 1 users found this comment useful)mjmorrison As a developer I can say that this is great work. Also, the developer is quick to return email and he really wants to maintain this as a great program.

For podcastsers this is a no-brainer.

Keep up the great work!



Awesome Program - Version: 1.2, 8/20/2005 01:14AM PST

(2 of 2 users found this comment useful)timstree_dotmac Feeder is a full featured program, but simple-enough to use, even for those still learning about RSS feeds. If you don't need a particular feature, you don't have to use it, but it is there for you later on when your needs grow.

Best of all it doesn't take a lot of effort to get a new feed up and running. The validate feature is not something I'd seen in other programs and is reassuring to have especially if you are just beginning.

I recently had a question about something I was unsure about and the developer replied to my question in under two hours! I would happily recommend this program to anyone needing to create RSS feeds.




************************
Mac REVIEWS by Dr. Eric Flescher ( dreric1kansas@aol.com)
more reviews at

*******

*****

BOOKS reviewed- List
********
Simplified Mac OS X Tiger
www.maccompanion.com/archives/.com/archives/

> 1. There are two sides to every divorce: Yours and Shithead's.
>
> 2. The closest I ever got to a 4.0 in college was my blood alcohol
> content.
>
> 3. I live in my own little world but it's OK, everyone knows me here.
>
> 4. I saw a rather large woman wearing a sweatshirt with 'Guess' on it. I
> said: Thyroid problem?'
>
> 5. I don't do drugs 'cause I find I get the same effect just by standing
> up really fast.
>
> 6. A sign In a Chinese Pet Store: 'Buy one dog, get one flea.'
>
> 7. Money can't buy happiness but it sure makes misery easier to live
> with.
>
> 8. I got a sweater for Christmas. I really wanted a screamer or a
> moaner.
>
> 9. If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the 'terminal'?
>
> 10. I don't approve of political jokes . I've seen too many of them get
> elected.
>
> 11. The most precious thing we have is life, yet it has absolutely no
> trade-in value.
>
> 12. If life deals you lemons, make lemonade; if it deals you tomatoes,
> make Bloody Marys.
>
> 13. I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person
> you want to annoy for the rest of your life.
>
> 14. Shopping tip: You can get shoes for a buck at bowling alleys.
>
> 15. I am a nobody, nobody is perfect, and therefore I am perfect.
>
> 16. Everyday I beat my own previous record for number of consecutive
> days I've stayed alive.
>
> 17. That Claudia Schiffer must be a genius because I told a friend my
> plan to attain world peace, and he told me I have 'Schiffer Brains.'
>
> 18. No one ever says 'It's only a game!' when their team is winning.
>
> 19. Ever notice that people who spend money on beer, cigarettes and
> lottery tickets, are always complaining about being broke and not
> feeling well?
>
> 20. How long a minute is, depends on what side of the bathroom door
> you're on.
>
> 21. Isn't having a smoking section in a restaurant like having a peeing
> section in a swimming pool?
>
>
> 22. Marriage changes passion...suddenly you're in bed with a relative.
>
> 23. Why is it that most nudists are people you really don't want to see
> naked?
>
> 24. Snowmen fall from Heaven unassembled.
>
> 25. Every time I walk into a singles bar I can hear Mom's wise
> words: Don't pick that up, you don't know where it's been!'


:::

review Digital Astrophotography : A Guide to capturing the Cosmos

Digital Astrophotography : A Guide to capturing the Cosmos
reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS: (dreric1kansas@aol.com)

Author: Stefan Setp
website: http://www.photomeeting.de/astromeeting/_index.htm
Publisher: Oreilly Media, , Inc. ,1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 9547
Released: 2008
Pages: 155
$30 USA
$33 Canada
ISBN 10: 1-933952-16-4 |
ISBN 13:9781933952161

Strengths: Provides solid information about using equipment, cameras and resources for astrodigital photography. Good examples of his masterful astrophotos. Descriptive information and guide oriented information for Registax and Astroart image processing software. Colorful photo and screenshots.

Weaknesses: No index. Glossary of resources should have been indexed and have additional information about each item. Some of the screenshots are too small to read. Screenshots do not have additional circles, arrows and other visuals “ to zone in on” which parts of the screen instructions go with the text. Guide information is “jumbled” together in paragraph form instead of being spread out , numbered and being easier to read. The author uses Astroart, a commercially available program. If you use another program ( for example one listed in the Resources section) for stacking and image processing, you will have to either find your own manual or use the information to try to piece together the information about using image processing. Novice astrophotographers may need to consult other camera, astronomy and image editing resources and information.


novice/ Intermediate/Advanced

Rating: 4/5

Introduction

The Starry skies and observing the stars have captured our imagination since ancient times. Observing and records came first and then sketching was available. Photographing on film the heavens was a great step forward. Presently the use of digital cameras and equipment are the rage. Amateur astronomers are increasingly using digital devices to “capture” the heavenly objects and events. One noted astronomer and photography has provided a guide book to help you with your digital photography: Digital Astrophotography : A Guide to capturing the Cosmos.

The author is a celebrated astrophotographer for many years. His knowledge and his astronomical photographs are displayed on his website which is well stocked with many brilliant photos. I was interested to see how much of his knowledge could be “communicated” in this book, so that myself and others could learn about the technigues and information that has brought these brilliant photos to fruition.

The author provide information about hardware, software, methods and techniques. Chapter 1 “Before you start” offers a welcome introduction to starting out with this hobby. It starts from “ the ground up” so novice astrophotographers will find the information well suited for them as well. There is a good solid information and ideas about browsing, choosing and working with simple compact digital camera, tripods and telescopes

Chapter 2, digital compact camera are introduced.
Chapter 3 has webcam information and explains the advantages and disadvantages of the overall use for astrophotography. The more popular webcams available market (ex. Phillips Toucam and four others are listed with photographs) but there is no information what are the “pros and cons “ of each. The author elaborates on using the free (PC) programs called Registax which is a fine program. However this software could also be used with digital cameras and equipment but this was not mentioned.

This part of the book also has a good instruction on the use of avi files for processing your video to images (don’t know what that is then you will have to consult other information). Websites where these webcams can be found are listed in the resources section but you will have to hunt for them as these are no segregated. There is a section on fine tuning with photoshop (p.58-59) but the information does not include additional processing (using photoshop) such as unsharp mask (which I did actually find is in another section (p.86) with DSLR. This is where a good index would have helped.

In Chapter 4, digital cameras is the main focus of information. Using a DSLR camera to shoot the Sun, Moon, stars, star clusters, and nebulae while attached to your telescope are discussed. The digital lens reflex camera demonstrated in this chapter is the Canon Rebel XT (which is what I use as well). However this chapter does not include additional information concerning the differences between using the XT model and the newer XTi model. Other cameras are listed in the resources section however non- canon users will have to consult their manual, manufacturer’s website (see resource guide) or another book to learn all about their DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera. Maybe it does have to be told but it is important before using this book and this chapter, that you know and be comfortable using your camera first so that you will be ready for the assistance laid out in the astronomically oriented chapter in Chapter 5. It is tough to cover everything but as I looked through this chapter I found that important information was missing.

I found the lack of credible and informative techniques and information concerning the using of the cameras bulb extended time exposure, a little mystifying. In addition some of the equipment is a little dated. For example, it is a good idea to use a device to automatically snapping your shutter without having to touch the camera yourself. There are remote cords that can do this (for canon and other cameras). However nothing was expressed about the use of remotes that use infrared (which I have and use) and are even better for remote work.

Chapter 5, the astronomical CCD camera, using charge-coupled device (CCD) and camera assists with learning about these nice instrument. This chapter has a nice section regarding the use of dark frames (p. 118). Helpful fine explanations as well as the importance for using these with your photos and FITS formats are well explained. Flat field and bias frames also are helpful to know.

There is a nice glossary of important terms used throughout the book. The Appendix, has a nice listing of application areas for digital astrophotography as applied to equipment and the celestial sights we can see and image. However this nice chart does not integrate itself well into the chapters. In addition, I have enjoyed photographing many comets but such celestial wonders are missing from this listing and any part of the book.

A Resources section has a number of image processing software program listed (non alphabetically listed in the titles). These are all “mixed-up” together in the listing and not categorized (according to image processing, software, image manipulation, video capture etc).I was a little perplexed to find that Starry Night Pro software (which I use), is listed as “image processing software”, which it is not.

The main tool for image editing is called Astroart which is a PC (only no Macintosh) based commercial program (p. 122 -132). A fine program in its own right, the author helps you learn the program. There are screenshots to help in the process (the sizing is better then in other parts of the book) but once again the author does not use highlighting symbols (arrows, red circles, numbering system etc) to go along with the instruction. Astroart is the only other program to use (along with registax) if you are looking for a free based program . You can use (the free) Registax (have to look up what kind of PC needed but not here) with your PC.

Throughout the book and the chapters there is too much “verbosity” with the instructions. There are guided steps and instructions but these are all “mashed” together in long paragraphs without ample space. This makes the reading a little tedious.

The step by step processes would have been easier to understand and easier to read if a numbering systems was used or separations. More space in between the instructions would help in the integration with the visual screenshots as well. Screenshots do not have additional circles, arrows and other visuals to zone in on which parts of the screen instructions go with the text.

I was disappointed in the resource section which is not concise enough. The are jumbled together with software, applications and other resources all together. Each does not have much information. There is nothing that is said whether some of the software is for macintosh or windows or both. In addition, the cover has a beautiful photograph of a total solar eclipse (that he took no doubt additional information is nowhere to be found). I had to go into his website to figure out where it was. I would have liked more information about filters, what kind of exposures for lunar and solar eclipses etc or at least an explanation where additional information could be found.

Most astrophotography and image processing books and tutorial type books offer an index of specific categories and titles found in the book. What I found to be an unforgivable omission is the lack of an index. While the chapters are fine, it would have been nice to have specific topics listed in an index.

Conclusions

When it comes to digital astrophotography for me, I am always looking for more insights and information that will “put it all together”. I am always searching, like others, to make my photos, the best they can be. While I have had astronomical photos published in Astronomy magazine and my web blogs and websites, I still have a lot of room for improvement.

Many amateur astronomers who are becoming acquainted with various photographic devices are taking advantage and using them for their astronomical photographic work. There are bits and pieces from this book that I can use but I wanted “more”. I did not expect this book to be the all-in-one resource guide on everything digital astrophotography for me. While the author is a fine astrophotographer and has compiled a good a wealth of techniques, ideas and information involved image processing, I still need to search for more.

This book is great for those looking for equipment to use and sorting out there choices for how and what ways their astrophotography endeavors can start and develop. It is a fine resource. But the book, might not be what you want. Possibly you already have all the equipment you have or need.

If you don’t plan to use the Astroart program, a cornerstone in this author’s tutorial explanations for image processing, you will need to find another program ( for example one listed in the Resources section), for stacking and image processing. But if you buy this book , then you have the option to either find your own manual or use the information that comes with the software, to “piece together” the image processing techniques. In addition, most of the book can be used to help MacIntosh astronomy hobbyists but several of the better image processing program for MacIntosh are not listed in the resource section. Macintosh users can use the PC software with their Intel newer MacIntosh computers but this is not mentioned.

I like most of the book and what it “has to say.” However the index omission, the haphazard resource listing and the focusing upon Astroart as the sole basis for image processing instruction just disappointed me. I wonder why Registax is only application used for webcams? Couldn’t Registax could be used withCCD imaging (chapter). I can work these pieces of software on my older Compaq and in that way I will learn more. But still I am working towards using my Macintosh for image processing that will elevate my astrophotography skills while using this book.

This book is still a good resource in many regards. Perhaps the next version of this book will be improved on some of the concerns I mentioned. Some astronomy enthusiasts looking for answers to their astrophotography questions will like this book as is. However I suggest before you buy this book, check it out and see that it has what you want and if the book can help you. That is better then being disappointed when the shipment arrives. That way you can choose another astronomy digital processing books that can meet your your image processing better.

Macsightings:Sunday comics, Tina Fey,Times amg

macsightings 1/20/2008

Two macsightings in 01/20/08 Sunday comics.

In the Foxtrot- Sure looks like the latest Imac but really you know when you see the iFruit in 3rd frame.

Then in this first frames aliens have landed using their (what else?) iTranslator.

If you like the comic (as much as I do) find the comic and look who they kick off the saucer!

Meanwhile in Times mag (p.76) 12/31/2007
Ipods are used for speech feedback that helos stuttering patients. Helps their proofreading.
Also at U of Mississippi , replaced for $5000 digital feedback equipment use Ipod shuffles instead. Helped improve parts of speech and vowel sounds . This small study indicates that the students are more naturally speaking then before and better at recognizing patterns of speech.

I just happened to catch Tina Fey, in the 30 Rock show on TV , while working out. 1/10/2008 . She happened to be looking at her mac laptop while she was talking to another person in her office. The Apple logo stood out!

Macworld Tuesday: Pricey notebook & Movie rentals?

Macworld Expo Begins. The latest news is that at this show Apple may come out with a pricey but small flash based drive based notebook. It is said that it mostly should be used for backups and then uploading to your regular computers. This sub notebook will also be shared with the news of an impending deal new movie rental rental at the iTunes Store.

http://www.macworld.com/article/131543/2008/01/expopreview.html?t=110

The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas concluded last week and was interesting to watch the new electronics etc on TV shows.
see more at
http://www.macworld.com/article/131485/2008/01/mwpodcast102.html?lsrc=mwweek

Live coverage of Steve Jobs' keynote, beginning at 9 a.m. PT on Tuesday,
January 15. News etc at

http://www.macworld.com/topics/macworld_expo.html?lsrc=mwweek

I will be waiting to here what happens.

Have you upgraded to Windows Vista yet?

I saw this c/net review 1/5/08 and poll result at this time. I added my vote related to the Mac. I wonder how many Vista have been sold?
Instant Poll Results
Your response has been recorded. Thank you for participating!

Question: Have you upgraded to Windows Vista yet?

No, I'm happy with XP for now. 33%
Yes, it came with my new computer. 20%
No, I don't think I will until I absolutely have to. 16%
Yes, I got it when it first released. 10%
No, I'm a Linux user. 9%
I will when I get a new computer 6%
No, I'm a Mac user. 4% <--------------------------------------------------*****
No, but I am considering it. 3%
No, I'm waiting for finalized SP1 to be delivered. 2%

Macs in latest movie National Treaure (City of Gold) with Nicholas Cage

The latest movie National Treaure (City of Gold) with Nicholas Cage and cast has ipods and MacBooks all over.
Apple logo is prominent on the black laptop facting towards the camera. I wonder how much Apple pays for doing this?

Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS(dreric1kansas@aol.com): DrEric1MacNews/Macsightings Blog : http://dreric1macnewsmacsightings.blogspot.com/ : editor MacsU.N.I.T.E. ( MacIntosh Users Network for Integrating Technology into Education):(Subscribe send email to :macsunitsubscribe@egroups.com)
Staff Writer at macCompanion Magazine (http://www.maccompanion.com/); moderator
macintoshvideo@yahoogroups.com- to subscribe
macintoshvideo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com; editor TechU.N.I.T.E. (Subscribe send email to PC version TechU.N.I.T.E.: to subscribe send email to techunite-subscribe@egroups.com

Macworldreviews Mac Gems Catalog

I review mac products and books which I post on MacCompanion, my newsletters and this blog.
Here is a nice listing of other reviews. I will review them and post as I have time.
Read the ratings and try them out.

http://www.macworld.com/products/macgems/?lsrc=mwgems

http://www.macworld.com/weblogs/macgems/complete-archive/?lsrc=mwgems

iMovie '08 & iDVD: what's Up Doc!!!

iMovie '08 & iDVD

Well it is now in stores and on new Macs. It is a big change. I am reviewing David Pogue's book iMovie '08 & iDVD : The Missing Manual and I will have more later to say as I work through iLife 08.

But until then have a look what Mr. Pogue says about iMovie '08.

http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/08/17/apple-takes-a-step-back-with-imovie-08/
there are comments from over 200 other people (and counting) under this editorial type reading but before I looked through them I typed in my own to echo similar or different sentiments.

I haved used versions of iMovie to make videos concerning my travels. These have included my hosting trips to Caribbean, Europe, S. Africa to see total solar eclipses, videotaping 10 different types of hummingbirds south of Tucson, visiting Seattle and Vancouver and its aquariums and parks, stormchasing in KS, OK, NE, capturing the great brilliant Comet McNaught 1/10/2007 on video and much more. They came out pretty well. But that changed with trying to master complete DVDs recently.

I have had much trouble with iMovie 6 and iDVD 6. It was (1) difficult to connect with the videos I wanted to place on the DVDs; (2) quit the DVD process eventhough there was plenty of room on the DVD; (3) hard to decipher whether connected to mv files were the problem or what; (4) left parts of the video on the DVD but not others ; (5) even doing the one step feature did not work. Why have the books I have read so glowing and that there is trouble here?

That's why when iMovie and iDVD 08 came out a week or so ago, I thought that would solve my problems (when I would get the versions or find out possible remedies in his new book). But for many as Mr. Pogue says in this blog and his book that I am reviewing , it is a step backwards in many ways. And I am cringing even before I get past the introduction.

I might be wrong but I have a feeling that the problems that I have had with these two programs and DVD mastering is a problem for others as well. And I still have iMovie HD and iDVD 5 : The Missing Manual book here next to me . No matter how well I tried to make sense of it and another great book by iLife 06 by Heid, trying several times with the programs and the videos I have, I could not find the answers to my problems.

I mean sometimes, Apple , I think, makes things so elegant it actually makes things ----confusing. And I think despite all that is said about Apple and its machines and software (and I am a huge fan!), some PC users don't understand or want to understand it. And I have noticed some of this before but more so with the problems I have had with the previous versions of these two applications.

I like tinkering with the movies and not just splattering it in the computer and snapping on to a DVD, quick dirty but NOT NICE. I mean why show your DVDs unless they look good. But in my case lately, its not "why" it's "can't".

And maybe Steve Jobs heard that mac users were dissatified with DVD creations, so as an easy way out (and with the help of a tech designer , had a applicatin solution). Now we have these 08 versions which many can't understand (why this was done). And when I see Mr. Pogue echo these sentiments I wonder what is really going on?

Now I am stuck to either figuring out the previous version (which I have not been able to do for 2 or so years ) or making a go of this shread (or is it shrek) of iMovie or move to Final cut express or what?

I guess I will read more, look at the Missing Manual and more of Mr. Pogue's and the comments from other people in the book and take a look at iMovie ).

Step back, step forward who knows. I am still in the middle frozen until I figure out what do with videos and dvds next.

Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS(dreric1kansas@aol.com): DrEric1MacNews/Macsightings Blog : http://dreric1macnewsmacsightings.blogspot.com/ : editor MacsU.N.I.T.E. ( MacIntosh Users Network for Integrating Technology into Education):(Subscribe send email to :macsunitsubscribe@egroups.com)
Staff Writer at macCompanion Magazine (http://www.maccompanion.com/); moderator
macintoshvideo@yahoogroups.com- to subscribe
macintoshvideo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com; editor TechU.N.I.T.E. (Subscribe send email to PC version TechU.N.I.T.E.: to subscribe send email to techunite-subscribe@egroups.com