30 January 2009

How Gmail Destroyed Outlook

As of this week, Gmail has reached perfection: You no longer have to be online to read or write messages. Desktop programs like Microsoft Outlook have always been able to access your old mail. There is a certain bliss to this if you've got a pile of letters that demand well-composed, unplugging the Internet can be the fastest way to get things done

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10 Websites To Make You A Photoshop Ninja

Using the Web, you can learn how to do just about anything in Photoshop, and either become great at it or just get really good at faking it. Either way, you’re doing cool stuff.Here are ten sites to get you Photoshopping like a champion

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28 January 2009

Twitter In Plain English



I love this video...check out more "How it works" videos on the Common Craft show...or follow them on Twitter.

While you're at it...why not follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/coryodonnell





1983 Macintosh Dating Game starring Steve Jobs & Bill Gates

A funny look back at a 1983 Apple Event starring Steve Jobs as he hosts a "Macintosh" dating show with Bill Gates as one of the contestants.



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27 January 2009

Remembering the "1984" Super Bowl Mac ad

Twenty-five years ago, the landmark commercial paved the way for big-budget television advertisements and brought Apple into the mainstream.




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22 January 2009

Why I Love Monty Python

And, now for something completely inspiring...

Hearing a who's who of today's great comedians talking about discovering and loving Monty Python the way I did growing up.

Enjoy:





10 Web Sites That Will Matter in 2009

You've probably never heard of many of them, but chances are you'll be using some of these Web sites by the end of this year.

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21 January 2009

My Chinese Zodiac // The DRAGON

Check out your Chinese zodiac. Thanks for Gretchen for finding this.

The key to the Dragon personality is that Dragons are the free spirits of the Zodiac. Conformation is a Dragon's curse. Rules and regulations are made for other people. Restrictions blow out the creative spark that is ready to flame into life. Dragons must be free and uninhibited. The Dragon is a beautiful creature, colorful and flamboyant. An extroverted bundle of energy, gifted and utterly irrepressible, everything Dragons do is on a grand scale - big ideas, ornate gestures, extreme ambitions. However, this behavior is natural and isn't meant for show. Because they are confident, fearless in the face of challenge, they are almost inevitably successful. Dragons usually make it to the top. However, Dragon people be aware of their natures. Too much enthusiasm can leave them tired and unfulfilled. Even though they are willing to aid when necessary, their pride can often impede them from accepting the same kind of help from others. Dragons' generous personalities give them the ability to attract friends, but they can be rather solitary people at heart. A Dragon's self-sufficiency can mean that he or she has no need for close bonds with other people.

DRAGON FACTS

People born in the Year of the Dragon share certain characteristics. The Dragon sign is an abbreviated way of characterizing that individual's personality. Following are features associated with the sign of the Dragon.

Fifth in order, Chinese name-LONG, sign of luck
Hour-7am-8:59 a.m. Month-April
Western Counterpart-Aries

CHARACTERISTICS

  • * Innovative
  • * Enterprising
  • * Flexible
  • * Self-assured
  • * Brave
  • * Passionate
  • * Conceited
  • * Tactless
  • * Scrutinizing
  • * Unanticipated
  • * Quick-tempered

THE FIRE DRAGON 1916 AND 1976

The Fire Dragon is a powerful force to be reckoned with. This is a Dragon doubled! The Fire Dragon can move from calm and collected to combustible in a matter of seconds. In some ways the Fire Dragon is his or her own worst enemy. These Dragons cannot help feeling they are valuable and all-knowing. When they are right their vehemence and vigor is an asset to the cause, and though they value objectivity, they do not always employ the best decision-making measures, and sometimes jump to the wrong conclusion. They also suffer from recklessness and quick tempers. Yet, when they do keep their temper, emotions, and rivaling spirit under control, they emanate a commanding influence on other people.

HEALTH

Dragons take thrilling risks and burn the candle at both ends so they are fortunate to be blessed with good health. Among the most hearty of the Animal signs, they can suffer bad health as a result of stress. Symptoms of their personalities often stem from emotional outbursts and can range from tension headaches to depression to hypertension. Dragons can remedy these problems by maintaining their cool, implementing a routine in their daily lives, and utilizing exercises such as yoga or tai kwon do that soothe the mind and spirit as well as tone the body.

AT HOME WITH THE DRAGON

Not the most domesticated of the Animal signs, Dragons and may be more content out and about rather than at home. Nevertheless, with their imagination and artistic sense, they can enjoy decorating their home or anywhere else where their extravagance can be expressed.. A Dragon's home should be as large and majestic as his personality, providing space for the fiery temperament or emotional eruptions that accompany their character.

THE DRAGON AT WORK

The Dragon's originality is the most impressive and outstanding of all his characteristics. The Dragon is quite imaginative and always able to see new paths where others may run into brick walls. Dragons are very adaptable and are fit for various occupations, especially if those occupations allow him to take the limelight. In any of these occupational situations, the Dragons will take a radical approach. Dragons work hard, but would rather give orders than receive them. They should avoid jobs that encompass too much routine, and should move toward jobs in which their self-reliance can be an asset.

FINANCE AND THE DRAGON

Dragons like to spend money and are charitable themselves as well as with others. They do not know the meaning of the word "accumulate," and making money does not intrigue them as it may others. Many Dragons will take big chances with their finances, sometimes betting on their shirt and losing it right off of their backs. Yet, they were born with the Midas Touch, and it very rare that a Dragon remains poor for long. Dragons will always be straightforward in financial dealings and can always be trusted.

DRAGON CAREERS

Those born in the Year of the Dragon also share the same kinds of goals and objectives in life. The occupations best suited for the Dragon are listed below:

DRAGONS MAKE EXCELLENT:

  • * Computer analysts
  • * Inventors
  • * Engineers
  • * Architects
  • * Lawyers
  • * Philosophers
  • * Psychoanalysts
  • * Brokers
  • * Managers
  • * Salepeople
  • * PR People
  • * Advertising agents
  • * Officers in the armed forces
  • * Campaigners
  • * Politicians



CONGENIAL BUSINESS PARTNERS

Whether Dragons are compatible with their business partners depends on whether their signs are harmonious or antagonistic to each that of their partners. Considering the congruity of the components of their own characters and the characters of their business colleagues can also be very useful.

Dogs Ruled by: Benefit from: Are Antagonistic to:

Metal Earth Snakes Fire Tigers

Water Metal Monkeys Earth Sheep

Wood Water Roosters Metal Oxen

Fire Wood Rats Water Rabbits

Earth Fire Dragons Wood Horses

Leisurely activities and pleasures



LIKES AND DISLIKES

Since Dragons are born under the same Animal sign, they often share likes and dislikes. Following are similar likes and dislikes of the Dragon personality:

Color Preference: Greenish-Blue

Gems and Stones: Opal, Sapphire, Amber

Suitable Gifts: Tarot cards, camera, a copy of the I Ching, mirror, a family crest, mobile phone

Hobbies and Pastimes: Computer programming, public speaking, fossil hunting, astrology

Dragons Dislike: Taking orders, unnecessary bureaucracy, discounted ideas, people who don't give 100%

THE DRAGON ON VACATION

Dragons are attracted by the bizarre. No self-respecting Dragon desires to walk in a tourist's footsteps. Instead, they take a lot of gratification in finding hidden destinations, or, closer to home, locations off the beaten track. But Dragons also need thrills, which they might find by taking an unplanned winter break to go skiing or a spontaneous rock climbing trip in the spring. They may even test their bravery by daring to ride the highest roller coaster in the world. Dragons are also sentimental at heart, so conquering their childhood haunts, or taking a second honeymoon would bring immense pleasure too.

FRIENDS AND ENEMIES

Dragons are usually popular people, but because of their personalities, they seem to gather as much criticism as they do esteem. Due to their tumultuous temperaments, Dragons are not the most sensitive friends to those in need of a shoulder to cry on. Those who truly know the Dragon know he is a loving soul who will become your best ally in times of need. Once the dynamic Dragon has given his friendship, he will not let his friends down and will never falter in his allegiance to his companions. To a Dragon, a friend is a friend for a lifetime. Incredibly honest, Dragons are known for sincerity and are trusting souls. Because of this honesty, Dragons don't realize others may not demonstrate or uphold the same codes of ethics. Making the discovery that they placed their trust in someone who is dishonest makes the Dragon person quite sad, yet much more perceptive for future encounters.

Compatible Friends

Best Friends: Rats and Monkeys

Mortal Enemy: Dogs

DRAGON PARENTS AND BABIES

Because people born in the year of the Dragon are so working on furthering their careers, they usually Put off having and raising children until later than many of the other Chinese horoscope signs. Parenting doesn't come very naturally easily to the Dragon. However, when Dragons do become parents, they approach it with the same enthusiasm as other endeavors. They are proud parents and tend to boast about the accomplishments and good looks of their children.

DRAGON INFANT AND CHILD

Dog children are creative, able to entertain themselves for hours on end. They don’t mind playing by themselves, often inventing games and puzzles while doing so. They are responsible children who love to take on and complete as many tasks as possible for it gives them a sense of accomplishment.

Dragons, noted for their benevolence, tend to shower their children with toys and spending money. It has been remarked that they substitute material things for quality time with their children. Even so, Dragons take parenting seriously and are quite protective of their children's welfare. Should anything upset them, or should anyone wrong them, the Dragon will prepare to fight and avenge the people who have hurt or belittled their offspring.

DRAGON PARENT/CHILD KINSHIPS

Like their adult counterparts, children born in the Year of the Dragon have vivid personalities and are independent from birth. Noisy and active, parents should stimulate their imaginations as soon as possible. Their imagination and inquisitive natures can be troublesome for the Dragon child and can often land them in a heap of trouble at school which can cause teachers and other parents to deem them troublemakers or naughty. Sometimes Dragon children are loners who daydream and drift to into their own world of make-believe. Either way, Dragon children demand careful attention and special handling in order to bring out the best in them. Their creativity and talents must be encouraged, even if it means spending extra time in certain school subjects in order to help them master the subject. .

DRAGON PARENT/CHILD RELATIONSHIPS
Some parents immediately click with their children and others find they will never have a close relationship, no matter how hard they try to make it happen. Following are the compatibility ratings between Dragon parents and their children.

LOVERS AND SPOUSES

Negatively, Dragons are egotistical and love to be the center of attention. Modesty is not one of his assets. Add to that the Dragon temper and you have a bossy, dominating and authoritative being. They hate solicited advice and can be hopelessly tactless and insensitive to their lovers.



THE DRAGON IN LOVE

IRRESISTIBLE ATTRACTION
People love Dragons so much because they are generous, charismatic, irresistible, and so brave that standing beside them banishes fear. They generate excitement and turn heads anywhere they go. They are free-spirited and impulsive and can help others achieve their dreams. Others love to be around Dragons because they have a way of making people feel better. Dragons are quick to fall in love, but do not surrender their independence easily leaving most of them to live life by themselves. Yet, an smart, witty, and funny companion may intrigue the Dragon long enough to make him want to get married. And once the Dragon becomes committed, he is unlikely to ever leave.

THE DRAGON LOVE PARTNER
It takes someone with thick skin who is easygoing to be a Dragon's partner, because, despite their sentimental characters, they can be moody, and insensitive. Many people will want to run when the Dragon's temper is provoked. Chinese horoscopes are very specific about which partnerships have the potential to be successful in love and in business. Yet, though destiny can point us in the right direction, we must still make all efforts to maintain loving relationships. Following is a brief description of how a Dragon will affect a relationship with other Animal signs.

PARTNERS IN LOVE

Dragon*Rat

A brilliant relationship-plenty of love, mental sensitivity and understanding. Tipped for happiness.

Dragon*Ox

When it comes to being obstinate, Dragons have met their match in the Ox. The give and take essential for a happy marriage is lacking in this partnership

Dragon*Tiger

A gutsy combination full of gusto to fuel passions

Dragon*Rabbit

Your obstacles will either unite or divide you

Dragon*Dragon

If you learn to share the spotlight, you can accomplish anything together

Dragon*Snake

Clever, crafty and quick-witted-you fit together like pieces of a puzzle.

Dragon*Horse

You share a powerful sexual chemistry.

Dragon*Sheep

Despite the sexual attraction, eventually you'll find too many differences to overcome.

Dragon*Monkey

You share opinions and goals that destine you for happiness.

Dragon*Dog

A truly tumultuous affair-not recommended for peace of mind.

Dragon*Pig

A caring and deeply affectionate relationship.

Dragon*Rooster

You make a beautiful couple, but your egotism blinds you.

EAST MEETS WEST

VIRGO DRAGON
Status and title matter a lot to the Virgo Dragon, and he is prepared to work diligently to achieve them. These organized and productive people carefully plan each aspect of their lives and leave nothing to chance. The Dragon's capricious characteristics are calmed and the Virgo Dragon has a streamlined, efficient outlook on life.


PhotoSynth Captures "The Moment"

CNN's John King explains how PhotoSynth works..and how it captured "The Moment". Cool stuff:






20 January 2009

Star Wars: Retold (by someone who hasn't seen it)

Another hilarious video...even if you're not a Star Wars fan...you'll like it. Read the decription below the video player for the backstory:


Star Wars: Retold (by someone who hasn't seen it) from Joe Nicolosi on Vimeo.

My friend Amanda had never seen a whole Star Wars film. When I asked her if she wanted to watch the original trilogy she said that she would, but that she already knew what happens. So I took out my voice recorder and asked her to start from the top.



I then created some very basic animation in Final Cut to go along with her narration.



www.fishrockit.com




Best Parking Ticket Reenactment Ever.

How Mr. Chi City got a parking ticket




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President Obama // Inaugural Address

Congratulations to President Barack Obama. What a day. In case you missed it: The address:






19 January 2009

Should The Government Stop Dumping Money Into A Giant Hole?

If you don't throw your cash into the Money hole, the terrorists win.


In The Know: Should The Government Stop Dumping Money Into A Giant Hole?




17 January 2009

Onion: Every monster movie you've ever seen


President To Face Down Monster Attack, Own Demons In Action-Packed Schedule



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The Ultimate Collection Of Free Vector Packs

Designers love freebies that make life easier and help them create higher-quality work. Free vectors are useful, free vector packs even more so. Fortunately, there are plenty of talented graphic designers who are willing to give away their work (or samples of it) to benefit the rest of us. In this post, we feature 60 of the best and most useful.

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The Best Inaugural Addresses Ever

When he delivers his historic inaugural address on Jan. 20, President-elect and noted public speaker Barack Obama will be continuing a 220-year-old oratorical tradition begun by George Washington.

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16 January 2009

Pete Carroll "Dissappointed"

I think Pete Carroll may differ with Mark Sanchez...just a thought.



Yikes. Thanks, Coach for the ringing endorsement.




CNN's Rick Sanchez vs. Joe the Plumber

Today CNN's Rick Sanchez went after "War Corespondent" Joe the Plumber. I saw this...and got a kick out of it.



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12 Useful Web Tools for Designers

When it comes to design, there’s a plethora of free web-based tools to help you accomplish tasks such as color palette selection, creating unique fonts, editing images, and testing typography. In this article, you’ll find a bunch of handy online utilities for designers.

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14 January 2009

Baby Laughing at Baby Laughing at Wii

This really cracked me up.

An old high school friend of mine has a blog chronicling his young growing family's life and times. It's a really sweet site, filled with great videos of his young son crawling around Disney, fun family events, and other great memories that they'll cherish for a lifetime.

One of his posts involves Justin capturing the strange and adorable giggling fits his son goes into when he watching another YouTube clip of a baby laughing at his dad playing Wii golf. All I can say is: If that kid has that much fun watching his dad play Wii golf, I've got to get a Wii. But, we knew that already.

Heretofore is the clip that young Alex can't stop laughing at...Baby Laughing at Wii:



Great stuff, huh? Nothing beats a good belly laugh.

Now...here's Alex watching the above videos (you can see the original post w/ all 3 videos here.)



Tell me that's not great. Hope you enjoyed it. I know I did...and Alex, too.



13 January 2009

High Schooler Hits 82ft Buzzer Beater

High School kid from Alabama hits an 82ft buzzer beater, wakes up as coolest kid in school.




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12 January 2009

Trailer for Neo-Noir Sci-Fi Film // "Franklyn"

Pretty sweet trailer for the upcoming movie, "Franklyn". Please to enjoy.



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10 January 2009

How to Build a Social Media Cheat Sheet for Any Topic

Below you'll find step-by-step instructions, with screen shots, for the process we use when we want to get smart about a new field in a hurry. We'll use the field of Education as our example, because there is a lot of activity there and we presume we've got more educators as readers here than butchers or candlestick makers.

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08 January 2009

TV 101: Why Leo Laporte represents the future of TV

Leo Laporte gets the recognition that he deserves as the future of Television.

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05 January 2009

Mac Introduces new Laptop without a keyboard

Best Line --

Steve Jobs: People who use keyboards "standing in the way of human progress".

FU QWERTY!


Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard




Seeing My Name in the Numbers

I've always been fascinated by the zodiac, tarot, and fortune telling...But as a rule, I don't put a big stake in it.

If anything, it's a fun way to pass the time.

I recently checked out this Numerology site to find out what my numbers are.

Here is my reading:

There are 19 letters in your name.
Those 19 letters total to 95
There are 7 vowels and 12 consonants in your name.

What your first name means:
Scottish Male Seething pool.
Irish Male From the round hill.
Irish Female From the round hill; seething pool; ravine.
English Male Hill; hollow.
English Female From the round hill; seething pool; ravine.

Your number is: 5

The characteristics of #5 are: Expansiveness, visionary, adventure, the constructive use of freedom.

The expression or destiny for #5:
The number 5 Expression endows with the wonderful characteristic of multi-talents and versatility. You can do so many things well. The tone of the number 5 is constructive freedom, and in your drive to attain this freedom, you will likely be the master of adaptability and change. You are good at presenting ideas and knowing how to approach people to get what you want. Naturally, this gives you an edge in any sort of selling game and spells easy success when it comes to working with people in most jobs. Your popularity may lead you toward some form of entertainment or amusement. Whatever you do, you are clever, analytical, and a very quick thinker.

If there is too much of the 5 energy in your makeup, you may express some the negative attitudes of the number. Your restless and impatient attitude may keep you from staying with any project for too long. Sometimes you can be rather erratic and scatter yourself and your energies. You have a hard time keeping regular office hours and maintaining any sort of a routine. You tend to react strongly if you sense that your freedom of speech or action is being impaired or restricted in any way. As clever as you are, you may have a tendency to make the same mistakes over and over again because much of your response is glib reaction rather that thoughtful application. You are in a continuous state of flux brought by constantly changing interests.

Your Soul Urge number is: 11

A Soul Urge number of 11 means:
With the 11 Soul Urge, much of your thinking and interests relate to the abstract, the spiritual, and utopian dreams. You are motivated toward idealistic concepts, and the sharing of your ideas and concepts with humanity. This number is not one that is giving in a material or a practical sense, but rather one who desires to help mankind with a more abstract commodity such as religion, spiritualism, occult studies, or even psychic abilities.

If you possess the positive 11 Soul Urge traits, you have a dream of the perfect world; you are highly idealistic and inspirational. Your inner strength and devotion to your beliefs are extremely strong. You have a very good mind that is especially well equipped to handle the higher, more abstract forms of thought.

If there is an excess of 11 energy in your makeup, you may possess some the negative 11 traits. There is a tendency for the 11 to produce considerable amounts of nervous tension which is bought on by a very high level of awareness. You may be too sensitive and overly emotional. In some cases, these sensitivities and emotions are quite repressed, and this tends to add even more to the sense of nervousness in the makeup.

The strong 11 is not a very practical person because of the extreme idealism; often, there is a degree of self-deception present. There is usually a rather fixed idea of right and wrong held by those showing strong 11 traits, and with this very often is a resulting attitude of inflexibility.

Your Inner Dream number is: 3

An Inner Dream number of 3 means:
You dream of artistic expression; writing, painting, music. You would seek to more freely express your inner feeling and obtain more enjoyment from life. You also dream of being more popular, likable, and appreciated.
Wanna see what your name says about you? Click here to find out.