ALTT ~ All Things Tech

Homemade Skyline-like Chili

2009-06-05T14:36:00.002-04:00

While cooking is not a Tech post being able to post a recipe via an application is somewhat techie. With the help of Souschef for the Mac I was able to post this recipe to my blog.

Hope you enjoy one of my favorite recipes.

Skyline-Like Chili
Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef
3 cups water
1 (15 oz) can Tomato sauce
1 onion, chopped
1 ½ tsp vinegar
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 bay leaves
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 ½ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp ground allspice
¼ tsp garlic powder
2 tsp cumin
1 tbsp chili powder
½ tsp crushed red pepper

Directions

Mix ground beef and water until soupy. Mix in other ingredients and simmer, uncovered 3 hours. Stir occasionally. 8 servings

Search, share, and cook your recipes on Mac OS X with SousChef!

PC User Questions - The Cloud?

2009-03-30T11:15:00.003-04:00

I had a normal PC user (a non-geek, a user) today asked me today, "What is this cloud thing?" So I choose to keep my definition as simple as possible and emphasized the functionality of how he already is using it from Google Docs and Email to buying his ammo online. It seems to me that the cloud is a gathering of information (data) and the online applications (e.g. Google docs) we use to understand and manipulate that information.

One Geek (Alex Barrent) put it this way.

The Internet cloud, where the distributed and programmable network of services across the globe will serve all the data, resources and functionality we will ever use.

While it is a complicated statement it seems to sum it up in one sentence.

How would you define the 'Internet Cloud' as a technical term and for your end users?

An "Open Letter" to all IT Departments

2009-02-20T15:19:00.009-05:00

The following is a sample letter many end users have wanted to send into their IT department, but have not had the courage too. All names and location info has been changed to protect the lives of the not so innocent. This work was used with permission from it's creator.

Mr. IT Director, Mr. Student IT Network Tech, and Mr. Aspiring Programmer IT Network Tech

First, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for all you and your web lackeys do for our institution. Your dedication and expertise is renowned throughout the Rust Belt. News of your greatness has even approached the fingerlike region of NY.

I have a complaint however that I must bring to your attention. I was just informed yesterday that my password was going to expire. Simply put, why do I need 14 days warning that my password is going to expire. Seriously, brain surgeons put less thought into a frontal lobotomy then I do with my password. There are few things in life that need a 14 day warning. Historically, D-Day was planned in 13 days, Rome was built in 5 days, and even God created the world in 6 days. 14 days may be a bit of an extreme warning period. When the USA went into Iraq in Operation Desert Storm we gave the Iraq people a 7 day warning and that was before we took over their country.

I would implore you Mr. IT Director to reconsider your complexity requirements as well. I am asked to not use the same password that I have used within the past 600 passwords. That places me well into the year 2025 before I could even consider using my password of choice “ilovebunnies17”. Of course, with your established complexity requirements “ilovebunnies17” would not qualify because it does not have 1 capital letter, 4 tilde key strokes, 2 ancient hieroglyphics, one sample of blood from my first born child, and a hair sample from a Mr. Clean. The hair sample is, to say the least, impossible. I must say that I am flattered you are so concerned about my Free Cell high score and illegal music downloads to force this unneeded protection upon me. What’s the big deal? If someone “breaks” into my computer and beats my high score I feel that I could re-obtain it with ease…seeing I have nothing to do during the work day.

Please accept my advice and improve the system. The people can only handle this oppression for so long. On the day that I choose to change my password I have zero productivity due to the hours of thought and preparation it requires. Is there anything we could do in order to “dumb down” the system for those who struggle with hieroglyphics?

Thank you for your continued support,

Diffie Hellman SOCKS

Bible Study Magazine and Mars Hill Giveaway

2009-02-18T09:15:00.003-05:00

Bible Study Magazine and Mars Hill are teaming up to give away 20 copies of Mark Driscoll’s new book, Vintage Church. But that’s not all. We’ve also decided to give away five (5) one-year subscriptions to Bible Study Magazine and a copy of Bible Study Library from Logos.

Clean Comedy Night in Scranton, PA

2009-02-12T11:49:00.004-05:00

Here is a plug for my son's school. They are having a Comedy Night fundraiser. So if you are in Scranton on March 7th com on by. Read on for details.

Want a fun night out? Want a fun night out? Join me for Clean Comedy Night benefiting The Geneva School (geneva-school.org), a classical Christian school located in Olyphant, PA . The event features three standup comedians in a night that is sure to tickle your funny bone!

The event is scheduled for Saturday March 7th, 2009 at the Electric Theater in downtown Scranton at 7 pm. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. This intimate 150-seat theater most likely will sell out, so don’t wait! .

Performing that evening will be:

Andy Pitz as the headliner. As one of New York City’s most respected comics, Andy appears regularly at New York’s best clubs including The World Famous Comic Strip Live, The Gotham Comedy Club, and Dangerfield’s. He has also appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.
Brad Todd as the feature act. Brad has earned a reputation in the standup comedy world as one of the fastest rising clean comics in the Northeast. His clean, clever approach to comedy is enjoyed by audiences of both comedy clubs and churches, alike.
Tony Klusmeyer as the Master of Ceremonies. Tony has performed hundreds of shows entertaining thousands of people in a variety of venues including comedy clubs, churches, and corporations.

Tickets can be purchased by calling TGS at 570-489-7620.

iPod Touch Tip: Screenshots

2009-02-08T00:43:00.009-05:00

Have you ever wanted to take a screenshot of your iPod Touch? I have and here's how...

Press and hold the power button and then momentarily press the home button. Your screen should flash and then your screenshot will be saved in the "Save Photos" folder of your photo application.

From here you can send it out via your iPod or import it into iPhoto on your Mac.

I would imagine this works on the iPhone as well, but since I do not have one I cannot test it. Now anyone wanting to send me an iPhone can do so and then I will test this tip and any others I come across.

Why not send a screenshot of your homepage or favorite app to your blog or a friend. You could even make a Tweet of it.

This tip was originally found here http://tinyurl.com/5vdhks.

Twitterfeed Test

2009-01-27T01:01:00.002-05:00

Just signed up this blog with Twitterfeed. Twitterfeed is a service designed to twitter your blog posts automatically to the twitter account of your choice. So let's see if this will work.

You can visit their site here.

MacBook iSight Goes Green

2008-05-01T20:56:00.006-04:00

Have you ever had a computer issue that drives you nuts. Well, I have one staring me rate in the face as I type this post out. The iSight camera on my new Intel MacBook will not turn off. The green light will not go off, even after a reboot. Not only will the light not go out none of my apps that can use the camera can gain access to it. It's like the camera is connected to something, but nothing.

The first time this occured I spent an hour or more surfing Apple support pages, the blogosphere, forums, and Usenet groups. I changed the syntax of my searches numeros times and checked the net again and again. Google and I spent a lot of time together. Then I stumbled upon an Apple support page related to anomalies with your hardware. Here I learned that I needed to reset the System Management Controller (SMC). So I have it a try and it worked.

Over time, the settings in the System Management Controller may become unusable, which can result in operational anomalies with the computer. Examples include not turning on, not waking from sleep, not charging the battery, or not recognizing the AC Adapter, among others.

Since this is the third or fourth time this has happened to me I thought it best to leave a post on the net describing my issue and the fix. You'll find that information below as well as two links to the actual Apple support pages I found on reseting hardware anomalies. Hopefully others who are having this same issue will spend less time than I did finding help.

Do you have a MacBook? Have you had any odd issues? If so, leave me a comment.

Resetting PowerBook and iBook Power Management Unit (PMU)

Resetting an Intel Apple portable's System Management Controller (SMC)

MacBook, MacBook Pro

If the computer is on, turn it off.
Disconnect the AC Adapter and remove the computer's battery.
Press and hold down the power button for 5 seconds and then release the button.
Reconnect the battery and AC Adapter.
Press the Power button to restart the computer.

MacBook Air

If the MacBook Air is on, turn it off.
Connect the power adaptor to a working power source.
On the MacBook Air keyboard, press (left) Shift-Control-Option along with the power button once
Note: You must use the keys on the left side of the MacBook Air keyboard.
Wait 5 seconds and press the power button to start the MacBook Air.

Instant Messaging Tools

2007-04-21T13:41:00.000-04:00

It has been ages since my last blog, but today I break the silence to tell you about two IM (Instant Message) services I find thrilling.

MEEBO - an all-in-one IM web client
The first service Meebo is a tool I think many users will find useful. Meebo is an online IM webbased client that has three features I believe to be exteremely useful.

A web based service - this means that you do not have to install any IM software on your computer (MAC, PC, or LINUX) to IM your friends. So say you visit the Abington Library or the Underground Cafe and want to IM your friends. Just log into Meebo and IM your friends away.
Supports 6 IM clients (protocols) - so you can talk with your friends who use AIM, MSN, Yahoo, GTalk, Jabber, or ICQ all at the same time. I have been looking for an all-in-one client for years that was stable. I have tried Trilliam, Gaim, Adium, and even Miranda. All have left me wishing for more either due to the interface or because they continually crash. I am hopeful that this client will change all of that.
A client for your website - Meebo Me! is a service they offer so that you can provide an IM client on your own website. Just look to the right of this column and you will see the IM client for ALTT. If I am logged into Meebo I'll recieve IMs from you and everyone else who IMs me.

OpenFire - your own IM server
OpenFire on the other hand will probably be more of a geeks tool, but I can imagine some creative visionaries seeing opportunity when it knocks. What we have here is an open source server application that will enable you to manage your own IM server from your home or your online server. OpenFire comes in two flavors free and Enterprise and will run on normal or server versions of Windows, Linux, or MAC. I recommend beginning with the free version since the Enterprise is only a plugin upgrade of the free version and the additional features come at a cost. For this review I an using the free version.

According to their site "Openfire is incredibly easy to setup and administer, but offers rock-solid security and performance." I can vouch for the ease of the setup on the Windows platform. All that was involved was running the installer. Once that was run I visited the administration console and it walked me through an extremely easy setup. The only manual part of the setup was my configuration of my Firewalls for OpenFire to communicate with external IM clients. Other wise I would only have been able to chat within my home network.

Free version features...

IM Gateway for talking with third party IM software (e.g. AIM, MSN, etc...)
Group or conference chats
Open registration for accounts or administrator control
LDAP connections
Database can be internal (apart of the app) or external (e.g. mysql)
Language translation with their own client, Spark
IM server to server communication for talking to other jabber (xmpp) IM servers
Supports SSL
Offline message retention
Option for client storage on the server so they can have roaming profiles
FTP ability
Media Proxy for when peer to peer connections fail
VoIP ability

Enterprise Version Features (view a full feature list here)...

Reporting: What manager wouldn't love graphs like the one pictured to the right?
Advanced VoIP: Integrate with your corporate phone system to place and receive SIP phone calls from inside Spark.
Browser-based IM Client: Use the AJAX-based SparkWeb client on any web browser.
Client Control: Stop the client madness -- take control of versions, features and more.
Archiving: If "compliance" is a word your organization uses, you need this feature.
Customer Chat: Add click-to-chat to your website to generate leads, close sales, route questions -- your sales and support people will love this feature.
Support. Professional support by the hard-working and friendly Jive Software team.

Both Meebo and OpenFire with Spark intrigue my curiosity and I hope to see both of these products and companies go far.

USB Thumbdrive Wear Out

2006-05-09T13:53:00.000-04:00

Seems like an eternity since my last post. Life has been busy for me, but I thought this article on USB and Media Flash Drives was important enough for me to come out of hiding.

Last night I read a number of articles (see below links) regarding the lifespan of flash memory. This includes USB thumbdrives and the memory you use for your digital camera. Basically these articles informed me that based on the quality of the thumb drive and how I use it will determine how long it works.

For an overview take a look at James Yeang's FriedBeef Blog you can read his full article here. Not only will you get an overview, but he provides a simple tool to calculate the lifespan of your drive.

For a more detail report read Leo Nottenboom of ask-leo.com report you can read his full article here.

The one thing I took away from this is that I ought to be backing up my USB drives and memory cards if I keep important information on them. Otherwise I am not too worried since it seems I buy a new one every two to three years when larger capacities become available at reasonable prices.

Free Webhosting, Domain Name, and more from...

2006-02-23T21:52:00.000-05:00

Microsoft is offering free website hosting, domain names, and more. Looks like they are trying to entice users to get involved in their beta testing. Currently all three levels of their service are free, but they do offer a warning that after the beta test users of 2 of the 3 levels will need to cough up a monthly fee of $29.99.

Check it out. I know I will over the weekend. I wonder if it will work on my new Mac Mini.

http://officelive.microsoft.com/

Level 1 - Microsoft Office Live Basic
free

Microsoft Office Live Basics is the perfect way to get started on the Web. It features all the basics you need to create your business Web site, plus free hosting, company domain name, e-mail, and more.

Level 2 - Microsoft Office Live Collaboration
$29.99/month after the beta

Microsoft Office Live Collaboration lets you store, share, and manage your everyday business information in one central location.

Level 3 - Microsoft Office Live Essentials
$29.99/month after the beta

Microsoft Offive Live Essentials includes all the features of Office Live Basics and Office Live Collaboration Â and more. Create your own business Web site, access e-mail, share documents, and track projects, customers, and company information from almost anywhere.

Good Software for Free

2006-01-28T10:02:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for software that will make you more productive and yet allow you to keep your shirt. Then check out these sites and their free software.

SoftwareFor.org

The Software for Starving Students CD enhances the Windows and Mac desktop computing experiences by providing an easy way to install free, high-quality software titles via a user-friendly interface. It includes popular open source programs like Firefox and OpenOffice, intended to help students learn about and benefit from open source and free software programs. The SSS team put all the most commonly used free programs onto one CD to make it easier for students to install useful software (including fully-featured office suites, 3D graphic editors and much more) for free. To preview the new SSS interface, check out some screenshots of the latest release.

TheOpenCD.org

TheOpenCD is a collection of high quality Free and Open Source Software. The programs run in Windows and cover the most common tasks such as word processing, presentations, e-mail, web browsing, web design, and image manipulation. We include only the highest quality programs, which have been carefully tested for stability and which we consider appropriate for a wide audience. Read more about TheOpenCD.

Greek and Hebrew Flash Card Program for the PocketPC and Palm

2006-01-27T08:55:00.000-05:00

I have been waiting for SouthPaw Solutions to develop their PocketPC version of the MiniFlash program. Finally, the beta has arrived. MiniFlash for the Palm and PocketScholar for the PocketPC allow the user to keep his Greek, Hebrew, and additional language flashcards on their PDA. Now instead of carrying rings of paper vocab cards we can carry complete multiply vocab lists in one small PDA.

Pictured on the left is the PocketPC version.

MiniFlash is a working released version, but PocketScholar is only in beta which means it may still have bugs. Eventually PocketScholar will be fully developed and ready for the public to rely on. I look for ward to that day, but in the meantime I will try the beta version.

MiniFlash for Palm is an excellent tool. When I had my Handspring I found this language tool most useful. It was an immense help in learning my vocab while I was on the go. I expect that PocketScholar when it is fully developed will be no different.

Godspeed,
Wesley

Create your own Streaming Radio Channel

2006-01-11T21:07:00.000-05:00

Do you love music? If so you may really enjoy this site, www.pandora.com. Their mission is "To help you discover new music you'll love." What they offer is streaming music of your choice. You create a radio station based on a artist or song you enjoy and then Pandora creates a music list for you of songs similiar to your first choice.

Free Route Planning And Mapping Sites

2005-12-07T22:12:00.000-05:00

InformationWeek has an outstanding list of various Free Route Planning And Mapping Sites. I would post the list here, but I feel more comfortable link you to their site for the info.

Check out their site here or copy this link to your browser http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=174402923

Mini Amp and Headphones

2005-12-07T21:53:00.000-05:00

I found this on one of my deal sites and I thought people like Jax and DK would find it interesting.

Esteban Mini Amplifier and Headphone Set (Mfr# 914-093) » only $40.90 Shipped (List : $54.95)

More Audio Equipment Deals : More HSN.com Coupons

Take the show on the road with Esteban's Mini Amplifier and Headphones - designed to make your Esteban Electric Guitar totally portable. This small, battery-operated electronics device has an external speaker and headphone jack. Designed for use with your Esteban electric guitar (sold separately) plugged into the mini amp, you'll get lots of enjoyment entertaining yourself or a few friends. Adjust the volume to listen quietly or crank it up! A gain control helps you manage sound distortion and sustain. Control the treble/base balance by making tone adjustments. Because Esteban's Mini Amp uses a common 9V battery, replacements are available almost anywhere batteries are sold!

HSN.com is carrying this Headphone Set for $34.95

Shipping cost on this item is $5.95

Your Final Price: $34.95 + $5.95 = $40.90 Shipped

Note: HSN.com charges sales tax for orders shipped to Florida and California!

Tell a Friend about this deal: Just email this link

Sharpie Pens are bad for CDR-DVD Media?

2005-12-06T10:37:00.000-05:00

Here is an article to be aware of if you do long term storage backups on CD or DVD writable media. In the end be sure to have multiply backups and backups methods.

Can it really be true? Apparently Sharpie pens are not water based (they are oil based) so this link claims that after only 100 hours of accelerated aging at 60ÃÂ°C and 85% relative humidity, all the test discs degraded with both Sharpie and Dixon Redisharp Plus pens! This is bad news for a lot of people and good news for both the MPAA and RIAA!

read more | digg story

RISK The Game On Google Maps

2005-12-04T21:20:00.000-05:00

UPDATE
Online Google Maps Risk is no more. It seems the owners, Hasbro, have sent the creator a cease and desist letter regarding the use of the Risk name and similar elements in the box game.

It is to bad that companies like Hasbro do not see the light about online publicity like this. I see two things they are missing. First, those who already love risk will play it online and buy the board or video games. Secondly, those introduced to the game for the first time, may go out and buy it.

I have a friend who was introduced to Risk for the first time and got hooked. All because of this simply awesome online game using Google Maps. Who knows he may even buy it now. That type of advertising is priceless, especially since I NEVER see them advertise this game anywhere. Hasbro should have seen this as a WIN-WIN situtation. All I know is that I will miss the game and that I will not be updating my version of RISK from Milton Bradley's version to Hasbro's. This one sale they just lost.

ORIGINAL POST ~ 2005.11.08
Risk is one of the two best boardgames in the world. That is why when I saw an online version of Risk I knew I needed to try it out. Well I was sold after one game. This is a lot of fun, even when playing by yourself. It sounds like he will be expanding the game with an online multiperson version. Check this out I think you will enjoy it.

read more digg story

Coolest USB Peripheral Ever... USB Air Darts

2005-12-02T21:37:00.000-05:00

USB Darts that you can control the aim and firing mechinism from your computer mouse when hooked to your standard USB port.

read more | digg story

Create Free Podcasts with Gcast

2005-12-02T21:04:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for a place to create, publish, or share your ideas, music, or comments and voice. Then check out Garageband.com service called Gcast. They are offering these podcast services and more for free.

read more | digg story

Abusive New York Camera Store Threatens Blogger

2005-11-30T10:02:00.000-05:00

Buyer beware. Read this blog on one shoppers online purchase turned into a nightmare.

"I will make sure you will never be able to place an order on the internet again." "I'm an attorney, I will sue you." "I'm going to call your local police and have two officers come over and arrest you." Just a few of the fun things I got to hear today from someone who said his name was Steve Phillips over at PriceRitePhoto.

read more | digg story

How to Get Revenge Against Junk Faxers

2005-11-29T14:20:00.000-05:00

This Washington Post article offers some unique (and sometimes hilarious) solutions to stop junk faxes and make the spammers wince in the process. The article also provides some background on why junk faxes persist and provides links to additional web resources.

read more | digg story

Portable USB Drive Apps

2005-11-29T14:14:00.000-05:00

List of utilities that can be run from a USB drive. Editors, graphics programs, network, repair, and diagnostic tools included.

read more | digg story

Mac OS X Tiger free video tutorials

2005-11-25T21:48:00.000-05:00

This site looks like a great resource to those of you looking to learn more about your Mac. Though it may be to basic for some more advanced Mac users.

Atomic Learning offers a variety of free video tutorials covering many aspects of Mac OS X 10.4. Here you can learn about the Dashboard, Spotlight as well as other new features.

digg story

Tape defeats any CD DRM

2005-11-21T10:47:00.000-05:00

Looking to get around Sony's XCP digital rights on your CDs. Then try using tape. This site tells you how and why it works.

read more | digg story

THE SURF GUITAR

2005-11-20T19:03:00.000-05:00

If this ever hits the market guitar players who love using their PC may find it hard to get anything else done. This guitar has an Intel Centrino powered laptop inside this working guitar. Now if they would combine PCs and Legos I would be in heaven.

See more about this at Pocket-Lint.co.uk

BigFoot Keyboard

2005-11-20T18:42:00.000-05:00

Looking to relive a childhood moving staring Tom Hanks! Then look no further than Suzuki's BigFoot. This foot size piano requires no power and can be setup to contain three octaves. What I find most interesting about this "piano" is that instead of hammers and strings it uses reeds and forced air to produce it's sounds. Suzuki's site describes the BigFoot as...

A gigantic piano keyboard sculptured from perfectly proportioned oversized foam piano keys. They snap together to form one, two, even three full chromatic octaves! Step on any key and play a perfectly formed, in tune note. Play melodies, chords, songs with one student or the whole class.

Now go out and have fun playing chopsticks with your boss. Just remember that you'll have to take turns on this keyboard.

Suzuki Instruments’ Big Foot [Product Page]
Ultraziod Keyboard (Gizmodo)

Robotic Guitar Tuner

2005-11-20T18:24:00.000-05:00

Having trouble tuning your guitar? Then try this gadget out and get in tune with the band. Visit the Hot Guitarist to purchase.

Check out this comments as well...
Robotic Guitar Tuner (Gizmodo)
The String Master Robotic Guitar Tuner (OhGizmo!)
Robotic Guitar Tuner (Hot Guitarist)

Cool Internet speed test

2005-11-19T21:03:00.000-05:00

A graphical tool that will show you your Internet test and compare it with other services.

read more | digg story

Run Away! Run Away!

2005-11-18T11:54:00.000-05:00

Might this be the famed Monty Pyton killer rabbit plush toy we have all been wating for!!!

Check it out here at ThinkGeek.com

Win an iPod Shuffle Like I did

2005-11-14T12:05:00.000-05:00

Last month all I did was sign up on Thursday and by Tuesday I was notified that I was the winner of Octobers iPod Shuffle drawing. Check out their site and scroll to the bottom to see my name listed. ~~Now I have not as of yet seen the shuffle, but I am waiting patiently.~~ I guess this means I will need to begin using iTunes.

While you are over at Cannon PC's website Register for the Cannon PC Monthly newsletter and a chance to win a Register for the Cannon PC Monthly newsletter and a chance to win an Apple iPod Shuffle 1 GB MP3 player! They are giving away one iPod each month!

Before I go if you are curious as to what Cannon PC does they seem to specialize in media center PCs for your home theater system. They are looking to provide you the ultimate experience in your viewing habits.

UPDATE
I recieved my iPod Shuffle today. I guess there are legit iPod drawings. Now I need to decide what to do with it. I already have a 1GB MP3 player I like so I do not need this one. Maybe I'' sell it or give it away for Christmas.

"Once iPodder, now Juice" by They Might Be Midgets

2005-11-13T21:04:00.000-05:00

My favorite podcast aggregator official changed their name from iPodder to Juice. It seems that a certain company did not like their use of iPod in their name. So once again the little company bows to the big one. I find it ironic that the now big once small company has become a lot like their rival. What ever happened to Peace, Hope, Joy and Charity? Maybe they all got married, had children, and moved on.

So what is a podcast? I am glad you asked. A podcast is an audio or video file most often an audio mp3 that you as a user can automatically download without having to personally visit the site everytime a new podcast post is added. The Wiki Encyclopedia describes it as...

Technologies for automatically distributing audio and video programs over the internet via a publish and subscribe model. Podcasting enables independent producers to create self-published, syndicated "radio shows," and gives broadcast radio or television programs a new distribution method.

As stated above many podcasters are using this audio and video distribution format to become DJ's, talkshow host, and TV networks via the internet. Have you ever wanted your own radio show? Well using podcast technology you can now be the next Rush Limbaugh, Paul Harvey, or Nancy and Kevin Lynn and never leave your bedroom.

Watch for more to come on the topic of podcasting in the meantime check out Juice's site and download their program. Then subscribe to some podcasts to get a feel for what you can get. Currently I download and listen to tech shows, daily audible Bible readings, and even Sherlock Holmes stories. If you want a few quick sites to listen to here they are, but please be aware that the FCC does not regulate this media so at times you may come across questionable material. Please be discerning in what you listen to. Just copy the url into your Podcast Aggregator and it will begin the downloads for you. Be sure to look for archived issues in the subscription window.

Tech - Leo Laoporte - http://leoville.tv/podcasts/leo.xml
Bible - NETBible daily readings - http://feeds.feedburner.com/thebiblepodcast
Sherlock Holmes - http://www.pinkgeek.net/weblog3/rss.xml

Expect to see a fuller list in the future.

Did anyone catch the flash back to a music group from my youth. Oh, the Glory days!!!!!

The Five Wordpress Plugins You Want

2005-11-13T20:42:00.000-05:00

There are a multitude of blogging services out there for bloggers to use. Those that have features that make blogging easier and more fun are always wanted. Check out these tools if you are using WordPress and want some plugins.

After installing and customizing wordpress I soon realized that I would need a couple of features to improve it. After a few hours of search and a few hours more of trying different plug ins here is a list of 5 plug ins I find of great value.

FolderShare now free!

2005-11-13T20:26:00.000-05:00

Hey this service looks like it could be very useful as long as they do not look at your files. I plan to give this a try. After which I will give you my thoughts on this service.

FolderShare, a service that used to cost $50/year, is now free, thanks to Microsoft which has recently bought the company. FolderShare allows you to create a private peer-to-peer network that will help you to synchronize files across multiple devices and access or share files with colleagues and friends.

Betcha Didn't Know Your Mac Could Do This...

2005-11-12T21:32:00.000-05:00

Being new to the Mac word any information on how one can more easily use an OS is appreciated. Check out this site if you are new to the Mac world as well.
This site includes a...

Sweet list of boot command keys. I know this is Digg and on Digg, everybody knows everything and all stories are old news or dupes. There has to be someone who didn't know these....

GIMP your PICS

2005-11-10T22:51:00.000-05:00

While we are on the topic of image editors here is another one I like. Gimp is not for the faint hearted. It is a high power image editor and it will take some time to learn, but I think once you have learned how to properly use this you will love it.

Their site has this to say about their product.

GIMP is the GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is a freely distributed piece of software for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring. It works on many operating systems, in many languages.

Paint.NET v2.5 Beta 5 is NOW OUT!!

2005-11-10T22:25:00.000-05:00

Paint.NET is an excellent FREE image editing program. According to this digg post "Paint.net is just like photo shop but better and FREE!!" I do not know about it being better, but it does an awesome job for a FREE editor.

read more | digg story

Review of Price-Comparison Sites

2005-11-08T21:18:00.000-05:00

I am all about finding the best deal online and for a long time I have used EdealInfo.com and PriceGrabber.com. Recently I have just added cheap.typepad.com. All of these have been of great use to me and I am always willing to add more sites.

Well in comes this post from Digg that talks about an article that reviews a variety of shopping sites. So I have linked to it for you to review as well. Personally, my favorites are still PriceGrabber, EDealInfo, and CheapStingyB------.

read more digg story

Awesome Nano iPod Headset

2005-11-07T13:25:00.000-05:00

These foldable, battery free headphones are said to be lightweight and include a standard 3.5-mm jack for non-nano connectivity or full (blind) access to the inserted nano's controls via integrated click wheel

read more | digg story

Test Blog

2005-11-06T21:47:00.000-05:00

This is being sent via my Axim X50v.

Blogging with Blogger Made Easier

2005-11-06T21:31:00.000-05:00

Wow I just found a really awesome tool for Microsoft Word. My last post to BodyLife was done from Microsoft Word via a toolbar add in . The install was simple and using the tool was even simpler. I just typed in my text including formatting and then I click the post button. It queried me to setup some settings and chose a blog (I have 3 at blogspot currently administer). Then it submitted it to Blogspot for me and I was done. I am not sure if I will use it a lot but I will keep this tool in my pocket so I can more easily blog offline.

I also am using another tool I find most interesting. Blogspot allows me to email my blogs in. That is what I am doing as I type. So when you read this message you should know that it came from my email client and not Word or through Blogspot's website. It is a feature they have built into their service. So you may see more posts as time goes since I will be able to blog with my PDA, Cell Phone, Laptop, or Desktop. As long as I have an Internet connection I can stay connected to my blog. How cools is that. I think this feature only limited by the fact that I cannot email pictures with my post. Maybe they will add that in the future.

Links
BodyLife Blog - http://BodyLife.blogspot.com
Blogger For Word - http://buzz.blogger.com/bloggerforword.html
Email Blogging - http://help.blogger.com/bin/answer.py?answer=135&topic=38

Stay Young!

PowerBook to gain iSight, iBook to go widescreen in 2006

2005-11-05T22:17:00.000-05:00

With the initiation of the Intel Power Mac project last month, all five of Apple's Intel Macintosh projects are now said to be underway and moving at an exhaustive, yet fruitful pace. It should come as no surprise that Apple chief executive Steve Jobs is reportedly leading the charge, with his heart set on making 2006 the next 1984.

read more | digg story

Nanoscale Batteries

2005-11-02T22:24:00.000-05:00

"Startup A123Systems Inc. on Wednesday (Nov. 2) unveiled a line of nanoscale, Lithium-based batteries said to deliver up to ten times longer battery life and five times the power gains." InformationWeek

Just imagine having smaller batteries that last longer and can power larger more power hungry devices. My PDA could last weeks potential with the wireless on. My laptop would be lighter and last longer. My MP3 player could be smaller. They could even more easily begin the development or implementation of small probes, robots, pace makers, or other health related technologies to improve our lives. Though this could put a hamper on RadioShack's battery sales.

Test Your ISP's Speed

2005-11-02T19:48:00.000-05:00

Check out CNET's ISP Speed test. Find out how fast your ISP connection really is. Be sure though to test it at varying times of the day and week to get a fair feel for the speed of your connection. I also recommend that you not use bittorrent or do any other major downloading that could take up bandwidth for your test.

read more | digg story

Talk to a live person

2005-11-02T19:18:00.000-05:00

Looking for some cheat codes when calling a company to complain or have questions? Then check out this site before you make your call. It may save you hours pushing buttons in the hopes that you will be able to talk to a live person.

I am not sure how uptodate this list is, but it is worth a try.

read more | digg story

How the Death Star works

2005-11-02T18:55:00.000-05:00

The biggest, most powerful and most evil space station ever. A nice description about how the Death Star and its awesome Super Laser would work, along with some interesting background information and some facts that were not mentioned in the movies.

I found this article to fascinating reading and I plan to bookmark this so that I can read about the various other StarWars technology that they have written articles on.

read more digg story

Move over, Mac Mini -- MiniPC runs Linux

2005-11-02T09:21:00.000-05:00

"A Taiwanese systems integrator is readying a tiny Linux-powered PC likely to make even Mac Mini owners envious. The AOpen MiniPC measures 6.5 x 6.5 x 2 inches, is powered by an Intel Pentium M or Celeron M processor, and runs Linspire Linux. "

Mac or PC Mini I do not care. I would love to have one in my living room to hook up to our TV and Stereo. It is the perfect size for what I have been looking to add to my Entertainment System. Maybe I will put one in the bedroom and bathrooms. Oh I see many possibilities....

Please be warned that the pictures are not to scale.

read more digg story

Huge LEGO Millenium Falcon

2005-11-02T09:08:00.000-05:00

LEGO sells their own brick version of the Millenium Falcon, but this LEGO manic built his own version of the famous smuggling ship. What is really awesome is the amount of detail the LEGO artist put into this model. They state...

My second version of the famous starship. Bigger, better, sturdier, studlier. Three feet long, twenty-six inches wide, eight inches tall - not counting turret or dish.

Check out the site here and other LEGO Millenium Falcons as well.

"May the LEGO be with you."

read more digg story

Useful guides on how to make/convert/encode Any Media File!

2005-11-01T19:21:00.000-05:00

digg says... "This site will help you to make your own VideoCDs, SVCDs or DVDs that can be played on your standalone DVD Player from video sources like DVD, Video, TV, DV, Cam or downloaded movie clips like DivX, MOV, RM, WMV and ASF."

Thought I would pass this information along to you my friends. The site looks to have a lot of useful information, but it may be a little over whelming. Regardless, I think that you will find a useful resource here.

read more digg story

33 reasons NOT to put your pic on the internet

2005-11-01T16:26:00.000-05:00

Based on this story I think I will be removing my own pic from this blog. When you see this site you are going to laugh your socks off. This site will show you why not to put your pic on the internet.

Please be advised that one of the pics maybe inappropriate to view any larger.

read more digg story

Lamborghini towing a Lamborghini

2005-11-01T16:22:00.000-05:00

This pic is just crazy. It's a rare Lamborghini LM002 V12 SUV that the Italian exotic carmaker made for a short time back in the day towing a brand new Gallardo. Rich people are nuts.

read more digg story

Paper Trucks

2005-10-31T11:32:00.000-05:00

Looking for a fun project for yourself or some children? Then look no further than this site where they provide 17 various truckes that you can build with paper and glue or tape.

Once you have your rig up and running don't forget to learn some of the trucker jargon you'll need to speak like a professional driver on the road or your favorite Duke's of Hazzard character.

"Ten-Four" good buddies. I'm "Tightening up The Rubberband" and keeping my eyes open for "Tijuana Taxis" as I head on out.

USB Guitar

2005-10-31T09:35:00.000-05:00

We keep hearing about direct guitar-to-computer connections, but respected custom guitar maker Brian Moore is actually shipping one that works, right now: the iGuitar.USB. Plug a single USB cable into your computer, and you’ve got instant audio: no external power, breakout boxes, or drivers needed. Gibson’s not-yet-shipping “digital” Les Paul can’t do that. Better repaint your PowerBook so it doesn’t look too dorky onstage. -P. Kirn
Brian Moore USB-Based Guitar Shipping [Create Digital Music]

This site has Amazing guides on how to make/convert/encode Any Media File!

2005-10-31T09:31:00.000-05:00

This site will help you to make your own VideoCDs, SVCDs or DVDs that can be played on your standalone DVD Player from video sources like DVD, Video, TV, DV, Cam or downloaded movie clips like DivX, MOV, RM, WMV and ASF.

read more digg story

World's most beautiful aerial pictures

2005-10-31T09:28:00.000-05:00

Here's a pretty good collection of amazing aerial photography. Hope it hasn't been posted yet.

read more digg story

Theory suggests that global warming caused by humans started 8000 years ago

2005-10-31T09:11:00.000-05:00

William Ruddiman, a professor of environmental sciences at the University of Virginia, is behind a controversial theory suggesting that humans had a hand in warming the planet nearly 8,000 years ago, and in doing so, might have prevented another ice age.

read more | digg story

See how much 1dollar was worth in the 19th century!

2005-10-30T20:37:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wondered what the value of a dollar was in 1895? Here is a place where you can convert todays dollar value with any past years.

read more digg story

Computer squishes into wall-socket

2005-10-29T21:29:00.000-04:00

An Israeli firm has found a way to make computers totally disappear from offices. The company's "Jack-PC" squishes inside a standard in-the-wall network connector box and contains a Windows CE based thin-client computer. It gets its power, and connects to the outside world, over Ethernet inside the wall.

read more digg story

Free A+ Certification Online School

2005-10-28T23:15:00.001-04:00

ProProfs.com Academy provides the free quality resources on A plus certification exam for preparation, training, exams and testing. Our CompTIA A+ school provides you online access to resources required to gather skills and knowledge to quickly become A+ certified. All resources and study material are totally free to all learners.

read more | digg story

NEW!!! a device identifies the gun + location the second of SHOOTING!!!

2005-10-28T23:15:00.000-04:00

A sniper fires on American troops in Iraq. In the milliseconds before the bullet hits â?? in fact, before the shot is even heard â?? a computer screen reveals the gun's model and exact location

read more | digg story

What was No.1 on the day you were born?

2005-10-27T00:24:00.000-04:00

Have you ever wondered what song was number one on your brithday? If so, do I have a site for you. Click here to see who was rocking on your Birthday.

The Wall Climbing Light

2005-10-26T14:34:00.000-04:00

This light would be perfect for adding a little fun to any room. How fun it would be to have a number of these in your room to illuminate your house.

The Climbing Light ($45) will attach to any wall using just one screw, and features a silver top to create a nice splash of downward light.

Visit Unique and Uncrate to see or buy this unique light.

Photobucket

2005-10-26T14:21:00.000-04:00

This is a test post from Photobucket.com

Windows/Keyboard Hybrids

2005-10-25T14:48:00.000-04:00

What you have here is a fully operational Windows PC that integreates a fully opertional musical instrument and a recording studio. Forget having to have a seperate system to haul around with you when you jam it up on the go. With this Windows/Keyboard Hybrid you have it all in one unit. Prices range from $2300 to $4000.

JAM ON!!

Check it out these blogs regarding this hybrid - Gizmodo and Create Digital Music.

Pop? Coke? Soda?

2005-10-25T09:35:00.000-04:00

I have blogged thi sbefore on my Xanga site, but I thought it might be of interest to post here.

What is the right name for a soft drink? This map shows what we call them across the country

read more | digg story

How Much Money SHOULD You Be Making in IT?

2005-10-24T23:06:00.000-04:00

No one ever said they wanted to be a Webmaster when they grew up and with good reason... they make just $50k/year. According to Computerworld's latest IT salary survey, entry level programmers should be making about $65k/year, but the real money is in database management ($90k+). What's the average Digg employee's salary?

read more | digg story

New Laptop PC for Music

2005-10-24T13:48:00.000-04:00

MusicXPC has introduced the Professional M3, a Pentium-based media production laptop computer designed for audio professionals such as musicians, producers and composers.

Create Your Own Video Podcast News Feed

2005-10-24T10:41:00.000-04:00

A posting on the Yahoo! Search Blog explains how to use the search engine to create a dynamic video search RSS feed. A form is available to automatically generate feed URLs. Because the feed is generate automatically, videos may not be formatted correctly for a particular player, such as the new video iPods.

Check out these two blogs regarding this topic.
Yahoo and PodCasting News

Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit for Windows XP

2005-10-24T10:37:00.000-04:00

Overview
Shared computers are commonly found in schools, libraries, Internet and gaming cafés, community centers, and other locations. Often, non-technical personnel are asked to manage shared computers in addition to their primary responsibilities. Managing shared computers can be difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. Without restrictions, users can change the desktop appearance, reconfigure system settings, and introduce spyware, viruses, and other harmful programs. Repairing damaged shared computers costs significant time and effort. User privacy is also an issue. Shared computers often use shared accounts that make Internet history, saved documents, and cached Web pages available to subsequent users. The Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit for Windows XP provides a simple and effective way to defend shared computers from untrusted users and malicious software, safeguard system resources, and enhance and simplify the user experience. The Toolkit runs on genuine copies of Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home Edition, and Windows XP Tablet PC Edition.

Check it out here.

Setup your own free Linux based WIFI Hotspot

2005-10-24T10:22:00.000-04:00

Public IP provides hotspot operators with an extremely simple, highly versatile, FREE, open source hotspot solution. Public IP's ZoneCD is freely distributed software that has been created to help implement safe, free, WiFi hotspots. Setting up a free WiFi Hotspot can be as easy as hooking up an access point, popping in a CD and rebooting.

Change Detection Service Test

2005-10-23T23:00:00.000-04:00

In the side bar you will notice my ALTT Update Email service. I am testing this service out to see if it will notify my readers of changes to this page. If this works within a day of the change you shoudl recieve an email notifaction of a new post to the blog.

Godspeed,
Wesley

Full Resolution Photos of NASA's New Spaceship

2005-10-23T22:35:00.000-04:00

Visit NASA'S website for some full resolution photos of NASA's new spaceship. Be prepared to have to scroll if your browser does not automatically resize the images for you. I have included a small sample for your viewing pleasure. Some of you may feel somewhat nostalgic as you look at this "new" ship.

Propane-injected paintball gun

2005-10-23T22:06:00.000-04:00

Propane-injected paintball gun
Marker-maker Tippmann has a the C-3 with PEP marker and it uses "Propane Enhanced Performance", in non-marketing terms this means it uses propane instead of CO2. The benefits of propane are that it will not freeze when you playing this winter, you will get about 50,000 shots out of your marker instead of the around 800 to 1000 from your CO2 16 oz. canister, and it will cost you less $ in the long run. Propane is cheaper than CO2 and on average it cost $250 a pop versus an $8 propane tank that you can buy at a local hardware or camping store. The new C-3 with PEP is going to set you back $229, but it pays for itself from not having to use CO2.

* Hot Deal* on Dell 416 MHz Axim X51

2005-10-21T15:34:00.000-04:00

Dell 416 MHz Axim X51 Handheld with MS Windows Mobile 2003, Bluetooth, Card Slot, Built-In Mircrophone & Speakers » only $208.91 + Free Shipping

*** Hot Deal***

The Dell™ 416 MHz Axim X50 packs style and impressive features in a sleek, sophisticated design. Powered by the Intel® XScale™ PXA270 Processor at 416 MHz, 64 MB SDRAM and 64 MB Intel® StrataFlash® ROM, the device offers excellent performance. This handheld comes equipped with the Microsoft® Windows® Mobile™ 2003 Second Edition operating system with Windows® Media Player 10 Mobile. It features integrated CompactFlash Type II and Secure Digital / SDIO Now / MMC card slots for flexible expansion. It also includes a 3.5 mm headphone / headset jack for headsets to support voice recognition applications. In addition, the built-in microphone and speaker ensure easy recording while you are on the go. The integrated Bluetooth™ wireless technologies offer flexible connectivity options!

Dell Home is carrying this 416 MHz Axim X51 Handheld for $299.00

During checkout, apply 20% off special coupon code "DBX$K9J6K9T3TK" on it (Expires 10/25/2005 @ 5:59AM CDT or after 1000 redemptions)

Dell Home is also offering Additional 15% discount on this item

Dell Home is offering Free Shipping on all E&A orders

There is a handling charge of $4.99 on this item

Your Final Price: $299 - $95.08 + $4.99 = $208.91 + Free Shipping

Note: Dell Home charges Sales Tax in CA, FL, GA, ID, IL, KY, MI, MN, MS, MO, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, TX, VA, WA & WI states (More Details)!

Visit Edealinfo.com for more Dell and other PDA deals.

Working in Comfort

2005-10-21T13:10:00.000-04:00

This looks like an ideal workstation. Especially for those of us with back and neck pain. Check the ULTIMATE ERGONOMIC WORKSTATION at Akihabara News site. Anyone who wants to buy me one for Christmas go right ahead.

Slip N’ Slide With WATERWEAR For The Shuffle

2005-10-21T12:52:00.000-04:00

Slip N' Slide With WATERWEAR For The Shuffle

READ MORE: Outdoors, Portable Media, Waterproof, accessories, iPod Accessories

Have you always wanted to take a walk in the rain or run through the sprinkler system as you enjoy listening to Water Music or your favorite "Acid Rain" Rock. Well now you can and you can do it in style with your iPod Shuffle. On your next Wilderness trip you'll be already to enjoy nature and music.Accordingg to Gizmodo this item will be available in November for $24.95.
WATERWEAR Shuffle Product Page

Security Now! Episode 9: Rootkits

2005-10-21T00:53:00.000-04:00

This is one podcast you must subscribe to if you are involved in any kind of activity that involves a computer. Whether it be for personal or business use. Leo Laporte and Steve Gibson offer entertaining advice on a range of security issue that every user needs to be aware of.

The following blurd was taken from their RSS feed http://leo.am/podcasts/sn. Get it or get got.

Security Now! Episode 9: Rootkits
By leo@leoville.com (Leo Laporte) on Security
This week Steve and I discuss Rootkits and how spyware is beginning to used this advanced hacker technique to hide from you (and removal tools). We also recommend an excellent rootkit revealer.

This week's links:

Sysinternals Rootkit Revealer rootkit scanner
RootKit Revealer info
Microsoft's malicious software removal tool (adding rootkit detection)
F-Secure's new BlackLight (beta release)
Microsoft Research Strider Ghostbuster Rootkit Detection and other useful info
The "rootkit" web site. This site contains sample code for a number of user-mode and kernel-mode rootkits as well as ongoing discussions on how to develop rootkits.
The legendary hacker/cracker "Phrack" web site. This site stores the archive of Phrack, a cracker-oriented magazine where developers share flaws in security-related products, rootkit techniques, and other malware tips and tricks.
Thanks to Jamie Diamond (a high school sophomore) for our opening theme and Mark Blasco for our closer.

Running time: 32:19

Computer Glitches Release Prisoners

2005-10-21T00:49:00.000-04:00

A Michigan state audit showed that computer glitches released 23 prisoners at the wrong time -- some more than five months early.

One just hopes that they fix their software problem before they release someone who is not suspose to be released at all.

read more | digg story

Interactive: How Apple saves you money, and the environment...

2005-10-21T00:31:00.000-04:00

Since all Mac computers are shipped with Energy Saver enabled, Apple saves you money right out of the box. Use this ''handy'' tool to calulate just how much you are saving by using the Energy Saver Mode.

read more | digg story

Flock available to download

2005-10-21T00:30:00.000-04:00

Flock Developer Preview Download (0.5pre) is ready to download, but only for a selection of people. This is a mirror of the page which have password, but available to everybody.

In case you do not Flock is a new type of web browser that integrates a blog editor for easier blogging to your site(s).

Godspeed!

read more | digg story

Welcome to ALTT - All Things Tech

2005-10-20T23:31:00.000-04:00

Today begins a new journey for me. This site will be my attempt to talk about any thing in technology that I find of interest. This may range from Mac's and PC's to how technology can be used in education. I see this blog as an outlet for me to post news, reviews, gadget info, and website information that is useful to me and possible to you my reader. As I surf the web I am sure you may find certain recurring topics. This is not only due to my interests but also because I am always looking for items that may help out my friends and family in their search of the web. While I hope to be creative enough to engage you in my own prose I am sure you will see reposted material here from other sites. Of course I will give you the link from which I find the article and I will also be careful of copyright issues. So sit back and enjoy the ride and if you are looking for something let me know, maybe I'll find it and post it here for you.