Recommendation for Inspiration & Learning

Amidst the wonders of online tutorials, there are some that stand out that are easy to access and useful.

My list begins with: TUTVID - one reason, is that one can use the step by step direction and in some cases,  choose a video tutorial - which shows up in the window not having to go to another video place, ie. Youtube or Vimeo. 

Samples useful for some Webdesigners and Graphics people are:

TUTVID

INTRO Dreamweaver - 

an easy start to using Dreamweaver

TEXTURED BACKGROUND 

 is a tutorial for making a textured background.

LINEN BACKGROUND

a linen background.

The world in Pictures!

LOVE the way a picture tells a story!
We are lucky to have online today so many "stories" told via pictures.

I also have some fav sites to see what is happening around the world. 

Here are some recommendations to see around the world photographed by great image takers. 

LATIMES Frameworks

NYTimes "From the Lens"blog

Moments Like This blog

Chromasia

The Library of Congress American Memory

Pics for Learning

Copy Right Free Sources for Google Doodle and more!

Copyright free- what does that mean?

There are many ways to look at "what is FREE".

And the more I read, the more I am questioning? What is FREE?
Shepherd Fairy used photos for his famous Obama HOPE poster creating a style that he is now noted for and also brought him to court for his using someone else's photograph-- and making $$ from it. Big money from posters, tee-shirts, - not as bad as some designers who sell out to everything that will show a picture and sometimes a town!  ( Thomas Kinkade signature items to name one.)


 Jacob Cass who created the logo above, made it available as a free PDF under a Creative Commons 2.0 license. In his words, "This means you CAN copy, print, distribute, display, and use this work for any purpose under the conditions that you give me credit for the work and that you do not make money from it."

Jacob Cass administers the Logo Designer Blog and is a designer (view portfolio)  from Sydney, Australia.  In this blog, he raises the question, "What is free?".  His links to other sources are worthy of a good read and discussion. 

Listed below are some Copyright free links for images.

Feel free to use them with the criteria listed, ie note the origin and don't blame me if someone complains and disagrees -there is no set criteria for using images--  no matter HOW much you photoshop it- at least from what I have been told.

"Copyright [dates] by [author/owner]"  You can use C in a circle © instead of "Copyright"
for proper notice.

Copyright & Fair Use Resources
Copyright and Fair-Use Guidelines 
Stanford University Libraries: Copyright Information
Copyright and Online Music
Library of Congress U.S. Office of Copyright
Copyright and Fair-Use in the Classroom (University of MD) 

Also.. an interesting article about copyright is by Brad Templeton. 

Copyright Free Image Resources

Free Photo Gallery
Pic Drome
copyright-free-images.com
Free Digital Photos 
Flickr: Free Use Photos
Free Images Collection
Flickr: The Commons

Google Doodle 2012  IF I Could Travel in Time, I'd Visit...


 IT'S that time again! Google's annual DOODLE CONTEST. Here is the link for the application and info for entering. The deadline comes up before you know it, so get on and start working now. REMEMBER use your own images or copyright free ones.

March 7th iPAD3

It sounds "official" that the introduction of the iPAD3 will be introduced in SF on March 7th- not held off by the Apple negotiations in China disputing factory practices and name disputes. The prices were lowered by BestBuy by $50 on the iPad2 which means they are clearing the stocks for the newest coming along in a few weeks. From all the rumors about the new iPad3 - sounds like it may have SIMI, higher resolution screen, and similar casing. Heard that there is a new Flash app to download which means Apple is now giving in to the Adobe debate. For me, I am NOT interested in the rumored "smaller version iPad". Reading on a Kindle like size is NOT my idea of joy of reading. Sure it is more affordable for the average person and does take some into the world of digital reading- but as we can see from the numerous uses of the iPad ( even on the "Let's Make a Deal" show they use iPads for the displays!) - the size we have now is all I want. Speaking of iPad apps-- I am connected to "My TOWN"! Proud to say, I am remodeling my buildings and finding new ways to buy and sell land. The decision making is teaching me something about "do I expand ( make more money) to buy land and businesses - make housing for people with community places to use OR .. leave some open space for living the life of luxury. All things my OWN real life has never given me the options to make. Now I am getting an idea of how addictive Being an Enterprising person with $$$$$$ can change the world -- for the 'better' no, but for the $$$$$ and power. All from a game!

Make Art Tilt with Artist Scott Garner's "Still Life"

Still LIFE is no longer "still" with this "painting". Artist Scott Garner has customized a television connected to a rotating mount from Ergomart. Scott Garner attached a spatial sensor from Phidgets to the back of the television. The software is a C application to communicate with the sensor and feed data to a Unity 3D scene. A camera attached to sensor data with lights and other objects to help it rotate in unison.

Panorama Views -thanks Adobe

I just downloaded a Panorama view app on my iPhone but here is one feature tutorial of Adobe CS5 that is more hands on and pretty direct to do. Thanks for the instructor, Richard Harrington, whose style of delivery is well planned and easy to follow. Will post a sample pic for you !

You is Kind, You is Smart, You is Important

One of the my favorite QUOTES from a great book by Katherine Stockett and film directed by Tate Taylor , The Help, with Oscar winning performances by Octavia Spencer, and Golden Globe, SAG winner, Viola Davis.  

Fotoshop by Adobé

Here is the way to making one's first million$$$ -
using Photoshop to "create the media look".

Watch what you say, the Gregorys can Make you Sing!

Here is the behind the scenes explanation of those online videos which are changed by the software of the "Gregory family and technology"- presented by our fav, David Poque. Some good ideas for us teachers to share with our students using music technology and video- my big question is, "Who has the Rights to what we say and do online?" I see some people using Facebook pictures and adding voice overs - I believe this is NOT ethical. You judge for yourself, in the meantime, I will advise "do not use other's images without permission." Especially, for negative media.

MEDIA & SPORTS HEROES

iPHone RETRO Style

MY FAVORITE!  OLD SCHOOL IPHONE HOLDER

YUBZ Retro Classic Handsets 

The disputes as to the effects of radiation on the human beings using cellphones continues. This time, we have marketing that promotes the "old school", retro, phone hand helds to be attached to our mobile devices using the "reduces 96%-99% of the
In fact, on the Imobifone Mobile Phone website, they state the following:

"LONG term mobile phone users could face a higher risk of developing cancer in later life according to a decade long study. The report was published earlier this year has reportedly found that heavy mobile use is, in fact, linked to brain tumors."


For me, I LOVE Old phones and the New ones so this is a great compromise to use what works from the old with the new technology.  MY FAVORITE is the TOP model that uses the old school phone into a stand for an iPhone. 
It is on Etsy and alittle pricey starting at $200. ( Above photo). 




See some other model  stands for home that hold your phone to do your business while seated. 


Here are a few sites to do some shopping. WORD OF CAUTION: Make sure the adapter fits your phone. 


Also... here is a global buyer with multiple items are reduced prices. 
Aliababa.com for global trading. - with suppliers from China, Hong Kong, and United States. 


iMobifone Mobile Phones 

iMobifone Mobile Phones 

A+R Store-POP! 

iClooly Handset-iPhone-Wireless Headphone

Retro Telephone Landline Dock-Handset-for-iPhone 4-3G-3GS

 Old School meets New School 

Thank you, for picture taking, Mr.Daguerre

Thank you, Mr. Louis Daguerre, for Picture Taking! 

How the love of making pictures has progressed and the process of "picture taking" has gone leaps and bounds and we have Mr. Louis Daguerre to thank for allowing us to immortalize a moment. His innovations were one of the beginnings of our recording every moment to share with others. 

It was 1838, after years of experimentation with capturing images, that Daguerre explained his process before a joint session of the Académie des Sciences and the Académie des Beaux-Arts- describing  the  daguerreotype. As described by the Met, it is a "one-of-a-kind photographic image on a highly polished, silver-plated sheet of copper, sensitized with iodine vapors, exposed in a large box camera, developed in mercury fumes, and stabilized (or fixed) with salt water or 'hypo' (sodium thiosulphate),  Although Daguerre was required to reveal, demonstrate, and publish detailed instructions for the process, he wisely retained the patent on the equipment necessary to practice the new art."  

Celebrating his 224th birthday, Google honored  him with his own Google Family Portrait in the style of his works.  Both are innovators who provide us tools and ways to enhance the lives we live today- imaging in very creative ways and looking ahead to ways to improve our days- that is something to celebrate! 

STEVE JOBS REMEMBERED in words and images "Oh Wow"

STEVE JOBS, Kindly Remembered 

I started this blog - inspired by the images I saw online Washington Post but after reading the eulogy from Steve Jobs' sister, Mona Simpson in the New York Times, I was so touched and enlightened - I need to refer you to her words and thank her for sharing her personal experiences. 

She describes so kindly the human connection she had with this man we have come to look to for technology innovations. Moved by her words, I will not even try to re-cap them for fear of losing the essence of her message. Please take the time and not focus on the media's Last words of Jobs, but share with me as I say, "Oh Wow, Oh Wow, Oh Wow". 

Many tributes have been made to Steve JObs, as I suspect, will continue. This collection gathered by the Washington Post-"Steve JObs Inspired Art" is most creative.
The creative artists shown are: Charles Tsevis, Jonathon Mak Long, KJ Anton Powers, John Sherffun, Dylan Rescover, Mike Matis, and Boing, Boing.  It is inspiring me to do one of my own- forthcoming.
It is also reported in a NYTIMES interview that Jobs' sister recalled his last words as, "Oh Wow, Oh Wow, Oh Wow".

Protection Case Study/iPhone

While waiting for my iPHONE 4S, my brother inspired me to shop more wisely and consider more protection for my new phone , ie cases and insurance.

Cases for Apple iPHONE 4 /4S

For my last two  iPhones, I bought cases at TJMaxx/ Marshalls or got gifts from my son's online treasures.  Usually I get ONE case ASAP and then look around to find something that fits well when in my pocket, I can hold onto for one handed camera shots, and like the way it look. When you buy online- you don't get to try it out but if you've looked at others' phones, in stores, and online purchases can cost less as my son often gets from his online deals and the global market.

With Apple tightening their belts and not going to replace screens so "nicely" ie, free of charge- I am looking at a stronger, more protective case which may also enhance the use of the iPhone for all activities. Some cases are like a vault encasement, ie. they sustain great pain ( the kids at school get them as they drop punt their phones and throw them around like Tom Brady passes to Dion.)

CNET reviewed their "Top 20 Tough iPhone Cases".  It will provide those who want to "protect their phones and not just have something that looks good, an option.  To make your choice, get something NOW, look around, and know what you will use your phone for.

For me, I am tempted by the  LIFE Proof Boxes for iPhone 4/4S GEN 2  $69.95- $79.95
Life Proof Boxes reputedly have protection and the ability to swim underwater, mud, sand, etc. with a high degree of shock protection.  Looking online, I was amazed at the feats that made me hold my breath as I saw the iPHONE underwater use and being thrown from high places by "ordinary people" NOT the manufacturers!

Uncasing the box, underwater, and in the water wilderness videos are pretty convincing.
While I am waiting for my iPHONE 4S, I will continue looking and report back on my decision.

Word of caution for iPHONE 4S users, some "4" cases block the 4S sensors window and the camera view.


INSURANCE 
 AppleCare Plus   ($99  for  2 drops or accidental breakage- you lose it, you buy new phone.
Apple and the other multi -billion dollar service provider companies are not on the same page -
re: Apple Care. I think it is so the Phone companies will sell their insurance plans and Apple Care PLUS is out to make more money changing screens.  NO ONE has ONE answer- Frustrating to us consumers.

Related articles

• There's still time to protect your iPhone 4S with AppleCare+ (iphone4tips.wordpress.com)
• Didn't get AppleCare+ when you preordered your iPhone 4S? You still can (reviews.cnet.com)
• How to add AppleCare+ to your early iPhone 4S order (tuaw.com)
• Apple's new AppleCare+ lets you drop and replace your iPhone twice (geek.com)

Siri : ) Spoof : )

Some new ways the SIRI could be : ) NOT : ) love the spoofs!

Apple - Introducing Siri on iPhone 4S

the new PA ... envisioned in 1987 by Apple.

Just be careful of what you Ask for : )

More to come.. when I get my new iPHONE 4S

Apple Ahead of it's time SIRI 1987

One of a kind "Steve jobs"

Having just heard of the passing of one of my fav Innovative Leaders, Steve Jobs - the creator and leader of Apple- I am deeply saddened.
It is not about the business and the stability of Apple products nor the economy or possible loss of jobs- it is the loss a driven man whose curious mind and Genius being - lived the American Dream. He collaborated with others producing a box that allowed the every day person to have computers and later devices that changed our lives.

I recall many years Apple products had to strive ahead amongst comments and downplaying as they competed with PC / Microsoft -
from it's early start when they made a model in a garage and Jobs shaved his beard and wore a suit to sell a uniquely designed component offering the everyday person an operating system on a  home computer.
His passionate genius and demand for Design with an end to empower the masses!

Design is not just the way it looks and feels but how it works- using good design to democratize technology.
Words that some have interpreted Jobs' philosophy.

He started to make computers so everyone could use them - something I first learned in 1983. Later,
Jobs extended that idea to other devices and each one I longed to get "the first one". Being one of those Apple lovers who has to watch every Apple presentation and have my picture at every store looking to try the newest devices, applications, and now apps. My son grew up in a household with no other computer and was one of the first to get an iPod- we still have the well designed box.

My preference for "Apple" met some who argued the products were too limited, too expensive, or not practical as it had unique software. However, the designs and products excelled in meeting our needs over the years to changing the way we communicate, create, and use technology.
I am happy that Jobs ( and I) have lived long enough to see how Apple has captured the eyes of the world. The iPod and iTunes began the cross over and the emerging of the iPhone sealed the deal. The Apple stores that are free Internet places and encourage free acess to computers, Internet acess, and software creations with training to this day are examples of making technology available to the masses.

Extending my sympathies to Steve Jobs' wife and family as we "friends" of our Apple genius also mourn his loss.

I end this blog with his words..."Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition - they somehow seem to know." Steve Jobs at Stanford U. Graduation 2005

Thank you, Steve for enriching and empowering my life- you are missed dearly,

an Apple lover and admirer of innovative genius,

Peg Verdi

Apple EVENT  - News of Cupertino  iPhone 4S Oct. 14, 2011 Update:

No, NO  iPHONE 5 


I have to admit, I miss the ambiance and stage presence of Steve Jobs. 
This was the first disappointment. The second, NO iPhone 5.  Apple has updated the
 iPhone 4  with an iPhone 4S -  describing it as the 'greatest phone ever'
so how could anything be better. hmmmm


I feel like we have been jilted and are being given the option to spend our hard earned money and contract upgrade option - on a "new and better" iphone (4)  Actually, it sounds like an advertisement for a new and improved CAMERA and Mobile device. The proposed hype about new camera cases and  "more than one phone option" really set the stage for a newly designed 5 model. They did promise a better antenna setup for better reception, a faster processor for data transmission, and a longer lasting battery. 


It's most unique feature is an app called  SIRI  ( no not as in the Tom Cruise family.)  Siri is a "personal assistant" that  may save money on traffic tickets and headsets. 


Siri, if it works like they say, we can "have our texts read aloud to us " and we can respond to them. I wonder if it will "understand" my Boston accent. 
However, the Apple commercial , did remind me of a Saturday Night Live skit with a guy running and talking to his phone. 
Granted there are some great new things about this phone, but I am still in shock of  "NO iPhone 5".  I somehow feel this is a marketing manuever- to sell more of one kind of phone and milk the model until it is "old". Makes me want to boycott this model - and wait for the iPhone 5. 


Good news!  Next week, we will all be able to download for "free" a new operating system that will have some really cool and useful features- iOS 5 and the iCloud. Hope they work on the first iPad and iPhone. 


Tim Cook- new Apple spokes person -introduced this Apple Event. 

The new operating system will feature new apps. It includes: Cards-yo that will help to  create greeting cards; Game Center, a new version of Safari and Story mode strips out everything but the text and images from Web based text,  and a Reading List feature to bookmark articles. Reminders and Synch with Exchange and iCloud - to name a few. 

iPHONE 5  coming : )

ring, ring, ring.... Yes, that is the sound of the release date for the much awaited arrival of the newest iPHONE 5!  Wish I got an invite to this Cupertino event on OCT 4th , 10am PST when one version iPhone is expected to be announced. Predictions are that it will be a few weeks later.

ONE happy Apple lover here! 

I skipped the iPHONE 4 with it's squared off shape, Face-Time, and better camera- only to have the newest operating system.  A photographer who no longer bothers to carries a digital camera and phone and laptop and note pad and and and... 

I cannot WAIT to have a NEW camera. 

My biggest decision in the next week - is whether to stick with a 2 yr contract with ATT or head back to Verizon -giving up my 3000 minutes reserve and grandfathered price for data. 

Interesting Google ad following this blog entry-- the DROID popped up! Sorry, it is a waste of money and time- I won't settle for second place-      I want the REAL THING BABY.