Misc Archives
22 entries
New Deckians
Posted at 9:21 PM
The Deck welcomes two excellent sites: FFFFOUND! and Clusterflock to the premier advertising network for reaching creative, web and design professionals. SimpleBits joined The Deck this past January and we’ve been happier and have noticed increased deckishness ever since.
A Few Sites I've Been Enjoying Lately
Posted at 1:39 PM
- Drawn!
- “… is a collaborative weblog for illustrators, artists, cartoonists, and anyone who likes to draw. Visit us daily for a dose of links and creative inspiration.” Inspiring, indeed — and updated often.
- Brand New
- Fascinating re-branding commentary. I’m still sobbing over the terrible DQ update.
- Like It Matters
- Brian Oberkirch on all things social media. Smart dude.
- Flip Flop Flying
- Entertaining and often hilarious weblog of pixel artist Craig Robinson.
- Microformatique
- John Allsopp’s weblog covering the world of microformats. See also his newly published book on the same subject. More on this later.
- Animated GIFs group on Virb
- Both Mr. Sims and Mr. Marcotte warned me that I’d get lost in here and kiss the day goodbye. They were right. The ultimate in lo-fi, mashup, “video” goodness.
Chunky Icons Shirt Winner
Posted at 10:16 AM
Admittedly, I loved all the guesses as to the meaning behind the five icons that grace the front of the newly printed Chunky Icons T-Shirt. But we have to choose one. And so, it’s my privilege to crown Cliff as the the winner of a free shirt. His entry was as follows:
Modern hieroglyphics which translate roughly to:
‘Silence your cellphone, Dude, or ship out, OK?’
Cliff’s translation can also be a lesson to us all. Congrats!
I’ll also take this opportunity to mention that the shirts are flying off the shelves, and a re-order has already been placed for a second run. If you’ve ordered within the past week, bear with me for a possible slight delay on a few sizes.
Stuck
Posted at 2:38 PM
I’m looking to the collective knowledge of my esteemed readers for some advice. Where might one go for high-quality, reasonably-priced, screen-printed stickers? You know, if say, one wanted to promote a web site or two out in the non-virtual world. Any tips would be much appreciated.
The Sound of Elephant
Posted at 4:53 PM
I caught an interesting movie last night on HBO: Gus Van Sant’s “Elephant”. It’s a compelling film, and terribly disturbing, almost mirroring inspired by the high school shootings in Columbine.
What struck me most about the movie was the sound. Lots of ambient room sound — no ADR. It made a world of difference, with the camera often following the untrained actors around a Portland, Oregon high school. You could hear the dialogue just as it would sound if you were actually in the room. It’s as if you’re there, observing things as they happen. The result comes off like one long take of a film.
There’s a sound category for film awards, and instead of explosions and Foley artistry — “Elephant” should win for its sound recording being such a large part of the experience.
The Penny
Posted at 9:11 AM
Earlier today, I purchased a one-gallon jug of spring water from a local convenience store. The total came to $1.29. I handed over $1.30, then silently waited for my single penny to be returned. It never came. Apparently the clerk was unaware of the optional “courtesy thank you” that a customer can say that means “keep the change”. I didn’t give the “courtesy thank you” on this particular visit, and it took me a minute to realize that I wasn’t getting my penny back. And that was OK. I turned and walked out with my jug of water that I had just paid $1.30 for.
Office Space (but not the hilarious movie)
Posted at 4:41 PM
I’ve recently begun hunting for office space here in downtown Salem. I need an excuse to get out of the house each day, as well as a little more space to spread out and get work done. Currently, I’m working out of a converted walk-in closet. Yes, you’ve read that correctly. It does have a window.
I thought I’d poll the audience here — what do you look for in office space? What are the pros and cons? Finding something small and affordable enough seems difficult, but not impossible. And having dedicated work space outside the house seems to be of growing importance to me (and perhaps many of you).
I know I have to worry about an internet connection, utilities, etc. But it’s the less obvious details that I’m afraid I’ll overlook. Feel free to share your workspace experiences, whether you work at a home office, or dedicated space.
Mystery Photo Contest Thing
Posted at 12:21 PM
What’s in the photo, below? Every few days, I’ll be gradually increasing the resolution, making it a little easier to try and figure out just what it is.
The first person to correctly guess won’t win truckloads of cash, a new car, a new dining room set or a pair of jet skis. But they will win the following:
- One (1) copy of Web Standards Solutions.
- One (1) free set of Stockholm web icons.
I’m a bit limited as to what I can give away around here, but this is all just for fun anyway. And here is the mystery photo…
Good luck.
Update: Believe it or not, this photo was guessed in the first comment. Either tirin is a genius, or I clearly didn’t make this hard enough. Regardless, this concludes this (short) contest.
The Importance of Slippers
Posted at 4:08 PM
It’s slipper season again. When it dips below 60° (F), it’s time to wear slippers around the house. And I’m here today to highly recommend the Acorn Moc. Hands down the most comfortable slipper you’ll ever wear.
The padded foam and rubber soles make these stand out, giving you the ability to take out the trash and grab the paper outside without having to put on normal shoes. Heck, you may even be daring enough to wear them out all day, in public. They will wear out faster doing this, and really only “The Dude” from The Big Lebowski could pull something like that off.
If you think it a bit odd that I’ve just posted about slippers, then you’re probably right.
The Power in Numbers
Posted at 10:00 AM
Maybe it’s the impending presidential election. Maybe it’s the convention that’s in town. There are numerous things that are reminding me of the power in numbers.
Lance Armstrong and Nike’s Wear Yellow campaign is a nice example: pay $1, get a yellow bracelet in return and help raise $5 million for those living with cancer. Brilliant. $1 is a tiny amount to pay for anything, and you even get a little something to wear.
Another example that comes to mind is John Gruber’s membership drive for his site, Daring Fireball: pay $30, get a cool t-shirt (I can confirm they are cool, as mine arrived yesterday) and help John to keep delivering great content. Pay a little, get something cool in return, help a good cause or fund something you enjoy.
These models work because of the power in numbers. Much like my somewhat unrealistic idea for generating power through exercise machines or a hand-crank that’s installed in every home worldwide (crazy, yes).
This is merely a fleeting observation, and one that doesn’t have a real purpose, other than to point out a cliché phrase: big things can happen, and are made easier, when people come together.
Reveal
Posted at 1:08 PM
Every year I’m amused by a certain catch phrase that sweeps the media. Last year it was “cold snap” — at least here in the Northeast United States. Everyone was using this phrase. Predictably, every weatherman found a way to work in the hip term, but hearing it being used in normal conversation was the real true sign that “cold snap” had made the big time.
At the grocery store: “that’ll be $29.54. Can’t wait till this cold snap ends. It’s been brutal.”
Previous to last year I had never heard these two words used in conjunction. And this last winter it disappeared and was never uttered again. It had reached its Tipping Point, and people moved on to other ways of describing how cold the weather was.
This year, it’s “reveal”. Specifically when used as a noun. This word is everywhere, and we can blame reality television for it. Any makeover show — or one with a surprise ending will use this to describe the portion of the program that you just can’t miss.
“The big reveal is coming up… right after the break.”
I’m guessing that “reveal” has almost reached its tipping point. And I’m wondering if that moment will be obvious to us all. Perhaps this coming November, Tom Brokaw will tease the announcement of the next US president, by stating that the “big reveal” is moments away. Then we’ll be looking to what next year’s catch phrase will be.
Particle Board Desk
Posted at 8:28 PM
A small victory was won this week. I finally converted our large walk-in closet to an office (before, after). Shelves were torn down, spackle was applied, red paint was purchased, new carpeting installed. It’s finally comfortable to work at home.
What I’m most happy with though, is the built-in desk I devised. Run a few 2x4s around half of the room, put two (for added strength), half-inch sheets of particle board on top — and you have yourself a nice solid desk. For about $20.
The key here is polyurethane — and lots of it. Four coats did the trick, as particle board acts like a sponge, soaking up anything and everything. But it’s amazing how beautful it can look with a little finish on it. Shiny and durable — but unique.
Drilling a big hole in the corner was necessary to hide all the cords — and let me just say, it had to be a pretty damn big hole to accomodate the huge Apple Display Connector. In fact I had to essentially drill two holes side by side in order for it to fit.
Now I can get some real work done. And just as I warned that this wouldn’t turn into a home improvement tips web site. I’ll leave comments on, if anyone has any other creative desktop ideas.
Battery Powered World
Posted at 9:35 PM
Everything is battery powered. My laptop, my iPod, my digtal camera, my mobile phone, my regular phone… everything. Regardless of the fact that I rely on all of these devices on a daily basis, I just can’t seem to keep them all powered up.
I stopped using a Palm Pilot long ago for this very reason. It was never charged up, and as easy as it is, I simply couldn’t be bothered keeping it in its cradle. It’s collecting dust now. Ditto the mobile phone, although I’m making a point of plugging it in these days. Perhaps the monthly fee has something to do with it.
I have an older model iPod, so I need to remember to plug it into the Firewire cable dangling permanently from my computer. Newer models come with a dock that makes recharging easier. I have an older model.
The problem: each device has it’s own power adapter. Each one of them different. I don’t have enough outlets in one room to keep the suckers juiced to max power — and if I did, the resulting octopus of cables would be insanity.
So, I’ve decided I need a universal adapter that will charge everything and anything. Or better yet, I need wireless recharging — or batteries that last years.
Wireless internet technolgy is amazing and everyone is (rightfully) fired up about it — but it’s amazing how tied down we are to power that is never fully wireless.
While at the airport recently, I found myself constantly searching for a comfortable seat near a power outlet. They were always taken. I resorted to sitting on the floor, usually propped up against a vending machine, using every last second to give my PowerBook just a little bit more life.
While at SXSW Interactive, power outlets in panel sessions were scarce. At one point while chatting with a friend, I had to quickly write “battery dying. bye.”. Thankfully, the friend unplugged his adapter and silently handed it over so that I might siphon off some precious voltage. Ahh. Rejuvenation.
Will we ever be truly wireless?
Under the Iron
Posted at 11:03 AM
As part of his Under the Iron series, Jesper was kind enough to ask me a few questions in the latest interview.
In it, I divulge the latest celebrity breakups… as well as some background on myself. Enjoy.
I'm Totally Getting Caulked
Posted at 2:26 PM
I probably sound like a terrible novice, but here’s another painting tip I’ve stumbled upon — get a caulking gun. A friend of mine was kind enough to lend me one and it has proved to be the MVP of my recent painting endeavours.
I’ve gone through approximately 474 tubes of caulk. I’ve been caulking everything — and if you hit every spot and crack with the stuff before you paint, you’ll have nothing but a solid, smooth finish in the end. You’ll sit back and stare at your walls and trim with a deep pride that goes on for at least 48 hours. After that, it does wear off.
But honestly, if you skip this step, every crack or separation in your moulding or trim will show up as noticable as a Hershey bar in the snow.
I’m new to this caulk gun stuff — but it’s addictive and I’ll never go back to slapping paint over untreated surfaces again.
Trim: Dairy Compartment, Primer: Vegetable Drawer
Posted at 7:41 PM
I know everyone is dying for a painting tip, right? I see. Ah well, I’ll share it anyhow…
If you’re painting with latex paints, and the job is going to take more than a day (or you just need a longish break), putting used brushes and rollers in the refrigerator prevents them from drying out — and more importantly, prevents you from having to clean the brushes until you’re done with the job for good.
I hate cleaning brushes, so this tip is a life saver. Just put the brushes in a plastic bag (I prefer the recyclable grocery bag variety) and pop it in the veggie drawer… or wherever. I find allotting certain sections of the refrigerator for different paint types helpful. And you may as well.
When you need them again, they’ll be ready to go. Who would’ve thought you’d get such great home improvement advice here? The again, maybe you haven’t.
Mipellssed Wdors
Posted at 1:44 PM
Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh?
Curly Straight
Posted at 6:04 PM
So it’ll be easy to find, next time…
Microsoft Word automatically changes straight quotation marks ( ’ or ” ) to curly (smart, or typographer’s) quotes as you type. You might not want curly quotes in some cases, for example, if you’re using quotation marks to designate feet and inches. To turn this feature on or off:
- On the Tools menu, click AutoCorrect, and then click the AutoFormat As You Type tab.
- Under Replace as you type, select or clear the “Straight quotes” with “smart quotes” check box.
Note: You can find and replace all instances of single or double curly quotes with straight quotes in your document. To do this, clear the “Straight quotes” with “smart quotes” check box on the AutoFormat As You Type tab. On the Edit menu, click Replace. In both the Find what and Replace with boxes, type ’ or “, and then click Find Next or Replace All.
blo.gs
Posted at 4:53 PM
Found via a discussion about blogrolls and favorites over at mezzoblue, I’ve just started playing with blo.gs — a browser-based blogroll/favorites organizer. After only a day, I’m hooked.
I just couldn’t get myself into a routine using an RSS aggregator, instead idiotically refreshing my favorite weblogs throughout the day. What a waste of time. With blo.gs, it’s easy to set up a list of your favorite weblogs, ordered by how recent they’ve been updated. It becomes a portal of sorts — the first place to check before reading your favorite sites. It feels more natural to organize this stuff right in a browser, and I much prefer to read posts in their actual environment anyhow.
Also found on the same mezzoblue discussion — a link to Phil Ringnalda’s brilliant bookmarklet that’ll search blo.gs for the current page that you’re on. Then you’re just one click away from adding to your favorites list as you browse.
Oh, and you can pick up your list via a variety of different ways (RSS, OPML, JavaScript). Pretty neat. I realize I’m probably way late to the game.
One-upsmanship
Posted at 11:36 AM
This past summer, razor maker Schick had announced the Quattro, a four blade razor. It’s pretty obvious they’re trying to “one-up” their competitor Gillette’s Mach 3 (which only sports three blades).
What’s next? You can already predict a “Mach 5” with five blades — or maybe Gillette will skip over five and go for the even six. This could continue for years, and we can look forward to a razor that holds 12 blades, letting you shave in one stroke.
If I had the cash (and/or desire) I might look into starting my own razor company and beat them both to the puch with a five or six blade razor of my own. Why would someone buy the Mach 3 when they could buy a razor with five blades on it?
Personally, I like the Mach 3 just fine — but even better would be a razor with one blade that actually worked, and lasted longer than a few weeks.
This same “One-upsmanship” exists in all sorts of industries. Products touting “0 Carbs” are showing up all over the place, KFC is setting the record straight, announcing that eating their fried chicken is healthy because it’s a “high protein, low carb food” (they, in fact, are comparing the fried chicken to Burger King’s Whopper — where the chicken comes out essentially the better of two evils). Everything is Super-Sized and just barely better than any other competitor’s product on the market.
So, what’s my point? Is a world with four blade razors and zero-carb french fries better than a world with three blade razors and regular-carb fries?
Still Chewing
Posted at 4:49 PM
My (sugarless) Bazooka gum lost its flavor approximately 2.5 hours ago — yet I’m still chewing it.
Remember the bubblegum that came with Topps baseball cards? I loved that stuff. Hard as a roof tile, chalky as hell, but somehow delicious. It also would get wax all over it from the wrapper, which may or may not have added to the flavor. Unfortunately I’m told they no longer package the cards with gum like this any more. Those were the days…
Coincidentally, I’ve found that Bazooka gum is made by Topps. So there you have it. The next best thing I suppose.
A tiny web design studio founded by designer and author Dan Cederholm. We deliver hand-crafted pixels & text from Massachusetts, USA. Learn more
Bulletproof Web Design Second Edition New Riders
Web Standards Solutions The Markup and Style Handbook Friends of Ed
