Thursday, June 30, 2005

Tip: Deciphering Acronyms

If your life is anything like mine, you are constantly bombarded with acronyms. You know those short little initial-only words that stand for something longer and more complex? Yes, those words that you wish you knew, but you would dare not ask for the definition for fear that you have forgotten something obvious. (So instead, you stand there running the acronym through your head just hoping that you can guess its meaning.)

Well my friends, fear your cubicle compatriots no more, for you now have a tool that will assist you in your quest to dissect their diabolical dialect. When those situations come up, just say I'll be right back! Then run to your computer, type in http://www.acronymfinder.com, and solve your problem.

So the next time that someone pops in your office and says, "Do you happen to know if this is supposed to be RGB or CMYK? If so, could you E me, CC the boss, and then get BTW and HAPPY," you will be armed for acronym battle!

Well, TTFN, TTYL, I will BBL!

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Web: The Big Red Fez

Today I was able to read an entire book. For those who know me, you know that this is quite shocking... I mean, to sit and just flip pages. *gasp!* Well, I read it and I enjoyed it. (so there!)

The Big Red FezThe book, called "The Big Red Fez - How to Make Any Web Site Better," was written by Seth Godin, a well known marketing guru. In his book, he takes a hard look at several websites and how they attract or repel potential customers. It is a great, short read that will give marketers and web developers many points to ponder. It was a best seller several years ago, so shame on me for not finding it until now.

You can learn more about the book at http://www.thebigredfez.com.

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Gigapixel Camera

I recently read about a photo camera that takes pictures that are the equivalent of a digital photo that is several gigapixels in size. Unfortunately, I do not know of any gigapixel digital cameras that are available for sale, and I would not be surprised if there will not be one available for several years.

If you are having a hard time comprehending the size of a gigapixel photo, read this excerpt from the Gigapxl.org FAQ which gives an example of the power of this camera. "[With this camera, the] ...facial expressions of an half a stadium of fans can be captured at passport resolution in a single instant as they react to events on the field." Still can't picture the power? Check out these photos of San Diego, as seen from Coronado Island. They take a shot from an island off the San Diego coast, and then show how much detail they can produce. Better close the blinds if you're picking your nose!

To check out the project site, you can visit their site at, http://www.gigapxl.org.

Monday, June 27, 2005

DIY: Get Better Reach with Your Wireless Access Point Antenna

A friend of mine sent me a link to an article by Scott Fullam of Popular Science magazine that instructs us
how to extend a Wi-Fi network using aluminum foil and a shoe box. It appears to be a pretty inexpensive project, and one that could save you the cost of having to buy an amplifier.

For me, this makes great sense for those who have difficulty reaching certain areas of your homes with the standard antenna on your WAP.

Thanks Tony!

Welcome

Today is the day that I become what some call "a blogger." On second thought, I think that the word blogger reminds me of someone talking with their mouth full of scrambled eggs.

Because of my particular distaste for the term referenced above, I will refer to myself as a writer, in the loosest sense of the word... or WITLSOTW for short. Will that work for you? Great. ;)

Now that we have the first post finished, let's get busy.