September 1st, 2010 by Walt
While this is seemingly a random thought, there is reason to it. Eating lunch today, I looked at a billboard for an insurance agent up the road several counties away (this is an area with thin counties so you can pass through three or four counties in a matter of 30 miles) and noticed that while the number posted would be long distance and no toll-free number was listed. Thinking about this agent four counties over, I started wondering if the lack of a toll-free number would hurt her business any.
I came to the conclusion that for those she is targeting as customers, they would either have cellular phones or home phone accounts that included unlimited long distance.
I haven’t seen any statistics supporting this, but wonder if the day is coming that the uptake of new toll-free numbers is coming to an end… At least in some markets as I am sure not everybody will be able to afford phone accounts that include everything including long distance and the kitchen sink.
Tags: Random thoughts
Posted in Randomness | No Comments »
August 19th, 2010 by Walt
After loving to make fun of Twitterers (?!), after both this and my Linux sites going down for several hours last night, I decided to open a Twitter account for anybody interested in bookmarking or following in case the sites are down.
The Twitter page is twitter.com/n3mtj and will also serve my Linux and Open Source site.
I will most likely not tweet much unless the sites go down, or I want to get some news out right away. I have a life so I will not be tweeting the fact that the dog stretched and fell out of his favorite chair for the umpteenth time.
EDITED to say that I will likely tweet tech related news that I find extra interesting and want to share.
Tags: Twitter, website features
Posted in Site News | No Comments »
June 17th, 2010 by Walt
The 13th version of WordPress has hit the servers for everyday use.
Check out their blog entry announcing the release and exciting news about the future of WordPress. Instead of rushing to develop a 3.x release, they will be working on the whole “WordPress experience” as WordPress is much more than the open source blogging application that it started out as years ago.
Tags: blogging, community, Open Source, Software, website features, WordPress
Posted in Software, The Internet | No Comments »
June 9th, 2010 by Walt
I was just looking at the remaining picture count on the memory card currently in my digital camera and had a flashback to the days of film when we had to ration our shots more than today. Electronic storage has sure changed things! As long as you don’t fill up your memory card/stick/whatever, you can snap away at tons of things and later review your photos and delete the ones that you don’t like.
I have more or less accidentally taken some super shots this way.
Looking back at the slides I took while stationed in Germany (over a thousand!), I remember grudging many super shots not knowing if it would turn out any good and many that I thought couldn’t miss – that did…..miss, that is.
Of course, being able to punch up the color or brightness (or reduce them) is a welcome feature I have taken for granted for a long time now!
One hint: if you want to punch the color or contrast a bit, use a program that lets you use layers. Simply copy a new layer right on top of the background layer (your bottom layer). Then using the top layer, really punch things up and then play with the transparency of that layer. You can punch up contrast or color saturation and still keep things looking natural.
Be sure to not overwrite the original file!!!!!! Copy the picture you want to work with to another directory and change its name. Do your work in the native editor file format (this keeps the layers and adjustments separate and does not compress the file as JPEG(jpg) is a lossy compression where you lose a bit of your picture each time you open and then re-save it) After you get it to where you like it, then Save-As a JPEG, keeping the working copy in case you want to tweak it later.
Use a different layer for each correction/effect you want. Play with putting one adjusted layer above or under the other (remember the background layer stays on the bottom; it won’t move) as this will affect the outcome. My favorite method for not over doing things is to bring it up to the point where any more is too much, while feeling that you might be able to get away with just a little more (but resisting the urge to add any more tweaking).
The best way to learn how to do things right is to do them wrong and learn what doesn’t work! I have found some of my favorite tweaks this way, just having to tone them down a bit.
Most importantly, have fun.
Tags: Hobbies, Photography
Posted in Hobbies | No Comments »
June 5th, 2010 by Walt
The Climate Prediction Center has determined that El Niño dissipated during May, so we are looking at cooler Pacific waters now. This could be the beginnings of a La Niña which could mean the Atlantic hurricane season could be more severe.
Whichever way the hurricane season turns out, spring and summer are times of high risk for severe storms. As I post this, NOAA‘s NWS has severe thunderstorm warnings out for several states and several tornado warnings active, so hurricanes are not the only reason people should stay prepared.
For flashlights, I recommend the new LED style lights. They are so much easier on batteries, and the LEDs don’t burn out like the older incandescent bulbs. They come in varieties from similar to “regular” flashlights to lanterns to light entire rooms. I also recommend getting the ones that take regular flashlight type batteries (AAA, AA, C, or D). Remember that you will need electricity to recharge rechargeable batteries (duh) so for long term use, replaceable batteries are the best. The rechargeable ones are OK if the power is out for a few to several hours, but you will be running out of power after a few days if you cannot recharge the batteries.
Don’t forget battery operated radios (with fresh and replacement batteries) as well as fresh water and food that stores well for long periods of time and does not require cooking (be sure the food is something you can open without electricity!).
If you live in a mobile home, a low spot, or any other high risk area, be prepared to leave right away if told to do so.
Follow directions about staying away from windows and finding a safe place to stay while severe weather is nearby.
Here is the link from the NWS site to get your information about what you need and what to do. Following the directions could save your life or the life of a loved one.
Posted in safety, weather | No Comments »
