Friday, June 11, 2010
Smashing Magazine's 50 New Useful CSS Techniques, Tools and Tutorials
The article in smashingmagazine.com (linked to in the title) has a lot of great CSS (thats Cascading Style Sheets for you non geeks, they make the web pages look "pretty") tips and tricks for the old and new versions. Its not a short read but has lots of links to useful tools.
MSU Basketball
I really hope that Coach Izzo stays at MSU and leads the Spartans to another national championship next year. But if he chooses to go to the NBA then I wish him well, he's done a lot for MSU and I for one would still appreciate his contributions. If he does go it would be great if one of his assistants were ready to take the helm and keep the tradition of raising up new head coaches going. But I really hope none of this is necessary and he stays for another 10 years and becomes a truly legendary coach! Either way GO STATE! :o)
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Legumes for good heart health
This is an interesting article about the benefits of legumes, especially for heart health...
Livestrong.com Legumes-nutrition
Livestrong.com Legumes-nutrition
New DSLR Owner tips
These are a couple of comments from a post on this great forum: Digital Photography School.com
They asked what are some tips for a new DSLR camer owner.
I have to agree, read the manual, as dry and boring as it is, and even if it doesn't fully make sense at the time just plow through it. I found keeping the camera next to me as I read was helpful as I could pick it up and look at what the manual was talking about. And forcing yourself to use everything but auto is also key to using a DSLR, since all you really get with auto less shutter delay (compared to your old Point and Shoot). Though if you really need to get an important shot go ahead and use Auto but switch right back and practice not using it for that same shot.
1. Read your manual to get to know what your camera can do (i.e. functions, pros and cons and limitations).
2. Take lots of pictures using various modes (except for Auto; don’t shoot in auto) so you can learn how the setting affect your photos.
3. Search for your camera model and camera techniques on YouTube for tutorials. Besides its free education.
4. Visit sites like http://www.cameralabs.com for reviews about your camera.
5. Review hundreds of photos from pros and amateur enthusiasts online to examine techniques.
BONUS: Stay encouraged and stay focused especially if some of photos come out crappy. I’ve heard that the different between a pro and an amateur is simply 10,000 photos. Hope this helps!
Regardless of skill level, I’d recommend (at least) the following:
1. Learn the camera – go through the manual, look for online articles, what-have you. Learn how to shoot in shutter priority, aperture priority and some basic understanding of manual mode.
2. Learn how to change settings on the fly. It’s not all menus, most DSLRs have dedicated buttons on the outside – learn how to do that.
3. Don’t expect immediate results. It will be difficult to get the desired results immediately. You have to first become comfortable with the camera before you’re satisfied with the results.
4. Fail and fail often. Sounds odd, but you need to experiment to find out what doesn’t work. Embrace failure, and you’ll learn faster. I personally aim to fail at 60-70% of my experimental works. When I’m on assignment, lessons learned from my failures help me to stay on task to make sure that my practiced methods result in a 90% (or higher) success rate.
5. Have fun. A new camera can be overwhelming…but if you start getting frustrated, put the camera down for a while. Take breaks. You don’t want to build a grudge against your gear.
They asked what are some tips for a new DSLR camer owner.
I have to agree, read the manual, as dry and boring as it is, and even if it doesn't fully make sense at the time just plow through it. I found keeping the camera next to me as I read was helpful as I could pick it up and look at what the manual was talking about. And forcing yourself to use everything but auto is also key to using a DSLR, since all you really get with auto less shutter delay (compared to your old Point and Shoot). Though if you really need to get an important shot go ahead and use Auto but switch right back and practice not using it for that same shot.
1. Read your manual to get to know what your camera can do (i.e. functions, pros and cons and limitations).
2. Take lots of pictures using various modes (except for Auto; don’t shoot in auto) so you can learn how the setting affect your photos.
3. Search for your camera model and camera techniques on YouTube for tutorials. Besides its free education.
4. Visit sites like http://www.cameralabs.com for reviews about your camera.
5. Review hundreds of photos from pros and amateur enthusiasts online to examine techniques.
BONUS: Stay encouraged and stay focused especially if some of photos come out crappy. I’ve heard that the different between a pro and an amateur is simply 10,000 photos. Hope this helps!
Regardless of skill level, I’d recommend (at least) the following:
1. Learn the camera – go through the manual, look for online articles, what-have you. Learn how to shoot in shutter priority, aperture priority and some basic understanding of manual mode.
2. Learn how to change settings on the fly. It’s not all menus, most DSLRs have dedicated buttons on the outside – learn how to do that.
3. Don’t expect immediate results. It will be difficult to get the desired results immediately. You have to first become comfortable with the camera before you’re satisfied with the results.
4. Fail and fail often. Sounds odd, but you need to experiment to find out what doesn’t work. Embrace failure, and you’ll learn faster. I personally aim to fail at 60-70% of my experimental works. When I’m on assignment, lessons learned from my failures help me to stay on task to make sure that my practiced methods result in a 90% (or higher) success rate.
5. Have fun. A new camera can be overwhelming…but if you start getting frustrated, put the camera down for a while. Take breaks. You don’t want to build a grudge against your gear.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Commuting 101 : Don’t Have a Shower?
I like the last tip in this article... :)
One large complaint or worry for beginner bike commuters is the lack of showering, or showing up sweaty to work. This is a valid worry and shouldn’t be overlooked as your employer, co-worker or client may not appreciate the “biker look.”
One large complaint or worry for beginner bike commuters is the lack of showering, or showing up sweaty to work. This is a valid worry and shouldn’t be overlooked as your employer, co-worker or client may not appreciate the “biker look.”
Top tips if you don’t have a shower at work
- Photo Credit : Fritz
- Wear wicking clothing. I actually avoid wearing padded shorts in the morning as it creates a “funk” that you can’t avoid. If my commute is shorter in distance I find a comfortable saddle and wear a stretchy, breathable pair of shorts. Either a jersey, or tech-t on top, comfortable shoes or maybe my cycling shoes for longer distances.
- Action Wipes. No joke, go buy them. I’m not paid or bribed to say this (I have to say that by law,) but Action Wipes are in all my saddle bags and in my desk at work. A quick “pocket shower” with Action Wipes and re-installation of deodorant and I’m fresh!
- Bring extra clothes. Don’t worry about working up a sweat as you can use your Action Wipes to clean up and then put on all new clean clothes. Also, I am talking to put on a whole new outfit from top to bottom, putting on clean clothes and dirty socks doesn’t give you the same “fresh” feeling.
- If you may need it, keep a spare at work. This means everything you can’t do without, because we are talking about clothes currently I will mention those but recommend extra tubes/lube/tools at work too.
- If all else fails, start stinking in very important meetings and maybe they will install a shower at your work place.
Join the conversation on Twitter @BikeShopGirlcom
Friday, June 4, 2010
Types of Fenders
A mini series on Yearly Bike Fenders, today we will be discussing the different types of fenders there are and the benefits of each.
Full Coverage Fenders
One of the best systems of fenders are called full coverage as these cover up the most of your tires. The rear fender mounts at your bottom bracket and wrapping up around your tire. In some areas you add a buddy flap which adds distance to the fender and can even drag on the ground, keeping the spray off your buddy riding on your wheel. Make sure you purchase the right width for your tire and frame clearance. Purchase Full Coverage Fenders at RealCyclist.com
Clip On Fenders
The easiest way to install fenders are the clip on style. They can be attached in the morning if its raining, or fairly quickly prior to a ride. The downfall to this style is they aren’t full coverage. This means it will keep the spray off your back and face but may not keep your bike and feet clean.
Other Types
There are other types of fenders, such as stubbies, fork mount, seatpost mount and such. All these help keep the roster tail off, or the spray out of your face but to me don’t make the cut. If you are going to rock a fender, rock it full and proud.
I’ve asked on Twitter for you guys to share your fender photos, please leave a comment or email me with the photos so we can include them with an article later this week!
Join the conversation on Twitter @BikeShopGirlcom.
PLEX 9 Preview
The new version of Plex looks very nice. Much easier to manage and add new content. I just hope they can make it more stable. For me every time I use it at some point it crashes or doesn't work. I really like the interface better than anything I've used but the instability makes it useless as the family won't put up with that and I'm only willing to for a short time.
(Click the title to go to the video)
(Click the title to go to the video)
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Making Creamed Honey
Making Creamed Honey: "One of my favorite talks at Young Harris was a demonstration by Keith and Rosanne Fielder on how to make creamed honey. I had some honey in Atlanta that had crystallized over the winter, so I couldn't wait to get home to try doing this myself.
Keith said that the honey judge looks for two things in tasting creamed honey: they push the honey against the roof of their mouth with their tongue and do not want to feel any crystals. Also they push the honey between their upper and lower front teeth with the same goal: not to feel any crystals. Keith had some of his own creamed honey there for us to taste - as always, he is super at it - I don't think mine will ever taste as good as his did.
To make creamed honey by the Dyce method, first you need a "seed" honey. This would be a honey that is creamed that you buy or have saved from a previous batch of your own. I bought some German creamed honey at Whole Foods that is smooth (like the judges want) and tastes really good. I also like the taste of my crystallizing honey - it's a little sharp as my mid summer honeys tend to be, probably informed by tulip poplar.
Keith said that we could flavor the honey with flavoring oils but I like honey to taste like honey so I didn't do that. He said that cinnamon is a popular flavor with his customers.
Creamed honey is supposed to be jarred in clear, straight-sided jars with solid tops (not two piece canning tops). I had none of these and spent a whopping $2.50 per jar to buy some at the Container store.
There are pictures on Linda's site - the captions give you the directions
Keith said that the honey judge looks for two things in tasting creamed honey: they push the honey against the roof of their mouth with their tongue and do not want to feel any crystals. Also they push the honey between their upper and lower front teeth with the same goal: not to feel any crystals. Keith had some of his own creamed honey there for us to taste - as always, he is super at it - I don't think mine will ever taste as good as his did.
To make creamed honey by the Dyce method, first you need a "seed" honey. This would be a honey that is creamed that you buy or have saved from a previous batch of your own. I bought some German creamed honey at Whole Foods that is smooth (like the judges want) and tastes really good. I also like the taste of my crystallizing honey - it's a little sharp as my mid summer honeys tend to be, probably informed by tulip poplar.
Keith said that we could flavor the honey with flavoring oils but I like honey to taste like honey so I didn't do that. He said that cinnamon is a popular flavor with his customers.
Creamed honey is supposed to be jarred in clear, straight-sided jars with solid tops (not two piece canning tops). I had none of these and spent a whopping $2.50 per jar to buy some at the Container store.
There are pictures on Linda's site - the captions give you the directions
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June 8th, 2010 at 6:15 am