Yours Truly Interviewed on MacVoices

Posted Tuesday, July 21, 2009

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Chuck Joiner, who, among many other things, hosts and produces the MacVoices podcast. In a wide-ranging, 45-minute interview, we chatted about the design philosophy of my book and about iLife '09, focusing in particular on iPhoto, iMovie, and GarageBand.

To stream the interview or download it, visit its page on the MacVoices site.

It was great chatting with you, Chuck!


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Five Things You Didn't Know About Scanners

Posted Friday, July 17, 2009

Popular Photography has published a short but interesting article about scanners.

I knew a couple of the items, particularly the "scanning film is better than scanning prints" item. Indeed, I write about this in the section of my book that deals with getting old photos into iPhoto.

But the "CCD sensor is better than a Contact Image Sensor" business -- I did not know that. More research is needed. Ah. A quick detour to Wikipedia provides some brief details on Contact Image Sensors. Hmm. Seems like they're a low-cost sensor alternative that doesn't provide the same potential image quality as a CCD-based scanner.


There you have it. I try to avoid learning new things on Fridays, but sometimes it just can't be helped.

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The Internet Age: 1969 Edition

Posted Saturday, July 11, 2009

This fantastic video from 1969 depicts a future where each of us has a "home post office."


It's amazing stuff.

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Five Cool and Useful Techniques for iMovie '09 and iDVD

Posted Monday, July 06, 2009

My friend and colleague Jeff Carlson, who did most of the revisions to the iMovie chapter of my book, has written a nice collection of tips for iMovie '09 and iDVD.

I highly recommend Jeff's book, which you can order through his iMovie blog--which I also highly recommend.

And while I'm recommending (and while you're ordering), permit me to humbly suggest that you grab your own copy of The Macintosh iLife '09, the latest and greatest edition of the world's top-selling iLife book.


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Secret Video of Apple's Next-Generation iPod!

Naw, I'm just kidding. I stumbled across this video over the weekend and had to share. I'm not sure the Vinyl Killer is the best thing for your precious vinyl records, but it sure is cute. I want one. They sell for about $99US.



While researching (that's another word for "procrastinating") the Vinyl Killer, I came across a video showing an incredibly cool optical "turntable" that's able to play even cracked and severely damaged records. I don't think you can pick this one up at the local electronics super store, though.

Besides, I'm holding out for one of these.

Happy Monday!

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How to Photograph Fireworks

Posted Thursday, July 02, 2009

Every year at this time, as the US Independence Day nears, photography magazines and Web sites run articles on how to photograph fireworks.

This year is no exception.

Have a safe and happy July 4, no matter where you live!

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