Getty Family Festival - June 6

06/06/2004 10 am

Explore the cultures of the Middle East and the Mediterranean as we celebrate the exhibition The Arts of Fire: Islamic Influences on the Italian Renaissance. From Persia to Pisa, trace the movement of ideas from east to west with a day of music, dance, and storytelling. Find out how flamenco reveals the Islamic roots of Spanish music. Create your own vessel inspired by the glass and ceramics on display in the exhibition, or learn a folk dance from Andalusia or Iran. No reservations necessary. - Info

Photos from previous events - 1 | 2 | 3

Location: Museum Courtyard

Event: 22nd Annual Salute to Recreation Family Festival

The largest annual Department of Recreation and Parks event in the San Fernando Valley, features plenty of activities for the whole family, including a children¹s area, a petting zoo, carnival rides, games, food booths, an International Village, a Hawaiian Village, an arts and crafts boutique, Teen Night, and entertainment on four stages. Catch the fireworks extravaganza on Saturday night.

W H E N : June 4 - 6, Friday 6:00 p.m. ? 10:30 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. ? 10:30 p.m., Sunday, 10:00 a.m. ? 9:00 p.m.
S I T E : Northridge Park, Van Nuys
C O S T : Free event
S P O N S O R : City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks
I N F O : 1-888-LA PARKS (527-2757) http://www.laparks.org

From the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department Festival Guide

Shareware Music

I came across a reference to this site, Magnatune.com via another interesting weblog, Church of the Customer.

Magnatune.com applies the concept of "shareware" to music, allowing you to download and listen to music before you decide to buy.

Here is the blurb from their site:

We're a record label. But we're not evil.

We call it "try before you buy." It's the shareware model applied to music. Listen to hundreds of MP3'd albums from our artists. Or try our genre-based radio stations.

If you like what you hear, buy our music online for as little as $5 an album or license our music for commercial use.

Artists get a full 50% of the purchase price. And unlike most record labels, our artists keep the rights to their music.

Founded by musicians, for musicians. No major label connections. We are not evil.

While I can't bear out their claims, I did find some great music on the site. I was wandering through their classical section, but they have a wide variety of music available.

Friday Fun: Virtual Zen Garden

Here is a lovely bit of Zen fun for the end of the week.

Rake the stones into any pattern you wish or smooth over what you have already done. Remember, the goal here is relaxation, not a perfect garden. Be well!

Via Metafilter and Little Fluffy

Career-Op:Return to the Fold

Career-Op: Return to the Fold
Douglas E. Welch, ComputorEdge Magazine

If you are working as an independent high-tech consultant, there may come a time when, due to financial pressures or personal preference, you need to “return to the fold” of a classic corporate job. While the reasons for your return might be varied, there are a few ways to insure that your return is as painless and productive as possible. In your time away, you have surely expanded your education and experience. Both of these can be instrumental in easing your re-entry back into the corporate world. What will hinder you is that nagging feeling of having failed at going it alone.

(Continued)

Discuss High Tech Careers

Microsoft Office Student and Teacher Edition

I have needed to upgrade my Microsoft Office program for some time, but the cost for a new version of Office is nearly $300. I couldn't justify the cost when I don't use most of the programs included in the suite of Word, Entourage, Excel, Powerpoint (and Access, for Windows users.)

The recent issue of Wired reminded me that there is another option, Microsoft's Office Student and Teacher Edition. We qualify for this software since Rosanne is currently enrolled in her Master's program, but even if we didn't, Microsoft requires no qualifying documentation to insure that you are a student or a teacher. Office S&TE is available from Amazon.com for $129.99, a significant price reduction from the list price ($300) or even the upgrade price ($240) of a full copy of MS Office.

If you are looking to upgrade, or buying a new machine, this is your best choice to get the leading software suite at a fraction of the normal cost.

Mac OS X 10.3.4 (Panther) Upgrade

Apple released its latest update to Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther) today. It should be available in the Software Update system preference pane on your system. I have not yet installed the large (41 MB) update, but I will report back on any issues I might find.

Further information is available via MacCentral, MacUpdate, and AppleInsider.

From Apple.com...

The 10.3.4 Update delivers enhanced functionality and improved reliability for Mac OS X v10.3 "Panther" and is recommended for all users.

Key enhancements include:

• improved file sharing and directory services for Mac (AFP), UNIX (NFS), PPTP, and wireless networks
• improved OpenGL technology and updated ATI and NVIDIA graphics drivers
• improved disc burning and recording functionality
• iPods connected via USB 2.0 are now recognized by iTunes and iSync
• additional FireWire audio and USB device compatibility
• updated Address Book, Mail, Safari, Stickies, and QuickTime applications
• improved compatibility for third party applications
• previous standalone security updates

For detailed information on this Update, please visit this website: http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n25764

Full Moon Hikes for June

WED 6/2 7:30pm - Franklin Canyon Ranch

Nearly Full Moon Hike Explore the canyon by moonlight on a moderately strenuous hike. Look and listen for wildlife, and enjoy a spectacular view of the stars and city from atop the canyon trail. Fun for all ages. 2hrs WODOC

THUR 6/3 7pm - Charmlee Wilderness Park

Full Moon Hike All ages welcome. Hike under the full moon. Reservations required 310-317-1364. 2hrs CWP

More info

A nice desk for a Macintosh

Flipping through the latest Pottery Barn catalog the other day, I am came across this desk, expensive, but quite a nice match for a 15" iMac.

It would also work well with a laptop and other small-format computers. The added advantage is the ability to stash everything away when guests arrive.

Event

1st Thursday San Pedro ART Walk

On the first Thursday of each month, the artists, entertainers, and business people of San Pedro celebrate the arts with an evening of open galleries, studios, street vendors, and live entertainment in the downtown San Pedro Arts District. Downtown San Pedro is magically transformed into a village of creativity surrounded by historical architecture, including the magnificent Warner Grand Theater, quaint restaurants and cafes, plus plenty of places to shop for those unusual items and gifts. Bring the whole family for an enjoyable evening in this seaside village.

W H E N : June 3, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

S I T E : Downtown San Pedro between 4th & 8th Streets

C O S T: Free

S P O N S O R : The San Pedro Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

I N F O : http://www.1stthursday.com

From the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department Festival Guide

Career-Op: Moving Forward
by Douglas E. Welch, ComputorEdge Magazine

Over the years, I have been content to let my clients use whatever technology made the most sense for their own personal needs. A majority of Windows 3.1 and Mac OS 7.5 users slowly evolved into Win95/98/XP and Mac OS X. Often, my clients were using hardware and software that was woefully out of date, but as long as it worked, I didn’t push them to make a change. That said, times change and people change with them. Now I find myself in a new role with my clients – pulling and pushing them into newer hardware and software so they do not get hopelessly left behind. This role is not an envious one for any high-tech careerist, but it is growing in importance every day.

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