Yum! Coookies - P-a-Day 11/30/06

Yum! Coookies - P-a-Day 11/30/06
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

...and so it begins...cookies for the holiday party start to pour forth (ok, trickle out at moment.)

These are chocolate chip with cocoa nibs, thanks to a kind gift from our friend and fellow chocolatophile, Lorilyn.

Technology IQ LIVE via TalkShoe

There's a new place for LIVE talk shows on the net and after seeing the success of a fellow Friends in Tech Member, Victor Cajiao of the Typical Mac User podcast, I figured I would try it. So, now you can join me for the next edition of Technology IQ LIVE!

Technology IQ is a talk show about technology, including, but not limited to computers, home appliances, cell phones and any other technology you might encounter during your day. Join the discussion and ask your most pressing questions LIVE. The show will also be available as a podcast -- meaning you can still receive it automatically, even if you can't attend.

If you ever attended one of my computer classes at the Sherman Oaks Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library, this show will be along the same question and answer format but the topics will be more varied.

The first episode of Technology IQ is scheduled for Wednesday, December 6, 2006 @ 6PM PST, before the Christmas holiday, so you can get some great advice for all those holiday purchases. Please let me know what days and times would be best for you for future shows. We will have a national audience, but I want to include as many of my clients and past students in the mix, as possible.

Join the conversation at TalkShoe.com

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You can participate in Technology IQ in several ways:

• Listen Live directly from the web site This requires nothing but your web browser. Visit the show link (http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/tscmd/tc/7488) and click the Listen Only link. You'll hear the live stream of the show, as it happens.

• Chat and Listen LIVE using the Free TalkShoe client Visit http://talkshoe.com/ and create your FREE TalkShoe account and register your own unique PIN number (usually your telephone number) Download the FREE TalkShow client software (http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/Downloads.jsp) and install it on your Windows or Mac OS X computer. Set this up today, and perhaps try it out with another TalkShoe show, so you are ready for the Career Opportunities show when it happens. Next, visit the episode link (http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=7488) and click the Listen, Text or Talk LIVE! button. This will automatically start the TalkShoe software, connect you to the show's chat room and start the LIVE audio Stream. Everyone can see what you type.

• Chat, Listen Live and participate using any telephone Take your experience to the next level by calling the TalkShoe switchboard (724- 444-7444) and entering the Talkcast ID # and your PIN. Now you can talk to the host and other listeners. You can also use popular Voice over IP software like Skype and Gizmo to make your call for FREE. Simply use the phone number, Talkcast ID and PIN listed above.

Drop me a line at techiq@welchwrite.com if you have any questions or issues with setting up your TalkShoe account.

Holiday Gift Guide #7 - Targus PA241U Podium Coolpad

I was first exposed to these laptop stands at a client's site and I was very impressed. It places the laptop in a more comfortable position, keeps it cook and can make you a lot more productive.

Link: Targus PA241U Podium Coolpad

Link: More laptop stands

More gift suggestions in the WelchWrite Store

Don't know what to give? How about an Amazon Gift Certificate!

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See also:

#6 Manhunt: The 12-day chase for Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson
#5 Apple iPod Nano
#4 Podcast Solutions
#3 A History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage
#2 The $64 Tomato by William Alexander
#1 Welch Family Christmas Cards

Holiday Gift Guide #6 - Manhunt

Manhunt: The 12-day chase for Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson

A detailed re-telling, from numerous viewpoints of John Wilkes Booth escape and capture after the assassination of President Lincoln.

Even 141 years after the murder, this story still intrigues and resonates in the American psyche. Using original source material, including Booth's own hastily written diary entries, author James L. Swanson creates a vivid picture of those 12-days when Booth escaped Washington, D.C., eluded capture in Maryland and Virginia and his final moments on Garrett's farm.

More gift suggestions in the WelchWrite Store

Don't know what to give? How about an Amazon Gift Certificate!

See also:

#5 Apple iPod Nano
#4 Podcast Solutions
#3 A History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage
#2 The $64 Tomato by William Alexander
#1 Welch Family Christmas Cards

At the keyboard - P-a-D - 11/28/06

At the keyboard - P-a-D - 11/28/06
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

Hand to keyboard.

My version of nose to grindstone! (SMILE)

Elsewhere Online: Requiem in M - All Mozart, All the Time!

Get yourself a Mozart fix, any time you want, courtesy of Swedish Radio (Isn't the Internet amazing?)

Requiem in M All Mozart, all the time.

"To celebrate Mozart?s 250th birthday Swedish Radio launched a new service on the Internet: SR Mozart - a channel dedicated to the music of Mozart."

(Via MetaFilter.)

Display - P-a-D - 11/27/06

Display - P-a-D - 11/27/06
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

Sometimes I think I spend way too much time looking at this display from our Honda Civic hybrid, I had an evening consulting call tonight, so the glow from the dashboard caught my eye as I waited for the client to arrive home.

Holiday Gift Guide #5 - Appe iPod Nano

What can you say about the iPod that hasn't been said before? Take your music collection, or even better, podcast collection, wherever you go. Sync quickly and easily with Apple's free iTunes software. Buy music, TV shows and movies directly from the iTunes store. Enjoy!

More gift suggestions in the WelchWrite Store

Don't know what to give? How about an Amazon Gift Certificate!

See also:

#4 Podcast Solutions
#3 A History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage
#2 The $64 Tomato by William Alexander
#1 Welch Family Christmas Cards

Holiday Gift Guide #4 - Podcasting Solutions

Everything you need to know about podcasting, written by fellow LA Podcaster Dan Klass and podcast pioneer, Michael Geoghegan.

More gift suggestions in the WelchWrite Store

Don't know what to give? How about an Amazon Gift Certificate!

See also:

#3 A History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage
#2 The $64 Tomato by William Alexander
#1 Welch Family Christmas Cards

Video Postcard - Idyllwild, California

On our regular Thanksgiving trip to Idyllwild, California, I made this little video postcard to share.



Click to watch the video!

This is one of our favorite towns and quite off the beaten track. We have often dreamed of having our own little cabin in the woods, but close enough to town to have a sense of community. Idyllwild reminds me so much of my, much flatter, hometown of New London, Ohio, with old-fashioned 4th of July Parades, Community Christmas Caroling and more.

Take a day to visit when you are in the area. You won't be disappointed.

Idyllwild, California - Google Map
Idyllwild Town Crier
Idyllwild Chamber of Commerce

Technorati Tags: california, podcast, podcasting, outdoors, video

Cookie Supplies - P-a-D for 11/26/06

Cookie Supplies - P-a-D for 11/26/06
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

All the cookie supplies are coming out of the pantry. It's time to get busy. I usually start off with some easy recipes like Chocolate Chip and oatmeal, working my way up to those cookies that require more time, finesse or finishing.

Holiday Gift Guide #3 - History of the World in 6 Glasses

A History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage
2005, Walker & Company, New York

Listen to the Audio Podcast of this review

When I saw this book, by the author of The Victorian Internet and The Turk, at the library I had to check it out. I enjoyed both of these earlier books so much that I regularly recommend them to others. Standage has a way of making history come alive by focusing on one particular aspect. A History of the World in 6 Glasses follows much the same design.

This time Standage explores history using 6 different drinks that have effected civilization in dramatic ways. He begins with beer, discovered in ancient times, but improved repeatedly, becoming safer to drink than the polluted water supplies that surrounded ancient, and not so ancient cities.

Once global shipping improved, Greek wines could begin traveling around the Mediterranean and the world, moving from an expensive drink for royalty to daily ration for everyone in society. Wine developed into a liquid currency that could be easily “spent” and divided, but unlike modern paper money, it could even be consumed when necessary.

Distilled spirits started as a miracle cure, eau de vie or literally “water of life”. They were rediscovered by Europeans, from Arabic sources, as the Dark Ages ebbed. Spirits like Rum created entire economies, eventually acting as one trigger for American Independence.

Then came coffee, “The Great Soberer” and the coffeehouse environment that fomented intellectual growth, great thinking and many of the revolutions that would shake the 18th Century.

Tea, with Britain as its powerhouse and largest consumer forever altered the civilizations of China and other Eastern countries, leading to hundreds of years of foreign control continuing even until this century.

Finally, Standage ends with the effects of Coca-Cola and how it forever changed the global economy.

Throughout “6 Glasses”, I found new information, new incites, new documentation that I had never seen before. While I was familiar with the basic concepts behind these drinks and how they effected society, bringing it all together in one book makes for an engaging and enlightening read.

Pick up “6 Glasses” or any other of Standage’s books and you are sure to enjoy yourself as well as learn something you might never have known.

Other books by Tom Standage

More gift suggestions in the WelchWrite Store

Don't know what to give? How about an Amazon Gift Certificate!

See also:

#2 The $64 Tomato by William Alexander
#1 Welch Family Christmas Cards

Oak Leaves in Idyllwild - P-a-D 11/25/06

Oak Leaves in Idyllwild - P-a-D 11/25/06
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

On our regular, yearly retreat to Idyllwild, California. I try to make it up every year around this time. The cool, brisk air, the smell of wood fires and the small town ambience are exactly what I need to get me into the holiday spirit.

You can find Idyllwild, California by checking out the geocode on this photo, locating it on a Yahoo Map.

Holiday Gift Guide #2 - The $64 Tomato

Listen to the Review

It is a story as old as America itself. When we dream, we dream big. Big houses, big cars and, in the case of The $64 Tomato, big gardens. In this book, author William Alexander details his love/hate relationship with his garden. I knew I was going to love this book within the first chapter, when I found myself laughing out loud time and time again. Alexander perfectly captures the idealism and absurdity that usually accompany any home improvement project.

I must say that, after my childhood of helping my Grandmother and my Father in the garden and even, reluctantly, maintaining my own small garden plot as a child, I found it a bit ludicrous that anyone would actually set out to "design" a vegetable garden. In my experience, you usually just mark out an area, have the neighbor plow it up and disc it down, lay out some string lines and plant. Aesthetics were rarely, if ever, an issue. Now you bring in experts, test the soil, try exotic new varieties of plants and, so it seems, endure many failures.

While the book is funny, it is also a trifle sad. There is an underlying current of hubris which seems to thrive in the heart of every American. We like to think we can conquer and control anything, even nature itself, when, in reality, we can only hold back nature for short periods of time and even then, only in relatively small areas. It is also a story of having eyes too large for our stomachs. Rows and rows of zucchini that must be given away, if not forced on the neighbors. Yes, we love having fresh food from our very own gardens, but it seems we have no self-control. If "some" is good than "more" must certainly be better.

The $64 Tomato is entertaining and enlightening because it is so true. Anyone with any aspirations to gardening will recognize themselves in its pages. Gardening, like life itself, is about struggle and this book details many struggles with bugs, grass, weeds and neighbors. Even then, I can guess that these were only a small portion of the troubles that occurred in the real garden. Television writers, like my wife, constantly deal with this issue. Just because something happened in real life, often times the viewers will never believe it. I would guess there are more stories that this gardening author has yet to tell.

The saddest part, but one that rings true, is the author's struggle in finding balance between gardening as a task and gardening as a joy. I know that I experience this every day in my own garden and I am sure you do, too. It is a rare gardener who can find joy in pulling weeds time and time again That said, don't let the dandelions get you down. Pour a nice, cool lemonade (preferably made from your own lemons), sit back in your favorite chair and enjoy, if just for a moment, the garden you have created. While I certainly hope you don't spend $64 for each tomato you harvest, this book can make you laugh and give you solace in the knowledge that most gardener's are happily suffering right along with you.

Link: The $64 Tomato by William Alexander

More gift suggestions in the WelchWrite Store

Don't know what to give? How about an Amazon Gift Certificate!

See also:

Welch Family Christmas Cards

Cookie Season Begins - Photo-A-Day for Nov. 24, 2006

Cookie Season Begins - Photo-A-Day for Nov. 24, 2006
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

For us, the day after Thanksgiving isn't about shopping. Instead, it is the day when we start cookie baking for our annual Christmas Cookie Party. Each year, I bake 80-90 dozen cookies and invite all our friends and family over for an Open House. I take the 2 weeks between Thanksgiving and the second Saturday of the month to bake 2-3 batches of cookies a day, freezing the cookies to put them into suspended animation until they are defrosted for the party.

Thanksgiving table - Photo-A-Day for Nov. 23, 2006

Thanksgiving table - Photo-A-Day for Nov. 23, 2006
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

The centerpiece from our Thanksgiving table. My sister always hosts Thanksgiving dinner -- thank goodness -- as I don't have the wherewithal to cook a full-sized turkey with all the trimmings. I merely have to sit, eat and socialize.

Holiday Gift Guide #1 - Welch Family Christmas Cards

These cards, with a photo taken in Ojai, several years ago, has served as our own personal Christmas Card in the past and also been purchased by several people all over the country. You can order your own set via CafePress.com.

Link: Welch Family Christmas Cards

More gift suggestions in the WelchWrite Store

Don't know what to give? How about an Amazon Gift Certificate!

Happy Thanksgiving from WelchWrite.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is Thanksgiving Day here in the US, so from all of us to all of you, Happy Thanksgiving, wherever you are!

Listen to our audio message

Late night snack - Photo-A-Day Nov. 21, 2006

Late night snack - Photo-A-Day Nov. 21, 2006
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

A common late night snack around the house -- a bit of cereal with honey.

Douglas interviewed on The Red Fence Project

Updated: (11/21/06) Included direct link to video file to include it in the podcast feed. -- Douglas



Back on My 20, 2006, myself and Dan Klass, fellow LA Podcaster and producer and star of The Bitterest Pill were interviewed by the Red Fence Project web site. It has taken a while, but it is great to see this 12 minute video that resulted. We talk about podcasting and the LA Podcasters, and have a little fun while we are at it.

Click the photo to watch the video!

From the Red Fence Project web site...

"RedFence is the natural artistic outpouring of a Los Angeles-based community of artists, adventurers and thinkers. They have pooled their considerable talents and modest resources to create www.redfenceproject.com and its printed counterpart RedFence Magazine. Here you will find original works from some of the freshest voices in the creative world. Any medium, from paint to poetry, and film stock to the written word, may find a home among us. You will also discover critiques and reviews of the best creative works our roving minds can unearth, as well a glimpse into our thriving culture of creativity."

Technorati Tags: california, podcast, podcasting, events, losangeles, technology, high-tech, video

Windswept tree - Photo-A-Day Nov 20, 2006

Windswept tree - Photo-A-Day Nov 20, 2006
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

Where is this? San Gabriel Mountains? Some National Parkl? Nope, how about on Van Nuys Blvd at Burbank. Nature is often where you find it, especially in the city.

Frogtown Artwalk - Los Angeles

Rosanne, Joseph and I went on a little adventure this evening, heading out to Frogtown, a small neighborhood bordered by the 2, the 110 and the LA River. It is a great little neighborhood, filled with quite a variety of artists. A complete list of participants can be found on their web site at http://frogtownarts.com/

More photos are available in the Frogtown Artwalk Gallery.

We arrived around 7:30 pm, after a quick dinner over on San Fernando Blvd. Their map was great and easy to follow so we ended up parking right in the middle of the action. Many of the artists were offering the typical wine and snacks, but a couple were serving everything from tamales to BBQ. Quite a difference from the usual art opening fare. I wish I would have known. I wouldn't have had dinner first. (SMILE).

Tracy A. Stone, Architect was the organizer of this first Frogtown Artwalk and I was told by one artist that the idea only really came together about 3 weeks ago. I guess this explains why I only heard about it one day before. I made sure to leave my business card so that the group can inform me when they plan another artwalk. I look forward to it.

The Blake Avenue Lofts, at 1939 Blake, held a great contingent of artists working in a variety of styles and mediums. One cool example were these distressed and patched jeans created by Ether Cult. (ethercult@hotmail.com).

The highlight of our evening was a fire demonstration by Brand Name Label design and fabrication. Inside their space wa also some cool custom woodwork by Jeremy Watson. As we left a workspace next door, we heard this almighty WHOMP and saw a flash of light. Of course, we had to investigate. In the outdoor storage yard of their site we found an organ with 20 foot 12 foot tall pipes, with jets burning like torches. The owner demonstrated how music and fire go together with a short tune at the keyboard.

Next, her ignited a fireball maker that sent a fireball 30 feet into the sky. This was the device responsible for the huge WHOMP we had heard earlier. Video of both of these devices is available by clicking on the thumbnail below. Enjoy!

We had a great time walking the dark streets with all the other folks who somehow found out about the event and would certainly do it again. Just like the larger Brewery Artwalk downtown, visiting these artists is a great way to spark your own thoughts and help you get your own creative juices flowing.



Click to view video!

Technorati Tags: california, make, DIY, podcast, creativity, outdoors, events, losangeles, technology, free, kids, children, art

End of the season - Photo-A-Day for Nov. 17, 2006

End of the season - Photo-A-Day for Nov. 17, 2006
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

The leaves of the Japanese Maple are brown but still holding on. It seems to do this every year, with some leaves not falling until the new buds push them off the stem.

On Small Business: Do not hover over your customers

I don't walk around expecting to have business epiphanies at every turn, but it seems every time I am out simply "being a customer", something like this happens.

I was at the local Hallmark store yesterday, looking for a birthday card for my wife. As you probably know, there are row upon row of cards for all occasions, so I was taking my time looking them over. I usually try to find a card that has the proper sentiment, but also one where can add my own words to make the message more personal.

As I was pulling out this card and that, a member of the staff approached and started placing cards onto the rack. For whatever reason, perhaps because I was looking for something for my wife, or because I felt my space being invaded or even the fact I didn't want to be judged for my choices, it made me uncomfortable. I continued looking for a while, but the staffer drew nearer and nearer. Finally, she reached across, right in front of me to place some more cards on the rack.

That was it. I was out of there.

Now, I know that workers need to accomplish their work, re-stock shelves, etc, but they should never "hover" over a customer, unless that customer directly asks for their assistance. I liken it to the overzealous fast food workers who insist on cleaning your table while you are still using it. I have had people spray their cleaning products on me and in my face, seemingly oblivious to their rudeness.

This staffer could have easily returned a few minutes later when I had made my purchase or moved to a different area of the store. Instead, though, they were caught up in their own priorities and drove me out of their store.

If you are the owner or manager of a retail store, make sure that your employees know some basic facts about customer service. Reward those who exemplify proper services and gently correct those who don't. In my particular case, I have to place some blame on the store manager, who could have noticed what was happening and helped to prevent it.

What are the small issues that prevent you from shopping at certain stores? Share you comments using the link below.

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Previous "On Small Business" articles:

On Small Business: The Kindness of Friends

Technorati Tags: california, job, jobs, work, workplace, losangeles, business, retail, shopping

Light (and dark) - Photo-A-Day Nov 16, 2006

Light (and dark) - Photo-A-Day Nov 16, 2006
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

Arts & Crafts style light in our home. I have 4 in this style now.

Event: Frogtown Artwalk - Tomorrow Night, Nov 17

I always wish I found out about these things earlier. (Pout) I might still try to finagle a babysitter and make my way down to Frogtown. It is always great to see new areas. You wouldn't think there would be anything left to see after my 20+ years here in LA, but there are always pleasant surprises like this.

If you see my wife and I walking the neighborhood, say "Hi!"

Chicken Corner: Take me to the river/Frogtown Artwalk

Take me to the river/Frogtown Artwalk by Jenny Burman

Frogtown is named for frogs. It's the neighborhood -- also known as Elysian Valley -- that tucks between Riverside Drive in Echo Park/Silver Lake area and the Los Angeles River. It's residential and industrial, one of those margins in the city that non-participants often blink away as they drive past (in this case the 2 and 5 freeways). Though you'd have to have your eyes close these days not to notice the resurgence of green space along the river, thanks largely to the efforts of Friends of the LA River. I am writing about it at this moment because tomorrow evening there is going to be a free, self-guided tour of fourteen designers' and artists' studios and other alternative/green ventures such as Lovecraft Biofuels that have found space in the valley of the frogs. Friday, from 7 to 10 pm, doors will be open.

(Continues)

(Via Chicken Corner @ LA Observed.)

A Chat with Nolan Bushnell

Our monthly BarCampLA Geek Dinner was held last night at uWink, a new dining and entertainment experience in Woodland Hills, CA. It's founder and CEO is Nolan Bushnell, founder of Atari, Chuck E. Cheese and several other franchises sat down with me for a quick interview about the origins of uWink, some of his past accomplishments and what the future holds for uWink.

(See Wikipedia for more information)

You can find additional photos from the Geek Dinner on Flickr.

Listen to the interview



Technorati Tags: california, podcast, podcasting, events, losangeles, technology, barcamp, barcampla, geekdinner

Pizza at uWink - Photo-A-Day for Nov 14, 2006

100_2890.JPG
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

Our monthly Geek Dinner was held at uWink in Woodland HIlls tonight. This is the brainchild of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese founder, Nolan Bushnell.

I got a short interview with him and had a lot of great conversation at the Geek Dinner. Audio coming soon!

Elsewhere Online: DIY Paper globe packaging...

Here is a neat idea for wrapping small gifts like earrings and such. It doesn't have to be a globe, either, as you could print whatever you wish and then follow the template to create the sphere or other shapes.

DIY Paper globe packaging...

MAKE Flickr photo pool member Funnypolynomial made this paper globe as a gift delivery accoutrament - "Kathy likes globes, and I wanted a unique gift-delivery mechanism, so I printed/cut/folded/glued a rhombicuboctahedron from here ... I left the top square unglued so it would open up to reveal the gift (earrings). "

(Via MAKE: Blog.)

Technorati Tags: make, DIY, howto, how-to, creativity, tutorial, cool, paper, crafts, free, kids, children

Geek at Work! - Photo-A-Day Nov 13, 2006

Geek at Work! - Photo-A-Day Nov 13, 2006
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

That's me! (SMILE)

ReviewMe - Bringing bloggers and advertisers together

Regular readers will now that I love reviewing neat stuff, whether it is the latest mystery book, gardening gadget or high-tech gear. It can be a bit difficult, though, to get the information and products to review. Mainly this is because of a simple disconnect between the companies who would like me to review their product and myself. How do we find one another?

ReviewMe seeks to bridge that gap by providing advertisers a method of finding bloggers who are willing to review their product in return for some cash. This is not to say that myself, or any blogger, is simply going to be shilling for whatever product comes along, though. I hope you know me better than that. Instead, I will be selectively picking and choosing the reviews to bring you information on products that I find interesting and hopefully you will, too.

In an effort to be completely transparent, ReviewMe requires all bloggers to clearly note when they are writing a ReviewMe review. (Note: That is what I am doing right now. This is a sponsored post.) You won't find any hidden agenda here. Bloggers CANNOT BE REQUIRED to give a positive review. That only makes sense. For myself, I tend to never bother writing bad reviews. I'm much more interested in telling your about good things. That said, you can be assured that when I write about a product, I really like it.

So, I don't know how many reviews I might be writing in the future, but this is the first. ReviewMe is asking me to help spread the word and I am doing just that. If you are a blogger, or an advertiser, check them out. I could be the start of something good. (SMILE)

You can find out more about ReviewMe by visiting their web site.

On Podcasting: The Why, How and What of Podcasting - from BarCampLA 2006

You can listen to my talk at BarCampLA on Sunday, November 12, 2006.

In this session I talk more about the "why" of podcasting and then a little about the how and what.

Listen to the session

Watch the Video

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Previous On Podcasting entries:

On Podcasting: My Podcast Process
On Podcasting: Podcasting and Education Panel from the Expo
On Podcasting: GoDaddy.com - Web hosts that don't host
On Podcasting: 2 years ago in podcasting history...
On Podcasting: It's just a hobby, right?
On Podcasting: Money, money, money
On Podcasting: Freedom
On Podcasting: Talking to the "old" media

Technorati Tags: california, DIY, howto, how-to, tutorial, free, cheap

Barcamp is Over - Photo-A-Day Nov 12, 2006

100_2837.JPG
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

BarCamp is over, everybody get back to work! (SMILE)

My legs and feet are sore from all the standing, but it was a great group of people and much was discussed.

Douglas E. Welch @ BarCampLA

Douglas E. Welch
Originally uploaded by eecue.

My "portrait" from the first day of BarCamp, by eecue

BarCampLA - Photo-A-Day Nov. 11, 2006

100_2833.JPG
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

Down at BarCampLA-2 today and tomorrow. More photos available on Flickr.

Met a lot of great people. Hoping to learn enough new information to make my head explode. (SMILE) Presenting my session on Podcasting tomorrow at 1 pm. Expect lots of pictures, audio and video after this weekend.

BarCamp LA is Here! - Nov 11 & 12

BarCampLA is here, so et your tech together and join us for 2 days of geek fun and learning.

What is BarCamp? Check out this link to find out.

Every attendee to BarCamp is also a presenter. What tech knowledge do you have that you would love to share? Bring it along, sign up for a session on the big board and present away.

I will be doing lots of Podcast Q&A and demonstrating how people can start podcasting today.

Visit the BarCampLA wiki for more information and to add your name to the list of attendees/presenters!

Technorati Tags: california, build, make, DIY, howto, how-to, podcast, podcasting, creativity, tutorial, events, losangeles, technology, barcamp, barcampla

"Bewitched" - Photo-A-Day 11/10/06

"Betwitched" - Photo-A-Day 11/10/06
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

The last flush of bloom from the Bewitched roses lining our driveway.

A hat on the table - Photo-A-Day - 11/09/06

A hat on the table - Photo-A-Day - 11/09/06
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

Still trying to make this project a daily habit, but sometime, like today, I forget to shot my picture until the last possible moment. That said, I am liking some of the photos I am taking. I think this one came out pretty well, with the stark lighting and the splash of color in the background.

Glasses - Photo-A-Day for Nov. 8, 2006

Glasses - Photo-A-Day for Nov. 8, 2006
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

Out at dinner, two water glasses misted with condensation.

What I'm Reading...

Here's another batch of books that have crossed my desk in the last week or so. -- Douglas

Buzzmarketing: Get People to Talk About Your Stuff
The Pursuit of Victory: The Life And Achievement of Horatio Nelson
Designing for Small Homes
Cabins: The New Style

Technorati Tags: outdoors, books, photo, photography

Did you? - Photo-A-Day for Nov 7, 2006

Did you? - Photo-A-Day for Nov 7, 2006
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

Nuff said.

Treo - Photo-A-Day for Nov, 6, 2006

Treo - Photo-A-Day for Nov, 6, 2006
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

Another weapon in my business arsenal. This Treo 90 is getting a bit long in the tooth, but despite a screen that is losing pixels it still does what I need.

Notice, too, the close proximity of my Los Angeles Public Library card. Another great tool that I use almost every single day.

Elsewhere Online: Inside of Hard Drive

You may hear all the clicking and whirring inside of your computer as you work, but I can bet that you have never seen what is actually going on inside. This great video opens a window to the life of your hard disk.

Inside of Hard Drive: Looks Like Hyper, Robotic DJ

I'm the first to admit that sometimes we can all get a little snobby about tech. This is just a standard hd, and the speed at which it continuously functions is unbelievable.

Of course, when they fail and I lose all my data...that can be pretty unbelievable too. – Mark Wilson

(Via Gizmodo.)

Technorati Tags: tutorial, computers, high-tech

Games - Photo-A-Day for Nov. 5, 2006

Games - Photo-A-Day for Nov. 5, 2006
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

My son plays a new game from the folks who made the excellent Professor Fizzwizzle, Grubby Games.

Fallen - Photo-A-Day for Nov, 4, 2006

Fallen - Photo-A-Day for Nov, 4, 2006
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

Locust leaves in the back garden.

Fall is here, even in Los Angeles. Usually the locust loses all of its leaves at once during the first rain, but without that rain, this year, they coming down a little at a time. They leave this perfect little carpet of yellow under the tree.

You can hear me talking about Fall and more in the latest episode of A Gardener's Notebook podcast.

Kitchen Still Life - Photo-A-Day for November 3, 2006

Kitchen Still Life - Photo-A-Day for November 3, 2006
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

I haven't had my usual time to spend in the kitchen these last few months, but I found this interesting still life late last night. It is truly a "still life" as this arrangement of items came directly from our actions, not pre-arranged for artistic effect.

Cool Tool: Scan, copy and fax with your camera phone or digital camera Scan, copy and fax with your camera phone or digital camera

This has got to be one of the neatest ideas I have seen in a while and my initial tests show that it works. I grabbed a couple of business cards off my desk and within minutes had 905% of the information into my address book.

Business card scanners have been around for a while, but this service makes it really convenient. If you have a 2 megapixel camera in your cell phone, you can even do it on the road.

Scan, copy and fax with your camera phone or digital camera

Whiteboards
Documents
Business Cards
Sign-up

scanR turns paper into useful digital information

Send digital copies or fax while traveling or at homeSave your information digitally and easily find it using desktop searchOrganize your business cards (without typing!)

(Via LifeHacker.com.)

Technorati Tags: technology, software, computers, email, high-tech, free, cheap

Dios de los Muertos - Photo-A-Day for November 2, 2006

Dios de los Muertos - Photo-A-Day for November 2, 2006
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

We were invited to a wonderful party in Silver Lake this evening for Dios de los Muertos. The altar at the house was 12 feet wide and reached to the ceiling and everyone was invited to leave remembrances and tokens of their friends and family who have passed. This is a photo of one small part of the altar.

The party was held at the home of artist, Rose Portillo, who my wife, Rosanne, recently profiled for Pomona College Magazine.

Read the article on their web site

Get it today - Mac: Update: Yummy FTP 1.5.2

I started using Yummy about a month ago and have never looked back. This is everything an FTP program should be -- reliable and quick. It supports all the usual ftp features, but also includes synchronization, to insure that your online and offline files match.

Highly Recommended!

Update: Yummy FTP 1.5.2 The FTP/SFTP program adds an updated interface, a 10x speedup in synchronization, creation or unpacking of .zip, .tar, and ditto archives on the server, and other changes.

(Via MacInTouch: Mac news, information and analysis.)

Technorati Tags: macintosh, software, computers, high-tech, cheap