danandsherree.com http://danandsherree.com/ Dan is a computer geek. There, he said it. en danwolfgang@danandsherree.com Copyright 2010 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:00:00 -0500 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 03:00:45 -0500 http://www.movabletype.org/?v=4.32-en danwolfgang@danandsherree.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Say Hello to Melody I’m betting 99% of our readers know that I love a piece of software called Movable Type. It’s responsible for... http://danandsherree.com/2009/06/23/melody.php 2379@http://danandsherree.com/ I’m betting 99% of our readers know that I love a piece of software called Movable Type. It’s responsible for powering all of our web sites, has received much of my free time (Eat Drink Sleep Movable Type), and now consumes all of my work life (uiNNOVATIONS). It’s something I’m passionate about, just like many of my online friends.

We’ve been working to ensure that our passion remains strong, and that we’ll have a tool that will continue to meet our demands and our clients demands. Today, we’re announcing a new project called Melody.

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]]> Computers Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:00:00 -0500 0 http://danandsherree.com/2009/06/23/melody.php#comments Evaluating Backup Options (Again) Something I try to stay on top of is regularly backing up the important data on our computers. Keeping our... http://danandsherree.com/2008/10/08/evaluating_backup_options_again.php 2263@http://danandsherree.com/ Something I try to stay on top of is regularly backing up the important data on our computers. Keeping our photos safe is paramount! Regular and automated backups of all our photos, documents, and other files is important.

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]]> Computers Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:40:00 -0500 2 http://danandsherree.com/2008/10/08/evaluating_backup_options_again.php#comments Apple iTunes 8's Genius Playlist Feature Along with the recent announcement of new iPods, Apple also introduced a new version of iTunes, version 8. A very... http://danandsherree.com/2008/09/19/apple_itunes_8s_genius_playlist_feature.php 2251@http://danandsherree.com/ Along with the recent announcement of new iPods, Apple also introduced a new version of iTunes, version 8. A very cool new feature was introduced: Genius playlists.

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]]> Computers Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:20:00 -0500 0 http://danandsherree.com/2008/09/19/apple_itunes_8s_genius_playlist_feature.php#comments Help Test Poll Position I've spent just over a month working on a new plugin for Movable Type that I've named Poll Position. Simply,... http://danandsherree.com/2008/06/29/help_test_poll_position.php 2217@http://danandsherree.com/ I've spent just over a month working on a new plugin for Movable Type that I've named Poll Position. Simply, this plugin makes it easy to add polls and surveys to an MT-based web site. (The plugin's name is inspired by the great video game, Pole Position, but apparently it gets its roots from horse racing.)

Want to help test? Answer a question! I've created three polls to test with, and your participation helps me see that it's working correctly. Problems? Please leave a comment.

Summer picnic and party-time is here. What's your favorite?

View results

These surveys are obviously dealing with very serious material. Please, answer honestly.

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]]> Computers Sun, 29 Jun 2008 18:15:00 -0500 1 http://danandsherree.com/2008/06/29/help_test_poll_position.php#comments I Love the Kensington Expert Mouse I believe I bought my first computer in 1994, though I had been using my Dad's computers for years and... http://danandsherree.com/2008/03/12/i_love_the_kensington_expert_mouse.php 2148@http://danandsherree.com/ I believe I bought my first computer in 1994, though I had been using my Dad's computers for years and years before that. It came with a mouse. Shortly thereafter I replaced it with a trackball named (oddly enough) the Expert Mouse, by Kensington. I've used a handful of different trackballs as well as several versions of the Expert Mouse. For long-term use, I doubt I'll ever use anything else.

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]]> Computers Wed, 12 Mar 2008 08:00:00 -0500 0 http://danandsherree.com/2008/03/12/i_love_the_kensington_expert_mouse.php#comments Software on my MacBook Pro, Part 2 Even though I've been using a Mac on-and-off for quite a few years, my experience really using it has really... http://danandsherree.com/2008/03/08/software_on_my_macbook_pro_part_2.php 2146@http://danandsherree.com/ Even though I've been using a Mac on-and-off for quite a few years, my experience really using it has really only recently begun. I recently wrote about some of the applications I'm using and wanted to share some more of them.

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]]> Computers Sat, 08 Mar 2008 14:07:46 -0500 1 http://danandsherree.com/2008/03/08/software_on_my_macbook_pro_part_2.php#comments Software on my MacBook Pro Since joining the Apple crowd with a MacBook Pro I've had to find some applications to fill the role of... http://danandsherree.com/2008/03/03/software_on_my_macbook_pro.php 2141@http://danandsherree.com/ Since joining the Apple crowd with a MacBook Pro I've had to find some applications to fill the role of what I used with Windows XP. I've found a few tools that I like so far.

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]]> Computers Mon, 03 Mar 2008 07:20:00 -0500 0 http://danandsherree.com/2008/03/03/software_on_my_macbook_pro.php#comments How to Easily Read the Web: RSS Feeds There are a lot of sites on the web that I like to read. Some are updated hourly, some daily,... http://danandsherree.com/2008/02/17/how_to_easily_read_the_web_rss_feeds.php 2126@http://danandsherree.com/ There are a lot of sites on the web that I like to read. Some are updated hourly, some daily, and some monthly--or even less frequently. Keeping up with all that content is practically impossible if you tap the URL in to your browser's address bar, and very difficult if you keep bookmarks of everything. How do I keep up?

A lot of sites provide RSS feeds (typically signified by the orange-and-white icon: ), along with a Google account for Reader make it really easy to read it all!

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]]> Computers Sun, 17 Feb 2008 10:10:00 -0500 2 http://danandsherree.com/2008/02/17/how_to_easily_read_the_web_rss_feeds.php#comments Movable Type Plugin Ideas The recent realease of both Movable Type 4.1 with the Professional Pack and a stable build of MTOS has been... http://danandsherree.com/2008/01/29/plugin_ideas.php 2118@http://danandsherree.com/ The recent realease of both Movable Type 4.1 with the Professional Pack and a stable build of MTOS has been keeping me on my toes and awful busy with work for uiNNOVATIONS. I keep looking forward to a slightly slower period when I'll be able to put some time into some of the plugins I have in mind.

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]]> Computers Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:20:00 -0500 0 http://danandsherree.com/2008/01/29/plugin_ideas.php#comments I'm Using a MacBook Pro Now I previously wrote that I was considering purchasing a Mac computer, and in mid-November I finally ordered one--an Apple MacBook... http://danandsherree.com/2008/01/13/im_using_a_macbook_pro_now.php 2109@http://danandsherree.com/ I previously wrote that I was considering purchasing a Mac computer, and in mid-November I finally ordered one--an Apple MacBook Pro. Having used it for about one and a half months now, I'm quite happy with the experience.

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]]> Computers Sun, 13 Jan 2008 13:45:00 -0500 0 http://danandsherree.com/2008/01/13/im_using_a_macbook_pro_now.php#comments Considering a Mac I've preferred Windows machines over Macs basically since my first chance to play with Microsoft Windows 3.0. A decade ago... http://danandsherree.com/2007/10/19/considering_a_mac.php 2088@http://danandsherree.com/ I've preferred Windows machines over Macs basically since my first chance to play with Microsoft Windows 3.0. A decade ago it was easy for me to say that because of ideas like multitasking--Windows couldn't do it very well, but the Mac was just downright poor. Apple has made a lot of changes with it's OS X platform, however, and it's always been something I've kept my eye on.

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]]> Computers Fri, 19 Oct 2007 12:49:10 -0500 0 http://danandsherree.com/2007/10/19/considering_a_mac.php#comments I want to Podcast I've always liked the idea of podcasts. They can be a better way to communicate than reading text on-screen. Specifically,... http://danandsherree.com/2007/09/26/i_want_to_podcast.php 2083@http://danandsherree.com/ I've always liked the idea of podcasts. They can be a better way to communicate than reading text on-screen. Specifically, consider what I've written for Scouting Stories--how great would it be to actually hear the intonation and pause that actual story-telling offers up? Clear advantages. (A podcast, if you don't know, is little more than an mp3 or audio file you can download.)

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]]> Computers Wed, 26 Sep 2007 20:55:00 -0500 0 http://danandsherree.com/2007/09/26/i_want_to_podcast.php#comments Using Adobe Photoshop Lightroom We've taken a lot of photos over the years, and still shoot a decent bit: vacations, activities, around the house,... http://danandsherree.com/2007/09/14/using_adobe_photoshop_lightroom.php 2079@http://danandsherree.com/ We've taken a lot of photos over the years, and still shoot a decent bit: vacations, activities, around the house, Scouts -- all sorts of things. One of the things I most love about shooting digitally is that -- with the right tools -- it's very easy to store, sort, cross-reference, and organize photos.

Finding some software to help with this organization task is difficult, however. I think a variety of features are needed: good tagging capability isn't enough, I also want a strong backup tool, for example. Adobe's been doing a good job of this for a while: first with Photoshop Album (superceded by the organizer in Elements), then the Organizer in Photoshop Elements (still good, by the way), and now with Photoshop Lightroom (a more powerful, heavier-duty tool). Recommended!

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]]> Computers Fri, 14 Sep 2007 18:50:00 -0500 0 http://danandsherree.com/2007/09/14/using_adobe_photoshop_lightroom.php#comments Hello Movable Type 4.0! "> When Movable Type 4.0 entered a public beta a few months back, I couldn't wait to get a chance... http://danandsherree.com/2007/08/15/hello_movable_type_40.php 2074@http://danandsherree.com/
mt4-3.gif

When Movable Type 4.0 entered a public beta a few months back, I couldn't wait to get a chance to play with it. I downloaded, I installed. I poked, I prodded, I submitted bug reports. I've watched it mature along with the rest of the ProNet community. Even though I'm pretty familiar with all the changes and new features, I'm still excited to see the beta sticker get peeled off the product!

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]]> Computers Wed, 15 Aug 2007 07:40:00 -0500 0 http://danandsherree.com/2007/08/15/hello_movable_type_40.php#comments Desktop Tower Defense Desktop Tower Defense is a really fun Flash game. Highly recommended. At the medium level, my high score is 1,960... http://danandsherree.com/2007/06/22/desktop_tower_defense.php 2052@http://danandsherree.com/ Desktop Tower Defense is a really fun Flash game. Highly recommended. At the medium level, my high score is 1,960 points. What's yours?

]]> Computers Fri, 22 Jun 2007 21:50:00 -0500 1 http://danandsherree.com/2007/06/22/desktop_tower_defense.php#comments Welcome Computerworld Readers! Yesterday I had a brief interview with a writer from Computerworld, looking for some more input on how widescreen monitors... http://danandsherree.com/2007/04/24/welcome_computerworld_readers.php 2033@http://danandsherree.com/ Yesterday I had a brief interview with a writer from Computerworld, looking for some more input on how widescreen monitors increase productivity. And today a story is published (Widescreen monitors display increasing appeal to users) with a link back to here. So, if that's how you arrived, thanks for visiting.

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]]> Computers Tue, 24 Apr 2007 14:54:10 -0500 0 http://danandsherree.com/2007/04/24/welcome_computerworld_readers.php#comments Widescreen Monitors Increase Productivity There are three really important parts to a computer: the keyboard, mouse and monitor. Those are the parts you actually... http://danandsherree.com/2007/04/16/widescreen_monitors_increase_productivity.php 2030@http://danandsherree.com/ There are three really important parts to a computer: the keyboard, mouse and monitor. Those are the parts you actually interact with and allow you to be comfortable and happy with it... or not. For me, a split keyboard is essential, and I've found the Kensington Expert Mouse (a trackball) to be the best way to move around the screen. The last piece is the monitor: wider is better.

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]]> Computers Mon, 16 Apr 2007 20:32:04 -0500 3 http://danandsherree.com/2007/04/16/widescreen_monitors_increase_productivity.php#comments Web Host Recommendation: HostPC Almost since the beginning of this site (nearly four years ago), we've used one company to keep this site going:... http://danandsherree.com/2007/04/11/web_host_recommendation_hostpc.php 2029@http://danandsherree.com/ Almost since the beginning of this site (nearly four years ago), we've used one company to keep this site going: HostPC. They do a great job.

December 2007 Update: I need to remove my recommendation for HostPC. After having several significant problems that they were unwilling to offer any help with, we left them to find a better host: Media Temple.

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]]> Computers Wed, 11 Apr 2007 12:34:15 -0500 1 http://danandsherree.com/2007/04/11/web_host_recommendation_hostpc.php#comments Off to the Six Apart NYC Event Tomorrow morning Sherree and I will be heading to New York City. I'm going to the Six Apart (makers of... http://danandsherree.com/2007/03/19/off_to_the_six_apart_nyc_event.php 2022@http://danandsherree.com/ Tomorrow morning Sherree and I will be heading to New York City. I'm going to the Six Apart (makers of Movable Type) NYC Event: tomorrow is a day-long Hackathon and Wednesday is the Executive Summit. Sherree'll be adventuring through the city.

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]]> Elsewhere in our Life Mon, 19 Mar 2007 07:59:23 -0500 0 http://danandsherree.com/2007/03/19/off_to_the_six_apart_nyc_event.php#comments Netgear SC101 NAS Review A little more than a year ago I made the mistake of purchasing a Netgear SC101--a network-attached storage (NAS) device.... http://danandsherree.com/2007/02/06/netgear_sc101_nas_review.php 2010@http://danandsherree.com/ A little more than a year ago I made the mistake of purchasing a Netgear SC101--a network-attached storage (NAS) device. I emphatically recommend against these devices; they're junk.

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]]> Computers Tue, 06 Feb 2007 08:27:07 -0500 3 http://danandsherree.com/2007/02/06/netgear_sc101_nas_review.php#comments Recent Activity: Better File Uploader 2.0 It's been quite a while since I've posted anything substantial here, and even my regular posting schedule has slowed down... http://danandsherree.com/2006/08/29/recent_activity_better_file_uploader_20.php 1886@http://danandsherree.com/ It's been quite a while since I've posted anything substantial here, and even my regular posting schedule has slowed down quite a bit. What's been keeping me from it?

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]]> Computers Tue, 29 Aug 2006 18:11:25 -0500 http://danandsherree.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-tb.cgi/1386 0 http://danandsherree.com/2006/08/29/recent_activity_better_file_uploader_20.php#comments The Style Contest Results The results of The Style Contest were announced recently. Disappointingly, Bulletin Board wasn't one of the winners, but it was... http://danandsherree.com/2006/07/11/the_style_contest_results.php 1881@http://danandsherree.com/ The results of The Style Contest were announced recently. Disappointingly, Bulletin Board wasn't one of the winners, but it was a tough competition. Congratulations to those who did win!

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]]> Computers Tue, 11 Jul 2006 20:24:04 -0500 http://danandsherree.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-tb.cgi/1381 http://www.thestylecontest.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-tb.cgi/897 2 http://danandsherree.com/2006/07/11/the_style_contest_results.php#comments Style Contest Update On Monday night was The Style Contest's entry deadline. On June 23 they'll announce the winners. There are a total... http://danandsherree.com/2006/06/07/style_contest_update.php 1871@http://danandsherree.com/ On Monday night was The Style Contest's entry deadline. On June 23 they'll announce the winners. There are a total of 146 submissions, but I think I might have a shot with my three entries.

  • Trail Mix is in the Sports & Recreation category with 13 other entries. Trail Mix is unique to the contest in that it was the first to use image replacement for the banner and provide several ways of replacing it--including the Duct Tape Title Generator.
  • Scrapbook is in the Hobbies & Crafts category with 16 other entries. Scrapbook really isn't too unique amongst the other entries, but was easy to put together.
  • Bulletin Board is in the Home & Family category with 16 other entries. Bulletin Board is quite unique in the contest: the Main Index and Individual Entry pages each display completely differently. The Main Index throws away the idea of columns in favor of "note paper." The Comments and Trackbacks are displayed uniquely in floated elements, presenting a dynamic, not-quite-linear layout. Plus, it looks really slick with all the bold colors. Certainly my favorite entry.

Category winners get $1,000; the grand prize winner gets $4,000. I'd prefer the grand prize.

]]> Computers Wed, 07 Jun 2006 12:23:25 -0500 http://danandsherree.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-tb.cgi/1372 http://www.thestylecontest.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-tb.cgi/281 0 http://danandsherree.com/2006/06/07/style_contest_update.php#comments Google Notebook is Just What I Needed I haven't been using Google Notebook for very long, but it's just the sort of tool I've longed for. I... http://danandsherree.com/2006/05/25/google_notebook.php 1860@http://danandsherree.com/ I haven't been using Google Notebook for very long, but it's just the sort of tool I've longed for. I often want to bookmark and add a little note to myself about why I wanted to save it, but there really isn't a good way to do that. Similarly, I very frequently find tidbits of information I want to keep, instructions on a topic to save for later, or ideas for a project--all of which I want to add some of my own notes to. To accomplish these kinds of tasks I just send myself an e-mail with the information, but Google Notebook is definitely a better (and easier) way. Try it out!

]]> Computers Thu, 25 May 2006 19:55:38 -0500 http://danandsherree.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-tb.cgi/1360 3 http://danandsherree.com/2006/05/25/google_notebook.php#comments Bulletin Board in The Style Contest "> My third submission to The Style Contest is Bulletin Board. Sherree's actually the one who came up with the... http://danandsherree.com/2006/05/16/bulletin_board.php 1854@http://danandsherree.com/
I designed for The Style Contest

My third submission to The Style Contest is Bulletin Board. Sherree's actually the one who came up with the original concept for this, I just made it all work. The contest deadline has been extended to June 5 so I'll have a little more time to iron out some bugs, but I don't think I'll submit another theme.

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]]> Computers Tue, 16 May 2006 20:10:29 -0500 http://danandsherree.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-tb.cgi/1354 1 http://danandsherree.com/2006/05/16/bulletin_board.php#comments