January 2010 | My Technology

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Google to End Support for Internet Explorer 6

Google announced last week that the company will begin phasing out support of Microsoft's Internet Explorer version 6 beginning in March.

The announcement is directly related to attacks that Google had to fend off. The cyber attacks, which originated in China exploited a vulnerability found in IE6. Shortly after the attacks, Microsoft issued a patch that eliminated the problem.

Google cited that many other companies have stopped supporting other older versions of popular browsers.

Google Docs and Google Sites will be the first areas to drop IE6. The company suggest upgrading to the latest version of Internet Explorer or using Firefox, Google Chrome, or Safari.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Amazon and Macmillan Disagree over Pricing

If you go to Amazon currently and search on a title from Macmillan or any of its subsidiaries, you won't find them listed as available from Amazon. They are available from Amazon retailers, but not Amazon itself. Why, you ask? That's a good question and one that bears explaining.

As the e-book reader market continues to change and evolve, we're going to see more and more struggles between the publishers and the distributors. This most recent event is because Macmillan wanted to charge more for their books. Amazon sells most of their Kindle titles for $9.99 and really wants to keep the majority of the titles at that price point to remain competitive. The last few months have seen a new Sony device, the Barnes & Noble Nook, and this week the iPad. The last thing Amazon wants is a plethora of new devices capable of selling and delivering books at a lower price.

Due to the disagreement with Macmillan, Amazon removed all Macmillan (and its subsidiaries) titles from Amazon directly. Macmillan wanted to have their titles priced from $12.99 to $14.99.

I'm not well versed enough in the economics of publishing to be able to offer an opinion on who is right and who is wrong here, however I do know that the real loser in this disagreement is the consumer who wants to purchase a either a hard copy or Kindle version of one of those books.

How will this shake out? At this point it's hard to say. It took the music industry a fair amount of time (years) to figure out the proper sales model and even the current successful model is under debate.

As a Kindle owner and technology lover, I hope they get this situation resolved quickly. It's never good when a game changing technology takes a back seat to corporate politics. I'm betting this gets worked out sooner as opposed to later though as the publishing business has been suffering and there is a great revenue stream available here.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Wilder Launches Statewide Data Hub « Minnesota Council on Foundations Blog – Philanthropy Potluck

Wilder Launches Statewide Data Hub « Minnesota Council on Foundations Blog – Philanthropy Potluck: "Wilder Research has just launched Minnesota Compass, which offers a host of data and other resources in a user-friendly, easy-to-navigate, one-stop web site.

This new initiative builds on the prior success of Twin Cities Compass, a similar project for the 7-county metro region. Minnesota Compass measures quality of life in communities around Minnesota, providing data, commentary and insight from nonpartisan experts, and links to a variety of local community initiatives."

JoeCo BLACKBOX RECORDER used by Richard Thompson

The BLACKBOX RECORDER has been used to capture a series of recent concerts given by legendary guitarist Richard Thompson.

The recent Montalvo All Request Shows were recorded for possible future release. Simon Tassano was the FOH engineer and used the new BBR1 - BlackBox Recorder. He said he was very impressed with the unit - both with it's quality and ease of operation.

"The machine performed very well. Well, laid out, easy to set up and operate and the results sound great in my studio!"

Nonprofits: Time to Get Mobile - Online Fundraising, Advocacy, and Social Media - frogloop

Nonprofits: Time to Get Mobile - Online Fundraising, Advocacy, and Social Media - frogloop: "83% of adults have cell phones or smartphones. 35% of users have accessed the Internet via their phone, according to a December 2009 report by Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project. So in times of natural disasters like the catastrophic earthquake that hit Haiti and affected more then two million people, can a mobile strategy help raise money in times of crisis?"

Top 10 Social Media Countries | Penn Olson

Top 10 Social Media Countries | Penn Olson: "While the list is pretty comprehensive, one might argue that the comparison is according to absolute terms rather than population proportion (like how we compared Facebook users in Singapore and the U.S), it still works as a good indicator of the top social media countries."

CFP: The Paradigm Shift in Scholarly Communication: Will Publications Perish?

CFP: The Paradigm Shift in Scholarly Communication: Will Publications Perish?

A Collaborative Session Proposed by the CELJ (Council of Editors of Learned Journals) and the American Library Association Los Angeles - MLA Convention- Jan. 6-9, 2011.

The scholarly essay, once the coin of the realm in academia, is being transformed by digital technologies, which have enabled instant and open access through electronic publishing. This
revolution has changed the landscape of every aspect of scholarly publishing. The transformation has been so rapid and so dramatic, that there has been very little opportunity to assess,
adjust, and respond to the impact on scholarly communication. The very question about the future viability of learned journals, to say nothing of practices such as peer review, confronts us all as professionals who rely on the integrity of discourse. This session is an effort to deal with those questions directly and initiate a dialogue about how various branches of the scholarly
community (editors, authors, publishers, and librarians) can respond to ongoing and inevitable challenges.

Submit - 1 page proposal for a roundtable exchange to Alan Rauch (arauch@uncc.edu) by March 15, 2010.

(Participants MUST be members of the MLA.)

ALAN RAUCH
President - Society for Literature, Science, and the Arts
Department of English
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
9201 University City Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28223

arauch@uncc.edu
http://alanrauch.com

BBC News - How online sponsorship changes the way we give

BBC News - How online sponsorship changes the way we give: "It wasn't long ago that every person running a race or attempting some feat would send around a sponsorship form at their - or their parents' - office. But now, anyone looking to raise any significant amount of cash has migrated online."

The World Won't End Without Your Tweets | davefleet.com

The World Won't End Without Your Tweets | davefleet.com: "Social media can be a compulsive beast. It’s easy to feel a ‘need’ to keep putting out content through your various channels; no-where is this more true right now than on Twitter. I’ve written about that topic before, and I’ve also discovered the importance of unplugging occasionally."

iTero Continues to Impress... Digitally

We are two weeks into our time with the Cadent iTero. The experience has been a good one with the staff taking to it with a minimum of effort and the patient's have been both impressed with the technology and the elimination of the vinylpolyether impression material. They are also fascinated with the technology and love to watch the case take shape on the screen.

We've found that the workflow has actually improved our scheduling and creates more available "doctor time" to see emergencies or to spend more time with other patients.

Of course all of that means nothing if the end result is not a quality restoration for the patient. I've heard good things from other users and the science makes perfect sense to me, but the proof is in the clinical results. Today we cemented our first iTero crown. It was an upper left second molar and of all the teeth dentists treat, second molars are one of the most difficult simply because it's difficult to get the bite exactly right. Today, the process from removal of provisional to final cement was 5-7 minutes. The margins were perfect, the contact was just the way I like them, and the occlusion needed two tiny adjustments. The patient was thrilled that it was so easy.

Now I know it's only one case, but the result is what I've been hearing from lots of iTero fans. Basically the cementation appointments are easy and routine.

I'll be reporting back on the device as we get more cases to completion and if there are problems, you'll know about them. So far though, the process has been exactly what the folks at Cadent said it would be. That's pretty impressive.

Crown’s HiQnet™ Band Manager™ Breaks The 10,000 Download Barrier

Over the past year, 10,000 users have experienced Crown’s ground-breaking HiQnet™ Band Manager™ system configuration and control software and are deploying it in a number of portable PA applications from DJs, to bands and singers.

The free-of-charge application provides an intuitive user centric, function-driven interface designed to simplify system setup and management while enabling audio professionals, musicians, and engineers to configure and control a rack of Crown XTi series amplifiers. Band Manager unlocks all loudspeaker-processing capabilities of the XTi Series.

Band Manager makes smart use of browser-style navigation and the ‘Home’ screen displays monitor strips for each amplifier in the rack and front-of-house EQ and level control. EQ for stage monitors and all other processing is accessible on an individual amplifier basis. Upon starting Band Manager, all amplifier settings are transferred from the connected devices but they can also be saved to disk for quick recall if the rack is used often in multiple venues.

More information:

www.soundtech.co.uk/crown/news/band-manager-10000-downloads

Thursday, January 28, 2010

SCVMM R2, Job error

HI

We have a Hyper-V R2 Cluster with CSV.

We move a VM with the SCVMM R2 program.

I got an error

I dont like to re-run the job.

I use this link to hide the job in the VMM database.

http://fawzi.wordpress.com/2009/10/28/remove-failed-jobs-from-vmm-console/

Summary:

SELECT * dbo.tbl_TR_TaskTrail WHERE TaskState = ‘Failed’

I look the TaskID from the date

SELECT * dbo.tbl_TR_TaskTrail WHERE TaskID = ‘93dfa873c7af8e’

UPDATE tbl_TR_TaskTrail SET IsVisible = 0 WHERE TaskID = ‘93dfa873c7af8e’

After this sQL statement

I went to SCVMM R2 and I repaired the VM and the error disapear

sAntos

Hyper-V R2, network problem

Hi

Do you have problems with the VM and NICS?

Try this link:

The network connection of a running Hyper-V virtual machine is lost under heavy outgoing network traffic on a Windows Server 2008 R2-based computer

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/974909/en-us

sAnTos

HealthService problem.CPU high

Hi

We have a Windows 2008 Hyper-V Cluster.

The CPU is very high.

The HealthService is the guilty.

The SCOM is the service with the problem

All MP are updates.

I follow this links:

http://thoughtsonopsmgr.blogspot.com/2009/07/opsmgr-sp1-is-process-healthservice-of.html
http://scug.be/blogs/scom/archive/2009/06/11/opsmgr-performance-problems-with-healthservice-on-agents.aspx
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/935896/en-us

I did this link:
http://www.systemcentercentral.com/BlogDetails/tabid/143/IndexID/26999/Default.aspx

REsume:

Go to the the Heath Service Store
C:\Program Files\System Center Operations Manager 2007\Health Service State\Health Service Store
Delete all in it ( will not be able to delete the files when the Health Service is running
Then start the HealthService again and the Cache is cleared.

And the problem is solved

sAnTos

PHILANTHROPY 2173: What kind of Apps would your foundation build?

PHILANTHROPY 2173: What kind of Apps would your foundation build?: "As my plane landed I sent out this Tweet 'What could a community foundation App do?

Whoa. The smarties of Twitter responded. A flood of ideas came along - tweeted, DM'd and on and on. Here are some of them:"

EVGA's W555 Motherboard

CES was a huge event when it happened a few of weeks ago. There was some pretty big surprises and some huge new technologies unveiled that everybody was talking about. But what people are talking about now are some of the things that flew under the radar at the show, products like the new W555 Motherboard from EVGA.

The W555 is basically like your typical dual-processor LGA1366 motherboard except this baby was designed to be overclocked. Now judging by the images already seen the W555 isn't small. There are no exact dimensions that have been officially released yet but EVGA has confirmed that the W555 is larger than either the E-ATX or SSI standards.

But why is it so big you might ask? Well maybe because this thing is packed full of stuff. The W555 can hold two overclocked processors and a dozen DDR3 DIMM slots. On top of that there is also room for 7 PCI expansion slots. At first glance, people may think that they will be able to toss in two core i7 processors and start overclocking. Core i&s only have a single QPI link so in order to run a pair of processors in SMP you will need two Xeon W5000-series CPUs which each have two QPI links.

This board is already getting people excited with the possibility of being able to overclock a pair of 8-thread CPUs. Adding to that, you should be able to install a pair of Xenon-branded 12-thread Gulftown cored CPUs, set to be released later this year, for a whopping total of 24 threads from a single box. Each of the CPUs socket is provided with its very own bank of 6DIMM sockets.

Overall this thing looks insane. With all the overclocking possibilities and the theoretical possibility of running 7 GPUs in this thing is enough to make all you computer geeks out there slipping in a puddle of your own drool. Add that to the possible 24-thread count from a single box and you have a match made in geek heaven. No word on a release date or price has been revealed but we will keep you updated as more information rolls in.

Looking for Computer / PC Rental information? Visit the www.rentacomputer.com PC Rental page for your short term business PC needs. Or see this link for a complete line of Personal Computer Rentals.

CFP: Access 2010 Winnipeg (the premier library technology conference in Canada)

CFP: Access 2010 Winnipeg (the premier library technology conference in Canada)

About Access
The Access conferences are sponsored by the ETIG (Emerging Technology Interest Group) of the Canadian Library Association. To find out about Access and a list of past conferences visit the ETIG blog.

CFP: http://access2010.lib.umanitoba.ca/CFP

Submissions are due February 15, 2010

Access 2010 Winnipeg
October 13 to 16, 2010

New technology tools help Haiti earthquake relief - NashuaTelegraph.com

New technology tools help Haiti earthquake relief - NashuaTelegraph.com: "Volunteers have built and refined software for tracking missing people, mapping the disaster area and enabling urgent cell-phone text messaging. Organizations including the International Red Cross, the United Nations, the World Bank and the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency have put the systems to use."

New award honors nonprofits' photographers

New award honors nonprofits' photographers: "So Farese created an online nonprofit, PhotoPhilanthropy.org, to link documentary photographers with nonprofits in need of exposure. At a time when international reporting is disappearing from the pages of financially strapped newspapers and magazines, she gathered a group of private investors and some of the biggest Bay Area names in photography to award cash prizes to the best photo essays of overseas humanitarian work."

LISNews Librarian Essay Contest

LISNews Librarian Essay Contest

The first ever LISNews Librarian Essay Contest invites librarians to write an original essay about issues that impact librarianship. The contest will run for the entire month of February, 2010, with the fabulous prizes awarded sometime in March. Winning essayists will receive one of several prizes including Amazon or Borders gift cards, and a year of hosting from LISHost.org.
All Essays Must Be Submitted Here!
You can view only essay entries at http://lisnews.org/essays/
OR
Subscribe to the Essay Contest Entries RSS Feed Here: http://lisnews.org/essays/rss

Below the break you'll see answers to your questions.
What did you mean "issues", what should I write about? ANYTHING that ties into libraries, librarianship or librarians and all those that we deal with. There are over 10 years of stories we've posted here, take a look in the archives to see what interests us. Personally, I'm looking forward to reading about everything and anything that people decide to write about, as long as it comes back to libraries somehow. I'm looking to be surprised, challenged, I want to learn a thing or two, and maybe have good laugh.
What about format? You're writing for librarians, on the web. HTML is welcome, links, short paragraphs, images, and so on… There are a million sites out there that will tell you about the best way to write for the web.
How many words? I'm hesitant to set a hard limit, so let's just say "essay length."
How will judging be done? Well, judging writing isn't exactly easy is it? It's very subjective, that's why there will be somewhere between 5 and 10 judges. We'll all pick our favorites and base the winners on that.
What are the prizes? $25 from Amazon, $50 from Borders, and a year of hosting from LISHost.
What about deadlines? Anything entered in the month of February. You'll need to put it in the submissions queue and tag it with "essay". Don't email anything to me, use the queue.
No, you don't need to be a librarian.
Yes, you can co-author an article.
Yes, this essay should not be available elsewhere.
No, if you're a judge you're not eligible to win.
Yes, if you've written for LISNews before you can still win, you just can't be a judge.
How many essays do you expect to receive? Not many.

Text messages are one more way to help Haiti victims - Las Cruces Sun-News

Text messages are one more way to help Haiti victims - Las Cruces Sun-News: "LAS CRUCES - Nursing student Gonzalo Valdez, 28, sat on a couch in Corbett Center at New Mexico State University on Tuesday and typed a few letters and numbers into his iPhone before returning to his studying.

The whole transaction took just about a minute, but Valdez helped provide clean drinking water, first aid supplies or a warm blanket to a victim of the earthquake that devastated Haiti two weeks ago."

Finextra: Chase to extend crowdsourcing charity effort after two million facebook users vote online

Finextra: Chase to extend crowdsourcing charity effort after two million facebook users vote online: "Chase to extend crowdsourcing charity effort after two million facebook users vote online Chase is to extend the use of social media for charitable giving after its first campaign on facebook attracted more than two million users to its Community Giving site."

Does Your Nonprofit Need a Social Media Guide? - Online Fundraising, Advocacy, and Social Media - frogloop

Does Your Nonprofit Need a Social Media Guide? - Online Fundraising, Advocacy, and Social Media - frogloop: "Guess what one of the biggest challenges nonprofits face today when adding a blog to their website or diving into social media? Giving up control.

Does this sound familiar?

* Should blog comments be moderated?
* Should we even allow public comments on our blog?
* How do we handle negative comments? Just delete them?
* How do we deal with trolls?
* What if the opposition takes our tweets and twists our words?
* What happens if some of our Facebook fans disagree with what we have to say in one of our status updates?"

Apple Announces iPad - The Much Rumored Apple Tablet

Unless you haven't been paying attention, the tech world has been awash in rumors the last month or so about what Apple would be announcing on January 27th. Well today was the big day and for once us pundits got it right. The gang in Cupertino announced a tablet type device called the iPad.

Now when a lot of us think of "tablet" I think we default to Microsoft's Tablet PC. That's basically a fully functional PC with a stylus and a virtual keyboard for input. The iPad is more like a turbo charged iPod Touch, and that's not a bad thing by any means.

The device is 1/2 inch thick and has a 9.7 inch display with a resolution of 1024x768. If you've ever seen any of Apple's displays, you know how beautiful this one is. It's light, weighing just 1.5 pounds. It will be available in 16, 32, and 64Gb models.

It has Wifi and also with some models you can have a connection to the AT&T 3G network. It allows you to surf, buy and listen to music, and can run any app that is currently available in the App store. Of course, applications are already being developed for the new processor and larger screen size. Apple has also developed a version of iWork for the device allowing you to do word processing and even develop and give presentations using Keynote.

One of the new things that Apple has brought out with this device is iBooks. The iPad is also an ebook reader and there is now a bookstore available in iTunes.

My overall impressions are favorable. While it's not a world changer, it's definitely something that occupies a needed space between tiny phone and large/heavy laptop. You flat out know that an Apple product is going to be beautiful and will function brilliantly. I can envision using this around my house & office where I have plenty of Wifi and don't want to lug the MacBook Pro around with me.

However, the whole AT&T thing is a mistake in my opinion. I don't need another wireless connection to pay for. If you could use other carriers and I could piggyback this onto my Sprint bill, then maybe, but I don't have that option. Also, people keep touting that it is $499. That is the price for the smallest memory option with no case, dock, etc. I'd want the 64Gb and with all the things I'd add to it, you're talking closer to $1000 than $500. That's a tremendous difference.

Will it sell? Of course it will. Apple has a built in fan base that guarantees any of their products will be a success. Will it get main stream buy in? I think so. It's a nice first effort. It does what it promises to do. Will it be a game changer? So far I'm on the fence. Will I get one? I'm thinking yes.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Palm Pixi Plus (Verizon)

Palm Pixi Plus (Verizon) is nearly identical in design to the Sprint Palm Pixi, sharing the same dimensions, 2.63 inch multi touch screen, and full QWERTY keyboard. Verizon also packages Palm Pixi Plus (Verizon) with the same accessories, which include a travel charger, a USB cable, and reference material. However, in addition to the limited edition artist series back plates, you can also choose from one of five new colored back covers, available in blue, green, orange, pink, or black.

Each costs US$ 29.99 (the artists series cost US$ 49.99 each) and all are compatible with the Touchstone charging dock. For more details about the smartphone's user interface and look and feel, please read our full review of Palm Pixi Plus (Verizon) for Sprint. For more add-ons, please check our cell phone accessories, ringtones, and help page.

Features
Obviously, the big news here is the addition of Wi-Fi. Though more of an entry level device and with 3G support, some might argue that Wi-Fi isn't a necessity, but we'd have to disagree. With all the data intensive apps on smartphones these days, it's good to have another means of connectivity. Wi-Fi can provide faster speeds for Web browsing, streaming media, or downloads, especially when a carrier's 3G network is overloaded by users; it provides another method for getting online when you're out of a 3G coverage area.

In the case of Palm Pixi Plus (Verizon), you also get the benefit of using the smartphone as a mobile Wi-Fi router. How? Glad you asked. At launch, you will be able to download a program called Palm Mobile Hotspot from the App catalog that lets you turn your Palm Pixi Plus (Verizon) into a mobile hot spot or Wi-Fi router and tether up to five devices to share a mobile broadband connection using Verizon's EV-DO Rev. A network. This feature is exclusive to the Verizon Pixi Plus and Pre Plus but we should note, it also comes with a price.

You will need to sign up for a Verizon 3G hot spot plan, which costs US$ 40 per month and comes with a 5GB data cap. If you go over the monthly allowance, you will be charged an additional five cents per MB. For comparison, the mobile broadband plans for the Sprint and Verizon MiFi's cost US$ 60 per month with the same 5GB data cap and overage fees. Aside from Wi-Fi and 3G, Palm Pixi Plus (Verizon) also offers Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP stereo Bluetooth support and built-in GPS.

As with other WebOS devices, the smartphone comes preloaded with Google Maps, which offers maps with satellite view, real time positioning, business searches, traffic data, and simple text based instructions. However, if you're after voice guided turn by turn directions, you'll have to subscribe to Verizon's location based service, VZ Navigator.

Motorola Brute i680

Motorola Brute i680 should be able to withstand just about anything you can throw at it. It's large (3.92 inches tall by 2.09 inches wide by 1 inch deep), heavy (5.63 ounces), and is covered in a tough plastic and rubber skin. Indeed, the handset feels very solid in the hand and the sturdy hinge ensures that it opens and shuts with authority. We dropped the handset onto a concrete floor and even threw it across the room onto carpet. Both times, there wasn't a scratch and the phone kept on ticking.

Sure, the black and gray color scheme screams industrial, but this a device built for brawn over beauty. The external display is a bit bigger than a postage stamp, but it supports 65.000 colors (160x120 pixels). It supports photo caller ID, displays your recently called phone numbers, and doubles as a viewfinder for the camera. Speaking of which, the lens sits just above next to the flash. We'd prefer to have a camera shutter control on the phone's exterior, but one is not available.

On the top of the phone you'll find a speakerphone control and the standard Nextel button for accessing your recent calls list. Between them is a headset jack, which, unfortunately, is 2.5 mm (we prefer a standard 3.5mm jack). On the left spine are the volume rocker and push to talk (PTT) control. Both are large and easy to find by feel. We were glad to see that Moto included a Micro-USB port for both the charger and a USB cable. You'll find it on the right spine behind a secure rubber flap. Motorola Brute i680 is water resistant so the rear battery cover is secured by a locking mechanism.

You'll also need to remove it to access the microSD card slot. Moto doesn't include an unlocking tool in the box, but you should be able to use your fingernail. The Brute also is certified to the standard military specifications for elements like dust, shock and vibration, high and low temperature, and salt fog. The internal display measures 2.2 inches and supports 65.000 colors (220x176 pixels). Though its resolution isn't exactly eye popping, it's perfectly suitable for this caliber of phone.

Colors were bright and graphics and photos show up well. You can change the text size and the backlight time. We were glad that unlike many previous Nextel phones, Motorola Brute i680 offers a one page menu interface in a list or icon style. The spacious navigation is extremely user friendly with all controls raised above the surface of the phone. There are four directional controls with a central OK button, a dedicated menu key, two soft keys, a camera shortcut and the Talk and End or power keys.

The only thing missing is a dedicated back button. In standby mode, the up and down directional buttons open the settings menu and the recent calls list respectively; the side buttons let you cycle through the shortcut icons that sit on the display. They keypad buttons are spacious and tactile. We could text and dial quickly and we appreciate the large backlit numbers on the buttons.

LG Lotus Elite

LG Lotus Elite carries on the fashion phone reputation of its predecessor with an unquestionably bold and unique design. Measuring 3.43 inches wide by 2.44 inches long by 0.75 inch thick, LG Lotus Elite pays homage to the original Lotus with its square shape but has a style all its own. Indeed, the Lotus Elite is much sleeker and curvier than the blocky Lotus, with rounded corners and shiny chrome detail along its borders. The phone feels like it is solidly constructed the hinge seems sturdy as well.

LG wisely debuted the Lotus Elite in a stunning bold red decorated with a whimsical floral tattoo, which appears to be a ploy to attract the female demographic. However, the biggest design update for LG Lotus Elite is with its external display. It measures 2.4 inches diagonally, which takes up quite a bit of room on such a small phone. It also boasts 262.000 colors and a 320x240 pixel resolution, which makes everything look sharp and colorful. Not only that, but the display is now a touch screen.

Indeed, you can use your finger to tap through options just as you would with any touch screen handset. The display is resistive, not capacitive, so it's not quite as responsive as the screen on the iPhone or the Nexus One, but since the external touch screen on LG Lotus Elite has access to only a limited menu of options, it's not that big a deal. The first thing you'll notice when you activate the external touch screen is that it has animated wallpaper the one we have has an animation of a flying butterfly, for example.

You will also see the typical indicators like battery and signal strength, plus the date and time. There's also an icon for any missed calls or messages. Beyond that, you can customize it so that you can access your messages, photo gallery (or slide show), speed dial contacts, recent call history, and contacts list without having to open the phone. You simply swipe horizontally across the screen to flip through them. You can also use the external display as a camera viewfinder.

You can adjust the external display's screensaver and, if you want, you can calibrate the touch screen for added accuracy. On the whole, we found the external touch screen intuitive to use. On the left side are a 2.5mm headset jack, the volume rocker, and the charger jack, while the camera key, screen lock key, and microSD card slot are on the right. On the back of the phone is a tiny little metal loop on which you can tie a cell phone charm if you wish. The LG Lotus Elite even comes with an optional red leather strap to attach to it.

Interestingly, the 2.0 megapixel camera on LG Lotus Elite is located right on the hinge of the phone. When the phone is closed, the camera lens appears on the upper left of the phone's rear. When the phone is open, the lens appears on the hinge in between the display and the keypad. Since you'll be using the internal display as a viewfinder at that point, it makes it much easier to take self portraits. Flip open the phone and you'll find another 2.4 inch display with the same color support and pixel resolution. Unlike the external display, though, the internal one is not a touch screen.

It does feature Sprint's OneClick interface, which is a center carousel of shortcut tiles along the bottom row of the home screen. This lets you quickly access phone functions like your messages, your account details, Sprint Navigation, your Yahoo Mail, and more. Notable shortcuts include quick views of your Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace accounts, plus a Google menu that gives you access to Google search, Gmail, and YouTube. You can easily add and remove shortcut tiles from the OneClick carousel. You can adjust the display's brightness, the backlight time, the font size for messages, the browser, the notepad, the dial digits, and applications, and you can have picture IDs for contacts, unsaved numbers, and private or unknown numbers. The main menu can be arranged in either grid view or list view.

Flickr for non-profits – 8 lessons learned | Social Media 4 Good

Flickr for non-profits – 8 lessons learned | Social Media 4 Good: "I have been using Flickr for about two years to increase visibility of the work of Red Cross Red Crescent. Today, I’d like to share some of the lessons I’ve learned.

Why Flickr?

I believe that most non-profits spend too much time preaching to the choir. Flickr is a great website to show what your organization is doing or why it is doing it to people whom you haven’t reached so far."

Call for Contributions: 100 Elite Chinese Returnees in Entrepreneurship

Call for Contributions: 100 Elite Chinese Returnees in Entrepreneurship

Since 1978, in a hope to revitalize its ancient civilization, China began sending a large number of students and scholars overseas. Usually graduated from top universities at home, thousands of students have gone abroad each year to acquire advanced knowledge and skills, and those returned to China have already had a profound impact on the unprecedented transformation of the PRC over the past thirty years. Scheduled to be published by the Emerald Group Publishing in 2011-12, 100 Elite Chinese Returnees in Entrepreneurship will provide up-to-date and comprehensive coverage of top overseas returnees who have made noteworthy contributions
to the Chinese economy since the reform era began. Edited by Wenxian Zhang, Huiyao Wang and Ilan Alon, this research guide will focus exclusively on those elite entrepreneurs of new China. For the purpose of this book, a returnee is defined as a Chinese native who was born in
China, left to study overseas as a student, visiting scholar or guest researcher for over one year, and who has returned to China to work on a permanent or long-term basis.

Potential contributors may view the list of available entries at: http://web.rollins.edu/~wzhang/ecr.htm. Each contributor is expected to write three profiles and 3,500 words or more; and in return, will receive contributor acknowledgment in each entry and a copy of the book when it is published. Each profile will be roughly 1,000-1,500 words in length, briefly summarizing an individuals life and careers, with a central focus on his or her accomplishments and the key roles played in the new Chinese economy, and references in Harvard style should be provided at the end of each entry. Interested individuals should briefly summarize their subject expertise and qualifications when applying for entries, and all
assignments are due June 30, 2010 in Microsoft Word format. For additional information and entry assignments, please contact the editors listed on the project web site.

Professor Wenxian Zhang
Rollins College Box 2768
Winter Park, FL 32789
United States of America
Email: wzhang@rollins.edu

Visit the website at http://web.rollins.edu/~wzhang/ecr.htm

Iomega StorCenter

You can never have enough storage... right? Well, for years, Iomega has been fairly synonymous with storage. The device above is one of their latest devices, the StorCenter. It comes in various models, but is basically a RAID device that stores and can be accessed across your network.

I could drone on about it, but I'll just share some of the info from Iomega themselves. When you're done reading the specs, I'm sure you'll be as impressed as I was when I stumbled across this device. If only it could also make coffee...

Features

Easy file sharing, data backup and print serving from any networked Windows® PC, Mac or Linux workstation.
RAID Support—: RAID 5 and RAID 10 - all with automatic RAID rebuild. JBOD mode also available.
Network File Protocols Supported
- Microsoft (CIFS/SMB/Rally)
- Linux/UNIX (NFS)
- Apple File Protocal (AFP) and Bonjour support
- FTP
- HTTP
- HTTPS
- SNMP
Dual Gigabit Ethernet—Connectivity with Jumbo frame support and high performance embedded architecture.
iSCSI Target—Provides block-level access for the most efficient storage utilization, especially for database and email application performance. It can be used in parallel with file-level storage access via CIFS/NFS.
LCD Screen—A small front panel display provides quick information on the status of the StorCenter ix4-200d.
Remote Access—Connect securely from anywhere in the world and get full access to the pictures, videos, files and administration of the StorCenter ix4-200d through a personalized web address.
Active Directory Support—Functions as a client member in an Active Directory domain allowing the StorCenter ix4-200d to utilize the domain users and groups.
Replication / Device to Device Copy Jobs—
- Define your policy to copy/synchronize files to and from the StorCenter ix4-200d to any other NAS or USB attached storage device using Rsync technology, without the need for a client computer.
- Schedule jobs to run on a predetermined schedule
- One touch copying via the QuikTransfer button.
Folder Quotas—Easily manage capacity by setting maximum limits per user folder.
Expandability
- Add storage capacity by connecting external USB Hard Disk Drives. The ix4 supports read and write on Fat32, NTFS or ext2/ext3, or HFS+ formatted drives
Print Server—Intelligent print sharing capability for up to 3 USB printers directly connected to the StorCenter ix4-200d.
Security Camera—Connect up to 5 Axis® network security cameras and the StorCenter ix4-200d captures and stores video without the need of a dedicated PC
VMWare® Certified—HCL certified NAS (NFS) and iSCSI storage for VMware.
Power Savings—Automatic hard drive spin-down. 2TB & 4TB SKUs come with low power consumption "green" Hard Disk Drives.
Time Machine®—Support lets Apple® users easily backup any Mac computers running OS X (10.5 or later) using Time Machine.
Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) Support—Enables unattended system shutdown via the USB port without data loss in the case of power failure.
System Dashboard—consolidates information on space utilization, device, peripheral, and backup status.
Reporting—Email alerts, SNMP agent monitoring and Event Logging help IT administrators centrally manage the StorCenter ix4-200d
UPnP™ DLNA Certified® AV Media Server—Able to stream photos, audio content and videos to a variety of media devices like game consoles (Microsoft Xbox® 360, Sony PlayStation® 3), audio bridges, iTunes™ players, picture frames, etc.
Photo Slideshow—Integrated utility based on the Cooliris™ technology for quick browsing (3D thumbnails) and sharing of pictures stored on the StorCenter ix4-200d to both local and remote users.
Torrent Download Manager—The StorCenter ix4-200d manages peer-to-peer file transfers without the need of a dedicated PC.
Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP)—No touch, automatic transfer of photos from digital cameras via the USB port.
Bluetooth® Upload—Upload contacts, photos, and more from a cell phone, pocket PC or BlackBerry phone (Bluetooth USB adapter required, sold separately)
Total Data Protection—
- EMC® Retrospect® Express Backup Software (unlimited client licenses). Professional-level client backup for all your critical data.
- Iomega QuikProtect™ Software for effortlessly synchronizing files between the clients and the StorCenter ix4-200d
- Robust username and password authorized access
- RAID 5 or RAID 10 assures data integrity if a drive fails
- RSA® BSAFE® technology protects installs and upgrades
Simple to use—
- Easy configuration in a four step setup process
- Management via user friendly web-based interface
- Accessible in any of the 11 supported languages (concurrently from different clients)
Software Compatibility—Compatible with today's most common backup software titles, web browsers, media devices and computers
Software Included—EMC® Retrospect® Express Backup Software (Unlimited client licenses), Iomega QuikProtect Software and StorCenter Manager

The single largest networked AV system in history? Harman Professional at CityCenter Las Vegas

In what is rumoured to be the the largest networked AV system in history, CityCenter Las Vegas contains a Harman Professional system featuring BSS Soundweb London networking, Crown amplification and JBl speakers throughout - on a mind-blowing scale.

The numbers speak for themselves - 750 BSS London networked DSP units, 700 Crown amps, and more than 5,300 JBL loudspeakers. The Soundweb London BLU-link network can send 256 channels of audio everywhere all at the same time, with a theoretical quarter of a million possible end-points.

See the article below courtesy of System Contractor News:

Enterprise Architecture Definitions

hi

I would like to share some Enterprise Architecture Definitios (EA).

The purpose of EA is to identify and describe the enterprise-story, and help enhance effectiveness to keep the organisation 'on track' to that story.

(Tom Graves)

EA provides Technology roadmap align with Business objectives and service mapping;
Information, data warehouse, platforms, and business process tools.

(Sami Sheikh)

Zero and One.
The rest are derivatives.

(Grant Morgan Czerepak)

EA is the de-risking window on business decisions. (K V Ramesh)

Organize an enterprise to efficiently accomplish it’s mission and provide a roadmap showing where it is headed and how it will get there. (Mark REynolds)

You are not building a box (structure); you are building a system (architecture) - a system for more effectively planning and coordinating enterprise initiatives. (Kirk Rheinlander)

Purpose of EA is to define principles, standards, framework that enables IT to be agile to enterprise goals & its customer needs (Mohandas Shenoy)

Organize business processes and supporting IT assets(app and infra) to support business objectives (both current and evolving) by providing secure and timely delivery of information to contributing stakeholders.(Aljo Johnson)

The ability to identify and prioritize the changes/projects required to achieve the business to-be model from the current as-is business model.

(Greg Jones)

EA is about maintaining a map of where the IT org is and where we are headed. The chosen path is selected by combining business strategy, IT strategy and IT capabilities. (Randall Roberts)

To make change relevant and better! (Hugh Faulkner)

Thanks folks

sAntos

Enterprise Architecture. IT Architecture. Infrastructure Architecture ….

Hi

I link to learn more about this subject.

I read this link :

http://www.mikethearchitect.com/

http://weblog.tomgraves.org/

http://enklare.wordpress.com/

Thanks to people who write about this

sAnTos

Wordle

Hi

I was wondering about the Enterprise Architecture and I found this application: Wordle

http://www.wordle.net

funny tool

sAntos

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

The Text Effect

The Text Effect: "Cell phone users have made the Haiti relief effort the most successful mobile giving campaign in history.

Four or five years ago, the idea of raising literally millions of dollars via text message would have been ludicrous.

Now, Michael Nilsen with the Association of Fundraising Professionals calls texting a quantum leap in fundraising.

'Giving via text message was around, still in its infancy but certainly had been around and been used a little bit. But now all of a sudden it has become the way. And we've really seen it just take off tremendously."

Monday, January 25, 2010

CFP: Journal of Library and Information Service for Distance Learning

CFP: Journal of Library and Information Service for Distance Learning

The Journal of Library and Information Service for Distance Learning, a peer-reviewed journal published by Routledge, welcomes the submission of manuscripts.

The journal is devoted to the issues and concerns of librarians and information specialists involved with distance education and delivering library resources and services to this growing community of students.

Topics can include but are not limited to:
• Faculty/librarian cooperation and collaboration
• Information literacy
• Instructional service techniques
• Information delivery
• Reference services
• Document delivery
• Developing collections
If you are interested in submitting an article, send the manuscript directly to the Editor, Jodi Poe at jpoe@jsu.edu by February 19, 2010. Inquiries and questions are welcome.

Instructions for authors are available at http://www.informaworld.com/openurl?genre=journal&issn=1533-290X or can be emailed to you directly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jodi W. Poe, Editor
Journal of Library & Information Services in Distance Learning
Associate Professor, Head of Technical Services
Houston Cole Library
Jacksonville State University
700 Pelham Road North
Jacksonville, AL 36265-1602
TEL: (256) 782-8103
FAX: (256) 782-5872
Email: jpoe@jsu.edu

CFP: KMworld 2010

CFP: KMworld 2010
November 16-18
Marriott Renaissance, Washington DC
http://www.kmworld.com/kmw10

Conference Theme: KnowHow: The Knowledge Driven Enterprise

This note is to let you know that KMWorld is moving in 2010 to the east coast. We hope many of you will be able to participate as speakers and attendees. The call for speakers is now up online and we hope you will pass it along to your colleagues too!

The conference will include Enterprise Search Summit, Taxonomy Bootcamp & SharePoint Symposium. Check out http://www.kmworld.com/kmw10 for more.

Jane Dysart, Program Director
www.dysartjones.com
jane@dysartjones.com

6 Benefits of Using Twitter for Nonprofit | Pamela Grow's Grantwriting Blog

6 Benefits of Using Twitter for Nonprofit | Pamela Grow's Grantwriting Blog: "Why should we?”

“Twitter is just a bunch of noise about people eating lunch.”

“Our customers aren’t online.”

“We already have a website.”

Sound familiar? There are plenty of reasons to avoid social media, it seems. It is true that there are a zillion time-wasting testimonials out there, and a plethora of pundits sharing little, if any, value to organizations and the causes they represent."

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Great Products For Child-Proofing Your Computer

Great Products For Child-Proofing Your Computer

Anyone with a child knows they are fascinated with computers, starting at a very young age. Leaving your child alone with your computer is not the ideal situation, but watching them every second isn't always possible, either. Whether you want to protect your children from the many dangers of the internet or protect your important files from little hands who may not know exactly what the "delete" button means, the following programs can help make your child's PC experience more enjoyable and help you rest a little easier.

Safe Eyes 5.0 This program does everything you need and then some. It's touch - your smartest kid won't break the code of protection - and it covers up to three computers. It's compatible with both Mac and PC and retails for about $49.95.

Peanut Butter PC 3.0 Peanut Butter PC not only protects your files, but it keeps your kids entertained at the same time. It's not nearly as tough as Safe Eyes, but it does have interactive elements. However, in a review, PC Mag says they aren't very exciting. This one retails for about $24.95.

Hoopah Kidview Computer Explorer 6 This one is perhaps a bit too cutesy for older kids, but it will keep the little ones out of your important files. It offers kid-safe email and keeps web-surfing age-appropriate and it sells for about $39.95.

KidZui 5.0 KidZui allows your kids to surf the web, play games, view videos and interact socially online in a very lively environment. And it does it all for a mere $7.95.

Net Nanny 6.0 This is probably the best choice for child-proofing your PC. It does what you probably expect it would, but it also offers a number of unique features not found on any of the other programs. It has secure web-traffic filtering, ESRB-based game control, and records IM conversations if they come across as dangerous. You can monitor and manage from any location with email alerts and remote configuration. This one is $39.95.

OnlineFamily.Norton This is the only free product on the list but it's actually pretty good quality compared to a few of the others. It blocks bad websites, controls how long your child can spend on the computer, supervises chats and social network use. It works with both Macs and PCs and remote configuration and reporting is super-easy.

Looking for Computer / PC Rental information? Visit the www.rentacomputer.com PC Rental page for your short term business PC needs. Or see this link for a complete line of Personal Computer Rentals.

CFP: ETD 2010 Call for Papers, Posters, Presentations and Tutorials

CFP: ETD 2010 Call for Papers, Posters, Presentations and Tutorials

URL: https://conferences.tdl.org/utlibraries/etd2010/schedConf/cfp

On behalf of The Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD), and the University of Texas Libraries, we would like to invite you to submit a paper, poster or presentation for "ETD 2010: Collaboration, Innovation, Sustainability" - the 13th International Symposium on Electronic Theses and Dissertations to be held June 16 – 18, 2010 at the University of Texas in Austin, Texas, U.S.A. ETD 2010 will explore the issues of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in promoting ETDs, Institutional repositories and Open Access in the realm of scholarly communications.

The NDLTD initiative consists of hundreds of contributing member universities, libraries, information organizations, consortia and individuals. Membership details are available on the NDLTD website and dues-paying members are offered a discount on the conference registration fee. The NDLTD's activities are focused on those who produce, manage, store and use electronic theses and dissertations in order to support the authoring, indexing, archiving, dissemination and retrieval of ETDs worldwide. Conference attendees typically include librarians, graduate school administrators, information technology professionals and graduate faculty, staff and students.

"ETD 2010: Collaboration, Innovation, and Sustainability" is organized by the NDLTD, The University of Libraries, and the Texas Digital Library, with generous sponsorship provided by non-profit interest groups and corporations that produce hardware, software, and knowledge management solutions for digital archives and repositories.

Authors will be able to use an online portal to view abstract approval status and to upload revised versions of the abstract. Details on this portal will be announced in a subsequent communication; please check here again for more information. Completed, final versions of abstracts for papers are due by Friday, March 5, 2010. Notification of paper/poster acceptances will be announced to authors on March 22, 2010. Final versions of research papers for conference proceedings must be deposited in the ETD2010 paper repository by May 26, 2010. Print poster presenters must also deposit a PDF version of the final poster or e-presentation by May 26, 2010 or bring the poster with them to the conference. Electronic poster presenters may submit a multimedia version of their "poster", approximately two minutes in length, with narrative.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

First Steps with the Silverlight Bing Maps Control

A while back, I posted an article about displaying spatial data from SQL Server with what was then called the Virtual Earth Maps control. The article demonstrated an application that retrieves information about locations visited by a toy stuffed bear named Beanie, and displays those locations on a map. Since then, the Virtual Earth Map control has been renamed Bing Maps, and a Silverlight version of the map control is now available – so naturally, the time has come to update the Beanie Tracker application.

Unlike the Javascript version of the Bing Maps control, to use the Silverlight Bing Maps control, you need to sign up at the Bing Maps Account Center and obtain a key. However, this is a straightforward process (and free!). Once you have a key, you can create Silverlight applications that display and manipulate the Bing Maps control. To do this, download and install the Bing Maps control. Then create a new Silverlight application and add a reference to the assemblies provided with the control as shown here:

Now that you have a reference to the Map control, you can add its namespace to a XAML UserControl and include a map object in the Silverlight user interface as shown here, referencing the key you obtained from the Bing Maps Account Center:

<UserControl x:Class="BeanieTracker.MainPage"
    xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/winfx/2006/xaml/presentation"
    xmlns:x="http://schemas.microsoft.com/winfx/2006/xaml"
    xmlns:d="http://schemas.microsoft.com/expression/blend/2008"
    xmlns:mc="http://schemas.openxmlformats.org/markup-compatibility/2006"
    xmlns:m="clr-namespace:Microsoft.Maps.MapControl;assembly=Microsoft.Maps.MapControl"
    mc:Ignorable="d" d:DesignWidth="400" d:DesignHeight="500" Width="700" Height="400">
<Grid x:Name="LayoutRoot">

        <Grid.RowDefinitions>
            <RowDefinition Height="Auto"/>
        </Grid.RowDefinitions>
        <Grid.ColumnDefinitions>
            <ColumnDefinition Width="200" />
            <ColumnDefinition Width="*"/>
        </Grid.ColumnDefinitions>

        <StackPanel Grid.Column="0" Grid.Row="0" Orientation="Vertical">
            <Image Name="imgBeanie" Source="Beanie.jpg"></Image>
            <Button Cursor="Hand" Width="195" Height="25" HorizontalAlignment="Left" Content="Show Locations" x:Name="b1" Margin="2,10,0,1" Click="b1_Click"></Button>
       </StackPanel>

<m:Map Name="map" Grid.Column="1" Grid.Row="0" CredentialsProvider="YOUR_KEY" Width="475" Height="300" />

</Grid>
</UserControl>

Adding the map control displays a Bing Maps map in Silverlight user interface, enabling users to view the map and interact with it through it’s built in controls for changing the zoom level or view, and moving around the map. However, to add custom functionality, you need to write some code to manipulate the map control.

The Silverlight map control exposes a number of objects with properties and methods you can control programmatically, though some of the functionality in the Javascript version of the control has not been implemented in the Silverlight version. Unfortunately, the functionality that enables you to import a GeoRSS feed as a ShapeLayer onto the map is not implemented in the Silverlight control, so a simpler version of the Beanie Tracker application is required. In this version, I’ve written code to retrieve the GeoRSS feed, and then parse the XML feed and create a pushpin for each GML pos element, as shown here:

private void b1_Click(object sender, RoutedEventArgs e)
{
     Uri url = new Uri("../Feed.aspx?data=locations", UriKind.Relative);
     WebClient client = new WebClient();
     client.DownloadStringCompleted += new DownloadStringCompletedEventHandler(client_DownloadStringCompleted);
     client.DownloadStringAsync(url);
}

void client_DownloadStringCompleted(object sender, DownloadStringCompletedEventArgs e)
{
     if (e.Error == null)
     {
         StringReader stream = new StringReader(e.Result);
         XmlReader reader = XmlReader.Create(stream);
         string gmlURI = "http://www.opengis.net/gml";

         while (reader.Read())
         {
             if (reader.NodeType == XmlNodeType.Element)
             {
                 if (reader.NamespaceURI == gmlURI && reader.Name == reader.Prefix + ":pos")
                 {
                     string[] loc = reader.ReadInnerXml().Split(" ".ToCharArray());
                     double lat = Double.Parse(loc[0]);
                     double lon = double.Parse(loc[1]);
                     Pushpin p = new Pushpin();
                     p.Location = new Location(lat, lon);
                     map.Children.Add(p);
                 }
             }
         }
     }
}

You can see the resulting application at http://www.graemesplace.com/beanietracker.aspx.

Friday, January 22, 2010

100 Best Companies to Work

Hi

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/bestcompanies/2010/full_list/

Nothing to say

Well. Yes. My company is not here ;-( . ;-)

sAntos

Don't let Twitter, Facebook, Google be the only game in town - CNN.com

Don't let Twitter, Facebook, Google be the only game in town - CNN.com: "There's no reason that organizations or individuals who want to use the Web to relay critical information have to rely on Twitter or Facebook or Google or any other giant of the technology industry in the first place. We've just forgotten a bit about how the Internet was supposed to work.

Rescue organizations and charities should simply be able to use the Web sites they already have to deliver those messages."

Haiti mobile giving may spark surge in overall SMS contributions

Haiti mobile giving may spark surge in overall SMS contributions: "Manis, a former senior vice president at premium SMS aggregator m-Qube who left after it was acquired by VeriSign, said the huge spike in mobile giving after the Haiti earthquake represents a confluence of multiple factors. First off, a mature mobile giving infrastructure is finally in place. Organizations such as the Mobile Giving Foundation and mGive have integrated directly with all of the US mobile operators and signed up charities across the board, allowing them to not only receive contributions by text, but to set up immediate short code accounts to channel money to specific efforts. Within hours of the earthquake disaster, multiple charities were able to accept mobile donations directly for Haiti relief efforts."

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Simple Passwords Remain Popular, Despite Risk of Hacking - NYTimes.com

Simple Passwords Remain Popular, Despite Risk of Hacking - NYTimes.com: "According to a new analysis, one out of five Web users still decides to leave the digital equivalent of a key under the doormat: they choose a simple, easily guessed password like “abc123,” “iloveyou” or even “password” to protect their data."

Washburn presents brand new RX and NX Series

Washburn Guitars unveils the new NX & RX electric guitar series. Based on Washburn’s X Series, the NX and RX series have a slightly modified body shape. The new models include the RX10, RX12, RX20, RX22, RX25, NX30, NX40, NX50, and the NX100.

RX10
This affordable electric guitar features a Basswood body, a bolt on Maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, and chrome hardware with pickups in a humbucker/single/single configuration. A fulcrum tremolo and die-cast tuners are standard.

RX12
The RX12 has the same specifications as the RX10, but with 2 humbuckers.

Photo: RX12

RX20
Features Basswood body with Flame Maple veneer, a bolt on Maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, chrome hardware, and stop tailpiece.

RX22
The RX22 is constructed of a Basswood body with Flame Maple veneer, Maple bolt-on neck, Rosewood fingerboard, die-cast tuners, chrome hardware, and a string-thru bridge.

RX25
Features of a Basswood body with Flame Maple veneer, Maple bolt-on neck, Rosewood fingerboard, and a licensed Floyd Rose bridge. Chrome hardware and die-cast tuners come standard.

Photo: RX25

NX30
The NX30 has all the same features as the RX25 with the exception of a string-thru bridge and 3-ply binding.

Photo: NX30

NX40
A Mahogany body with Flame Maple veneer, Maple bolt-on neck, Rosewood fingerboard, 18:1 tuners, chrome hardware, a stop tailpiece, and dual humbucker pickups.

NX50
The NX50 has the features of the NX40 with the exception of a Quilt Maple veneer and Maple set neck.

Photo: NX50

NX100
The NX100 features a Mahogany body with a solid Flame Maple top, Mahogany set neck, and an Ebony fingerboard and is equipped with dual humbucker pickups. Chrome hardware, Grover® 18:1 tuners, and a stop tailpiece are standard.

All will ship in the UK from June 2010 onwards with pricing to be announced.

More information from UK distributor, Sound Technology Ltd, on 01462 480000, www.soundtech.co.uk/washburn

Washburn previews new Idol Series at NAMM 2010

New for 2010, Washburn Guitars announces the new Idol Series. Traditionally, the Idol series has had a unique look and shape, but the remodeled series has now taken on a new image. One of Washburn’s biggest changes this year is the adoption of a narrower lower bout silhouette.

The models to be introduced include the WIN14, WIN20, WIN22, IDOLSTANDARD1, IDOLSTANDARD2, IDOLDELUX1, IDOLDELUX2, IDOLPRO1, IDOLPRO2, IDOLLITE1, IDOLLITE3CUSTOM, IDOLPRO1CUSTOM, and the IDOLPRO2CUSTOM.

WIN14
The Washburn Idol Series WIN14 features a Basswood body, a bolt on Maple neck, Rosewood fingerboard, chrome hardware, and a gloss finish. It features a stop tailpiece, die-cast tuners, and dual humbucker pickups.

WIN20
The Idol WIN20 features a Basswood body with a flame maple top, a bolt on Maple neck, Rosewood fingerboard, chrome hardware, and a gloss finish. This model is equipped with a fulcrum tremolo and a single/single/humbucker pickup configuration.

WIN22
The WIN22 features a Basswood body with flame maple top, Maple bolt-on neck, die-cast tuners, and dual humbucker pickups. Chrome hardware, a Rosewood fingerboard, and a string-thru tailpiece are standard.

IDOLSTANDARD1
Featuring a Mahogany body with Maple top, Maple set neck, Rosewood fingerboard with exclusive wing inlays, reveal maple binding, and a stop tailpiece, the Isolstandard1 is stage ready. It also features chrome hardware, 18:1 tuners, and dual chrome humbuckers.

IDOLSTANDARD2
All the features of the IDOLSTANDARD1 but with three ply binding.

Photo: IDOLSTANDARD2

IDOLDELUXE1

A Mahogany body with Flame maple top, Maple set neck, Rosewood fingerboard, reveal maple binding, and gloss finish add up to a deluxe guitar. This model is equipped with exclusive Grover 18:1 tuners, chrome hardware, a stop tailpiece, and dual humbuckers.

IDOLDELUXE2
Like the IDOLDELUXE1, the 2 has the same features but features three ply binding on the neck and body.

IDOLPRO1
Featuring a Mahogany body with a Quilt Maple top, Mahogany set neck, Rosewood fingerboard with Washburn’s exclusive wing inlays and equipped with 2 chrome humbucker pickups. The IDOLPRO1 has chrome hardware, Grover® 18:1 tuners, a tune-o-matic bridge and a stop tailpiece.

IDOLPRO2
All of the features of the IDOLPRO1, with the addition of 3-ply binding.

Photo: IDOLPRO2

IDOLLITE1
Constructed of a thinner Mahogany body with a Flame Maple top, Maple set neck, Rosewood fingerboard, stop tailpiece, chrome hardware, 18:1 tuners, reveal Maple binding, and dual humbucker pickups.

IDOLLITE3CUSTOM
A neck through model of Mahogany with a solid Spruce top, ebony fingerboard, chrome hardware, and a satin finish. This model is also equipped with a stop tail bridge, dual humbucker pickups, and Grover® 18:1 tuners.

IDOLPRO1CUSTOM
A Mahogany body with Flame Maple top, a set Mahogany neck, reveal Maple binding and a Rosewood fingerboard combine to create a top of the line model. Also features chrome hardware, Grover® 18:1 tuners, a stop tailpiece, and dual humbucker pickups.

IDOLPRO2CUSTOM
Similar the model abovewith the addition of 3-ply binding.

All new Idol models will ship in the UK from June 2010 onwards. Prices in the UK are to be confirmed but are expected to be highly competitive.

For more information please call Sound Technology Ltd on 01462 480000 or click on www.soundtech.co.uk/washburn

Washburn previews all-new Acoustic Series

Washburn Guitars has previewed an all-new acoustic guitar range at NAMM 2010 consisting of 30 new models. The new range featuring a variety of body shapes and wood combinations will be available from June 2010.

Each of the new 10, 20, 30, and 40 acoustic series features different tonewoods with models available in dreadnought or mini jumbo body styles. A prefix of WD denotes dreadnought body and WMJ denotes a mini jumbo body.

The 10 Series feature mahogany backs & sides. Included in the 10 Series is the spruce topped WD10 & WMJ10. The WD10F/WMJ10F and WD10FCE/WMJ10FCE all feature flame maple tops. The WD10FCE/WMJ10FCE add a cutaway and Fishman® electronics for stage work. The WD10S/WMJ10S add a solid spruce top for outstanding tone that will improve with age. The WD11S/WMJ11S feature solid cedar top for a slightly warmer tone.

Photo: WD10S

The 20 series features rosewood back & sides. The WD20S/WMJ20S feature solid spruce tops. The WD21S/WMJ21S have solid cedar tops.

The WD30S/WMJ30S has a tamo ash back and sides and solid spruce top. To compliment the looks of the ash the 30S will also have exclusive gold Grover 18:1 tuners.

Photo: WD30 back

The WD40S/WMJ40S has a flame maple back and sides, solid spruce top and exclusive gold Grover 18:1 tuners.

In addition the 15, 25, 35, 45 and 55 Series represents Washburn's new deluxe acoustic models. Each series has a Solid Canadian Spruce top with different distinct tonewoods for the back and sides. Available in Dreadnought and Grand Auditorium body styles with Fishman® equipped acoustic electrics.

The 15 Series features a solid Canadian Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides, abalone binding and rosette and a Fishman® tuner/preamp on cutaway electric models. Models in this series include the WD15S, WD15SCE and with solid Cedar top the WG16S and WG16SCE.

Photo: WD15S front

The 25 Series features a Canadian Spruce top, Rosewood back and sides, abalone binding and rosette and a Fishman® tuner/preamp on cutaway electric models. Models in this series are the WD25S, WD25SCE and with solid Cedar top the WG26S and WG26SCE.

The 35 Series features a solid Canadian Spruce top, Tamo Ash back and sides, abalone binding and rosette and a Fishman® tuner/preamp on cutaway electric models. Models in this series are the WD35S and WD35SCE.

The 45 Series features a solid Canadian Spruce top, Flame Maple back and sides, abalone binding and rosette and a Fishman® tuner/preamp on cutaway electric models. Models in this series are the WD45S and WD45SCE.

Photo: WD45S back

And finally, the 55 Series features a solid Canadian Spruce top, Koa back and sides, abalone binding and rosette and a Fishman® tuner/preamp on cutaway electric models. Models in this series are the WD55S and WD55SCE.

Photo: WD55S front

Photo: WD55S back

Prices in the UK are to be confirmed but are expected to be extremely competitive.

For more information please contact UK distributor Sound Technology on 01462 480000 or click on www.soundtech.co.uk/washburn

SSL Matrix enjoys continued success

Introduced at last year’s NAMM, the Solid State Logic Matrix Studio integration console continues to enjoy brisk sales across all levels of the industry.

Professional studios, including Timbaland’s touring bus, South Beach Studios and Larrabee Studios, join major educational placements, such as Full Sail University, and smaller private studios relying on Matrix. Engineers and artists alike have come to appreciate the flexibility, signature SuperAnalogue™ sound quality and comprehensive DAW control offered by Matrix.

More information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/ssl/news/matrix-console-installations

IEEE publishes first Audio Video Bridging (AVB) Standard

The AVnu Alliance™ is pleased to announce that the IEEE has ratified and published IEEE 802.1Qav, the first of the core Audio/Video Bridging (AVB) standards. IEEE 802.1Qav defines forwarding and queuing for time sensitive streams and is part of a suite of standards developed by the IEEE 802.1 AVB task group.

AVnu Alliance, a group of industry leading companies dedicated to promoting the emerging AVB networking standards across a broad range of markets including automotive, consumer electronics, and professional A/V, commend the IEEE 802.1 AVB Task Group for their hard work.

Harman International is a founding member of the AVnu Alliance™ with numerous products in development utilising AVB technology. Already announced is a co-branded BSS Audio / Netgear Ethernet AVB switch.

AVB will be integrated into Harman's HiQnet System Architect software in an upcoming release.

Further information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/harman-international/news/avb-standard

Call for Essays: Patron Challenges to Remove Materials from Library Collections

Call for Essays: Patron Challenges to Remove Materials from Library Collections

Seeking essays by and about librarians in public, school, and academic libraries who have experienced challenges to remove material from library collections.
These essays should be no more than 2500 words in length, and should provide details of a full challenge experience, from initial contact through ultimate resolution. Essays can be a first person narrative or a case study description. We will also welcome short descriptions of interactions that may not have ended in a formal challenge or request for reconsideration. These anecdotes should reflect the concerns of either the patron or the librarian or both. Sad, funny, scary, confusing, misunderstood, groundless, highly-charged, low-key – somehow, the reader should be able to identify with the event.

Tips on writing: Explain the situation and how you were involved. How was the issue resolved? What lessons were learned? If you experienced this situation again, what would you do differently? What resources did you draw upon (don’t list resources; tell us about the resources and why they were helpful)? Had you received any training on handling challenges prior to the situation you describe? Have you received any since? Did your library have a procedure in place? If not, does it have one now?

Writers should include the facts of the challenge. If this is information based on a personal experience, please share your thoughts and feelings about the confrontation, dealing with administrators, and dealing with the public.

Email submissions to: nyebarco@gmail.com

Your submissions should be submitted with the following information:

1. Title your essay.

2. Include a 100 word biographical statement.

Your submissions should follow these formatting rules:

1. Text should be attached as a .doc or .rtf (please do not send .docx documents).

2. Your Name should be the document label (example JaneSmith.doc)

3. If you have questions about style, please consult The Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, as your general guide to punctuation, capitalization, quotation, abbreviation, source citation, use of italic, etc.

Submitting an essay does not guarantee publication. If you have questions about your essay and/or topic, please contact us.

Contributors will be asked to sign an ALA Writer Agreement before publication. Compensation: a complimentary copy of the final publication and a discount on additional copies.

Deadline for submissions: March 31, 2010.

Val Nye & Kathy Barco

nyebarco@gmail.com

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Meet Marko, the 9-year-old systems engineer | Beyond Binary - CNET News

Meet Marko, the 9-year-old systems engineer | Beyond Binary - CNET News: "Marko already has his first gig as a system administrator, remotely managing a network of computers for a nonprofit that works with people with disabilities."

CFP: ASIST 2010, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 22-27, 2010

CFP: ASIST 2010, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 22-27, 2010
American Society for Inforamtion Science and Technology

Navigating Streams in an Information Ecosystem

Complete Call at:
http://www.asis.org/Conferences/AM10/am10cfp.html

Deadlines:
1. Papers (short and long), Panels, Workshops and Tutorials: May 31, 2010
2. Posters, Demos and Videos: July 16, 2010

The ASIST Annual Meeting is the main venue for disseminating research centred on
advances in the information sciences and related applications of information technology.
This year's conference is stepping away from tradition and re-inventing our premier
conference in the guise of an innovative "ASIST 2.0."

ASIST 2010 will consist of six tracks, each with its own program and reviewing committee
to ensure that the conference meets your high expectations for standards and quality.

Please note the important changes in format and content, and plan your submissions accordingly.

Track 1 - Information Behaviour
Track 2 - Knowledge Organization
Track 3 - Information Systems, Interactivity and Design
Track 4 - Information and Knowledge Management
Track 5 - Information Use
Track 6 - Information and Society: Economic, Political, Social Issues

Because each of these tracks represents a generic aspect of information science,
each may be focused by additional elements.

Types of Submissions:
1) Papers
2) Panels
3) Interactive Showcase
a) Posters
b) Demos
c) Videos
4) Workshops - A Day of Special Themes Workshops will be held on the last day of the conference.

For more information, please see
http://www.asis.org/Conferences/AM10/am10cfp.html

Sound Power ready for BSS Soundweb London changeover

BSS Audio and UK distributor Sound Technology Ltd is pleased to report high-profile AV systems integrator Sound Power is upgrading to BSS Soundweb London for future installs.

Few companies can have fitted more BSS Soundweb units into their vast portfolio of bar retail chains this year than AV systems integrators, Sound Power. For many years the company has been closely associated with roll-outs on the high street — particularly those who place high currency on automated venues, with simple plug and play facilities. Foremost among these has been the JD Wetherspoon estate (through their vibrant Lloyd’s No. 1 portfolio).

Having just announced the opening of a further 250 sites over the next five years, Sound Power director David Ridout sees no let up — particularly as a percentage of these will be designated Lloyds No. 1’s.

Having just completed the group’s flagship Union Rooms in Plymouth — where multiple Soundwebs again handle all the routing and gain structure, he is now ready for the switch-over to the newer Soundweb London on January 1st, 2010.

“The HiQ.net System Architect is probably more intuitive than the Soundweb Designer,” says Ridout. “It has the advantage of being able to do clever things with the Logic and also the flexibility to configure the processing blocks with different I/O’s and a combination of Mic and Line.”

Having delivered around 180 Wetherspoon group sites, with 95% of them equipped with Soundweb, he estimates that there are at least 200 of the DSP devices out in the field. Most are timed to turn the volume on automatically at 5pm, when Lloyds No. 1 drops its ‘Wetherspoons’ silent daytime trading policy and introduces music for the night time session.

Full story:
www.soundtech.co.uk/bss/news/sound-power-soundweb-london

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

CFP: The Library Management Institute @ Arcadia University

CFP: The Library Management Institute @ Arcadia University

DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING PROPOSALS IS THIS FRIDAY JANUARY 22nd ...
This is a reminder that The Library Management Institute @ Arcadia University is seeking interested workshop leaders for a special two-day conference being held on the Arcadia campus near Philadelphia, March 15-16, 2010, and that the deadline for submitting your proposal is this Friday January 22nd. The theme of the conference will be “Managing the Business Library”, and will focus exclusively on the issues in business library administration. We invite your proposals for 75 minute sessions on any topic related to the administration and management of the business library including the following areas:
• budget and financial management
• the challenges of running a solo library
• employment law
• staff recruitment and retention
• management/staff relations
• staff interpersonal relations
• customer service
• collection management
• the business librarian’s role in relation to the organization
• library law (privacy, liability, and copyright)
• strategic planning
• marketing and promotion of business library services
• renovations and new buildings
• user outreach
• motivation, leadership, and ethics
• other management-related issues
The proposal should include the name of the presenter(s), the title of the workshop, a brief description of the workshop, and a short bio of the presenter(s). A complete brochure on the entire conference with registration information will be forthcoming in February. Workshop presenters will attend the conference at no cost. All proposals and any questions should be sent to kieserman@arcadia.edu. Thank you for your interest in this conference.

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