Great Deal on Dell Desktop

If you are looking to buy a desktop computer this summer, Dell might just have the deal you've been looking for. The Dell Inspiron 580s Core i5 Dual Core 2.93GHz desktop is now on sale through July 31st. When you use the coupon code ?8CN$RJ?W5TQ0C you will get $199 off the original price of the computer plus free shipping.

The Inspiron 580s comes standard with a very fast i3 processor, HDMI port, 320 GB hard drive, and decent 3D performance. Also thrown in is a 15-month subscription to MacAfee Internet Security.

For merely $629.99, you can have this fast, easy to use desktop computer. The Dell Inspiron 580s is a fantastic deal that you should definitely look further into.

If a Dell just doesn’t suit you, the you should check out Gateway's ZX Series or maybe Apple's iMac.

---

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.

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Facebook's Founder: Nonprofit Groups Can't Change the World - Give and Take - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Facebook's Founder: Nonprofit Groups Can't Change the World - Give and Take - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

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New Jewish Service Search Engine Launches | eJewish Philanthropy: The Jewish Philanthropy Blog

New Jewish Service Search Engine Launches | eJewish Philanthropy: The Jewish Philanthropy Blog: "Repair the World, a platform organization dedicated to making service a defining element of Jewish life, learning and leadership, will announce the launch of a national search engine for Jewish volunteer and community service opportunities in conjunction with the National Conference on Volunteering and Service, taking place this Wednesday in New York City."

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Backing Up

Greetings! Today's post is being done via 4G wireless broadband while I'm working remotely while taking a few days out of the office.

I'm a firm believer in backing up. If you've ever been to one of my presentations where I discuss the whole "Flucke" process, you know how over the top I am about protecting my data.

Well, it's not just my office & patient data that I'm so passionate about, it's also my personal stuff. I've got way too many memories to gamble with the electronic devils of data storage...

So... on the Mac at home I'm currently running Time Machine which is built into the Mac OS. It's not the best backup system, but it does allow for rolling back areas or the entire system in case of disaster.

I pair that with a 1Gb portable hard drive from Western Digital. This Passport drive came out of the box with WD Smartware. This software turns the drive automatically into a backup drive with minimal intervention by the user. It can be user configured if need be, but does a pretty god job right out of the box. It takes a system inventory & then does a backup as files change.

The next step is an online backup by one of my favorite security companies, F-Secure. Their online backup is $50/year and, like the WD drive, takes a system inventory then copies out files as they are created or changed. These files are stored offsite on a secure server, but can be downloaded by me from anywhere as log as I have my user name & password.

Think I'm done? Good, I'm proud of you... because I'm not. I also use a replicating program (Karen's Replicator) for Windows & Synchronize X for the Mac. This allows me to manually backup all my important files for redundancy & quick access. So this is for my redundant photos, music, presentations, documents, etc.

The best part is the first 3 options here are automated. Only the last option requires any effort on my part. It's not that difficult & besides you *know* you should be doing it... right... right?


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:W 135th St,Overland Park,United States

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Back in Oz after the 3D Congress

Sorry for the lack of posts, even I need some down time occasionally. The 3D Congress in La Jolla this past Friday & Saturday was an incredible success.

Every day that I use and explore the technology in my practice, I'm blown away. However, the big thrill is seeing others having the same game changing experiences on a daily basis as me. Truly we're in a time in dentistry that we'll look back on at some point & remember when we turned this corner.

Don't get me wrong... I understand for a variety of reasons this technology isn't for everyone... At least as far as ownership. Yet even if you know ownership isn't for you, the tech is something that you need to familiarize yourself with... And use.

At this point in the game, 3D is something you need to be comfortable with. Find an office in your area that will do scans for you on a PRN basis so that you can refer there for the scans you need. The more you know of 3D the better for the foreseeable future.

The need to see more is important for so many aspects in dentistry. Take my word for it. This technology is eye opening on so many levels!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

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Gizmodo iPhone 4G Fail

Click to enlarge

So here we have an ad on Gizmodo playing off the stereotypical college graduate who has an extremely refined taste in beer and is also aimed at their fathers who are looking to buy them something shiny, new, and expensive. While the pitch is hilarious in itself, what really got me was this sentence and the picture chosen to accompany the ad.

"No one can be sure what the fourth generation iPhone will look like (oops! actually, we can)..."

Oops, actually, you can't Gizmodo. That's because you're using an outdated picture of the iPhone 3G instead of the iPhone 4G you are advertising. If I paid $10,000 for that iPhone, I would make pretty darn sure that I was using the correct picture for it.

You can see the original advertisment on Gizmodo's Grads & Dads Gift Guide by clicking on the photo of the iPhone.

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Cleveland software firm holding 'tech camp' to help nonprofits with websites | cleveland.com

Cleveland software firm holding 'tech camp' to help nonprofits with websites | cleveland.com: "We're inviting a bunch of geeks and people passionate about software development to help do good things for charity,' is how Stahl describes GiveCamp, set for July 16-18.

Keyboards will click continuously during the round-the-clock event, as software developers, designers and database administrators donate their weekend to craft custom software for 15 lucky nonprofits, he said.

Tents and campers will be set up in the parking lot for bleary-eyed programmers and nonprofit leaders who need to catch a nap. 'We'll take turns working on the solutions,' Stahl said. 'We might have a couple developers working on a project, and when they get tired, they'll sleep and somebody will relieve them.'"

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Enterprise Architect

Hi

I was looking the Craig Martin’s profile in LinkedIn

http://au.linkedin.com/in/craigrmartin

 

Craig Martin’s Specialties:

Enterprise Architecture
Systems Thinking
Systems Integration
Business Process Management
SWARM Intelligence
Multi-Agent Solutions
Semantics and Ontologies
Business Intelligence
Information Architecture
Information Management
Service Oriented Architecture (SOA)

 

I like these specialties

 

sAnTos

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When it All Seems so Simple...

At my talk yesterday at the 3D Imaging Congress, I had the good fortune to be introduced by my friend Dr. Larry Emmott. Larry and I have known each other for 14 years or so and our technology paths cross from time to time.

When I discovered he would be introducing me (about 30 minutes before my start time), I dug through the my images on the Mac and found a picture taken by our friend Dan Martinez at Comdex in 1998. The pic showed Larry, our mutual friend David Dodell, and I at the start of the 1998 Comdex show. It was a fun walk down memory lane.

However, when I looked really closely at the picture, I could see a banner that said "Don't Forget to Visit the New USB Pavilion". Later Larry and I were talking about that and how in 1998 USB was something new and terribly exciting. I can remember talking about it 6 months later at lecture at the ADA meeting and everyone scribbling notes furiously about the strange animal called Universal Serial Bus.

Well of course USB is something now taken for granted as are many other tech things that were huge in their day. Larry and reminisced about drive sizes, memory, portable hard drives, and the computing power in our mobile phones.

It's a tremendous compliment to the evolution of the gear that many things now work without a lot of user intervention. So think about that for a minute... the next time you get frustrated because your broadband connection won't download a file fast enough, think back to the old days.

We're carrying more computing power in our cell phones than NASA used to land on the moon! That's powerful stuff.

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Seeking Submissions for Proposed Anthologies from Practicing Librarians

Seeking Submissions for Proposed Anthologies from Practicing Librarians

Publisher: Routledge Books

Articles: 3000-5000 words; 1 author or 2, 3 co-authors

Compensation: complimentary copy, discount on more

Librarians outside the U.S. encouraged to contribute

Editor: Carol Smallwood, MLS
Writing and Publishing: The Librarian's Handbook, American Library Association 2010 http://www.alastore.ala.org/detail.aspx?ID=2646

Librarians as Community Partners: An Outreach Handbook, American Library Association, 2010 http://www.alastore.ala.org/detail.aspx?ID=2774

Thinking Outside the Book: Essays for Innovative Librarians, McFarland, 2008
http://www.mcfarlandpub.com/book-2.php?id=978-0-7864-3575-3

others by ALA, Peter Lang, Linworth, Scarecrow, Libraries Unlimited

1. Library Collaborations with Writers, Artists, Musicians and Other Creative Community Members

How local writers, artists, musicians and other creative people and libraries help each other and their community. These creative members (who are also voters) appreciate the resources and stimulus libraries provide the creative process and like making their work known. Librarians are asked to share successful activities and collaborations with these patrons.

2. Library Services for Multi-Cultural Patrons to Encourage Library Use

How to make the multi-cultured community members regular library users. A how-to for librarians restricted by time, money, and staffing: creative librarians using various outreach methods to overcome language and cultural barriers to serve all those in their communities and turn them into regular patrons.

3. Publicity Methods to Keep Libraries in the News


An anthology by and for librarians striving to spread the word what their libraries offer, what they do, their service role. Changing economics and life styles presents challenges to librarians often restricted by cutbacks in staff, hours, and money: how creative librarians using many publicity methods to promote their libraries and make them recognized as an essential resource for all ages.

Please e-mail in a Word .doc (older version) attachment 4 topics/titles each described in 2-3 sentences by July 28, 2010 and a 75-85 word 3rd person bio: your name, library of employment, city/state location, employment title, where you got your degree, awards, publications, and career highlights. Please include publisher/date for books. If co-authored, a separate 75-85 word bio on each contributor. Please: no long resumes or abstracts-your selected title/abstract/bio composes a tentative table of contents for Routledge. You will be contacted which of your topics are not duplications, inviting you to e-mail your submission if Routledge decides to publish; your bio's will appear in the anthology. Please place COLLABORATION; MULTI-CULTURAL; or PUBLICITY/your name on the subject line: smallwood@tm.net

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Greetings from the ISI Gendex 3D Congress

A short post today as the time shift to the West Coast and my other responsibilities are requiring my time.

I'm glad to report that the Sprint OverDrive wireless broadband hotspot continues to impress.  On this trip combining it with my MacBook Pro and the iPad (I know, too much technology) has been amazingly smooth.

Also joining the mix have been my PowerMat and iGo systems for charging everything I own.

A win-win-win.

On with the show!

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Windows Live Essentials Beta

 

Hi

 

 

very good for now

 

plugin with LinkedIn?

 

sAnTos

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CFP: Online Northwest 2011

CFP: Online Northwest 2011

Online Northwest
February 11, 2011
http://www.ous.edu/onlinenw/

Call For Proposals
Online Northwest is a one-day conference focusing on topics that intersect libraries, technology and culture. The conference is sponsored by the Oregon University System Library Council.

The 2011 conference will be held at CH2M Hill Alumni Center, Corvallis, Oregon (on the Oregon State University campus) on Friday, February 11, 2011.

The conference explores how technology is being applied within library settings and how technology is affecting library patrons and services. Academic, public, school, and special librarians are strongly encouraged to submit proposals. Online Northwest is seeking 60 minute presentations or 5 minute lightning talks on all topics relating to technology and libraries including:

Cloud computing
Institutional repositories
Augmented reality
Semantic web
Virtual research environments
Information discovery
Web 3.0
Library apps
Mobile computing
Technology competencies
Electronic books
Other topics related to technology in libraries are welcome
Submit Proposal Here
Proposal Submission Deadline: Friday, October 1st, 2010

For examples of past presentations or more information, see:
http://www.ous.edu/onlinenw/

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Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Medical Library Association 2010 – Call for Contributed Papers

Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Medical Library Association 2010 – Call for Contributed Papers

We are soliciting applications for contributed papers at the PNC/MLA 2010 Annual Meeting in Portland OR, from Oct. 9-12, 2010.

We are specifically interested in Library-related Research. Have you recently finished and analyzed a survey? Are you involved in any research on collections, services, or education? Tell us about it!

Some ideas include:
Research – surveys, assessments, statistics Teaching & learning – methods, strategies, in-person, online Administration & collections – trends in acquisitions, services, staff supervision

Submission Requirements
Please follow the format of the structured abstract. An explanation of a structured abstract is available at http://research.mlanet.org/structured_abstract.html. Abstract length is 500 words.

We are also interested in stat talks of 5 minutes or less on any topic.

All abstracts must be submitted electronically to Carla Pealer: pealerc_at_ohsu.edu.

Deadline for submission of proposals is July 9, 2010.

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CFP: Childhoods Conference: Mapping the Landscapes of Childhood

CFP: Childhoods Conference: Mapping the Landscapes of Childhood

Childhoods Conference: Mapping the Landscapes of Childhood
Venue: University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Date: Thursday, May 5 – Saturday, May 7, 2011

This multidisciplinary conference will engage scholars and practitioners from a wide variety of academic disciplines (including the sciences, arts, humanities, social sciences, policy studies, and education) in a consideration of the state of child studies, which has changed significantly in recent decades. Disciplines long dedicated to the study of the child, and childhood, have been recently revitalized and are engaged with the central problematic of what the child and childhood represent, including how these categories relate to others such as infant and youth. Figured in the plural, childhoods pose a significant crossroads for theoretical and empirical work on the nature of being human and development broadly construed. Various disciplines consider childhood as an experience, as a biological fact, as a social category, as an artistic and literary construct, as a category for historical and demographic analysis, as a category of personhood, and as a locus for human rights and policy interventions. Participating scholars will examine childhoods of the past, present, and future from around the world, and will present research results, policy approaches, and theoretical paradigms that are emergent in this re-engagement with the child and childhood. Bringing together divergent networks of expertise, this conference offers the opportunity for new research collaborations and the scholarly dissemination of innovative research.

Conference Format: three days of multidisciplinary panels with scholarly presentations on conference themes; poster sessions; several keynote events; practitioner sessions; and a film night.

Conference Themes and Questions: definitions and boundaries of childhood: invented or discovered?; indigenous theories and experiences of childhood; the importance of gender; the impact of globalization; the impact of changing technologies on children and childhood, and on the study of children and childhood; concepts of adolescence; vulnerability and empowerment; and health, development, disability, and risk. Proposals for papers on additional themes will also be considered.
Keynote Speakers:
• Dr. Patrizia Albanese (Co-director of the Centre for Children, Youth and Families, Ryerson University)
• Dr. Mona Gleason (Department of Educational Studies, University of British Columbia)
• Dr. Allison James (Professor of Sociology and Director of the Interdisciplinary Centre of the Social Sciences, University of Sheffield)
• Dr. Perry Nodelman (Professor Emeritus, Department of English, University of Winnipeg)
• Dr. Mavis Reimer (Canada Research Chair in the Culture of Childhood and Director of the Centre for Research in Young People’s Texts and Cultures, University of Winnipeg)
• Dr. Richard Tremblay (Director, Research Unit on Children’s Psychosocial Maladjustment, University of Montreal)
Submission Guidelines: For presentations, and for posters, please submit a 300 to 500 word proposal/abstract by October 1, 2010 on the conference website: www.uleth.ca/conreg/childhoods/ Proposals for organized panels that are multidisciplinary are also welcome. Please note that presentations should be a maximum of 20 minutes in length. We would especially like to encourage graduate students to contribute posters on their current research and will offer a prize for best student poster.

For more information and to submit abstracts, please see the conference website
www.uleth.ca/conferences/childhood. For general inquiries, please contact childhoods@uleth.ca.

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The 3D Congress is this Weekend!

If you are in Southern California and either own a cone beam device or are interested in learning more about them, come on down to the 3D Congress in La Jolla. The Congress is a great 2 day learning experience with tons of really good speakers and tons of good information.

This is the 4th year of the Congress and last year's was a tremendous success. I highly recommend attending. You'll walk away with a much greater understanding of what this game changing technology can do for you.

For all the info, including registration, click here.

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Open Source Platforms

Hi

sAnTos

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Role of the Enterprise Architect

I have read several blogs over the past few months arguing over the role of the Enterprise Architect.  Architect and architecture means many things to many people.  Here is my opinion of  what an Enterprise Architect (EA) is.

The EA is responsible for understanding the business mission, strategy, and processes and creating an IT technology strategy that enables the business to meet its goals.  In other words, the EA is responsible for making IT an enabler and not a cost center.

To accomplish this, the EA must excel is the following areas:

• Leadership
• Change management
• Communication
• Technology
• Business knowledge
• Financial analysis
• Business processes
• IT governance
• Infrastructure
• Security
• People management
• Negotiation
• Vendor management
• Presentation skills
• Coaching and mentoring
• R&D

Many self proclaimed EAs are extremely bright but lack in many of these areas.  Notice that programming skills was not mentioned.  If the EA is developing software, he/she is probably not fulfilling the role as described above.  The EA should have a staff of talented sr. developers who can turn the vision into solutions.

It takes a rare breed to fit the bill of an EA.  I have had the luxury of working with many brilliant developers and designers over the years.  Many of them struggle communicating technical topics to non technical people.  Others focus so much on technology that they fail to align technology with key business drivers.

I have read many blogs that slam EA's who do not code.  These folks obviously have a different definition of EA then the one I described.  My response to them is that there is a huge difference between being an architect and being an EA. 

There are many different types of architects.  I will categorize them into three groups: Solutions Architects, Infrastructure Architects, and Enterprise Architects. 

 

http://advice.cio.com/michael_kavis/role_of_the_enterprise_architect

 

sAnTos

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LinkedIn Takes Groups To The Next Level With Likes, Follows And More

LinkedIn Takes Groups To The Next Level With Likes, Follows And More: "On the heels of reaching the 70 million member mark, professional social network LinkedIn is adding new functionality to its Groups feature on the site. Launched last August, Groups essentially allows anyone on the network to create an open forum around a specific subject or profession where users can comment and share news and information. Currently there are over 650,000 groups on LinkedIn, with the largest amassing 200,000 members (for an E-Marketing Association)."

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CFP: Medical Reference Services Quarterly's Hospital Information Column

CFP: Medical Reference Services Quarterly's Hospital Information Column
URL: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title~content=t792306935~db=all

Call for Papers: Volume 30 Issue #2 Medical Reference Services Quarterly Hospital Information column. The deadline for getting the column to editor Sandy Wood will be about January 13, 2011. Therefore, I would need the article by Thanksgiving or early December of 2010.

The Medical Reference Services Quarterly Hospital Information Services column deals with issues and topics related to hospital libraries, covering everything from technology to simple things (e.g., one column was on physically moving a hospital library).

Please contact me if you are interested. This is a good opportunity to reach a wide readership (not just hospital librarians but the whole health librarianship world) in our field.

There is no payment for articles, but it never hurts to showcase projects undertaken by your library, to add a published article to your CV and to display your writing skills in a notable journal.

Thank you for your trouble.

Hope Leman, MLIS
Research Information Technologist
Center for Health Research and Quality
Samaritan Health Services
815 NW 9th Street Suite 203A
Corvallis, OR 97330
(541) 768-5712
hleman@samhealth.org

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High Q Dental Introduces the EOS Headlight

The folks at High Q Dental are currently taking orders on their soon to ship EOS headlight.  I was fortunate enough to get a unit to evaluate and have been very pleased with its performance.

The light is incredibly light, weighing in at .4 oz.  The overall weight is slightly greater since there needs to be a mounting bracket of some type attached, but even with the bracket, it is still light and comfortable.  The full output is 4.500 foot candles which, while not the brightest light on the market, is certainly bright enough for any dental usage.  The LED has a lifespan of 50K hours.

A feature that I really like is a rheostat to control the light output.  Most LED headlamps have buttons on the batter pack to control the light output.  Usually you get the choices of low, medium, or high.  The EOS has a small knob that can be turned to vary the output from full to off and everywhere in-between.  There is also a flip-down orange curing filter that is securely attached and easy to flip down while doing adhesive procedures that are light sensitive.

The battery pack charges from an electrical outlet (110v - 240v)and weighs in at 5 oz.  It has a clip that can allow it be attached to your belt or placed in a pocket.  A single charge will provide light for an entire day of dentistry.

The system is available for pre-order now and the entire setup is less than $700.  For all the info, visit the High Q webpage.  They've been around since the early 70's and make good products!

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Book Review: The Networked Nonprofit | onPhilanthropy

Book Review: The Networked Nonprofit | onPhilanthropy: "In my consulting work, I meet plenty of nonprofit leaders – development directors, board members, executive directors – who know they want to open their organizations to social media but lack the right blueprint. It’s my job to provide it, of course. But I’ve also felt that a well-organized and compelling guide to networks and the social sector – one that dealt with the art of the possible as well as the theory behind the power of networks – would be incredibly helpful to busy third sector professionals. Now that guide is here."

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Amazon Drops the Price of the Kindle

Way back when, Jeff Beezos and Amazon hit the market with the idea of an electronic book. The idea had been tried before, but when Amazon came at it with their huge library available, suddenly the idea was viable... really viable.

The Kindle pretty much set the e-book reader world on fire and it sold like the proverbial hot cakes. For a while they were even sold out. The process repeated itself again when version II came out.

Of course now we have the Barnes & Noble Nook and the iPad as well as the Sony Reader. Competition is an amazing thing. Really amazing in that now Amazon has lowered the price of the Kindle. Here is the press release:

SEATTLE, Jun 21, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) today announced that Amazon Kindle, the best e-reader on the market (see this recent press release from the world's leading consumer reporting organization--http://pressroom.consumerreports.org/pressroom/2010/06/amazons-kindle-tops-cr-ebook-reader-ratings.html), is now only $189, down from $259. Kindle is the 3G wireless portable reader that allows you to think of a book and be reading in 60 seconds, from wherever you happen to be. Easy to read even in bright sunlight, the 10.2 ounce Kindle is light enough for one-handed reading. Even though it's a 3G wireless device, Kindle has no monthly fees or annual contracts. The Kindle Store includes over 600,000 books and the largest selection of the most popular books people want to read, including 109 of 112 New York Times Bestsellers and New Releases from $9.99. In addition, over 1.8 million free, out-of-copyright, pre-1923 books are available to read on Kindle. Since its release, Kindle has been the #1 bestselling product across the millions of items sold on Amazon. Kindle is in stock and available for immediate shipment at the new lower price of $189. Learn more at http://www.amazon.com/kindle.

About Amazon.com

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), a Fortune 500 company based in Seattle, opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection. Amazon.com, Inc. seeks to be Earth's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices. Amazon.com and other sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished and used items in categories such as Books; Movies, Music & Games; Digital Downloads; Electronics & Computers; Home & Garden; Toys, Kids & Baby; Grocery; Apparel, Shoes & Jewelry; Health & Beauty; Sports & Outdoors; and Tools, Auto & Industrial. Amazon Web Services provides Amazon's developer customers with access to in-the-cloud infrastructure services based on Amazon's own back-end technology platform, which developers can use to enable virtually any type of business. Kindle and Kindle DX are the revolutionary portable readers that wirelessly download books, magazines, newspapers, blogs and personal documents to a crisp, high-resolution electronic ink display that looks and reads like real paper. Kindle and Kindle DX utilize the same 3G wireless technology as advanced cell phones, so users never need to hunt for a Wi-Fi hotspot. Kindle is the #1 bestselling product across the millions of items sold on Amazon.

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HTC Evo 4G

HTC Evo 4G is Sprint's premier smartphone and you'll get a great device regardless of our quibbles. We just hope Sprint starts to light up those 4G markets faster, so everyone can take advantage of the 4G capabilities and get their money's worth. HTC Evo 4G will be available June 4 for $199.99 with a two year contract and the aforementioned data plans. Though Sprint requires a $100 mail-in rebate, Best Buy and Radio Shack do not, so you get the $200 price tag instantly. Cut from the same cloth as the HTC HD2, HTC Evo 4G isn't what you'd call a dainty phone.

It measures 4.8 inches tall by 2.6 inches wide by 0.5 inch thick and weighs 6 ounces, so you're dealing with a good chunk of hardware. It's right on the cusp of being too big, but HTC was able to keep HTC Evo 4G relatively thin, making it more manageable. Plus, you might be willing to overlook the large size once you get a glimpse of the smartphone's massive display. Like the HD2, HTC Evo 4G rocks a 4.3 inch capacitive touch screen that's downright mesmerizing. The extra screen real estate makes a huge difference when viewing Web pages and reading text, and HTC Evo 4G supports the pinch to zoom gesture in a number of apps.

The display shows vibrant colors and the sharp WVGA 800x480 pixel resolution makes everything look crisp. There is a built-in light sensor that will automatically adjust the backlight based on the ambient light we were able to read the screen in most environments, but it did wash out a bit in bright sunlight. Another benefit of the large display is a spacious keyboard that rivals the iPhone's in ease of use. Even in portrait mode, we were able to quickly punch out a message with both thumbs (none of that pecking at the keys with one finger) with minimal mistakes.

As you can imagine, the landscape keyboard is even roomier, but most times we found we could get away with just typing in portrait mode. Below the screen, you get four touch sensitive navigation controls : home, menu, back, and search. A long press of the home key will bring up a list of your most recently used apps. There's a volume rocker on the right side, and the top of the device features a power button and 3.5 mm headphone jack. On the bottom, you'll find a Micro-USB port and an HDMI port. Be aware that the latter is a Type D connector, so you'll have to get a compatible cable to hook the phone up to your TV.

Of course, you can watch video and view photos right from the phone, and there's a handy kickstand on back so you can prop the phone up on a desk. Though there will be purists who prefer the standard Android skin, in most cases, we'd choose a device running HTC Sense. Out of all our custom skins for Android (Motoblur, TouchWiz, etc.), Sense is our absolute favorite, as it gives Android a more user friendly interface. In many cases, it improves on the core functions by better integrating the features, which is why we're glad to see that Sprint had the sense (sorry) to go with Sense on HTC Evo 4G.

Just like the Droid Incredible and the HTC Legend, HTC Evo 4G runs the newer version of HTC Sense, which was announced at Mobile World Congress 2010. This includes a revamped mail widget that can take you to a list view of all your e-mail instead of just one message at a time. (This view, however, is only one of several choices.) Once in the mail app, there's a handy tabbed interface at the bottom that lets you view unread messages, attachments, meeting invites, and more with a simple touch.

The Agenda widget also now displays your whole agenda on the screen, and, like the latest HTC devices, you get an animated weather widget right on the home screen that automatically displays the current conditions based on your location. You also get a new Group Contacts widget, which lets you organize your contacts by groups. For example, you can set up one for work colleagues, another for friends, and another for just family whatever you please. The UI looks good, and it's simple to add contacts to a group, though removing them requires a few extra steps.

Sense also makes it easy to access as much information as possible within the contact management system. If any of your contacts have Facebook updates, it will display them right next to their pictures in the contact database. You can also see all your exchanges (text messages, call logs, etc.) with a single person from his or her contact card, and all your contacts are accessible within the phone app.

However, we still had multiple instances of duplicate contacts and had to go back and manually link them together. Another feature, called Friend Stream, provides a single place for all your social networking needs, piping in updates from Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr. Unlike Motoblur, it's not server based the phone connects to the sites and pulls information directly from there.

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Nokia E73

Nokia E73 Mode's design is quite similar to the E72, not that we have any complaints, since we loved the E72's form factor. Nokia E73 is incredibly sleek at 4.5 inches tall by 2.3 inches wide by 0.4 inch thick, making it easy to slip into a pants pocket and comfortable to hold as a phone and messaging device. It's relatively light at 4.5 ounces but it has a very solid construction and feels like a device worth more than $70. The smartphone's display measures 2.4 inches diagonally and supports 16 million colors with a 320x240 resolution.

The size is on par with the one on BlackBerry Bold 9700, but it's not quite as sharp (the Bold's screen is 480x360) so images and text don't look quite as smooth on Nokia E73 as the Bold. Still, it's clear and vibrant, but tends to wash out slightly in bright sunlight. Like a number of Nokia's latest smartphones, Nokia E73 Mode lets you switch your home screen between two modes: personal and work. You can customize each mode with which apps you want accessible from the home screen, with the idea that you'll have work apps front and center in work mode, and more fun apps, such as the music player and photo gallery, in personal mode, so you can better balance your life.

Whether one can really "turn off" work mode is probably up to the individual, but nice a sentiment by Nokia. As for the general user interface, the Symbian based Nokia E73 runs on the S60 platform so the experience is much like the E72. The UI isn't particularly pretty, looking rather old actually, and requires some extra steps when navigating within an app, but it's fairly intuitive. Below the screen, you get a number of navigation controls, including Talk and End keys, two soft buttons, four shortcuts (home, contacts, calendar, and messages), and a combination optical trackpad or D-pad that Nokia calls the Optical Navi key.

To close an app, you much choose Options and then Exit. Nokia E73 Mode's QWERTY keyboard is, in a word, excellent. The rectangular buttons are a good size and have a nice domed shape, making them easy to press. The numbers share space with the letter keys in the middle of the keyboard. Though Nokia chose to highlight them in black against a dark gray background, they're actually not that hard to see. It's really one of the best physical keyboards we've used in recent memory, as we were able to type messages quickly and with little error. On the left spine, there's a Micro-USB port and a microSD expansion slot, both protected by an attached cover.

Meanwhile, you will find a volume rocker and a voice command button on the right side, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack and power button on top. The camera and flash are, as usual, found on back. Nokia E73 also has a front facing camera, but don't think this is in response to the HTC Evo 4G and iPhone 4. Most Nokia smartphones have had front facing cameras and video conferencing capabilities long before these two phones put it on people's radars. Though the interest hasn't necessarily been there in the past, you can, in fact, make video calls with Nokia E73 with an app, such as Fring, which is available through the Nokia Ovi Store.

Nokia bills the E73 Mode as a mobile to balance work and life, and the smartphone has a pretty well rounded feature set, though we'd say it skews a little more to mobile professionals than consumers, particularly with the messaging capabilities. The smartphone offers Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync support (e-mail, contacts, calendar, and tasks) as well as IBM Lotus Notes and comes with a mobile VPN client if you need to tap into your company's intranet. The Nokia Messaging app can also handle as many as 10 personal accounts, including POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP, and comes with push deliver, an attachment viewer, search, filters, and HTML support. In addition to e-mail, T-Mobile bundles the E73 with a handful of instant messaging clients and social networking apps, such as Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace.

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Samsung Restore SPH-m570

While it may claim similar eco-friendly properties as Samsung Reclaim does, Samsung Restore SPH-m570 looks a bit more like the Rant. It has a number keypad on the front, but it slides sideways to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard. Despite its recycled ingredients, Samsung Restore SPH-m570 feels sturdy, and we like its overall oval shape and curved edges. Measuring 4.6 inches long by 2.1 inches wide by 0.6 inch thick, Samsung Restore SPH-m570 is definitely bigger than both the Rant and the Reclaim, but it's still lightweight at 4.32 ounces and easily fits in a pocket or purse.

On the front of the phone is a lovely 2.4 inch QVGA display that supports 262.000 colors and has a 320x240 pixel resolution. We are pleased with the colorful images and the crisp text, and the size of the screen allows for more messages, especially in threaded conversations. You can adjust the brightness and the backlight timer. The menu interface can be arranged in either grid or list view, while the home screen has Sprint's One Click interface along the bottom row (You can read more about One Click in our review of the Samsung Highlight).

As part of the phone's eco-friendly theme, the Restore includes quick links to the Planet Green site in the One Click interface. The navigation array that follows is a bit of departure for Samsung messaging phones. You get the typical two soft keys, the speakerphone key, the back key, and the Send and End and Power keys of course, but instead of a regular toggle, you get a square optical touch sensitive touch pad similar to the one on the Samsung Moment. This makes navigating the menu a lot quicker and smoother, but it takes a bit of practice to not scroll too far from where you want.

Two soft keys are on the left side of the display, for use when the keyboard is open. The number keypad underneath the navigation array is quite roomy, and we like that the keys are separate from each other and are raised above the surface for quick dialing. The volume rocker is on the left spine while the 3.5 mm headset jack and camera key are on the right. The charger jack is on top and the camera lens is on the back. Sitting underneath the camera lens is the self portrait mirror.

Samsung Restore SPH-m570 has a 1,000 entry phone book with room in each entry for six numbers, an e-mail address, an instant messaging handle, a URL, a birthday, a street address, a job title and company name, and notes. You can assign callers to groups, pair them with a photo for caller ID, plus one of 20 polyphonic ring tones and melodies. As an option, you can use Sprint's wireless backup service to store your contacts on Sprint's servers.

It has essential features such as a vibrate mode and a speakerphone, plus the usual PIM tools like an alarm clock, a calendar, a calculator, a tip calculator, a world clock, a memo pad, and a voice memo recorder. You will also find stereo Bluetooth, voice command features, USB mass storage, instant messaging, and text and multimedia messaging. The latter supports threaded messaging so you'll be able to see your back and forth texts as a conversation. Along with Samsung Restore SPH-m570's pro-environment message, it also comes with an eco calculator that will measure your carbon usage, similar to the one on the LG Remarq.

As with most Sprint messaging phones, Samsung Restore SPH-m570 comes with social networking applications like MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter. Since it has GPS, it also offers Sprint Navigation and Family Locator services. Other applications included in the phone include Google services like maps, search, YouTube, and a ScanLife bar-code scanner. Along with the eco-calculator, the Restore also has "green" apps like Green Glossary and Green Guide that offer tips on how to live a more eco-friendly life. You can also do simple multitasking and send certain apps to the background.

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Beth Kanter: Rethinking Nonprofits in a Networked World

Beth Kanter: Rethinking Nonprofits in a Networked World: "Well known philanthropy blogger Lucy Bernholz has proclaimed the third philanthropy buzz word of year:networked. She says why:"

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The Nonprofit Quarterly | The Nonprofit Quarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | Internet Giving: Great Expectations and Experimentation

The Nonprofit Quarterly | The Nonprofit Quarterly | Nonprofit Newswire | Internet Giving: Great Expectations and Experimentation: "Among those leading current charges to turn the Internet into a philanthropic gusher by finding even more creative uses for the Web are Howard Bornstein and Paul Weinstein, founders of myphilanthropeida.org and allthis.com, respectively. Weinstein's allthis.com is, according to the Mercury News, 'a kind of eBay for charity.' At allthis.com, benefactors list unusual services for auction, with the proceeds going to the charity of their choice. Bidding opportunities include an offer from comedian Ben Stiller to record your phone's voice mail greeting, to a dinner date with former Playboy model Christina DeRosa."

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'Second Life' Creator Linden Lab Cuts Staff By 30 Percent | News & Opinion | PCMag.com

'Second Life' Creator Linden Lab Cuts Staff By 30 Percent | News & Opinion | PCMag.com

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Cultural Studies - Facebook Bios - Truth or Fiction? - NYTimes.com

Cultural Studies - Facebook Bios - Truth or Fiction? - NYTimes.com: "HOW many times in life must we engage in self-description? Let us count the ways: There’s the anxiety of college applications. The ignominy of Match.com dating. The embroidery of a C.V. sent to prospective employers. And, of course, there is Facebook."

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DigiTech® Introduces New BP90 Bass Multi-Effects Processor

DigiTech, a leading manufacturer of guitar and bass processors, today introduced the new BP90 Bass Multi-Effects Processor at the 2010 Summer NAMM Show in Nashville, Tennessee.

The BP90 is powered by the AudioDNA® 2 processor and gives players digital representation of their favorite vintage, modern, and boutique equipment including stompboxes, amplifiers, cabinets, modulation effects, delays, reverbs, and even special effects such as the legendary Whammy™.

Providing an arsenal of models to choose from, the BP90 features DigiTech’s exclusive tone and effect libraries that enable easy programming. Completing the processor, there are a host of aggressive sounding presets that appeal to modern players of all skill levels.

Offering 27 effects, 11 amps, five cabinets, and five stompboxes, the BP90 takes bass tone to new levels. The BP90 also features 100 preset locations, 40 high-quality drum patterns to practice with, built-in chromatic tuner, and headphone jack for silent practicing. The expression pedal gives real time control over wah, volume, and DigiTech Whammy effects.

“DigiTech invented multi-effects in 1988 with the DSP-128 and has been the Multi-Effects leader ever since. Today we have reset the standard with the BP90, which is representative of our commitment to continuous innovation with our entire DigiTech lineup,” stated Rob Urry, president, Harman Music Group.

The BP90 is shipping in July 2010.

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HardWire® Adds To Lineup With New TR-7 Tremolo/Rotary Extreme Performance Pedal

HardWire®, a leading manufacturer of guitar pedals, is introducing the new TR-7 Tremolo/Rotary Pedal at the 2010 Summer NAMM® Show in Nashville, Tennessee.

The TR-7 is a true stereo tremolo, rotary, and vibrato pedal, which offers effects ranging from traditional tremolo to a highly detailed rotary cabinet simulator. It also features true stereo I/O, allowing for complex connections and sounds with extreme flexibility.

The TR-7 features seven effects including; Tremolo, Opto-Tremolo, Bias Tremolo, Duo Tremolo, Rotary, Vibrato, and VibroPan. The TR-7 also includes HardWire’s standard extreme performance features like true bypass and high-voltage rails.

“We improved on an already impressive lineup of HardWire pedals with the introduction of the technologically superior tremolo and rotary pedal. The highly advanced processing in the TR-7 is an exciting addition to a tour-worthy package of the HardWire pedals,” stated Rob Urry, president, Harman Music Group.

Each HardWire pedal also features an assortment of tour-worthy accessories, including green gaffer tape common to pro pedalboards, Stomplock™ knob guards to maintain pedal settings and a hook & loop pad to fasten the pedal to a pedalboard.

The TR-7 will be available August 2010 with an expected RRP of £135 ex VAT.

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What can the Cloud do for You?

We keep hearing about it... The Cloud, like it's some new and bold idea.  Actually it's a fairly old idea as technology goes, but it's a good one and I think it is really starting to come of age.  The idea goes back as far as the computer network.  Back in the day, when networks were first created, data could be stored on a server and then accessed from any workstation on the network.  It's a great idea.  Store the data centrally and then use it from any machine that has access to the server.

The Cloud is that philosophy with the twist of putting the server on the Internet.  Thus the Internet becomes the network and the server can be accessed with any computer that has an Internet connection.

The simplest form of this for a lot of people is email.  If you have a yahoo or gmail account for your email, that's cloud computing.  Your messages are stored on the company's servers and you get your email anytime you're on line.  Obviously this can greatly simplify your life since you don't have to keep email software running or worry about backing up your account.  All of that is taken care of for you by professionals.  Online banking?  Same thing.  Point your browser to the bank website enter your username and password, and you have full access to the data you need with no backing up or anything else on your end.

We're finally getting to the point where this is really a reliable way to run a huge part of your life.  For me, my contacts and articles are backed up and available to me through a variety of sites.  Should I suffer a crash on my primary machine I still have access to my data from any computer with Internet access until I can get the primary machine restored and back online.

There are several sites and services that will allow you to do this and this list is by no way meant to be inclusive.  I currently use MobileMe (from Apple), Google Docs, SugarSync, and Glide Desktop.  Each of these services allows limited amounts of storage and even the ability to edit the documents you store directly from the website.

The convenience of The Cloud cannot be overstated.  Here's a great example of what you can easily accomplish with little intervention other than installing some software.  On my Mac I have a program called "Spanning Sync" installed.  Whenever I make a change to my calendar or my contacts on my Mac, Spanning Sync recognizes the change and then sends that info to my iGoogle account.  This means new/changed appointments or contacts are quickly updated in The Cloud which allows my schedule to be updated and viewable; usually in a matter of seconds.  Then let's take this one step further.  Last summer when I purchased my Palm Pre, one of the choices during setup was to use info from my iGoogle account.  One the phone was activated by Sprint all I had to do was put in my Google username and password.  Within a few minutes my complete calendar and contact list was downloaded and in my phone with no effort at all on my part.  Of course, changing something on my phone means it will change on Google and Spanning Sync will catch that and make the necessary changes on my Mac... and all of this normally happens in the background without me even thinking about it.

And, of course, the "without me even thinking about it" is the way it's supposed to be right?  I mean, for me a lot of this is the Holy Grail of technology.  When I can have things in my life happen that make things easier for me and keep me organized with minimal effort on my part.  The Cloud is really one of those game changers that I love and I'm embracing it more and more.  In addition to my normal blogging on all things tech, I'm going to be making some more detailed posts over the summer on some specific cloud based applications that I use and love.

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128GB NAND Chips Will be Here this Year

Storage, storage, storage. It used to be that you never knew when you would fill up a hard drive. Then desktop computers started getting these ridiculously larger hard drives. Then it wasn't too long after that when hard drive sizes went up for laptops and portable computers.

Now, we're going to see a similar explosion for other portable devices. Toshiba has announced that before the end of 2010 they will begin mass production on NAND chips that have 128Gb of capacity. That means you're going to see an amazing amount of storage in portable devices like cameras, video cameras, portable computers, and the like. Very cool and very amazing.

Here is all the lowdown on the specs from Toshiba:

TOKYO—Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) today announced the launch of a 128-gigabyte (GB) embedded NAND flash memory module, the highest capacity yet achieved in the industry. The module is fully compliant with the latest e •MMC^TM standard, and is designed for application in a wide range of digital consumer products, including smartphones, tablet PCs and digital video cameras. Samples will be available from September, and mass production will start in the fourth quarter (October to December) of 2010.

The new 128GB embedded device integrates sixteen 64Gbit (equal to 8GB) NAND chips fabricated with Toshiba's cutting-edge 32nm process technology and a dedicated controller into a small package only 17 x 22 x 1.4mm^[3]. Toshiba is the first company to succeed in combining sixteen 64Gbit NAND chips, and applied advanced chip thinning and layering technologies to realize individual chips that are only 30 micrometers thick.

Toshiba now offers a comprehensive line-up of single-package embedded NAND Flash memories in densities from 2GB to 128GB. They integrate a controller to manage basic control functions for NAND applications, and are compatible with the JEDEC e •MMC^TM Version 4.4 and its features. New samples of 64GB chips will also be available from August.

Demand continues to grow for large density chips that support high resolution video and deliver enhanced storage, particularly in the area of embedded memories with a controller function that minimizes development requirements and eases integration into system designs. Toshiba has established itself as an innovator in this key area, and is now reinforcing its leadership by being first to market with a 128GB generation module.

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Basically We're *All* Guilty - So Let's Just Stop

Although I love technology, perhaps more than almost anyone else on Earth, I will admit it has its frustrations and its dangers.  Some of which are just due to human nature.  Unfortunately one of those dangers is the desire to always be connected to our fellow human beings.  The good thing is technology is a wonderful way to help us keep those connections.  The bad thing is technology can get you caught up in the moment & get you to lose track of your environment.

Once, a few years ago, Dental Technology Solutions was asked to do an all day presentation in Manhattan, Kansas, the home of Kansas State University.  Paul Feuerstein had somehow managed to get a flight into Manhattan while the 3rd member of DTS, Marty Jablow, had gotten as far as Kansas City where I picked him up and drove him the rest of the way.

It was a beautiful autumn Kansas evening as we hurtled down I-70 at 70mph (112Kmh for you international readers).  We sat side by side, both of us occasionally checking email or text messages.  At one point Marty, remarked, "if we run off the road and die with our cell phones in our  hands, that we be the perfect geek way for us to go."  While at the time it was a joke, in the years since it isn't so much of one.  I mean, this happened back in the day when part of our DTS lectures might be devoted to "how to get email and send text messages on your cell phone" because it was that rare.  Now... not so much.

I recently  finished a great book called Traffic about the psychology of drivers and how traffic engineers try to manage it.  The book, BTW, is highly recommended for analytical geeky types like yours truly.  Yet, the reason for today's post isn't because of the book, although it's a good one, no the reason for this post is because of an article I read today on CNN.

It seems we've become a nation of texters and emailers.  Now that's all well and good until you begin to factor in that we're also a nation of drivers too.  Because, let's face it, when you combine driving with any type of device that removes your attention from the road, that's a potential for disaster.  As a society we've come down pretty hard on those in the younger generation for being more concerned about Facebook than with the road in front of them, but it turns out, many more of us are just as, if not more, guilty of splitting our attention while driving.

One of the really powerful stats I learned while reading  Traffic is that a driver is 23X more likely to have an accident when texting & driving.  That's not 23%, that's 23 TIMES more likely; and that is a much higher incidence than driving while intoxicated.  The day I read that stat I put the cell phone down in the car and haven't sent a message while driving since.  For the full article on CNN read it here.

I've blogged about it here before, but if you absolutely cannot spend time behind the wheel without sending a message, first of all check your priorities.  Next, get an account from Jott.  Jott will let you call a number, dictate a message, and then convert it to text and send it to the recipient you state.  All while you keep your hands on the wheel and your Bluetooth headset securely on your ear.

So it's not just the youngsters or the crazies, it's all of us even though many of us have a hard time admitting it.  Stop it please.  I'm tired of watching you swerve and having to maneuver around you.

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Case Study in Free Agent Fundraising @AbolishCancer � Amy Sample Ward’s Version of NPTech

Case Study in Free Agent Fundraising @AbolishCancer � Amy Sample Ward’s Version of NPTech: "Case Study

I recently connected with Darah Bonham, the driver behind @abolishcancer. A free agent changemaker having success fundraising with Twitter. I want to share that story!"

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180+ vintage keyboard sounds added in the Nord Sample Library

With a total of 181 new sounds in the Nord Sample Library, this addition gives a whole new perspective for the Electro 3 and Wave users. With sounds from some of the most appreciated vintage synthesizers and string machines, even the hard core analogue fans will have plenty to choose from.

Gear up and load your Nord keyboard with some spectacular Logan, Eminent and Crumar string machine samples. Or why not the best of the best from the 80's with the Polymoog, Trident, VP-330, JX-3P and the classic GS-1 FM synthesizer along with the really cool RMI Electra 368x electric piano.

Download the sounds in the Sample Library area.

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Oral Health America Announces New Fall for Smiles® Campaign

June 17, 2010, Chicago, IL—Oral Health America (OHA) announces the launch of Fall for Smiles®, a public messaging campaign conducted in collaboration with Oral Healthcare Can’t Wait®, an initiative of the Dental Trade Alliance. The campaign begins in September to promote messages to consumers about the importance of self care, good nutrition, regular dental visits, and tobacco avoidance in maintaining oral health.

 

During the campaign, OHA will announce the results of a public opinion survey on consumers’ beliefs about oral health. Sponsored by Oral Healthcare Can’t Wait and Plackers dental flossers, the survey of more than 1,000 adults and more than 1,000 children asked questions about oral care habits and perceptions.  Prior OHA surveys have shown that adults are unaware of the role that infectious bacteria play in tooth decay, and that time spent brushing teeth tends to diminish at nighttime and on weekends, suggesting that routines play a role in optimum oral care habits.

 

“The Fall for Smiles campaign is intended to bring the oral health community together to promote common messaging about what Americans can do to keep their mouths healthy,” said Beth Truett, President and CEO, Oral Health America.  “We are excited about the strong interest we have from the public and private sectors in a messaging campaign in the third quarter that reminds consumers about the importance of oral care routines as families are heading back to school and back to work.”

 

Fall for Smiles will include outreach to dental care providers through a participation booklet and kit created by Patterson Dental.  The campaign will also dedicate a week to the often-overlooked topic of oral health issues faced by mature adults and older Americans, an initiative being sponsored by Aspen Dental.  A “Tobacco Free Week” will focus on the oral health risks of tobacco use.

 

“Oral Healthcare Can’t Wait shares a common purpose with OHA’s Fall for Smiles campaign—to increase dental patient awareness,” said Gary Price, CEO, Dental Trade Alliance.  “Our members are encouraged by the collaborative nature of this effort, and the multiple opportunities for outreach to patient populations and opinion leaders throughout the country.”

 

Fall for Smiles is generously sponsored by Aspen Dental, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, Oral Healthcare Can’t Wait, Patterson Dental, Plackers dental flossers, and Trident®.  Fall for Smiles promotion partners (confirmed to date) include Aegis Communications, American Dental Hygienists’ Association, Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors, Belmont Publications, DentalEZ Group, DNTLworks Equipment Corporation, Harry J. Bosworth Company, Henry Schein Dental, Hispanic Dental Association, Lanmark, Smiles Change Lives, and Ultradent.  Contact Melissa Hoebbel, melissa@oralhealthamerica.org or at (312) 836-9900 for a campaign partner prospectus or to learn more!

 

Oral Health America’s mission is to change lives by connecting communities with resources to increase access to oral health care, education and advocacy for all Americans, especially those most vulnerable.  For more information, visit www.oralhealthamerica.org.



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Microsoft Broadcaster

 

Hi

http://www.microsoftbroadcaster.com/en-us/Dashboard

All resources together. Good idea

sAnTos

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Meet the Propellerheads

Why did Reason turn out like it did? What kind of thinking was behind the latest version of Reason and Record? Meet the Propellerheads and get some of the inside story on how we create our software.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFzTXWaYLYI

More information:
www.soundtech.co.uk/propellerhead
www.facebook.com/propellerheaduk

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New Virtual Annual Meeting Experience Provides Easy Access to Education and Resources for Association and Nonprofit Professionals - About Us - ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership

New Virtual Annual Meeting Experience Provides Easy Access to Education and Resources for Association and Nonprofit Professionals - About Us - ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership: "New Virtual Annual Meeting Experience Provides Easy Access to Education and Resources for Association and Nonprofit Professionals
June 16, 2010

WASHINGTON—For the first time this year, ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership is launching a virtual component for its flagship event, the Annual Meeting & Exposition, held this year in Los Angeles, August 21-24. Attendees will be able to access live on-site presentations and events remotely throughout the duration of the meeting, with a focus on program tracks such as social media, web innovation, marketing, membership, governance and board relations, and leadership."

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Randall Amplifiers ship new all-tube RT Series amps

Randall Amplifiers and UK/ROI distributor Sound Technology Ltd announces immediate UK shipping of the new RT Series of all tube guitar amplifiers. The series is pro calibre and at a price point that would normally be considered solid state territory. It offers novices and solid state fans the opportunity to step into the world of real tube tone. The series includes three heads, the RT100H, RT503H & RT50H and one combo, the RT50C. RT Series cabs will follow later this year.

The RT100H is a 3 channel, 100 Watt head with reverb and the RT503H is a 50 watt version. Both heads feature one clean channel and two overdrive channels. The RT50H is a 2 channel, 50 watt head with reverb featuring one clean and one overdrive channel.

The RT50C is a 50 watt, 2 channel, 1x12 combo amp featuring the same electronics as the RT50 head and a 12” Celestion® speaker all in one portable package.

What really sets these amps apart from other tube amps is the power tube bias test points. No longer do guitarists have to purchase matched sets of tubes. The user-friendly power tube bias section on the back allows the user to replace, bias & match the tubes themselves with just an inexpensive volt meter available at any electronics store.

Amplifier Common Features:
• 50 or 100 (RT100H) watts RMS
• Foot switchable channels & reverb
• Effects loop
• External speaker output
• Power tube bias test points
• Footswitch included

The RT100H head is £835 SRP ex VAT, the RT503H head is £715 ex VAT, the RT50H head is £590 SRP ex VAT, the RT50C combo is £670 SRP ex VAT. All are available now.

For more information please call Sound Technology Ltd on 01462 480000 or visit www.randallamplifiers.com

Ends

Please click on image above for high resolution version.

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DigiTech ships JamMan Stereo Looper pedal

DigiTech® and UK/ROI distributor Sound Technology Ltd are pleased to announce immediate shipping of the latest addition to DigiTech's expanding JamMan series - the JamMan® Stereo Looper pedal. The JamMan Stereo packs all the features of the legendary JamMan plus stereo I/O, reverse playback, Rhythm Output, and three stop modes.

The JamMan Stereo stores over 35 minutes of stereo, CD-quality loops in 99 loops internally as well as having a SD memory card expansion slot, giving the artist the ability to store up to 16 hours of material in an additional 99 slots with the optional card.

The JamMan Stereo features USB connectivity and syncs to DigiTech’s free, downloadable JamManager™ software that organizes and saves JamMan loops to a PC or Mac. The software also provides the user with the capability to create JamLists and have them available for use anytime.

The DigiTech JamMan Stereo Looper pedal is available now priced at £290 SRP + VAT.

For more information please call Sound Technology Ltd on 01462 480000 or visit www.digitech.com

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Call for Manuscripts: Journal of Hospital Librarianship Specialty of the House

Call for Manuscripts: Journal of Hospital Librarianship Specialty of the House

The Journal of Hospital Librarianship seeks original contributions to the column, Specialty of the House with the editorial deadline of September 1st, 2010, in order to be considered for the Volume 11 (1) Jan 2011 issue. This peer-reviwed journal is published quarterly in print and online formats at http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title~content=t792306866

"Specialty" articles can apply to almost anything - a special service or product, specialization in information services to medical personnel, special library settings, special people, etc. Manuscripts should be 8 to 10 pages in length, double spaced, with a brief abstract and keywords. Citations, if any, should follow the ICMJE style. Photographs and illustrations are welcome for consideration. Submissions from first-time authors are especially welcomed.

If you are interested and for detailed information, please contact the corresponding editor for this issue, Professor Paul Blobaum, Governors State University Library, @ p-blobaum@govst.edu.

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Lexicon LXP Native Reverb Plug-In arrives

Lexicon® and UK/ROI distributor Sound Technology Ltd, are pleased to announce immediate shipping of the LXP Native Reverb Plug-In Bundle. This powerful reverb bundle is a collection of Lexicon’s four most popular reverbs that are now available as efficient, multi-platform native software plug-ins. The LXP Bundle was specifically developed for project and professional recording engineers, as well as artists that want to envelope their mix with that magical “Lexicon sound” that delivers the clarity, depth and fullness that can only be created when recording in a major studio.

The LXP Native Reverb Bundle delivers four legendary Lexicon reverb plug-ins including Chamber, Hall, Plate, and Room with over 200 of the most versatile and finely-crafted studio presets from Lexicon’s immense library of sounds. These pristine algorithms represent Lexicon’s state-of-the-art technology and have been designed to create professional, inspirational mixes within popular DAWs like Pro Tools, Logic, and Cubase as well as with any other VST, Audio Unit, or RTAS compatible host.

Each plug-in can be run in mono, stereo or mono in/stereo out and the Input and Output Meters makes it easy to quickly verify signal levels at a glance. The striking user-interface is extremely intuitive and enables the user to easily access the most logical parameters for customization, but also provides the ability to transition deeper into the algorithm to edit a full matrix of parameters. Presets can be saved in a DAW independent format which makes it straightforward for a user to take their personalized presets with them to any studio. To help the user shape their individual sound, a multi-dimensional real-time display offers three different views to provide additional information into the reverb tail, frequency content, or impulse response.

Lexicon processors have become staples in the studio, on stage productions, as well as in every top post-production facility. Now the most trusted name in reverb has complemented the best hardware processors with the best software plug-ins available. The LXP Native Reverb Bundle offers four extraordinary reverb plug-ins that are sure to change the way you colour your mix.

The LXP Native Reverb Bundle is ideal for those in professional and project studios looking for unsurpassed quality. It is a fully functional cross-platform plug-in that is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, and 7 along with MAC OSX 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, Power PC and Intel based. The Bundle is Native only, and requires iLok authorization. It is available now with a suggested retail price of £480 + VAT.

The Lexicon LXP Native Reverb Bundle feature set includes:
• Four legendary Lexicon reverb plug-ins
• Over 200 brilliantly-crafted studio presets
• Multi-platform compatibility (Windows XP, Vista, and 7; Mac OSX 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, PowerPC and Intel)
• Formats that work seamlessly in any VST, Audio Unit or RTAS compatible DAW
• Graphical real-time display illustrating the frequency stages of each algorithm
• Presets can be stored in a DAW-independent format and easily transferred to a different DAW
• Full parameter control and automation
• Input and output meters for quick assessment of audio levels
• iLok authorized

For more information please visit www.soundtech.co.uk/lexicon and www.lexiconpro.com where you'll find demonstration videos, audio samples and a free 7-day demo download.

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Nord OS updates for Electro 3 and Stage Classic enable compatibility with v5 Piano Library platform

Nord Keyboards are very pleased to announce OS updates that enable the Nord Stage Classic and the Nord Electro 3 to benefit from the v5 platform, with the new great v5 Piano sounds, the new Sound Manager 5.30 and the v3.00 Windows Hardware Quality Labs certified USB driver.

The 5.30 Sound Manager is required to be able to load the v5 Piano sounds. The Windows version of the Manager also has a self-contained installer for a new WHQL certified USB driver. The installer automatically checks your computer for installed drivers, and replaces these with new version if necessary.

Get the new Stage and Electro 3 OS along with the Sound Manager v5.30 in the Download Area on the www.nordkeyboards.com website.

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Conference on grey literatury - Call for papers

Conference on grey literatury - Call for papers
Twelfth international Conference on grey literatury will be held in the National Technical Library in Prague on December 6. – 7., 2010.

Call-for-Papers
• Peer Review? Quality Control - Enriched Publication
• Redefining Grey Literature - Proof of Concept - Research Process
• New Stakeholders - Subject and Community based approaches? Geographic Perspectives
• Copyright? Licensing - Authors Rights - Open Access? Open Source
• Standardization - Interoperability - Metadata? Repositories
• Economics of Grey - Management and Sustained Resources? Value Added Services

More information: http://www.textrelease.com/gl12callforpapers.html

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National Technical Library (hereafter referred to as “NTL”) is central professional library open to public, which offers unique collection of 250 thousand publications freely accessible in open circulation. Its holdings form the largest collection of Czech and foreign documents from technology and applied natural sciences as well as associated social sciences. It contains total of 1,2 Mil. volumes of books, journals and newspapers, theses, reports, standards, and trade literature in both printed and electronic forms. Besides its own collection, parts of Central Library of CTU in Prague and Central Library of ICT holdings are accessible in NTL.

As corresponds to its statutes the NTL runs – among others – the project of building the National Repository of Grey Literature. The project aims at gathering metadata and possibly full texts of grey documents in the field of education, science and research. The NTL supports an education in the field of grey literature through annual seminars in the Czech Republic. For the latest news on GL12 or National Repository of Grey Literature, visit our Web site at http://nrgl.techlib.cz/

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Some things just Want to Be Free... and WiFi is One of Them!

I'm a self confessed coffee hound. Well, I'm sort of a self confessed caffeine hound, but that's another post. The strange thing is that when I'm at home, I'm a traditional grind the beans and drink it black kind of guy. However, put me in a Starbucks and I'm a triple vinte hazlenut soy latte kind of guy; strange huh? Don't answer that.

I've got to hand it to Starbucks, they've become the McDonald's of the coffee world. It always tastes the same, you know how to order, and they are everywhere. There's also the environment. They've done a great job of creating an atmosphere that is relaxing and encourages you to stay for that second unneeded cup of joe or to purchase a travel mug for about twice what you could buy it for anywhere else. The idea of course, is to get the customer to linger. Lingering customers in those environments spend more and tend to return more.

That's why I could never understand why they partnered with AT& T and tried to charage you for wireless Internet access. I mean, seriously, I'm paying more than $5 for a cup of coffee and you need me to pay for Wifi? Now not everyone had to pay. AT&T customers could get a couple of hours free, but you would see me writing an article and accessing the net using my Sprint Mobile Broadband. It just seemed like a crazy business strategy.

Well starting July 1, that's all about to change. That's when Starbucks (like McDonald's) is going away from charging for wireless and making it free. Now that's good customer service!

There's more to it, but if you want all the details, there is a really good article on it here at CNN.com

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Curve Dental Receives Best of Class Technology Award

Consulting Firm, Pride Institute, Adds Curve Dental to List of Winners in the Emerging Technologies Class

OREM, UT—Curve Dental, developers of Web-based dental software announced the company was one of thirteen companies to receive the Pride Institute’s Best of Class Technology Award for 2010. Curve Dental was a winner in the emerging technology class.

“We’re honored to have been selected by the Pride Institute and recognized for the accomplishments we have made in dental software,” said Jim Pack, CEO of Curve Dental. “We like nothing more than to create web-based tools that improve productivity, are more flexible to the doctor’s lifestyle and much more convenient. A web-based platform lets us think outside the box and deliver on our promise to provide a fresh alternative to dental software. And as a result, doctors every day are choosing Curve Dental over traditional software because they see us as a solution with less stress and more freedom. Pride Institute’s acknowledgment of what we are bringing to dentistry is a major achievement for Curve Dental.”

A panel of dental technology experts, organized by the Pride Institute, a dental practice management consulting firm based in Novato, California, placed Curve Dental on the list of winners in the emerging technologies class. The winning companies and their products
were chosen through an unbiased, rigorous assessment selection process in conjunction with a distinguished panel of known technology experts. The winning technologies were selected by majority vote and divided into four categories: Foundational, Diagnostic, Therapeutic, and Emerging.

The Pride Institute Best of Class Technology awards were launched in 2009 as a new concept to provide an unbiased, non-profit assessment of available technologies in the dental space. Winners of the award are invited to participate in a technology fair showcased at the American Dental Association’s annual meeting. “We deeply felt a gap in the area of technology education and integration, said Lou Shuman, DMD, CAGS, President of the Pride Institute. “We feel the technology awards and fair were an ideal model to fill that gap. Pride Institute’s commitment is to provide the finest information and counsel in all areas of practice management.”

The panel consists of seven dentists with significant knowledge of and experience in dental technology, including Dr. Shuman; John Flucke, DDS, writer, speaker and Technology Editor for Dental Products Report; Paul Child, DMD, CDT, CEO of Clinician’s Report; Titus Schleyer, DMD, PhD, Associate Professor and Director, Center for Dental Informatics at the University of Pittsburg, School of Dental Medicine; Marty Jablow, DMD, technology writer and speaker; Para Kachalia, DDS, Assistant Professor of Restorative Dentsitry at the University of the Pacific, School of Dentistry; and Larry Emmott, DDS, technology writer, speaker and dental marketing consulting. “I feel very fortunate that a panel of this magnitude has agreed to contribute to the selection process,” said Dr. Shuman.

About Curve Dental, Inc.
Founded in 2005, Curve Dental provides web-based dental software and related services to dental practices within the United States and Canada. The company is privately-held, headquartered in Orem, Utah with offices in Calgary, Canada and Dunedin, New Zealand. Dentists can call 888-910-4376 or visit www.curvedental.com for more information.

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Soundcraft Vi1 receives UK debut at ABTT Show

Sound Technology Ltd, distributor of Soundcraft in the UK and Eire, is pleased to announce the Soundcraft Vi1 digital live console will today make its UK debut on the Sound Technology stand at the ABTT theatre show in London.

With the Soundcraft Vi Series now firmly established as a favourite digital desk on both the touring and installed sound scenes, Soundcraft have taken this amazing platform to another, more affordable level with the release of the new Vi1 console. Many users have asked for a smaller, lower-priced desk that still has the acclaimed Vistonics™ user interface, and of course the now-legendary optimal sound quality established with the Vi Series. The new Soundcraft Vi1 is just that.

The Vi1's new widescreen Vistonics™ display puts control at your fingertips. The all-new 22" widescreen interface will be instantly familiar to anyone who's driven a Vi6 or Vi4, yet retains the same 'walk-up' user-friendliness of the other Vi consoles. All parameters for 16 channels are displayed side by side.

A complete standalone console package with 32 channels of analogue input to 27 analogue outputs, plus 6 digital inputs, 4 Stereo FX Returns and 6 digital outputs in one chassis measuring just over 1 metre wide. Channels are routable to 24 multifunction busses pus LR and Mono Mix busses. And since it's stand-alone, the Vi1 can drop in exactly where an old analogue console used to sit.

For more inputs, the Vi1 is expandable via a Stagerack. As standard, input to mix capacity is 46 channels, but by adding a stagebox (the Vi1 is compatible with the existing Vi racks), simultaneous channel count increases to 64.

The Vi1 inherits many of the facilities of its larger siblings, including Soundcraft FaderGlow™. FaderGlow (patent pending) is a unique feature that gives the user an additional level of fader status indication, and can significantly reduce operating errors.

The Vi1 also features eight Lexicon® on-board multi-fx processors. Plus a 20-band BSS Audio graphic EQ on every output, controllable directly from the channel faders if required. It's all the processing you're likely to need, and it's all included.

Crucial for theatre applications, the latest Vi Series software (v4.0) adds user-definable crossfades to every snapshot cue, as well as snapshot previews.

Virtual Vi software allows you to set-up your show wherever and whenever you choose, transferring show files to the console via USB. Virtual Vi can even be used in Online mode to control the DSP core, in place of the control surface.

The Soundcraft Vi1 ships this month (June 2010) priced at £15,000 SRP ex VAT.

For more information please contact UK and ROI distributor Sound Technology Ltd on 01462 480000 or visit www.soundtech.co.uk/soundcraft/digital-live/vi1

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Inhabiting a Social Media Territory – Engage365

Inhabiting a Social Media Territory – Engage365: "Having a primary channel on the social Web where you focus your existence is often referred to as a social media hub. The idea of a hub is one that anyone can quickly grasp. It is valid from the standpoint of building an effective strategy, yet it is lacking when it comes to the human qualities of your social media networking and marketing."

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