pAwesome Productions.com

2010 Snow in Daytona

Sat, 9 Jan 2010 13:50:21 -0500

2010 Snow in Florida

2009 ended with temperatures in the 40s and 2010 began with temps in the 30 and 20s as far south as Miami. Snow was seen through a good part of Florida. It was colder than normal for nearly two weeks straight.

My poor heating unit is working overtime. I do not think it has ever worked so long for so many consecutive days. My electric bill will be astronomical this month.

We have frostcicles on the outside and top ours now. It'll frost/freeze, then warm up, frost/freeze, then warm up,
.

One decade gone. Another decade started.

Sun, 3 Jan 2010 16:28:40 -0500

It’s hard to believe it’s 2010.

A decade ago, I enjoyed a nice New Year’s weekend once I verified that we had zero Y2k (year 2000) issues at work. I spent a fair amount of time reviewing our programs, scripts and other processes for potential issues. All in all it was uneventful.

I was still using a desktop, Windows 98/ME, Roadrunner 10 Mbps broadband. No wireless. No Macs. Standard definition television on a rear projection screen. 2 megapixel point-and-shoot digital camera.

My how things have changed.

Organization & Socialization, Addition

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 21:34:26 -0500

With 2009 nearly in the rearview, I realize this was the year I finally got all of my photos into one massive 60,000 picture plus iPhoto library. All on one drive. With a full and iterative Time Machined backup. With the addition of the Faces feature, thousands of my photographs are tied and tagged in iPhoto. When I post them to Facebook, the tagging there is automatic. Updates on either side are posted on the other.

Facebook has been the biggest social and technological change i have seen in my lifetime. Once Facebook reached its tipping point, everyone was getting on. I am more connected than I have ever been.

I had to split the monster master iPhoto library. The systems I am running on are underpowered and undermemory’d. Every time I open the library it takes time to open and index the data. Simple tasks take longer and longer. This is the largest cross-library move I have ever tried.

The iPhoto Library Manager application has been a godsend over the years. After each iPhoto upgrade, it takes a while before iPhoto Library Manager to account for all of the new features. I started with a Plants library (1200).

I next went with a new Optimist library (10,000+ photos). That will get me about an 18% reduction in size and information in the Master Library.. I am going to move the iPhoto and Time Machine disks into the work room and attach it to the 22 inch iMac. This is the first time that I’ve gotten through the whole enchilada with Faces and Places in place with so many events (155) and photos (10,000).

All information made it into the library. It was time to take the plunge and delete the original 10,000. That one step took about 20 minutes. It freed up about 50 Gigabytes form the main library. More splitting to follow.

As the photos flash across and are having the attributes set across libraries, I can see the point where I got my Sony flash. The difference is clear and obvious. Better lit photos with far more detail and color information to work with. I am in rooms 80-100 feet long and hitting the front. Far from perfect but a large step photo.

The second thing is the Manfrotto monopod. Id the image quality improvement is not as obvious as they flash by as thumbnails, but far more of my shots are now shot with at least a monopod and I get a higher rate of excellent focus in the shots.

The biggest improvement from the Manfrotto monopod is the relief my wrists feel from not holding and handling the Sony Alpha 700 with flash while shooting the last 2,000 of my photos for this year.

I recently purchased a Manfrotto 681B Professional Aluminum Monopod (Black) from Amazon along with a single latch quick release head. This monopod can be pulled up to any height up to 72 inches with no latches or twist locks. With a single hand, you can collapse it back down to any height and it stops and locks where you stop.

Since I've had carpal tunnel for 20+ years, I am looking for something that will ease the stress on my wrists and give me better photographs at the same time.

I look forward to putting my Manfrotto 681B Professional Aluminum Monopod through its paces.

I also bought a Eye-Fi Pro SDHC Wireless Memory Card 4GB storage and Wi-Fi card. I am still working out the kinks.

Next year I may purchase device and 3G service for MiFi. Internet and Wi-Fi access anywhere. Sweet!

Eye-Fi Pro SDHC Wireless Memory Card 2

I love my Manfrotto 681B Automatic Monopod

I love my Sony HVL-F58AM flash!

Eye-Fi Pro SDHC Wireless Memory Card 2

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:14:54 -0500

It is working better now. Not 100%. I come back in from taking pictures. I turn on the camera. No Eye-Fi. I view a few images. Eye-Fi manager sees chip. Starts downloading pictures. Gets most. Messes up a few. Slower speed than I expected. Suspect camera was powering down. Upped time to 10 minutes. Gets more. Gets higher percent. Not 100%. Working some is better than not working so I am happy enough to keep it around. It stores the images on the chip itself as well. 4GB. Need to look at geotagging.

MobileMe Gallery - PICT7649

I purchased an 4GB Eye-Fi Pro SDHC Wireless Memory Card with the thought that I could speed and simplify processing the hundreds of pictures I take. The idea is that via a Wi-Fi (a permanent or Ad-Hoc) network or hotspot, send photos to my computer, and/or photo sharing and social networking sites as you take them.

Unfortunately, my results have been less than stellar. I’ve tried set up and using it on Macs running Leopard and Snow Leopard and WIndows Vista and Windows 7. At best the devices connected and transferred only part of time. I have not been able to resolve the problems. If I cannot, I will send it back. I really want this to work.

The Eye-Fi Pro SDHC Wireless Memory Card helps you streamline your workflow. It wirelessly uploads JPEG, RAW and video files directly to your laptop - no router or Internet required. Select which items to upload in camera, and post them on any of over 25 online sites. Geotagging and HotSpot Access included.

Acclaimed by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today, the Eye-Fi Pro wireless memory card makes saving and sharing photos and videos as easy as it was meant to be. Streamline your workflow by barely lifting a finger '96 it '92s that easy.

Overview
Your purchase of the Eye-Fi Pro wireless memory card gives you:

• 4GB memory capacity for tons of photos and videos
• Built-in Wi-Fi to experience wireless uploads of RAW, JPEG and videos to your computer using your home Wi-Fi network
• Ad hoc connection capabilities to upload directly to your computer, even when there's no router or Internet available
• Selective Transfer, to control what photos or videos upload from your camera
• Lifetime, unlimited WebShare service to automatically upload to your favorite sharing website (over 25 websites to choose from)
• Lifetime, unlimited Geotagging service to automatically add location information to your photos and videos, and easily organize and share your memories without lifting a finger
• On-the-go uploads through HotSpot Access (one year included), to upload at over 10,000 Wi-Fi locations across the United States.
• Get notified when your photos and videos are uploaded online by text message, email or Twitter.
• Easy setup in just minutes

Panoz Factory Tour 2003

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:20:06 -0500

Panoz Factory Tour 2003

I love my Manfrotto 681B Automatic Monopod

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:20:19 -0500

I recently purchased a Manfrotto 681B Professional Aluminum Monopod (Black) from Amazon along with a single latch quick release head. I am a avid photographer with 60,000 photos in my library.

This monopod can be pulled up to any height up to 72 inches with no latches or twist locks. With a single hand, you can collapse it back down to any height and it stops and locks where you stop.

Since I’ve had carpal tunnel for 20+ years, I am looking for something that will ease the stress on my wrists and give me better photographs at the same time.

I look forward to putting my Manfrotto 681B Professional Aluminum Monopod through its paces

Verizon FIOS' HD DVR sucks 3

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 20:44:57 -0500

After 3 weeks, the DVR now reads 26% full when there are no recorded shows left undeleted.

I use Verizon FIOS HD DVR to record shows. A LOT of shows. Between TV shows and sports, 50 hours a week easily. I rarely watch anything live; almost everything I watch I watch time shifted.

The biggest issue is that the DVR cannot keep accurate track of it’s space. After a couple of years of noticing the problem and unplugging the unit to clear the problem (which wipes out some of your settings), I decided to track the issue more closely.

After one week of ‘normal’ use, the DVR thinks it was 8% full despite deleting all recordings. After two weeks of ‘normal’ use, the DVR thinks it was 15% full despite deleting all recordings. Despite not being truly full, the DVR will not record once it thinks it does not have enough space.

About 6 months ago, I started having more issues with the DVR. I ordered and received a new HD DVR. After a day or two, it was having the same issue. I’d delete a show and the space remaining would actually go down. So much for things getting better over time.

I know most people do not record as much as I do but I know some that do. Eventually, everyone will see the problem to some degree. For most, the occasional power loss due to a Florida thunderstorm clears the problem so they may never even notice it.

Eye-Fi Pro SDHC Wireless Memory Card

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 21:19:56 -0500

I purchased an 4GB Eye-Fi Pro SDHC Wireless Memory Card with the thought that I could speed and simplify processing the hundreds of pictures I take. The idea is that via a Wi-Fi (a permanent or Ad-Hoc) network or hotspot, send photos to my computer, and/or photo sharing and social networking sites as you take them.

Unfortunately, my results have been less than stellar. I’ve tried set up and using it on Macs running Leopard and Snow Leopard and WIndows Vista and Windows 7. At best the devices connected and transferred only part of time. I have not been able to resolve the problems. If I cannot, I will send it back. I really want this to work.

The Eye-Fi Pro SDHC Wireless Memory Card helps you streamline your workflow. It wirelessly uploads JPEG, RAW and video files directly to your laptop - no router or Internet required. Select which items to upload in camera, and post them on any of over 25 online sites. Geotagging and HotSpot Access included.

Acclaimed by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today, the Eye-Fi Pro wireless memory card makes saving and sharing photos and videos as easy as it was meant to be. Streamline your workflow by barely lifting a finger '96 it '92s that easy.

Overview
Your purchase of the Eye-Fi Pro wireless memory card gives you:

• 4GB memory capacity for tons of photos and videos
• Built-in Wi-Fi to experience wireless uploads of RAW, JPEG and videos to your computer using your home Wi-Fi network
• Ad hoc connection capabilities to upload directly to your computer, even when there's no router or Internet available
• Selective Transfer, to control what photos or videos upload from your camera
• Lifetime, unlimited WebShare service to automatically upload to your favorite sharing website (over 25 websites to choose from)
• Lifetime, unlimited Geotagging service to automatically add location information to your photos and videos, and easily organize and share your memories without lifting a finger
• On-the-go uploads through HotSpot Access (one year included), to upload at over 10,000 Wi-Fi locations across the United States.
• Get notified when your photos and videos are uploaded online by text message, email or Twitter.
• Easy setup in just minutes

Verizon FIOS' HD DVR sucks 2

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 20:54:55 -0500

I use Verizon FIOS HD DVR to record shows. A LOT of shows. Between TV shows and sports, 50 hours a week easily. I rarely watch anything live; almost everything I watch I watch time shifted.

The biggest issue is that the DVR cannot keep accurate track of it’s space. After a couple of years of noticing the problem and unplugging the unit to clear the problem (which wipes out some of your settings), I decided to track the issue more closely.

After one week of ‘normal’ use, the DVR thinks it was 8% full despite deleting all recordings. After two weeks of ‘normal’ use, the DVR thinks it was 15% full despite deleting all recordings. Despite not being truly full, the DVR will not record once it thinks it does not have enough space.

About 6 months ago, I started having more issues with the DVR. I ordered and received a new HD DVR. After a day or two, it was having the same issue. I’d delete a show and the space remaining would actually go down. So much for things getting better over time.

I know most people do not record as much as I do but I know some that do. Eventually, everyone will see the problem to some degree. For most, the occasional power loss due to a Florida thunderstorm clears the problem so they may never even notice it.

Verizon FIOS' HD DVR sucks

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:07:49 -0400

I have used Verizon FIOS' HD DVR since I started using the service in 2007. Initially, I loved having the DVR as it made viewing more enjoyable be allowing to pause a show (or two) and set up a calendar to record shows when we were not going to be home. Like most of the electronics I have ever bought or used, I peg the capacity of the device or service from the moment I get them until they leave beaten, smoking, and old before there time. The DVR is no exception.

In fact, outside of my computers, the DVR sees the heaviest use. We have maybe a half dozen 30-60 minute shows we watch regularly. I watch a TON of sports. Primarily racing (all NASCAR, IRL, F1) and NFL (all games ; all networks). I also record Mike & Mike in the Morning (4 hours) every day. I have it on in the background when I am working in the evenings.

Everything is recorded in HD which greatly increases the total volume of data recorded. I delete everything as soon as I watch to keep max space available. Total HD capacity is about 30 hours. I put that much on there every week. The disk drive(s) have to be getting horribly fragmented.

The biggest issue I have is that the Verizon FIOS' HD DVR does not keep accurate track of space available. I have deleted a 4 hour race and seen the space available not change or worse yet, GO DOWN! If the Verizon FIOS' HD DVR thinks it is out of space, it will not record any programs.

A lot of times it is only off by a percent of two but it happens again and again. Soon (a week or two, a month) it can be as much as 50% full when there are NO RECORDINGS. Turning the Verizon FIOS' HD DVR does no good. You have to unplug the Verizon FIOS' HD DVR completely or reset it via the Verizon FIOS' website. This wipes out all of your settings, passwords, widgets, etc. A few months ago, I got a new (and theoretically updated) Verizon FIOS' HD DVR. When I deleted a show, the space available WENT DOWN!

I have complained to Verizon but have not gotten any where. Basically, I get ‘It is what it it. Deal with it!’ response from them My brother Darrin says I am not complaining enough and encouraged (pestered) me to start raising some hell. Hence this entry.

Windows Vista Ultimate & WIndows 7 update

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:24:23 -0400

I installed Snow Leopard on my MacBook Pro. I only had a few items that are NOT Working:  BOINC (open-source software platform for computing using volunteered resources) had a permissions problem. After a reinstall, no problems.   Juniper Networks' Secure Gateway VPN fails to connect. That's a problem. So, I decided it was time to do some work on the Windows side of things on my Mac Mini. I have Windows Vista Ultimate installed in the Boot Camp partition. I had never activated it.

It wasn't from a lack of trying. The automatic activation failed with no specific error. I had no choice at this point but to try the manual activation. It involves entering 8 pair of 6 digit numbers. Despite several attempts, that failed as well.

Now I had to call Microsoft for activation. I was on hold for about 10 minutes. I read him 8 pair of 6 digit numbers, he read back and I entered another 8 pair of 6 digit numbers. That worked!

A service pack and a bunch of patches later, Windows Vista Ultimate is installed in the Boot Camp partition.

Next, I installed the VMware tools to help it's performance when running as a virtual system under VMware Fusion.

Then, I booted Windows 7 beta (release candidate 1 build 7000) under VMware, got all of new patches, and installed iTunes 9 and Safari 4. I installed the VMWare tools to help it's performance when running as a virtual system under VMware Fusion.

Now, I can get into work via the secure VPN. All of my systems, physical and virtual, are up and running, fully patched, and fully backed up after all of the recent operating system work.

I installed Snow Leopard on my MacBook Pro

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 22:42:46 -0400

I installed Snow Leopard on my MacBook Pro. Some Mac apps update their data stores and files. I saw a little flakiness on the first day or two but things are fine now. This is my 3rd and final system to upgrade since it's release on August 28th, 2009.  NOT Working:  BOINC (open-source software platform for computing using volunteered resources) had a permissions problem. After a reinstall, no problems.   Juniper Networks' Secure Gateway VPN fails to connect. That's a problem.

Facebook Link feed

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 22:36:22 -0400

iTunes 9 on my Mac Mini

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:04:29 -0400

I installed iTunes 9 on my Mac Mini and MacBook Pro. Home Sharing and Genius Mixes are interesting. First post-iTunes 9 back up was huge. It appears to have touched/updated all of the media in my iTunes; over 300GB!

Where listening, watching, and playing start.
iTunes lets you enjoy all your music, movies, video, and TV shows on your Mac or PC. When you want to watch or listen to something, you no longer have to look through your CDs or flip through channels — just go to your computer and open iTunes. With your entire media collection in your iTunes library, you can browse everything faster, organize it all easier, and play anything whenever the mood strikes.
It all goes where you go.
How do you get your music and movies from your Mac or PC to your iPhone or iPod? iTunes does it for you. How about photos, contacts, and calendars? iTunes transfers them, too. iTunes makes it surprisingly easy to sync media from your computer to your iPod and the other way around. Shop the iTunes Store directly from your iPhone or iPod touch. You can download music, movies, and TV shows anywhere you are over a Wi-Fi network. When you’re back at your computer, connect your iPhone or iPod touch. iTunes syncs what you bought on the road to your iTunes library. iTunes also wirelessly syncs your iTunes library to your Apple TV, so you can see your movies, listen to your music, and look at your photos on the big screen.

I installed Snow Leopard on my Mac Mini

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:37:24 -0400

I installed Snow Leopard on my Mac Mini today, 8/28/2009. The install required little input from me and proceeded quite quickly. It took about 70 minutes. I picked up tons of disk space; more than I expected. I swear I went from 29GB free to 47GB free.

I had issues with my Safari icon on the dock. Once I found the 64 bit version, all was well. I ran the most used programs on the system. Some required minor upgrade themselves while others did not.

The one issue I have is with Time Machine. I assume they changed the file layout. Time Machine is saying it needs more space just to back up the old backups. It needs more space as it makes a copy and the files themselves, plus all of the changes to the OS for the upgrade.

Jackie Black Episode 10 in YouTube

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:31:36 -0400

Jackie Black Episode 10 in YouTube

I love my Sony HVL-F58AM flash!

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:57:35 -0400

I love my Sony HVL-F58AM flash! I used it for the first time this weekend. The HVL-F58AM flash has better distance; brighter, whiter light; faster and silent recharge.The flash reaches 60-80 feet easily. I took a few shot via wireless control and it worked well. I did not have it oriented correctly so I’ll have to test that later. I took 400+ plus shots almost all that used the flash on one set of 4 AA batteries and there is still juice left. I have a lot to learn, but this is a good start.

Here is a good review of the HVL-F58AM flash:

http://www.photoclubalpha.com/2008/06/19/sonys-flash-revolution-the-hvl

pAwesome Productions is mine, not Disney's!

Sun, 9 Aug 2009 15:51:07 -0400

According to Matt Mider at thedailyblank.com ( http://beta.thedailyblank.com/2009/06/disney-to-focus-on-more-talking-dog-movies/ ) , Disney To Focus On More Talking Dog Movies under the name Pawesome Productions:

June 5th, 2009 → 12:40 pm @ Matt Mider

On Monday, Walt Disney Pictures announced it will launch Pawesome Productions, a division dedicated to producing films that feature dogs talking like humans.

I have published photographs and websites under www.pAwesomeProductions.com specifically and Pawesome Productions in general since 2001. I have had the www.pAwesomeProductions.com domain since 2002.

I do not hvae pAwesome Productions registered as a trademark but shouldn't I have some kind of legal rights based on the fact that I used it first and I've used it continuously for 7 years plus? If you have any idea, please contact me at dave@dawleyonline.com.