S.L. Viehl's Blog, page 196
April 23, 2011
Wishing You
Our newest occupants in the birdhouse have hatched, and this time it's quadruplet Eastern Bluebirds. See some shots of the adorable babies over at my JAlbum here.
April 22, 2011
Productive Task Listing
Whenever the seasons change my guy is swamped with new chores around the house, and he gets a little aggravated. Being a hands-on, get-it-done type, he's not particular fond of multi-tasking or leaving things unfinished. At some point he starts grousing at me about all the work that needs to be done and how he can't keep up with it.
Because I'm the organized one, I always say the same thing: Prioritize everything and make a task list. Then start at the top of the list and do at least one thing every day.
He used to blow me off and continue spinning his wheels, but after 22 years together he's watched what I get done and knows it works, so now he writes up the list. Then about a week or two later, after he finishes everything on it, all the stuff is done, he's much happier and I get an extra kiss.
Here's his latest list (click on image to see larger version.) I like to read his lists when he's not around so I can help out here and there but also to see how he prioritizes things. My guy likes to do yard work, use his power tools and paint much more than he likes to clean or shop, so his favorite chores are always at the top of the list.
I think this is pretty typical of most people's approach to tasking: take care of the fun stuff first, leave the dull or boring stuff for last. This is also the main reason many people have trouble finishing their task lists because by the time they reach the un-fun part they don't have anything to look forward to, and they have to drag themselves through all that work they don't like to do.
I write task lists all the time, and one thing I've learned that helps me get through them faster is to alternate fun with dull. I always begin the work day with something difficult or that I don't especially like to do; this because at the start of the day I have the most energy and patience. I follow that with a task I really want to do, and this motivates me to get task #1 finished so I can move on to something fun. Then I just repeat that over and over through the work day until I finish everything.
Here's one of my reminder lists from this past week. I kicked off the day by working on three chapters of a copy-edit that is due back to my editor on May 2nd, possibly the most stressful thing I had to do all day. I followed up that with a rewrite of a chapter I wasn't happy with, something I really wanted to jump on because I'd been rewriting it in my head for a couple of days, and I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it. After that I had a glossary to work on, which I dislike, and then my lunch break and a sewing project, which I love and that also recharges my creative batteries (Fall Crazy is not my state of mind; it's an autumn-themed crazy quilt I'm working on.)
The rest of the day alternated the same way, until I wrapped things up by working on the sewing project again -- something I love -- so when I finally got to bed I was in a good mood. I've found that saving for last a task that involves the least amount of work but offers the most fun is a great way to relax, unwind, and combat my chronic insomnia.
If you decide to start using task lists to better manage your time, remember to pace yourself. I get up and start working at 6 am, and generally don't finish until I go to bed at 11 pm, which would be insane if I didn't take plenty of breaks. I also reserve a couple of hours each day and keep them open so I can spend time with my family and be available to handle any unexpected/unplanned tasks that land in my lap.
You know the old saying about all work, too, so try to devote a little time every day for play. I sew, read, go for walks or listen to music, not because I want to goof off but because I know I need to, or I'll crack under the constant pressure. Doing things that are strictly for fun can help you become even more productive, because whatever makes you happy will eliminate stress, improve your mood and put you into a mind frame that allows you to accomplish more when you do go back to work.
Related links:
eHow.com's article, How to Write an Effective To-Do List
iPrioritize, an online list-making/storage service, offers free accounts to registered users. You can create lists, rearrange them, print them, e-mail them, share them and access them even by phone.
MindTools.com's article To Do Lists ~ The Key to Efficiency
Because I'm the organized one, I always say the same thing: Prioritize everything and make a task list. Then start at the top of the list and do at least one thing every day.
He used to blow me off and continue spinning his wheels, but after 22 years together he's watched what I get done and knows it works, so now he writes up the list. Then about a week or two later, after he finishes everything on it, all the stuff is done, he's much happier and I get an extra kiss.
Here's his latest list (click on image to see larger version.) I like to read his lists when he's not around so I can help out here and there but also to see how he prioritizes things. My guy likes to do yard work, use his power tools and paint much more than he likes to clean or shop, so his favorite chores are always at the top of the list.I think this is pretty typical of most people's approach to tasking: take care of the fun stuff first, leave the dull or boring stuff for last. This is also the main reason many people have trouble finishing their task lists because by the time they reach the un-fun part they don't have anything to look forward to, and they have to drag themselves through all that work they don't like to do.
I write task lists all the time, and one thing I've learned that helps me get through them faster is to alternate fun with dull. I always begin the work day with something difficult or that I don't especially like to do; this because at the start of the day I have the most energy and patience. I follow that with a task I really want to do, and this motivates me to get task #1 finished so I can move on to something fun. Then I just repeat that over and over through the work day until I finish everything.
Here's one of my reminder lists from this past week. I kicked off the day by working on three chapters of a copy-edit that is due back to my editor on May 2nd, possibly the most stressful thing I had to do all day. I followed up that with a rewrite of a chapter I wasn't happy with, something I really wanted to jump on because I'd been rewriting it in my head for a couple of days, and I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it. After that I had a glossary to work on, which I dislike, and then my lunch break and a sewing project, which I love and that also recharges my creative batteries (Fall Crazy is not my state of mind; it's an autumn-themed crazy quilt I'm working on.)The rest of the day alternated the same way, until I wrapped things up by working on the sewing project again -- something I love -- so when I finally got to bed I was in a good mood. I've found that saving for last a task that involves the least amount of work but offers the most fun is a great way to relax, unwind, and combat my chronic insomnia.
If you decide to start using task lists to better manage your time, remember to pace yourself. I get up and start working at 6 am, and generally don't finish until I go to bed at 11 pm, which would be insane if I didn't take plenty of breaks. I also reserve a couple of hours each day and keep them open so I can spend time with my family and be available to handle any unexpected/unplanned tasks that land in my lap.
You know the old saying about all work, too, so try to devote a little time every day for play. I sew, read, go for walks or listen to music, not because I want to goof off but because I know I need to, or I'll crack under the constant pressure. Doing things that are strictly for fun can help you become even more productive, because whatever makes you happy will eliminate stress, improve your mood and put you into a mind frame that allows you to accomplish more when you do go back to work.
Related links:
eHow.com's article, How to Write an Effective To-Do List
iPrioritize, an online list-making/storage service, offers free accounts to registered users. You can create lists, rearrange them, print them, e-mail them, share them and access them even by phone.
MindTools.com's article To Do Lists ~ The Key to Efficiency
April 21, 2011
Winners
You all offered up some interesting entries for the Writer Wars giveaway. Some of the authors I haven't yet read, too, so once I slay my deadlines I definitely have to get to the bookstore.
We cranked up the magic hat tonight, and the giveaway winners are:
Kathy, who just finished reading Preston and Child's Fever Dreams
Shiloh Walker, who says she could use this one
Deneice Dykes, who read Wither by Lauren Destefano
Brittany, who is reading Reckless by Cornelia Funke
Winners, when you have a chance please send your full name and ship-to address to LynnViehl@aol.com so I can get these books out to you. My thanks to everyone for joining in.
We cranked up the magic hat tonight, and the giveaway winners are:
Kathy, who just finished reading Preston and Child's Fever Dreams
Shiloh Walker, who says she could use this one
Deneice Dykes, who read Wither by Lauren Destefano
Brittany, who is reading Reckless by Cornelia Funke
Winners, when you have a chance please send your full name and ship-to address to LynnViehl@aol.com so I can get these books out to you. My thanks to everyone for joining in.
April 20, 2011
The Third and the Seventh
This video is engimatic, epic, and escapes the ordinary at lightspeed velocity. There is some background music, and now and then things in the film get a little surreal. Mostly it's just stunning. I strongly recommend fullscreening it for maximum effect.
If you haven't seen it before, it's also possibly the best twelve minutes and twenty-nine seconds of video you'll watch this year. Those who haven't seen it might also want to visit the filmmaker's Vimeo page (link below) to read about how he made it. That will be the second stunner.
If you haven't seen it before, it's also possibly the best twelve minutes and twenty-nine seconds of video you'll watch this year. Those who haven't seen it might also want to visit the filmmaker's Vimeo page (link below) to read about how he made it. That will be the second stunner.
The Third & The Seventh from Alex Roman on Vimeo.
April 19, 2011
Writer Wars
I see things are again getting a bit nasty out there in NetPubLand. I read a post this morning that sizzled with such contempt for traditional publishing I had to check afterward to see if I still had eyebrows. Then I ran into another elsewhere that repeatedly bashed self-publishing as if it were the root of all evil snaking through the open gates of Hell.
Kind of reminds me of the War of 2001, when the new crop of e-published authors were going to save/destroy Publishing as We Know It. Are these things on ten-year cycles, or what?
Relax and put down your guns; I'm not on either side. I don't think the self-published are talentless scum, nor do I think the traditionally published are clueless dinosaurs. I don't think one way is better than the other; both have pretty much an equal amount of merits and headaches. I don't think this situation should degenerate into a war between writers, but like anyone listens to me. Nor am I going to hold my breath wishing it wouldn't.
How we choose to publish is not nearly as important as the quality of what we produce. You won't hear hardly anyone talking about that because that's the boring work part. But the only war that should concern us as writers -- the only real war -- is the one that takes place on the page.
Fortunately there are some experienced allies out there who can help us win some of those battles, as author James Scott Bell does in his quite excellent writing nonfic,
The Art of War for Writers.
I think Raine gets the blame for me picking up this book; I'm pretty sure she quoted it once and the title stuck in my head for months until I happened to see a copy at my local BAM. From the title there's no doubt the author was inspired by Sun Tzu's The Art of War, and in fact he quotes the famous Chinese general many times throughout the book. He also employs many of the same tactical philosophies as the famous warrior to provide a battle manual for writers.
As the author says in the introduction, "This is not a comprehensive "how-to" on fiction." -- and he's right, it's not. You won't find step-by-step instructions on how to write a synopsis, pitch an editor or set up a web site in this book. What you will discover is infinitely more valuable: keen observations on the biz and the business of writing, creative navigation, thoughtful strategies and useful exercises. Basically all the things that go into not just creating but sustaining a focused, productive career are in this book.
I was impressed by how the author illuminates virtually every major problem common to writers, and his practical approach to solving them. He also did this without slanting his advice toward any specific genre, or playing favorites with example authors. He speaks to every writer, so whatever you write, you can use this book. That's extremely hard to pull off.
Bell's brevity and sense of humor are terrific. The chapters are short, the language is concise, and the author never once wasted my time by nattering on and on about anything. The chapter titles are a bit on the long side, but for titles he uses statements versus the usual topical words, which makes even the table of contents interesting reading. As for the humor, Bell's is dry and subtle, but it's there, and that also contributes to the engaging aspects of the book.
I'm divided on whether or not I think this is a good book for beginning writers. On one hand I think it should be required reading for anyone who is thinking of getting into the biz, because this is it -- this is the war, right here. As I've always said, compete or die. On the other I think it may seem harsh and intimidating to the timid or undecided, especially when the author makes certain unequivocal statements.
Such as: Should you outline a novel? Bell says yes. He doesn't dance around it, he doesn't apologize and he doesn't offer warm fuzzies to people who hate outlining. He does point out that some successful authors don't outline -- and then he tells you why you should be outlining. So if you're looking for someone who is going to cater to all your quirks and preferences or kiss your butt, Bell is not your guy.
I seriously loved this book (and maybe it's because of my military background, but I think civilians will find it just as absorbing.) Every chapter had me from the first line, and the author always spoke to me as an equal, and never once to bitch or complain about his experiences. That I deeply appreciated, particularly as I've read far too many how-tos that delivered everything in a decidedly patronizing tone, or were nothing but neurotic whinefests.
As always you don't have to take my word for it. In comments to this post, name the last book you read that was superbly written (or if it's been too long for you to recall, just toss your name in the hat) by midnight EST on Thursday, April 21, 2011. I will select four names at random from everyone who participates and send the winners an unsigned paperback copy of James Scott Bell's The Art of War for Writers. This giveaway is open to everyone on the planet, even if you've won something here at PBW in the past.
Kind of reminds me of the War of 2001, when the new crop of e-published authors were going to save/destroy Publishing as We Know It. Are these things on ten-year cycles, or what?
Relax and put down your guns; I'm not on either side. I don't think the self-published are talentless scum, nor do I think the traditionally published are clueless dinosaurs. I don't think one way is better than the other; both have pretty much an equal amount of merits and headaches. I don't think this situation should degenerate into a war between writers, but like anyone listens to me. Nor am I going to hold my breath wishing it wouldn't.
How we choose to publish is not nearly as important as the quality of what we produce. You won't hear hardly anyone talking about that because that's the boring work part. But the only war that should concern us as writers -- the only real war -- is the one that takes place on the page.
Fortunately there are some experienced allies out there who can help us win some of those battles, as author James Scott Bell does in his quite excellent writing nonfic,
The Art of War for Writers.
I think Raine gets the blame for me picking up this book; I'm pretty sure she quoted it once and the title stuck in my head for months until I happened to see a copy at my local BAM. From the title there's no doubt the author was inspired by Sun Tzu's The Art of War, and in fact he quotes the famous Chinese general many times throughout the book. He also employs many of the same tactical philosophies as the famous warrior to provide a battle manual for writers.
As the author says in the introduction, "This is not a comprehensive "how-to" on fiction." -- and he's right, it's not. You won't find step-by-step instructions on how to write a synopsis, pitch an editor or set up a web site in this book. What you will discover is infinitely more valuable: keen observations on the biz and the business of writing, creative navigation, thoughtful strategies and useful exercises. Basically all the things that go into not just creating but sustaining a focused, productive career are in this book.
I was impressed by how the author illuminates virtually every major problem common to writers, and his practical approach to solving them. He also did this without slanting his advice toward any specific genre, or playing favorites with example authors. He speaks to every writer, so whatever you write, you can use this book. That's extremely hard to pull off.
Bell's brevity and sense of humor are terrific. The chapters are short, the language is concise, and the author never once wasted my time by nattering on and on about anything. The chapter titles are a bit on the long side, but for titles he uses statements versus the usual topical words, which makes even the table of contents interesting reading. As for the humor, Bell's is dry and subtle, but it's there, and that also contributes to the engaging aspects of the book.
I'm divided on whether or not I think this is a good book for beginning writers. On one hand I think it should be required reading for anyone who is thinking of getting into the biz, because this is it -- this is the war, right here. As I've always said, compete or die. On the other I think it may seem harsh and intimidating to the timid or undecided, especially when the author makes certain unequivocal statements.
Such as: Should you outline a novel? Bell says yes. He doesn't dance around it, he doesn't apologize and he doesn't offer warm fuzzies to people who hate outlining. He does point out that some successful authors don't outline -- and then he tells you why you should be outlining. So if you're looking for someone who is going to cater to all your quirks and preferences or kiss your butt, Bell is not your guy.
I seriously loved this book (and maybe it's because of my military background, but I think civilians will find it just as absorbing.) Every chapter had me from the first line, and the author always spoke to me as an equal, and never once to bitch or complain about his experiences. That I deeply appreciated, particularly as I've read far too many how-tos that delivered everything in a decidedly patronizing tone, or were nothing but neurotic whinefests.
As always you don't have to take my word for it. In comments to this post, name the last book you read that was superbly written (or if it's been too long for you to recall, just toss your name in the hat) by midnight EST on Thursday, April 21, 2011. I will select four names at random from everyone who participates and send the winners an unsigned paperback copy of James Scott Bell's The Art of War for Writers. This giveaway is open to everyone on the planet, even if you've won something here at PBW in the past.
April 18, 2011
Round About
As some of my regulars have noticed, we're experiencing an influx of new visitors to the blog. There are two possible reasons for this:A. I've suddenly and mysteriously become wonderfully wise, totally hot, and simply irresistible.
B. I wrote a funny post about self-publishing.*
Modesty (plus the fact that I'm sitting here in my ancient fuzzy bathrobe and unmatched socks) has me leaning more toward B.
For those of you who are new to PBW, I started this blog in 2004 for some writer friends, and it evolved over the years into what it is today. As far as content goes I mainly talk shop, post sub ops and find whatever free stuff I can that may be of use to working writers. I also write humor, satire and parodies now and then to share some laughs about the writing life and the biz.
Please be advised that I am not on Twitter, Facebook or get involved in anything outside PBW, nor do I have the time or the ability to become involved in social media. Please do not e-mail asking me where my accounts or feeds are or to friend or follow you.
We have a fair amount of readers who stop in here; many belong to my long-suffering but wonderfully loyal readership. The writers are huge readers, too; occupational hazard. My regular visitors and blogpals are quite knowledgeable about books and authors, and have great insight to offer about what they enjoy reading. If you're looking for a great book, definitely read the comments; my people are like a living database of terrific stories.
My blogpals and I do welcome all writers, no matter where you are with your work, how you publish, what genre you publish or how much you've sold. If you write for fun and never intend to publish anything, you're still one of us. Everyone is invited to stop in whenever you like, share your thoughts, contribute ideas, and take away what you find helpful or want to test-drive.
For everything else you new folks might need to know about me and my blog, please visit the About PBW page.
*Which was actually a spoof of one I wrote about traditional publishing.
Graphic credit: © Yellowj | Dreamstime.com
April 17, 2011
No Cost Ten
Ten Things You Can Have for Free
Freeware caution: always scan free downloads of anything for bugs and other threats before dumping the programs into your hard drive.
Blender is an "open source software for 3D modeling, animation, rendering, post-production, interactive creation and playback.
Blender has proven to be an extremely fast and versatile design instrument. The software has a personal touch, offering a unique approach to the world of Three Dimensions. Use it to create TV commercials, to make technical visualizations, business graphics, to do some morphing, or design user interfaces. You can easy build and manage complex environments. The renderer is versatile and extremely fast. All basic animation principles (curves & keys) are well implemented" [OS: Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7 (32, 64 bits), Mac OS X (PPC and Intel 32.64 bits), Linux (x86 32/64 bits),FreeBSD (AMD/Intel 64 bits)]
Creating mind maps with Bookvar is "as easy and fun as playing computer games. You can build your mind maps in a matter of seconds by using handy keyboard shortcuts. You can drag files from your computer and drop them in the mind map. Create mind maps together with your friends and colleagues. All you need is connection between computers. Each user receives a unique color which identifies topics created by him. Share thoughts and ideas using the integrated chat support. Use custom add-ins to extend Bookvar's functionality. Create custom skins to change the mind map appearance.Add images directly in your topics. Embed and play movies. Attach other resources to your topics as files. Attach links to web pages directly in your map's topics" (OS: Win2K, WinXP, Vista, +.Net 3.5)
Clipboard Master is a clipboard extension freeware for Windows that "stores all your texts, files and pictures copied to the clipboard; Paste any item in any windows application; Define any shortcut to show the clipbard list"(OS: Windows 7, Vista, XP, XP , 2000, 64 Bit versions as well)
EarthAlerts is "a Windows-based application that allows you to monitor in near real-time a variety of natural hazard events that are occurring anywhere around the world. Alert notifications, reports, and imagery provide the user with a convenient way to view natural phenomenon as they occur, whether close to home or some far-flung corner of the globe! Earth Alerts uses a variety of online resources provided by organizations such as the National Weather Service, U.S. Geological Survey and Smithsonian Institution (just to name a few), to identify what sort of activities "Mother Earth" is currently dishing out on the planet. To use Earth Alerts, you simply select the specific natural hazards -- earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, tropical cyclones, wildland fires, landslides, severe weather, local weather, etc. -- and the locations that interest you. The application will then automatically retrieve the latest information from various live data feeds available on the Internet and present it to you in a convenient arrangement of reports, maps and images" (OS: Windows 2000/ XP/Vista/7)
ErgoClock "helps you live a healthier more efficient life by providing a tool that periodically reminds you to exercise and do various exercises while sitting behind your desk" (OS: Windows XP/Vista/7)
LinesmART is an "image manip, which turns ordinary photos into line art renderings. All it takes is to load a photo using the program, and the rest is done for you. There are customizable options if you want the art to look like a particular style. The output image is the same size as the one opened" (OS: Mac)
SandBox Game Maker is a "3D game design tool based on the Cube 2 engine that allows users to quickly and easily create and edit their own worlds in game, even cooperatively. It is free, Open Source, and easy to use for Kids and Adults. Lots of help is available for Installation; Getting started - Map Editing Basics and Beginner's video tutorials; Advanced topics; Tutorials; Development and more" (OS: Windows, Mac, Linux)
Based on FreeMind, SciPlore MindMapping is "the first mind mapping tool focusing on researchers' needs by integrating mind mapping with reference and pdf management. SciPlore MindMapping offers all the features one would expect from a standard mind mapping software, plus special features for researchers" (OS: Win98, Win2K, WinXP, Vista, Win7)
TaskCoach is a simple open source todo manager to keep track of personal tasks and todo lists. It grew out of a frustration that most task managers do not provide facilities for composite tasks. Often, tasks and other things todo consist of several activities. Task Coach is designed to deal with composite tasks. In addition, it offers effort tracking, categories, and notes" (OS: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, BSD, and iPhone and iPod Touch)
WebSpeech is "a Javascript library for developers who want to write pages with voice" (OS: Unspecified)
Freeware caution: always scan free downloads of anything for bugs and other threats before dumping the programs into your hard drive.
Blender is an "open source software for 3D modeling, animation, rendering, post-production, interactive creation and playback.
Blender has proven to be an extremely fast and versatile design instrument. The software has a personal touch, offering a unique approach to the world of Three Dimensions. Use it to create TV commercials, to make technical visualizations, business graphics, to do some morphing, or design user interfaces. You can easy build and manage complex environments. The renderer is versatile and extremely fast. All basic animation principles (curves & keys) are well implemented" [OS: Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7 (32, 64 bits), Mac OS X (PPC and Intel 32.64 bits), Linux (x86 32/64 bits),FreeBSD (AMD/Intel 64 bits)]
Creating mind maps with Bookvar is "as easy and fun as playing computer games. You can build your mind maps in a matter of seconds by using handy keyboard shortcuts. You can drag files from your computer and drop them in the mind map. Create mind maps together with your friends and colleagues. All you need is connection between computers. Each user receives a unique color which identifies topics created by him. Share thoughts and ideas using the integrated chat support. Use custom add-ins to extend Bookvar's functionality. Create custom skins to change the mind map appearance.Add images directly in your topics. Embed and play movies. Attach other resources to your topics as files. Attach links to web pages directly in your map's topics" (OS: Win2K, WinXP, Vista, +.Net 3.5)
Clipboard Master is a clipboard extension freeware for Windows that "stores all your texts, files and pictures copied to the clipboard; Paste any item in any windows application; Define any shortcut to show the clipbard list"(OS: Windows 7, Vista, XP, XP , 2000, 64 Bit versions as well)
EarthAlerts is "a Windows-based application that allows you to monitor in near real-time a variety of natural hazard events that are occurring anywhere around the world. Alert notifications, reports, and imagery provide the user with a convenient way to view natural phenomenon as they occur, whether close to home or some far-flung corner of the globe! Earth Alerts uses a variety of online resources provided by organizations such as the National Weather Service, U.S. Geological Survey and Smithsonian Institution (just to name a few), to identify what sort of activities "Mother Earth" is currently dishing out on the planet. To use Earth Alerts, you simply select the specific natural hazards -- earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, tropical cyclones, wildland fires, landslides, severe weather, local weather, etc. -- and the locations that interest you. The application will then automatically retrieve the latest information from various live data feeds available on the Internet and present it to you in a convenient arrangement of reports, maps and images" (OS: Windows 2000/ XP/Vista/7)
ErgoClock "helps you live a healthier more efficient life by providing a tool that periodically reminds you to exercise and do various exercises while sitting behind your desk" (OS: Windows XP/Vista/7)
LinesmART is an "image manip, which turns ordinary photos into line art renderings. All it takes is to load a photo using the program, and the rest is done for you. There are customizable options if you want the art to look like a particular style. The output image is the same size as the one opened" (OS: Mac)
SandBox Game Maker is a "3D game design tool based on the Cube 2 engine that allows users to quickly and easily create and edit their own worlds in game, even cooperatively. It is free, Open Source, and easy to use for Kids and Adults. Lots of help is available for Installation; Getting started - Map Editing Basics and Beginner's video tutorials; Advanced topics; Tutorials; Development and more" (OS: Windows, Mac, Linux)
Based on FreeMind, SciPlore MindMapping is "the first mind mapping tool focusing on researchers' needs by integrating mind mapping with reference and pdf management. SciPlore MindMapping offers all the features one would expect from a standard mind mapping software, plus special features for researchers" (OS: Win98, Win2K, WinXP, Vista, Win7)
TaskCoach is a simple open source todo manager to keep track of personal tasks and todo lists. It grew out of a frustration that most task managers do not provide facilities for composite tasks. Often, tasks and other things todo consist of several activities. Task Coach is designed to deal with composite tasks. In addition, it offers effort tracking, categories, and notes" (OS: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, BSD, and iPhone and iPod Touch)
WebSpeech is "a Javascript library for developers who want to write pages with voice" (OS: Unspecified)
April 16, 2011
Watch the Blog Pets
I'm still off writing, but while you're here, would you mind feeding my new fish? (click anywhere inside the tank):
Or feed my new hamster (click inside his cage to give him a snack; click on the center of his wheel to make him take a turn):
Or maybe you'd like to play follow-the-cursor with my new spider:
To get your own fish (or a hamster or a spider or other way cool gadgets) for your blog, check out Adam Bowman's page of widgets here.
(I so swiped this from Gerard over at The Presurfer.)
Or feed my new hamster (click inside his cage to give him a snack; click on the center of his wheel to make him take a turn):
Or maybe you'd like to play follow-the-cursor with my new spider:
To get your own fish (or a hamster or a spider or other way cool gadgets) for your blog, check out Adam Bowman's page of widgets here.
(I so swiped this from Gerard over at The Presurfer.)
April 15, 2011
The First Bookmark
I'm unplugging this weekend to get a jump on deadline week. But while you're here, you might check out National Geographic's Daily News's cool report on the discovery of an ancient Greek tablet with the oldest readable writing in Europe. According to the article:
Considered "magical or mysterious" in its time, the writing survives only because a trash heap caught fire some 3,500 years ago, according to researchers.
Although the article doesn't identify what the writing says, PBW called a pal in Greece, who provided this translation in English, as well as some enhancements to show that the tablet was in fact an ancient author's self-promotional item (which is probably why it was thrown in the garbage):
I don't know. I mean I know it's thousands of years old, but the choice of wording could have been better. And don't you think those beads on the tassels make it look a little cheap?
Considered "magical or mysterious" in its time, the writing survives only because a trash heap caught fire some 3,500 years ago, according to researchers.
Although the article doesn't identify what the writing says, PBW called a pal in Greece, who provided this translation in English, as well as some enhancements to show that the tablet was in fact an ancient author's self-promotional item (which is probably why it was thrown in the garbage):
I don't know. I mean I know it's thousands of years old, but the choice of wording could have been better. And don't you think those beads on the tassels make it look a little cheap?
April 14, 2011
Night Weavers
Everyone, wait for second. Stephanie Tyler (and anyone else with arachnophobia) if you're out there, please stop reading and leave the blog right now, or you're going to freak out.
Are they gone? Okay. I had another backyard drama last night, this time involving this little lady:
If you live in the country like I do, then you probably deal with all kinds of arachnids. Since we moved here I've have close encounters with everything from wolf spiders as large as my hand to tiny crab spiders smaller than the tip of my pinkie. I've shooed them out of the house, relocated them out of the yard, and taken lots of pictures of their webs. They're not only beautiful and interesting, they also help get rid of disease carriers like mosquitoes and flies.
It's the orb weavers who fascinate me most. They come in different sizes, shapes and colors, and most set up house in quiet, undisturbed areas. Their webs are generally the large circular variety, but one huge golden lady I found last year spun her web across a ten foot space between two trees. She kept repairing the web and occupied the same spot at the back of our property for a good six months.
Several varieties of orb weavers come out only after dark to make one-night stand webs. As soon as the sun goes down they pick a spot and go to work, and within a couple of hours have a web in place. Their webs are huge, easily four to six feet in diameter, with anchoring threads that can stretch up to fifty feet. Yet by morning the spiders are gone -- and so are the webs they build.
It was one of these one-night standers that my guy found last night as he was walking the dogs. What he first saw was this:
He didn't actually see the spider itself -- she blended in perfectly with the grass -- but a glint of a single web thread did catch his eye, and he stopped in his tracks. Which is a good thing, because he almost walked through this:
Because I'm the resident bug expert he called me out to have a look at her. I'd never seen a spider like her before, but she was about two inches long, light brown and vaguely resembled a crab spider on steroids (later I did some research on the internet, and I'm pretty sure she's an Eriophora ravilla , or a tropical orb weaver.)
Because I took close-up shots the web really doesn't look that big, so let me show you what the area looks like in daylight (my lame red lines are the size and position of the web):
As my guy walks through that part of the yard every night he was not happy about the spider occupying it. He wanted to kill it and tear down the web, but I persuaded him not to. Once they move into a yard, these orb weavers build their webs in the virtually same spot, so we would now know where to watch out for her. Even though we didn't recognize her species, I thought for sure by morning she would be gone, too -- and sure enough, when he took the dogs out this morning, both spider and web had vanished.
I've never been able to take any decent photograph of these night weavers before last night because my camera doesn't focus well in low light. Luckily we have a flood light in this part of the yard, and the spider and the web were in just the right position to be partially lit up by it. Using my flash did the rest.
Now if I can just remember not to walk through that part of the yard the next time I take the pups out after dark . . .
Are they gone? Okay. I had another backyard drama last night, this time involving this little lady:
If you live in the country like I do, then you probably deal with all kinds of arachnids. Since we moved here I've have close encounters with everything from wolf spiders as large as my hand to tiny crab spiders smaller than the tip of my pinkie. I've shooed them out of the house, relocated them out of the yard, and taken lots of pictures of their webs. They're not only beautiful and interesting, they also help get rid of disease carriers like mosquitoes and flies.
It's the orb weavers who fascinate me most. They come in different sizes, shapes and colors, and most set up house in quiet, undisturbed areas. Their webs are generally the large circular variety, but one huge golden lady I found last year spun her web across a ten foot space between two trees. She kept repairing the web and occupied the same spot at the back of our property for a good six months.
Several varieties of orb weavers come out only after dark to make one-night stand webs. As soon as the sun goes down they pick a spot and go to work, and within a couple of hours have a web in place. Their webs are huge, easily four to six feet in diameter, with anchoring threads that can stretch up to fifty feet. Yet by morning the spiders are gone -- and so are the webs they build.
It was one of these one-night standers that my guy found last night as he was walking the dogs. What he first saw was this:
He didn't actually see the spider itself -- she blended in perfectly with the grass -- but a glint of a single web thread did catch his eye, and he stopped in his tracks. Which is a good thing, because he almost walked through this:
Because I'm the resident bug expert he called me out to have a look at her. I'd never seen a spider like her before, but she was about two inches long, light brown and vaguely resembled a crab spider on steroids (later I did some research on the internet, and I'm pretty sure she's an Eriophora ravilla , or a tropical orb weaver.)
Because I took close-up shots the web really doesn't look that big, so let me show you what the area looks like in daylight (my lame red lines are the size and position of the web):
As my guy walks through that part of the yard every night he was not happy about the spider occupying it. He wanted to kill it and tear down the web, but I persuaded him not to. Once they move into a yard, these orb weavers build their webs in the virtually same spot, so we would now know where to watch out for her. Even though we didn't recognize her species, I thought for sure by morning she would be gone, too -- and sure enough, when he took the dogs out this morning, both spider and web had vanished.
I've never been able to take any decent photograph of these night weavers before last night because my camera doesn't focus well in low light. Luckily we have a flood light in this part of the yard, and the spider and the web were in just the right position to be partially lit up by it. Using my flash did the rest.
Now if I can just remember not to walk through that part of the yard the next time I take the pups out after dark . . .
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