The Canadian Loon

Sep 25, 2010

Software Updates

I know that many of my readers are running Mac's but most of these programs are available to them as well. but I've installed and used them on Windows 7. Was a quiet morning so had some time to check out some programs that have been on my list and a few oldies that I still love.

1. GO-OO. For many years I have been using Open Office instead of Microsoft Office. Why spend hundreds of dollars for a Microsoft product when there is a free version that is smaller, faster and does exactly the same thing? But GO-OO is a version of Open Office that is even quicker then the original Open Office. Works beautifully, is fast and is free. The only snag I hit was that I needed to uninstall my old Open Office manually before installing it. Webpage and download - http://go-oo.org/

2. Firefox 4.0 Beta - I stopped using Firefox about 6 months ago and switched to SRWARE Iron, but I heard that 4.0 was an improvement. Downloaded it and it is much improved and much faster then the old version 3. Still not as good as Iron but much improved. http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all-beta.html

3. SRWARE Iron - In my opinion the best browser available. Lightening fast and easy to use. It's based upon the Google Chrome package with all the sneaky google advertising and tracking removed. Also has an Adblocker built in. Download and install - http://www.srware.net/en/software_srware_iron_news.php Then go to this webpage and copy the contents - http://www.srware.net/downloads/adblock.ini and then paste the contents into the adblock.ini file in the SRWARE directory. Will block 99% of all banner ads. You can also sync your bookmarks to your google account allowing you to access your bookmarks from anywhere in the world. Handy for those who travel.

4. Lightroom3 - For my photographer friends. A powerful suite of software for a fraction of the cost of Photoshop. If your not heavy editing with layers and stuff this program is for you. 30 day free trial from adobe - http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshoplightroom/

5. Pixresizer - an oldie but still the best that I have found. This little freeware program is the best for resizing your pictures for the net, e-mail or whatever. Does single files or entire directories - http://bluefive.pair.com/pixresizer.htm

Quiet weekend, hanging out with Keaton and hoping that Jen will drop by. Off to Baltimore for a quick business trip next week but will have full access to the world on my laptop. So out of town but not out of touch ;-) Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Sep 23, 2010

Honda Drivers

Ok, I swear that all the people who used to drive Oldsmobile's have moved to Hondas!

Just about punted 2 of them off the road this morning. Can they drive any slower? Is the Honda incapable of taking a corner with any speed? Do they really need 64 seconds to reach 80 kms/hour? And 3 km's to stop? Are brakes optional? Do you have to pay a lot of money for options like signal lights?

Or do they just get scared when they see a superior automobile like my Toyota coming up behind them?

;-)

Sep 20, 2010

Rough Weekend and Mer Bleue

What a rough weekend all around me this week, first separation mediation session last week which was rather stressful, my friends in Bermuda undergoing the wrath of Hurricane Igor (fortunately no major damage to their lives or property) and Jen lost a couple of very close friends through an act of stupidity. A 20 year old kid stunt driving on city streets loses control and shatters a family. Mom and Dad both dead and 3 orphaned children. All because of someone acting like an idiot. And his life is now ruined as well. Having to live with killing someone and wiping out a family. His hopes and dreams are gone as well. All because of one stupid act. Makes you think how easily you could fuck up and do something and everything be over in an instant. A sobering thought.

But we did get away from the world for a bit and took a walk on a local green space/bog called Mer Bleue.

A few pics from the rather long walk;

From the boardwalk.

and a colour version.

Not as clear as I would like but bees are hard to shoot!

Some nice fall flowers ;-)

Sep 13, 2010

A Walk Along the Canal

Saturday Jen and I took a lovely walk along the Rideau Canal between Hartwells and Hogs Back Locks.

Jen still won't let me post pictures of her :-( But maybe with some encouragement folks..... come on now, tell her how pretty she it ;-)

One of Jen's 3 cats.

Oh, how did that shot get in here ;-)

Sep 12, 2010

NASA spacecraft and aircraft in flight

Some wonderful photos NASA spacecraft and aircraft in flight!

HERE

Sep 10, 2010

Dr Who and Friday Tune

Over this past summer I have become a huge Dr Who fan, haven't seen the stuff prior to 2005 but I now have seen almost every episode and special from 2005 to the dramatic ending this past season. In that time there are been 3 different doctors and at least 4 companions. There are 2 scenes/episodes that stand out. The one where Dave Tennant dies and Matt Smith takes over and this scene where Rose and the Dr say good-bye for the "what we believe" is the final time. For a show that is suppose to be "cheesy" this one was wonderful.

For those sci-fi geek friends of mine who have never checked out Dr Who, find the tapes and enjoy. It's wonderful.

Get your kleenex out

And my song of the week that has been stuck in my head is another good old cheesy 80's tune;

Sep 7, 2010

More History in Pictures

For those who enjoyed the history of WWII in the Pacific, who may not of noticed the links on the bottom of the page for even more from Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Atomic Bomb etc etc...

Some amazing and horrifying images that show the scale of war and this world we live in.