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Playing Around with Animoto

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I had heard about the movie making magic of Animoto.com but never really checked it out until now. Very cool and easy to use. For an automated system, the end product is very good. There’s not much you can do to edit the movie but really, you don’t have to. Here’s a movie I “made” from a few still pictures.

Warning: the default audio is very loud. Turn down the volume before you start playing.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Only bummer is that the free version of Animoto limits movies to 30 seconds. Otherwise, you have to pay per movie or an annual fee. Animoto is a well thought out service, covering the basics of movie making to easily sharing the great results.

Pulp on Pad!

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What’s pulp look like on the new iPad? Like this!!

Not mine, but thanks Jason.  I gave this pic a standing ovation when I saw it!

Looking for a New Mac App Launcher

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I’m on the hunt to find a new Mac app launcher to replace my favorite but aging launcher, Quicksilver. Quicksilver hasn’t been under active development for some time and each Mac OS X release and update is one step towards Quicksilver’s demise.

After upgrading to Mac OS X 10.6.3, QS stopped launching at startup. Even after manually starting QS, it just didn’t act right. This problem might be fixable, but it’s also a good time to see what other app launchers are out there. But I am baffled that with all the MacHeist deals and MacUpdate bundles I’ve bought in the past, there isn’t an app launcher among them?!

I found this review which is a good start. I was told about Butler which seems to do a lot but has its own menu interface. I love the simplicity and speed of Quicksilver’s Control-Space key combo to kick things off. And of course, free is good.

Sorry, I still think Mac OS X’s Spotlight is too slow. I’m trying out Namely right now and customized the key stroke activation to mimic Quicksilver. We’ll see how this app launcher performs.

Anyone have recommendations for a Mac app launcher?

Learn to Ride a Bike with the Gyrowheel

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This is probably more for the science and technology of CCTWT, but have you seen this new Gyrowheel? Instead of training wheels on bicycles, you replace the front wheel with the Gyrowheel to help teach kids how to ride a bike.

The Gyrowheel helps keep the bike balanced and adjusts if it senses a falling motion. Cool, but they don’t make a size for adult sized bikes. LOL!

Casting the Homeless as Pirates?

This is going to sound cruel and mean, but it’s what popped into my head, sorry. The upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean film is casting for pirates that meet this physical description:

authentic-looking scavenger-types 18-60, all ethnicities, especially extreme character types: thin, tall, short, emaciated, odd features, huge nose, eyes, ears, lazy eye, grizzled and wrinkles faces, odd body types, missing limbs, teeth, etc.

Sounds like great job opportunities for some of the Hawaii homeless, right? Come on, admit it. You can picture it can’t you?

That Was Fierce and Unfair on Dancing with the Stars

That was unfair. Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough’s jive on Week 2 of Dancing with the Stars was so fierce, it was scored perfection by Carrie Ann and Bruno. The choreography, Rihanna’s music, the hair – so unfair! Then to top off the performance with leis and shakas?

After this performance, the already high stress level on the show is only going to go up. Edyta’s stressing about another first round exit, Erin Andrews is stressing for perfection, and the stress and disappointment of Chad Ochocinco was palpable in HD.

Who ain’t stressing? Jon Gosselin, that’s who. After Kate’s verbal beatdown of pro partner Tony Dovolani, Jon had to smirk at his antagonists. Sadly, Kate’s in a season packed with talent and dancing success is too far in a short period of time.

Buzz Aldrin is a disruptive force but please, really? It’s painful to watch.

Niecy, Jake, Evan, Shannen are safe and can leave the runway as Heidi Klum would say on Project Runway.

And Pamela Anderson was up to her tricks. Yes, she can actually dance, but it’s her, ahem, intangibles that really infuse a dynamic unlike any other DWTS star. The judges and host Tom Bergeron all lose their minds when Pam is performing on and off the floor.

I’m still working on this week’s favorite DWTS video which is now here!

Continuing to Covet Crumpler

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After looking a more camera bags from Lowepro, Kata, and Crumpler, I keep coming back to the styling of Crumpler.

Yes, all the bags I’ve looked at are perfectly functional, but it’s that bit of pizazz that makes Crumpler coveted (but I’m not talking about their confusing Flash-based web site). Lots of good reviews and recommendations too for Crumpler products and after witnessing the Industry Disgrace, I’m poised to buy an “everyday” bag for my basic camera gear.

Don’t forget that I did get the Lowepro FastPack 250, but with its carrying capacity, it’s not the ideal take everywhere pack. Great for traveling, sure, but not so much for grab and run. I need something smaller and more portable, and Crumpler keeps coming to mind.

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