Polling Place by Michael Coyle

Wow! Almost 70% of readers have external speakers plugged into their Mac. I think that this coincides with the fact that many readers use the computer as a primary means of playing music. I know at my office, the desktop FM radio has been replaced by computer based MP3s and streaming web radio.

When Apple posted its quarterly financial results, the sale of portables was a strong factor in their earnings. What type of Mac do you have? This week's Polling Place asks, "My primary Mac is a: Desktop, Powerbook, iBook."

Tools of the Trade. by Michael Coyle

After a short hiatus, MacInstruct is back with a new interactive tutorial by Bert Altenburg. This is the site's first carbonized tutorial, so it runs great under either OS, and a good thing since it's a tutorial on Unix Terminal Commands in MacOS X. In addition, MacInstruct has a new homepage and new design! Be sure to check it out.

Last week, I asked about configuring XFree 4.2 under Fink and MacOS X. Tom Hackett discovered the following:

I didn't really remember what happened to the XF86Config file either, but I remembered where to find out (The XonX FAQ).That's the page for Torrey Lyons, the main developer of XFree86 on Darwin.

What happened to the XF86Config file??
The XF86Config file is not needed with XFree86 for Darwin and it will be ignored if a file by this name is present. The XF86Config file is used on other platforms primarily to tell the module loader about drivers that are needed for your particular hardware. The XF86Config file does allow some non-device specific configuration, but this must be done from the command line with XFree86-Aqua at the present time.

XDarwin doesn't really need a config file really because it uses IOKit for display and keyboard and mouse input. It's about as accelerated as it's going to get until Torrey does something different.

Bummer because I still don't have accelerated XFree in full screen XDarwin mode. The XonX group has done a wonderful job and I hope they can get the XFree running faster on Darwin. Even when I bypass MacOS X and Quartz, XFree is slow. Is anyone running a Darwin/XFree computer extensively? I'd like to hear about your experience.

User Contributed Splash Screens. by Michael Coyle

Win a PowerMax gift certificate worth $50 by contributing to ResExcellence! (How?)

• When my eleven-year old son walked past the computer and saw me making the preview image for this next contribution, he said, "Cool! I didn't know you watched Sailor Moon!". Well, unfortunately Dad's not that cool, but Dennis Hick is. He made this great looking Sailor Moon iTunes skin.
  
  
• Dennis Hick also sent a Sailor Moon MOSS to match the iTunes skin mentioned above.
  
  
• Nancy was kind enough to send out first batch of DragThing Color Sets. This package of seven new colors schemes is easily loaded into DragThing from the preferences. Give them a try and purty-up your dock!
  
  
• They say "Sex Sells", so Conrad must be trying to make a million with this Pamela Anderson About this Mac replacement.
  
  
  

Calendar & Appointment Scheduler for Mac OS X

Snapshots by Jeremy Hoesly

Monday has arrived and with it a band of snapshots:

• This OS X submission from Jeff Campbell touts a Macdesktops desktop picture. iTunes is shuffling songs in the lower left. Hein Mevissen’s Nice on the Desktop icons and Pratch’s Bungie icons lurk about.
  
  
• Simplicity at its finest is demonstrated in this snapshot from the Doc featuring a custom “iPod” desktop picture. Whoa.
  
  
• Roberto Dohnert’s snapshot obsession reaches new heights with yet another contribution, this time featuring a “Clouds” desktop picture snagged from Windows 95. Intriguing.
  
  
• This screenshot from Aaron Snitzer sports Apple’s “Abstract 2” desktop picture. George Mason University, a higher educational institution in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area that he apparently attends, is featured in OmniWeb.

Show us how you use your Mac. Read the guidelines and then send away!

Icon & Desktop News: by Dan

Icons - Desktops: We've got (6) New Desktops, (2) New Icon Sets, and of course, updated "News From Around the Web". All on display for today's update!

• Prolific Icon maker Hein Mevissen does it once again with another fine set titled "Desktop Lookups" for OSX. This cute as a bugs ear series features 6 pudgy little characters that will certainly put a smile on your face every time you look at them.
  
  
• "Little Candy Folders" for OSX by Gigi is a small set of 9 fruity flavored mini sized folders. If you are in desperate need of screen real estate, these semi transparent beauties are for you.
  
  
• Unfortunately, our preview just doesn't do "8B2000" any justice at all. This interesting "techich" desktop by Mark comes in four different shades, all at1280x resolution. It's well worth the download to take a closer look.
  
  
• While experimenting with a few cool actions gleaned from the Adobe Action Xchange, Mario Garza discovered one that makes semi transparent panels in the iMac tradition. Cobbled together with some brushed metal panels and a bit of Photoshop magic, "iMacer dock" comes in 1024x and 800x resolutions.
  
  
• "Burnt Forest" is the first of several really interesting compositions sent in by Zack Schnep. Obviously a talented young fellow, this exceptional desktop (in my opinion) comes in 1024x resolution. Keep your eyes open for more desktops from Zack in the coming weeks.
  
  
• Still think those old dog eared "Beatles" Albums are good for nothing but rubber frisbees? Better think again. Matt Crowley takes advantage of their nostalgic value and scans a number of them into desktop pictures. This is the third of several sets, including two different Beatle's album covers and artwork.
  
  
• That smiling Mac face just seems to be everywhere these days, even on the "Beach". Daniel Beaudry created this desktop as a companion to some skins he made for Audion and Sound Jam, and comes in 1024x resolution.
  
  
• Matt Bionda created a somewhat strange desktop titled "Mechanical" on an old Quadra 660AV using AppleWorks 5. Of course he says, you'll really only appreciate this if you are a Marilyn Manson fan. Comes in 800x600 resolution.
  

News From Around the Web:

Tray's Trove updates on 1-27-02 with eight new desktop designs.

Pixel Decor updates with Two patterns: Eames and Maxxilicious And the Feb. 2002 calendar.

Pixel Press releases two new icon sets.

Live Pencil updates with a vast assortment of interesting goodies for you to check out!

Ethereal Creations Ethereal Creations updates with two beautiful new desktops.

Mandolux updates with 5 new desktops continuing the F-16 Falcon Jet Series.

Flax Creations updates with two new OSX Icon sets. Check it out!

Rampant Mac updates with two fine new desktops.

MacMonkies updates with 5 fabulous new pics including four new 3-dimentional works and one new desktop that is sure to leave you seeing "spots!" Head over and take a look!

New Pics are now available at Normal Flora.

So what's up WWW? Icons? Desktop pictures? News? Inform us! We'll post it!

Build a Merlin Simulator with REALbasic - Part 3 by Erick Tejkowski

Visit the Mac Experts!

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Today's News by Cletus™

Here we are at the middle of the week already. Where does the time go?

The premier graphics/image viewer GraphicConverter 4.2.1 has been updated. Both Classic and Mac OS X compatible. With this program you can view, edit, and convert most any graphic file format. The list of changes is plentiful as always and can be found here. At press time the link for downloading was overloaded.

Another fantastic program, Glidel has been updated to version 5.2.1. Glidel allows files to be dragged and dropped on items in the File or Apple Menus. Changes to this version include:

• Fix of an error message related to registration (thanks to Mark Nagata)
  
  
• Improvement of the registration process when several documents or applications are opened at startup
  
  

Extension Overload 5.9.5 brings compatibility to Mac OS 9.2.2. Also updated are the definitions which include; 5583 extensions, control panels, CSM and CMM, up from 5475 previously.

The folks at Unsanity Software have updated Xounds to version 1.1.1. It is a Haxie that brings Appearance Sounds back to Mac OS X. This update fixes a bug with long sounds being cut off. They have also added Japanese localization and fixed a few smaller bugs.

Pic2Icon 1.1 is for Mac OS X and "creates beautiful 128x128 Mac OS X icons for your pictures. Simply drop pictures or folders full of pictures onto the application and it will start creating icons."

XMonitor 1.1 is the newest version of this program that allows you to monitor disk, CPU, ram and network usage, PPP status, IP address, Email and more. This update includes 23 new features, 15 documented bug fixes and 11 documented changes. The full list is too long for here.

iView MediaPro 1.4 will catalog, archive, play, and display graphic files. It is a really nice little program with a lot of capability. Changes in this version include:

• "Backup" feature, backs up files in Toast Titanium, removable disks or blank CD-ROM
  
• JPEG lossless rotation for both Classic and OS X
  
• Mouse wheel support
  
• Support for "Thumbnail" icons (Mac OS X)
  
• HTML Gallery features:
  1- Options to create frame based galleries
  2- Support for ".asp" and ".shtml" file formats
  
• Improved performance for Mac OS X
  
• Support for Portuguese language
  
• Other bug fixes.
  
  

ClarusX mentioned last time has been updated to version 1.1. It brings the dogcow back to Mac OS X. Todays update brings the following:

• Additonal colored images
  
  
• Finder-callable install/uninstall scripts
  
  
• Support for more localizations
  

FinderTweaks 1.0 is an AppleScript that assigns more priority to Finder and Dock. Primarily a bug-fix release. There are three preset applications that will change the Finder and Dock Unix CPU priority all to the value represented in the file name.

Have a Press Release? Software or General News? Submit it here: Suggestions!

---

Tools of the Trade. by Michael Coyle

If you have an opinion to express in the antitrust settlement of Microsoft, you only have until Monday. This web site shows you how easy it is to email the proper authorities. Why would you want to express an opinion? Maybe you remember when...

• Microsoft changed Internet Explorer on Windows to break the Quicktime Plugin.
• Microsoft working with the CD industry to make Windows Media Player the default format.
• Microsoft blocked competing browsers from MSN.
• Microsoft tracking your viewing habits.

There have been times in recently when Microsoft has told employees to rig polls and sent fake letters to Attorney Generals across the country. Both the Federal and Appeal Courts have upheld that Microsoft is guilty of monopolistic anti-competitive behavior. All that is left to do it determine the punishment. This is your last opportunity to have any say in the matter.

Paul Rouffa did a little research and contacted Sigurdur Stefnisson, the photographer who took the recently mentioned photo of the Aurora and Volcano. The artist unfortunately replied:

I can not sell copies of that photo or distribute it in higher resolution as I made a special contract regarding the copy right on my photos taken that night as one of them was sold in limited number as a work of art.

You can see more of my Aurora photos if you enter www.myndabanki.is and type in the frame where it says “Leitaror&Mac223; hér !” the word “Aurora” and then click on the blue icon “LEITA”. On the bottom of the first page you get you can then choose to see more pages of similar photos.

Even though we can't use them as desktop pictures, they are beautiful to look at. To get a little more info on how they are made, read this article and see more photos.

Thanks to a post in the LinuxPPC Mailing list by Kohkichi Hosoda, I have fully accelerated video on my new Powerbook. Kohkichi used a slightly older rpm of XFree, but since XFree 4.2 was just released, I thought I would try compiling it from scratch. Download the source from a mirror . You need three files totaling 60M: X420src-1.tgz, X420src-2.tgz, X420src-3.tgz.

All three unstuff into the single folder xc. Building the source took two hours on my G4 Powerbook, so be sure to set aside the time.

Kohkichi then makes the following two changes that I duplicated:

1. In yaboot.conf, add the line:
   append=" video=radeon"
   
   As an example, mine reads:
   
   image=/boot/vmlinux
   label = linux
   root = /dev/hda12
   append=" video=radeon"
   
   
2. In the text file /etc/X11/XF86Config-4 comment out fbdev and add radeon:
   #Driver "fbdev"
   Driver "radeon"

With Yellow Dog Linux 2.1 installed, the compile of XFree 4.2 went off with out a hitch. Since the source is the same, I intend to try and build it under MacOS X for use with Fink. Maybe this will give me accelerated video when running the Xserver in full screen mode, not concurrent with Aqua. I'll let you know.

Laine Lee has released several powerful new AppleScripts for performing Find and Replace operations. Built using the Applescript Studio, they perform the following:

• Simple Find & Replace in File Names
• Simple Find & Replace in Folder Names Recursive
• Simple Find & Replace in Folder Names Selection
• Simple Find & Replace in Text Files
  
  
  

Congratulations to a friend of ResExcellence, James Thomson, the author of PCalc and DragThing! PCalc now comes preinstalled on all new shipping Apple Computers.

---

User Contributed Splash Screens. by Michael Coyle

Win a PowerMax gift certificate worth $50 by contributing to ResExcellence! (How?)

• Dennis Hicks created a great looking iTunes skin titled Purple Passion. It's an extensive makeover.
  
  
• A beautiful Marilyn Monroe MOSS and ATM combo was submitted Kevin Bryce.
  
  
• If you use ScanWise, Derek Gordon assembled an Aqua makeover.
  
  
• Based on the Fishes screen saver in MacOS X, Conrad made a nice MOSS.
  
  
  

---

Click here to learn more about Toast 6 Titanium

---

Snapshots by Jeremy Hoesly

Snapshot Theme: It’s January and, like many other students, I’m heading back to the classroom. I’ve been thinking to myself, “Wouldn’t it be cool to make a snapshot representing the university I attend?” So, I’m extending this invitation to all you students and teachers past and present to proudly display the educational institution you’re affiliated with in a snapshot. By this Friday I hope to have enough submissions to do a special posting. Please include “Snapshot Theme” in the subject line of your email.

Snag Wednesday’s snapshots while they’re hot:

• Jon Buckley submits this snapshot sporting a custom “Lark’s Tongues in Aspic” desktop picture. iTunes is shuffling soundtracks in the upper left, and custom icons lurk about.
  
  
• A NASA Archive desktop picture and Takashi Izawa’s DSX Theme are showcased in this submission from Did. Audion, retro-fitted with Scott Raleigh’s WetWare face, is dishing out tunes in the lower right. The SimpleFolderIcons and JustSomePixels icons are scattered throughout.
  
  
• Guiboud Marcel sends this OS X screenshot featuring a scaled down version of the “Global City Lights” desktop picture from NASA’s Planetary PhotoJournal. Icons from Xicons and Icon Factory abound.
  
  
• A custom desktop picture and the Silverfox Theme debut in this three-part contribution from Greg VanderPol. iTunes is cranking out songs in the upper left of the third shot. Hein Mevissen’s Nice in the Dock icon collections are also featured.

Show us how you use your Mac. Read the guidelines and then send away!

---

Icon & Desktop News: by Dan

Icons - Desktops: We've got (6) New Desktops, (3) New Icon Sets, and of course, updated "News From Around the Web". All on display for today's update!

• Paul Sahner of DV Graphics goes hog wild with his latest release of "Glass Icons Vol. IV". This OS Xtra large set of semi- transparent icons features everything from classy hard drives and folders, to hand rendered G4's. Check it out!
  
  
• Aqua Gel Button Icons Vol .4" by Flax Creations, combines the best of both worlds with the Aqua interface. Stylish gel buttons merge with OSX System icons to create a useful and attractive set. Also included are a number of "fruity" colored folders, and an Aqua desktop pattern swatch to complete the look. Volume 4 wraps up the series with 12 new Aqua button icons.
  
  
• Ryan Meek releases a nicely done OSX icon set titled "Cracked Plates". This grouping features 17 different Application and System level icons with an antiqued look.
  
  
• How about a little "French Pastry"? Yummy Latetia Casta returns to grace yet another page of John Rose's personal Sketchbook. This scrumptious backdrop comes in 1280x resolution.
  
  
• While snooping around deep in the resources of Microsoft Office X, Hector Garcia found this interesting "Office X" banner, and thought it would make an elegant desktop. So it does! And comes in 800x and 1024x resolutions.
  
  
• If you thought those old dog eared "Beatles" Albums were good for nothing but smoky fire starter, think again. Matt Crowley takes advantage of their nostalgic value and scans a number of them into desktop pictures. This is the first of several sets, including two different Beatle's album covers and artwork.
  
  
• Speaking of the Beatles, "The long and winding road" by Bradford J. Wiles of Macmonkies is not a title from the 60's top ten list, but is in fact a cool photograph taken in the Seminoe Mountains of Wyoming, Brad's home stomping ground. This one is available in 1024x and 800x resolutions.
  
  
• Soul Rocka Nasty Nene returns to the desktop circuit after a noticeable absence with "Graphite Dreams". Pushing the artistic envelope to even greater creative digital heights, this one comes in 1024x resolution.
  
  
• Considering how Well Apple Computer is doing these day, fans might just get the urge to stand up and salute when they see this "Mac Flag" created by Chris Bower. Comes in 1152x resolution.

News From Around the Web:

Rampant Mac updates with two fine new desktops.

Ethereal Creations updates it's Collections and Screensaver sections with a revised release of the Angelus series. Our angels now sport more realistic wings, so stop on by and have a look. The front splash page has also been redesigned.

MacMonkies updates with 5 fabulous new pics including four new 3-dimentional works and one new desktop that is sure to leave you seeing "spots!" Head over and take a look!

Mandolux updates with 1 new desktop, representing a continuation of the 'Technosis/Anthaxis' series with 'Artica.'

Live Pencil updates with all sorts of interesting goodies for you to check out!

New Pics are now available at Normal Flora.

Dome-O-Rama is proud to present it's spin off site, PixelDecor!

MacuserX.com has been updated with 7 new desktops, 1 new icon set, and 1 new AIM Buddy Icon set!

DV Graphics (http://www.dv-graphics.com ) has updated with a new quicker-loading design along with the new, huge icon set: Glass IV. Also, DVG has fixed the glitch with their icons not working with OS 9 in this release.

Flax Creations updates with one cool new desktop picture. Check it out!

Toren Valimir reports that his site I/O Unlimited Media, has a new URL, and has been completely redesigned.

So what's up WWW? Icons? Desktop pictures? News? Inform us! We'll post it!

---

REALbasic News by Erick Tejkowski

Remember the SoundFont and DLS article ResExcellence covered awhile back? Well, BEST Software Design has released a new REALbasic multimedia class that might inspire you to revisit these sound formats. Also, don't miss their other classes that offer some great new REALbasic features.

Also in REALbasic news:

• Can we get a hand?
• OS X Utilities
• Sort, Sort, Sort
• New Processes Plugin

(Continued...)

---

Visit the Mac Experts!

---

1/21/02

Polling Place

Tools of the Trade

User Contributions

Icons/Desktops

Snapshots

REALbasic

Today's News by Cletus™

PrefsOverload 3.5.1 is a manteinance upgrade to Angelo Scicolone's preferences management tool. This upgrade fixes some bugs and adds some interface improvements. Specifically:

• Now folders are displayed correctly with a disclosure triangle after ordering lists.
  
  
• Now PrefsOverload asks before viewing contents of files larger than 1 MB.
  
  

Iconeer 1.0 will create icons of all sizes and color depths in Mac OS 7.5 through Mac OS X. The program runs in Classic. "Iconeer is a powerful, full featured Mac icon builder. Supports standard icon suite of System 7.x, new icon suite of Mac OS 8 and Mac OS 9, as well as new Mac OS X suite."

Clarus X will replace the page setup dialog picture with the familiar DogCow. You can download the program here.

SNAX 1.2.2 is the newest version of this popular Finder replacement tool for Mac OS X. A full list of the changes to this version can be found here.

Time Ballz  2.0 is a Mac OS X clock screensaver composed of small, rotating shapes. "The current time is displayed in "HH:MM" or "HH:MM:SS" format. Each digit is composed of a matrix of small 3D shapes which rotate to form numerals. Several shapes are available."

Adam Potts is looking for some feedback on a new project he is working on. The program is called Net OS. "It's a program that gives the Internet a GUI and the basic feel of an OS, making the Internet feel more 'localized'. The programming is being done in HTML, and is very easy to port between Mac and PC." The information he is looking for is: ideas for the Mac version, i.e. how they would like the interface to look, feel, features they would like to see, etc. Those interested can contact Adam at: retard_king@hotmail.com for more information.

Macnewbie sent word that the site will be restarting at a new location. Still under progrress you can check out the site here.

Have a Press Release? Software or General News? Submit it here: Suggestions!

---

Polling Place by Michael Coyle

It's nice to see that the efforts of font authors does not go to waste. More than three-quarters of ResEx readers have installed third party fonts. If you're looking for font sites, stop by our links page.

The best sounding computer I have ever owned was the Powerbook 3400. It was the model with the 'sub-woofer' behind the LCD display. After that, it has been downhill ever since. Most computers make no attempt at producing a sound system that can accurately reproduce anything more than a BEEP. So I usually listen via headphones or my Monsoon speakers when I want to really kick it. How about you? This week's Polling Place asks, "How do you usually listen to sound from your computer?"

---

Tools of the Trade. by Michael Coyle

Over the weekend, I took the time to try some new themes for MacOS X and two stand out among the best. Swizcore has released two packages, NeXT and SimpleX. These are not only great looking themes, but it's the completeness of the overall makeover package that impresses me.

Both themes contain complete login in panel make overs and icon sets. They install as software packages and come with an uninstall package titled 'Aqua Restore'. One caveat, the Aqua Restore returns the UI to its virgin state, so if you installed icons into the HIToolbox or installed a Boot Panel, they will be lost. I look forward to more creations from Swizcore!

The Astronomy Picture of the Day shows a spectacular Aurora against the backdrop of the recent Icelandic Volcano. Unfortunately, the picture is a little small for a desktop. Does anyone know of a larger version?

Bummer. The Skinz Lab seems to have disappeared. It was a great place for Internet Explorer skinners to trade ideas and techniques. If anyone has info on the whereabouts of the site, or an archive of the page we can mirror on ResExcellence, drop me a line.

---

User Contributed Splash Screens. by Michael Coyle

Win a PowerMax gift certificate worth $50 by contributing to ResExcellence! (How?)

• Peter Maurer didn't think the original icon for Quickeys X fit the style of MacOS X, so he created another version along with the dock animation that takes place when Quickeys is active.
  
  
• Winona Ryder is featured in this Giant MOSS by Marco.
  
  
• Conrad sent a bunch of Hotline splashes for versions 1.2 and 1.5. They feature Pamela Anderson.
  
  
• Alistair Brownlie sends another Hunk MOSS. This one is of a gent named Lucas, but I must admit I have no idea who he is. (Yes, I know who Pamela Anderson is...)
  
  
  

---

Complete Cable Management For The Home & Office.

---

Snapshots by Jeremy Hoesly

Snapshot Theme: It’s January and, like many other students, I’m heading back to the classroom. I’ve been thinking to myself, “Wouldn’t it be cool to make a snapshot representing the university I attend?” So, I’m extending this invitation to all you students and teachers past and present to proudly display the educational institution you’re affiliated with in a snapshot. By this Friday I hope to have enough submissions to do a special posting. Please include “Snapshot Theme” in the subject line of your email.

Monday’s snapshots are coming in for a landing:

• ResExcellence’s benevolent webmaster, Michael Coyle, once again contributes a Yellow Dog Linux snapshot sporting a Propaganda desktop pattern. OpenOffice, an open-source office productivity suite, displays a Word 2001 document drawing a brief biographical sketch of Mike’s recording career. The GIMP touts a picture of his basement studio as a teenager. Icons from KDE-Look abound.
  
  
• This OS X contribution from Roberto Dohnert sports the NeXT Theme. NeXBar provides the NeXT-style dock along the right edge. Icons from KDE-Look are scattered throughout.
  
  
• This screenshot from Donnie Fischer features a modified “Lord of the Rings” desktop picture from the official movie website. Custom icons created with images from TolkienMovies reside in the dock.
  
  
• The “Purple Column” desktop picture from our Desktop Archive and the NeXT Theme debut in this contribution from Bill Hughes. XDarwin, configured with the Ice window manager, accommodates the GIMP drawing program and Eterm command line terminal.

Show us how you use your Mac. Read the guidelines and then send away!

---

Icon & Desktop News: by Dan

Icons - Desktops: We've got (6) New Desktops, (2) New Icon Sets, and of course, updated "News From Around the Web". All on display for today's update!

• David Drayton made "Invader Zim Icons" because he didn't like the ones provided by Nickelodeon and no-one else seems to have made any Invader Zim Icons (or at least not Mac OS X sized icons). David tried to include as many different characters and poses in this icon set, but obviously they are not all there. So he will be 'extending' the set later on.
  
  
• Icon maker Hein Mevissen releases a cute and kinda funky collection of, "iTunes Icons" for OSX . This set features 11 different colorful iTunes players for you to choose from. Rumor has it that these plastic designs may be incorporated into Apple's next version of the iPod".
  
  
• Gorgeous super model "Cindy Crawford" returns to grace yet another page of John Rose's personal Sketchbook. This lovely Oh! Cindy backdrop comes in 1280x resolution.
  
  
• I've yet to run across anyone who dislikes winter as much as Mario Garza. He writes and says that all he can do to cope with the cold weather is spend his spare time creating warm weather artwork, and wait for "Winter's Thaw". This wishful thinking desktop comes in 1024x and 800x resolutions.
  
  
• Bradford J. Wiles of Macmonkies submits another very cool hybrid Bryce 3-D - Photoshop composition to deck out your desktop titled "On Target". This one is available in 1024x and 800x resolutions.
  
  
• From the Land Down Under, Peter Mac submits yet another grouping of dramatic photographs, depicting the devastating fires of 2002 in Sydney Australia. Generated from images provided by the ABC.net galleries, all four shots come in 1024x resolution.
  
  
• "Cronos Cross" sent our way by renowned Theme Maker Michael Rabe is a handsome backdrop featuring a number of different characters from the popular Cronos Game. Comes in 1024x resolution.
  
  
• Soul Rocka Nasty Nene returns to the desktop circuit after a noticeable absence with "Kylie/iMac". Kylie Minogue had one of the hottest dance/club songs of 2001 titled "Can’t get you out of my head". Add this femme fatale to your desktop collection in 1024x resolution.

News From Around the Web:

Mandolux updates with 5 new desktops, representing the end of the F-15 Eagle Series of desktops. The F-16 Falcon is next -- goody goody goody!

Live Pencil updates with all sorts of interesting goodies for you to check out!

Macmonkies is still experiencing technical difficulties, will be posting an update later today (it's about time!). In the mean time, drop by the site and check out the latest 3D desktops!

New Pics are now available at Normal Flora.

Ethereal Creations updates with three beautiful new desktops. Our Site News page has also been updated so stop by and have a look!

Dome-O-Rama is proud to present it's spin off site, PixelDecor!

MacuserX.com has been updated with 7 new desktops, 1 new icon set, and 1 new AIM Buddy Icon set!

DV Graphics (http://www.dv-graphics.com ) has updated with a new quicker-loading design along with the new, huge icon set: Glass IV. Also, DVG has fixed the glitch with their icons not working with OS 9 in this release.

Flax Creations updates with one cool new desktop picture. Check it out!

New OS X Icons have been added to Rampant Mac for January 15th. The set is titled "Aquaricons II". It features eighteen icons that are chock full of textures and complex blending modes. Stop by and have a look!

Toren Valimir reports that his site I/O Unlimited Media, has a new URL, and has been completely redesigned.

The Iconfactory is proud to announce the latest installment of our most popular icon series to date - World of Aqua 3. Resident artist Dave Brasgalla, continues to push the boundaries of desktop icon design with his newest freeware icon collection for Mac OS X.

So what's up WWW? Icons? Desktop pictures? News? Inform us! We'll post it!

---

Build a Merlin Simulator with REALbasic - Part 2 by Erick Tejkowski

Back in the late 1970's, Parker Brothers introduced a great handheld electronic game machine called Merlin. This week we continue with Part 2 of our Merlin Simulator project and begin adding functionality to the simulator. (Continued...)

---

Visit the Mac Experts!

---

Previous News Page...

You can now upload your contributions (include a READ ME) to the ResExcellence
ftp drop box, and let us know with an email. Be sure to read the Submission Policy