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Today's News by Cletus™ We have had a minor delay in the snapshot posting for the winners of the Can Combine Icons contest. Since the contest incorporated an aspect of ResExcellence, I thought it would be nice to post the winning desktops. Unfortunately due to some internet problems they will have to wait until Friday.
 ResExcellence reader Roger Cordes thought you may be interested in Aquatint 1.0. which is a tool to create Aqua interface items. I imagine you probably would be interested in such a piece of software. The full description follows.
"Apple's Aqua interface looks great, but it creates a problem for users and developers, because it's hard to make glossy, "liquid" images that go with Aqua. Aquatint solves this problem by allowing you to create your own Aqua images based upon easy-to-make stencils. No artistic ability required."
Docktastic Pro 8.2.15build9432 ( I cut and pasted that one!) is a Dock replacement with free floating dock icons. This first general release improves compatibility with 10.1, supports multiple monitor configurations, works around Mac OS X Finder dragging weirdness, and improves magnetic rodent locator.
Desktastic 1.1 is the very popular program that allows you to draw directly on the Mac OS X desktop. Changes in this update include: - Ability to change colors
- Ability to erase
- Bug fix for multiple-monitor systems
- Spiffy new icon!
 MOX Optimize 1.7.7 configures hidden options and accelerates Mac OS X.
- MOX reads your system settings dynamically. This means it won't change anything when launched and you can change hidden option with other program and see the changes appear into MOX (just close and reopen the window or switch tabs)
- Warns the user from quitting the app. when a prebinding process is active.
- 128 bit custom icon finally added; no more generic RealBasic icon.
- Updated some descriptions in the startup items manager
Some fun relief with Biorhythm 1.6 for Classic or Mac OS X. This is a program to visualize and print biorhythms. My biorhythms tell me when to play golf and when not to. However I seldom don't play! :)
A-Dock 2.7.1 is the latest update to this Application switcher/launcher, which acts a bit like Mac OS X's dock. - The contextual menu associated with each item in A-Dock now lets you access its full path in a submenu.
- Selecting the "Hide" command from the contextual menu to hide the front application was hiding its windows but didn't switch to the previous front most application. This has been fixed in the update.
The Virex Definitions for March are now available. It will update the Virus definition DAT file for versions 5.9.x & 6.x. If you wish you can use the auto-update feature or get the download here.
Have a Press Release? Software or General News? Submit it here: Suggestions!
Tools of the Trade. by Michael Coyle I admit if you have a Mac there is not much need for this utility, but owners of Wintel and Linux machines will appreciate the Java based Airport BaseStation Configurator application. There are versions for Windows, Linux, and Mac. All you need is an installed Java Runtime environment. Linux and MacOS Classic versions  | If you are troubleshooting an Airport installation plagued by interference, take a look at the Java Link Monitor. It provides more information that Apple's included utility. MacOS Classic version of Link Monitor  |
I'm getting a little ticked-off from all the paint flaws appearing in my four month old Titanium Powerbook. I do not wear a watch or cuff-links, so how do you explain all the paint chips that are only on the right wrist rest? The rear hinge also is chipped. This is a Powerbook that is treated well. 
And please don't get me started on how the key caps still leave marks on the LCD screen. Come on Apple! I'll survive an extra few millimeters of thickness to have a clean screen.
The makers of those cool plastic shells for Apple computers, AppleSkinz, was forced by our favorite freaky little fruit company to change their name to MacSkinz. Same cool stuff, equally cool name. MacSkinz provided an update on Powerbook skinz: "Our molds are finished for the 12" iBook and Titanium and we are now running samples and polishing the molds. These Skinz should be available in a month or so. We'll email those on our mailing list when they are. We are also working on the 15" iBook, the older iMac and something for the new iMac."
User Contributed Splash Screens. by Michael Coyle It's easier than ever to contribute using the new Browser Based Upload Page! If you contribute a file to any section of ResExcellence, you could win a PowerMax gift certificate worth $50 ! (How?) - A nice looking iTunes skin was created by Bruce Hulvey titled B-Style!
- Conrad zoomed the old multicolored Apple logo in this MOSS and ATM combo.
- HypnoX is the name of the newest Boot Panel from Bill Hughes.
Click here to learn more about Toast 6 Titanium
Snapshots by Jeremy Hoesly Friends, Mac-aficionados, comrades to the cause, lend me your mice. A new submission dropbox is in town. That’s right boys and girls! Now you can upload your snapshot submissions from within your web browser — no FTP client required. Just go to our new Upload page, and see how easy it is to contribute your 2¢ worth to the Mac community.
There’s snapshots in them thar’ hills! Go get ’em: - Terra-Dreams’ “Desert Sun” desktop picture debuts in this contribution from Rob Hanlon. An online dictionary program is running in a terminal window along the right edge.
- Gary Politzer transforms his desktop from a mere decoration to a full screen calendar. Using DesktopCalendar and Stickies, he “writes” on the days just like on a physical wall calendar. Gary longs for the day when a single utility embodies this straightforward calendar abstraction.
- Piddlin’ Calvin is back again in desktop form along with Takashi Izawa’s DSX Theme in this submission from Spermaniac. iTunes, equipped with George Krueger’s Industrial skin, is cranking out music in the lower left. Icons from our Icon Archive and Icons.cx abound.
- This screenshot from Andreas Tellefsen touts a custom “Norway from Air” desktop picture. Audion, retooled with the Snowwhite face, is dishing out tunes at lower center.
Show us how you use your Mac. Read the guidelines and then send away!
Icon & Desktop News: by Dan
 Icons - Desktops: We've got a great lineup for today: (6) New Desktops, (2) New Icon Sets, and of course, updated "News From Around the Web". All on display for today's update!
Announcements:
In an ongoing effort to make it easier for you to send us your Icons and Desktops, we've designed a new Browser Based Upload Page for the task. Just follow the easy to use instructions, and you'll find submitting is now a snap! Just to entice you a little further, contribute a file to any section of ResExcellence, and you might be lucky and win a PowerMax gift certificate worth $50 from our monthly drawing. *Editor's Note: In the last several weeks I've received a vast quantity of really great Desktop Submissions. While this is truly good news, please be patient if you don't see your submission posted right away, as it will take some time to cycle through the lot. Thanks! - "Kreaxion Icons" is a fun and funky assortment of 30+ Classic sized icons made by Christian Plourde for this years Pixelpalooza contest at the Iconfactory.
- Kineticon users will want to add Christophe Goirand's "Planetary Kines" to their collection. Check out a dancing Earth, and Mars Rising for a little desktop action.
- Apple desktop connoisseurs will appreciate the stylish layout of "Aquatop" by Michael Addison of Macalodeon. This one is available in 1024x resolution.
- During this years annual pilgrimage to the Macworld show in San Francisco, our very own shutter bug and snapshot section editor Jeremy Hoesly made it a point to get out on the Bay and photograph the famed "Golden Gate Bridge". The download includes three different perspectives, all available in 1024x resolution. If you're in the mood for more natural scenery, visit Jeremy's Hoeslyvista website, which is chock full of great photography.
- Arthur Edward Chadwick wraps his oldest, dearest friend Nettie-Mae in a dress sewn from and American flag. He assures us that it's not a felony, as the flag was found stuffed in a cardboard box in the dirty boiler room of an old theater, and thinks its far more respectful to wrap an American flag tightly around such a pretty young thang! This desktop was made from an old b&w photo and comes in 1024x resolution.
- Caution, the "Jennifer Aniston" desktop made by Nate Penwell is pretty hot, and may cause temporary blindness. The first in a series of sexy celebrity compositions, this one comes in 1280x resolution.
- Submitted by an unknown terrestrial, "Space Shots" were downloaded then cropped (and sometimes color adjusted) from the Astronomy Picture of the Day web site. This grouping includes three beautiful celestial scenes in 1024x resolution. There are hundreds more to view at this government site, so check them out!
- Travis Button of Magikglasses.com came back from a lunch break, and was greeted by a grotesque and massive pile of smouldering CiggyButts. While not what one would call a beautiful desktop, keeping this scene on your monitor might be a great aid to those who want to quit smoking, and deter those who are thinking about starting. Comes in 1024x resolution.
News From Around the Web: MacMonkies has updated with several new desktops including works from MAJArch Studios, EA Design, Todd Darland, and MacMonkies! Cick over to MacMonkies for News, Fun, and plenty of great artwork for your desktop! DV Graphics has released two new icon sets. "iMac G4" and "Users". Both are hand made. Ethereal Creations updates with two new Poser4/Bryce5 renders in the New Releases section and one new Bryce5 render in the Collections section. They've also updated the
site news pages so check out their latest offerings which are sure to please! Tray's Trove updates 3-3-02 with eight new desktop designs. Zensmile.com has posted a few new icons for Mac OS X on my we site. They are called Robo-cons. They are based on a 3D robot he modeled a while back in Bryce. Mandolux has just released five new desktops, representing a continuation of the F-18 Hornet/Super Hornet Series of desktops. "IheartNY: X icons" has been updated with quite a few new icon sets since last mention. A Gumby icon set just went up today. This week at MacMonkies: 4 new 3-D works (including new works from Ed Allen and Alan Sherwood), 2 new Desktops, and plenty of Monkie Info for everyone! Check 'em out! Iconfactory Press Release - Las Vegas Collection for OS X Released! Ah, the neon, the high stakes, and all that glitters. Of course they are talking about the mystique that is Las Vegas. The Iconfactory is proud to announce their latest freeware icon release - The Las Vegas Collection. Gridface is pleased to announce the third and final installment of its Railyard Desktops series. Flax Creations updates with two new OSX icon sets. One-Button Mouse has released a new icon set entitled "Ireland". Check it out! So what's up WWW? Icons? Desktop pictures? News? Inform us! We'll post it!
REALbasic News by Erick Tejkowski New REALbasic magazine announced! Also this week in REALbasic news: - Image Manipulation
- MacInternetConfig
- Lua Plugin
- Round Buttons
- Even more Round Buttons
(Continued...)
Visit the Mac Experts!
Today's News by Cletus™ David Remahl has selected the 5 lucky winners of the Can Combine Icons contest. Congratulations to the winners from David and ResExcellence. I have listed the winning names below. Remember on Wednesday, Jeremy will showcase the winning desktops in the Snapshot section. - Robert Marking
- Edison Diaz Canepa
- Andrew Dunning
- Daniel Manley
- Adam Betts
 PandoCalendar 5.7.6 places a fully functional calendar on your desktop. The look is completely customizable. You can change the calendar font and its size, and the calendars background color. A very nice program.
- Worked around a change in Mac OS X 10.1.3 that caused the dragging of recurring notes to break.
- Changed note balloons to now respect the dock.
SpeedApp 2.3b3 lets you launch applications simply by typing part of their name. Many changes have taken place since the last beta version of this popular app. Changes are listed below. - Added a feature allowing you to iconize SpeedApp.
- Added a minimize button on the main window.
- Added a feature to invert the application sorting in the main application list box.
- The preferences window tabs have been rewritten and a new tab has been added.
- SpeedApp can now exclude the Hypercard stacks and control Panels of the type cdev and APPL.
- SpeedApp can now be minimized or iconized after launching an application.
 TinkerTool 2.11 is a popular enhancement application for Mac OS X. It adds functionality and options to many Mac OS X features. This release is primarily a maintenance update which fixes an issue on machines that have been updated from Mac OS X 10.1.2 to Mac OS X 10.1.3.
DockFun! 2.0.2 allows you to switch between up to ten different Dock configurations. It is becoming very cool to have more then one Dock, and this program just as popular. The newest version changed as follows: - Improved support for Mac OS X Server
- Solved few graphic problems
Pic2Icon 1.3 is the newest release of this application to create 128x128 icons from graphic files. Many changes can be found in this release. A partial list can be found below. The homepage has a full listing. - Will quit after processing, if files were dragged in while app. was quitting.
- You can now select a tab while dragging files into main window.
- 'Open Recent' menu functionality added.
Launch Items X has been updated to version 1.0.4. This program use CMM's to launch virtually program or URL on your computer. Changes in this update include: - Open Web Module now works with Internet Explorer's ".URL" document.
- Japanese localized texts for Launch Items Editor X are displayed properly.
- Fixed bugs associated with the Move Down command of the Launch Items Editor.
Have a Press Release? Software or General News? Submit it here: Suggestions!
Polling Place by Michael Coyle  There were many excellent comments on last week's Polling Place. Several companies were mentioned as threats that had escaped my memory. Disney is one for their support of SSSCA and their pressure to continue copyright protection of items that should have moved into the public domain a decade ago.
Ultima writes, "The main threat comes from Sony, along with other members of the RIAA, or the MPAA. These two organizations have a systematic plan for eliminating the personal freedoms we can use in the products we buy." Please, when you buy a music CD, ask if it has copy protection. Currently, most don't, but make a stink about it and let them know you will not buy a CD if it removes your right to make a backup copy. And with a final twist of irony, a reader posts, "I don't know about you, but I don't see Microsoft cracking down on third party themes/schemes for their soon-to-be-obsolete older OS versions and/or the tools for creating them. What ever happened to MacThemes.org and Theme Machine, eh? Apparently "Think different" really means "I'll do the thinkin' around here, and dooooooon't ya ferget it!" -- Steve Jobs, the OTHER Great Satan!" I can remember driving down a long stretch of highway in 1980 listening to a talk radio program and the host proclaimed that be the year 2000, 75% of homes would have cable TV. At the time I thought the comment impossible. That's why this week's Polling Place asks, "How do you get your TV signal?"
Tools of the Trade. by Michael Coyle Eddie Mathews contributed a couple of Boot Panels to ResExcellence last month and now he's the proud recipient of a $50 PowerMax gift certificate! We randomly pick one winner each month from all the contributions to ResEx: Desktops, Icons, Snapshots, and User Contributions. Next month, maybe it will be you!
Last week I mentioned Chimera, the Mozilla based browser for MacOS X. I incorrectly stated it used Cocoa for page rendering. While that is planned for the final release, it has not happened yet. From the web page: Chimera uses Cocoazilla, a variant of Fizzilla that consists of a UNIX back end wed to a Cocoa front end. The cross-platform UI will be replaced with native Cocoa widgetry (such as customizable toolbars and a drawer for the sidebar). The plan is to produce only a browser (no other apps!), and to keep the UI as simple and as clean as possible. Quartz rendering is getting closer to being a reality, but it's not quite there yet. Maybe for 0.2.
Also covered recently was the ability to use ProTools to prepare better audio mixes for an iMovie project. Dave recommends SparkLE: SparkME and SparkLE, freeware and shareware respectively, both are capable of opening QT movies and editing the audio. Layout sorta like Bias Peak. A couple bugs here and there, like cannot save project while running os9, Cd import feature is flaky, Toast integration is flaky also. The LE version has real time plugin support and 2 more plugins than the ME version, the Maxit plugin (volume boost-enhancer-peak limiter) was worth what I paid for it, plus you can stack 3 more plugins in front of it (4 modules total in real time) like say 3 parametric EQ modules. I have made some of my older "weak" sounding CD's sound like I had remastered them myself from the master tapes, it's that good.
 The System REI collection just went through a double update! There is now a set of System REI icons! They look especially beautiful on a dark background.
Also added is a System REI login screen background replacement titled Azure Ascension. The site contains a ton of anime makeover.
Did you ever have one of those days where everything goes wrong on your computer. Crash, crash, crash, and you have no idea why? This MacInstruct tutorial, Troubleshooting 101: First Response, lays out a careful plan of attack.
User Contributed Splash Screens. by Michael Coyle It's easier than ever to contribute using the new Browser Based Upload Page! If you contribute a file to any section of ResExcellence, you could win a PowerMax gift certificate worth $50 ! (How?)
Complete Cable Management For The Home & Office.
Snapshots by Jeremy Hoesly Friends, Mac-aficionados, comrades to the cause, lend me your mice. A new submission dropbox is in town. That’s right boys and girls! Now you can upload your snapshot submissions from within your web browser — no FTP client required. Just go to our new Upload page, and see how easy it is to contribute your 2¢ worth to the Mac community.
Get your hands on Monday’s snapshot selections: - This screenshot from an anonymous contributor features MSN Messenger in the center. Transmit, a lightweight FTP client, is running in the lower right.
- This submission from Killpoly touts Tazl-inside’s “Flower Power 6” desktop picture. Icon Factory’s World of Aqua set is scattered throughout.
- Robert Marking returns with this snapshot sporting Visible Earth’s “Blue Marble Western Hemisphere” desktop picture. Cool.
- This contribution from Skyboy features a number of system monitors keeping tabs on battery, processor, hard disk, and network activity. Whoa.
Show us how you use your Mac. Read the guidelines and then send away!
Icon & Desktop News: by Dan
 Icons - Desktops: We've got a great lineup for today: (6) New Desktops, (3) New Icon Sets, and of course, updated "News From Around the Web". All on display for today's update!
Announcements:
In an ongoing effort to make it easier for you to send us your Icons and Desktops, we've designed a new Browser Based Upload Page for the task. Just follow the easy to use instructions, and you'll find submitting is now a snap! Just to entice you a little further, contribute a file to any section of ResExcellence, and you might be lucky and win a PowerMax gift certificate worth $50 from our monthly drawing. - I'm saddened to say I've received a brief note from our most popular Iconist Hein Mevissen saying that he's decided to quit making icons. A number of ill mannered malcontents have made it their mission to bash Hein's extensive efforts in the field, and frankly, he's had enough. So, as a parting gesture, Hein created a fine self portrait as X sized Icon to share with you. Perhaps Hein is being a bit of a "wanker" as he puts it, and really just needs to know how much his work has been appreciated. Drop him a line and let him know, but ONLY if you have something nice to say.
- Dario Picciau's "Porcelain Drops" for OSX includes 25 pearl shaped spheres for use with various applications and general purposes. The download also includes a set of matching desktops in five colors and in four different resolutions. Pretty slick!
- Tøm Whalen, otherwise known as the "Touque Guy" submits an entire series of Nintendo's "Kirby Mac" icons for the serious collector. Featuring Nintendo's pink and pudgy character of Kirby's Dreamland 3, the set includes the little rascal in 14 different poses for Classic, and 11 for OSX
- You definitely will get a kick out of "Aqua Abduction" by Michael Addison of Macalodeon. One of the most clever 3-D desktops I've seen in some time, this one comes in 1024x resolution.
- Auto enthusiasts will certainly want to download "Vanquish", sent all the way from Russia by Gennady Baradachev. Featuring the sleek and sporty Aston Martin, this nicely done desktop comes in 1024x resolution.
- The "Evolution" series by Conrad celebrates the development of Apple's Mac OS X. The Macintosh has progressed tremendously since the days of the Mac 128K and System 1.0. With NeXT technology and the power of UNIX Apple was able to create Mac OS X. This desktop chronicle of the development of the modern operating system comes in multiple resolutions.
- It's been a pleasure to watch Ed Allen's development into a fine 3-D artist over the last year. "True Path" appears to incorporate the use of Poser, Bryce and Photoshop into one striking and esoteric desktop. This one is available in 3 different resolutions.
- Every since the promotional posters went up in theatres for the upcoming "Ice Age" animated movie by Fox , I've been beside myself with glee about the characters. A quick Google search located an official website, where an entire series of "Ice Age Desktops" and other fun stuff is available. Download one grouping of desktops consisting of five different scenes right here, all in 1024x resolution. Who says you ever have to grow up?
- Pop rocker Gwen Stefani makes a stylish guest appearance on this new desktop from John Rose's celebrity Sketchbook and desktop archive. This one comes in 1280x resolution.
News From Around the Web: Tray's Trove updates 3-3-02 with eight new desktop designs. Zensmile.com has posted a few new icons for Mac OS X on my we site. They are called Robo-cons. They are based on a 3D robot he modeled a while back in Bryce. Mandolux has just released five new desktops, representing a continuation of the F-18 Hornet/Super Hornet Series of desktops. Ethereal Creations is pleased two announce the release of two beautiful Poser4/Bryce5 renderings in their New Releases section and one Bryce5 rendering in their Collections section. The site has undergone some major changes, which are detailed on the News page. Stop by and give those guys a look. You won't be disappointed! "IheartNY: X icons" has been updated with quite a few new icon sets since last mention. A Gumby icon set just went up today. This week at MacMonkies: 4 new 3-D works (including new works from Ed Allen and Alan Sherwood), 2 new Desktops, and plenty of Monkie Info for everyone! Check 'em out! Iconfactory Press Release - Las Vegas Collection for OS X Released! Ah, the neon, the high stakes, and all that glitters. Of course they are talking about the mystique that is Las Vegas. The Iconfactory is proud to announce their latest freeware icon release - The Las Vegas Collection. Gridface is pleased to announce the third and final installment of its Railyard Desktops series. Flax Creations updates with two new OSX icon sets. One-Button Mouse has released a new icon set entitled "Ireland". Check it out! So what's up WWW? Icons? Desktop pictures? News? Inform us! We'll post it!
Build a 'Stego' Machine! by Erick Tejkowski Stegonography is the discipline of hiding information in files. Today we will build a simple stegonography machine. With it you can hide a secret message within an image. Give the decoder to your friends or family and they can read your secret message. (Continued...)
Calendar & Appointment Scheduler for Mac OS X
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