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Today's News by Cletus™ Manny from The Omni Group is extremely pleased with the way the OmniWeb contest is going thus far. There have been many great submissions. In fact he doesn't want to make the decision on his own, so he is taking them all to a meeting next Tuesday so the committee can decide the best. Because of this, the results won't be available until next Wednesday. Super job ResExer's! You make us all proud when we hear things like this. The other good news is that you still have time to get involved!
 DeskPicture 10.0 "lets you cycle though your collections of pictures. You can have a picture change every day, every hour, every five minutes - as often as you like." Additional features include: placing multiple pictures on each screen, controlling the size and placement of each picture and making pictures translucent.
Playlistbot 1.0 is for Mac OS X users allowing them to create custom play lists for iTunes. There is also a Mac OS 9.x version available at the download site.
exColor 1.0 is a new tool to help generate hexadecimal colors. It is useful for web developers to generate hexadecimal colors using the standard MacOS color well. Conversely, it can also display the color corresponding to an hexadecimal representation
dockDoubler 1.1 allows you to add and then switch between two Docks. Having more then one Dock has become de rigueur. From the author about this version: "In this version I've rewritten the AppleScript code used to switch the Dock and also removed the buggy function to clear all the items of the Dock."
ThemePark 1.0b1 is a Theme editor for Mac OS X. Still in beta testing, it gives you an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of testing. ThemePark can edit the following resource types:
Pocket Watch X 1.2 is a Screen clock with skins. I bet if you send Michael some skins you make, he will post them! Let's be contributors...
 Eject! 1.00 is described as a simple program that opens the CD Tray in system 7.0 or higher. You can use the Keyboard control panel function to associate the program to a keyboard shortcut also.
Your reading assignment for the weekend is: "Do applications have to reside in the OS X Applications folder? Some do and other don't. " from Dr. Mac's OS X Tip-of-the-Day at OSX FAQ. I think this is a worthwhile read. Mike and I talked about this the one night and he recommended this same basic philosophy. I now set up my applications this way.
The last piece of the puzzle for me to move totally to Mac OS X on my iBook arrived today from Adobe. It was ResExcellence's official copy of the Adobe GoLive 6 and Live Motion 2 bundle. I will still however be using 9.2 on my desktop while running GL 6, but at least I can run Mac OS X exclusively now on the iBook! :D
Have a Press Release? Software or General News? Submit it here: Suggestions!
Tools of the Trade. by Michael Coyle After returning from Macworld in January, I mentioned a slick new product from DigiDesign (the ProTools people) called MBox. It's a high quality USB audio interface that ships with two Focusrite mic preamps, phantom power, digital SPDIF, and ProTools LE. Mine arrived today. In my studio at work, there are rack mounted Focusrite mic preamps and the Mbox stands up to its big brother quite well. When outdoors recording sound effects, one of the biggest problems is getting the headphones loud enough to hear what you are recording! The MBox has two headphone jacks, a 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch and the built in amp on MBox can get dangerously loud. I'll tell you a little secret about the digital SPDIF connections. SPDIF has a reputation as the cheap cousin of the AES professional digital audio standard, but in reality, the signals are the same. One of the benefits AES has for users is that the signal is balanced so it's less susceptible to noise interference over long wire runs. It you go to Radio Shack and buy an RCA to mic connector adapter, you can run a short cable connecting SPDIF to any device with AES inputs. If you are a musician and want to record quality audio at home on your Apple computer, take a serious look at the MBox. Not only is it a great piece of hardware, but it comes with ProTools LE. Click for larger images in a new window.  |  |
Jim McCarty emailed to say, "Noticed your plug for Paul Berkowitz and wanted to mention that Allen Watson also has an extensive collection of scripts. Both Paul and Allen are major contributors to the Entourage-talk mailing list.
Sometimes when I try to play MP3 audio files in a browser, the error box proclaims that I do not have the correct plug-in. I know for certain that the QuickTime plug-in is installed correctly, so what's the problem? It seems that the mime settings, the settings that associates a files three letter extension with an application, are incorrect for QuickTime. It's possible that iTunes or some other MP3 player reset the mime type for MP3 audio to point to itself. Regardless of how the error was introduced, here is how to correct it. Open the QuickTime Control Panel and set the popup menu to "Browser Plug-in", then click the "Mime Settings" button. 
Scroll down through the mime types until you reach "MPEG audio file". You can see my old setting in the image below. Use the popup menu to select "Use QuickTime Plug-in". Close the control panel and you're browser is ready to play any MP3's you find on the internet.
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?) - Manuel González has a clever matching Boot Panel and MOSS to run under MacOS X and when booting the Classic OS. Ummm... yo uneed an iMac. :)
- A turn of the century photo of New York is the inspiration for the About this Mac splash submitted by Conrad.
- Brian Corcoran sends a bold MacOS Boot Panel.
Complete Cable Management For The Home & Office.
Snapshots by Jeremy Hoesly Crown the week with another round of snapshots: - The “Quantum Foam” desktop picture and an Aqua theme or scheme debut in this submission from Mac15. iTunes, overhauled with a striped pattern, is pumping out music in the upper left.
- T.J. Mahaffey contributes this screenshot touting RAILhead Design’s “Wee Purple” desktop picture. DragThing provides quick and easy color-coded access to applications along the left edge.
- “The only thing harder than waiting for a ResEx update is waiting for a new Star Wars movie,” notes Scott Piekarczyk when sending this snapshot which features a “Star Wars Episode II” desktop picture from TheForce. Personal Organizer bears a background image of the young Jedi knight Anakin, and iTunes, retooled with George Krueger’s Graphite skin, is piping in Star Wars mood music… techno style.
- This snapshot from BJ Rampton sports an awesome, custom interstellar collage for a desktop picture. Fire, configured to be transparent, blends in nicely in the upper left.
See just how easy it is to contribute to ResExcellence! Give our browser-based submission upload page a whirl.
Icon & Desktop News: by Dan
 Icons - Desktops: We've got a huge lineup here! How about a whopping (8) 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 piece of cake! - "Halo Icons" for OSX submitted by Matt Heerdt (AKA Malagigi), come from the XBox sci-fi shootem up game that takes place on the mysterious alien ring-world, Halo. Includes a large arsenal of futuristic weapons, vehicles, and combat characters.
- RK Game Icons Vol.2" by Daniel Manley, is the second of four OSX icon sets featuring a slew of Gaming icons and folders. This one starts with the road killed Koji The Frog, and ends with "Space Junkie.
- Let your co-workers know your machine is free of Monoploysoft OS pollution with John Turpin's "Trash Windows" series. Perhaps you might even go as far as to convert one of these graphics to BMP format and place it on your machine at work, to make a statement about your IT department’s choice of OSes. Includes 4 variations on the theme, all in 1024x resolution.
- Combining a simple and colorful abstract photo Conrad took with multiple layers of rasterized type, proved to make an interesting desktop titled "Rectangular Spectrum". The bright blocks of color and illustrative quality make this simple backdrop pleasing to the eye. Comes in 1280x resolution.
- "Alyssa Milano" will certainly cast a spell over you when you see this provocative desktop made by Nate Penwell. Enjoy the scantily dressed "Charmed One" in 1280x resolution.
- Based on an original painting by Mr. Sam Kieth, "Batman" finds his way onto your desktop courtesy of Frank Shoplifter in 1024x resolution.
- The beautiful 3-D artwork being created by Alan Sherwood is in a class by itself, as you can see with this interesting composition titled "Us in our Glasshouse". Available in1024x resolution.
- The up and coming young starlet "Julia Stiles" makes a guest appearance on this recent backdrop submitted by Jonathan Gurule` in 1024x resolution.
- When Thomas Haller finally figured out how to capture the amazing patterns generated by the iTunes default visualizer, he got swept away with excitement making desktops. "Tunesy Desktops #2" is the second grouping selected from a total of 55 sets. While we won't be able to post all of them, this one contains three different images, and displays in several resolutions. (Instructions for making your own iTunes backdrops included!).
- Unfortunately, "Waves" arrived in my drop box without an author's name or any kind of read me file. None the less, it's a really nice piece of work, and merits a closer look . The download includes three different variations on the theme, all in an extra large 1600x resolution.
News From Around the Web: MacuserX.com added almost 80 Devil's Desktops to the site. These are devil's Desktop themed desktops from the past 4 years...basically in chronological order. Also added a Mozilla Icon replacement. Hope you enjoy. Ethereal Creations has a number of new images in the works, all of which will be uploaded early next week. In the meantime, please stop by and read the News page for some very important site updates and information. They'll be back next week with more beautiful 3D art so please stay tuned! Barefoot Beta! - MacMonkies has opened a new Beta Testing site called BarefootMonkies. The site is designed to test all available web browsers to find the most effective way to bring you Digital Music and Sounds via MacMonkies. FlaxCreations updates with a New Aqua Desktop, and the final set of Borgcons for OSX. Iconstree updates with a new Wallpaper. Check it out! Eye9design has updated their website with a pile of new offerings." MAJArch Studios has a new look, Swing on by and take a look! Live Pencil updates with new icons, wallpapers, and animated email effects. Dan Linneman suggests a visit to http://www.netlaputa.ne.jp/~hirosea/hsw2/enter.html if you're in the mood for icons that are a far piece away from the mainstream. Colheres updates with a new desktop picture by Luisa titled "Crescer". So what's up WWW? Icons? Desktop pictures? News? Inform us! We'll post it!
REALbasic Tile Mixer by Erick Tejkowski  Today we have a "do-it-yourself" REALbasic project for you to download. No fancy tutorial; no detailed instructions; just pure, raw code. It's a fun game to play too! (Continued...)
Calendar & Appointment Scheduler for Mac OS X
Today's News by Cletus™ As we move into mid-week, there is plenty of time to participate in this weeks OmniWeb giveaway. I love the text rendering abilities of this Mac OS X browser. If you have never tried it out, now is the ideal time. Additionally, if you are the adventurous type, you can check out the daily sneaky peaks. But please read the page and remember that as these are nightly builds they may contain the odd minor glitches.
 Picture Play 1.5.2 by Crescendo Software, is an "application for creating compositions of many images. It is basically an electronic collage. You can use it to incorporate multiple images into a single artistic image, and add editable text layers as well."
MouseZoom 2.1 speeds up your mouse cursor movement under Mac OS X 10.1 or higher. - Separate track pad and mouse sliders
- Fix bug preventing speed from being set via the text box
- Aggiunta la localizzazione il Italiano
Jim McCarty suggested another pixel testing program called DEAD-pixel Tracker. This can be downloaded from this page.
DockFun! 2.1.0 allows you to switch between ten different Dock configurations. That should fill my iBook screen up. :) This update added several language localizations.
 AquilaCalendar 1.12 by AvCore Systems "includes a tear off menu bar calendar and also allows unlimited calendar windows to be open at once in either, one, three, six or twelve month views. Each view can have any combination of years or months."
Other updates: Extension Overload 5.9.6 was updated to include definitions of 5696 extensions, control panels, CSM and CMM, up from 5583 previously.
Classic Toggler 1.3 adds file routing capabilities to Classic Toggler. Items dropped on the application automatically get routed to the appropriate folder with in the active classic System folder.
Keyboard Maestro 1.0.3 increases the number of hot keys available to the free Lite version to 20 as well as numerous other updates.
SpamStopper X 1.3 keeps email address hidden from email harvesting spiders. One updated feature includes: Recreated encoding formats, and now SpamStopper has eight different output formats to choose from: four HTML, and four JavaScript. Other changes can be found on the home page.
LaunchBar 3.2 adds 20 plus enhancements and bug fixes to this release. Full details can be found on the home page.
I received many responses to my problems with the battery indicator in Mac OS X. Thanks to everyone. Once I posted that I have the solution, I started getting emails asking what it was. So I do not feel alone in my plight. It seems that you have to deselect the preferences— either Time or Percentage. Albeit an unusual way of doing things, it then returns to the default image only.
The problem is that I had tried this in the previous install and it did not work. Now it does work. My thoughts are that it is another example of a preference not sticking or being retained. Remember that I had problems with Internet Explorer retaining preferences, AOL's Instant Messenger, Internet Prefs and some networking preferences issues. These are all resolved after reinstalling Mac OS X.
Perhaps Apple addressed this issue in recent releases. With my previous installs, I had made changes to the preferences as I went along. This time I installed 10.0 and upgraded to 10.1.3 prior to making any custom preference changes. This is the only explanation I can think of for why all previous non-sticking preferences now stick without any problems. Problem solved! Thanks.
Have a Press Release? Software or General News? Submit it here: Suggestions!
Tools of the Trade. by Michael Coyle Looking to keep coworkers for accidentally deleting your files from your Mac? Mark Evans sends this Applescript. The function of this script is to add a low level form of security to a specific folder. I created this at work one day when I had one of my co-worker delete some files I was working on. There is software available that will do things like this but I found just using Applescript to be effective.
What to do: Open Script Editor and paste this code or use the enclosed script "Folder Protect" on opening folder This_Folder
tell application "Finder"
set dialogresult to display dialog "Please enter the password to access folder:
" & This_Folder & "" buttons {"Ok"} default button 1 default answer " "
set PWText to the text returned of dialogresult
if not PWText = "Password here" then
close folder This_Folder
beep 3
display dialog "The password entered is incorrect" buttons {"Doh!"} default button 1
end if
end tell
end opening folder 1. On the line "If not PWText =......" replace "Password here" with any text or numbers you like. 2. Save the file as some random name. I used "Wysygigadoo" And make sure to save the script as "Run-Only" this will protect it from being opened and edited. 3. Attach the folder action to the desired folder. 4. Place the script somewhere random and out of site. Drawbacks : Well since this is a script/folder action it can be turned off via Control Clicking on the folder. Most people however will not know about this and for low level security RE: silly co-worker and children this should be fine.
Fontosaurus Text created three new fonts were actually developed by a computer, using genetic algorithms (one of the groovy things in AI research). They would make great Alien Alphabet fonts. Swing by and check 'em out. Toyin Fayemi, has created a great looking theme for MacOS X called Cole-F. It's one of the few fully original themes available for X. Check it out at X Themination.
Knowing that I'm a huge Trek fan, my buddy Russ sent a link to a Quicktime VR tour of the new Enterprise. There are a dozen different views from around the ship, and if you have Quicktime Pro, you can save the panoramas to your hard disk by control-clicking on the triangle at the end of the Quicktime control bar. My favorite dinosaur, Mozilla, has moved up another notch to version .9.9. This release is faster and squishes a bunch of bugs. For your PowerPC computer there are versions for Classic Mac, MacOS X, and Linux/PPC. Rumor has it that AOL 8.0 will ship with Mozilla as the default browser. This would make a big difference in the browser's installed base!
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?) - After posting his previous Irish contributions for St Patricks Day, Brendon O'Malley received emails asking for a matching Boot Panel. He was more than happy to oblige.
- A nice MOSS from Seb Carley has a new graphite appearance. Be sure to visit his web site for more cool stuff.
- The popular iTunes skin form Space Invader has received some tweaks and the update is ready for download.
- In his version of the Boot Panel, Chris Paveglio brings back the Happy Mac. The download includes a Login logo that is easily installed with Visage.
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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.
Wednesday’s snapshots have arrived: - Zack Schnepf’s “Cannon” desktop picture and Matthew White’s Geometry Theme debut in this two-part snapshot from Len Ford. Wapp Pro provides the popup menu featured in the second shot.
- Featured in this snapshot from Will Forsyth is a whole arsenal of network adminstration tools which he beta tested with Charlie Boisseau, the creator. PixelNhance, a graphics touchup program of some sort, is shown at right center.
- Kyle Hufford submits this screenshot sporting a “Rat Race” desktop picture taken from a Mitsubishi Wireless advertisement. iTunes is sitting in as digital DJ in the lower right.
- Scott Chitwood’s “Splat!” desktop picture and an Aqua K-Scheme are showcased in this contribution from José Subiabre. iGetter, a download utility of some sort, is running near the top. Icons from Xicons abound.
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 here! How about a whopping (8) 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! - With the spotlight turned on OSX these days, the lowly 32x32 Classic Icon hasn't been getting it's due as of late... until now. "The "Glyphs" by Robert Jones is a magnificent set of 83 System Level icons, including everything you might ever want to do a complete Gui overhaul.
- Dedicated Star Trek fans will appreciate "Borgcons Vol.3" by Flax Creations. Based on the somewhat cryptic Borg symbol language and font, this is the third and final set made for OSX. Just in case your not into Star Trek, you probably will enjoy the high tech look of these 14 space age icons anyway.
- "Classic Cubed" by Michael Addison of Macalodeon is another of the many amazing 3-D compositions we have the good fortune to be posting. Michael uses a large variety and range of software to achieve his effects, including Photoshop, Carrara, Bryce, Infini-D, Cinema 4D, Poser, Tree Pro, and Amorphium Pro. This one comes in 1024x resolution.
- Nate Penwell heats things up to a boil with the barely clad "Kari". Enjoy this smokin backdrop in 1280x resolution.
- Lalitree Darnielle created "Blue Boxes" because she couldn't help but feel that many of the Mac backgrounds out there are hideously complicated. This background is stunningly simple, and even useful--the colored boxes can be used for setting off especially light or dark icons. The colors also go well with Mac OS X's Aqua interface. Comes in 1024x resolution.
- Of the many "think different desktops" that have come through here, "Think Aqua" by Breck Sargent is one of the best. Updated for the new OSX look, this one comes in 1024x resolution.
- The 3-D artwork being produced by Alan Sherwood just keeps on getting better and better, as you can see with this recent composition titled "Multiplication". Available in1024x resolution.
- "Bummer, dude", You bought a Dell. Thumb your nose at “Steven”, the annoying Dell spokesdude with this desktop made by John Turpin in 1024x resolution.
- Here's a cool macro photograph of a jumbo sized "Garden Spider", taken by Jim Nichols with a Canon Powershot G1. Comes in 1280x and 1600x resolutions.
- The oh so foxy "Charisma Carpenter" debuts in the first part of this provocative desktop set sent by Dale Stonebraker. This one is available in 3 different resolutions Keep your eyes peeled for the second picture in the set featuring Jessica Alba, as the two were originally designed with multiple monitors in mind!
News From Around the Web: FlaxCreations updates with a New Aqua Desktop, and the final set of Borgcons for OSX. MacuserX.com has been updated with a ADIUM icon replacement set. Hope you enjoy. Iconstree updates with a new Wallpaper. Check it out! Eye9design has updated their website with a pile of new offerings." Inspired and named for a musical composition of the same name by friend and Monkie Man Bradford J. Wiles, Andy Moraitis of Ethereal Creations is pleased to bring you his latest Bryce/Poser render entitled Leave of Heart.. Stop in and have a look. You won't be disappointed! MacMonkies is tacking up several awesome new desktops including works from Scott "Rampant 1" Chitwood, EA Design, MAJArch Studios, Todd Darland, the Bryans, and of course Mr. MacMonk! Plus they have a very special Monkie Bundle from Mr. Chitwood to really add spiff to your desktop. Stop by for your News, Humor, and GUI and load up the barrels! MAJArch Studios has a new look, Swing on by and take a look! Live Pencil updates with new icons, wallpapers, and animated email effects. Dan Linneman suggests a visit to http://www.netlaputa.ne.jp/~hirosea/hsw2/enter.html if you're in the mood for icons that are a far piece away from the mainstream. Colheres updates with a new desktop picture by Luisa titled "Crescer". Mandolux updates with a new desktop called 'Anger' representing a continuation of the 'Technosis/Anthraxis' theme and also adds five new desktops called Firecrackers, Celestial, Checking Aft, Dusky, and Gone! DV Graphics has released two new icon sets. "iMac G4" and "Users". Both are hand made. Tray's Trove updates 3-3-02 with eight new desktop designs. So what's up WWW? Icons? Desktop pictures? News? Inform us! We'll post it!
REALbasic News by Erick Tejkowski This week in REALbasic news: - RB3D Tip
- New REALbasic 4.5 Alpha
- YAXML Parser: GMXMLParser
- Writer 2.6
- Lua Plugin
- Make a Bundle!
- Monkey See, Monkey Do
(Continued...)
Today's News by Cletus™  The Omni Group in conjunction with ResExcellence is offering free licenses for their OmniWeb browser to 3 lucky winners of this weeks contest. OmniWeb is a superb web browser for Mac OS X hands down. The Omni Group philosophy for the web browser is simple: "OmniWeb was designed to provide you with the best user experience you'll find in a web browser. We think it's important to polish every user interaction to make sure that the browser acts the way you want it to... " Full contest details can be found on this page.
Pixel Tester 1.1 is a simple utility to help you detect any dead pixel on your screen. I have one that is dead, and it was like that when I received my iBook. - Allows you to test all possible colors on your screen simply by moving the mouse,
- Uses several patterns to detect dead pixels more easily,
- It takes very little memory, CPU and disk space,
- Doesn't need any installation or configuration, which makes it very easy to use,
- It's free!
 Since I have lost the use of MenuCalendar (see below) I am trying out PTHClock 1.9.0. Which is a is a very simple menu bar clock program for Mac OS X. This update adds language localization and works on Mac OS X 10.1.3. Any one know of any problems with this program?
On an unrelated issue. Take notice to my battery indicator on my iBook (image to the right). Having just reinstalled Mac OS X, it indicates the amount of charge I have left via just an image. This was the case with my previous install also. If I were to select the options to show either Time or Percent, it will show more than just the image like it currently does. It would always append numbers to the image with no way to turn them off. I did this on the previous install and was unable to turn off the Time or Percent numbers. Is there a way to turn off the Percent and Time indicators? I like the way it is now as it takes up less space. If someone sends me the solution, I will post it. Update: I have received the answer. Thanks for all the responses.
PrefsOverload 4.0 is now available. This release runs, as usual, on Mac OS 7.6.1 through 9.2.2 and Mac OS X 10.x.x. PrefsOverload 4 improves the global stability of the application, with various bug fixes and interface adjustments. "New features include AppleScript support and new major interface changes, such as the new OS X-like get info dialog, which can float through the screen showing info for the selected item."
Folder Icon X version 1.1.4 is the result of bringing compatibility to Mac OS X 10.1.3. Make customized folder icons quickly with this program. All changes are listed below: - Fully compatible with Mac OS X 10.1.3.
- Allows you to paste a picture from the clipboard as a logo icon.
- Fix icon-related problem that interferes with other files in the preference folder.
Proteron MaxMenus 1.0.1 is an update to this utility that add powerful, flexible menus to simplify tasks under Mac OS X. Many changes and bug fixes have been applied to this update. Full details of each change are found on the Proteron web site.
XMonitor was also updated over the weekend to version 1.4.1. One new main feature was added: Command-Clicking on most items in the main XMonitor window will copy the information in its Help Tag to the clipboard. Several other changes are also included in this release: Support for up to 25 disks and the main window can now be closed, with no preference required. Some bugs relating to closing this window should now be fixed.
Smile 1.8.7 is an AppleScript editor for beginners and IDE for developers. It is probably easier to use then Apple's own Script Editor.
I have found the cure for my screen artifact mentioned last time. I was in the process of turning off startup items to narrow down the problem when the responses started rolling in. It was MenuCalendar, which I really liked. I notified the author about the problem. Thanks to Matt Hanks, Todd S. Getz, Mark Drovdahl, Brandon Thomson and Ammon Skidmore and all others who replied. Ammon actually identified the artifact as part of a tiny window during his troubleshooting.
HP Printer Cable Recall: Please check this page to see if you need to replace your cable. From HP page: "The plug that connects the power cord to the printer may crack, exposing live electrical contacts and presenting a hazard for electric shock or electrocution." It affects printers: DeskJet 800 series, 900 series and Photosmart 1000 series, 1100 series, 1200 series and 1300 series.
Have a Press Release? Software or General News? Submit it here: Suggestions!
Polling Place by Michael Coyle  In the early 1980s, it was estimated that within twenty years 75% of homes would have cable TV, while last week's Polling Place shows only 60% of readers have cable, if you add satellite dish users, the number is over 75%.
Under Linux and Windows XP, thriving User Interface theme communities exist, but on MacOS X, users are made to feel like Christians under the Roman Empire - forced down into the catacombs for the tools needed for theme creation. Perhaps MacOS X users don't care to theme their OS, in which case Apple is correct to prevent modification of the UI. That's why this week's Polling Place question is simple enough. "Have you ever used a MacOS X Theme file?"
Tools of the Trade. by Michael Coyle If you have been running Linux for any period of time, you are familiar with the program rpm for installing software packages. Most of the time you type rpm -Uvh or rpm -ivh and if is all goes well, the package is installed. But I often wonder what just happened. What was installed where? By adding an extra 'v', you get a very verbose output as in the following listing: tibook:~ # rpm -ivvh hfsplus-1.0.2-5.ppc.rpm --test
D: counting packages to install
D: found 1 packages
D: package: hfsplus-1.0.2-5 files test = 1
D: file: / action: create
D: file: /usr action: create
D: file: /usr/bin action: create
D: file: /usr/bin/hpcd action: create
D: file: /usr/bin/hpcopy action: create
D: file: /usr/bin/hpfsck action: create
D: file: /usr/bin/hpls action: create
D: file: /usr/bin/hpmount action: create
D: file: /usr/bin/hppwd action: create
D: file: /usr/bin/hpumount action: create
D: file: /usr/lib action: create
D: file: /usr/lib/libhfsp.la action: create
D: file: /usr/share action: create
D: file: /usr/share/doc action: create
D: file: /usr/share/doc/hfsplus action: create
D: file: /usr/share/doc/hfsplus/changelog.Debian.gz action: create
D: file: /usr/share/doc/hfsplus/changelog.gz action: create
D: file: /usr/share/doc/hfsplus/copyright action: create
D: stopping install as we're running --test
tibook:~ # In the example above, I terminated the command with --test so the package was not installed, but I still see all the information. If you run rpm with the extra 'v', you'll know exactly where to look for the documentation and binary.
Here is a sample of the many MacOS X AppleScripts stored on Paul Berkowitz's web site. This one is for Entourage: tell application "Microsoft Entourage" if {class of window 1} is in {draft window, draft news window} then
set selection to (current date as string)
end if end tell Save the above script as a compiled script named "Date Stamp \mcoD" and place it in "/Documents/Microsoft User Data/Entourage Script Menu Items". When you type Command-Option-Control-D, the Date will be inserted into your email message.
This very sad on many levels. There is group of Windows XP theme creators working to port some popular MacOS X themes to Windows. It's sad because they can't think of original ideas for themes, and it's sad because Apple discourages themes for MacOS X. I stumbled upon the site because they were linking to preview images on ResExcellence (considered bad netiquette). Just for fun, I changed all the previews to which they linked to little banners for ResExcellence. :)
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?) - With St. Patricks Day next weekend, it seems only fitting that Brendon O'Malley be the contributor of two Irish contributions. The first is a MOSS and the second a Mozilla splash. Both feature a sky shot from NASA of Ireland captioned in a Celtic font, "For Good Luck".
- A flashy Boot Panel for MacOS X was submitted by Marius Sereika.
- In this latest About this Mac replacement from Conrad, you get two versions of a cloudy sky.
Calendar & Appointment Scheduler for Mac OS X
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.
Another set of snapshots is coming your way: - Digital Blasphemy’s “Minutiae 2” desktop picture and Michael Rabe’s Glass Theme are showcased in this contribution from Phil Burton. Flax Creations’ Borg icons are also in use.
- A modified EndEffect desktop picture and the Iridium Quicksilver Theme are featured in this screenshot from Joshua Merrill. Xicons’ MM Yellow, MM CDs, and Simple Buttons icon sets are scattered throughout. Son of Weather Grok keeps an eye on outside conditions in the upper left.
- A “Spiderman” desktop picture and William Bart’s BBX Mercury K-Scheme debut in this submission from Mike Milligan. A-Dock, equipped with William Bart’s BBX Mercury skin, is hugging the left edge. Matt’s Lost & Found comic strip is also featured in Internet Explorer.
- Alain Pilon sends this snapshot sporting a “Desktop Valley” desktop picture. iTunes, retro-fitted with an unknown skin, is rustling up some music at center. Tri-Backup, a disk backup and synchronization utility for OS X, stands ready at right 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 huge lineup here! How about a whopping (8) 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. - Matt Harrington brings that fighting tough guy toy and comic book character "G.I. Joe to the web in OSX icon format. This large set includes all sorts of logos, enemies, and GI Joe icons to add to your character collection.
- "RK Game Icons Vol.1" by Daniel Manley, is the first of four OSX icon sets featuring a slew of Gaming icons and folders. This one starts with the oldie but goodie "Barrack" game, and ends with "Heros of Might.
- Talented Nate Penwell submits another excellent Apple-Centric desktop he created titled "Simple". Enjoy this handsome background in 1280x resolution.
- "Aqua Life Forms" by Michael Addison of Macalodeon is another of the many really fine compositions we have the good fortune to be posting. Michael uses an amazing variety and range of software to achieve his effects, including Photoshop, Carrara, Bryce, Infini-D, Cinema 4D, Poser, Tree Pro, and Amorphium Pro. This one comes in 1024x resolution.
- On his never ending quest for cool desktop effects, textures and such, Mario Garza came up with a simple yet elegant background he's titled "Glassy". Easy on the eyes, this one comes in 800x and 1024x resolutions.
- When Thomas Haller finally figured out how to capture the amazing patterns generated by the iTunes default visualizer, he got swept away with excitement making desktops. "Tunesy Desktops #1" is the first grouping selected from a total of 55 sets. While we won't be able to post all of them, this one contains three different images, and displays in several resolutions.
- The Soulful Toni Braxton graces another yet page of John Rose's fantastic celebrity Sketchbook in 1280x resolution.
- While surfing the net the other day, Conrad happened upon Apple's old Think different website. On one of the public relations pages, some images from the campaign as well as a Think different logo still were still available. Unfortunately, the original graphic was of low quality and resolution, so with a little Photoshopin magic he revived this memorable slogan, and made it available to you in 1024x and 1280x resolutions.
- Wether you've made the switch over to the great new OmniWeb Browser or not, you certainly will enjoy this batch of Omni Group Logo Desktops anyway. "Lifted" from a recent promotional disk gleaned at Macworld SF, this fine metal and Aqua backdrop is available in four different resolutions. Thanks to Rick Roe for his approval on posting these beauties!
- Chris whipped up "OS Cres" one night and thinks it's pretty sweet. Maybe you will think so too! Sorry, this desktop is only Mac OS X compatible (not really), and comes in 1024x resolution.
News From Around the Web: MAJArch Studios has a new look, Swing on by and take a look! Live Pencil updates with new icons, wallpapers, and animated email effects. Iconstree is back with lot of new creations... Check out the new Trash Cans at the site. Dan Linneman suggests a visit to http://www.netlaputa.ne.jp/~hirosea/hsw2/enter.html if you're in the mood for icons that are a far piece away from the mainstream. Colheres updates with a new desktop picture by Luisa titled "Crescer". MacuserX.com has been updated with 2 new desktops and one icon set, as well as sporting a new site design. Looking for something Biblical as a desktop? If so, Andy Moraitis of Ethereal Creations has got something special up his sleeve. "A Voice From Heaven" is a stunning portrayal of Moses' encounter with God speaking from the Burning Bush. Made in Poser4, Bryce5, this image is both accurate and wonderfully detailed. Mandolux updates with a new desktop called 'Anger' representing a continuation of the 'Technosis/Anthraxis' theme and also adds five new desktops called Firecrackers, Celestial, Checking Aft, Dusky, and Gone! 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. 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. "IheartNY: X icons" has been updated with quite a few new icon sets since last mention. A Gumby icon set just went up today. So what's up WWW? Icons? Desktop pictures? News? Inform us! We'll post it!
REALbasic Zip Code Finder by Erick Tejkowski Today we'll build a simple tool to look up U.S. zip codes. Using only a zip code, we can learn the precise location of an address and calculate the distance from that location to any other place in the country. (Continued...)
Complete Cable Management For The Home & Office.
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