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Today's News by Cletus™ The DragThing Contest has come to an end. Winners will be announced on Monday. The winners of round two of the DragThing Giveaway are John McHugh and Allan Sorensen who correctly found that 128 x 128 is the maximum size of icons supported in docks under Mac OS 9.1. This one was a bit of an easier question to figure out. Congratulations to the winners. I have posted the final question on the DragThing contest page. Take a minute before you answer this one. While we are talking about DragThing, you may or may not know that it has been updated to version 4.0.1. There are lots of enhancements and bugs fixes in this new version which is compatible with Mac OS X and earlier. For a full list of changes, check out the version history page found here. For a partial listing, see below: Changes for Mac OS X:
- Added support for scroll wheels to switch between dock layers.
- DragThing docks are no longer repositioned by the Dock.
- Items on UFS/NFS disks are opened correctly.
- Certain Mac OS X applications don't act as folders.
- Fixed problem with files moving instead of copying when dragged to folders in docks.
Changes for Mac OS 9 and earlier:
- Option clicking an item in the process dock hides all other applications again.
- DragThing doesn't crash if the Contextual Menu Extension is missing.
- Fixed some problems with Keychain dialogs.
- Worked round a problem with floating window appearance on CarbonLib 1.3.
- Certain operations are faster with CarbonLib 1.3.
 SwitchRes 2.5.1 was released yesterday. SwitchRes is an extension that allows you to control the resolutions of all your displays. Great little program. New in this release is:
- Added SwitchResLib external API: this allows developers to use SwitchRes to access and manage resolutions of the displays.
- Added a more efficient way to manage Multiple Users: a global option allows the owner of the Macintosh to propagate its own settings to all uses of the Mac.
- SwitchRes doesn't test resolutions named "1x1" in SwitchRes Control. This generally crashed the machine in some cases (Powerbook G4 for example).
- Corrects a bug in the Control Panel: preferences of version 2.4.x were not correctly restored and could crash the Control Panel
- Corrected a cosmetic bug during drag&drop of Display Sets
- When testing an aliased resolution, the correct resolution is now tested
- When creating a new Display Set, the settings used are now the current settings.
Clixsounds posted "Dark Voice Shutdown" as the sound file of the week. If you're looking for more excitement while you are shutting down the Mac, this may just fit the bill for you. XOptimize 0.42 will assit in Prebinding in Mac OS X. This will help a person avoid needing to use the Terminal Application. XOptimize will optimizes app launch & run times. Scheme News: The Kaleidoscope Scheme Archive has posted 5 new and 3 updated schemes. Kalliste and Corsikal are definitly unusual. Blue Baron and Diez Con X-Folders are both really cool too. Submit Software and General News Suggestions!
Register to Win a G4 Titanium PowerBook at Smalldog.com
Snapshots by Jeremy Hoesly The weekend is here at last! Grab Friday’s snapshots on your way there: - The “Kaos-Fightclub” desktop picture is shown off in this screenshot from Robin Avery along with Maury McCown’s AquaX III K-Scheme. SoundJam, retro-fitted with the OS X QT5 skin and the G-Force visualizer, is taking music requests in the upper left.
- Tim Dehring submits this OS X submission with icons from Xicons and Icon Factory. iTunes is cranking out tunes in the lower right-hand corner.
- Bill Hughes contributes this LinuxPPC snapshot sporting an “Astronomy Pict of the Day.” XMMS, an MPEG Layer III player configured with the GreenCage skin, is shuffling music tracks in the lower right-hand corner.
- The custom “Grey Ramp” desktop picture and Kei Kinoshita’s Diez K-Scheme debut in this screenshot from Andy Moraitis. iTunes is pumping out soundwaves in the lower right-hand corner. Icons from Icon Factory are scattered throughout.
- Maury McCown’s “Xtop II” desktop picture and AquaX III K-Scheme are showcased in this contribution from Martin Torres. iTunes, tweaked with elements from various skins, is providing the background music along the top. A smorgesbord of icons from Xicons, icons.cx, and our Icon Archive are on display.
- This submission from Christopher Vogler touts one of Mandolux’s “Mountainridge” desktop pictures. iTunes is dishing out songs along the right edge. Icons provided by Xicons lurk about the desktop.
Have a desktop masterpiece you’d like to share with the Mac masses? Read our submission guidelines and then bring it on!
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Icon/Desktop News 04-20-01 Icon & Desktop News: by Dan  Here's a familiar scenario for many of you: You install your shiny new copy of OS X, check. You reboot and watch the fancy spinning cursor do it's thing, check. You behold the clean and streamlined interface of the new OS, check. Then you start looking for the familiar....hmmmm. Where's the Apple Menu? What do I do with this Dock thing? Giant Icons, gasp. Can I tile desktop patterns on my monitor? How do I....HELP! With all the fundamental changes in OS X to deal with, rest assured the one thing that you still easily do is display any of your favorite desktop pictures found here. Phewwwww
Icons - Desktops: Another sunny day breaks with (2) brand new OS X Icon Sets and (8) mighty fine Desktops. All on display for today's update.
- Hein Mevissen sure is a versatile fellow when it comes to icon making. His latest set for OS X is titled "My Tiger Icons" and includes six roaring tiger icons to give your desktop that wild look.
- Fred Stidston's "Stidcon Icons set #2" (available in our archives) was such a hit in 32x32 size, that he decided to ramp them up to jumbo OS X size. "Stidcons X " were created using Illustrator and Iconographer, and include 40 system replacement icons in both standard and Icondropper format. The entire set can also be used on any system from 8.5-9.1 as well.
- Henry Stidston is a digital dynamo similar to his youthful brother Fred, and has submitted to us a whole pile of extra fine 3-D desktops for display. Today's selection includes "Abstract Lines" and "Abstract Spheres", both coming in 1024x resolution.
- Shrouded in mystery, "Symbol" by Timothy Zulewski of Cricket Bow Design stretches the bounds of your imagination to grasp it's meaning. This esoteric desktop comes in 1152x resolution.
- The Apple of his "i" is a "Strawberry" desktop, by Dean Fusaro of Dean's Designs. Visit the website for the download, and check out all the other great backdrops to be found there.
- SoulRocka Nasty Nene submits another of his very fun, funky and wacky Mac character desktops. "Think Different Kid" comes in 1024x resolution.
- "X Planet" by Manny Velazquez is the latest of his amazing desktops from the "Metaphysical" series. A visit to his website reveals these backdrops to be tied to Manny's own personal view of spirituality, and is well worth the read for those who want to take a deeper look. This one comes in 1024x resolution.
- This "Think Different" desktop Brenda of Noen Design puts a different slant on the concept. Featuring the infamous Charles Manson in all his demonic glory, this darkside desktop comes in 1024x resolution.
- For all those addicted to playing blood and guts video, Jonathan Signor provides the "fix" with five new "Halo desktops". All the artwork was taken from screen-captures and converted to desktop compositions in 1024x resolution.
News From Around the Web: Dean's Designs has updated with 5 new desktops. The old shroom graphics has grown up and is now called Swiss-X Design. To celebrate, there's a spectacular new photo gallery and two new desktop pictures, as well as the hundreds that have already been available. One Graphics.com has updated their site and has Icons and a New Desktop available for Download. The Devil's Desktop has been updated with 11 new desktops and 3 new icon sets Colheres updates with Two new iconsets and a New desktop picture. Due to time constraints, computer problems, and the occasion glitch, as well as problems with FTP uploads, iDealMac is, for now, going off-line. David van Wert announces some two desktop pictures now available at his site: http://www.davidvanwert.com/ Brenda from Noen Design informs us that she has redesigned her website. Tray's Trove updated 4-15-01 with eight new desktops :) "My Copland World" Icon set has been just released at the IconHQ. 'Mike Davidson's Mac File Library has been updated with a series of new transparent desktop pictures and OS X ready icons. Don't miss the "Steve Jobs Yin Yang" desktop pict and the heart shaped "Favorites" icon. Brycetopia's web host provider has closed it's doors. The site with go off-line in the next few days and they will be scrambling to find another home. Hansworks Design released a new desktop picture, Evil Force, and has launched three new photography albums on my site. That should keep you busy for a while! Clockadial not only has some desktop pictures for you to download, but they also posted 6 new Outlook Express Splash Screens. So what's up WWW? Icons? Desktop pictures? News? Inform us! We'll post it!
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iRuby - in the Archive now!
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Theme News by Michael Rabe
You may have noticed a lot of themes for MacOS X popping up around the net as of late. Unfortunately, these have all been modified versions of Apple's Aqua theme so they cannot be legally posted at ResExcellence, but if you make a totally new theme without any of Apple's trademarked images, we will be more then happy to post it in the Theme Archive.
The Doghouse has started work on another "X" theme called "Glass". This one is definately not "Butt Ugly" as someone called Pastel Blue 10. :)
Hopefuly, it will be finished and released in just a few weeks. The Doghouse has posted a preview of this theme on its web site.
Since we're talking about releasing new themes, the classic theme iRuby has been added to the Archive.
See ya on the flip flop!
If you have a theme you wish to add to the Archive, drop me an email.
4/19/01 Snapshots by Jeremy Hoesly Thursday’s snapshots have arrived for your viewing pleasure: - Brenda von Ahsen submits this snapshot sporting the “Azul Wave” desktop pattern. iTunes, QuickTime Player, and Sherlock are shown overhauled with makeovers. Icons by Hide or that are homegrown roam the desktop.
- This submission from Clockadial features a custom desktop picture. Audion, retooled with the F2 face, is managing the background music in the lower left.
- iTunes is sitting in as digital DJ in this snapshot from Derek. The translucent terminal window reveals the desktop picture in the background.
- Nicolas Goles contributes this OS X screenshot touting Digital Blasphemy’s “Tropic of Capricorn” desktop picture. iTunes is shuffling songs along the top.
- A custom desktop picture composed of Pearl Jam material in conjunction with the FT-5 K-Scheme is showcased in this contribution from Sam Miller. iTunes is tickling the eardrums along the bottom. The Transparenseize icons, Icon Factory’s Smoothicons, and Ron Watson’s award-winning Industrial/Office icons share the spotlight.
- A custom desktop picture combined with Albie Wong’s PussyGalore K-Scheme debut in this submission from Frank Robertson. Audion, retro-fitted with the F2 face, is cranking out tunes along the left edge. Icons from Icon Factory hug the right edge.
Show the Mac world how you’ve tamed and trained your desktop to your own liking. Read our submission guidelines and then fire away!
Today's News by Cletus™ Congratulations to George Sturges and Erik Hope for correctly solving the answer to question one of the DragThing Giveaway. The question was: "How many levels of undo does DragThing 4 support?" The correct answer is 32. How did you get that number? It did require a little research. James Thomson writes: "If you click an option on and off a bunch of times, you can undo it back and count the number of times the undo works. And you end up with thirty two steps you can go back." Clever, very clever! The next DragThing question is up and ready to be answered.  BeHierarchic 4.2b3 is now out. This Apple menu customization tool is the first thing I install on all new operating systems. With it, you can finally have a useful Apple menu. New feaatures and bug fixes in this version include:
- Mac OS X and Mac OS 9 file "packages" support is now improved, but not perfect yet.
- A problem occurred when remembering recently opened files by the Finder.
Symptoms such as:
- No files are created in the recent items folder
- A crash could occur when double clicking documents in the Finder. This is now fixed
- Turning BeHierarchic off will not stick. It reverts to being on. This has been fixed
- When "Recent Documents" option is unchecked and the files set to zero, the folder continues to appear in the Apple Menu, this has also been fixed.
- Setting the Icons to 'none' (in the Menu Appearance dialog), then opening BeHierarchic again, would cause the preference to revert back to 'Small', instead of 'none'
 ClipEdit is the premiere clipping editor for Mac OS 9 and has now been updated to version 2.1.3. This version is primarily a maintenance release, which fixes a bug that would cause clipEdit to freeze after extended periods of use. It is recommended for all users of clipEdit. Plus they are preparing the finishing touches on Mac OS X products: "Lastly, we would like to announce Mac OS X versions of several of our products. These products include: clipEdit, Bookit, and Quick Change." We are currently finishing development and expect them to be released very soon. Everyday Software has also found a new home.
MinEffectChanger by Matthew Butch has just been updated to version 1.0.0B4. MinEffectChanger will allow the user to change the minimizing effect used for windows by MacOS X. This is a beta release and the author is looking for people to test the program and provide reports. Report bugs to Matthew. X-Assist was created by Peter Li to assist in the much loved but missing features of OS 9 in OSX. Specifically it will add: Application Switcher Menu (top right corner of screen), more than a 5 item "Recent Applications" menu, the ability to add personal hierarchies of items in an OS9-like "apple" menu, an extensible "Control Strip" like plugin architecture, and OS 9 window behavior - when you switch applications by clicking in a window, all windows for that application are shown. Lemke Software has posted version 4.0.7 of GraphicConverter. This update provides plethora of enhancements and changes to both the classic and carbonized version of this premier graphics manipulation tool. Iconizer Pro 1.3.9 and Icon Calculator 1.0.2 were both updated by Naratt Cyberworld. Iconizer Pro is an application developed for automatically generating a set of 32 bit, full color icons from any picture to be used as the background of a CD, folder or other container window. Icon Calculator works hand in hand with Iconizer Pro. Icon Calculator is a little application developed for predicting output size of an icon set generated by Iconizer Pro. A brief listing for each update appears below: Iconizer Pro:
- Improved speed of icon position assigning engines by 50% (If you observe some white rectangles in the icon set, this is caused by some extensions (e.g. Natural Order 1.4, see manual for solution).
- Improved button appearance and button functions.
- Fix a bug which caused main window to fail to update when users moved Open/Save dialog.
- Fix a bug which caused some noise on compressed images (e.g. JPEG) with QuickTime 5 installed.
Icon Calculator:
- Support for all QuickTime-compatible images e.g. TIFF, JPEG, GIF, BMP, PNG and Photoshop.
- Improved memory usage and speed of window update. Now it can open a very large image very fast.
- The actions of open dialog (Navigation Services controls) e.g. check boxes and buttons will take place only when the mouse button is released on those controls
Extension Overload 5.8 was recently updated. Extension Overload will provide the user with a comprehensive database of over 4580 extensions, CSM and CMM. This version provides better compatibility with Kaleidoscope Schemes and 3rd. party themes. Better support for non English Mac OS is also provided. You can find out more about Extension Overload by reading Jeremy's review. This morning in my mail box was "TidBITS#576/16-Apr-01." Why would this be significant? Because Adam C. Engst and the gang are celebrating TidBits' 11th Anniversary. Congratulations! "Eleven years - has it really been that long since we started TidBITS? Adam looks back at what changed and whats remained the same in the Macintosh industry. If you do not get the e-mail version, you can visit the web site to read the anniversary issue. Submit Software and General News Suggestions!
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Snapshots by Jeremy Hoesly Get your mid-week fill of snapshots: - Andrew sent in this screenshot touting a “Britney Spears” desktop picture from Britney Online. iTunes is cranking out tunes in the lower left.
- Sylvain Bail contributes this screenshot featuring RAILhead Design’s “Aqua Stripes” desktop picture. iTunes, in modified form, is serving up selections in the lower right-hand corner. The Spiffy Apps icon collection from icons.cx is also in the limelight.
- TerraDreams’ “Hidden Valley” desktop picture and the Unlined Charcoal Theme are showcased in this contribution from Rob Hanlon. Audion, overhauled with Akio’s SlickCorner face, is kicking out soundwaves in the lower left-hand corner. Maury McCown’s HIBeanies icons are scattered throughout.
- This snapshot from James Steele sports a custom desktop picture derived from eWorld and Sage Foam elements. iTunes is managing the music along the right edge. Xicons’ Tangerine icons are also shown off.
- A “Tony Leung” desktop picture and the Geometry Theme debut in this screenshot from Stefan Udell. Menu Shade is hiding the menubar, and icons from Lindkvist are congregated in the upper right-hand corner.
- Faithful contributor Manuel Velazquez provides this submission featuring the “X-Orb Streak” desktop picture from the Metaphysical series. Audion, outfitted with Toren Valimir’s I/OS Audio face, is serving up soundbytes in the lower right-hand corner.
Show the Mac world how you’ve tamed and trained your desktop to your own liking. Read our submission guidelines and then fire away!
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Icon/Desktop News 04-18-01 Icon & Desktop News: by Dan  Here's a familiar scenario for many of you: You install your shiny new copy of OS X, check. You reboot and watch the fancy spinning cursor do it's thing, check. You behold the clean and streamlined interface of the new OS, check. Then you start looking for the familiar....hmmmm. Where's the Apple Menu? What do I do with this Dock thing? Giant Icons, gasp. Can I tile desktop patterns on my monitor? How do I....HELP! With all the fundamental changes in OS X to deal with, rest assured the one thing that you still easily do is display any of your favorite desktop pictures found here. Phewwwww
Icons - Desktops: Another day dawns with (2) brand new and fun OS X Icon Sets and (8) excellent Desktops. All on display for today's update.
- If Apple Computer ever gets gobbled up by McDonalds...I will buy a PC. Hein Mevissen takes that absurd thought one step further with his set of 14 "My McDrives" icons for OSX.
- "Game Icons" for OSX, by Max Rudberg, features 30 of the most popular computer game icons around. They display at 128x128 in OS X, but also can be used with OS 8.5-9.1 in the 32x32 size.
- After quite a long absence, Frank submits a new desktop picture to ResExcellence. He ran across "Kinder Traeume" while looking over some of his childhood books and loved it so much he insists on sharing it with you. The translation of the German Title is "ChildDreams" and comes in 1024x768 resolution.
- "MntSet" is a fine example of the great things one can do with Bryce 3-D. This other worldly landscape created by Bradford J. Wiles comes in 1024x and 832x resolutions.
- Timothy Breihan had so many requests for his "Eclipse" desktop picture that was posted in the screenshots section several weeks ago, that he has now made it available to all. In the folder you will find two versions. Version one is the same as that displayed in the snapshot gallery. Version two is the "finished" one. Both come in multiple resolutions.
- Im not exactly sure what Jeff Welsh had in mind with his "Nowhere to go" desktop. None the less, this is a nicely done and elegant backdrop which comes in 800x and 1024x resolution.
- 'Steve Sobek has been super busy creating with Bryce, and sends us one of his favorites. "Waterwalls" comes in 1024x resolution.
- "GlassMarble" by Zack Rothauser is an interesting study in light form and texture. This stylish desktop comes in 1024x resolution.
- "Matrix Trinity" by Dreamstatic was obviously inspired by the movie the Matrix. He instantly fell in love with the artistic side of the Matrix as it was a fantastic movie, and is looking forward to seeing the sequels. This desktop comes in three resolutions: 800 x 600, 1024 x 768, 1152 x 870.
- For all the Final Fantasy lovers out there, Jonathan Signor provides us with three new "FFX desktops". All the artwork was taken from screen-captures of Flash animation's and converted to desktop compositions in 1024x resolution.
News From Around the Web: Due to time constraints, computer problems, and the occasion glitch, as well as problems with FTP uploads, iDealMac is, for now, going off-line. David van Wert announces some two desktop pictures now available at his site: http://www.davidvanwert.com/ Brenda from Noen Design informs us that she has redesigned her website. Tray's Trove updated 4-15-01 with eight new desktops :) "My Copland World" Icon set has been just released at the IconHQ. 'Mike Davidson's Mac File Library has been updated with a series of new transparent desktop pictures and OS X ready icons. Don't miss the "Steve Jobs Yin Yang" desktop pict and the heart shaped "Favorites" icon. Brycetopia's web host provider has closed it's doors. The site with go off-line in the next few days and they will be scrambling to find another home. Hansworks Design released a new desktop picture, Evil Force, and has launched three new photography albums on my site. That should keep you busy for a while! The Devil's Desktop has been updated with 9 new desktops and a new icon set for MacOS X titled "ICP Joker Cards". Colheres has added a new iconset and desktop picture by Luísa! Clockadial not only has some desktop pictures for you to download, but they also posted 6 new Outlook Express Splash Screens. He's as busy as a beaver! Steve Sobek posted six new desktops this week including a desktop version of the Startup Movie's Startup Screen, and a couple are also ideas for possible Apple Ads. Dragon Tongue has just released two new icon sets: a transparent 'Named' Icon set, and a MacOS X 'Heart' Icon set. Dean's Designs has updated with 3 new desktops and the launch of the photo page with 9 snapshots taken at the International Orchid Show from the World Financial Center in Lower Manhattan. There are 19 (!) new desktops at Mandolux - "xvolex". The basic desktop had been in the making for over three weeks! So what's up WWW? Icons? Desktop pictures? News? Inform us! We'll post it!
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4/17/01 Snapshots by Jeremy Hoesly Come get your Tuesday snapshots: - The “StripedX” desktop picture and Robin Rundkvist’s Mac On K-Scheme are showcased in this contribution from Oscar Bodini. A smattering of icons from the Devil’s Desktop, icons.cx, Gort’s, and Pixelpalooza shares the spotlight.
- This screenshot from Carver sports a custom desktop picture and the Unlined Charcoal Theme. iTunes, in tweaked form, is shuffling music tracks in the lower left. Icon Factory’s World of Aqua set in addition to some homegrown icons debuts.
- A custom desktop picture and a hacked version of Michael Rabe’s GlassWorks Theme debuts in this snapshot from Floyd Fisher. The menubar is stashed out of view, courtesy of Bartender.
- This submission from Ron Hanlon sports Chris Gervais’ “Final Fantasy” desktop picture in conjunction with Niki Standish’s FF7 GUI K-Scheme. Audion, tweaked with the Gizmo face, is pumping out music in the lower right.
- This OS X screenshot from Russell Ingram touts White Wolf’s “Vampire: The Masquerade” desktop picture. iTunes is dishing out songs in the lower right-hand corner.
- Cody Walton is back with this OS X snapshot featuring Michael Rabe’s Pastel Blue Theme. Icons from RAILhead Design are also present.
Show the Mac world how you’ve tamed and trained your desktop to your own liking. Read our submission guidelines and then fire away!
iRuby
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Theme News by Michael Rabe
Wow!! What a week it has been. Last Tuesday with the release of Pastel Blue 10, the Theme Archive set a new record with over 12,000 visitors in the first 24 hours. We would like to thank you for your support. Without you, we could not have done it.
The eMails has been flowing. Most of them asking, "How do I make themes?" or "What do I need to make themes?".
The Doghouse has posted a link page with tools and "How to's" to help you make your own theme. Let us know how you are coming along with them.
Are there another "X" themes being made? The answer is a big "YES". They are being designed and built as you read this. We are hoping to have more themes ready in the weeks to come.
Above is a preview for the Classictheme "iRuby" that will be released only here at ResExcellence Thursday. So be sure you come back and pick up your copy.
See ya on the flip flop!
If you have a theme you wish to add to the Archive, drop me an email.
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Today's News by Cletus™ Congratulations to Paul Sahner who will receive an autographed copy of REALbasic For DUMMIES by Erick Tejkowski. Paul correctly guessed the color of Erick's couch as Orange. This couch actually exists in Erick's living room too. Hmmm, I would love to see that. ResExcellence and Erick Tejkowski would like to thank all who participated in the contest.  Another super cool contest coming up! James Thomson is offering six, yes 6 free registrations to his award winning software, DragThing 4.0. DragThing is fully compatible with Mac OS X and is almost a necessity with it. Full details are listed on the contest page.
Eyeball X 1.0 by Eric Schneider, is an adaptation of similar software available for Classic Mac. This program gives you a set of eyeballs that will follow your cursor around the screen. Probably useless, definitely interesting and as the Read Me states: "Why let those unused CPU cycles go to waste? Use them for something pointless!" Download link: EyeBall X. Live Deskpicture 1.2.2 is now available. Live Deskpicture will put a dynamic image of the earth that updates as the world turns. This version is a bug fix release for the new Titanium Powerbook. A new program called Launcher 3.0.1 is out. I have mentioned this program before. From the homepage: "Launcher is a Cocoa adaptation of the MacOS 7/8.x Launcher control panel. Applications, files, and directories may be dragged onto one of the launcher panels, or aliases may be placed in the (Home)/Library/LauncherItems folder/subfolders." This program is adaptable for use with Mac OS X Server also. If you are looking for that Classic feeling for launching programs, then you may want to add this to your Mac OS X arsenal. I managed to update Mac OS X without incident over the weekend on my Graphite iBook SE. I did need to download the new Software Update first and then the System update. I noticed no perceivable speed increase. I also still get a Kernel Panic error by plugging in and then unplugging my USB Zip Drive. Classic still takes 2 plus minutes to start up and that is with bare bone settings as well. I would gladly give up the fancy animation fluff for a speed increase. The novelty of the "genie effect" has worn off. I would also prefer just plain window shading. It is time consuming when using a track pad to have to go to the dock each time to retrieve a window you needed removed for only a second. Speed, speed, speed! I want more speed. Scheme News: ObsidianMirror 1.0 is a new Kaleidoscope Scheme posted at Desktopper. The scheme is very dark in color with pink progress bars. Kind of cool really. Kine by Tadashi! Submit Software and General News Suggestions!
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Tools of the Trade by Michael Coyle
Melissa has updated the ResExcellence Links page with another 6 new sites for you to visit. She has assembled quite a collection with the goal of posting six new sites each week, but it's getting tough to do! Be sure to use the form at the bottom of the page to send her your favorite sites.
As we schedule vacations around the company headquarters, this week the burden falls upon me. For the remainder of this week, my sections will lay dormant, but please continue to send your news, tips, and contributions and I'll return next Monday!
Polling Place by Michael Coyle
 Death and Taxes. The only two things you can be sure of in life. Just like me, 43% of ResEx readers also prepared their returns electronically. This year for the first time, I even paided what I owed online.
One mistake I make (which I make every year) is procrastinating until the last possible moment. I thought I had finally broken this bad habit by uploading my tax return on Friday.
Unfortunately I had forgotten it takes a couple of days to receive a confirmation from the IRS, so all weekend I've been sitting on pins-and-needles waiting for the confirming email! It finally arrived Sunday morning. Whew! Another felony avoided. :)
| Way-cool! The RIO 600 Portable MP3 Player with Sound Jam |
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Snapshots by Jeremy Hoesly Monday’s snapshots are ready for prime time: - Mike Davidson’s “Escher Ascending Descending” desktop picture and Maury McCown’s AquaX III K-Scheme are showcased in this submission from Chris Cunningham. The custom AquaStripes-inspired “Bondi Aqua” desktop pattern shows through the transparent desktop picture. iTunes, modified to the hilt, is serving up background music in the lower right-hand corner. Custom icons along with selections from Mendelini and Icon Factory are scattered throughout.
- Stephen Jendraszak sends in this screenshot featuring EndEffect’s “Gravity Well” desktop picture. Unlined Charcoal, a utility that removes the stripes from the Aqua interface, is also running.
- This contribution from Jay Lehrer touts CampChaos’ “Metallicops” desktop picture coupled with Peter Harte’s Aqua II+ K-Scheme. Audion, equipped with a modified version of the Console face, is dishing out tunes along the top, while iTunes, tweaked with a combination of skins and custom hacks, is taking music requests in the lower left.
- The “Cyberpunk” desktop picture and K-Scheme debut in this snapshot from Arjun Rau. Audion, overhauled with the I/O face, is cranking out songs in the upper right. The Orange Peel ProtoSystem icons are also showcased.
- Zack Rothauser submits this screenshot sporting the “iMac OS Blueberry” desktop picture and theme. iTunes is shuffling sound tracks in the upper left-hand corner.
- This OS X contribution from Mitch Wong sports Phong’s “Inside the Game” desktop picture. iTunes kicks out soundwaves in the lower left-hand corner, and selections from Icon Factory abound.
Show the Mac world how you’ve tamed and trained your desktop to your own liking. Read our submission guidelines and then fire away!
SGI display Plus 500Mhz Cube on sale at Smalldog.com
Icon/Desktop News 04-16-01 Icon & Desktop News: by Dan  The influence of the newly released Mac OSX has begun to ripple through the Icon and Desktop archive, as we are now seeing more and more 128x128 jumbo sized icons coming in. In response to this we now will be previewing all icon submissions in larger frames so you can really see what each set is about. The larger frames will hold 3 - OSX icons, as well as afford more space to the standard/classic 32x32 icons, featuring up to 8 icons from any set. Pretty cool eh?
Icons - Desktops: After a restful week off, I'm back in the saddle with (2) brand new OS X Icon Sets and (8) extra fine Desktops. All on display for today's update.
- Happy Easter from Ilicon! Now, do you have any icons with Easter themes? "EGGoS" is a small, fun icon set in all their 128x128 glory for your new operating system. These icons will work with Mac OS 8.5 through OS X.
- 'Dragon Tongue has just released two excellent new icon sets, a transparent 'Named' Icon set and the OSX "Heartz" Icon set. Dragon Tongue has generously made his Heart'z available right here for download, but you will have to go to his website to find the other set.
- Soaring skyward is "The Gift" by Jason Maki. This uplifting 3-D rendered desktop comes in 1280x resolution.
- "Burning Bush" is another other worldly 3-D Bryce desktop created by Bradford J. Wiles. This one comes in 1024x and 832x resolutions.
- We have had the great good fortune to have featured a series of 3-D desktops for posting by Chris Kiss. The final of these high grade backdrops on display is titled "TiBook Chris Kiss.com", and comes in 1152x resolution. Chris reports using only Photoshop 6 and Bryce in creating these beauties. His desktops can also be downloaded/viewed at www.chriskiss.com or more directly at www.art.chriskiss.com. Look for more right here in the next week.
- SoulRocka Nasty Nene returns once again with another of his very fun, funky and wacky character desktops. "Apple Kid" comes in 1024x resolution.
- The future is here with "Extreme OS" by Gigi. This OSX-centric desktop comes in 1024x resolution.
- The final desktop I have on hand by our good friend Xochi is titled "Shado2". This elegant backdrop replete with a menu bar drop shadow and small docks comes in 1152x resolution.
- If you are addicted to pulp T.V. and the "Survivor" series, then this desktop by Fazo53 is for you. The latest incarnation of this spectacle comes at you from the Australian Outback in 1152x resolution.
- The desktop "ResEx" by Bradford J. Wiles was created simply to say thanks to ResExcellence for being the #1 Mac interface place around. And of course we agree with his sentiments. This 3-D Byrce backdrop comes in 2 resolutions.
News From Around the Web: Brenda from Noen Design informs us that she has redesigned her website. Tray's Trove updated 4-15-01 with eight new desktops :) "My Copland World" Icon set has been just released at the IconHQ. 'Mike Davidson's Mac File Library has been updated with a series of new transparent desktop pictures and OS X ready icons. Don't miss the "Steve Jobs Yin Yang" desktop pict and the heart shaped "Favorites" icon. Brycetopia's web host provider has closed it's doors. The site with go off-line in the next few days and they will be scrambling to find another home. Hansworks Design released a new desktop picture, Evil Force, and has launched three new photography albums on my site. That should keep you busy for a while! The Devil's Desktop has been updated with 9 new desktops and a new icon set for MacOS X titled "ICP Joker Cards". Colheres has added a new iconset and desktop picture by Luísa! Clockadial not only has some desktop pictures for you to download, but they also posted 6 new Outlook Express Splash Screens. He's as busy as a beaver! Steve Sobek posted six new desktops this week including a desktop version of the Startup Movie's Startup Screen, and a couple are also ideas for possible Apple Ads. Dragon Tongue has just released two new icon sets: a transparent 'Named' Icon set, and a MacOS X 'Heart' Icon set. Dean's Designs has updated with 3 new desktops and the launch of the photo page with 9 snapshots taken at the International Orchid Show from the World Financial Center in Lower Manhattan. There are 19 (!) new desktops at Mandolux - "xvolex". The basic desktop had been in the making for over three weeks! CricketBow Design has a new design, and posted four new desktop pictures for you to download! Ilicon mega updates for the upcoming holiday with EGGoS , a small fun icon set for OS X, plus some Easter desktop patterns. Also she proudly presents Eye Candy I and II. These two packs contain 63 NEW desktop patterns, enough to satisfy even the most patient desktop pattern collector. And with Easter coming, why not surprise someone with a tiny fixed or spinning bunny cursor? So what's up WWW? Icons? Desktop pictures? News? Inform us! We'll post it!
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