It should be no surprise that the majority of Mac users favor a split in Microsoft, but 84% was a little surprising.

One interesting aspect of the Wired story that prompted the poll referred to the overruling by the Appellate court on the order to force Microsoft to ship a browserless version of Windows. At the time, I felt it was a major defeat for the government's case, but in actuality, it allowed them to move forward with confidence. Using that court ruling as a set of guildlines, the DOJ felt they now new how to stucture to case to win on appeal. If you haven't read the print version, the article will be online in three weeks. I'll post a link to it then.

I must admit that I fast-forward through TV commercials, even though it's how I make my living! It seems no one likes advertising, and I can tell from server logs that some readers block the banners of ResExcellence, but how many of you? This week's Polling Place asks, "Do you block browser ads?"

iCab has released a new version of their perpetually beta web browser! This time they have included a MacOS X version that works great. If I understand correctly, since the MacOS X version also launches under MacOS 9, then it is a Carbon application, not Cocoa. Still, every application that runs without booting Classic is a big plus!

This next MacInstruct tutorial is a two part titled, "How to make a Mac Webserver". Part one gets your domain registered and Open Transport ready with multi homing support.

Akio has updated the design of his page! Stop by to take a look at the great desktops and splash screens, but make sure you have Flash installed! Updated: The page is now also available without Flash.

• For Classic Mac, Mike Vannorsdel created a very nice looking Glass MOSS.
  
  
• If you like your desktop clocks to be small, then this icon sized creation by Mio N. might be for you.
  
  
• Alex contributes a way-cool skin for Toast. It's dark tone features a beautiful CD image.
  
  
• Rock and Roll is the latest MOSS from MAJArch Studios. Featuring a red electric guitar, even the text elements are cool.
  
  
• MAJArch Studios also contributed a Think Globally About this Mac replacement.
  
  
• Not liking all the ads in the Adobe Acrobat splash screen, Daryl Sawatzky created an artistic splash of true acrobats!
  
  
• Stephan "Frank" Korting created a nice looking Netscape splash! He also wants me to mention that his site, Frank's Corner, has shut down for the time being.
  
  
• And here is the last Bootpanel for MacOS X in the series from Gene Van Dyke!

Icon & Desktop News by Jessica

Today should be the day for the desktop submissions to begin going up.  I plan to tackle the icons next.  For now, when you submit, label everything as accurately as possible. Make sure to identify yourself too, as you want to be known to your adoring public. Sizes of your submission were sometimes left out, sure I can check, and check, and keep on checking.
 

Icon and Desktop Archives: This is exciting. Was yours one of the lucky Desktops?  I think we should entertain requests.  Are there any icons you are dying for that you just can't seem to find?  E-mail me. Let us attempt to suggest (without ruffling any feathers) not demand, icons we would love to see added to the archive.  I for one can never get enough application icons. In fact I have a suggestion. You know all those great Audion Faces?  How about a matching face and icon set? Including interior files, please! 

• Akeem Williams sent this October mood, "Darkness."
  
  
• Ward off big brother with "1984" by Andrew Van Atta.
  
  
• Two by Frank Korting, "Fishes and Dock" so you can dream with dolphins and "Black Old Sun," for you peppy fire signs.
  
  
• "Lizard," and "Blood Simple" by brenda von ashen, will expand your universe in reds and purples.

News From Around the Web:

Great new icons at Maumau.  I don't care if they're for kids or cute. Once I might have hated cute. When I learned that it was the cornerstone of my mother's philosophy. But I won't be denied any longer. Download all of them, including the older sets. Later build, a little like Lego, from all of the useful, chunky bold, styles, and colors. Customize to match your desktop picture d'jour. Note, when you go to select the new ones you will think the preview picture doesn't look like icons, but it is. You'll see. For those of you that can't figure out the Maumau site: here we go, follow along, not too close.. I love trips to Japan. It's an easter egg hunt. Or like looking for the big cash money passover matzo. Nahh, Maumau is easy, just go to the download text, point, click. Then, icons, point?  Click?

Ok, I've got it figured, some of the Maumau folders remind me of Ra. The French Master Musician, cartoonist, and icon man.  His site is worth living at.  Forget about surfing.  Pack your salvation army rejects and move in.  His music and animation together are mind-blowing. The icons are collectors items. Imagine having your own free piece of Picasso?  Get close, get a Raool. Find inspiration personified. I am now determined to dust the studio.  Some relatives will have to depart (not move, die!) so I can afford all the new Macromedia products:  Flash, lets see Peak, Studio 16, Deck. Forget it. Never mind me. Ra should be appreciated. Get James with attitude and the Yellow Desktop. Then send Raool some love, thanking him for all the gifts. If your wondering what the news is. It's James, he went out and bought himself almost five new suits. What a man, what a man, what a mighty, mighty, good man. Sing it.

All this jetting setting, does make one wistful. I long to be back in europe. Even Amsterdam, having coffee, chatting with Rene, from Happicon. He knows how I feel about his trash, and now the entire site is completely overhauled. It is simply too marvelous, but you must experience it for yourself, Dahlink.

Let me tell you the shoes in Amsterdam, surprising. Where did they learn shoes? Maybe it goes back to their pre feudal history. When the banks of the Red Light District were almost wiped out the entire country. The way I remember it. One clog wearing dutchman placed his foot in just the right hole, saving in the entire country. So I suppose I should consider the shoes I found lucky. They are flat, but six inches high, a combat boot, style. Killer safe, better than mace. I know, I'll sport them at Mac World S.F. Michael says we are going!! Yippee. I get to meet all my fellow wackazoids. Now that's the news.

If you didn't catch Michael's article from the 20th, it is worth your time.

This just in, Iconfactory has a brand new icon set, by resident artist Dave Brasgalla. A halloween set.
I haven't seen it, but let's race over. Ravenswood Manor, hmm.  Ravenswood Manor. I don't know. Do you think Dave would mind if I toss out some alternative titles?
 

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

Software News: by Cletus™

Gravité 2.0.1 is out by Sylvain Demongeot. If there was ever an enhancement control panel that you really do not need it is Gravité. But there has never been anything created for the Mac that is this much fun either. This popular software will add motion to your icon movement similar to the effects of gravity on objects. Your mundane, everyday workspace tasks become fun again. Just moving a simple document is a joy again. Plus it is only a postcard away from your ownership.

Gravité in action! Just a swingin'!

• Compatible with "A-Dock."
• "Crash" sound is now asynchronous.
• In a certain situation, Gravite could "eat" a click. Fixed that.
• Fixed "spring" effect after "crash."

Now for a couple of Apple Scripts to make your life easier and manager your desktop. The first is suggested by Bob Friede called Window Manager. A collection of Scripts to manage how the windows of any application are handled. Some examples of the included scripts are: Arrange Windows 2.2, Tile Windows 2.2, and Stack Applications 2.2 to name just a few.

Coincidentally, another script set was updated over the weekend after Bob suggested the previous set. Both sets of script sets are by the same author — John Rethorst. This second set is called Finder Workspaces. It will allow you to set up various "workspaces" that include window arrangements and settings for the work space. Very useful for working on projects where you have a collection of windows arranged for your work. Link is courtesy of Version Tracker.

ACTION Files 1.5.4 replaces the previously released (then removed) version by PowerOn Software. An apparent bug in version 1.5.3 quickly removed this dialog box enhancement tool from the open market. PowerOn Software now offers this version as a replacement to gain the following bug fixes:

• Fixed compatibility issues with several applications including BBEdit 6, Adobe Photoshop 6, Adobe Illustrator 9, Microsoft Word 2001 and Codewarrior
• Fixed an issue that would keep some documents and items from showing up in the recent items list and the corresponding icons from displaying

A-Dock and Glidel were both updated last Friday in case you missed my updated news. A-Dock received a number of enhancements and bug fixes listed here.

This isn't GUI related in the least but it is a fine piece of software, so I want to mention it. Tex-Edit Plus is a great down and dirty word processor that I always have open to use in place of SimpleText. It is a "scriptable, styled text editor that is fast, efficient, and has a clean, uncluttered interface." Using some of the included scripts you can "clean up" the text you receive from the net or forwarded text in email. I simply use Default App to redirect everything from SimpleText to TextEdit. A version of the software is also in the alpha stage of development for Mac OS X. Download.

Speaking of Mac OS X, I hope you continue to check in on our OS X Software Archive every now and then as I have been adding much more to the archive. Have any GUI related suggestions ( apart from another Menu bar clock) and I would be glad to mention it. Drop me a note.

Themes and Schemes news:

The Kaleidoscope Scheme Archive adds 9 new and 4 updated schemes to their sanctuary. A couple have been mentioned here before, but one that hasn't that is very interesting is Wyrmworks. I don't know that I would use it but it is interesting nevertheless. :)

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