Random Thoughts http://blog.junyor.com Brian Junyor's Blog posterous.com Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:52:00 -0800 SOPA Is Dead: Smith Pulls Bill http://blog.junyor.com/sopa-is-dead-smith-pulls-bill http://blog.junyor.com/sopa-is-dead-smith-pulls-bill
Lamar Smith, the chief sponsor of SOPA, said on Friday that he is pulling the bill “until there is wider agreement on a solution.”
via mashable.com

Good news!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/137096/bj_nm.jpg http://posterous.com/users/j2Oc8kC4W Brian Junyor junyor Brian Junyor Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:56:54 -0800 Understanding SOPA/PIPA http://blog.junyor.com/understanding-sopapipa http://blog.junyor.com/understanding-sopapipa

From my friends at Khan Academy.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/137096/bj_nm.jpg http://posterous.com/users/j2Oc8kC4W Brian Junyor junyor Brian Junyor Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:28:37 -0700 #1 Reason for Shopping Online http://blog.junyor.com/1-reason-for-shopping-online http://blog.junyor.com/1-reason-for-shopping-online
Typically, I buy online due to selection, however I am in the minority. 

"73% of con­sumers who pre­fer shop­ping online do so because it is time sav­ing, accord­ing to data from Invesp. This is one-third more than the 55% who say they pre­fer shop­ping online because of price."

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/137096/bj_nm.jpg http://posterous.com/users/j2Oc8kC4W Brian Junyor junyor Brian Junyor Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:41:00 -0700 Blogsy Test Post http://blog.junyor.com/blogsy-test-post http://blog.junyor.com/blogsy-test-post I read somewhere that someone was using Blogsy and it's built-in browser in the iPad app to copy and paste the layout into their Posterous blog.  I thought I'd go ahead and drop the $4.99 and test the concept out.  While it is nice to have the ability to do some pseudo wysiwyg formatting, I couldn't find an easy way to attach and upload images to Posterous.  Hopefully the authors will add Posterous support in an upcoming version because I really do like the layout and interface of this app.  I'd show it to you, but as I mentioned before, I couldn't figure out a way to get the images saved.  What I like about the app (aka excuse to use bullet points):
      
  • General text formatting
    •   
  • Drag and drop images
    •   
  • Sidebar to search
    •   
  • Ability to insert videos
When they add support for more platforms this will be an awesome app.  If you don't have blogger or wordpress, I'd wait on paying $4.99 for a fancy markup editor that you have to copy and paste from. Be sure to head over to their about page, they have a poll going for which platform to add next: http://blogsyapp.com/about/

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/137096/bj_nm.jpg http://posterous.com/users/j2Oc8kC4W Brian Junyor junyor Brian Junyor Wed, 20 Jul 2011 05:58:00 -0700 Flipboard for iPad http://blog.junyor.com/flipboard-for-ipad http://blog.junyor.com/flipboard-for-ipad

I am in love with the Flipboard app for iPad.  I've used it to turn my Google Reader feeds into a magazine experience.  The app does an amazing job of rendering the posts into an storyboard format that is a breeze to navigate and easy to read.   I no longer go to Google Reader on my desktop or use any other apps for reading content. 

Flipboard-landingpageimage

You can connect your facebook and/or twitter accounts to browse those also.  Their is also a variety of other sources you can choose from, including directly accessing a RSS feed.  

From their site: 

Flipboard Pages offers a simple new way for publishers to automatically render select content in a beautiful, engaging layout on the iPad. Flipboard has also announced a handful of publishers whose content has already been enabled via Flipboard Pages including ABC News, All Things Digital, Bon Appetit, Lonely Planet, SB Nation, SF Gate, Uncrate and The Washington Post Magazine.

Flipboard-contentsguide

If you've got an iPad, go check it out: http://flipboard.com

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/137096/bj_nm.jpg http://posterous.com/users/j2Oc8kC4W Brian Junyor junyor Brian Junyor Sat, 23 Apr 2011 18:05:00 -0700 Jet Boating in New Zealand http://blog.junyor.com/jet-boating-in-new-zealand http://blog.junyor.com/jet-boating-in-new-zealand

This one goes on the bucket list.

Shotover Jet commenced operations on the upper Shotover River in 1970 and was one of Queenstown’s first adventure activities, and over the years is one of the experiences that has helped to put New Zealand on the global tourism map. Combining the classic New Zealand invention of the Jet Boat with the Kiwi culture of adventure, Shotover Jet has become part of the fabric of what is quintessentially 'New Zealand' and has taken jet boating from its humble beginnings to become one of New Zealand’s most iconic ‘must do’ visitor activities

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/137096/bj_nm.jpg http://posterous.com/users/j2Oc8kC4W Brian Junyor junyor Brian Junyor Wed, 20 Apr 2011 21:22:00 -0700 How a differential gear works http://blog.junyor.com/how-a-differential-gear-works http://blog.junyor.com/how-a-differential-gear-works

An excellent tutorial from the 1930's on the principles and development of the differential gear.

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/137096/bj_nm.jpg http://posterous.com/users/j2Oc8kC4W Brian Junyor junyor Brian Junyor Sat, 31 Jul 2010 09:20:00 -0700 Frisco Gun Show http://blog.junyor.com/frisco-gun-show http://blog.junyor.com/frisco-gun-show

Spotted this sign on the drive into the office this morning.

Photo

I didn't know: a) they had gun shows in Frisco, b) that one was going on this weekend.

This might be a problem for my wallet.  The entrance line was stretched out around the building.

Details:

Location
Frisco Gun Shows are held at the Dr Pepper Arena - 2601 Avenue of the Stars, Frisco TX 75034.

Dates
July 31 & August 1, 2010

Show Hours
Saturday 9am to 5pm
Sunday 10am to 5pm
Vendor Set-up Friday 10am to 6pm and Saturday 7:30am to 9am

Admission
General Admission - $8
Children UNDER 12 - Free
Uniformed Peace Officers - Free

Weekend Pass - $12.00, return FREE on Sunday.

Plenty of FREE Parking

More information located here: http://www.fwgunshow.com/frisco.html and http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/GunShows/ShowDetails.aspx?sid=16653

If you check it out, let me know.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/137096/bj_nm.jpg http://posterous.com/users/j2Oc8kC4W Brian Junyor junyor Brian Junyor Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:08:57 -0700 Intruder Alert http://blog.junyor.com/intruder-alert http://blog.junyor.com/intruder-alert

Img_0003

I wonder how this little guy managed to get all the way up to the third floor of our office building. Have no fear - he's been relocated to greener pastures.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/137096/bj_nm.jpg http://posterous.com/users/j2Oc8kC4W Brian Junyor junyor Brian Junyor Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:42:51 -0700 SMART Goals http://blog.junyor.com/smart-goals http://blog.junyor.com/smart-goals

SMART Goals

Specific

  • Well defined
  • Clear to anyone that has a basic knowledge of the project

Measurable

  • Know if the goal is obtainable and how far away completion is
  • Know when it has been achieved

Agreed Upon

  • Agreement with all the stakeholders what the goals should be

Realistic

  • Within the availability of resources, knowledge and time

Time Based

  • Enough time to achieve the goal
  • Not too much time, which can affect project performance
via projectsmart.co.uk

Goals should be S.M.A.R.T.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/137096/bj_nm.jpg http://posterous.com/users/j2Oc8kC4W Brian Junyor junyor Brian Junyor Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:55:55 -0700 Google Docs viewer on Mobile Browsers http://blog.junyor.com/google-docs-viewer-on-mobile-browsers http://blog.junyor.com/google-docs-viewer-on-mobile-browsers
Last week, we announced that the Google Docs viewer supports .doc and .docx attachments. Today we’re also releasing a mobile version of the Google Docs viewer for Android, iPhone and iPad to help you view PDFs, .ppt, .doc and .docx files you’ve uploaded to your documents list, without needing to download the file.

With our mobile viewer you can switch quickly between pages and pan/zoom within a page. On your iPhone and iPad, you can pinch to zoom in or out.

You can try it out by going to docs.google.com on your Android-powered device, iPad or iPhone and select any document in these formats that you've previously uploaded. Let us know what you think in the Mobile Help Forum.

via googlemobile.blogspot.com

Next comes editing -- that will be big news.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/137096/bj_nm.jpg http://posterous.com/users/j2Oc8kC4W Brian Junyor junyor Brian Junyor Sat, 26 Jun 2010 20:44:00 -0700 Test: iPhone 4 + iMovie for the iPhone http://blog.junyor.com/test-iphone-4-imovie-for-the-iphone http://blog.junyor.com/test-iphone-4-imovie-for-the-iphone

Here is a quick test of the video recording and editing capabilities on the iPhone 4.  This video was shot in low light while the iPhone was held stationary with an In Your Face viewbase.  I used iMovie for the iPhone to edit down several different takes into one 30 second spot--then I exported and uploaded to YouTube--all from the phone.

 

 

The process was relatively simple with the biggest hitch being the amount of time it took to trim the video clip.  You highlight and drag, recenter, highlight and drag.  It was the only part of the entire test that wasn't a breeze.

 

The IYF viewbase is still available through amazon for $29.95.  My only note would be that it makes a better holder for watching videos than it does for shooting them.  There are probably better solutions out there, but I had it handy and it worked in a pinch.

 

Links:

IYF Viewbase @ Amazon

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/137096/bj_nm.jpg http://posterous.com/users/j2Oc8kC4W Brian Junyor junyor Brian Junyor Sat, 26 Jun 2010 18:28:46 -0700 Video: Lightning Strikes http://blog.junyor.com/video-lightning-strikes http://blog.junyor.com/video-lightning-strikes

Lightning strikes three of the tallest buildings in Chicago at the same time! from Craig Shimala on Vimeo.

For the third time in the last 6 days, another line of nasty storms rolled through Chicago on Wednesday evening. I love coming home and being able to watch and capture nature's beauty from my balcony.

"Wed's storms towered up to 63,000 ft, unleashed 80 mph gusts, local 3"+ rains and 15,000 cloud to ground lightning strikes in a single hour." via @Skilling

Music: Sufjan Stevens - To the Workers of the Rock River Valley Region, I Have an Idea Concerning Your Predicament

via vimeo.com

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/137096/bj_nm.jpg http://posterous.com/users/j2Oc8kC4W Brian Junyor junyor Brian Junyor Sat, 26 Jun 2010 16:22:00 -0700 DIY Monitor Stand http://blog.junyor.com/diy-monitor-stand http://blog.junyor.com/diy-monitor-stand

The challenge:  Find my friend a stylish monitor stand / notebook dock.  It was harder to find than I thought.  A trip to Staples, Office Depot, and Office Max turned up bulky plastic eyesores that would have taken up too much desk space.

 

Plan B: Design a stylish monitor stand / notebook dock.  The Container Store came through with some unusual components, that when combined - create something unique and functional.

Monitor-stand

 

What you'll need:

 

4-Bottle Iron Stacking Wine Rack [10049050]

10-1/8" x 9-3/4" x 10" h

$19.99

4bottleironstackingwinerack_x

 

Wing Glass Shelf [10049930]

8" x 24" x 1/2" h

$16.99

Wingglassshelves_l

 

Clear Dot Adhesive Surface Protectors

-Available at retail, but I couldn't find them online.

 

 

Assembly is a breeze - attach the adhesive protectors over the pin holes on the top of the wine rack and center the glass on top.  The weight of the glass is enough to keep it in place.  Rubber ducks are optional.

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/137096/bj_nm.jpg http://posterous.com/users/j2Oc8kC4W Brian Junyor junyor Brian Junyor Thu, 24 Jun 2010 18:28:00 -0700 iPhone 4 on Launch Day http://blog.junyor.com/iphone-4-on-launch-day http://blog.junyor.com/iphone-4-on-launch-day

We headed out at 6:30 AM to the Apple Store at Willow Bend Mall in Plano, Texas.  If I had to guess, I'd say that when we arrived shortly after 7:00 AM, we had about 500-600 people in line in front of us.  I've attached a rude sketch of the line that shows where we started on the other end of the mall, wound around the play area into a zig zag queue, before making it to another line in front of the store.  We entered Apple around 3:30 PM and breezed through getting the whole family new iPhones in less than 15 minutes.

Wb_iphone_line

Eight or so hours in a line was made bearable by the folks at Apple providing food and drinks from mall vendors.  We had Chic-fil-A, Auntie Anne's, Krispy Kreme, Hagen-Daz, and California Pizza Kitchen.  A big thanks to the staff of Apple Willow Bend for making a long wait tolerable.

Oh, and the new iPhone rocks.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/137096/bj_nm.jpg http://posterous.com/users/j2Oc8kC4W Brian Junyor junyor Brian Junyor Thu, 24 Jun 2010 06:55:00 -0700 The iPhone Line http://blog.junyor.com/kreatre2009-this-will-give-you-some-ide http://blog.junyor.com/kreatre2009-this-will-give-you-some-ide

File

@kreatre2009 this will give you some idea. We're still this side of the play area.

via Osfoora

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/137096/bj_nm.jpg http://posterous.com/users/j2Oc8kC4W Brian Junyor junyor Brian Junyor Tue, 22 Jun 2010 11:17:54 -0700 Also enjoy a free craft. http://blog.junyor.com/also-enjoy-a-free-craft http://blog.junyor.com/also-enjoy-a-free-craft

File

Also enjoy a free craft.
via Osfoora

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/137096/bj_nm.jpg http://posterous.com/users/j2Oc8kC4W Brian Junyor junyor Brian Junyor Sun, 20 Jun 2010 18:26:25 -0700 Father's Day at BJ's Brewhouse with @jt_... http://blog.junyor.com/fathers-day-at-bjs-brewhouse-with-jt-1 http://blog.junyor.com/fathers-day-at-bjs-brewhouse-with-jt-1

File

Father's Day at BJ's Brewhouse with @jt_allen and rest of the family. No glass for the uncle, I checked.
via Osfoora

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/137096/bj_nm.jpg http://posterous.com/users/j2Oc8kC4W Brian Junyor junyor Brian Junyor Sun, 13 Jun 2010 22:11:00 -0700 Jimmy Dean: 1928-2010 http://blog.junyor.com/jimmy-dean-1928-2010 http://blog.junyor.com/jimmy-dean-1928-2010

Jimmydean

via the Associated Press:

Jimmy Dean, a country music legend for his smash hit about a workingman hero, "Big Bad John," and an entrepreneur known for his sausage brand, died on Sunday. He was 81.

I was a big fan of "Big Bad John."  Rest in peace Mr. Dean.


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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/137096/bj_nm.jpg http://posterous.com/users/j2Oc8kC4W Brian Junyor junyor Brian Junyor Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:34:00 -0700 iPhone 4 http://blog.junyor.com/iphone-4-107 http://blog.junyor.com/iphone-4-107

As it reads on Apple's iPhone page - "This changes everything.  Again."   Yep. 

Gallery01-20100607

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/137096/bj_nm.jpg http://posterous.com/users/j2Oc8kC4W Brian Junyor junyor Brian Junyor