Pete's Blog » helpful

Best of – Adobe Photoshop Tutorials

Pete — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 12:43:29 +0000

An amazing resource for anyone who uses Adobe Photoshop.

When it comes to graphic design, Adobe Photoshop is usually the first option to consider. However, the software itself is a quite tough nut to crack — and definitely extremely hard to master. For instance, the concepts are not always intuitive and it’s not always clear when to use what tool and how to use it effectively. In fact, in Photoshop it usually takes pretty much time to achieve something you have never done before.

However, you don’t need to muddle through numerous Photoshop features and extensions for every design problem. You can use professional suggestions instead, e.g. professional step-by-step tutorials which provide excellent results and thus can save you a lot of time.

View list of Adobe Photoshop Tutorials (Best Of)

Judge Judy with an Ebay Scammer!

Pete — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 18:18:27 +0000

This girl deserves a standing ovation! What an idiot!

Apparently this woman (the blonde in the video) scammed 2 people into thinking they were buying 2 cell phones and received 2 photos of cell phones instead. Then the scammer opts to go on Judge Judy!
Beware of eBay scammers!

Jott It!

Pete — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 12:30:38 +0000

Yesterday I wrote a post that went into how great Jott was in combination with Xpenser. Today, I will tell you why Jott is one of those “gotta have it” tools on the web and the best part about this is, that it’s all free!

Jott™ is a revolutionary new service that automatically converts your voice into e-mail and text messages—anytime, anywhere, with any cell phone. Jott™ makes you more productive and efficient by capturing your ideas, notes to self, tasks, and more without using your keypad.

I’ve found Jott to be extremely helpful in a couple different situations:

It’s much easier to Jott someone a response instead of texting when you’re in the middle of driving / riding / running around.
You are out and about and need to remind yourself of something for later.
It’s great to track expenses with Xpenser using Jott!
You can use it to blog a post!!
You can use it with Twitter, Jaiku, Blogs, Zillow, Yahoo Groups, 30 Boxes, Remember the milk, Tumblr, and the list goes on and on! Look here!

If you are like me, it takes me way too long to text someone a response or have conversations using texting on a cell phone, Jott makes it easy, and that I can appreciate!

Did I already mention that it’s FREE?
Check out Jott for your everyday use!

Xpenser – Track your expenses!

Pete — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 11:56:10 +0000

Xpenser is a super easy way to keep track of your expenses. I have found it very useful in keeping track of my daily business expenses and catching up either at the end of the day or week.

We were fed up with how painful expense reports and tracking were. After many experiments we found a workable solution: record expenses as soon as they happen and forget about them.

Xpenser lets you do just that – record expenses via whatever means are available to you quickly and painlessly. Send them in via Email, SMS, IM, or voice (call a number and say your expense). Use the Web interface to edit and finalize them, and be done with them. No more forgetting your cash expenses, no more half-day expense entry sessions.

It’s one of those easy to use “Fire and Forget” tools that make it a super tool for me. You don’t have to tinker with too much to put down your expense and move on. Xpenser gives you several ways to insert your data quickly and painlessly including Twitter, Aim, Jott, SMS and email!

Now, without going into too much detail, what makes this a ultra cool tool is the fact that I can use Jott to submit my expenses to Xpenser on the run by cell. The combination of these two awesome resources makes it a must have for anyone who wants to track expenses. I’ll get into Jott on my next post.

Keep track of your expenses using Xpenser!

Google Android Videos

Pete — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:22:45 +0000

Google’s new mobile platform, Android, may revolutionize the way we use phones tomorrow. Here are a couple of videos demonstrating how Android works.

Cool apps that surprise and delight mobile users, built by developers like you, will be a huge part of the Android vision. To support you in your efforts, Google has launched the Android Developer Challenge, which will provide $10 million in awards — no strings attached — for great mobile apps built on the Android platform.

Eee PC: Enable a full desktop!

Pete — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:31:42 +0000

Have you heard about the new Eee PC yet? It’s this nifty little portable computer with a flash drive that is smaller than most hardcover books. Currently runs for about $400 here, but there will be cheaper versions available soon.

Anyway, one of the things that make this little pc so great, is that it comes with a very easy to use linux interface that most people can use. As for people like me who like to be confused more often with more advanced features, there is a way to get a full desktop out of this.

Here are some great instructions on how to give yourself a fully functional linux desktop (Xandros) and use the little bugger the way it was meant to be used.

Now, it won’t be easy for the novice user, but it isn’t impossible either!

We say no, easy way, because it turns out you can pull up a terminal in easy mode and use apt-get. And that’s exactly what we’re going to do in order to enable the full desktop. You could just use apt-get to install all the software your heart desires without ever enabling full desktop mode. It would certainly save you a few MB of precious memory (while the Eee PC has 4GB of solid state storage, only about 1.3GB is available, since the OS eats up a large chunk). But it’s also more of a headache to do everything from the command line if you’re used to graphical user interfaces.

Thanks to Brad Linder at DownloadSquad.com!
Read how to get the most out of your Eee PC.

Drew Carey and Medical Marijuana

Pete — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 15:16:59 +0000

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, I’m sure you’ve seen the recent debates on medical marijuana within politics. Here is Drew Carey’s view on his Reason.TV show The Drew Carey Project.

He makes many good points in this presentation.

100 Fantastic High Resolution Photoshop Brushes

Pete — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 11:05:00 +0000

Here’s a great list of photoshop brushes that should be a part of everyone’s arsenal. As every photoshop user knows, you could never have too many brushes.

Check out 100 Awesome High Resolution Photoshop Brushes

** Update **
Google cache link

40 more Free Windows Apps!

Pete — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 14:44:46 +0000

I look at many lists for applications, this is one of the good ones! I found some interesting new applications and web apps on this list that you may find useful!

An informative list of applications listed in just about every category, have a peek.

Check out the list of many free apps for Windows!

List of IM Programs

Pete — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 13:24:57 +0000

I remember a time that IM (Instant messaging) programs were scarce. That’s right, it was hard to find a decent program for communication. The top dogs were ICQ, AIM, and MSN Messenger and they all sucked back then compared to the features available today.

I use Skype and Google Talk on a daily basis. For me, this covers every base I need, but then there’s times that people need to communicate with me and they only use a particular medium. In those cases I only use Aim or MSN Messenger.

Anyway, here’s a huge list of Instant Messenging programs that list all kinds, from desktop to web-based to network im programs.

Nice List of Office 2.0 Web Applications

Pete — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 12:47:55 +0000

I ran into this pretty good list of web applications you can use around the office. From bookmarking, calculators, spreadsheets, to file servers, form generators, and personal organizers. The list seems to go on and on. I do use a few and I’m sure you will run into a couple you use as well.

Read the entire list of Web 2.0 Office Applications

Dog the Bounty hunter no longer wanted!

Pete — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 13:03:07 +0000

I read recently that they finally let “Dog” Chapman off the hook and he’s no longer wanted in Mexico. Good news for Dog, he didn’t deserve that, hope he makes sure it’s legal next time he’s “out of town”.

A judge has canceled an order for the arrest of Chapman, who for more than three years has faced the possibility of extradition to serve a jail sentence in Mexico, attorney Eduardo Amerena told Reuters.

“Chapman can now be in Mexico without any problem,” Amerena said.

Create light with a pencil!

Pete — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 17:52:21 +0000

It’s been a great summer for me so far, sorry for the lack of updates this month. I’ve been outdoors most of it and taking advantage of the great weather (and scooters!).

I saw this today and thought, “Don’t try this at home kiddies!”.

Google Maps just got better – Draggable directions!

Pete — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 16:00:50 +0000

Google is on a roll! My favorite map tool just got better with some cool features!
You can now drag your route (blue line) using different roads than the ones chosen automatically by Google. You can add destinations and it will all get sorted out for you nice and neat.

I’m totally loving it! Watch the Google Maps video introducing some of the new features:

Google Docs and Spreadsheets gets a new facelift!

Pete — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:35:50 +0000

Google Docs and Spreadsheets just got a new look. I like it this time around, it’s loading faster for me, and you’re now able to see all the documents right there in front of you. I wasn’t a big fan of the “out of sight out of mind” from the previous setup.

Outside of the new look, they did add some new things, now they have folders. Folders seems to work the same way as tags, but more like gmail where organization seems better with the traditional folder view. Also, they have Google Suggest like features for searching through your documents.

All in all, I think it’s a nice improvement.

Google Docs and Spreadsheets gets a makeover

Get a temporary phone number!

Pete — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 19:06:41 +0000

We’ve all heard about disposable e-mails, cameras, and contact lenses. But have you heard about the recent service that’s providing disposable phone numbers?

Numbr.com is providing temporary phone numbers, local to many areas, that give you the opportunity to pass out your number for timed events, such as a craigslist listing or any other type of classified ad.
You can set the number to expire in either an hour, a day, a week or a month. They provide the means to manage your number also so you can change the forwarding, email or features that the number comes with. It does provide some nice features including call screening, voicemail (emailed), history and you can even add another call forwarding number incase the first one is unanswered. More of Numbr features.

numbr is an auto-expiring, FREE anonymous phone number that forwards incoming call to
your home or mobile phone. Callers do not see your home or mobile numbers.

They also provide some extra site code for your ad or website.

Get your own free auto-expiring numbr

Get your own new FREE disposable number

A saw to save your finger

Pete — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 14:11:55 +0000

This table saw’s technology may save YOUR hotdog one day!

Free alternatives to Quicken and MS Money

Pete — Thu, 24 May 2007 15:26:38 +0000

I have been looking for alternative financial tools to use and have run across this today. I found some tools I haven’t seen before and wanted to share it.
A couple web based and some software applications. My experience hasn’t been great with one or two of the listed alternatives, but I did find some new ones that seem interesting and worth trying out, maybe you will too!

Check out 6 great alternatives to Quicken and Money

100 Best Products of 2007 by PC World

Pete — Wed, 23 May 2007 13:15:12 +0000

PC World put together a fantastic list of 100 products together that you will surely agree with, well mostly. A really nice selection of software and hardware that has made up this year so far.

Lots of my favorite tools are listed, including most Google apps, hardware like the 80GB iPod, and sites like Digg and Craigslist!

Our editors rank the best PCs, HDTVs, components, sites, and services. Plus: the products we’re looking forward to next year, and which technologies are rising and falling.

Check out PC World’s full list of the 100 Best Products of 2007

iGoogle launched – make your own gadgets too!

Pete — Tue, 01 May 2007 18:13:36 +0000

Google Personalized Homepage renamed to iGoogle!

– a name that connotes interactivity, the Internet, and personalization all at once.

Also with this new name, comes new gadgets, well.. it’s a bit more than that. Now anyone can create their own gadgets (no experience necessary)! You don’t need to know any HTML or have super programming skills to make your own gadget.

Now you can make your own, because starting today, without having any programming or web design experience at all, anyone can create Google Gadgets for iGoogle and send them to friends.

Free Apps for new Ubuntu users

Pete — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 16:17:11 +0000

I’ve listed some free applications for windows and other OS’s in the past. Today I found a great list of applications for new Ubuntu users.
I use almost all applications listed on the list, you should try a few of them, they are free.

Some of my favorite applications listed include:

See the list of 17 free applications for Ubuntu

New WordPress Theme Generator

Pete — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 00:18:44 +0000

WordPress theme generator seems to be hitting the main channels today. This new tool enables anyone to create a wordpress theme on the fly (within minutes) with customized options like colors and such.
It makes it really easy to pick out your favorite colors and see the theme change in real time. It claims that you’ll be able to whip out a new theme without any experience in HTML, PHP, CSS, etc…
So when you are done with your masterpiece, just click download and it’s all yours.

This online generator creates your own custom unique WordPress Theme. Without any need for HTML, JS, PHP, or CSS knowledge.
Change the colors, settings, layout, preview live, click “save” and download your unique WordPress theme zip-file. Extract, upload, set, and you are done!

I haven’t used it, but it looks like it gets the job done quite well! Mark also makes some valid points about past generators phasing out.

Check out the new WordPress Theme Generator

Feisty Fawn Ubuntu 7.04 released!

Pete — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 15:52:21 +0000

Ubuntu Feisty Fawn was released yesterday.
Be sure to go over the Release Notes for upgrade / installation instructions.
If you are new to Ubuntu, you should take the 7.04 Tour and take a peak at all the features you get for free.
My personal experience with Ubuntu has been fantastic, I have been dual booting on my laptop with it for quite some time and I use it more than XP, easily running email, music, video, internet browsing, skype, google talk, and any other applications you can think of. It’s the best free solution for anyone not wanting to upgrade and spend big money for another virus ridden system.

Download your flavor of Ubuntu

Froogle is now Google Product Search

Pete — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 21:51:33 +0000

Froogle.com is no more, as of today Google has renamed it to Google Product Search. This should streamline Google into a mean shopping search machine.

Today, we’re making some changes to how we help users find things to buy. You may be familiar with our product Froogle (a pun on “frugal”). Froogle offers a lot of great functionality and has helped many users find things to buy over the years, but the name caused confusion for some because it doesn’t clearly describe what the product does.

Thunderbird 2 RC1 released

Pete — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 13:05:47 +0000

Thunderbird 2.0 RC1 released yesterday!
I use it on my laptop and the improvements include easy account setup for Gmail and .Mac accounts, smoother looking interface, tags (like gmail labels), new and improved search, support for Vista and more!
I like the new interface and it was practically a one click setup for my Gmail account. Here is what’s new in Thunderbird 2.

Best part about it is it’s free! Download Thunderbird 2!