Tong Family (richtong.org sync)

I’ve been using it for a while and it is really very good. Much less buggy that our Exchange stuff. And it is great to see other people calendars. Works better than native Exchange really. Now, it does push mail too, so you don’t have to configure imap. AppleInsider | Google brings push Gmail to…

Mac Rumors: Apple Mac Rumors and News You Care About the next-generation iMac may be the first to offer quad-core processors in the form of Core i7 “Clarksfield” mobile processors from Intel. Additionally, previously rumored Blu-ray support may not be included in the new models. More specifically, people close to the Cupertino-based company have picked…

The most realistic effects are using the Tone Compressor, while if you want surreal Salvador Dali paintings, use the detail enhancer where the chart below shows you how to get things that look like Mars or a bad acid trip. See Colin Smith’s Tutorial on Photomatix Pro Tone Mapping

Microsoft kills the Sidekick. The first smart phone is dead – Computerworld Blogs There is no official word on the death of the Sidekick from Microsoft or Tmobile, but it certainly looks bleak for the iconic device. This week, Microsoft announced that they had lost all Sidekick user data including pictures, contacts, calendars and other…

Well, it is $800, but the initial reports are good. It is so exciting that the small compact, but professional segment of cameras is opening up. It used to be just the Ricoh GR Digital II and the Sigma DP2 which has a 41mm equivalent lense at F/2.9. The lense is sharp but autofocus is…

Sigh. I really love apple equipment I really do but I have to say these time capsules are a big mistake. There are two huge problems 1. There is no permissions or security. I just accidentally deleted 100gb of photos because there is no way to make a directory read only. Ur either full access…

AppleInsider | Apple predicted to release new iMacs, MacBooks in weeks Also on tap, according to Wedge Partners, are likely price cuts. The company sees the lower prices as a competitive alternative to Windows 7 machines. Wedge Partners predicts that Apple will sell 3 million Macs in the holiday season, riding the wave of price…

Classic user error, I just deleted my entire photo directory from my time capsule. This is a real problem because there is no way to recover it without opening the Time Capsule and voiding your warranty. Also there are no permissions, so you can’t secure a folder to prevent this kind of thing. So it…

I can’t believe it, Microsoft really does make expensive hardware. We have three PS3s and they work fine, but Calvin wanted an Xbox, so off we go to the store. First thing is that although the box costs $300, you need to spend $80 (wow!!!!) for a Wifi adapter, but it turns out, it is…

A list of things I’ve always wanted to fix things… iTwinge. This is a ittle sleeve you stick over your iPhone that gives you a real keyboard. Kind of a cool idea. FRAGnStein. This is a wireless mouse for a PS3. Really good for those of us from the PC who like the mouse for…

I want to love the new Jawbone, but I agree. I have terrible problems with adjusting it. It doesn’t fit super well and all the little metal loops have now snapped at the base. Also, any adjustment and the idiot designer who made the whole front face the hang up button should be shot. Everytime…

Got a great comment from a friend as I was about get to Vex. There is a new system called Tetrix which are essentially stronger metal components that are compatible with Lego Technics and NXT. That means you can build big metal structures and still use the NXT and program it. What a great idea!…

Thank Jon for sending, I have to agree, what an amazing shot. And at 7-6, 7-6, you have to admit that some of these guys know how to play the game… Roger Federer’s Greatest Shot Ever: 2009 US Open Semis

Calvin finally had me have a look at the Xbox 360. As usual, buying these things is incredibly confusing. There is the Xbox 360 and then the Pro and Elite versions. And of course the new Jasper chipset I sure hope that the model I ordersed from Newegg today is Jasper. Apparently you can check…

In case you’ve forgotten here are the United program levels: MP Registration: Double elite qualifying miles (EQM) Double elite qualifying miles (EQM) gets you to the highest level faster. So if you are booking a flight. Far better to pay for it and then upgrade. Check your miles now. You need 50K EQM to make…

John mentioned this one to me, as I sit here editing three memos for tomorrow, I’m reminded he is right. Eisenhower is one smart person. Planning is good because it helps you think through objectives. I actually like the later formulation better, but it appears, Dwight actually said the more boring one about planning. Battle…

Sigh, although the MX700 drivers are included in OS X 10.6, they didn’t include the special drivers that Canon uses for use over the internet, so you have to download the IJ Network Utility from the Canon site and then the key is wait a little in the Add Printer dialog. See below… Apple -…

OK, here is how it all works in Snow Leopard: In iCal, goto to Preferences/Accounts and select the + to Add, now you will see a new option with is Google and you type in your user name and password. Your main calendar should now appear. Then click on the Delegation tab (not very intuitive)…

I have all kinds of sync problems and bad data with my iCal, Address Book and Entourage on one of my computers, a MacBook Pro. Here is how to completely wipe out corrupt databases. First I should read my own post from last year Apple – Support – Discussions – How do I completely reset…

And it went amazingly smoothly, I got my 3GS in 15 minutes at the Apple store. They are getting really good at fulfillment! 9 to 5 Mac | Apple Intelligence On this year’s launch day, iPhone sales exceeded sales recorded on 2008’s iPhone launch day, Black Friday 2008 and Dec. 26, 2008 — all heavy-volume…

Sigh which is why third party drivers are always such a pain!Does eSATAII Rosewill RC-605 ExpressCard not work with 10.6? (external HDD question) – Mac Forums Yes, the card presently doesn’t work. I’ve tried different variations of the Sil3132 driver but always get a kernel panic at startup (the original drivers were placed in the…

Thanks Darrell, I love this parable.. When things in your lives seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.  A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began,…

I’ve been looking for a blender for a while. The Consumer Reports top rated one isn’t available, but Cooks Illustrated via Consumer Search likes this $55 retro Oster Beehive Blender. The main issue appears to be the rubber piece between the drive and blades. This tears if the blades are working too hard. For $4…

I’m actually amazed, but got the Belkin F1PP010EN-SK Desktop Internet Phone for Skype and this no name Ipevo S0-20 wifi Skype phone. I have to say I’m really surprised at the call quality and the firmware. They are easy to setup and at least with Comcast Seattle and even with Vietnamese broadband, they work. The…

The new 4/3 cameras seem like the best compromise for high quality…Olympus E-P1. 13Mp and 12oz. The major drawback is that it doesn’t have a viewfinder and it has a slow focus in low light and the zoom is slow too. The good news is that image quality and noise levels and speed are equal…

OK, I have my heavy duty tripod Gitzo 2-series tripod with a nice Markins M10 ballhead and gave away my lightweight set as a gift 🙁 so what to get to replace it. With my LowePro AW 250, I can carry a Canon 5D II, 24-105 F/4 as the base camera and also the 16-35,…

Snow Leopard is out and upgrade went smoothly on two Macbook (unibody 2008) and just horribly on an older MacBook Pro (2007): EOS Utility crashes when trying to download photos from my Canon. This is on version 2.6.1 so that is not the problem. 2.5 also crashed. Blank Screen on Install. So wierd I don’t…

Why is it so hard even with the web 20 years old to get a good answer to the question, where do I get a good massage in Seattle. Anyway, here are some resources: Seattle Times has a list of the best spas. Notables are Banya 5, a Russian inspired bathhouse downtown, Dahlia Spa a…

Mac Rumors: Apple Mac Rumors and News You Care About The current line of iPods is on its last legs, lending more evidence that an iPod refresh is just around the corner. Sources from Apple Authorized Resellers have confirmed to Ars that current stock is dwindling (if not completely gone in some cases) and that…

Richard told me about Joseph Campbell and I just love this quote… Joseph Campbell: We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. The old skin has…