Splash of Style...Macs, Photography, Design, and other Passions

Happy New Year

December 29, 2007 by debbie T | Digital Photography • Flickr • Ramblings

Feather in the Snow

My New Year’s Resolution(s):

  1. Take many more photos, and learn a bit more about the advanced features of my XTi camera.
  2. I have plans for a few new articles, and I hope to update the SoS script - removing and adding a few groups.
  3. And the boring hope that I can make time to be healthier. Exercising, eating better, blah blah blah

Thanks everyone for all your visits this year!!! I hope everyone has a happy and healthy New Year!

Splash Back

March 10, 2007 by debbie T | Ramblings

Gee, it has been a LOOONG time since Splash of Style has been updated.

I have a semi-legit excuse. In August, 2006, we decided it was time to look for a new home. We were extremely blessed and lucky because on November 1, our old home was sold, and we purchased another. In between packing, moving, unpacking, and settling into the new surroundings, there was little time for Splash of Style entries. Or maybe I just wasn’t motivated.

After the move, I found a new love….cooking. I always thought I hated cooking, but it turns out, all I needed was a comfortable kitchen. A whole new culinary life has been found! And would you believe I don’t even mind doing the dishes.

So, while part of me is learning new delicious uses for All-clad, Calphalon and Staub, I will try to make time for my technology love too.

Sorry I stayed away so long!

Search - Google vs Windows Live

July 29, 2006 by debbie T | Internet • Ramblings

To retain my Amazon 1.57% discount, I am occasionally forced to use the A9 search tool bar to search, but for most searching, I rely on the reliable results of google.

After silently comparing several instances of A9 Windows Live results with Google, this morning I have come to a final conclusion. Windows Live really sucks as a search engine. Ooh I am sure that is a big surprise, right?

Today I needed to know how much it cost to mail a postcard, so I figured A9 (Windows Live) surely would be able to handle that simple task. Nope. The search phrase “cost to mail a postcard” displaced useless spammy results in A9, while google displayed the US Postal rate calculator page, where I quickly found my answer of $0.24 as the current rate.

Thanks for nothing Windows Live! Geez!

When Does Found Time Calculate into Lost Time?

July 1, 2006 by debbie T | Ramblings

Unfortunately, I have been neglecting my Splash of Style blog, and I am not sure why.

For the last month and half, the company that employees me part time (in real life) has been undergoing renovations that could last another 2 to 3 months (maybe longer.) When I initially realized I had an opportunity for extra time off (with full salary pay) I was thrilled. Here was a chance to do all the things I never had time to do.

So what have I accomplished in the last month and half? I should have plenty of time to create articles, work on designs, and let my creativity flow. But I have nothing substantial to show for my time.

Instead I neglected my own blog, along with being behind listening to my favorite podcasts and reading my favorite blogs. When (and why) did my new found time calculate into lost time?

After some additional soul searching, I aim to stop my Attention Deficit ways, and find a fun project or two. Buckle down and not waste this glorious opportunity.

Thanks for listening.

The Onion Daily News

February 18, 2006 by debbie T | Podcasting • Ramblings

This has nothing what-so-ever to do with technology, but I felt compelled to post a miscellaneous rambling on The Onion Daily News. I first heard the Onion on the Howard Stern radio show a few years ago. Recently the Onion has started their own podcast.

I beg my husband to listen to some of the short clips, and I am surprised he doesn’t enjoy them as I do. We both have a juvenile sense of humor, and love gross-out silly stupid teen comedy. But he just looks at me blankly while I giggle hysterically.

The Onion takes a simple topic, and puts a strange spin on it; I find them refreshing, but no, the content is not for everyone. Do not listen if you are offended by silly mindless humor. There have even been a few clips that offended me (such as the Abusive Obsessive clip) so be warned.

Amazon Theater

November 9, 2004 by debbie T | Internet • Ramblings

Just watched the first short film available at Amazon Theater. Pretty good film too, starring Minnie Driver!

Just F’ing Google It!

November 7, 2004 by debbie T | Internet • Ramblings

Oh this is priceless! How many questions do you have to answer before you snap and yell “f’ing google it?” I hope Google has a sense of humor and doesn’t make them take it down. Too funny!

What File Extension Are You?

November 5, 2004 by debbie T | Computers • Ramblings

Just for Fun:

Which File Extension are You?

First shot:

You are .doc You change from year to year, just to make things tough on your competition. Only your creator really has a handle on you.

Second try:

You are .swf You are flashy, but lack substance. You like playing, but often you are annoying. Grow up.

Illustrator 10 Gradient Text

October 26, 2004 by debbie T | Art and Graphics • Ramblings

In Illustrator 10, by default, when text is filled with a gradient, it will fill each letter separately.

Illustrator 10 Gradient Default

I like one smooth gradient fill:

Illustrator 10 Gradient Text

Free Dell Notebook

October 20, 2004 by debbie T | Computers • Ramblings

When is a “free” Dell laptop computer not quite free?

When it comes with a condition to keep a $3500 balance on a credit card charging 9.9% interest!

I was reading PCWorld magazine, and came across an interesting advertisement for http://4myfreedell.com.

Before anyone gets too excited, I hope they read the terms of this offer.

To quote:

Upfront Reward™ and Balance Transfer Information: To establish an account and be eligible for an Upfront Reward, you must transfer qualifying balances of at least $5,000. You may also combine balance transfers of at least $2,500 with a special cash advance of up to $2,500 to bring your balances up to $5,000. If your balance falls below $3,500 at any time during the first 18 months after your account is open, your account will be assessed a one-time fee of $600 (early pay-down fee). See also other Terms and Conditions on this page.

This just proves the old adage, when it sounds too good to be true it probably is! I hope no one falls for this tricky misleading offer!