tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73708669457955674102009-06-16T14:25:19.283-07:00Geoff Jennings is a Sacramento, CA based entrepreneur currently working on a clean energy related start-up. My interests are varied, but center around using technology to solve life's problems. These solutions can be simple or complex, and solve problems from big to small.Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370866945795567410.post-47219127711158002572009-06-16T14:25:00.000-07:002009-06-16T14:25:19.291-07:00

It's always frustrated me when clicking a "mailto" link in a browser, and it tries to open Outlook.  I use GMail for all my email.  Turns out that since Firefox 3.0, there is a fix. * go to Tools > Options * select the Applications tab * search for mail * select Use Gmail from the list of actions associated with the mailto protocol * click OK to save the settings. Thanks to the Google

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370866945795567410.post-61485385663045273772009-04-16T12:30:00.000-07:002009-04-16T12:30:37.176-07:00

Birds are a wonderfull sight, pleasant to listen too, and incredibly important to the environment.  Unfortunately, they are also very susceptible to environmental changes, loss of habitat and other issues that threaten their survival.  The Daily Green has a great article about simple steps we can all take to make our yards more bird friendly, including things like what of feed, what to plant,

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370866945795567410.post-30014560155359085962009-03-22T17:25:00.000-07:002009-03-22T17:54:32.866-07:00

Facebook had a significant design change last week, and for many, this was not a positive change. I might be in the minority, but I don't actually mind the visual aspects of the design, with one huge, glaring, obnoxious exception. I love to see my friends statuses, links they find interesting, photos, videos, and wall posts. I have little to no interest when they take a quiz and the quiz

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370866945795567410.post-33238483003737832592009-02-24T12:57:00.000-08:002009-02-24T12:59:53.401-08:00

This definately falls more on the "tools" end of the spectrum, since many of these are decidely low-tech, but this article has some great suggestions for some unexpected uses for stuff you've probably got around the house.  I've used some before, and will certainly try others.  Some of my favorites: 22 Tenderize a roast by adding a peeled banana to the pan.32 Sprinkle soda in tennis shoes, socks

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370866945795567410.post-59157927505914417722009-02-12T08:00:00.000-08:002009-02-12T08:00:02.719-08:00

After the disappointing discontinuation of Google Notebook, I've been testing a few different replacements, and I think I've settled on Evernote as by far my favorite.  I can't imagine anyone who does ANY amount of online research not using a tool like this.  From their site, the list several great features: On the web - Create, clip, and share notes on the web and see them everywhere There is

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370866945795567410.post-28022363297627722792009-02-10T14:37:00.000-08:002009-02-10T14:50:02.879-08:00

There are dozens of good capable online Photo editing programs out there, but few Vector image editors. And sometimes you need to edit or create a vector image.Raven is a new product from Aviary that allows vector image editing in your browser. I don't think it'll replace Illustrator for serious designers, but for casual or occasional users, it seems very full featured. Some Features:Raven is a

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370866945795567410.post-72751748989622482742009-01-30T14:52:00.000-08:002009-01-30T15:08:52.601-08:00

I'm an unabashed GMail (Google Mail) fan.  It's fast, searches work great, and I love tags vs. folders.   It simply works great.  And it's easy to manage multiple email addresses from one spot.   If you've got an email address that you want to keep, you can manage nearly any email address through Google. And Google has released a new option that makes it better.  It's a local cached and sync'd

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370866945795567410.post-21008375331142200362009-01-28T21:24:00.000-08:002009-01-28T21:27:09.858-08:00

I didn't see this in any of the blogs I follow, but it seems like Google has added ocean floor details to Google Maps.  As a kayaker and scuba diver, I absolutely love this.   Amazing.

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370866945795567410.post-34304511534740471502009-01-15T19:37:00.000-08:002009-01-15T19:47:18.093-08:00

What a shame. Google has shut down Google Notebook.   (They actually shut down several sites/services, but Notebook was the only one I used.  See a wrap up here.) I love Google Notebook, and I'm pleased to see they will continue to offer it to those of us that have used it for awhile, but they will no longer update it, or offer it if you're not already signed up.  You might try signing up today,

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370866945795567410.post-63831682237762366722009-01-15T07:00:00.000-08:002009-01-15T07:00:01.102-08:00

CSS defines how most every modern website works. It's powerful, but not always easy to use. Smashing magazine has an excellent list of CSS tools. Any web designer would be well served to look through this list, and bookmark it for later. If you're trying to do anything in CSS, this will likely make it easier. 50 Extremely Useful And Powerful CSS Tools | CSS | Smashing Magazine

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370866945795567410.post-157779526798829202009-01-14T16:00:00.000-08:002009-01-14T16:00:01.929-08:00

I love Photoshop, and going through detailed tutorials is an incredible way to build your skills. This is an incredible list of great tutorials. 50 Excellent Digital Photography Photoshop Tutorials | Tutorials | Smashing Magazine

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370866945795567410.post-59520311682868496222009-01-14T13:45:00.000-08:002009-01-14T13:45:00.216-08:00

WIRED is a great blog, and they have a list of top ten clean breakthroughs for 2008. It's an excellent list. I think they forgot one very, very important one - Gas going to $4/gallon. Of course, it also went back down, but for that period, everyone was interested in clean tech, smaller vehicles, hybrids, etc. The Top 10 Green-Tech Breakthroughs of 2008 | Wired Science from Wired.com

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370866945795567410.post-3147438934036462732009-01-14T00:02:00.000-08:002009-01-14T00:03:10.737-08:00

Good - Tax breaks for people who bike to work.Silly/Moronic - The tax break goes to the company. The company decides if and how to pass it on.I suppose the idea is that with the tax break, companies will be incentivized to provide better facilities or other benefits to bike commuters, but there is no guarantee of that. I think that it would make a lot more sense to offer the break directly to the

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370866945795567410.post-80162953540309338792008-12-18T12:44:00.000-08:002008-12-18T12:46:04.952-08:00

Seeing lot's of cool bike related ideas lately. This guy outlines a way to use reflective tape to make your entire bike reflective, without looking horrible.  i think this could be cool for all kind of applications, not just bike.  I used to paddle my sea kayak at night all the time, and things like this would certainly help you show up. We ride our tandem at dusk frequently, I think I might

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370866945795567410.post-36173526682289321872008-12-16T13:40:00.000-08:002008-12-16T13:47:19.062-08:00

Cool rack for storing 5 bikes.  only $25, and free standing, so great for places where permanant mounts would be frowned upon. $25 Rack stores five bicycles!

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370866945795567410.post-25015041151953620432008-12-08T17:10:00.000-08:002008-12-08T17:16:44.922-08:00

I love Gmail and many other google products. My wife calls me, probably accurately, a Google fanboy. But I've always felt that Google Calendar could be better integrated into Gmail. You've been able to add a puny side bar for a while, but I wanted more. Using the experimental Firefox add-on below, you can get Calendar integrated, along with other Google or non-google sites. I had some issues

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370866945795567410.post-35345837446528420662008-12-04T07:03:00.000-08:002008-12-04T07:05:27.940-08:00

If you've ever wondered why we should support NASA (tongue somewhat in cheek here) check out this awesome list of 10 products derived or developed from NASA research. Click through to Wired's original article for the links. Life's DHA and ARA Algae- and fungus-based baby formula additives that are chock-full of brain-developing fatty acids. Liquidmetal A unique alloy—also known as metallic

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370866945795567410.post-71952215730255886452008-12-02T11:07:00.000-08:002008-12-02T11:07:59.096-08:00

Normally, I post here with products I've tried, but I'm going to try a question. I love the idea of auto-geotagging the photos I take with my Canon Rebel XT. I'd like to do, and a device like this would be PERFECT. But it's for Nikon. Anyone know of an easy, seamless way to do this with a Canon, or my small Pentax Point and shoot. Or both. Ideas? Email me or comment below. GPS: Nikon

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370866945795567410.post-24367584436149700482008-11-26T07:05:00.000-08:002008-11-26T07:05:01.620-08:00

They sort of work like Digg, but with a focus on design tips, tutorials and resources.  Good stuff.  http://www.designbump.com/ http://www.designfloat.com/

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370866945795567410.post-60463926012378881952008-11-25T22:24:00.000-08:002008-11-25T23:03:31.842-08:00

I do a lot of research online.  Having the right tool can make it much simpler.  I've been using Google Notebook for several years, and have been really happy with it.  Get the Firefox extension, and taking a note is as simple as highlighting the text/images you want to save, and right-clicking and choosing "Note This".  It will add the text or image to your notebook, and includes the URL from

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370866945795567410.post-13772072989250249252008-11-25T21:23:00.000-08:002008-11-25T21:29:24.352-08:00

In the relatively short time I've been keeping this blog, I've reviewed a few different online photo editors. Daily Gyan has done a nice roundup of 10 photo editors.  Unfortunately, they don't really cover the pros and cons of each one, but if you want to try some, this would be a good place to start. Their review: http://www.dailygyan.com/2008/11/10-online-photo-editors-that-you.html My

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370866945795567410.post-17319367060088486362008-11-19T20:23:00.000-08:002008-11-19T20:32:52.340-08:00

Sometimes I feel like a shill for Google.   But they just keep introducing cool, free tools.  This isn't really anything that will increase productivity, and certainly isn't a new tool, but for those of us that spend a lot of time in Gmail, a little eye candy to freshen up the look is nice.   Google has introduced Themes in Gmail.  It's under the settings tab, but is being rolled out over time. 

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370866945795567410.post-64999453205197206242008-11-18T12:57:00.000-08:002008-11-18T13:05:11.104-08:00

Say what you want about Google, but the amount of information they've made accessible to you and I in amazing. They've just announced an archive of LIFE magazine photos. 10 million of them. Loved it. You can find it one of two ways: http://images.google.com/hosted/life Or simple add the notation Source:life to any google images search. Neat.

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370866945795567410.post-32342475230573634982008-11-04T11:33:00.000-08:002008-11-04T11:37:35.322-08:00

Of course, this isn't a political site, but I follow politics closely, and these days there are some cool tools for the obsessives like me. I've embedded a free map from Google in this post that will live track results as they come in. Also, the absolute coolest site for a polling and statistics buff is http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370866945795567410.post-39286820226177686092008-10-22T22:30:00.000-07:002008-10-22T22:31:29.624-07:00

This website is sort of a one trick pony, but it's a very useful trick. I think all of us have, at some point, had a PDF that we wanted to edit in word, but it's trickier to do that it should be. This website makes it simple. Upload a pdf, wait a few minutes, and download the doc file. I tried it on a few different pdf files, and it worked well, with some formatting issues, but all the text

Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07961904368390768207noreply@blogger.com0