Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Copyright Owners Fight E-Books for the Blind
Friday, December 11th, 2009
U.S. industry is opposing an international treaty aimed at expanding access to books for the blind. The reason is simple: It sets bad precedent to ease copyright restrictions.
Blow Smoke Rings
Friday, December 11th, 2009Summary: New page: [[Image:Smoke-Rings CC-MissMareck bg.jpg|thumb|right|''Smoke rings photo by MissMareck via Creative Commons'']] Here is your surgeon general's warning for the day: Smoking tobacco smells ...
[[Image:Smoke-Rings CC-MissMareck bg.jpg|thumb|right|''Smoke rings photo by MissMareck via Creative Commons'']]
Here is your surgeon general's warning for the day: Smoking tobacco smells bad and causes cancer. Unfortunately, it will take a lot more than a surgeon general's warning to make blowing smoke rings look anything less than really, really cool. Happily, learning how to blow smoke rings is an easy trick to master, even with (very) infrequent practice.
''Don't blow smoke up our '''wiki'''. Just log in and [http://howto.wired.com/wiki/Blow_Smoke_Rings?action=edit add your advice] instead.''
==Choose your tobacco==
We found the best results came from the densest smoke. Cigars, full-flavor, or hand-rolled cigarettes without filters usually work the best. With a pre-made cigar or cigarette, pack the tobacco by tapping the end on a hard, flat surface. After lighting the cigarette, take a few drags to get the cigarette's fire as hot as possible, which will also create more smoke.
==The method==
Take a deep drag off the cigarette and hold the smoke in the back of your mouth. For inexperienced smokers, this will be the hardest step. Avoiding menthols can reduce the urge to cough. Do not draw the smoke all the way back into your lungs.
Draw your tongue towards the back of your mouth, point the tip, and form your lips into an “O” shape. Make sure to keep the muscles in your mouth and jaw flexed but relaxed, then release a small puff of smoke from the back of your throat. Judging airflow correctly is also a matter of practice. A small sigh works well for some. For particularly dense smoke, flexing the jaw down and forward can project enough air for a good smoke ring.
Avoid trying this trick in drafty rooms, outdoors, or anywhere with poor lighting. Your skills would be wasted. And then what would be the point of courting lung cancer?
[[Category:Lifestyle]]
Here is your surgeon general's warning for the day: Smoking tobacco smells bad and causes cancer. Unfortunately, it will take a lot more than a surgeon general's warning to make blowing smoke rings look anything less than really, really cool. Happily, learning how to blow smoke rings is an easy trick to master, even with (very) infrequent practice.
''Don't blow smoke up our '''wiki'''. Just log in and [http://howto.wired.com/wiki/Blow_Smoke_Rings?action=edit add your advice] instead.''
==Choose your tobacco==
We found the best results came from the densest smoke. Cigars, full-flavor, or hand-rolled cigarettes without filters usually work the best. With a pre-made cigar or cigarette, pack the tobacco by tapping the end on a hard, flat surface. After lighting the cigarette, take a few drags to get the cigarette's fire as hot as possible, which will also create more smoke.
==The method==
Take a deep drag off the cigarette and hold the smoke in the back of your mouth. For inexperienced smokers, this will be the hardest step. Avoiding menthols can reduce the urge to cough. Do not draw the smoke all the way back into your lungs.
Draw your tongue towards the back of your mouth, point the tip, and form your lips into an “O” shape. Make sure to keep the muscles in your mouth and jaw flexed but relaxed, then release a small puff of smoke from the back of your throat. Judging airflow correctly is also a matter of practice. A small sigh works well for some. For particularly dense smoke, flexing the jaw down and forward can project enough air for a good smoke ring.
Avoid trying this trick in drafty rooms, outdoors, or anywhere with poor lighting. Your skills would be wasted. And then what would be the point of courting lung cancer?
[[Category:Lifestyle]]
Set Up a Webcam
Friday, December 11th, 2009Summary:
[[Image:Webcam_mshades_flickr_bg.jpg|thumb|right|''webcam photo by [http://www.flickr.com/photos/mshades/2404442122/ mshades/Flickr]'']]
Want to be a YouTube star? Or, maybe just chat with long-distance friends? Then you'll probably want to set up a webcam so you can record video, or share it live. Read on and find out how to make it happen.
''This article is a '''wiki'''. Feel free to [http://howto.wired.com/wiki/Set_Up_a_Webcam?action=edit add your text to this page].''
==Use a Built-in Webcam==
Most laptops and even some desktop computers come with built-in cameras. If you have one, it is likely positioned at the top of the computer screen, a tiny little hole covered in glass.
Some computers that come with a built-in webcam:
* Apple's iSight camera is included in all its laptops: MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.
* Apple's iMac desktop also has the iSight.
* Dell Inspiron laptops
* Asus Eee PC netbooks
One of the upsides of a built-in webcam is that the operating system is often automatically set up to work with the camera. If you have multiple cameras installed, you might have to adjust which the computer uses. However, the built-in usually takes precedence unless you've set it otherwise.
==Use a USB Webcam==
If your computer does not have a built-in webcam, you can use an external webcam. Just about any computer has a USB port, which can be used for many devices. And most modern webcams use USB.
To use your USB webcam, simply plug it in. The USB ports are often located in the back of desktop computers, though they can also be at the front or even on your keyboard. For laptops, you'll find a port or two on the sides or at the back.
When you plug the USB cable from your webcam into the port, the computer will likely not react, though the cam is immediately available.
==Select Microphone Input==
If you have a laptop with a built-in webcam, it likely also has an internal microphone. However, you may choose to use an external microphone. This could also be a requirement if your computer does not have a built-in microphone.
'''On a Mac''', go into System Preferences (under the Apple menu in the upper left corner of your screen). Click the sound icon in the Hardware section. Under the Input tab, select your desired microphone.
'''In Windows XP''', go to the Control Panel (under the Start menu). Choose Sounds, Speech and Audio Devices. Then choose Sounds and Audio Devices. Finally, in the Audio tab, make sure the correct device is selected under Sound recording.
==Video Chat with Skype or iChat==
There are several programs that you can use to video chat. In this article we will cover two: iChat, available only on Mac, and Skype, which is available for Mac and Windows.
'''Apple iChat''' connects to several instant messaging services, including AOL. To video chat, your friends will also need webcams and they should be in your buddies list. You'll know whether your friends can use video chat because there will be a green video icon next to their names. To initiate a chat, click the video icon next to the friend with whom you wish to chat.
'''Skype''' is a messaging platform owned by eBay. The software comes for both Mac and Windows and can be downloaded from [http://skype.com skype.com]. Your friends will also need webcams and the Skype software. To initiate a chat, click the tiny blue circle with a camera inside it (not the blue circle with a speech bubble).
==Other Uses of the Webcam==
Once you have your webcam installed, you'll be able to take advantage of many other great services. For example:
* Publish live, streaming video of yourself or events you attend. Check out [http://ustream.com/ UStream] and [http://livestream.com/ LiveStream] to learn more.
* Learn a new skill, or teach one you know. Check out [http://edufire.com/ eduFire] to learn more.
==In the Future==
{{#shtml:Template:IntelLogoRight}}
Some people are streaming their lives 24/7. For example, Justin Kan started Justin.tv in 2007, showing viewers everything he saw. Perhaps in the future, this will be commonplace. Of course, privacy will be a concern. You may be able to choose to stream only to friends, or specific people.
Of course, there's an added benefit to streaming your life all the time. Need an alibi for a crime? Want to remember exactly what your boss told you? No problem--just rewind the tape.
[[Category:Future]]
[[Category:Computers]]
[[Category:Video]]
Want to be a YouTube star? Or, maybe just chat with long-distance friends? Then you'll probably want to set up a webcam so you can record video, or share it live. Read on and find out how to make it happen.
''This article is a '''wiki'''. Feel free to [http://howto.wired.com/wiki/Set_Up_a_Webcam?action=edit add your text to this page].''
==Use a Built-in Webcam==
Most laptops and even some desktop computers come with built-in cameras. If you have one, it is likely positioned at the top of the computer screen, a tiny little hole covered in glass.
Some computers that come with a built-in webcam:
* Apple's iSight camera is included in all its laptops: MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.
* Apple's iMac desktop also has the iSight.
* Dell Inspiron laptops
* Asus Eee PC netbooks
One of the upsides of a built-in webcam is that the operating system is often automatically set up to work with the camera. If you have multiple cameras installed, you might have to adjust which the computer uses. However, the built-in usually takes precedence unless you've set it otherwise.
==Use a USB Webcam==
If your computer does not have a built-in webcam, you can use an external webcam. Just about any computer has a USB port, which can be used for many devices. And most modern webcams use USB.
To use your USB webcam, simply plug it in. The USB ports are often located in the back of desktop computers, though they can also be at the front or even on your keyboard. For laptops, you'll find a port or two on the sides or at the back.
When you plug the USB cable from your webcam into the port, the computer will likely not react, though the cam is immediately available.
==Select Microphone Input==
If you have a laptop with a built-in webcam, it likely also has an internal microphone. However, you may choose to use an external microphone. This could also be a requirement if your computer does not have a built-in microphone.
'''On a Mac''', go into System Preferences (under the Apple menu in the upper left corner of your screen). Click the sound icon in the Hardware section. Under the Input tab, select your desired microphone.
'''In Windows XP''', go to the Control Panel (under the Start menu). Choose Sounds, Speech and Audio Devices. Then choose Sounds and Audio Devices. Finally, in the Audio tab, make sure the correct device is selected under Sound recording.
==Video Chat with Skype or iChat==
There are several programs that you can use to video chat. In this article we will cover two: iChat, available only on Mac, and Skype, which is available for Mac and Windows.
'''Apple iChat''' connects to several instant messaging services, including AOL. To video chat, your friends will also need webcams and they should be in your buddies list. You'll know whether your friends can use video chat because there will be a green video icon next to their names. To initiate a chat, click the video icon next to the friend with whom you wish to chat.
'''Skype''' is a messaging platform owned by eBay. The software comes for both Mac and Windows and can be downloaded from [http://skype.com skype.com]. Your friends will also need webcams and the Skype software. To initiate a chat, click the tiny blue circle with a camera inside it (not the blue circle with a speech bubble).
==Other Uses of the Webcam==
Once you have your webcam installed, you'll be able to take advantage of many other great services. For example:
* Publish live, streaming video of yourself or events you attend. Check out [http://ustream.com/ UStream] and [http://livestream.com/ LiveStream] to learn more.
* Learn a new skill, or teach one you know. Check out [http://edufire.com/ eduFire] to learn more.
==In the Future==
{{#shtml:Template:IntelLogoRight}}
Some people are streaming their lives 24/7. For example, Justin Kan started Justin.tv in 2007, showing viewers everything he saw. Perhaps in the future, this will be commonplace. Of course, privacy will be a concern. You may be able to choose to stream only to friends, or specific people.
Of course, there's an added benefit to streaming your life all the time. Need an alibi for a crime? Want to remember exactly what your boss told you? No problem--just rewind the tape.
[[Category:Future]]
[[Category:Computers]]
[[Category:Video]]
8 Steps to a Geekier Hanukkah
Friday, December 11th, 2009
Let's take a look at eight random ways you can make Chanukah as geeky (or at least as fun) as humanly (or robotically) possible, whether you celebrate it or not.
How To Craft Baby Shower Invitations
Friday, December 11th, 2009Summary: Making baby shower invitations really don’t have to be too expensive for they can just be crafted at home and by anyone. It just require a little of your creativity and imagination to make it presenta
Making baby shower invitations really don’t have to be too expensive for they can just be crafted at home and by anyone. It just require a little of your creativity and imagination to make it presentable and attractive to all who will receive it.
'''Step 1: Set up a Theme'''
Before making your baby shower invitations it is nice to have a theme for your party. Having a theme puts in unique elements for your baby shower and it can tell so much on the mother-to-be and the outlook of the entire family.
'''Step 2: Design the Layout'''
Having a prearranged theme makes the designing step simple and straightforward. As you design your baby shower invitations, remember to keep it plain and simple, and do not exaggerate the layout by adding extra designs that may cover up the details on your invitations.
'''Step 3: Contain party Ideas, game plans, contact information, venue and do not forget the date'''
Include party ideas and variety of game plans in the invitation details. It could bring thrill and excitement to your expected visitors of the fun-filled activities on the day of the baby shower. Emphasize clearly the venue, date and time of the event so that the recipients will not be confused. Also include contact details so that they may know who to contact if ever they have clarifications and questions regarding the event.
'''Step 4: Test print, find the right stationery and produce in big batch'''
When the theme, design and the layout of the invitation are complete, consider to test print it first on a piece of paper to see what the output of the invitation would look like. If the test print seems to be good look for a stationary that will fit your invitation’s design and layout. To finish with, print your invitations in big batch.
'''Step 1: Set up a Theme'''
Before making your baby shower invitations it is nice to have a theme for your party. Having a theme puts in unique elements for your baby shower and it can tell so much on the mother-to-be and the outlook of the entire family.
'''Step 2: Design the Layout'''
Having a prearranged theme makes the designing step simple and straightforward. As you design your baby shower invitations, remember to keep it plain and simple, and do not exaggerate the layout by adding extra designs that may cover up the details on your invitations.
'''Step 3: Contain party Ideas, game plans, contact information, venue and do not forget the date'''
Include party ideas and variety of game plans in the invitation details. It could bring thrill and excitement to your expected visitors of the fun-filled activities on the day of the baby shower. Emphasize clearly the venue, date and time of the event so that the recipients will not be confused. Also include contact details so that they may know who to contact if ever they have clarifications and questions regarding the event.
'''Step 4: Test print, find the right stationery and produce in big batch'''
When the theme, design and the layout of the invitation are complete, consider to test print it first on a piece of paper to see what the output of the invitation would look like. If the test print seems to be good look for a stationary that will fit your invitation’s design and layout. To finish with, print your invitations in big batch.