Clipmarks | rainfever's clips

DIY Film School: Rigs and mounts

Tue, 06 May 2008 17:03:12 GMT

clipped by: rainfever

DIY Film School: Rigs and mounts

The trademarks of the novice filmmaker are many: shaky footage, poor lighting, terrible audio, choppy editing, and that's to say nothing about the plot itself or the acting. Shooting high-quality footage isn't as hard as you might expect, and it doesn't require a second mortgage to pay for brand new, state-of-the-art video equipment. Well-shot video from a $250 camera is much preferred to crappy footage from a $18,000 Red One.

In hopes of teaching you how to shoot your own professional-grade video on an amateur-grade budget, we're featuring several posts that will highlight DIY projects to help improve your filmmaking. To kick things off, I thought we'd take a look at various DIY camera rigs and mounts. The first step in shooting quality video is to capture smooth, steady footage -- unless, of course, you're going for that in-your-face, cinema vérité look, where the more your camera shakes the better.

How to Widget-Enable Wordpress Themes in 3 Easy Steps

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:31:14 GMT

clipped by: rainfever

Clip Source: www.quickonlinetips.com

How to Widget-Enable Wordpress Themes in 3 Easy Steps

Step 1: Create functions.php

<?php

if ( function_exists('register_sidebar') )

register_sidebar(array(

'before_widget' => '',

'after_widget' => '',

'before_title' => '<h4>',

'after_title' => '</h4>',

));

?>

Step 2: Add Widgets to Dynamic Sidebar

Step3: Add Dynamic Sidebar to Template

<?php if ( !function_exists('dynamic_sidebar')

|| !dynamic_sidebar() ) : ?>

<?php endif; ?>

Update: Here is a tutorial on how to add multiple dynamic sidebars to wordpress template and support multiple combinations of widgets.

Tags: wordpress, widget, theme, development, guide, help

Computer Technician Tool: SATA HDD Dock and USB hub

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:15:34 GMT

clipped by: rainfever
clipper's remarks: hard drive docking station. Could be handy, a little pricey on their site, but maybe other retailers will get it for a more reasonable amount.

Clip Source: usb.brando.com.hk

2.5" and 3.5" SATA HDD Dock with Hub

Product Code: UCABL003900

The SATA HDD Dock with Hub allows you to plug any 2.5" or 3.5" SATA Harddisk to your computer via USB port, a powerful tool for data transfer, backup and cloning. It functions as a 4-port hub as well. The device is compatible with both PCs and Macs.

Features:

Supports both S-ATA 2.5" HDD and 3.5" HDD

4-port USB hub

USB 2.0

Temperature and Humidity: 5 ° ~ 35 °, humidity 20 ~ 80%
**This machine should be used in the operation range of the connected PC

AC Power Adapter input: 100 ~ 240V, 50/60Hz, 1.5A

AC Power Adapter output: 12V/3A

Support Windows VISTA, XP and Mac OS

Dimension: 130 mm (W) x 68 mm (H) x 90 mm (D)

Weight: 892g (approx)

Package Contents:

2.5" and 3.5" SATA HDD Dock

AC Adapter

Power Cable

USB Cable

Manual

**Hard Disk Drive is not included

Computer Hardware: USB Power Button

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 22:32:20 GMT

clipped by: rainfever
clipper's remarks: Most will not see the value in this. But my computer is located in my closet around the corner. I have dead silent computer; the disadvantage is having to walk into my closet to power up/down/restart the computer.

Clip Source: gizmodo.com

Desktop PC Start Button Eliminates Gamer's Crack

If you thought plumber's crack was bad, imagine a gamer in crawling under his desk to turn on his PC. He'll never have to do that again if he grabs one of these Sharkoon PC Jump Start Buttons, which hook up via USB to his PC and allows him to not only start a computer, but plug in two USB devices and a mic/headphone as well.

The gadget plugs right into your motherboard, which means you'll have to do a bit of internal jiggery, but makes your life easier in the end. The plumber spends most of his days being active (fixing your toilets), where the gamer just sits there. Whose ass would you rather see? We thought so. Available soon for 15 Euros ($22) [Sharkoon]

Tags: computer, accessories, usb, power, convenient, lazy, awesome

Windows Vista: More RAM, More Speed

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 18:59:29 GMT

clipped by: rainfever

Clip Source: www.tomshardware.com

Vista Workshop: More RAM, More Speed

February 15, 2008 06:14

Windows Vista With 8 GB

Throughout the history of personal computers, RAM has always been something of a valuable commodity - even a luxury. Only a few years ago, even reaching the memory limit of 4 GB possible under a 32-bit operating system was completely unthinkable. But then again, at one time 640 kB was considered enough for anyone. Times change; right now, DDR2 memory is as cheap as it's ever been Compare Prices on DDR2 Memory, and equipping your PC with 8 GB will only set you back about $198.

Hidden Printer (designers everywhere drool)

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 01:02:01 GMT

clipped by: rainfever

Clip Source: www.yankodesign.com

Hang On For Dear Life

Posted by Long Tran in All Archive, Technology
February 1, 2008 12:47 pm

Desk space is a premium so designers try to cater that by creating objects with smaller footprints. Take for example this Hanging Printer. The bulk of its components are actually underneath the desk. The paper feed and print head are the only parts sitting on the desk. The casing has an embedded LCD to indicate status. It makes for a simple clean modern aesthetic that’s actually quite a solve for today’s cluttered desktops.

Designer: Jin Hee Kim, Hyung Il Kim & Woo Seok Park

If you liked this design, you would also be interested in:

Keep up with the latest designs by subscribing to our RSS or Newsletter.

Tags: printer, sleek, hidden, pretty, designer

Filming Tools: $14 Steadycam Guide

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 20:38:57 GMT

clipped by: rainfever

Clip Source: www.cs.cmu.edu

Why build a cheap steadycam?

Steadycams (or camera stabilizers) are attachments used to capture smooth looking video even when the camera and camera operator are in motion. The camera operator may walk (or even jog), move through tight hallways and doorways, and even climb up and down stairs without shaking the camera. Unfortunately, professional steadycams cost around $1500. Even the cheap 3rd party ones cost $600+. Not exactly a bargain considering many of us use cameras in that price range. So, I decided to make my own version. It turns out, it only costs $14. Not too bad. And I'll show you how to build your own right here (or you can buy a ready-to-use steadycam from me through this website [littlegreatideas.com]). Whether you are an aspiring filmmaker, a videographer, the family documentarian, or just want more utility out of your video camera, you'll appreciate a steadycam.

Tags: film, filming, tools, diy, steadycam, steadicam

Chili Pad: Turn off your AC/Heater. :)

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 22:44:33 GMT

clipped by: rainfever
clipper's remarks: If only i didn't have roommates i could get this and turn off the AC in the summer (i live in AZ), and the heater in the winter.

...of course this all depends on how loud the heating/cooling unit is. I hate noise, and that would be a deal killer for me.

Clip Source: www.chilitechnology.com

The ChiliPadTM is made to fit all standard size mattresses. The single zone option will allow you to cool or heat the entire surface of the bed, while the dual zone will allow you to adjust each side of the bed to your desired temperature.

	Single Zone Cooling and Heating	Prices
	Twin	$ 479.00
	Full	$ 549.00
	Queen	$ 599.99

	Dual Zone Cooling and Heating	Prices
	Queen	$ 979.00
	King	$ 999.99

Spyder3 Calibrates Your Monitor, Probably Lobotomizes You at Night

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 22:37:52 GMT

clipped by: rainfever

Clip Source: gizmodo.com

Spyder3 Calibrates Your Monitor, Probably Lobotomizes You at Night

Aimed at creative professionals, Datacolour's Spyder3 color calibration system may give you sci-fi shivers when you see it parked on your desk. Incorporating a larger aperture than previous models, the Spyder3 uses an ambient light sensor to improve its accuracy, and its monitor sensor takes just seven minutes to calibrate. More info and pics below.

Bundled with software and a cradle that doubles as a tripod mount, the device is Windows XP, Vista and Mac OSX friendly. Coming in two packages, the basic Elite costs $279, while advanced Studio, which also incorporates printer profiling, will set you back $599. Assimilation into the Matrix costs extra. – Kit Eaton [Impress]

Tags: calibrate, screen, monitor, crt, lcd, photography, photo, color, printing, printer

10 Absolute "Nos!" for Freelancers

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:46:47 GMT

clipped by: rainfever

Clip Source: www.wakeuplater.com

10 Absolute "Nos!" for Freelancers

When I first started freelancing as a college student, I was eager to do any website and would say "Yes" to anything, regardless of my skill set or the time involved. It was just nice to know that someone needed me for a skilled task. Unfortunately, I quickly found myself working all the time, eating Ramen noodles, and not getting anywhere in terms of paying off my wonderful college debt. To make things worse, these people were also giving my contact info out to other such people (you know, the lady who has been thinking about selling dog sweaters online and has a $100 budget for an e-commerce site, 1000 brochures, and a guaranteed #1 Google search result for the words "dog", "sweater", and "love").

1) Can you show me a mock-up to help us choose a designer/developer? No.

2) Can you give us a discount rate? No.

3) Will you register and host my site? No.

4) Can you copy this site? No.

5) Can I pay for my e-commerce site from my website sales? No.

Tags: freelance, work, client, void, pitfall

Guide: Hot Image Your PC's Hard Drive with DriveImage XML

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 22:31:42 GMT

clipped by: rainfever

Clip Source: lifehacker.com

Hot Image Your PC's Hard Drive with DriveImage XML

You don't need a complicated boot CD or expensive software to create a restorable system disk image for your PC: free utility DriveImage XML can save a full, working snapshot of your Windows hard drive while you work on it. (That's hot.) When your PC crashes and burns or just slows down over time, the best insurance you can have is a mirror image of your operating system, complete with drivers, user settings, software applications, and documents in one place. A while back we covered how to partition and image your Windows hard drive using the Linux-based System Recovery Boot CD, a process that involves command line work, disk-burning, rebooting, and video driver wrangling. With DiskImage XML, imaging your PC's hard drive is a matter of a few clicks, no reboots required. Let's check it out.

Tags: pc, repair, image, fix, guide, how to

Ergonomics: Make your workstation Fit You (online calculator)

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 19:49:55 GMT

clipped by: rainfever
clipper's remarks: I'm going to use this in designing my new desk.

Clip Source: www.ergotron.com

Make Your Workstation Fit You

Follow the three steps below when planning your workstation. The values displayed will help you place your equipment for optimum ergonomic comfort.

Things to remember: Eye height should be level with top of the monitor screen. However, if using bi-focals, lower the monitor and tilt the screen upward to avoid neck strain. Elbow height should be level with the top of the keyboard. Seat height should allow your feet to rest flat while maintaining roughly a 90° angle at the hips. See our Ergonomics Tips page to learn more.

Values are derived without clothing allowances. Always add shoe height to figure proper measurement. Additional factors may apply. Consult with an ergonomist for more detailed information.

Clip Source: internalapps.ergotron.com

1) Click your height

2) Note values displayed below (measured in inches, or switch to metric)

3) Install and adjust workstation components as depicted

Source: Values are based on the 1988 Anthropometric Survey of the U.S. Army Personnel database

Tags: ergonomic, desk, calculator, online, guide, workstation

Photoshop: How To Make Digital Photos Look Like Lomo Photography

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 06:24:13 GMT

clipped by: rainfever
clipper's remarks: I already clipped this once but just spent like 20 minutes looking for it and i cant locate it. Its the best one I've used.

Clip Source: digital-photography-school.com

How To Make Digital Photos Look Like Lomo Photography

Clip Source: digital-photography-school.com

From the first time I saw a photo that looked like this, I wanted to shoot one of my own. But, for the longest time I couldn’t figure it out how people took photos look like this. Then one day searching the web, I realized I needed a Lomo LC-A camera. This is a Russian made camera that was a knock off of another camera. It is poorly made and by Japanese camera standards, a bad picture taker too. As the legend goes, somewhere in the 1990’s a cult following developed and hasn’t stop since.

Getting Started - Creating a Vignette

The first thing you want to do is create the classic vignette that the Lomos are well known for and I achieve this by doing a freehand lasso of a circle around the photo. It doesn’t need to be perfect and to prevent hard edges, I set the feather to 80-90px before creating the circle.

Before

After

Tags: photoshop, photography, lomo, guide, tutorial

The Natural Way To Clean Everything In Your House

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 19:02:25 GMT

clipped by: rainfever
clipper's remarks: definitely going to use this list, the shower drain could use some immediate attention.

Thanks deusdiabolus for pointing out the incorrect link. Not sure why but the "Clipped from:" link is incorrect. It should be pointing to here...

http://www.thegoodhuman.com/2007/11/05/the-natural-way-to-clean-everything-in-your-house/

Clip Source: www.thegoodhuman.com

The Natural Way To Clean Everything In Your House.

A reader emailed me about the best way to clean something in her house, and I pointed her to one of my posts about natural cleaning. But then I though I maybe should create a single post with all the natural cleaning information I had collected and written about, so you can bookmark this one post and refer to it when you need it. Of course, this is for for homemade products, but for those less adventurous there are plenty of safe, natural cleaners on the market. If you have something to add, please be sure to leave a comment or email me and let me know!

Remove Candle Wax From The Carpet:

Unclog Your Shower Drain:

Step 1 - Put the DRY baking soda down the drain. I use about 3/4 of a cup.

Tags: clean, house, natural, non-chemical, appliance, toilet, shower, sanitize, healthy

Photoshop Tutorial: Full Color Screen Printing

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 01:18:56 GMT

clipped by: rainfever

Clip Source: www.screensilk.com

Full Color Screen Printing with Photoshop

If you have read my article, “The Secrets to Full Color Screen Printing”, than you already understand the underlying principles to 4 color screen printing. In that article we discussed the principles of the CMYK color model, color separations, halftones, and lines per inch (LPI). In this tutorial, we are going to take what we have learned, and using photoshop, quickly create color separations for output to transparencies for screen printing.

In this tutorial we will be using Adobe Photoshop CS2.

1.) We are going to start off by firing up Adobe Photoshop CS2, and open the registration.psd.

Alternatively, if you would like to start from scratch, create a new file. This file will be 8.5” x 11” at a resolution of 600dpi in the CMYK color mode. Click OK and lets get started.

Tags: photoshop, silkscreen, clothes, tshirt, design, printing