David Rojas known for his technology blogging sites like engadget and gizmodo has now created Rcrd Lbl; an ad supported site featuring already signed artists as well as new up and coming artists.  The website allows the viewer to download the featured music as well as browse the media attention surrounding the artists.  The genre selection ranges from trip hop to acoustic folk, the sound and downloading is endless.

Downloading the featured music is a must but Rcrd Lbl also encourages seeking new talent whether that be unsigned or signed talent, and do not be afraid to mix already existing music to create a new sound.  In fact, contacting Rcrd Lbl in hopes of featuring their music on the site is not as unlikely as it could seem.  The apparent goal of the site is to cater to the viewers' interests in discovering new artists on an every day basis.

-jrosenfeldt

Posted by jrosenfeldt at 08:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (6068) | TrackBacks (0)

I am always trying to find something new to do with my time and this is usually late at night when the creativity is flowing.  Why not be more visual and create something rather than pretend to fall asleep, it is hardly refreshing to lay in bed trying to fall asleep.  So instead of lying restlessly at four in the morning I end up finding random sites that spark my interest in hopes it could give me some sort of freedom of expression and accomplishment.  Check it out, perhaps it will spark some sort of creativity.

http://sublimestitching.com/  The site focuses on embroidery and gives tips on how to not become overwhelmed with the project it also provides ideas on what to produce.  The site allows you to buy textiles, tools, kits, patterns and also has a DIY section.  Hooray DIY.

http://www.simplicity.com/   Simplicity is a pattern company for those wanting to sew their own apparel.  The patterns are modern and if you are a sewer you do not have to think how you should modify the pattern in order to make it less old ladyish.  The style is fun and different and more up with the times rather than finding a plain jane pattern at a textile shop.  The site also includes tips and techniques for those who are just trying the whole sewing thing out.  This is a great sewing site!

 http://store.txtlart.com/  Textile Art gives you some of the best pattern ideas for your home.  The site provides kits on wall framing and hanging as well as different materials to use in your living areas.  It is a great site for those wanting fabric for framing or a great shower curtain.  Just browse around, something may stike your fancy.

 These few sites mentioned here have the option for you to buy things but also provide inspiration for those looking to do something different.  I have often looked for ways to utilize already owned pieces of art, and sometimes I just need a little push in finding new ways to be creative and these few sites have definitely helped me out in that department.

-jrosenfeldt

Posted by jrosenfeldt at 08:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (5065) | TrackBacks (0)

Keeping all your appointments together has never been easier.  With the website Google Calendar, at http://calendar.google.com, your can organize your life with just a few clicks.

You can save any date by putting in the Who, What, When, and Where of any event within this daily planner.  Why is this so good?  Because you are easily notified of appointments through a combination of any three ways: an unblocked pop-up on your computer, no matter what your pop-up blocker settings, an email or an SMS message to your cell phone.  The only cost you incur for all of this is the SMS message, which is docked off the count of SMS message provided by your cell phone carrier.

These are just initial benefits.  Also made available are happenings, from local, national and global events, made possible by people and organizations that post their calendars to the public.  You can even use a weather calendar option to give you the current temperature and a three-day forecast.

There are also more benefits too.  Google calendar easily integrates with other Google products, including iGoogle and Google's new Sites product.  With the additional option to enter in appointments from any web-baseed mobile device, you can make changes to your calendar almost anywhere.  Thus, making it easy to see why Google is such a dominant force in the Internet world today.

-dbullock 

Posted by dbullock at 04:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (4028) | TrackBacks (0)

My computer is set up to my television and I love it!  Having done this early on and after getting rid of a television cable box, I strictly use this set up now for some serious Internet usage.  News can be easily read.  Television shows and movies can be downloaded for later.  Podcasts, streaming television and random internet video clips are watched for the same reasons you watch television--for information, education, and entertainment.

Currently, a 26 inch Phillips television is hooked up to a Mac mini, in my house.  This set up is all you need to view what can be the Internet at its best.  This is especially true for Mac users who enjoy the Front Row application, along with the stylish little remote found within the box with that came with the Mac Mini or another mac computer.   The remote and with a computer connected to a TV screen makes media viewing and the listening of audio files a breeze.

Instead of a Mac mini, friends of mine have hooked their PCs to their TV screens, too.  Most of them are lucky enough to have the much wider LCDs screens at 42 inches or more.  And, the video and reading of text on these larger flat panel displays are simply phenomenal.  Editing and reviewing video on these screens with iMovie or other video editing applications are also highly effective.

Through this switch, I was able to cut cable costs, increase my work productivity, and make better use of my leisure time.  The shows, movies, music, videos and podcasts I want to see are readily available to me, and if I want to share them, I can easily use the Mac mini's DVD burner I had added as an option, upon purchasing the computer.

To make the switch with most Macs, you'll need to have a television that has a S-video socket, or some other type of video connection.  You'll need to plug an S-video adapter that you'll also have to purchase to use the S-video socket and your computer.

For a PC computer, you can buy an adapter also, or if its available on your advanced television, you can plug your PC into your TV using a USB cable.   Also, an S-video interface will not allow the most out use of an HDTV.  You would need another interface, beside the S-video one, to use full High Definition television capabilities.

Here is a link to the S-video adapter you need specifically for the Mac mini: http://store.apple.com/us/product/M9267G/A

Note, that you would also need an S-video cable.  For another Mac product, such as a Mac laptop Powerbook, you would need another adapter for S-video enabled viewing.

Make the most of your television and truly unleash the power of the Internet... on your TV screen!

-dbullock 

Posted by dbullock at 03:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (10413) | TrackBacks (0)

Many of wear dark colors often, but we all have someone that we know that wears a lot of black.  A friend of mine in high school was one of those individuals.  Then, which was back in the 80s, she explained to me that black clothing always ends up in different shades of black and that usually no two garments are the same shade.   She explained the reason for this was because darks easily fade when washed in a washing machine.  It was one of my first lessons in fashion and laundry.

Laundry detergent manufacturers have come up with a pretty strong attempt at a solution for this, and darks fade no more.  Both Cheer and Woolite have come up with dark solutions to improve the quality of the color of dark garments after a wash.   I've used Cheer's dark solution only for about six months and I would have to say the difference is not only noticeable, but worth it.

Keeping darks dark, allows you to maintain the life of an article of clothing longer, which usually means more use overall.

So, wear your black proudly, with no shame of fading.  It's sure to make the world turn.


You can find out more at these links:
http://www.woolite.com
http://www.cheer.com/laundry-detergents/dark-formula-detergent.shtml 

-dbullock 

Posted by dbullock at 03:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (7544) | TrackBacks (0)

They "Obsessively cover the green scene!"  AutoblogGreen is a blog where one can find the latest news on the latest cars for a healthier environment.  There are also links to other blog sites such as Green Daily, Gadling, DIY Life, and Engadget; the site features a search option for finding topics of interest as well.  I requested a search for vegan recipes and I got a page of links where I could browse through anything holding an interest to me. 

The site has multiple topics of interests consisting mainly of environmentally friendly vehicles however, the topics one can research are endless.  I am extremely interested in browsing the main page the latest news on vehicles, but the search option allows the the mind to wonder, it is truly a great feature to have for this site.

www.autobloggreen.com

-jrosenfeldt 

Posted by jrosenfeldt at 01:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (6480) | TrackBacks (0)

Created by the same creator of RCRD LBL, Engadget.com has been created.  This site features the latest news on different gadgets and technology based instruments and information one can possibly imagine.  It is truly amazing how updated this site is on all the latest gadgets.  There is also a place where one can post news of their own.  As soon as you get to the site there are posts on news and gadgets people want to know about.  I found this "vending machine for skinny people" to be somewhat misleading.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/11/trek-stop-a-vending-machine-for-skinny-people/

At first I had expected it to be just about health food but it actually caters to those in search of spare bike parts and/or a snack. 

For more sweet reads on this site just go to the engadget site www.engadget.com/

-jrosenfeldt 

Posted by jrosenfeldt at 12:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (10634) | TrackBacks (0)

Greenergrass.com is a site for those who dig simplicity in the design of their homes.  One could find anything from bird houses to children's toys to bedding.  I find the whole site amazing because of all the options you can choose from; one can choose accessories for a home bar along with decorating options for the kitchen.  The whole site offers fresh, earthy items for a simplistic living environment.  greenergrassdesign.com/

A pillow form Scandinaviandetails.com - Credit: Scandinaviandetails.com

Scandinaviandetails.com also provides a great environment for those who are into items making a bold statement; all the items reflect the outdoors in some way shape or form.  I especially enjoy the pillow section.  Not all the pillows are quite so busy, but I liked this one especially.  Check it out. scandetails.com  I hope you find something on these sites that you can enjoy.  -jrosenfeldt

Posted by jrosenfeldt at 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (6778) | TrackBacks (0)