Vista Refugee

Google Calendars on iPhone

2009-08-05T05:52:00.000-07:00

Hi, all! It's been awhile ... I've been super busy.

My verizon cellphone contract expired this month. I hate AT & T ... have had horrible service in the past ... but the iphone was just what I needed for an all-in-one device. So I took the plunge and got the iphone 3GS.

I had a bit of trouble figuring out how to sync my google calendars to my iphone. Like many people, I've got multiple calendars (home, work, business, etc.).

It took me a few hours of headaches, but here's what I finally figured out:

First do this:
http://www.google.com/support/mobile/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=138740

Then do this:
http://www.google.com/support/mobile/bin/answer.py?answer=139206

Pretty simple (once I figured it out!)

Hope this helps save someone some time.

Cheers,

Tim

iTouch ... Utouch ...

2009-06-06T14:24:00.000-07:00

My wife had a pretty crazy year teaching first graders, so my kids and I decided to get her an ipod iTouch as a "Hooray-you've-survived-another-year-teaching-first-graders!" gift.

I started setting up the iTouch several days ago ... and my kids fell in love with it. (It IS a pretty awesome machine!). I set up an iTunes account for her, and connected the iTouch to her email account and downloaded a few basic apps for her (she LOVES Tetris!)

We gave it to my wife today ... let's see how she likes it.

Laptops for Mothers ... (and AppleCare)

2009-06-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

Hi, all!

My mom's Windows computer recently gave up the ghost (it was pretty old), so my siblings and I pitched in for a new Macbook laptop. I bought the AppleCare Protection Plan extended warranty when I purchased the Macbook through Apple's website.

I couldn't tell whether or not the AppleCare was in place. After some searching on the web, I found that AppleCare is launched when you buy the computer.

To determine whether your AppleCare is still in place, simply go to

https://selfsolve.apple.com/GetWarranty.do

and enter in your computer's serial number. (If you don't know how to find your computer's serial number, go here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1349?viewlocale=en_US

Enjoy!

Building an Isolation Booth for Voice Overs

2009-03-26T19:38:00.001-07:00

Here's an interesting discussion on building isolation booths in your home for voice/overs:

http://www.mvnation.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=12863&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

Scroll down to "Whisper Rooms??"

Or build something freestanding, like these:

http://www.integrityenterprisesus.com/acoustic/products.php

A cool DIY version is here:

http://www.soundproofing.org/infopages/portable_sound_control_room.htm

... or, going smaller, this is a brilliant portable design:

http://digitalprosound.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=89503

... which sells here:

http://www.harlanhogan.com/store.shtml

Cheers!

Blog Feature ...

2009-03-18T04:27:00.001-07:00

I've been featured on the "Query Queen" blog ....

http://askwendy.wordpress.com/2009/03/16/10-questions-fortimothy-warneka-black-beltleadership-author/

Film Effect in Final Cut Pro

2009-03-12T14:55:00.000-07:00

I found an interesting way to create a film-like effect with the Canon HG10 camcorder.

It's pretty easy, too. Essentially what you're doing is doubling the video track and then blending the two tracks together.

I took this video when I was playing with the depth-of-field in my camcorder:

Happy Valentines Day 2009, Vimeo! from Tim Warneka on Vimeo.

and followed this simple process:

... and you get this cool look in your video:

Overlay Process in FCP for Creating a 'Film Effect' from Tim Warneka on Vimeo.

Pretty sweet! With this simple process, I think the video looks fuller and has more depth. :-)

Also, I've found that doubling the audio track makes for a fuller sound. (I haven't figured out if there's a way to blend/mix the two audio tracks. Stay tuned.)

Screws on the bottom of a camcorder ...

2009-02-17T12:08:00.000-08:00

Hi all!

If you ever need to know the size of the bolt that attaches a camcorder like the Canon HG10 onto a tripod, the answer is:

usually 1/4"-20.

And sometimes 3/8"-16.

I just got a new tripod and needed a new quick release plate. It took me awhile to find this information, so I thought I'd pass it on to you!

Cheers,

Tim

We're Not Alone ...

2009-01-26T20:13:00.000-08:00

Apparently, Windows Vista is taking some heat for the financial failures of Microsoft.

From the article:

"In Microsoft's public speeches and press releases, CEO Steve Ballmer has portrayed Windows Vista as nothing short of a wild success, an operating system that has sold millions of copies to adoring fans worldwide.

Alas, reality has finally come into sobering focus: Microsoft's recent earnings report show not just a $900 million revenue shortfall vs. earlier projections, but a serious weakness in one critical part of its business: "Software client revenue" (aka Windows Vista and remnant sales of XP), where sales are down 8 percent vs. last year."

Vista ... I know I dislike it.

Using Markers in Final Cut Pro

2009-01-21T09:10:00.000-08:00

Great article by Kevin McAuliffe here on using markers in Final Cut Pro.

Thanks, Kevin! :-)

Editing Audio in Final Cut Pro

2009-01-21T08:44:00.000-08:00

I'm still on the (very) steep learning curve for Final Cut Pro. Just scratching the surface, really. It's a fascinating journey.

The past week I've been interested in audio. I've played a bit with Soundtrack Pro, but a lot of forum report some serious bugs. I haven't completely written off Soundtrack Pro, but for now, I'm seeing what I can learn about editing audio within Final Cut Pro.

Here are two excellent articles I've found by Jon Chappell on Ken Stone's very-helpful website.

Here's Part I.

Here's Part II.

Enjoy!

Here's how to White Balance & Brighten Clips in FCP

2009-01-14T15:01:00.000-08:00

I've been editing some video footage, and I just found this most helpful clip on how to white balance and brighten clips in Final Cut Pro:

If the video doesn't load for some reason, then click here.

The Power of Men ... 2009

2009-01-06T12:02:00.000-08:00

It’s 2009 … and men have it tough.

Throughout Lake County and Cuyahoga County, around Northeast Ohio and across the country, many men are faced with increased stress, strain and struggles.

What can be done about it?

I’m honored to announce that I will be conducting a men’s workshop entitled, “The Power of Men,” with Dr. Phil Belzunce, Ph.D., N.D. at the world-famous Gestalt Institute of Cleveland.

Here’s the description of the workshop:

The Power of Men: Masculinity, Contact and Gestalt

Join a group of men in exploring how Gestalt principles inform our work. You'll investigate the power of embodied presence; effective integral strategies to use when working with men; the value of being relational in a culture that defines men in isolation; and issues of shame & belonging. We will improve our skills in working with other men, as we become more powerful men in deep contact with the world around us. Incorporating Gestalt methodology with inner work, outer connection, body process, engaged dialogue and lecture, this workshop is perfect for therapists, coaches, managers, supervisors, organizational leaders, and any man interested in exploring the power of men.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify three (3) strategies for working more successfully with men in American culture;

• Describe how relational, Gestalt-based, methodological interventions can decrease conflict while enhancing men's performance and health;

• Articulate the importance of understanding patterns of shame and belonging when leading men in therapy, coaching and/or in the workplace.

The cost for this weekend workshop is $125, and CEU’s are available.

I invite you to join Phil and I as we explore “The Power of Men” with men from around Northeast Ohio and the country.

Here’s a workshop flyer you can download.

Here’s a link to the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland.

More Sounds

2008-12-31T14:08:00.000-08:00

I just found another useful royalty free sounds website ... Partners in Rhyme. They've got some useful sound clips for free, as well.

Color Correction in Final Cut Pro

2008-12-22T06:04:00.000-08:00

I'm starting to play around with the power of color correction in Final Cut Pro. Even doing some white balancing in post-production seems to be helpful.

Here's an awesome video about color correction. The guy sounds like he's holding a pencil in his mouth at some points in the video. But he knows his stuff, so it's worth watching:

Even More Macs!

2008-12-16T14:54:00.000-08:00

I recently reported that my brother Patrick Warneka, a professional photographer based out of Chicago, IL, had recently switched over to apple computers with his purchase of an iMac.

Patrick must really like it, 'cause a few days ago he bought a Macbook Pro Laptop.

Patrick's experience is not unique. It happened to him. It happened to me. And it's happened to many others I've spoken to.

Creative people seem to prefer Macs.

Sound Loops from the BBC

2008-12-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

The BBC offers audio loops here.

Great place for Apple Loops

2008-12-08T13:09:00.000-08:00

Loops are basically snippets of musical sound (or sounds in general) that you can use in music any way you want.

For example, early in the song I created in GarageBand, I've got the sound of a loon. That was a nature loop that I had in GarageBand.

A great place for Apple loops is BeatHive.

Resources for GarageBand ...

2008-12-08T13:03:00.001-08:00

Just found GarageDoor, a very cool website with lots of links to all things GarageBand.

Check it out!

Apple's GarageBand

2008-12-08T10:01:00.000-08:00

My workload has slowed down a bit for the end of the year, so I finally got a chance to sit down and play with Apple's GarageBand a bit. (Yes, it's spelled "GarageBand," one word, two capitals.)

GarageBand is Apple's software program that allows the user to create and record music. GarageBand is best, I've found, when paired with some type of MIDI compatible keyboard. The keyboard makes playing the music easier.

I use the M-Audio AXIOM 25 Advanced 25-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Controller 9900-51411-10 keyboard ....

GarageBand is also capable of accepting input from a musical instrument, such as an electric guitar. To the extent that I play music, guitar is my main instrument. I didn't hook up my guitar for this piece, but I will definitely be doing so soon.

(NOTE: If you want to play your electric guitar in GarageBand (or if you want to use a better microphone then the one included in your Apple computer), then you'll need some type of interface. I use (and recommend) the Apogee Duet FireWire Interface)

Here's a song I made:

I don't consider myself to be very musically talented, but GarageBand makes it easy to compose music. Many professional musicians use this program to record their musical ideas.

GarageBand is a very powerful piece of software for the non-professional musician. Best of all, GarageBand is part of Apple's iLife suite of software, which is included free of charge with every Apple computer. (How awesome is that?!?)

If you're interested in creating music on the Mac, I highly recommend GarageBand.

Fun stuff! :-)

Making Movies? Two Great Sites for Sound and Music

2008-12-05T10:57:00.001-08:00

If you're making video and you need some sound effects, here's a great site I found called Freesound:

http://www.freesound.org/index.php

Interested in music and re-mixing music?

ccMixter:

http://ccmixter.org/view/media/home

uses the Creative Commons licensing for non-commercial use.

Some very cool sounds here!

Another Vista Refugee! :-)

2008-10-03T13:07:00.000-07:00

My brother Patrick Warneka was down to visit me recently. (He's an awesome photographer, so be sure to check out his site!) We've been talking about my mac experience for some time now, and now he got to see it in person.

He just told me that he went out and bought an iMac.

I'll be curious to hear what he thinks.

Computer Display Arm

2008-10-03T12:41:00.000-07:00

The Ergotron LX Desk Mount Arm - mounting kit ( 45-179-195 )

I recently bought the Apple 23" monitor for my Mac Pro. I also bought this ergonomic arm to go with it. It's the

Ergotron LX Desk Mount Arm - mounting kit ( 45-179-195 )

This thing is COOL!

You can adjust the arm to view the screen at a variety of angles. I'm a body-oriented psychotherapist and leadership coach, so I'm really aware of my body. Most computer set-up can be pretty brutal on the human body.

With this thing, you can move the screen to exactly where you need it. It's also great for showing information to clients and others.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you buy this arm for an Apple Cinema Display, you'll also need to get the VESA Mount Adaptor Kit from Apple. It's basically just a piece of metal, but you'll need it for most mounting arms, including this one. (And yes, you do have to buy it, or the arm won't work! ;-)

I had a bit of trouble getting the Adaptor on, so I made a video to help others out:

Even with having to buy this extra piece, this unit is very much worth the money.

I'd highly recommend it.

GREAT Book on OS X (Leopard) for the Mac Newbie

2008-09-26T12:42:00.000-07:00

I'll admit it ... I'm a computer geek.

When I get a new computer or piece of software, I usually read as many books about it as I can get my hands on (... and believe me, Final Cut Pro is keeping me WAY busy reading! ;-).

I've been reading various books on Mac's Leopard operating system (a.k.a, OS X), which is the operating system (like Windows for PC folks reading this) that all apple computers run on. So whether you have a Mac Pro, iMac, Macbook or Macbook Pro laptop, you'll need to understand how to use Leopard.

(Don't worry ... Leopard is pretty easy to use. You'll want the book to help you figure out all the cool things your computer can do. After all, that's the reason you bought a mac, right?)

If you've recently made the switch to Mac, I would HIGHLY recommend Scott Kelby's "The Mac OS X Leopard Book: How to do the things you want to do on your Mac."

Easy to read and accessible, Mr. Kelby's book is by far the best book I've read for a Mac newcomer.

Highly recommended.

Catholic Servant Leadership Motivational Keynote Speech Video

2008-09-22T11:40:00.000-07:00

Here's a video I made about my motivational speaking on Catholic Servant Leadership:

Catholic Servant Leadership from Tim Warneka on Vimeo.

What WERE you thinking, guys?!?

2008-09-21T13:45:00.000-07:00

This video, a new ad promoting Windows, features Seinfeld and Gates, is rather embarassing:

Seinfeld reportedly got paid $10 million. No word whether Gates donated his earnings or not.

I found the ad embarassing and rather painful to watch.