Monday, November 5, 2007

Batch Process Photos with Phatch

11:30PM Kevin Purdy | All platforms: Add drop shadows, round corners, resize and do much more to multiple photos at once with Phatch, a free batch image processing program. Phatch guides a user through creating customised, reusable “action lists.” Once a list is set up, it can be used to, for instance, size a folder of images down to 1024 pixels wide, round the top two corners with a five percent radius and convert them all to PNG files. Hit the “via” link below for a basic walk-through of Phatch’s features. Phatch is a free download for Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X, although each platform requires setting up the Python environment and a few other packages, which is a bit easier to do in Linux. Windows users who don’t want to dive in can check out FastStone Photo Resizer, and Mac owners can try Photo Drop. Phatch [via Phorolinux] More »

Conquer Your Public Speaking Jitters

11:00PM Kevin Purdy | Whether it’s a best man speech, a corporate presentation, or a dinner toast, speaking in front of people you don’t know can generate lots of sweat and stutters. Steve Tobak, tech executive and blogger at CNET, has a few words of advice to help anyone facing down a crowd get into the right frame of mind. To avoid feeling isolated and on-the-spot, for example, interact with your audience: Draw them into your presentation by asking leading questions and encouraging interaction. You’ll instantly feel more comfortable, and so will your audience. A great side benefit is it will make you a far more dynamic and engaging speaker. Other helpful tips include knowing your material cold, of course, and asking yourself “What’s the worst that could happen?” While you’re easing your fears, brush up on how to lose the ums and ahs and sound more intelligent. Photo by ItzaFineDay. Conquering your fear of public speaking [CNET Blogs] More »

Try Out openSUSE on a Live CD

10:30PM Kevin Purdy | Linux distribution openSUSE has released its first-ever live CDs for its latest version, 10.3. That means those curious to see what the lizardly Linux variant would run like on their systems can do so without messing up anything, and those who enjoy openSUSE’s notable features—like the Slab application menu and built-in MP3 support—can use it as a rescue disc, show it off to their friends, or install from the desktop. The live CD is a free download, comes in GNOME or KDE desktop configurations and requires an Intel or AMD-based system (at least for now). If you decide to give openSUSE a spin, tell us what you thought it in the comments. openSUSE 10.3 Live Version Available [via The Linux Tutorial] More »

See What Interviewers are Asking at InterviewUp

10:00PM Kevin Purdy | So the interview for your next great job is coming up and you’ve got answers for your strengths, weaknesses, and teamwork skills—but can you explain the 5-4-3 rule of computer networking? InterviewUp, a social website focused on industry-specific interview questions, could help you prepare for your time in the hot seat. No account is required to search, post or answer questions asked of candidates, but a free sign-up lets users get email notices when questions they ask get answered. The question pool seems to lean heavily toward the programming, science and health care fields at this point, but other careers and general questions get some attention as well. Interviewees can also check out job interview tips from a recruiter and advice on how to ace a job interview. InterviewUp More »

DIY goodness from MAKE:Blog

2:14PM Sarah Stokely | However did I survive before the MAKE blog? Here’s just a couple of gems they’ve posted recently: How to get the Dalek Builders Workshop Manual How to build articulated wings How to build a lifesize Jabba the Hutt My life is now complete!!! More »

Support us as Gizmodo dons facial hair for Movember

1:47PM Sarah Stokely |   Thanks to the inspirational Shay over at Gizmodo AU, I’ve decided to get on board with Movember – the mustache-growing, charity funding raising event that runs all this month. Shay started a team of “Mo Bros” who are growing Mo’s for Movember. Fortunately as a Mo Sista I don’t have to go the facial hair - I’m helping them raise funds and awareness because I’m passionate about men’s health and the fight against male depression and prostate cancer. Why… Depression affects 1 in 6 men…Most don’t seek help. Untreated depression is a leading risk factor for suicide. Last year in Australia 18,700 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than 2,900 died of prostate cancer – equivalent to the number of women who die from breast cancer annually. Men are far less healthy than women. The average life expectancy of males is 5 years less than females. To sponsor my team of Mo Bros please go to http://www.movember.com/au/donate, enter my registration number which is 153935 and your credit card details. Or you can sponsor me by cheque made payable to the “Movember Foundation” clearly marking the donation as being for my Registration Number: 153935. Please mail cheques to: PO Box 292, Prahran VIC 3181. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. The money raised by Movember is donated to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and beyondblue – the national depression initiative, which will use the funds to create awareness, fund research and increase support networks for those men who suffer from prostate cancer and male depression. For those that have supported Movember in previous years you can be very proud of the impact it has had and can check out the detail at: Fundraising Outcomes. Thanks for the idea, Shay! Get growing that mo already! :)   More »