I like learning through visuals, info and colour in a diagram. Online Education offers creative displays of information to make you think, ponder, and to put things into perspective. A couple of recent favs are "The Facts About Bottled Water" and "20 Things That Happen in 1 Minute". Worth checking out.
G&P
- Andrew
Friday, January 01, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Cool Website Roundup
Every once in a while I come across a pile of fantastic online resources that are worth sharing. These are one of those time ... :)
Educational
Need a 101 on technology, media, or internet trends? Common Craft uses simple video and plain langauge to describe the basics. Learn Now BC and Be Web Aware are both treasure trove of assistance for students and parents.
Play-Time
If you are creative and need an outlet or are look for a unique way to add flair to a presentation, check out Storybird for creating stories online for free. In addition to stories, Creaza offers movie and audio editting (free registration required). If you looking for new things to do online, check out GO2WEB20 for the latest and most popular online applications (use the tags in the right sidebar to simplify your search).
Security
Looking for a way to protect your home from unwanted internet content? Open DNS offers a free solution.
Enjoy.
- Andrew
Educational
Need a 101 on technology, media, or internet trends? Common Craft uses simple video and plain langauge to describe the basics. Learn Now BC and Be Web Aware are both treasure trove of assistance for students and parents.
Play-Time
If you are creative and need an outlet or are look for a unique way to add flair to a presentation, check out Storybird for creating stories online for free. In addition to stories, Creaza offers movie and audio editting (free registration required). If you looking for new things to do online, check out GO2WEB20 for the latest and most popular online applications (use the tags in the right sidebar to simplify your search).
Security
Looking for a way to protect your home from unwanted internet content? Open DNS offers a free solution.
Enjoy.
- Andrew
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Silly Christian Products
You can buy anything these days, really anything. Here are just a few products that are funny enough to actually purchase and use!
Wash Away Your Sins (towelette): you can't beat the price! Search the site for other sin cleansers, such as body wash and hand soap!
Reserve a Spot in Heaven: find the kit that works best for you! Includes ticket, certificate and ID card. And if you - or someone you know - is particularly wicked, you can a reserve a spot in hell (have to have a very 'special' sense of humor to appreciate that).
You've Been Left Behind (rapture email): that's right, an email service that is set up to automatically sent out a personalized message to friends and family who don't follow Christ. You can't make this stuff up!
G&P
- Andrew
Wash Away Your Sins (towelette): you can't beat the price! Search the site for other sin cleansers, such as body wash and hand soap!
Reserve a Spot in Heaven: find the kit that works best for you! Includes ticket, certificate and ID card. And if you - or someone you know - is particularly wicked, you can a reserve a spot in hell (have to have a very 'special' sense of humor to appreciate that).
You've Been Left Behind (rapture email): that's right, an email service that is set up to automatically sent out a personalized message to friends and family who don't follow Christ. You can't make this stuff up!
G&P
- Andrew
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Desktop Wallpaper Sites
There are a gazillion sites out there in internet-land that offer up decent to great wallpapers for your desktop. The real trick is to find a few sites that offer fantastic quality images that are free and downloaded in a variety of resolutions without the danger of stumbling on images that exploit women and distort sexuality :)
Thankfully, there are few wonderful options available. Here are my go-to's if I'm looking for something new to decorate my desktop.
InterfaceLIFT: (recently nominated the best place to find wallpaper at Lifehacker). Lots of tags and resolutions available, definitely strongest in the 'nature' category.
Vlad Studio: all photoshop artwork, cute and whimsical, with enough resolutions to please the freebie-seekers.
Smashing Magazine: showcases monthly wallpapers that have the current month imbedded in the image. Other wallpaper designs (without a calendar in the image) are also highlighted from time to time. A quick note: while the wallpapers they select are appropriate, the original host sites that SM links back to may contain images that you would rather avoid.
G&P
- Andrew
Thankfully, there are few wonderful options available. Here are my go-to's if I'm looking for something new to decorate my desktop.
InterfaceLIFT: (recently nominated the best place to find wallpaper at Lifehacker). Lots of tags and resolutions available, definitely strongest in the 'nature' category.
Vlad Studio: all photoshop artwork, cute and whimsical, with enough resolutions to please the freebie-seekers.
Smashing Magazine: showcases monthly wallpapers that have the current month imbedded in the image. Other wallpaper designs (without a calendar in the image) are also highlighted from time to time. A quick note: while the wallpapers they select are appropriate, the original host sites that SM links back to may contain images that you would rather avoid.
G&P
- Andrew
Free Music Links
I've hummed 'n hawed about how to 'clean up' the blog's appearance since the left-column has become so terribly crowded. I've decided to lean more on the search and label side of things, rathering than placing every single link in the side-column. We'll see how it goes!
There are a number of sites that offer free Christian music, and not all of them will be listed here. The best of the bunch is definitely The Free Christian Music Blog. This blog tracks most of the other sites that are listed below as well as band sites. It's a great way to stay on top of the new music as it becomes available and it is updated almost daily.
There are a couple of free music sites that don't require regstration or login. Check out Soul-Audio, Not of this World, Jesus Freak Hideout and Relevant Magazine (live tracks). The downside is that these sites tend to be updated sporatically, so it's unpredictable when new music will be posted.
And then there are the 'sign up' sites that offer weekly downloads. Of these, iTickets, New Release Tuesday, and Hear it First are the best. These sites will send you emails to let you know what music is available that week. I've listed these sites below.
Finally, there are the record-label sites that host downloads. These sites require registration and login, and often are updated sporatically. But there is good music available and they are worth checking out if you are looking for new bands to get into. Free CCM, Free Gotee, and Free MonoVsStereo are some good places to start.
UPDATE: forgot to add something I just recently discovered - a weekly free music video site. Well, it's not always a music video - sometimes it's behind the scenes footage and such. Check out Video Rocket for all the info.
G&P
- Andrew
There are a number of sites that offer free Christian music, and not all of them will be listed here. The best of the bunch is definitely The Free Christian Music Blog. This blog tracks most of the other sites that are listed below as well as band sites. It's a great way to stay on top of the new music as it becomes available and it is updated almost daily.
There are a couple of free music sites that don't require regstration or login. Check out Soul-Audio, Not of this World, Jesus Freak Hideout and Relevant Magazine (live tracks). The downside is that these sites tend to be updated sporatically, so it's unpredictable when new music will be posted.
And then there are the 'sign up' sites that offer weekly downloads. Of these, iTickets, New Release Tuesday, and Hear it First are the best. These sites will send you emails to let you know what music is available that week. I've listed these sites below.
Finally, there are the record-label sites that host downloads. These sites require registration and login, and often are updated sporatically. But there is good music available and they are worth checking out if you are looking for new bands to get into. Free CCM, Free Gotee, and Free MonoVsStereo are some good places to start.
UPDATE: forgot to add something I just recently discovered - a weekly free music video site. Well, it's not always a music video - sometimes it's behind the scenes footage and such. Check out Video Rocket for all the info.
G&P
- Andrew
Friday, November 13, 2009
Cleaner Facebook
I've seen a few rumors that Facebook is working on a way to clean up your news feed so that those annoying quiz results don't take up three quarters of the page. Until that dream becomes a reality, there are two ways to have a cleaner Facebook page.
For this to work, you have to run Firefox for your internet browser. You'll also need to have the Greasemonkey and Stylish extensions added (click 'install' and it will do the rest of the work for you). In *really* simple language, these two add-ons allow you to run computer code (called 'script') within a specific site that will make the desired modifications.
The first one is super easy. After you have installed Greasemonkey, head to UserScripts and install the Facebook Purity script (it should be as easy as 'click and done'). This will take away all the quizes that pop up in your feed, and you have the option to reveal the blocked apps on the top right of your Facebook home page. To manage this script, either, find 'Greasemonkey' under 'Tools' in the menu bar, or click the monkey face that is the bottom-right corner of your screen.
The second is a little trickier. After you've installed Stylish, head to Customize Facebook. This page gives a thorough explanation of the installation process. To manage your Stylish scripts, you can click the 'S' that is in the corner of your screen. For my settings, I have choosen to keep 'events' and 'leftside bar'. Everything else is blocked by the code that is generated, and the minimalist home screen is wonderful. Because Facebook updates it code every few weeks (rendering the customized script you placed in Stylish completey useless), I recommend adding the Customize Facebook group page so that you'll get all the update news and know when to re-generate and paste the new Stylish script in.
G&P
- Andrew
For this to work, you have to run Firefox for your internet browser. You'll also need to have the Greasemonkey and Stylish extensions added (click 'install' and it will do the rest of the work for you). In *really* simple language, these two add-ons allow you to run computer code (called 'script') within a specific site that will make the desired modifications.
The first one is super easy. After you have installed Greasemonkey, head to UserScripts and install the Facebook Purity script (it should be as easy as 'click and done'). This will take away all the quizes that pop up in your feed, and you have the option to reveal the blocked apps on the top right of your Facebook home page. To manage this script, either, find 'Greasemonkey' under 'Tools' in the menu bar, or click the monkey face that is the bottom-right corner of your screen.
The second is a little trickier. After you've installed Stylish, head to Customize Facebook. This page gives a thorough explanation of the installation process. To manage your Stylish scripts, you can click the 'S' that is in the corner of your screen. For my settings, I have choosen to keep 'events' and 'leftside bar'. Everything else is blocked by the code that is generated, and the minimalist home screen is wonderful. Because Facebook updates it code every few weeks (rendering the customized script you placed in Stylish completey useless), I recommend adding the Customize Facebook group page so that you'll get all the update news and know when to re-generate and paste the new Stylish script in.
G&P
- Andrew
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Software Installer
If you've just purchased a new computer, completely wiped your harddrive, or want to test out a few free software options Ninite makes it way too easy.
Simply select the software you want to download and the installer takes care of the rest. It even automatically dismisses the annoying extras that often come with these installs (such as toolbars and such).
I haven't tried everyone of these applications, but I'm currently using (or used in the past) many of these programs. Some of these are no-brainers (Firefox, Thunderbird) and others will automatically be downloaded on your computer as you browse the internet (Reader, Java, Flash, .Net). Others provide an excellent service that may otherwise be overlooked: VLC, Audacity, Paint.Net, Picasa, OpenOffice, Essentials or AVG, CCleaner, and Defraggler are all programs that I would highly recommend for every user.
G&P
- Andrew
Simply select the software you want to download and the installer takes care of the rest. It even automatically dismisses the annoying extras that often come with these installs (such as toolbars and such).
I haven't tried everyone of these applications, but I'm currently using (or used in the past) many of these programs. Some of these are no-brainers (Firefox, Thunderbird) and others will automatically be downloaded on your computer as you browse the internet (Reader, Java, Flash, .Net). Others provide an excellent service that may otherwise be overlooked: VLC, Audacity, Paint.Net, Picasa, OpenOffice, Essentials or AVG, CCleaner, and Defraggler are all programs that I would highly recommend for every user.
G&P
- Andrew
Monday, November 09, 2009
Photo Generators
The wild 'n wonderful internet is full or photo generators and manipulators, but I've come across a few this month that are worth highlighting.
The first is SeeNow.com where you can put your facial features inside the face and body of a celebrity with LOTS of options to choose from. The steps are easy and the program does a decent job seamlessly stiching your photo into the image. You can even re-size and shift your photo so that it lines up better with the celebrity image.
The other generator is much more plain in comparison, but still kind of fun. It's a personal money generator and it has dozens of bills from the around the world to choose from. Just upload the image you would like to place on the billfold and you have your own personalized currency.
Shifting a little from photo generators to photo editting / manipulating, Tuxpi has over two dozen different ways to tweak a photo. But if you're looking for an online source to edit a photo, it's hard to beat Picnik. There is also LunaPic, which I'll give a "glitter warning" too. Some OK editting options, of which I like the single image collage-effect the most.
G&P
- Andrew
The first is SeeNow.com where you can put your facial features inside the face and body of a celebrity with LOTS of options to choose from. The steps are easy and the program does a decent job seamlessly stiching your photo into the image. You can even re-size and shift your photo so that it lines up better with the celebrity image.
The other generator is much more plain in comparison, but still kind of fun. It's a personal money generator and it has dozens of bills from the around the world to choose from. Just upload the image you would like to place on the billfold and you have your own personalized currency.
Shifting a little from photo generators to photo editting / manipulating, Tuxpi has over two dozen different ways to tweak a photo. But if you're looking for an online source to edit a photo, it's hard to beat Picnik. There is also LunaPic, which I'll give a "glitter warning" too. Some OK editting options, of which I like the single image collage-effect the most.
G&P
- Andrew
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Video Ripping & Conversion
Yesterday I highlighted a Firefox addon that will rip YouTube video and download it as an .flv file. Maybe .flv isn't your thing or maybe you're not interested in installing another media player specific for that file type (VLC) and so you need to convert the video into a different format. Here are some suggestions:
Movavi is super-simple and the best that I've seen so far. You can choose to either upload a file or select a URL (ie a YouTube video link), choose the output format and - voila! - you're done.
Vixy.net is another option, but it has less versatility: it only converts from a URL (can't upload a file) and it has fewer output options.
With great online options such as these, I wouldn't recommend installing conversion software, even if it's free (such as AVS Video Converter). There simply isn't the need anymore.
Finally, I found an instructional on how to rip video from Facebook. While the post highlights some wonderful reasons why this is a great Firefox add-on, my immediate concern was for all those individuals who haven't clued into the privacy settings for their personal photos and video. Please, if you post pictures or video on Facebook don't forget to set the privacy!
G&P
- Andrew
Movavi is super-simple and the best that I've seen so far. You can choose to either upload a file or select a URL (ie a YouTube video link), choose the output format and - voila! - you're done.
Vixy.net is another option, but it has less versatility: it only converts from a URL (can't upload a file) and it has fewer output options.
With great online options such as these, I wouldn't recommend installing conversion software, even if it's free (such as AVS Video Converter). There simply isn't the need anymore.
Finally, I found an instructional on how to rip video from Facebook. While the post highlights some wonderful reasons why this is a great Firefox add-on, my immediate concern was for all those individuals who haven't clued into the privacy settings for their personal photos and video. Please, if you post pictures or video on Facebook don't forget to set the privacy!
G&P
- Andrew
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Firefox Add-ons (Youth Pastor Picks)
I'm a big-time advocate for using Firefox to browse the internet. If you are using a different browser (Internet Explorer, Safari, etc) or are trying to find ways to maximize your Firefox experience, I have created a collection of Firefox extensions (also known as "add-ons") which will make a great browser even better.
To get started on the goodness of Firefox, check out the home page to download the latest version (make sure you choose the right operating system). The main page for add-ons is a great place to go if you're interested in seeing what's new and popular, or if you want to search by topic.
If you want explore some of the extensions that I use reguarly, browse the Youth Pastor Picks collection. Each extension is described in detail, able to answer most of your questions. Below I have briefly listed why I use each extension. Hopefully this is enough to get you started.
Ad Blocker Plus
A no-brainer. ADB rids your screen of the annoying ads that show up almost everywhere you go (Facebook, Gmail, Hotmail, etc) . For the extension to work, you need to download the "Easy List" at ADB's main site (the link is found top left corner of screen).
NoScript
This isn't too complicated to understand: this extension allows the user to choose what portions of the site will load and what won't. Basically, it prevents you from clicking on something (malicious?) that didn't want to, or holds back the annoying 'flashing' components of a site. Once this extension is added, an "S" and a "options" button shows in up in the bottom right corner of your brower window, and you can choose if you want to temporarily or permanently allow portions of the site to load in your browser.
Target Advertising Cookie Opt-Out (TACO)
Guess what: some of the major websites in the world study your internet behavior. This simple add-on prevents such. Add it.
BetterPrivacy
Does the same thing as "TACO" but for Flash-based cookies.
ProCon Latte
A customizable filter (based on specific sites or key words) that will prevent access to sites that contain specific content (words or images). It is password protected and keeps the user from stumbling onto sites that should be avoided. I'm a big fan of the "White List" feature: it enables sites that you know are safe to be viewed even if a questionable word is present. This is an extremely handy option since many youth ministry sites would otherwise but inaccessible based on the subject matter that is sometimes present.
Tab Preview
I like having multiple tabs open within Firefox. Instead of clicking on the other tabs, I just hover the mouse over the tab and 'mini-screen' drops down to show me what's on that page.
Permatabs
I 99% of the time have Gmail and Facebook tabs open when I'm on the internet. I have these two sites set as permanent tabs so that they load on start up and never close. Plus, the tabs-size is shrunk take up less space ... remember I like having many tabs open simulatenously!!
Better Gmail 2
Among other neat-o things, this extension puts the number of unread emails in the tab.
Integrated Gmail
This extension brings in my Google Calendar and places it below the Gmail inbox. It saves me from having two open!
Gmail Minimalist
This extension isn't available at Firefox ... yet. Go the creator's site for this add-on. It gives a few options on how clean up and simplify your Gmail appearance.
DownloadHelper
Do you have a YouTube video that you want to show the youth? Download it as an .flv file and then use the free and open-source VLC Media Player to view it.
MozBackup
Creates back up files for Firefox and Thunderbird (email software) that store all your bookmarks, extensions, and so on.
Enjoy.
G&P
- Andrew
To get started on the goodness of Firefox, check out the home page to download the latest version (make sure you choose the right operating system). The main page for add-ons is a great place to go if you're interested in seeing what's new and popular, or if you want to search by topic.
If you want explore some of the extensions that I use reguarly, browse the Youth Pastor Picks collection. Each extension is described in detail, able to answer most of your questions. Below I have briefly listed why I use each extension. Hopefully this is enough to get you started.
==============================
CONTENT / SECURITY / PRIVACY
Ad Blocker Plus
A no-brainer. ADB rids your screen of the annoying ads that show up almost everywhere you go (Facebook, Gmail, Hotmail, etc) . For the extension to work, you need to download the "Easy List" at ADB's main site (the link is found top left corner of screen).
---------------------------------------------------
This isn't too complicated to understand: this extension allows the user to choose what portions of the site will load and what won't. Basically, it prevents you from clicking on something (malicious?) that didn't want to, or holds back the annoying 'flashing' components of a site. Once this extension is added, an "S" and a "options" button shows in up in the bottom right corner of your brower window, and you can choose if you want to temporarily or permanently allow portions of the site to load in your browser.
---------------------------------------------------
Target Advertising Cookie Opt-Out (TACO)
Guess what: some of the major websites in the world study your internet behavior. This simple add-on prevents such. Add it.
---------------------------------------------------
BetterPrivacy
Does the same thing as "TACO" but for Flash-based cookies.
---------------------------------------------------
ProCon Latte
A customizable filter (based on specific sites or key words) that will prevent access to sites that contain specific content (words or images). It is password protected and keeps the user from stumbling onto sites that should be avoided. I'm a big fan of the "White List" feature: it enables sites that you know are safe to be viewed even if a questionable word is present. This is an extremely handy option since many youth ministry sites would otherwise but inaccessible based on the subject matter that is sometimes present.
==============================
APPEARANCE / FUNCTION
Tab Preview
I like having multiple tabs open within Firefox. Instead of clicking on the other tabs, I just hover the mouse over the tab and 'mini-screen' drops down to show me what's on that page.
---------------------------------------------------
Permatabs
I 99% of the time have Gmail and Facebook tabs open when I'm on the internet. I have these two sites set as permanent tabs so that they load on start up and never close. Plus, the tabs-size is shrunk take up less space ... remember I like having many tabs open simulatenously!!
==============================
GMAIL
Better Gmail 2
Among other neat-o things, this extension puts the number of unread emails in the tab.
---------------------------------------------------
Integrated Gmail
This extension brings in my Google Calendar and places it below the Gmail inbox. It saves me from having two open!
---------------------------------------------------
Gmail Minimalist
This extension isn't available at Firefox ... yet. Go the creator's site for this add-on. It gives a few options on how clean up and simplify your Gmail appearance.
==============================
MISCELLANEOUS
DownloadHelper
Do you have a YouTube video that you want to show the youth? Download it as an .flv file and then use the free and open-source VLC Media Player to view it.
==============================
BONUS ROUND!
MozBackup
Creates back up files for Firefox and Thunderbird (email software) that store all your bookmarks, extensions, and so on.
==============================
Enjoy.
G&P
- Andrew
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Web Tool - Bureau of Communication
The Bureau of Communcation is online madlibs messages for all occasions: holidays, romance, thankfulness, and more. Simply choose the form template that best fits your situation, fill in the blanks provided, punch in the receiver's email address, and done. It's got wit, it's got saracasm, and it's perfect for injecting a little humor into someone's day. If you're looking for a free, quick and creative way to encourage or thank members of your youth group or leadership team, this is the answer.
G&P
- Andrew
G&P
- Andrew
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