Progress Report: Computer Transition Under Way

The goal: a) Get new computer up to snuff as a blogging and graphics machine, b) Convert my old computer to The Other Half's computer, c) make sure we both have everything we want from the old machines without needlessly cluttering our new ones.

I'm at least halfway done, with each computer in its proper place (the Other Half's old one is presently set up on the coffee table until it is put to pasture). Files are partly backed up, but not moved off of the external device. And I discovered the pleasure of multi-screens!!!

One of these days. . .

But I've gotten too excited too quickly. I started with an older, non-widescreen flat panel from the closet, next to my huge 27" monitor. And it works pretty great! But that old monitor is not particularly clear, and not particularly attractive. The extended display space is really, really nifty. So, I thought, why not get the older 22" from the Other Half's old computer? Great idea. It's big, it should be just the ticket.

Unlucky me, there is no Windows 8 driver for it. And every website that purports to have one looks extra dodgy. So, I'll either rough it with the old 19" or just stick to one panel at a time until I feel I can justify the price of a second, modern monitor. But now that I have a taste? I've got to tell you, I want it!

UPDATE: It occurs to me, that since I'm blogging this to the whole world, it couldn't hurt to put the name and model of my old monitor out there, just in case there's a techie out there who has happened by. It's an Envision G22LWk. Drop me a line if anyone has an idea how to make it work. I mean, I've gotten several other, supposedly incompatible things to work!

"Women for Herman Cain" are Really Stock Photos

In my line of work as a sign designer, it isn't unusual to use stock photos, though I haven't much. Say you need some gorgeous pictures of specific food items for your buffet signs. Stock photos are the perfect answer. But why do so many politicians and political groups use stock photos? It isn't as galling as The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) using Obama rally pictures as their own, but it's close.

I'd also like to point out the badly kerned "Women" script. Check out where the "o" meets the "m". Sloppy.

[Excerpt]

'Women for Herman Cain' also women for cell phones, laptops, balloons, etc.

Herman Cain has found a way to revive Herman Cain's campaign: "Women For Cain" is an online national fellowship of women dedicated to helping elect Herman Cain as the next President of the United States. "Women for Cain" is also a stock photo festival of the highest order, and we can't resist playing along. . . 

Read more at: MaddowBlog

Looking for Cool Widgets for Blogger

This site doesn't yet get many comments, or emails to the editor, though I'm happy to say we do get lots of visits. But after nearly six months of blogging, I'm growing a little bored with my layout, and thought I'd try to get readers to suggest possible changes.

Being on Blogger, my choices are a little more limited than in some of the expensive blogging programs. But I've visited a few other blogspot addresses, and have seen some cool widgets and layouts and features that I have no idea how to implement.

Of course, I know how to work the Google, and have managed to find a few easy add-ons. I have a little Sudoku puzzle for The Other Half, a famous quotes widget too, and of course the Backwards Bush Countdown. But those were easy breezy.

What I'm looking for is less bells-and-whistles, and more user-friendly. I'd like to have a "most popular posts" widget. I'd like my "previous posts" list to be scrollable, so that it doesn't take up too much room. And I'd like my template to retain a "newspaper" feel, but have a little more oomph.

So, if you've found this site and have any ideas, drop me a line at editor@greenleegazette.com or just leave a comment to this post. I'd really appreciate it! I have the week of Christmas off, and am going to try to implement some design changes then. Thanks, all!

UPDATE: If you've found this post while looking for widgets, the ones in my sidebar should have links in them that allow you to add them to your blog with just a couple of clicks.