I wrote a couple of articles a while back about modular homes being trucked into Saddlebrook Subdivision and how the neighbors and the builder are at odds about it. There is legal actions being taken by both sides. … More: INTERESTING COMM...

Filed under: Odds and ends, .Mac, Mac 101

Apple has posted a nifty tip for Mail users who miss the discontinued iCards feature from .Mac: You can use Mail stationery to create an attractive card-like message with your own photos.

In a post on the Mobile Me blog (hey, it's not dead!), Apple says "...it's like the old Make Your Own iCards feature on steroids, and a whole lot easier to use in the bargain."

For Leopard users, Mail comes with 30 email templates you can customize in lieu of sending an iCard. Personally, I think an email is better than an iCard anyway, what with all the greeting card spam that goes on.

You can use photos that you take with Photo Booth, for example, or pictures from iPhoto. Customize it with a clever note, and away you go.

If you don't have Leopard or still want to use an online greeting card site, there are plenty to choose from.

(And if you like our series for beginners, Mac 101, there's much more to learn.)

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Odds and ends, iPhone

Just in time for the first really scary hurricane of the season, Weather Underground is providing an iPhone-specific version of their mobile site that includes a tropical storm tracker. The mobile site URL is http://i.wund.com, and the tropical storm page can be accessed directly at http://i.wund.com/tropical.

As you can see in the screenshot above, the tracker shows the location, intensity, and other statistical information about each storm. In this case we're looking at Tropical Storm Gustav, which appears to now be a Category 3 hurricane. The full-screen view seen above requires a flip to landscape mode.

If you're an iPhone user and live in any location where tropical storms can be a hazard to life and property, you might want to add this site to your Home screen.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Odds and ends

Last week you may have caught some photos going around of a cute Foxconn factory worker flashing peace signs. The photos were found on a UK man's brand-new iPhone, and posted at MacRumors.

The mystery girl's identity is being protected by Foxconn, and a company spokesman said that her job is not in any danger. Taking pictures with the camera is a normal part of the testing procedure done before the phone is shipped out.

As with other Chinese internet celebrities, identities are hard to come by. Second Brother on the Right, who was part of the Olympic torch procession through many countries, is still anonymous.

[Via Reuters.]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

What it does

Yesterday, we reviewed a site that would let you learn how to say things in other languages. Over at Yappr.com, you’ll find the exact opposite. Through this site, you’ll be able to learn English quickly. This should appeal to people who are travelling to the US (or any other English speaking country) and want to have a better experience. The site is an online community of English learners, through which you’ll be able to watch videos, meet people, and most importantly: learn English. There are many educational videos. Besides being highly instructive, they’ll allow you to pick up the vocabulary you’ll need to become a better English speaker. The site can be viewed in over 10 languages, so the odds are that you’ll find your mother tongue amongst them. Everyone seems to agree that the best way to learn a language is completely immersing yourself in it. This site will allow you to meet new English speakers, so you can practice your English together.

In their own words

“yappr.com... where millions of English learners throughout the world are improving their English by meeting and helping each other, watching great videos, playing fun games and so much more-“

Why it might be a killer

Learning English has never been this fun. This site takes the best from social networking to make up for a complete English learning experience.

Some questions

Is the system that effective? Do people use this to learn English or interact with others?

Link: http://www.yappr.com
Our Review: http://www.killerstartups.com/Social-Networking/yappr-com-yap-your-way-to-english-fluency

 

All the talk in the NASCAR world lately revolves around Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards, the top two in the points standings who had a little run-in at the end of last week's race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Filed under: Odds and ends, Macbook Pro

Doesn't matter if you're Obamapublican or a McCainocrat. One thing all Americans can agree on is that Macs rule when it comes to live media presentation. The Democratic national convention here in Denver is no exception. TUAW reader-on-the-spot YodaMac sent in these pictures live from the Pepsi Center.

Gallery: DNC Macs

They show this beautifully designed video backdrop being used at the convention, and better yet, the man-behind-the-curtain.

YodaMac writes: "Here are a couple of pics I snapped on my iPhone at the Pepsi Center in Denver during the DNC. Just thought it was interesting that those giant screens being used seemed to be run by Macs! (see 2nd picture- behind the scenes) I don't know about "ALL" the screens, but those fellas were definitely changing the names that appeared on the big screens for different speakers as they took the podium."

Cool stuff. And another vote for the Mac.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Howard Kurtz / Washington Post:
Rachel Maddow, MSNBC's Newest Left Hand  —  In her black-rimmed glasses, black T-shirt, jeans and orange sneakers, green iPod wires dangling from her ears, Rachel Maddow cuts an unassuming figure at odds with her growing celebrity.  —  “I know I don't look like everybody else on television …

Julie Mason / Houston Chronicle:
Chatter over Hutchison as possible VP pick grows louder  —  CRAWFORD — Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's long-shot odds for vice president are getting a push from conservative and other pundits in the lead-up to next week's Republican National Convention.  —  The latest flurry of speculation online …

Economic growth in developing countries has translated into big increases in happiness