Digital Alchemy dot TV

Geoengineering Away Global Warming

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 23:29:00 +0000

Paul Crutzen, the 1995 Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry for his work on the ozone layer, has proposed injecting sulfur into the atmosphere so less sunlight will penetrate it. Artillery guns on high-altitude balloons would be used to fire sulfur into the atmosphere. There is historical precedent. "When Mt. Pinatubo in the Philippines erupted in 1991, it sprayed millions of tons of sulfur into the atmosphere. Much to scientists' surprise, the sulfur reflected so much sun that the Earth’s surface cooled by almost one full degree Fahrenheit in the year following the eruption." This could work, but only temporarily since sulfur only stays in the atmosphere for a couple of years while carbon dioxide lingers for over a century.

An Amazing Collection of Free Photo Sites for Your Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 06 May 2012 19:29:00 +0000

Just having text in your blog posts can be a bit dry. Photos help to liven things up, giving visitors something colorful to look at, but it's often difficult to track down a photo that matches your post. It's even more difficult sometimes to tell if you're even allowed to use the photo once you've tracked down one that you like. A good rule of thumb to follow is that images found in government sources like NASA Images are likely in the public domain since they can't copyright their work.

Luckily, Lorelle on Wordpress has done a lot of hard work and assembled a very comprehensive list of photo sites that are likely to be freely usable by anyone. Gimme sites like Flickr are listed, but there are dozens of more obscure sources as well.

Warning: Restrictions may apply in some cases so look for information about usage rights. Sometimes, you'll have to give a link back to the source where you got the image or register at the site.

Clear Private Information from Firefox

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 02 May 2012 03:46:00 +0000

If you want to remove all user preferences and private data like cookies or web history from Firefox, there's a very simple way.

1. Go to C:->Documents and Settings->Your User Name
->Application Data
2. Delete the Mozilla folder.

That will wipe everything, and when you restart Firefox, it'll create a new Mozilla folder.

If you aren't able to find the Application Data folder, it is probably because it is hidden. To make it visible, open up a folder and go to Tools->Folder Options->View.

Click on Show hidden files and folders and click OK. Then go back to step 1 and complete the process.

This method is only effective against casual privacy intrusions by nosey friends or parents. The data can still be retrieved through more sophisticated methods.
If you only want to delete the cache, cookies, and web history and not your custom browser settings, go to Firefox and go to Tools-> Clear Private Data. You can tweak the settings for this tool by going to Tools-> Options-> Privacy-> Settings.

Zamzar: Free Online File Converter

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:48:00 +0000

Zamzar lets you upload files up to 100MB and convert them into one of several dozen file types. Documents, audio, video, and images are supported. The UI is simple with four steps to completion. One neat feature is that you're emailed the link to the converted file once the file conversion is completed so you don't have to check back to the site.

You can also convert multiple files at once although then you can only do one kind of file conversion.

Zamzar

[via]

Billster Helps You Track Your Spending

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 20:48:00 +0000

Billster is another site that helps you organize your finances. It's not as socially oriented as Wesabe, but it does have a Connections panel that keeps track of who you've had transactions with. Helpfully, Billster will send invite emails to your friends if you include their address when you add them.
Under the Bills tab, you can add personal expenses, group expenses, what's owed you, and what you owe. You can also tag your bills. A weakness is that, unlike Wesabe, you can't import your data directly from your bank. Manually entering your transactions data will probably get tiring although you can mark recurring payments as such, which reduces the burden slightly. The interface is similar to the one you use when doing e-banking (making single/recurring payments, etc.).The most helpful screen is the Dashboard where you can visualize the flow of cash in and out of your account. If you use tags carefully, you can also get a sense of the relative proportions of your spending. Do you spend a lot on haircuts? How much of your income goes to rent? There's also a half-baked six degrees-ish graphic that shows how many connections you have, how many your friends have, and so on. Maybe more social features will be added soon, and this feature will have added significance.

Once financially oriented sites start appearing, it's usually a sign that the market is maturing. I suspect we'll see several more popping up soon. Certainly, there have been a fair number of social stock-picking sites launching recently along with impressive rallies in the market.

Rihanna Good Morning America Interview (Video)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:47:00 +0000

Rihanna was interviewed on "Good Morning America" today. The 21-year-old singer spoke with Diane Sawyer about her relationship with Chris Brown, her former boyfriend who assaulted her just before the Grammy Awards in February. In the video excerpt, Rihanna explains her decision to forgive Brown, and her subsequent decision to end the relationship:

When I realized that my selfish decision for love could result into some young girl getting killed, I could not be easy with that part. I couldn't be held responsible for telling them, 'Go back.' Even if Chris never hit me again, who's to say that their boyfriend won't? Who's to say they won't kill these girls?

Explaining her decision to vacation with Brown only weeks after the beating, Rihanna said, "But I'm a human being, and people put me on a very unrealistic pedestal. All these expectations - I'm not perfect." The full interview with Rihanna will air on "20/20" this Friday.

For his part, Chris Brown has expressed confusion at the incident, asking himself, "What was I thinking? What is wrong with you?"

Rihanna's next album, titled "Rated R", will be released on November 23.

Rihanna Good Morning America Interview Video

Raquel Houghton: Dane Cook's Former Girlfriend (Photos)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:58:00 +0000

Raquel Houghton is Dane Cook's former girlfriend and a contestant on season eight of "American Idol." The 28-year-old singer is part of the band, The Valli Girls. Their MySpace says, "Raquel Houghton is our fearless lead singer who always brings the funk when we're jamming. Plus she has the best reflexes of anyone in the Valley. Not sure what that means but its gotta be good."

Dane Cook and Raquel Houghton were first seen together at the premiere of the 37-year-old comedian's 2006 movie "Employee of the Month." Cook at the time called her "my baby" and "independent and funny - two things I like in a woman."

Houghton's appearance on "Idol" was controversial since she already had a studio contract with Sony Columbia through her band, The Valli Girls.

Raquel Houghton Video Interview

Raquel Houghton Photos

The Valli Girls

The Valli Girls with Raquel Houghton

More Shots of the Valli Girls

Nicolas Cage Broke

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:29:00 +0000

Nicolas Cage is broke. The 45-year-old actor claims his manager, Samuel Levin, mismanaged his money and sent "Cage down a path to financial ruin." To pay his debts, Cage has been selling his real estate assets, including a Bavarian castle and homes in New Orleans, Las Vegas, and California. Despite his stardom, he isn't immune from foreclosure: Regions Bank foreclosed on one of his homes after he failed to pay $5.5 million in mortgage debt.

Cage apparently lost more than $20 million since taking on Levin as his business manager in 2001. He says he "relied on Levin to handle his financial affairs to ensure that he and his family would have a financially secure future built on the foundation of the substantial monies Cage earned through years of hard work." He now owes $6 million to the IRS and is in hock to East West Bank for a $2 million loan.

Upcoming movies featuring Nicolas Cage include "Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans", "Season of the Witch", and "Kick-Ass." He reportedly makes $20 million a movie.

Chaz Bono Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:57:00 +0000

The first Chaz Bono photos have appeared. Formerly known as Chastity Bono before her sex change operation, the 40-year-old daughter of Cher and Sonny Bono announced he was undergoing gender realignment therapy only a week ago. At 18, Chastity came out as a lesbian while studying at New York University and later became a prominent gay and transgendered rights activist.

In the ensuing years, Chastity Bono's rock career dissolved after her band Ceremony's debut album failed to become a hit, and she turned to film production. A stint in rehab in 2004 and battle with obesity has plagued his recent years. A publicist for Chaz Bono has said, "Chaz, after many years of consideration, has made the courageous decision to honor his true identity. He is proud of his decision and grateful for the support and respect that has already been shown by his loved ones."

Reportedly, Chaz Bono has only started taking hormones within the last two weeks with a surgical operation in the works.

Chaz Bono Photos

Chaz Bono

Chaz Bono as a man

Susannah Feldman Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:10:00 +0000

Susannah Feldman has divorced Corey Feldman. The 27-year-old actress met the 38-year-old former child movie star at her 19th birthday party in Los Angeles, and one year later, Feldman proposed to the then-Susie Sprague on Valentine's Day. The couple have a 5-year-old son together, and Susie is seeking sole custody.

The Feldmans were married on the reality TV show, "The Surreal LIfe", in a ceremony with MC Hammer and a rabbi. Their life together was chronicled on the A&E series, "The Two Coreys", which showed glimpses of their life at home. In August 2008, Susannah Feldman posed for Playboy.

Corey Feldman became famous during the 1980s with roles in films like "The Lost Boys", "Stand by Me", and "The Burbs." Later on, he battled drug addiction and released several music albums. His upcoming movie roles include "Lost Boys 3" and "The Beautiful Outsiders." He will be co-starring in two movies with Susannah Feldman, "Lucky Fritz" and "Terror Inside."

Susannah Feldman Photos

Susannah Feldman (formerly known as Susie Sprague)

Susannah Feldman & Corey Feldman

Susannah Feldman and Husband Feldman

Ivanka Trump Wedding Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:57:00 +0000

Ivanka Trump married Jared Kushner on Sunday. The 27-year-old daughter of real estate mogul Donald Trump and her husband, the publisher of the "New York Observer", had the wedding ceremony at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. Trump wore a Grace Kelly-esque wedding gown from Vera Wang. In attendance were 500 guests including Barbara Walters, Rudy Giuliani, and Russell Crowe.

In preparation for the wedding, Ivanka Trump converted from Catholicism to Judaism in July 2009. She has also recently released a book called "The Trump Card: Playing to Win in Work and Life."

Donald Trump's toast to the couple was short: "Be happy and enjoy your life." The newlyweds are expected to honeymoon in Africa.

Ivanka Trump Wedding Photos

Ivanka Trump in Wedding Gown

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner Engagement Photos

Carmina Salcido Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 06:48:00 +0000

Carmina Salcido is the sole survivor of the massacre of her family 20 years ago in Sonoma County, California. The now 23-year-old survivor has written a book about her experiences called "Not Lost Forever" and recently appeared on TV on "20/20." In 1989, her 28-year-old father, Ramon Salcido, murdered her mother, two sisters, two aunts, and her grandmother and fled 800 miles away to Mexico where he was captured five days later.

As Carmina Salcido recalls that day, her sisters were "like lambs led to a slaughter." When it was her turn, she says, "[He] grabs my hair, pulls my head back and I put my hands up … protecting, so he cut open my fingers and I moved them. I move my hands out of the way, [in] one clean cut. It was just like a razor. You almost don't feel anything. And I just went out." She survived for 36 hours in a field before being discovered and taken to the hospital.

Later, Carmina Salcido was adopted by an ultra-conservative family in Missouri who gave her a new name, Cecilia, and considered her "no better than [her] dad." She escaped to a convent at 17, but left a year later.

At the moment, Carmina Salcido has returned to Sonoma County and has a dog grooming business called Peaceful Pet Grooming. Her MySpace profile reveals that she plays 10 instruments, is bisexual, in a relationship, and loves the outdoors.

Ramon Salcido is on death row at San Quentin prison.

Carmina Salcido Photos

Carmina Salcido

Carmina Salcido at 16

Carmina Salcido at Toddler

Adriana Henao: Helio Castroneves' Girlfriend

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:43:00 +0000

Adriana Henao is the girlfriend of Helio Castroneves. She is pregnant with the couple's daughter, to be called Mikaella, who is due in January. Initially, they had a different name in mind: "We thought about calling her 'Indy,' but we thought that might be a little too much." The 34-year-old race car driver won the Indianapolis 500 three times.

Born in Brazil, Helio Castroneves has appeared on television as a contestant on "Dancing with the Stars", which he won the fifth season of. Despite his seemingly envious life, Castroneves was charged with six counts of tax evasion last year for failing to pay taxes on $5.5 million. The charges were dropped this year after a lengthy trial.

Looking back, Helio Castroneves is wistful: "This year started very difficult, the middle was kind of a 'Wow!' and now this." He considers marriage to Adriana Henao to be the "next natural step."

Helio Castroneves Video

Helio Castroneves and Julianne Hough Dance on TV

Helio Castroneves in the Indy 500

Shauna Sand Video (Photos)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:07:00 +0000

A video of Shauna Sand is scheduled for release on October 19. The 38-year-old actress apparently shot a sex tape with her boyfriend earlier this year in Miami which has somehow gone public.

Titled "Shauna Sand Exposed", the video shows Sand playing with Häagen-Dazs ice cream and modeling underwear for her French boyfriend Antoine among other antics. It was shot in high-definition and has been called "the hottest celebrity sex footage I've ever seen."

Asked for her reaction, Shauna Sand said, "Yes I did make a sex tape with my boyfriend earlier this year. In fact I've made several sex tapes, but I certainly didn't sign off on this and Vivid has no right to put it out. I am trying to get a hold of my attorney now."

After coming to fame with her appearance as Playboy's Playmate of the Month for May 1996, Shauna Sand began an itinerant acting career appearing on TV shows like "Charmed" and "Las Vegas" and movies like "Succubus: Hell Bent" and "Black Dawn." She met her future husband Lorenzo Lamas on the show "Renegade", but they divorced after six years and three daughters in 2002.

Shauna Sand Photos

Shauna Sand

Shauna Sand Video

Shauna Sand Plays with Ice Cream

Molly McNearney Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:35:00 +0000

Molly McNearney is dating Jimmy Kimmel. The 31-year co-head writer on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" started dating the 41-year-old late-night comedy host several months ago after he broke up with Sarah Silverman in March. Apparently, "After Jimmy and Sarah broke up, Molly and Jimmy both found themselves single, and they clicked."

The revelation of Molly McNearney and Jimmy Kimmel dating of course comes on the heels of David Letterman's affair with Holly Hester. In both cases, the boss is dating one of his staff, but despite their relationship, Kimmel and McNearney are said to "keep things professional" on set.

In July 2003, Molly McNearney joined "Kimmel" as an assistant to the executive producer, but rose quickly up the ranks to become co-head writer on the show in May 2008.

Molly McNearney Photos

Molly McNearney

Molly McNearney on Facebook

Molly McNearney Pickets for WGA Strike

Soulja Boy Arrested (Photos)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:03:00 +0000

Soulja Boy was arrested on Thursday. The 19-year-old rapper was apparently filming a video at an abandoned house in Stockbridge, Georgia, and neighbors complained to police about seeing a large group of 40 youths at the location. Soulja Boy was one of two people arrested for obstruction after he ran away when the police came.

Known also as DeAndre Ramone Way or DeAndre Cortez Way, Soulja Boy was arrested after returning to get his car, but he got bail with a $550 bond. He got his start posting his songs on the Internet on sites like MySpace and YouTube before achieving fame for "Crank That (Soulja Boy)", which hit the BillBoard Hot 100 and garnered a Grammy nomination.

Later Soulja Boy albums have been less successful, but he promises his self-titled third album, "The DeAndre Way", will be his most successful.

Soulja Boy Photos

Soulja Boy

Soulja Boy Tell Em

Natalin Avci Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:49:00 +0000

Natalin Avci is a 23-year-old Turkish model and actress who is most famous for her photo shoot with Lakers shooting guard Ron Artest. Besides the Sports Illustrated spread, Avci has also appeared on TV in shows like "Greek" and "Entourage" and films like "Couples Retreat" and "Family Wedding." Her track record in print is recent with appearances in "Show Magazine" and "Maxim Philippines."

At 125 pounds and 5 foot 5 inches, Natalin Avci is fluent in English, Turkish, and Spanish. On her modeling profile, she says, "I have only been pursuing modeling and acting for a few months but so far I have had great success! I am willing to work with professional photographers with unique styles."

Artest spontaneously hired Avci for a photo shoot while being interviewed by Sports Illustrated after meeting her in a hotel lobby. He comments, "The only purpose is to have fun."

Natalin Avci Photos

Natalin Avci and Ron Artest Together

Natalin Avci and Ron Artest Pose on Car

Rosangel Cabrera: Miguel Cabrera's Wife

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:46:00 +0000

Rosangel Cabrera is the wife of Miguel Cabrera. On an early Saturday morning, the wife of the Detroit Tigers first baseman called 911 after they got into a fight. A breathalyzer test detected he had a 0.26 blood-alcohol reading which is more than three times the legal driving limit.

Over the weekend, Miguel Cabrera showed up with bruises on his face at a baseball game indicating a connection between the two incidents. At 26 years old and with one daughter with Rosangel Cabrera, the Venezuelan-born major league baseball player has been compared to legendary players like Ken Griffey, Jr. and Hank Aaron based on his playing statistics.

After being taken to the police station, Cabrera was picked up by Dave Dombrowski, general manager of the Detroit Tigers.

Miguel Cabrera in Spring Training

Holly Hester Videos

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:35:00 +0000

Holly Hester is the second woman who has been romantically linked to David Letterman in the past three days after Stephanie Birkitt. She was an NYU student when she got an internship on “The Late Show” and during hiatus, Hester was asked out on a date by her boss.

The relationship between Holly Hester and Letterman ended after one year because the decades-older comedian was uncomfortable with their vast age difference. Nevertheless, Hester claims, “I was madly in love with him at the time. I would have married him. He was hilarious.”

Later, Holly Hester would go on to be an executive producer on TV shows like “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch” and “The Drew Carey Show.” The last show she produced before seeming to leave the industry was “Marsha Potter Gets a Life” in 2005.

Holly Hester Videos

Britney Spears appearance on "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch", which Hester produced

"Drew Carey Show" parody of "The Sims", also produced by Holly Hester

Stephanie Birkitt Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:01:00 +0000

Stephanie Birkett is one of several women that David Letterman has admitted having an affair with. The 34-year-old works as the 62-year-old comedian’s personal assistant and made several appearances on “The Late Show with David Letterman” over the years. The revelation of Letterman’s numerous affairs with female members of his staff came after an employee of CBS News tried to blackmail him for $2 million.

Letterman’s blackmailer, Joe Halderman, lived with Birkett, and he apparently came into possession of her diaries detailing the affair which gave him the idea to extort Letterman. In his on-camera explanation, Letterman said, "I feel like I need to protect these people. I need to certainly protect my family." He also declared his intention to not speak about the topic in the future.

Birkett mentioned in a 2002 interview that Letterman was “the best boss I’ve ever had.” This would have been around the time of their affair, which is thought to have happened just before the birth of Letterman’s son with his long-time girlfriend, Regina Lasko.

Letterman married Lasko in March 2009.

Stephanie Birkitt Photos

Stephanie Birkitt
Stephanie Birkitt On Air

Senator John Ensign and Cynthia Hampton Affair

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:50:00 +0000

Senator John Ensign seemed to have put the past behind himself after his affair with Cynthia Hampton was publicly revealed last June, but new evidence has emerged of further impropriety in his dealings with the Hampton family. The 51-year-old former senator from Nevada lined up clients for Douglas Hampton, the husband of Cynthia and a close aide on his staff, after the affair was discovered and helped lobby for the clients in Washington to keep him silent. Ensign

called the secretary of transportation last year on behalf of Allegiant Air. Ensign also arranged for Hampton and his clients to meet the new transportation secretary in a successful effort to resolve a dispute with a competitor.

This violated laws that prevent former congressional aides from lobbying their bosses for one year after leaving their jobs.

Just before the affair went public, the Hamptons asked for $8.5 million, but Ensign refused, leading to the public revelation.

John Ensign and Cynthia Hampton Photos and Video

John Ensign and Darlene Ensign

Handwritten letter from John Ensign to Cynthia Hampton

John Ensign Admits Affair

Google Store: Get Your Lava Lamps and Google Gum

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:34:00 +0000

Probably old news, but new to me: Google is selling branded merchandise. If you can't live without a Google License Plate Frame or even Google gum, Google Store is the place to shop. There's a clearance on right now so get your Google Bib Bike Shorts and Google Trucker Cap while supplies last. Of course, they also stock Lava Lamps.

I wonder how much of their annual revenues comes from this.

Free Picasa Templates: Easily Create Photo Galleries and Slideshows

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:30:00 +0000

Picasa is an easy-to-use photo organizer from Google that lets you add simple effects and share your photos online.

Picasa templates are one easy way to create photo galleries and slideshows to showcase your artistic works online. You don't need to know any HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or Flash to create professional looking webpages.

You can download dozens of templates from these sites:

Free Picasa Templates:

Future of Memories: Offers eight professional templates with names like Blur, Coloroid, and Show-tell.

To use these templates, you'll have to unzip them into the directory \Program Files\Picasa 2\web\templates\. Each template needs to go into a separate folder.

Once that's done, start Picasa and select the images you want in your gallery. Click Folder->Export as Webpage. Hit Next and select a template from the list. Click Finish and you're done!

Speed up your Hard Drive

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:19:00 +0000

One way to speed up your computer is to increase your hard drive's performance. If you've been using your computer for a while, you've probably noticed that your computer is getting slower. One reason for this is that your hard drive has gotten more fragmented over time. This means that as you install and delete things from your hard drive, holes are being created and filled randomly with other files so, say, your video of Madonna might be broken up into thirty pieces all over your hard drive, slowing down its playback.

Well, Windows XP has a Disk Defragmenter that will solve all your woes. It takes the pieces of each file and puts them together again so they can be read in one clean pass. Be sure to run this program at night since it takes several hours and make sure to close any open programs. Go to Start->All Programs->Accessories->System Tools->Disk Defragmentor to access it.

Click the Analyze button. It'll tell you if you need to defragment your hard drive.

A lot of red is a bad sign. If it says "You should defragment this volume", click the Defragment button. Come back in a few hours, and your hard drive should be purring.

Create Animated GIFs in Seconds with Gickr

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:58:00 +0000

Gickr is a really cool animated GIF creator. All you need to do is enter a Flickr tag or username and check the boxes next to a few pictures. Then choose a speed and size and click next. That's it. You can also upload images to use.

It's very useful if you want to quickly embed a slideshow or animation without using Flash or PowerPoint.

It literally took me less than a minute create this animation:

Gickr

(via Lifehacker)