Donna French

Message by George Carlin

2012-09-22T15:07:00.002-05:00

A Message by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. W e plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that litt le person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

If you don't send this to at least 8 people....Who cares?

George Carlin

UX Design

2012-09-15T14:39:00.001-05:00

After years of building web sites as well as being about two years into the Web Design & Development degree at Full Sail University, I believe I've finally found where I fit into the grand scheme of things. I'll still be keeping my eyes & ears open, but UX Design seems to fit the bill for me given that I love research, figuring out what works (and why), writing code AND have a fetish for minimalistic design. There was a time when I thought that I was strictly a developer but I've learned that my creative side absolutely starves to death & for me to ignore that would be insane. To go a step farther, I love stats...just can't help myself & once I took the HCI class at Full Sail & learned of the psychology behind making things worked, I knew I was on to something.

About.me

2012-08-24T10:42:00.000-05:00

It may not be news to some of you, but for those of you that have passed up creating an About.me account - go create one now! Since starting school at Full Sail University a couple years ago, I have had to really learn to prioritize how I spend my time - and with who. It sucks a lot of times because I'm not able to get out of my normal routine much & meet new people. With that, in addition to being an introvert, life tends to get rather dull at times. The normal conversations that people typically have when first getting to know one another bore the hell out of me. I can't help it, I'd rather take a beating. With that said...About.me has been a great reminder for me that people with intellect are still "out there". Go ahead, sign up & take a look around...they have a great "Explore" option & it's true folks! People are out there doing "stuff" LOL Enjoy & let me know what you think!

P.S.
Check out my About.me - About.me/dgfrench

Reading Nerdiness

2012-08-22T11:20:00.000-05:00

Among several books I'm reading, the one that I've spent the most on recently is The Fifth Agreement and I must say - reading this AND learning a new programming language at the same time is interesting. Yes, I had to throw a little computer nerdiness in here too. ;) At any rate, the book is about the agreements that we make with ourselves without even realizing it & how they affect our perspective on ourselves & the world in general. It has made me realize how much I judge myself based on others or what is "expected" from society, and really look within to start figuring out just what it is I want to do with my life. Helluva time to start, at 37, but I figure better now than never. I haven't gotten too far into the book, or the companion book, so I really can't go deep with this just yet....however, I'd LOVE to hear from those of you who have read it or are currently.

Giant Step for Web Type

2012-08-18T12:09:00.000-05:00

Every now and then somebody makes a little dent in the universe that really catches my eye, and Typecast has done that for me this morning. I know, I know...nobody really gives a damn...but it's true! I just don't get impressed, much less excited, about too much. With that said, I have a confession to make - I love typography. I can't help it! I'm one of those people that look at the ads in magazines usually more than I read the actual articles.

Okay, so...the guys (and gals?) at Typecast have come up with a way to just damn near eliminate the writing of CSS from what I can tell. Don't let me steer you wrong though, go check it out & let me know if I'm wrong. From my perspective, it's for those of us that are still stuck in the middle between letting go of the old HTML ways & fully grasping the shiny new HTML/CSS ways. Yes, I know. I should've done all this by now, but I didn't ...and while I'm coping with growing pains... wallah! Typecast ;)

Unlearning

2012-08-16T17:08:00.000-05:00

I'm not even sure that "unlearning" is a word but I have definitely come to realize that learning new ideas in place of the old ones is quite a chore. In the past few years I've done quite a bit of unlearning & can't say that I recommend it but it sure as hell beats the alternative if something isn't working for you anymore. It takes time and I've gained something I really never thought I have - patience. The trick for me has been to keep doing the new until it becomes second nature. Now the old ways just seem to be a whole other lifetime away most of the time.

At any rate, my latest unlearning experience is in the HTML area & has proven itself to be no exception to this rule. Years ago I fell in love with HTML & could build tables with my eyes closed. Sound great, right? Not so much at this point. HTML5 is quite crafty & really does some kick ass tricks but damn...pretty much none of what I know about HTML is applicable now. With that said, I'd love to hear back from some of you nerds out there that have gone through (or are currently going through) the same struggle. What's your trick to unlearning the old HTML & dreaming in HTML5?

I've completed a couple of small sites via my educational adventure at Full Sail University but I'd like to gain some real world experience before graduation. I'm currently practicing Actionscript chops as well so if you can offer anything there as well, great!

Kid Rock - Bawitdaba (Enhanced Video)

2012-08-01T09:10:00.001-05:00

John Mayer - In Your Atmosphere(Live in LA) [High Def!]

2012-07-12T17:00:00.001-05:00

Dishwalla - Counting Blue Cars

2012-06-16T17:26:00.001-05:00

L3p D3sk Final Fill Up !

2012-06-01T17:09:00.001-05:00

Timbaland - Apologize (feat. One Republic)

2012-05-19T14:32:00.001-05:00

Eric Hutchinson - Moving Up Living Down [Album Listening Session]

2012-04-17T08:53:00.001-05:00

Fergie - Big Girls Don't Cry (Personal)

2012-02-03T16:23:00.000-06:00

Design Inspiration

2012-01-07T12:27:00.000-06:00

If you're like me, I have to take some time to look around & see what others are doing in order to stay inspired and wanting to learn new things. One of the sites I like to explore is The Best Designs because they highlight a broad range of web sites that vary in style as well as complexity. Another great resource I like visiting to get my fix on CSS, WordPress & design in general is Noupe - The Curious Side of Smashing Magazine. These guys really grab my attention because I love writing code, but I also appreciate great design work that I've never taken the time to develop without pencil & paper.

Have some great sources of inspiration of your own? Leave me a comment, I'd love to hear from you!

Wireframes Are Your Friend

2012-01-05T11:39:00.000-06:00

It has been my experience that when starting on a project with a client, it is easy for them to get distracted by aestetics & not concentrate on the technical side of things. Several weeks ago I ran across this tool & wanted to share with those of you interested - it's called Balsamiq Mockups. In the past I've used everything from pencil & paper to Adobe Illustrator so I was thrilled to be able to jump right into creating wireframes within minutes of downloading this software. It features drag-n-drop components so you'll be up & running in no time.

Van Halen - Love Walks In

2011-12-06T22:41:00.000-06:00

George Strait - Troubadour

2011-11-20T00:59:00.000-06:00

Rascal Flatts - "I Won't Let Go" - 95.5 WPLJ

2011-11-05T17:20:00.000-05:00

02 - John Mayer - Stop This Train (Live in LA)

2011-10-29T03:01:00.000-05:00

2011-10-26T11:38:00.001-05:00

http://ping.fm/j6ZJK

Nickelback - If Today Was Your Last Day

2011-09-28T23:35:00.000-05:00

NINE INCH NAILS - "CLOSER"

2011-09-13T13:47:00.000-05:00

Kenny Chesney;Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews - I'm Alive

2011-09-12T23:08:00.000-05:00

Incubus - Dig

2011-09-05T01:51:00.000-05:00

Lady Gaga - Yoü And I (Official Video)

2011-09-03T10:58:00.000-05:00