Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Flash Seems To Be Coming To The iPhone. But Is That A Good Thing?

Today at the Flash On The Beach (FOTB) conference, Adobe has confirmed that such an application is in development (it had previously been speculated to exist, but there was no official word from either company). Adobe Sr. Director of Engineering Paul Betlem made the announcement, stating “My team is working on Flash on the iPhone, but it’s a closed platform.”

Latest Flash on iphone rumor from TechCrunch:
http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/09/30/flash-seems-to-be-coming-to-the-iphone-but-is-that-a-good-thing/

MORE:
http://aralbalkan.com/981

Create Stunning Black-and-White Images in Lightroom

This is a great in-depth tutorial on how to create amazing black-and-white images in lightroom.


http://www.layersmagazine.com/create-stunning-black-and-white-images-in-lightroom.html

Contest: Back to the Future with Lightroom 2 from Peachpit Press

Share photos you've taken where you have used features in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 to correct images. Peachpit invites you to post your original photos on Lightroom 2 Back to the Future flickr group and let them know which tool(s) you used.

Win Prizes! A judging panel will select one winning image. The winning image will be posted on the Peachpit website.

Grand prize consists of:

• One copy of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 (a gift for a fellow photography enthusiast)
• One year membership to NAPP
• Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Basic Training DVD by Matt Kloskowski
• Choice of any five Peachpit or New Riders books


More information at: www.peachpit.com/promotions/promotion.aspx?promo=136697

Monday, September 29, 2008

JobOp: Flash/Actionscript Developer - Harrisburg

Company: TEKsystems
Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Category: Information Technology Jobs
Rate: Based on experience.
Job Type: Contract
Posting ID: 1767702
Posting Date: 9/29/2008

Flash/Actionscript Developer Job Description:

Our client in Lancaster is looking for a Actionscript developer for a 6 month right-to-hire opportunity.

We are looking for an experienced software engineer with a high level of proficiency developing ActionScript solutions, specifically focusing on APIs and embedded components. The ideal candidate would be an experienced software engineer who has migrated to expert-level ActionScript development from a firm background in one or more traditional object oriented languages. The focus of the development is centered on Actionscript 3, but the candidate must be familiar with and able to work with older versions as well.

Required Skills:
· At least 1 year Flex/Air development
· At least 3 years ActionScript with recent emphasis on Actionscript 3
· Strong understanding of software engineering patterns and practices
· Sufficient math and geometry skills to construct algorithms to work with global coordinate systems

Required Skills for Flash/Actionscript Developer Job:

  • ACTIONSCRIPT 3
  • FLASH
  • FLEX

About TEKsystems:

Join TEKsystems® and get your career on the fast track. As the leading technology staffing and services firm, we are passionate about deploying high-caliber IT and communications expertise. To satisfy our constant need for expertise, we actively seek talented Technical Professionals with all levels of information technology and communications skills. TEKsystems knows that every professional has different needs, so we'll work together to determine a suitable benefits package. We offer options to our Technical Professionals that could include: a health plan, 401k, provisions for vacation and holiday pay, and technical and professional training. With a foundation as the nation's largest IT staffing firm, we've become a billion-dollar services company by blending superior client service with an unrivaled ability to source and manage talent to precise specifications, resulting in successful technology executions. Allegis Group and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers. M/F/D/V

More and apply at: http://information-technology.thingamajob.com/jobs/Pennsylvania/Flash-Actionscript-Developer/1767702

Have you seen Peachpit TV?

Take a moment to check out Peachpit TV for audio and videos featuring everything from handy software tips, interviews with authors, and more.

http://www.peachpit.com/podcasts/

Friday, September 26, 2008

Acobe - Code Name Genesis - The Future of the Enterprise Desktop

Curious? Get more at the Code Name Genesis blog:
http://blogs.adobe.com/mashup/2008/06/the_elevator_pitch.html

Adobe Photoshop.com Mobile Beta

From Adobe Labs: Introducing Adobe® Photoshop.com Mobile beta: the easiest way to upload, view, and share photos online from your Windows Mobile phone. Getting started is simple. All you need is a supported Windows Mobile® handset and a Photoshop.com membership. Available only to U.S. consumers as a free beta download.

Send your feedback so they can make it better for you.

More at: http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/photoshopmobile/

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Adobe® InContext Editing

From Adobe.com's website:

Easily update web content online

Let content contributors make website edits so you can focus on design. The Adobe® InContext Editing online service makes web content maintenance easy for designers and content editors alike — no software installation or training needed. Web designers can maintain the design integrity of their sites while enabling clients to make their own web updates from virtually any major browser.

More at: http://www.adobe.com/products/incontextediting/

Lee Brimelow's Flash CS4 Feature Tour

http://www.gotoandlearn.com/play?id=87

CS4 Celebration Recap!

Thank you everyone for attending our CS4 Celebration!

To view some of the new features that were discussed last night, here is a direct URL link to the "It's Going to be Brilliant" CS4 Video:
http://tv.adobe.com/#vi+f1556v1715
It's also linked on the main page of http://tv.adobe.com.

There are also pdfs available:
Brochures and Flyers

Thank you also to Shane and his official announcement of the Central Pa Flash User Groups (CPFUG). Their kick off meeting is next Thursday, October 2nd. For more information be sure to check out their site. CPFUG

Congratulations to Glen for getting approval on the flash movie project. More details will be available next meeting.

Next Meeting Oct. 10 -
Adobe Flex 3 Author Joey Lott will present "How to Architect Flex Applications"

RSVP: cpaugmanager@gmail.com
More Info: http://cenpennaug.com/flyers/cpaug_joeylott_flyer.pdf


Job Opportunity:
Part-Time Creative Services Assistant - PennLive.com http://cenpennaug.blogspot.com/2008/09/jobop-part-time-creative-services.html

Photoshop CS4 Learning Center with Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski

Loads of great Photoshop CS4 content can be found here including Photoshop CS4 video tutorials, interviews, tours of Photoshop CS4 and more.

http://www.photoshopuser.com/cs4/

Upcoming CS4 Books from O'Reilly

Here's the list of upcoming O'Reilly titles and remember you get 35% off on books you purchase directly from O'Reilly. Just use code DSUG when ordering online or by phone 800-998-9938.

October CS4 Titles:

Adobe Photoshop CS4 One-on-One
by Deke McClelland
Pioneering computer graphics author Deke McClelland updates his
bestselling tutorial.
ISBN 9780596521899, $49.99
http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596521899

The Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers
by Derrick Story
Photoshop books are hugely successful, but none of those aimed at
digital photographers are concentrated or portable enough to take on the
road. This one is.
ISBN 9780596521936, $24.99
http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596521936


November CS4 Titles:

Adobe InDesign CS4 One-on-One
by Deke McClelland
With Deke McClelland's popular teaching method, students "read, watch,
and do" in order to master Adobe InDesign.
ISBN 9780596521912, $49.99
http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596521912

Dreamweaver CS4: The Missing Manual
by David Sawyer McFarland
Adobe's Dreamweaver covers a rich environment for building professional
websites with drag-and-drop simplicity.
ISBN 9780596522926, $44.99
http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596522926

Flash CS4: The Missing Manual
by Chris Grover
The step-by-step tutorials in this book teach readers how to bring
gorgeous animations to life onscreen.
ISBN 9780596522940, $39.99
http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596522940

Photoshop CS4 Channels & Masks One-on-One
by Deke McClelland with Tim Grey
The book guides readers step-by-step through key aspects of using
channels and masks in Photoshop (a must for any Photoshop power user),
backed by contextual video on DVD.
ISBN 9780596516154, $49.99
http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596516154

December CS4 Title

Photoshop CS4: The Missing Manual
by Lesa Snider King & David Pogue
Written with humor, authority, and advice, this Missing Manual teaches
readers of all levels how to use the most popular—and confounding—photo
editing and graphics program.
ISBN 9780596522964, $49.99
http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596522964


March 2009 CS4 Title

Adobe Illustrator CS4 One-on-One
by Deke McClelland
Adobe Illustrator CS4 is the most popular and viable vector-drawing
program for a simple reason: It's the best. And once they read about a
particular technique, they can see how it's done first-hand in the
video. Another great CS4 title!
ISBN 9780596515928, $49.99
http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596515928

Upcoming Photoshop CS4 books from Focal Press

Focal Press is pleased to announce

Adobe Photoshop CS4 titles!

Click on any of the covers for more information on the books.

And be sure to register below to receive updates, free content, tips and tutorials from their new Photoshop titles -- including an exclusive article from author Martin Evening on some of Photoshop CS4's exciting features! -- and be entered to WIN a free copy of the Adobe Photoshop CS4 book of your choice!

Adobe Photoshop CS4 for Photographers Adobe Photoshop CS4 Essential Skills How to Cheat in CS4 Ultimate

Creative Photoshop CS4 Printing with Photoshop Digital Painting in Photoshop

Upcoming Photoshop CS4 books from Focal Press

Focal Press is pleased to announce Adobe Photoshop CS4 titles!

And be sure to register below to receive updates, free content, tips and tutorials from their new Photoshop titles -- including an exclusive article from author Martin Evening on some of Photoshop CS4's exciting features! -- and be entered to WIN a free copy of the Adobe Photoshop CS4 book of your choice!

Click on any of the covers for more information on the books.

Adobe Photoshop CS4 for Photographers Adobe Photoshop CS4 Essential Skills How to Cheat in CS4 Ultimate

Creative Photoshop CS4 Printing with Photoshop Digital Painting in Photoshop

Upcoming CS4 Books from Peachpit Press

Here's a sneak peak at what CS4 books Peachpit will be releasing over the next couple of months:
  • Adobe Flash CS4 Professional Classroom in a Book (ISBN: 032157382X)
  • Adobe InDesign CS4 Classroom in a Book (ISBN: 0321573803)
  • Adobe Photoshop CS4 Classroom in a Book (ISBN: 032157379X)
  • Adobe Dreamweaver CS4 Classroom in a Book (ISBN: 0321573811)
  • Adobe Illustrator CS4 Classroom in a Book (ISBN: 0321573781)
  • Dreamweaver CS4 for Windows and Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide (ISBN: 0321573528)
  • InDesign CS4 for Macintosh and Windows: Visual QuickStart Guide (ISBN: 0321573579)
  • Adobe Dreamweaver CS4 How-Tos: 100 Essential Techniques (ISBN: 0321562895)
  • Adobe Photoshop CS4: Up to Speed (ISBN: 0321580052)
  • Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS4: The Essentials Techniques for Digital Professionals (ISBN: 0321563662)

For a full listing of Peachpt CS4 books, visit their Adobe Creative Suite 4 Resource Center. You'll also find sample chapters and video podcasts.

Don't forget to use your CPAUG User Group Member discount! 35% off Discount Code: UE-23AA-PEUF at www.peachpit.com/store/

CS4 Launch Video

Here's the CS4 launch video that we mentioned at the meeting last night. It's an hour long.

Enjoy!

http://tv.adobe.com/#vi+f1556v1715

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

CS4 Informational brochures and flyers

Version comparison chart
CS4 Family Brochure
CS4 System requirements

Whats New In:

CS4 University at Lynda.com

You may or may not know this - but I'm a huge fan of Lynda.com. I find their online video training is often just what I need to get up to speed on a topic quick. With that said, they just announced their "CS4 University" with over 100 hours of CS4 training coming soon. Right now they are offering sneak peaks and shorter courses for whats new in CS4 products in their "New Features" area of CS4 University.

Receive 6% Cash Back at Adobe store with Ebates.com

If you're looking to purchase Adobe software, you should definitely check out Ebates and save yourself some dough - Receive 6% Cash Back to be exact!

Additional specials for Adobe include: Save up to $200 on eligible upgrades to CS4 and Get 30% off Lightroom 2

http://www.ebates.com/stores/Adobe.htm

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Upcoming CS4 Books from Focal Press

Adobe Photoshop CS4 for Photographers

Photoshop CS4: Essential Skills

More CS4 goodness

http://www.adobe.com/products/creativesuite/

Get pricing and additional details here.

Adobe Creative Suite 4 activities and events

http://www.adobe.com/products/creativesuite/seminars/?sdid=DOPBG

CS4 is announced!

http://tryit.adobe.com/us/cs4/family/?sdid=DOPBW

JobOp: Part-Time Creative Services Assistant - PennLive.com

Job Summary:

The Part-Time Creative Services Producer works closely with the Sr. Creative Services Producer to implement creative services direction, with regard to online ad and contest creation as well as ad scheduling, as set forth by the Sr. Creative Services Producer. This position will report to the Sr. Creative Services Producer. The Part-Time Creative Services Assistant must have excellent customer service, communication and organizational skills.

Job Functions:

*Facilitate day-to-day and long-term creative services for lehighvalleylive.com. This includes: online ad creation using Adobe Photoshop, contest creation, ad scheduling and ad reporting.
* Assist with day-to-day creative services for PennLive.com as directed by the Sr. Creative Services Producer.
* Facilitate production processes for the sales staff and The Express-Times.
* Other duties as assigned.


Requirements:

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

*Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively and professionally communicate with all levels of professionals in multiple environments.
* High proficiency in MS Office Suite
* Deadline-orientated with the ability to work under pressure
* Highly effective organizational skills
* Strong knowledge of HTML, CSS, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and fundamental and conceptual and layout abilities.

Minimum Job Requirements:

* Associates degree in Graphic Design/New Media from 2-year College or University and 1 year Graphic Design/New Media experience; and/or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

* Customer service experience and/or ability to work on deadline is required.


Give Megan your resume at the meeting or apply online at:
http://jobs.pennlive.com/careers/jobsearch/detail?location=&compExact=PennLive.com&jobId=13138231&viewType=main&networkView=main&offset=

Thursday, September 18, 2008

8 Simple Tools for Better Bookmarking

This is a fun article about 8 different tools used for social bookmarking.

This is the criteria used to rate the list of tools:

  • It can quickly store my bookmarks — get in and get out.
  • It provides ways for me to share and syndicate my bookmarks.
  • It archives the page, or the portion that is of most interest to me.
  • It helps me discover new content.


    Read
    8 Simple Tools for Better Bookmarking
  • Tuesday, September 16, 2008

    Adobe AIR Beta Now Available for Linux

    Download and more at: http://labs.adobe.com/downloads/air_linux.html

    Free shredding service will be provided for public

    I know this is a little off topic, but as much as I try to go "paperless" I still can't seem to get rid of it all! Maybe you have the same problem? If so, you might want to try this...

    Tri-State Shredding Corp. in Harrisburg will offer free shredding of document services to the public during an event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday at the company location at 2209 N. Seventh St., Harrisburg PA.

    Individuals can bring up to three boxes of documents to be shredded at no cost. The event is meant for individuals, not businesses, the company said. To learn more call Perry Goldberg at (717) 233-5606.

    Article from PennLive.com:
    http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2008/09/free_shredding_service_to_be_p.html

    Thursday, September 11, 2008

    Announcing Flash Media Encoding Server

    From Adobe Developer Center:

    Part of the Flash Media Server family, the new Flash Media Encoding Server (FMES) will allow you to do the following:

    • Take your catalog of archived materials and convert them easily into Flash compatible formats
    • Integrate the server into your production workflow by offloading the encoding process from your editors' machines to a dedicated server
    • Ingest user-generated content from a variety of formats and prepare it to stream through Flash Player
    • Encode high-quality video files into multiple bitrates to accommodate changing network conditions

    In a nutshell, FMES provides a fast and scalable, customizable server solution for preparing your content from a vast range of formats for delivery through the ubiquitous Flash Player, Adobe Flash Lite (mobile), and Adobe Media Player.

    Flash Media Encoding Server is being introduced for US$6000. It will be available later this year.

    More details: http://www.adobe.com/devnet/logged_in/jfewless_fmes.html

    Adobe AIR Cookbook Cook-off

    *HURRY! Cook-off ends September 26, 2008 *

    Think you can solve common Adobe AIR related coding problems? Then you qualify for the Adobe AIR Cookbook Cook-off contest, sponsored by O'Reilly Media, to celebrate the upcoming publication of the Adobe AIR Cookbook. During this contest, we invite you to submit your best solutions to common AIR coding challenges for a chance to win some great prizes.

    More details and how to enter at: http://www.adobe.com/devnet/logged_in/mkoch_aircookoff.html

    Rules: http://www.insideria.com/air-cookbook-rules.html

    Wednesday, September 10, 2008

    Tuesday, September 9, 2008

    Useful Cheat Sheets for Web Designers

    From the sixrevisions.com website:
    28 excellent, useful cheat sheets in various file formats for Photoshop, Dreamweaver, colors, typography, and other web-design related topics.
    http://sixrevisions.com/resources/cheat_sheets_for_web_designers/

    CPAUG September Meeting: Join CPAUG for this "can't miss" meeting!

    Date: Sept 24, 2008
    Time: 6-8PM
    East Shore Area Library - Computer Lab, 1st floor (basement)
    4501 Ethel Street
    Harrisburg, PA 17109
    No food or drink is allowed in the computer room.
    *The library now has free WiFi! for DCLS members*
    GoogleMap
    Information about the meeting location
    CPAUG RSS Feed

    About the Meeting:

    Join CPAUG for this "can't miss" meeting!

    "It's Going To Be Brilliant"

    Be one of the first to see the next big thing from Adobe on September 24th. Join in to see and hear first hand how something very special will help you get to brilliant faster. Save the date and get a good look at what's to come.

    Monday, September 8, 2008

    25 Font Management Tools Reviewed

    From Smashing Magazine: 25 Font Management Tools Reviewed.

    InformIT/Pearson User Group Survey - Win 5 Books!

    Take this short User Group survey from InformIT/Pearson and be entered for a chance to win five books! http://www.informit.com/promotions/promotion.aspx?promo=136703

    Don't want to wait to win to get some great books? Order your books online via http://www.informit.com/index.aspx and get your CPAUG 35% off discount using this promo code: USERGROUP

    Wednesday, September 3, 2008

    Monday, September 1, 2008