New App Discovery :: Adobe Voice

New App Discovery :: Adobe Voice

Actually, I've known about this app since earlier this year when it was first released. However, I just created this short vid for my ohradiogirl Channel on YouTube. Unfortunately, you may never see it there. More on that in a minute.

First, let me say that I created the video using Adobe Voice. It's a free iPad only app and it's super simple to use. Love that.

It took me just a few minutes to bring it all together. They provide themes/templates along with some cool clipart and the music too. You can, however, add your own images and/or music.

But here's where the trouble starts, there are some sharing mechanisms like Facebook and Twitter and obtaining the embed code, but you can't download the video. Group sigh!! And shakes fist.

There are some work arounds for this issue, but they are indeed, 'work' arounds like this one using TechSmith's SnagIt. You'll need the 15 day Snagit free trial for that.

And I'm not the only one to speak up about this. Here's a very thorough review from PCMag giving the app 3 out of 5 stars.

Not sure if Adobe Voice realizes it, but some of us might be willing to pay a nominal in-app purchase in order to have the ability to download or upload to our camera rolls, say via AirDrop.

There have been some updates to the app, so maybe there's still hope for the ability to download the vid or to share directly to YouTube. Also, they have an Adobe Voice YouTube Channel where they seem to be responsive to requests with some of their tutorials. You could also reach out them the via Twitter or through the official Adobe Voice blog.

I'll still play around with the app and hope that some other sharable options are introduced in the near future because Adobe Voice is an ideal tool for storytelling. I may even try to incorporate the app in class.

Give it a try and oh, check out my Adobe Voice vid.

Music Monday 42 :: The Top 5 Kanye West Workout Songs

I know that it's the season to kick Kanye West, but I'm going in the other direction. I will (try to) ignore his personal life and appreciate his contribution to the music spectrum.

My recent workout calls for some uptempo tunes. Much to my surprise, I've found that my increased heart rate goes up when Kanye's songs are playing. Humm ... it's hard for me to ignore this fact. This woman here needs a good workout and a good song or two and Kanye fits the bill.

So without further ado ... here are the
Top 5 Kanye West Workout Songs

5. "All Falls Down"

4. "Stronger"

3. "Gold Digger"

2. "Good Life"

1. "Touch the Sky"

Now, go ahead and load up the playlist and let the pounds drop.

The Best of 2008 Lists

I love lists. I know, you'd never know because I don't post many of them.

But it's that time of year when lists are being compiled. Lots of lists, covering a variety of topics. I thought I'd save you the hassle and create a one-stop-shop for some of The Best of 2008 Lists.

Books:

• From Amazon - The Best Books of 2008

Music:

• From Last.fm - The Best of 2008
• From Jason Toney - The Best Songs of 2008
• From NPR - Top 11 Debut Albums of 2008
• From Rolling Stone - Singles of the Year 2008
  

Music Videos:

• From Pitchfork - Top 40 Videos of 2008
  

Films:

• From Roger Ebert.com - The Best Films of 2008
  
• From the New York Post - The Best Films of 2008

Websites:

• From Time - 50 Best Websites 2008

Do you know of any 2008 lists? Pass the info along. I'd love to see what I am missing.

Playing w/technology

Here's a video - a slide show really - that I created using the editing software from my digital camera; a Canon 570IS.

Rollerblading

Okay ... so, a few weeks ago I visited the Skates.com webbie and ordered some rollerblades. They are really nice skates. Oh, they were $50 including shipping - hard to pass up, huh? I've ventured out on them only a couple of times - due to weather constraints.

There is, however, a really nice track that I've been using. It has the beveled edges which I thought would be cool, but it's a bit tricky to maneuver (I think that it would be cool on a bike though).

I've only fallen down a few times and not hard falls. I have all of the cautious gear too - helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards.

I've watched some videos online with tips about stopping and controlling your speed.

I'm thinking about getting a helmet camera ... but why? I mean really.

The gatekeeper

There was much hoopla over the airing of the Virginia Tech gunman's media confessional (I don't favor the term 'manifesto'); and rightfully so ... I had a chance to read an article online about the content of the videos before I actually saw the video. I, like millions of others, had my first glimpse of the videos courtesy of CNN. After I'd been watching off and on for about 15 minutes, one of the guests came on and his first comments were that they should cease playing the videos! At that point, I was thinking the same thing. After seeing some of the videos, I concluded that what I had read had answered enough of my questions about the killer and his state of mind.

I think that the videos are now rarely being shown and that is a good thing. However, I really think that NBC should have handled the situation differently. Of course, it was a huge coup for them, but as the sole gatekeeper, they should have exercised more caution on this decision.

It is so difficult for me to even look at the names of the victims ... especially since I teach college. Knowing that people are in place where learning is paramount. Hearing about the individuals lives and accomplishments is just astounding to me.