Aviary - quick and easy.

I was just getting some new extensions for Google Chrome and I came across Aviary. So, I gave it a shot.

Let's back up. I started using Adobe Photoshop about 10 versions ago, and about as many years. I have been a die hard fan and user since. I've also gotten into other Adobe products and have been happy with it's cross-program integration and utilization.

I've never been a fan of online image tools. I've always seen that Photoshop can do more and I still stand by that. I just did a speed test on an 8 year old laptop (not mine) of Aviary tools using the extension through Google Chrome to do a screen capture and quick edit and I was surprised.

In about 30 seconds I was able to create text, draw arrows, and save it as a jpeg. I was doing this for document I have had a short time to produce, yet it still looks decent enough to get by.

Photoshop just lost a little bit o love from yours truly today. Don't worry, I'll be back for the elaborate needs that are just perfect for Photoshop.

Boy Scouts celebrates 100 years of leadership

Boy Scouts celebrates 100 years of leadership | The News-Sentinel - Fort Wayne IN

For me, the adventure started in 3rd Grade in Cub Scouts. I earned my Arrow of Light and crossed over into Boy Scouts the same time my good friend, Shawn Ruch did.

I continued on into Boy Scouts where I camped and canoed and loved the adventure! I became and Eagle Scout on June 6, 1994, and became distracted by high school life.

When my son was old enough to join Cub Scouts, he signed up. Shortly following, I accepted a position as a Scouting Professional with the Boy Scouts of America.

One of my favorite highlights from 2009 was being able to go with him to Cub Scout Resident Camp at Camp Chief Little Turtle in Pleasant Lake, IN. We did all the activities with his Pack, including a 5-mile hike.

Last year, I also had to meet Alvin Townley and read his books. Check out the Amazon link I've added here. Both of his books highlight Eagle Scouts and their experiences.

The values taught in Scouting can not be found in other activities. The opportunities for leadership and development cannot be found in other places either. Sports can go so far and some people become leaders because of it, but Scouting allows for all young men to get the experience.

I would like to join in the millions to say "Happy Birthday" and "Thank You!" to the BSA for all that it has done in the lives of young men and for the betterment of all of out communities. Here's to another 100 years!!

The Profile Picture...

In July 2005, I made a trip to the National Archives with 2 other colleagues and we were going through photo collections. For 3 days we went through photo archives from World War II. I was going through the Heinrich Hoffmann collection, which was confiscated from his Berlin office towards the end of WWII. It appears as though only a few people had ever really been through the photo collection according to the National Archives logs. So, I felt privileged to be seeing something that has seen limited exposure.

Hoffmann was basically the lead propagandist photographer for Germany during WWII. While the history involved in the collection was very intriguing, it was hard not to feel a bit disgusted by the whole thing.

After a while, I started sifting through my colleagues' collection with them which was the US Marine Corps collection from Iwo Jima and Okinawa. There were photos of the devastation and loss and suffering and hardships that are a part of war.

Then, through it all came this picture of a smiling soldier. On top of his helmet sat this kitten that had some how survived through all of this chaos and destruction.

So, when I look at this picture it reminds me that even the smallest of creatures can make it through the very worst of times.

I do not have the original picture, but the bottom has the Marine's name. His last name is Campbell. I have not tried to locate the Marine, but I do wish that he had a very full life.