Here's to 2008, Looking Forward to 2009

Posted: 6 days ago | Posted By : Lance Smith
Related Categories: ColdFusion,Life

For many, 2008 was a very bad year--one they'd like to forget. For us, it was the most beautiful year of our lives. This past Monday, December 29th, 2008, our two boys were born at 2:15 and 2:17 a.m. What a blessing! Being preemies, they have had a few issues, but they're doing much better as I write this and hopefully we'll all be home together soon. I can't even express how beautiful the boys are--they are more precious and wonderful than I ever imagined. I am the proudest father in the world. My boys are so sweet and wonderful. I want to be with them every minute.

To top off the year, Aaron and I got accepted to speak at CFUnited in August, and just got ColdFusion 8 certified today! Nothing like waiting until (literally) the last minute! But, better late than never! I am now officially a "ColdFusion Expert". What a great feeling. I highly recommend the CF8 Exam Buster software for studying--it is a Godsend.

I am looking forward to 2009 with great anticipation, hoping things continue on a positive track for our whole family. I'm looking forward to immersing myself in the CF community, and being the best dad I possibly can. And, if anyone knows where I can get my hands on some of those "Future CF Developer" infant Tees from MAX, I'd greatly appreciate it!

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'Marley' Will Make You Cry

Posted: 10 days ago | Posted By : Lance Smith
Related Categories: Movies

The wife and I saw 'Marley & Me' last night, and I can't remember the last time I cried that hard (yes, I am sappy).

The story is simple--a writer buys a puppy for his wife in preparation for children. The dog ends up being a holy terror, yet teaches everyone about life in the process. The story progresses through life's trials and tribulations as well as the priceless moments of having a family. The story is real, based on a true story, and teaches some valuable lessons.

Critics didn't care for this movie for various reasons, and for those who haven't read the book this "family holiday film" can be a little shocking (yet expected) at the end. Still, people need to remember that the author didn't intend for the movie to be solely about the silly antics of a disobedient dog--it's about life, family, changes, and unconditional love.

I easily related to this film, being a dog lover with an older dog, a guy who questions what he wants to do with his career, and someone who's about to have two boys (in two weeks). It was no coincidence that every aspect of this film touched me in one way or another.

See the movie, but be prepared to cry as well as laugh. B

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Merry Christmas Everyone!

Posted: 14 days ago | Posted By : Lance Smith
Related Categories: Life

I just wanted to take a minute to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2009 is looking to be a wonderful year...lots of exciting things coming our way!

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Review - Flip Mino Camcorder

Posted: 27 days ago | Posted By : Lance Smith
Related Categories: Tech

I just bought a Flip Mino for me and my wife. Since we're having twins soon, we wanted a camcorder to replace the miniDV one I've had for about ten years (which, by the way, still does a good job). We weighed our options, looked at rather expensive Sony HD cameras and tried to decide what might be the best. Then, on Black Friday, I saw a Flip on sale at a local store. I immediately thought this might be the best solution.

I've always been a big fan of still photography, and avoided shooting video because it has always been a royal pain--especially if I wanted to post to the Web. I'd have to use some kind of editing software, go through hours of crap, cut the file down in size/quality, etc. It just wasn't worth the effort for me. Photos have always been much easier to manage, upload, and share (hence my obsession with Flickr).

The Flip camera is a great option for people like me. Think of it as a portable, recordable web cam. The video you shoot with it isn't the best quality (640x480 I think), but it's not meant to be. It's meant to be easy to use, quick, easy to upload and portable, which it is. Turn it on and it's almost immediately ready to shoot. Press the red button and there you go! So simple anyone can use it. It's so small and light it can literally be held at any angle and easily turned around. The mic is good in my opinion. It picked up my wife from two rooms away at the house and she is very clear and succinct in the video.

I only have a few cons for the Flip. First--the zoom. It sucks. It has a 2X zoom and it's extremely slow. You might as well not bother using it. Second, there are no real settings of any kind in the camera itself--no control over recording settings, no video controls, nothing. You can set the date and time and that's about it. I know it's supposed to be that way for simplicity, but what about when you actually DO want to have some control over what you're filming? Maybe a real camcorder is necessary at that point...

In all, the Flip is well worth the price and I highly recommend it. If anyone has the Flip MinoHD please leave your thoughts in a comment. I'd like to know how it performs and if it is worth the investment as well.

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