tech
tech news
AdGuard Blog - https://adguard.com/en/blog/index.html
Breaking Tech News - https://www.techmeme.com/
Dataconomy - https://dataconomy.com/
Panda (Daily news & inspiration for designers, developers & entrepreneurs) - https://app.usepanda.com/#/
Tech Target News - https://www.techtarget.com/news/
Breaking Tech News - https://www.techmeme.com/
Dataconomy - https://dataconomy.com/
Panda (Daily news & inspiration for designers, developers & entrepreneurs) - https://app.usepanda.com/#/
Tech Target News - https://www.techtarget.com/news/
tech reference & Tutorials
Cheat Sheets:
CSS Cheat Sheet - https://htmlcheatsheet.com/css/
HTML Cheat Sheet - The best interactive cheat sheet - https://htmlcheatsheet.com/
HTML Cheat Sheet - https://www.cheat-sheets.org/saved-copy/HTML5-Mega-Cheat-Sheet-A4-Print-ready.pdf
JS Cheat Sheet - https://htmlcheatsheet.com/js/
Misc. Reference:
File Converter (for audio, video, document, image, etc.) - https://cloudconvert.com/
Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing - https://foldoc.org/home.html
Glossary of Internet Terms - https://www.internetsociety.org/internet/glossary-internet-terms/
Google Fonts - https://fonts.google.com/
HTML Cleaner - Online Beautifyer and Word Converter - https://html-cleaner.com/
HTML & CSS free programming books - https://shorturl.at/afty8
HTML & CSS is Hard (web development tutorial for beginners) - https://www.internetingishard.com/html-and-css/
HTML Editor - https://www.w3schools.com/icons/tryit.asp?filename=tryicons_google-widgets
HTML6 Editor - https://html6.com/editor/
HTML Editor and Cleaner - https://html-online.com/
HTML Tidy (Online Markup Corrector) - https://htmltidy.net/
Handy URL Shortener (very useful!) - https://www.shorturl.at/
MDN, Learn Web Development - https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Learn
Online Tools (5 per day for free) - https://onlinetools.com/
PC Mag Encyclopedia - https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia
Web Development Basics Tutorial - https://www.scale.at/blog/lets-get-started
WikiWeb, Useful Tools & Utilities to make life easier - https://wikiweb.tools/
Word to HTML - Online Converter and Cleaner - https://wordhtml.com/
w3schools Learn to Code - https://www.w3schools.com/
File Converter (for audio, video, document, image, etc.) - https://cloudconvert.com/
Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing - https://foldoc.org/home.html
Glossary of Internet Terms - https://www.internetsociety.org/internet/glossary-internet-terms/
Google Fonts - https://fonts.google.com/
HTML Cleaner - Online Beautifyer and Word Converter - https://html-cleaner.com/
HTML & CSS free programming books - https://shorturl.at/afty8
HTML & CSS is Hard (web development tutorial for beginners) - https://www.internetingishard.com/html-and-css/
HTML Editor - https://www.w3schools.com/icons/tryit.asp?filename=tryicons_google-widgets
HTML6 Editor - https://html6.com/editor/
HTML Editor and Cleaner - https://html-online.com/
HTML Tidy (Online Markup Corrector) - https://htmltidy.net/
Handy URL Shortener (very useful!) - https://www.shorturl.at/
MDN, Learn Web Development - https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Learn
Online Tools (5 per day for free) - https://onlinetools.com/
PC Mag Encyclopedia - https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia
Web Development Basics Tutorial - https://www.scale.at/blog/lets-get-started
WikiWeb, Useful Tools & Utilities to make life easier - https://wikiweb.tools/
Word to HTML - Online Converter and Cleaner - https://wordhtml.com/
w3schools Learn to Code - https://www.w3schools.com/
tech magazines
Datamation (insight into latest trends and innovation in AI, big data, etc.) - https://www.datamation.com/
eWeek (latest technology news and analysis, buying guides, and product reviews…) - https://www.eweek.com/
InfoWorld - https://www.infoworld.com/
Macworld - https://www.macworld.com/
PCMag - https://www.pcmag.com/
3d virtual reality
Wilderless
Developer has a similar new app out--I will feature here as well.
Wilderless:
In this lovely open-world iPad sim, explore beautiful forests and meadows up north as an avatar or wildlife. A relaxing escape from the drudgery of modern life. Developer is constantly adding more to the sim, such as dungeons, dragons, animal herds, etc.
View Wilderless Trailer on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6x3DeLJyR3w
Download in Apple App Store - apps.apple.com/us/app/wilderless/id1485263737
In this lovely open-world iPad sim, explore beautiful forests and meadows up north as an avatar or wildlife. A relaxing escape from the drudgery of modern life. Developer is constantly adding more to the sim, such as dungeons, dragons, animal herds, etc.
View Wilderless Trailer on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6x3DeLJyR3w
Download in Apple App Store - apps.apple.com/us/app/wilderless/id1485263737
Online Virtual Worlds
Mozilla Hubs Demo (Firefox/private, virtual 3D worlds in your browser) - https://hubs.mozilla.com/Pvg5MMt/hubs-demo
SecondLife is now on mobile (iPad). I tried it and was very unimpressed. I'll wait until it is more user-friendly.
App Store link -
3D Models
Search 3D Models on Sketchfab - https://sketchfab.com/
3D ocean waves:
Create AI-generated panoramas at Skybox Labs - https://skybox.blockadelabs.com/
Free (limited with watermark) and paid subscriptions.
Free (limited with watermark) and paid subscriptions.
website building
General Reference:
How to Code a Website - https://websitesetup.org/website-coding-html-css/
Useful Links for Web Developers - https://html-css-js.com/html/links/
What is my browser (some info may be incorrect) - https://www.whatismybrowser.com/
Create a website with AI - https://teleporthq.io/ai-website-builder
Fun to play around with/here's what I created - https://teleporthq.io/ai-website-builder
Crawlers:
Alpha Crawler (worked for my site) - https://alphacrawler.pro/
Google Website Crawler/View Page as Googlebot "Sees" it - https://totheweb.com/learning_center/tools-search-engine-simulator/
To be continued
How to Code a Website - https://websitesetup.org/website-coding-html-css/
Useful Links for Web Developers - https://html-css-js.com/html/links/
What is my browser (some info may be incorrect) - https://www.whatismybrowser.com/
Create a website with AI - https://teleporthq.io/ai-website-builder
Fun to play around with/here's what I created - https://teleporthq.io/ai-website-builder
Crawlers:
Alpha Crawler (worked for my site) - https://alphacrawler.pro/
Google Website Crawler/View Page as Googlebot "Sees" it - https://totheweb.com/learning_center/tools-search-engine-simulator/
To be continued
Website Design Color Picker
...pick your color online - https://imagecolorpicker.com/en
RedKetchup | Color Picker - https://redketchup.io/color-picker
RGB Color Codes - https://rgbcolorcode.com/
ONline Safety
Online Scams and Hoaxes, per Google AI Overview:
"use deceptive digital tactics—phishing emails, fake websites, and social engineering—to steal money or personal information. Common threats include investment, romance, and shopping scams, alongside emerging AI-powered deepfakes and, in 2025, advanced smishing. Protection involves verifying sender authenticity, avoiding urgent, unsolicited requests, and securing accounts.
Common Types of Online Scams and Hoaxes
- Phishing/Smishing (Email/Text): Messages appearing legitimate (e.g., from banks or shipping companies) that steal passwords or install malware.
- Investment & Crypto Scams: Fake opportunities promising high returns with low risk, often involving cryptocurrency.
- Online Shopping Fraud: Fraudulent websites selling goods that never arrive or are counterfeit.
- Romance/Relationship Scams: Scammers build trust online, often pretending to be in a long-distance relationship, to request money.
- Tech Support Scams: Posing as IT support to claim a computer virus exists, demanding payment for fake repairs.
- AI-Powered Scams: The use of AI to create highly convincing fake websites, voices, or deepfake videos.
- Hoaxes: Spreading false information, such as fake virus warnings or chain letters.
- Urgency & Pressure: Scammers demand immediate action, often threatening account suspension or legal action.
- Unsolicited Contact: Unexpected emails, texts, or calls asking for sensitive information.
- Unrealistic Offers: Promises of prizes, unexpected money, or incredible deals.
- Suspicious Payments: Requests to pay via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
- Poor Grammar/Spelling: Unprofessional, error-littered messages.
- Verify Independently: Never click links in unexpected messages; contact companies directly through official channels.
- Use Strong Security: Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) and use unique passwords.
- Think Before Clicking: Be skeptical of "too good to be true" offers.
- Keep Software Updated: Regularly update antivirus software and browsers to block threats.
Websites:
50 Internet Safety Tipsfor 2025 - https://banzai.org/wellness/resources/internet-safety-tips
Internet Safety - https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetsafety/
Online Privacy & Security - https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/online-privacy-and-security
Online Safety Checklist (Australia) - https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/domestic-family-violence/online-safety-checklist
ScamBusters.org - https://scambusters.org/
Secure Our World - https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world
Stay Safe Online - https://www.staysafeonline.org/resources/online-safety-and-privacy
50 Internet Safety Tipsfor 2025 - https://banzai.org/wellness/resources/internet-safety-tips
Internet Safety - https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetsafety/
Online Privacy & Security - https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/online-privacy-and-security
Online Safety Checklist (Australia) - https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/domestic-family-violence/online-safety-checklist
ScamBusters.org - https://scambusters.org/
Secure Our World - https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world
Stay Safe Online - https://www.staysafeonline.org/resources/online-safety-and-privacy
Online Safety for Senior Citizens:
Protecting older adults from fraud and financial exploitation - https://shorturl.at/svNYe
Protecting older adults from fraud and financial exploitation - https://shorturl.at/svNYe
Phishing Scams
Read More
*A phishing scam is a type of online fraud where a cybercriminal sends an e-mail, text message, or other communication that appears to be from a legitimate source, like a bank or credit card company, to trick the recipient into providing sensitive personal information like passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers, with the goal of stealing money or identify information from the victim.
Key points about phishing scams
- Impersonation: The scammer pretends to be a trusted entity to gain the victim's trust. [1, 2, 4]
- Deceptive communication: Phishing emails often contain urgent requests or threats to pressure the recipient into clicking a malicious link or providing information quickly.
- Data collection: The goal is to obtain sensitive personal information like login credentials, bank details, or social security numbers.
- Delivery methods: Phishing scams can be delivered through email, text messages (smishing), phone calls (vishing), or social media messages.
- Suspicious sender address: Check if the email address looks slightly different from the legitimate company's. [1, 2, 4]
- Urgent tone: Be wary of emails with urgent requests or threats to take action immediately. [1, 2, 3]
- Generic greetings: Emails that address you as "Dear Customer" instead of using your name might be a red flag. [2, 4, 5]
- Suspicious links: Hover over links in the email to see if the URL matches the expected website. [1, 2, 3]
- Grammatical errors: Phishing emails often contain typos or poor grammar.
- Do not click on links or open attachments: If you suspect an email is a phishing attempt, do not click on any links or open attachments.
- Report the email: Forward the suspicious email to your email provider's spam reporting address.
- Contact the company directly: If you are unsure if an email is legitimate, contact the company directly through a known and trusted channel to verify.
Forward e-mail phishing scams to Apple - [email protected]
Misc. Scams & Hoaxes:
"Words Trivia" email virus - a phishing scam where an email appears to be a fun trivia quiz about words, but clicking on the link or opening an attachment within the email actually installs malware on your computer, designed to steal personal information or gain access to your system.
May I call out many Apple App Store offerings as pure scams--many even involving a subscription. Here are a few below. Remember that many of them are already offered on your device for free.
"Words Trivia" email virus - a phishing scam where an email appears to be a fun trivia quiz about words, but clicking on the link or opening an attachment within the email actually installs malware on your computer, designed to steal personal information or gain access to your system.
May I call out many Apple App Store offerings as pure scams--many even involving a subscription. Here are a few below. Remember that many of them are already offered on your device for free.
- Clean water from speakers - nonsense!
- Humanize apps - These merely take your phrases and rewrite them. Apple Writing Tools does this for free in many areas on OS26.
- Photo cutout and erase apps - Apple has a 1) cutout feature (long-press to remove image from background and save it as a transparent png); and 2) erase feature ("cleanup"), both default within your Camera Roll.
- Whiteboard apps - Freeform is Apple's default whiteboard, which can do most everything these others can, without the subscription.
- Notes, Calendar, and Reminder apps - With the exception of Craft Notes (see above), these apps are merely redundant; just use Apple's default Notes, Calendar, and Reminders (they sync).
- AI "mental health counseling" - This is a foolish waste of money and can also be dangerous (see AI's "sycophant" nature).
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AI PRompting
Claude Prompt Library (excellent) - https://platform.claude.com/docs/en/resources/prompt-library/library
ChatNow app (mentioned above) does excellent vibe coding (AI-created code). I created a Bible verse web app (see Christian Worship Page) with it. The ChatBot (ChatGPT I believe) will work with the user to get things just right.
Note that it can make mistakes (messed up my page), so it's recommended to have a blank or test website page to experiment with these.
Free Widget-Coding Website AI for Devs - https://workik.com/html-code-generator
See Note above regarding using a test page.
Note that it can make mistakes (messed up my page), so it's recommended to have a blank or test website page to experiment with these.
Free Widget-Coding Website AI for Devs - https://workik.com/html-code-generator
See Note above regarding using a test page.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
AI Chat & Tools
Currently, AI Chat and Search technology is being incorporated into many websites, browsers, and apps. Google Search now has an "AI overview" at the top.
In addition, AI has arrived on newer model iPads and iPhones with iOS18.1 installed. You may need to "request access" first The Writing Tools work great, and are very helpful if you are an avid writer such as myself.
With iOS18.2 update scheduled for sometime mid-December, ChatGPT will be integrated with Apple's Siri. Also, AI Playground (generate AI Art illustrations and animations) will be available at that time.
In addition, AI has arrived on newer model iPads and iPhones with iOS18.1 installed. You may need to "request access" first The Writing Tools work great, and are very helpful if you are an avid writer such as myself.
With iOS18.2 update scheduled for sometime mid-December, ChatGPT will be integrated with Apple's Siri. Also, AI Playground (generate AI Art illustrations and animations) will be available at that time.
*AI Prompt Enhancer Widget
AI Chat:
ChatGPT (limited features without signup/subscription) - https://chatgpt.com/?oai-dm=1
AI Resources:
AI Fundamentals - https://www.futurepedia.io/resources/ai-fundamentals
AI Glossary - https://www.webfx.com/blog/marketing/ai-terms-glossary/
AI Glossary - https://www.futurepedia.io/resources/ai-glossary
ChatGPT Cheat Sheet - https://digitalstrategies.tuck.dartmouth.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ChatGPT-Cheat-Sheet.pdf
AI Tools:
AI Tools (extensive listing) - https://www.futurepedia.io/ai-tools
GeneratorFun (collection of free online AI & random content generators) - https://generatorfun.com/
Google Gemini (sign-in required) - https://gemini.google.com/app
Microsoft CoPilot (sign-in required) - https://copilot.microsoft.com/
stability.ai (membership required) - https://stability.ai/
There's an AI For That (#1 AI aggregator) - https://theresanaiforthat.com/
Ultimate list of AI tools - https://www.aixploria.com/en/ultimate-list-ai/
*Note that YesChat is Chinese; I do not recommend signing up nor providing any personal information
AI Writing Tools: See Home Page, Writing Tools Section
AI Music Generator:
Note all the other AI music generators require sign-up and/or a subscription; need to check on this 2024!
MuseNet - https://openai.com/blog/musenet/#try (a deep neural network that can generate 4-minute musical compositions with 10 different instruments (note that advanced mode [direct interaction] of the interactive demo is offline)
ai art
Made with NightCafe
NightCafe Studio - https://creator.nightcafe.studio
Read More
NightCafe is a popular platform for creating a wide variety of AI art; sign-up is required. A vibrant community of avid AI art creators awaits. Free credits can be acquired by logging in each day, posting, liking others' art,, and more. Generated images can be saved to your device via download or saved to Camera Roll. Although output is low-resolution, upscaling is available in the software, as are other editing features. Subscriptions vary in price; opt for the free plan or the lowest-tier option—whatever aligns with your enthusiasm for AI art and your budget. Pro-only features include many of the better AI art models, fine-tuning, upscaling, video, and others.
For examples, see my Home Page where I post a daily AI art creation. My ever-expanding AI Art Gallery is below.
How to Create AI Art using NightCafe's Online Generator Step by Step - https://shorturl.at/6O2Ah
NightCafe Blog - https://nightcafe.studio/blogs/blog
Mastering AI Image Generation: How You can Create Stunning Imagery with AI - https://shorturl.at/ouG9V
For examples, see my Home Page where I post a daily AI art creation. My ever-expanding AI Art Gallery is below.
How to Create AI Art using NightCafe's Online Generator Step by Step - https://shorturl.at/6O2Ah
NightCafe Blog - https://nightcafe.studio/blogs/blog
Mastering AI Image Generation: How You can Create Stunning Imagery with AI - https://shorturl.at/ouG9V
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AI Art Prompts:
Knowing how to compose prompts (telling AI what to generate) is important for good results. The key is to be very specific. You'll find many helpful hints in the attached Reference Sheet. Note that many links relate to Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, DALLE-3, and other specific AI art generators; however, the basic information should be usable across the board. My ever-expanding reference sheet currently contains links to thousands of AI art prompts and ideas, a multitude of websites, and everything you need to be proficient at this hobby. If you find it very helpful, donations are accepted (see Home Page).
Knowing how to compose prompts (telling AI what to generate) is important for good results. The key is to be very specific. You'll find many helpful hints in the attached Reference Sheet. Note that many links relate to Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, DALLE-3, and other specific AI art generators; however, the basic information should be usable across the board. My ever-expanding reference sheet currently contains links to thousands of AI art prompts and ideas, a multitude of websites, and everything you need to be proficient at this hobby. If you find it very helpful, donations are accepted (see Home Page).
Other AI Art Generators I've Tried:
I recommend: NightCafe Studio and Bazaart app
AI Art Generators (extensive listing) - https://www.futurepedia.io/ai-tools/art
I recommend: NightCafe Studio and Bazaart app
- Artbreeder/Try for free - https://www.artbreeder.com/
- Bazaart app - subscription-based all-purpose collage app, also great at generating AI art (see Apple App Store)
- Bing Image Creator (free) - https://www.bing.com/create
- *OpenDalle 1.1 (free, good) - https://stablediffusion-online.com/opendalle.php
- Stable Diffusion Free Online AI Image Generator (good) - https://stabledifffusion.com/tools/ai-image-generator
- Stable Diffusion Online (the real one, sign-up, limited without $subscription, excellent) - https://stablediffusionweb.com/
- *Stable Diffusion XL (no sign-up, OK, warning--Bytedance?) - https://stablediffusion-online.com/stablediffusionxl.php
AI Art Generators (extensive listing) - https://www.futurepedia.io/ai-tools/art
AI-generated Panoramas:
Skybox Lab (360 degree image generator from Blockade Labs/$Subscription) - https://skybox.blockadelabs.com/
Skybox Lab (360 degree image generator from Blockade Labs/$Subscription) - https://skybox.blockadelabs.com/
APPLE iOS & apps
Apple iPad & iPhone Reference
Apple iPad User Guide - https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/welcome/ipados
Apple iPhone User's Guide - https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/welcome/ios
Get started with Freeform on iPad - https://shorturl.at/cuyOX
Read More
New Features:
New Features:
- AI Writing Tools incorporated more places (try highlighting a sentence and select "writing tools")
- UI redesign enables iPad to more resemble a MacBook, featuring windows, multiple screens, etc.
- Spatial (parallax) view any of your photos in Camera Roll by selecting the small button at top right. It's amazing how the subject will POP out and appear 3D
- Journal app comes to iPad
- Preview (PDFs) comes to iPad
- Games app now on iPad. Note that most of the App Store games are juvenile and a total waste of time.
- Phone app now on iPad.
- What's worse with iOS 26 update: Autocorrect! The suggestions are outright ridiculous. I don't know why Apple doesn't fix this glaring problem.
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Recommendations for Best iPad/iPhone apps
- *Craft - Notes
- *Bazaart - Collage & Design
- PicSew - Pic Stitching
- *Genius AI - older (2024 and prior) AI ChatBots such as Claude, ChatGPT, Grok, Gemini
- *Twin Mind - transcribe conversations, answer questions, and get organized
- *ChatNow - multipurpose ChatBot app (AI art, PDF summaries, vibe coding, AI chat & web search)
*subscription-based
Great Apps for Productivity, Creativity & Entertainment
WHITEBOARD
Corkulous Pro, Organize Everything! (subscription or one-time fee) - www.corkulous.com/
Freeform - Available on all newer iPads (iOS16) and iPhones (iOS14) as a default
Freeform - Available on all newer iPads (iOS16) and iPhones (iOS14) as a default
Over by GoDaddy (offers thousands of graphics & videos for collage & design; $ subscription) - madewithover.com
PRODUCTIVITY
Twin Mind - "Get your personal AI that takes notes, tracks to-dos, and answers proactively during meetings, lectures, and conversations."
An excellent productivity app based on recordings of conversations and utilizing in-app ChatBots to help in one's personal and professional life. It's constantly improving too. A small team based in California, they are passionate about the app and making it the best. Customer service is superb.
https://twinmind.com/
AI Chat Assistant - ChatNow:ChatNow does it all! Excellent all-in-one multifunctional AI app. It can summarize PDFs and eBooks, analyze websites and answer questions, look up information, vibe code (web apps), and create AI art and videos from prompts. All for one yearly subscription. Very impressed.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ai-chat-assistant-chatnow/id1667518571?ppid=6c414fb9-323a-4f69-9f6b-198d4208dc26
Twin Mind - "Get your personal AI that takes notes, tracks to-dos, and answers proactively during meetings, lectures, and conversations."
An excellent productivity app based on recordings of conversations and utilizing in-app ChatBots to help in one's personal and professional life. It's constantly improving too. A small team based in California, they are passionate about the app and making it the best. Customer service is superb.
https://twinmind.com/
AI Chat Assistant - ChatNow:ChatNow does it all! Excellent all-in-one multifunctional AI app. It can summarize PDFs and eBooks, analyze websites and answer questions, look up information, vibe code (web apps), and create AI art and videos from prompts. All for one yearly subscription. Very impressed.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ai-chat-assistant-chatnow/id1667518571?ppid=6c414fb9-323a-4f69-9f6b-198d4208dc26
TASKS
Kanbana (yearly subscription) - https://www.kanbana.com/
Things 3 for iPad (text-only app for organizing your tasks & reminders/one-time fee) - culturedcode.com/things/
Things 3 for iPad (text-only app for organizing your tasks & reminders/one-time fee) - culturedcode.com/things/
ARTIFY
(one-click art from photos)
BeCasso, "Turn Your Life into Art." - https://digitalmasterpieces.com/becasso/
GAMES
My Koi (relaxing koi pond; app appears to be abandoned) - http://www.sakanastudios.com/mykoi-app
BeCasso, "Turn Your Life into Art." - https://digitalmasterpieces.com/becasso/
GAMES
My Koi (relaxing koi pond; app appears to be abandoned) - http://www.sakanastudios.com/mykoi-app
My Koi app
PHOTO EDITING
For iPad
Please note I will not recommend any editors which require a $9.99 per month subscription such as Adobe apps. There are suitable substitutes for a one-time fee which won’t cost you major bucks on a regular basis.
RAW
Raw Power (best RAW photo editor for IOS) - https://www.gentlemencoders.com/
Filters
Koloro - Best for Instagram-styling; huge selection for one-time fee - https://shorturl.at/ajmnR
Lightricks photo editing apps (Facetune, Videoleap, Photoleap, Filtertune, Artleap & more):
https://www.lightricks.com/products
To be continued...
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
For Mac
I no longer use my MacBook and do all my photo editing on iPad Pro.
RAW:
ON1 Photo RAW (photo editing software offering everything photographers need to organize, edit, style, and share photos; I suggest one-time purchase for software, as subscriptions are very expensive!) - https://www.on1.com/products/photo-raw/
Editing:
Luminar Neo (Their iPad app is a fail) - https://skylum.com/luminar
Please note I will not recommend any editors which require a $9.99 per month subscription such as Adobe apps. There are suitable substitutes for a one-time fee which won’t cost you major bucks on a regular basis.
RAW
Raw Power (best RAW photo editor for IOS) - https://www.gentlemencoders.com/
Filters
Koloro - Best for Instagram-styling; huge selection for one-time fee - https://shorturl.at/ajmnR
Lightricks photo editing apps (Facetune, Videoleap, Photoleap, Filtertune, Artleap & more):
https://www.lightricks.com/products
To be continued...
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
For Mac
I no longer use my MacBook and do all my photo editing on iPad Pro.
RAW:
ON1 Photo RAW (photo editing software offering everything photographers need to organize, edit, style, and share photos; I suggest one-time purchase for software, as subscriptions are very expensive!) - https://www.on1.com/products/photo-raw/
Editing:
Luminar Neo (Their iPad app is a fail) - https://skylum.com/luminar
My TEch hints & tips
|
Prevent a weblink from opening in the app
To prevent a weblink opening in its app you have installed, long-press and click Open in Background.
Example here:
In this example, I do NOT wish to open the Biblia app (installed on my iPad). Links will open in-app by default unless I take the following actions.
Close
*Prevent hackers from posting on your Facebook Page:
Go to your Home Page
1. Click Settings (3 dots) 2. Go to Profile and Tagging 3. Set to Only Me 
*Note I am no longer on Facebook, but some may find these hints helpful. How to Speed up Safari Browser:
|
Google Advanced Search Cheat Sheet PDF:
Search individual pages of websites
Note that for my website, all accordions must be OPEN on the page. Search has been simplified in iOS18.
Creating a WebArchive from a website:
|
Clear website data iPad OS26:
Remember to do this at regular intervals.
How to Circumvent Google auto-Predict in Search: Place your search term(s) in quotation marks. Example: When searching for AI art prompts, I entered: "AI art prompts". It's helpful to note that Google will auto-predict your bookmarks. I needed to view my old saved bookmarks and delete many of them no longer needed. | ||
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digital photography
Photo by Nigel Tadyanehondo @Unsplash
iphoneography
iPhone Camera Basics:
https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/camera-basics-iph263472f78/18.0/ios/18.0
Using iPhone 16 Pro for all my photography, I’ll focus on that format here. iPhones are advantageous due to their convenience; keep in your pocket or purse and always be ready for the perfect shot! Whatever camera you use, hopefully you'll discover some useful information.
Websites:
iPhone Photography Tutorial ($ site) - https://www.iphotography.com/blog/iphone-photography-tutorial/
more to be added...
iPhone Photography Tutorial ($ site) - https://www.iphotography.com/blog/iphone-photography-tutorial/
more to be added...
Best Camera App for iPhone:
Dream Camera - best for moon photography - https://palmshadow.com/dreamcamera/index.php
Dream Camera - best for moon photography - https://palmshadow.com/dreamcamera/index.php
photography cheat sheets
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More to be added...
photo editing
also see Apple iOS apps, above
How to Make your iPhone Photos Look Pro - https://appadvice.com/post/iphone-photos-look-professional/739127
more to come...
Photography misc.
Photography Ideas (others')
Websites:
24 Types of Photography - https://photographylife.com/types-of-photography
more to come
Websites:
24 Types of Photography - https://photographylife.com/types-of-photography
more to come
Music...
Elevates the soul, provides soothing escape, praises our Creator
History of musicMusic History:
https://www.smore.com/cupd5-music-history Time Periods in Music History: https://shorturl.at/hqEP9 |
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Classical musicMusic Theory Academy, Classical Music Periods:
https://shorturl.at/wAMW4 Classical Archive Radio (1 min. clips without $sub.): https://shorturl.at/quKW0 |
PDF:
online piano keyboards
Digital Piano App - https://digitalpiano.app/
Musicca Virtual Piano - https://www.musicca.com/piano
Online Pianist - https://www.onlinepianist.com/virtual-piano
Play the piano online - virtualpiano.net
Musicca Virtual Piano - https://www.musicca.com/piano
Online Pianist - https://www.onlinepianist.com/virtual-piano
Play the piano online - virtualpiano.net
Piano Cheat Sheet PDF:
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AI Music Generators
Section forthcoming...
other music creators
radio stations
Online Radio:
Alternative Rock:
DC 101, DC's Alternative Rock - https://shorturl.at/cmL16
Misc.
AccuRadio - https://www.accuradio.com/
Progressive Rock:
WGTB - http://georgetownradio.com/
World:
Global Radio Stations - https://radiostationworld.com/default.aspx
Alternative Rock:
DC 101, DC's Alternative Rock - https://shorturl.at/cmL16
Misc.
AccuRadio - https://www.accuradio.com/
Progressive Rock:
WGTB - http://georgetownradio.com/
World:
Global Radio Stations - https://radiostationworld.com/default.aspx
radio apps
- Jango Radio - Note this is a station that plays similar songs to the one you request; do not expect to search for a particular song and hear it; free to use/must sign in - https://www.jango.com/
- MixerBox OnePlayer - https://www.mbplayer.com/
- Triode - download here - https://triode.app/
- Radiooooo (basic) - Radiooooo.com
music apps
Note that Apple iOS17 apparently also has a song identifier, although I have not yet tried it.
SoundHound (song identifier) - soundhound.com/soundhound
EQu (Equalizer) - www.elephantcandy.com/app/equ/
Boom 3D equalizer app - https://www.globaldelight.com/boom/thankyou-download-win
Demus - incredible new app that lets you choose songs from a variety of sources then listen - https://demus.app/
more to come
Song Lyrics lookup - https://genius.com/
SoundHound (song identifier) - soundhound.com/soundhound
EQu (Equalizer) - www.elephantcandy.com/app/equ/
Boom 3D equalizer app - https://www.globaldelight.com/boom/thankyou-download-win
Demus - incredible new app that lets you choose songs from a variety of sources then listen - https://demus.app/
more to come
Song Lyrics lookup - https://genius.com/
music misc.
More genres to come; any suggestions you would like to see?
Progressive Rock:
Progressive Rock Archives - https://www.progarchives.com/
ProGGnosis - Progressive Rock & Fusion - https://www.proggnosis.com/
Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-ZINE - http://www.progressiverockbr.com/
BetreutesProggen.de (German) - https://www.betreutesproggen.de/
Progressive Rock Web Radio:
MOROW - The Progressive Rock Radio - https://www.morow.com/
PROGROCK.COM (radio) - https://progrock.com/
Progulus Radio - https://progulus.com/rprweb/#page-playing
Stellar Attraction | Progressive Rock Internet Radio - https://www.stellar-attraction.com/
Jazz
Youtube Music Videos
picture courtesy of audom @vecteezy
The variety of genres shared are representative of my wide-ranging tastes. Some are difficult to classify and often cross musical categories. Musicians and bands are in BOLD.
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Tip: use 4K playback for best resolution:
(see screenshot on right) Go to:
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Pop:
Leonid & Friends (Chicago tribute band) - https://www.youtube.com/@LeonidVorobyevandfriends
Speck of Dust by above (original/tribute) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1zNRIs0OiM
Modern Opera:
Andrea Bocelli - www.andreabocelli.com/
Sarah Brightman - sarahbrightman.com/
Rock/Alternative:
Hymn for the Weekend (Coldplay) - https://youtu.be/YykjpeuMNEk?si=6yUNbeNx5zCId-tO
Radiohead (favorite band/alternative)
Website - https://www.radiohead.com/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Radiohead/videos
Sadeness Part 1(Enigma) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F9DxYhqmKw
Thank you (Dido) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TO48Cnl66w
Tom's Diner (Susanne Vega) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJNxmMk8zvA
Twenty-One Pilots (favorite band/formed 2009, variety of creative alt-rock hits):
Home page - https://www.twentyonepilots.com/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBQZwaNPFfJ1gZ1fLZpAEGw
Weapon of Choice (Fatboy Slim) - https://youtu.be/wCDIYvFmgW8?si=Dcdy8SqWAs0l74Jb
Jazz/Fusion:
Feelin’Alright (Joe Cocker) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoAO0851FwA
Linus And Lucy (Vince Guaraldi Trio) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6zypc_LhnM
Miscellaneous:
Brandy, You're A Fine Girl (The Looking Glass) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVx8L7a3MuE
Court and Spark album by Joni Mitchell:
Part 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZLVYoO6r9g
Part 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-0S2Oc_WWU
Feeling Good (Michael Bublé) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Edwsf-8F3sI
Independence Day (Martina McBride) - https://youtu.be/4VPpAZ9_qAw?si=dWB64Jp7fq3TFF8U
Lindsey Stirling (pop violinist) - www.lindseystirling.com/home/
Unforgettable, Natalie Cole (with dad Nat King) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwLUkcNnU6A&t=41s
Leonid & Friends (Chicago tribute band) - https://www.youtube.com/@LeonidVorobyevandfriends
Speck of Dust by above (original/tribute) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1zNRIs0OiM
Modern Opera:
Andrea Bocelli - www.andreabocelli.com/
Sarah Brightman - sarahbrightman.com/
Rock/Alternative:
Hymn for the Weekend (Coldplay) - https://youtu.be/YykjpeuMNEk?si=6yUNbeNx5zCId-tO
Radiohead (favorite band/alternative)
Website - https://www.radiohead.com/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Radiohead/videos
Sadeness Part 1(Enigma) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F9DxYhqmKw
Thank you (Dido) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TO48Cnl66w
Tom's Diner (Susanne Vega) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJNxmMk8zvA
Twenty-One Pilots (favorite band/formed 2009, variety of creative alt-rock hits):
Home page - https://www.twentyonepilots.com/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBQZwaNPFfJ1gZ1fLZpAEGw
Weapon of Choice (Fatboy Slim) - https://youtu.be/wCDIYvFmgW8?si=Dcdy8SqWAs0l74Jb
Jazz/Fusion:
Feelin’Alright (Joe Cocker) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoAO0851FwA
Linus And Lucy (Vince Guaraldi Trio) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6zypc_LhnM
Miscellaneous:
Brandy, You're A Fine Girl (The Looking Glass) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVx8L7a3MuE
Court and Spark album by Joni Mitchell:
Part 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZLVYoO6r9g
Part 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-0S2Oc_WWU
Feeling Good (Michael Bublé) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Edwsf-8F3sI
Independence Day (Martina McBride) - https://youtu.be/4VPpAZ9_qAw?si=dWB64Jp7fq3TFF8U
Lindsey Stirling (pop violinist) - www.lindseystirling.com/home/
Unforgettable, Natalie Cole (with dad Nat King) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwLUkcNnU6A&t=41s
Misc. music VIdeos
Eurovision 2024:
The Eurovision Song Contest is an internationally televised songwriting competition, organised by the European Broadcasting Union and featuring participants chosen by EBU member broadcasters representing their countries from across Europe and beyond.
Read More:
The Eurovision Song Contest is an internationally televised songwriting competition, organised by the European Broadcasting Union and featuring participants chosen by EBU member broadcasters representing their countries from across Europe and beyond.
Read More:
Note: you'll find beautiful and ugly, good and evil in the mix here--representative of the global cultures we find ourselves in
EurovisionTV - https://eurovision.tv/
all 37 songs - https://youtu.be/i_t3qclcXUM?feature=shared
Favorites:
Eden Golan, "Hurricane" (Finished 5th) - https://youtu.be/G8Kw1xBGTnA?feature=shared
ISAAK, "Always on the Run" (Germany) - https://youtu.be/twhq3S4YHdQ?feature=shared
Dima Bilan, "Believe" (Russia/2008) - https://youtu.be/-72s4WzUcKI?si=4dviqLK-VaVSqP6P
EurovisionTV - https://eurovision.tv/
all 37 songs - https://youtu.be/i_t3qclcXUM?feature=shared
Favorites:
Eden Golan, "Hurricane" (Finished 5th) - https://youtu.be/G8Kw1xBGTnA?feature=shared
ISAAK, "Always on the Run" (Germany) - https://youtu.be/twhq3S4YHdQ?feature=shared
Dima Bilan, "Believe" (Russia/2008) - https://youtu.be/-72s4WzUcKI?si=4dviqLK-VaVSqP6P
Read Less
dance
Unsplash photo by David Hofmann
dance misc.
Dance, General Information
"Dance is an art form, often classified as a sport, consisting of sequences of body movements with aesthetic and often symbolic value, either improvised or purposefully selected.[nb 1] Dance can be categorized and described by its choreography, by its repertoire of movements or by its historical period or place of origin.[3] Dance is typically performed with musical accompaniment, and sometimes with the dancer simultaneously using a musical instrument themselves."
--Wikipedia
All about Dance - https://www.skillshare.com/en/blog/all-about-dance-from-its-history-to-its-many-forms/
Dance @Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dance
History of Dance Timeline - https://www.preceden.com/timeline/history-of-dance
dance videos
Dance Videos:
(apologies for watermarks, but these are nice examples)
Graceful ballet videos page - https://shorturl.at/LPRX9
Mix of Dance video clips - https://youtu.be/xQL18AW5k1k?si=k_rOrXhnKUf9whu4
Graceful Dance - https://youtu.be/xQL18AW5k1k
Latino Dance Couple - https://youtu.be/yd1ClqXUJGo
Modern Dance, single - https://youtu.be/H9_d3ddtFEA
Modern Dance, group - https://youtu.be/H9_d3ddtFEA
Folk Dance - https://youtu.be/5-4m2d8nNnI
Belly Dance - https://youtu.be/pZSvQHLBvTo
Break Dance - https://youtu.be/aXQK3f41pjw
(apologies for watermarks, but these are nice examples)
Graceful ballet videos page - https://shorturl.at/LPRX9
Mix of Dance video clips - https://youtu.be/xQL18AW5k1k?si=k_rOrXhnKUf9whu4
Graceful Dance - https://youtu.be/xQL18AW5k1k
Latino Dance Couple - https://youtu.be/yd1ClqXUJGo
Modern Dance, single - https://youtu.be/H9_d3ddtFEA
Modern Dance, group - https://youtu.be/H9_d3ddtFEA
Folk Dance - https://youtu.be/5-4m2d8nNnI
Belly Dance - https://youtu.be/pZSvQHLBvTo
Break Dance - https://youtu.be/aXQK3f41pjw
Best Dance Songs:
These upbeat tunes should get you moving!
Happy by Pharrell Williams - https://youtu.be/ZbZSe6N_BXs?si=vfx9aj_EyhmJPzph
Ice, Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice - https://youtu.be/jewmMjnbfzE?feature=shared
These upbeat tunes should get you moving!
Happy by Pharrell Williams - https://youtu.be/ZbZSe6N_BXs?si=vfx9aj_EyhmJPzph
Ice, Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice - https://youtu.be/jewmMjnbfzE?feature=shared
movies
favorite movies
Over the years, we've viewed quite a few movies; here I will list some of the best ones with "mini-reviews".
The Blind Side (Sandra Bullock) - excellent movie based on a true story
Being There (Peter Sellers) - a fantastic psychological drama that really makes one think, with touches of humor
SimOne - fun, frivolous movie about a virtual superstar actress
Castaway starring Tom Hanks - being the lone survivor of an airline crash and deserted on an island, he goes insane...
Comedies:
The Jerk (Steve Martin)
The Naked Gun series
Blazing Saddles
Home Alone 1
More to come...
The Blind Side (Sandra Bullock) - excellent movie based on a true story
Being There (Peter Sellers) - a fantastic psychological drama that really makes one think, with touches of humor
SimOne - fun, frivolous movie about a virtual superstar actress
Castaway starring Tom Hanks - being the lone survivor of an airline crash and deserted on an island, he goes insane...
Comedies:
The Jerk (Steve Martin)
The Naked Gun series
Blazing Saddles
Home Alone 1
More to come...
Movies dealing with current events, conspiracies, global elite control:
- Brazil - a "loose take" on 1984 movie/book, loaded with symbolism, extremely creative, from the same director who made The Fifth Element
- Henry Bergeron - about socialism, very well-made film that makes you think!
- 1984 - based on the book by George Orwell, about control and brainwashing of the masses
- Divergent & Hunger Games Series - I did not care for these, but they do make a point about the elite vs. the controlled masses
movie information
to be determined...
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Heading photo by freestocks @Unsplash
Heading photo by freestocks @Unsplash