So, I finally got up to speed with a new modeling and raytracing tool, Carrara, which I had been needing for several years. Carrara evolved from Ray Dream, which I used since 1997 (version 4) on Windows 95 (ugh!) and later (version 5) on Windows 98 (ugh again!).

I've discovered a lot, such as better techniques and how not to set the lighting! In hindsight, I must admit that the old stuff showed me many basics, but Carrara is so much better.

During this time, I've also re-done the website's front page graphics and edited much of the content (see next article).

Returning visitors will notice some images have been redone (note the quality). Again. I've decided to enhance or replace many of the older images while between ideas for new works. I've also removed several older images while I redo some scenes and create new imagery. I simply had to get rid of many of the ugly old cartoon-looking images.

I've been away from this work for too long. Much of my work hadn't changed since 2005 and even 2003! ..Ridiculous.. Ok, I have spent some good time on my software, and the day gigs have kept me busy, but I've decided I need to get back to it. So, there is new stuff now, and more to come!

Just the Fun Stuff! Advertised services and posted fees have been discontinued!

I no longer offer services such as site design or consulting in matters the likes of configuration management. Boooring. Besides, the day gig keeps me busy (thank God). So, back to the original purpose of this site (since 1996) - I'm having fun with it!

Check out the new graphics, such as the animated main title and others that respond to mouse-over. There are several new graphics on many pages and updated content.

The site now focuses on fun, and if I may earn a few bucks selling my humble software offerings, good for me. Good for you, too, because most of that stuff is free. If you want custom artwork, just ask. I've done custom art and logos for no charge. I've also sold artwork for a couple of hundred bucks. That stuff and more is there for you to enjoy, and for the fun I have doing it!

I will welcome some avenues for projects outside display of the site, such as cover art, custom software and system administration tools. If you have any trouble contacting me, see my contact page.

Most folks who have purchased or contacted me regarding my software receive update notices. However, there may be updates to freeware on the software page, and you won't know unless you look!

Many utilities were updated and improved in 2008, and 2009 will see more!

Please note: Several of my programs may be found at various, dubious download sites, such as SoftPedia.com (and some I haven't even heard of). I did not post my software on those sites, and did not ask that it be offered on those sites. I cannot be responsible for out of date versions those sites may have, nor am I connected with any adware, malware, pop-ups or piggy-back code those sites or the downloads they provide may contain.

More news and info, including notes for Vista on site.

To the dismay of guys like I, it appears that gone are the days when publishers of software publish (or have printed) a user manual. Dismay I say! I want a printed manual to reference when I want, be it beside me while I'm at my workstation, or if I want to read about a topic while I'm waiting for my Jeep to be serviced.

I'm not ranting about a utility program, simple enough to be intuitive. I mean complex software that one spends hundreds of dollars for. Whatever happened to the nice box with the installation CD and a user manual? I don't mind a download if I need it now (for such software, I can wait a few days), but I want an installation CD and a manual!

If you're lucky, the company may provide a manual in PDF format. That means you must do one of 2 things: Have Adobe Reader open at the same time you're working and deal with that, or print the 780 page PDF file. I chose to do the latter.

I knew it would take less than a ream of paper, and probably cost me a pair of HP ink cartridges, plus an entire evening of time. Or (the genius of the thought!), get FedEx/Kinkos to print it. They have an online deal where you can e-mail a PDF, they'll print it and send it anywhere, or you can pick it up. Nice, and I can have them bind it, too!

So when I couldn't get the online thing to work, I called the FedEx store near home. It turns out that they can't bind that many pages, and the printing would cost almost $400.00 (color, $1 per page, two sided, plus tax) for one copy!

So, I went to Staples, bought a pair of ink cartridges, paper, a 3 ring binder and made a night of it. Now I have my damn manual, and it's a mighty, hefty manual too!

God,

Help us to forgive each other for the greed, selfishness and the resulting problems we've brought on ourselves and one another.

Help us to keep in mind that the economic turmoil we are witnessing won't last forever, and those who have suffered due to the actions of others need not bear their financial loss for long.

Help us to remember that our work, through your help, will enable our employers to continue to do business and prosper.

Thank You for the time and the things that have passed, and again for tomorrow, that my time today, and the perspective you show me, will bring.

Forever grateful to God for His given blessings, I'll always have time and space for what His presence and meaning are to me in my life...