Rottweilers Ate My Laptop

Rottweilers. Computers. Cameras. World Domination. Not necessarily in that order.

Rottweilers.
Computers. Cameras.
World Domination.
Not necessarily in that order.

Kittyweiler: video optional

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Last week, I told you about Oliver’s forays into the back yard for fresh air and bonding with his Rottweilers. I also posted a few photos to a Facebook album and got several comments about how everyone’s leash-trained cats didn’t want to actually walk, or even move, while on leash. This was our experience, too. Here, watch for yourself:

Of all of the video attempts, this one showed the most motion. I think it was caused by an insect. A still camera could have almost recorded it; video seemed totally optional with the lack of action.

I took a little time to search out some tips on getting your cat to actually walk on leash. I am not very hopeful at what I found. Most of the how-to tips suggest getting your cat to follow you for treats. Even a kittyweiler like Oliver is not the most food-motivated life form unless you’re talking some really gross and smelly food that will not be fun to use as a lure. But sure, let’s give it a try. Watch for more video… unless my hands are too slick from fish slime to hold the camera!

(NaBloPoMo | July ’10: 20 of 31)

Unidentified Flying Objects: Axel and his frisbee video

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As promised a couple of weeks ago, here is the finished version of Axel’s soon-to-be-famous frisbee video, featuring guest appearances by Freya and Oliver!

I’m getting a little more comfortable with iMovie. I didn’t go out yesterday to buy the “Missing Manual” book, but I’m pretty sure I do want it. I know I’m not taking full advantage of the program and it seems like the fastest way to get up to speed would be to do some reading before and during experimenting. I’m still debating whether to get the printed version with one of my Amazon gift certificates, or order directly from O’Reilly to get the print + ebook combo package.

(NaBloPoMo | July ’10: 18 of 31)

Some Freya video and my iMovie learning curve

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I’m finally done with a short Freya training video that I started working on back in May. When we started having training issues, I lost some of my motivation for working on her videos. By the time I felt like reviewing video footage again, the magazine deadline had to take precedence.

But here it is, finally! It’s not really as informative about Rally Obedience as I had originally intended. It turned out to be more about me learning to use iMovie than about producing a good teaching video. I have a better handle on iMovie now, as well as some thoughts about how to structure a more educational and entertaining production.

I really like iMovie ’09. I’m not particularly creative or visual, so something like Final Cut or Premiere would be overkill for me. iMovie has a good variety of backgrounds, transitions, titles, and sound effects supplied with the program, enough for a beginner to use (and possibly overuse). I took only a short time with the tutorials and help files, and quickly had enough information to get started with my “production.” I guess I am a little old-fashioned as I do miss having printed or even PDF manuals. I’m definitely a easy sell for O’Reilly’s iMovie ’09 & iDVD: The Missing Manual and in fact I might head over to the bookstore tomorrow to buy it.

Although the iMovie tutorial videos on Apple’s site are helpful, it’s still a pet peeve of mine to find some information available solely as a video tutorial. Sometimes a written step-by-step is more effective, but those seem to be rare items these days.

In low-tech news, I’m still deciding whether to head back to class with Freya tomorrow, stay home and do some plain old dog stuff with her and Axe in the yard, or maybe all of us will just hide in the air-conditioned house avoiding the mid-90s temperatures. The third option really sounds best, doesn’t it?

(NaBloPoMo | July ’10: 16 of 31)

Changed my mind… writing on!

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I changed my mind about waiting until fall to try another month of NaBloPoMo daily posting. This was largely influenced by the fact that we just finished uploading and approving all pages for the summer issue of The Total Rottweiler Magazine.

Since this is a late-breaking decision, I don’t have a good topic, or for that matter, any topic in mind. I’d use NaBloPoMo’s writing prompt, but since the prompt is “What’s your favorite movie?” I think I will have to pass. If you knew me way back when, you know how long it took me to pick five movies for a desert island. I don’t think I can narrow it down to one before the day turns over.

So for now, enjoy a very, very brief preview of Axel’s upcoming frisbee video:

(NaBloPoMo | July ’10: 1 of 31)