How to: Make animations on your iPhone or iPad

Want to make your own cartoons on your iPhone or iPad? Install Dink on your iOS device and you’re just a few steps away from becoming the next Walt Disney or Tim Burton.

Dink, available for 99 cents in the App Store, is a surprisingly powerful animation app that allows you to make your own cartoons quickly and with little effort. Dink’s user interface is a bit confusing to start with though, so I’ve put together a quick guide to help you get started in this fun application.

Step One: Create a new animation

Dink’s front screen doesn’t make it completely clear where to start. What you actually need to do is to click the ‘+’ button to dive into a new animation.

Step Two: Open the project window

Click on the blank image at the bottom of the main page and you’ll open the project menu. Give your production a name by clicking on the text at the top of the screen. In order to start drawing and animating, you need to tap the middle of the square in the center of the screen.

Step Three: Draw your character

Begin by drawing your character on the screen. This is just a case of dragging your finger around the screen. You’ll find all of the drawing tools in the toolbar on the right. Aside from the brush tool, there’s Fill, Eraser, Selection tool and a Circle tool. Dink even supports layers, if you’re feeling really creative!

Step Four: Create a new frame by copying from the previous one

The simplest way to animate with Dink is to create a copy of the current frame and use it to make the next one. Just tap the copy frame icon from the pull-out on the left to create a new frame with your original drawing.

Step Five: Edit the next frame

Using a technique called ‘onion skinning’, you can now make changes to the character in the second frame to produce the first movement of the animation. Use the selection tool from the right-hand menu (the dotted line square) to draw around your image. Now slide it with your finger in the direction you want the motion to go. You can change various aspects of the image between frames. Notice that the previous frame is displayed in gray behind this one to help you reposition things successfully.

Step Six: Continue editing

Repeat this process of using the copy frame tool, selecting the image, then repositioning the next frame until you've reached the point where you want the animation to stop. Make good use of the pinch to zoom function for your creations, because it helps you be more precise.

Step Seven: Preview your animation

Clicking the film strip in the top-left corner of the screen will take you back to the project screen, where you can preview your cartoon by clicking on the play button.

Step Eight: Share it with the world

If you think your creation is good enough to share with the world, you’ll find a number of ways to publish it from Dink. Besides posting it to Facebook, Twitter or YouTube, you can export the finished cartoon to your device’s library, as a GIF animation or a movie file.

Source http://onsoftware.en.softonic.com/how-to-make-animations-on-your-iphone-or-ipad

The Animation Of Entomology Due This Fall

"Well, it's been a long, arduous process but we're finally seeing light at the end of tunnel", states Jarzombek enthusiastically. "Hannes has been done for a few months, Alex finished up his tracks in early June, and I'm now in the home stretch with my solos. I’m so psyched about what the reaction will be once fans hear and see what we’re doing. If you can imagine a cross between Cannibal Corpse, Spastic Ink, and a Bugs Bunny cartoon - that’s pretty much what’s going on."

The Animation Of Entomology takes Jarzombek's fascination with animated cartoons and creepy crawlies to a whole new level. After having experimented with writing complex pieces of music to sync up with classic movie sequences with Spastic Ink on 'The Wild Hare' and 'The Cereal Mouse', respectively, the concept has now been applied to Blotted Science over the course of 7 songs and a total of 24 minutes of music.

"I totally busted my ass syncing things up, carefully orchestrated music to film, bug movies actrually, and nit-picked notes to death on this material until my fingers bleed and my brain nearly exploded. We wanted to follow up Machinations along some of the same lines of science and gore, and came up with a killer concept and some great material with yet another 12-tone system. How everything all falls into place I think is beyond incredible! Whether this is the heaviest or most technical thing I've ever done, I don't really know or care, but no other band/project is pulling off what we are doing with this EP."

The Animation Of Entomology tracklisting is as follows:

'Ingesting Blattaria'
'Cretaceous Chasm'
'Vermicular Asphyxiation'
'A Sting Operation'
I. 'Human Barbequed'
II. 'Cessation Sanitation'
III. 'Seeing Dead People'
IV. 'Omitting Eye's

The folllow-up to the band's 2007 The Machinations Of Dementia full-length album is being produced and mixed by Ron Jarzombek and recorded in San Antonio, TX, Tampa, FL, and V. Santura's (OBSCURA, TRIPTYKON) Woodshed Studios in Landshut, Germany where the drums were cut. Mastering duties are once again being handled by Jacob Hansen (VOLBEAT, DESTRUCTION) at Hansen Studios in Ribe, Denmark.

Source http://knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=8168

Cost-saving tips to keep your fur kids in kibble

The ASPCA estimates that the average cost of food, basic supplies, medical care and training for a dog or cat is between $700 and $875 a year. Over the lifetime of a 14-year-old dog or cat, the cost of pet ownership can total more than $12,000. Depending on the health of your animal and other factors, some estimates are as high as $38,905.

Luckily, there are several smart ways that you can help reduce pet expenses without skimping on your furry friends health and well-being. Consumer savings expert, Regina Novickis, shares these purr-worthy tips:

1. Buy in bulk (without bulking up your pet) - To maintain the health of your pet and the health of your wallet, avoid overfeeding, but do purchase larger quantities of food. Usually the larger the bag, the less expensive the item is per unit. Consider buying in bulk and splitting the costs of food and treats with a friend or neighbor. Purchasing more may also qualify you for further discounts.

2. "Paws" to find a promotional code before you buy - Prices for pet supplies are often cheaper online than in stores, and many sites offer promotional codes to increase your savings. If you leave the promotional code box blank on a retailer's checkout page, you could be paying more than necessary. Check out PromotionalCodes.com, CouponWinner.com and PromoCodes.com, which all organize thousands of online coupons for pet retailers like PetSmart, PetCo, SitStay.com and others.

3. Do your homework: The key to saving money is comparing prices. When shopping for flea and tick medications, for example, always compare money-saving codes among brands that offer the same or similar products to find the best value. CouponWinner.com features a unique coupon-comparison tool called the CouponScout that allows you to easily compare coupons from up to five retailers.

4. Avoid buying pet prescription products from your vet: Buying prescriptions at the veterinarian's office can bite into the budget, particularly if your pet has a chronic condition or requires ongoing treatment. Unless your pet needs immediate medication, shop for prescription medications online. Visit sites like 1-800-PetMeds and PetCareRX.

5. Groom your own pets: A one-time investment in a few high-quality grooming tools can pay off in the long-run. Professional grooming can run upwards of $50 per visit, so a do-it-yourself approach can amount to significant savings. Some pets that are more sensitive to being handled (i.e. rescued pets) may also fare better with a hands-on approach at home instead of a being exposed to a potentially stressful, foreign environment.

Source http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/pets/detail?entry_id=86813

Top Tips For Finding The Right Plan

Today’s health insurance consumers find themselves midstream between the insurance market that existed prior to the passage of health care reform and the fully reformed market the law envisions.

The following tips were compiled by eHealthInsurance.com to help you find the right plan for your needs this year:

• Take advantage of “midstream” health reforms—When shopping for new individually purchased health insurance, you can now benefit from reforms that did away with lifetime limits for most benefits, expanded coverage for preventive care services with no out-of-pocket cost, made it possible to keep your adult children on your plan until age 26 and improved access to coverage for children under age 19, even if they have pre-existing conditions.

• Comparison shopping can save you money—Compare plan rates and benefits from multiple carriers to find the best fit. Ask yourself which benefits you value most (and which you don’t need) and what you can afford. Then work with a licensed agent who represents multiple insurers to get a more complete picture of what’s available. It doesn’t cost anything extra to work through an agent and the savings can really add up.

• Focus on plans that your favorite doctors accept—Just because you’re changing health insurance plans doesn’t mean you want to change doctors, too. Ask your doctor or use the “Plans with my Doctor” tool when reviewing quotes at eHealthInsurance.com to find out which plans he or she accepts.

• Take another look at Health Savings Accounts—They often have lower monthly premiums than lower-deductible plans. Funds deposited in the accompanying Health Savings Account (which you have to open separately) get special tax treatment. Health care reforms require all new HSA-eligible health insurance plans to provide coverage for a host of preventive care medical services, at no out-of-pocket cost to you.

• Mixing and matching plans might save you money—If your employer doesn’t pay anything toward monthly premiums for dependents or if some family members need less medical care than others, consider purchasing a separate individual plan for your spouse or children. Just don’t cancel any current coverage until approved for a new plan. Work with a licensed agent to learn more about what rules may apply in your situation.

Source http://www.napsnet.com/articles/65890.html

Healthy Weight Loss Tips

When you start to think about slimming down and getting into shape it is advisable to explore healthy weight loss tips. Although there are many popular methods available to facilitate major changes in the body some of these methods are not only ineffective, but even unhealthy and dangerous. Doing this the right way is vital for real success.

It is, of course, very tough to wade through the misinformation and contradicting ideas on this subject. Figuring out the healthiest method for reducing fat will be important for quick results, but more importantly, results that will last. At the end of the day, one will need to begin creating a calorie deficit, which means eating fewer calories while burning fat with exercise.

One of the most unhealthy tactics that is commonly employed is simply avoiding meals. Not only is this very dangerous, but it really does not provide any long term results. A big part of shedding weight is keeping a person’s metabolism working properly. In order to do this, an individual will need to eat regular,nutritious meals and perhaps take some dietary supplements like those recommended by Holland and Barrett.

Although skipping meals is not advisable, reducing the size of meals may can be an effective strategy. Many experts agree that 5 small meals a day is a good place to start. They recommend reducing the size of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while having a small, healthy snack between these meals.

It’s not enough to simply eat less, however. Creating health-conscious meals that are natural and good for the body will be a key step in the right direction. Fast food and other things that are high in sugar, calories, and saturated fat will sabotage efforts. Instead, try things like lean meat choices, various types of vegetables, fruit as an ideal snack, and other sources of whole grains and fiber. Be sure to consume plenty of water as an ideal, fat burning beverage.

Exercise must not be ignored. Those who get active will see much faster progress, and that progress will be much more sustainable. Cardio like running, swimming, or using a stationary bike is great. Be sure to also build lean muscle mass through resistance training. Placing muscle onto the body will greatly help with boosting metabolism.

Those who are exploring some healthy weight loss tips are in luck. There are a variety of health-conscious tips that can help someone lose weight, and taking the healthiest road possible is definitely advisable. Begin this process by learning to control calories, creating healthier meals, and beginning an ideal and safe exercise routine.

It is possible to get more info on fat burning foods diet by visiting the Fat Burning Foods internet site where it is possible to get access to over 100 amazing fat burning foods to assist you to lose weight naturally.

Source http://uknewsreporter.co.uk/healthy-weight-loss-tips/6712164/

Tips for improving nightly sleep habits

Millions of Americans are doing little things that sabotage their sleep and they just don't know it. Getting some good shuteye could be as simple as changing a few little habits.

Health experts believe we are a nation of insomniacs. Numerous studies show driving on little sleep is as dangerous as driving drunk.

Doctors say many sleep problems may be because by a few bad habits that can be fixed.

For most of us, sleeping is simple. but if it's tough for you, you're not alone out there.

Studies show 75 percent of us have sleep problems more than once a week. Pauley, 47, knows all about that. He's a sleep disorder patient.

"When you can define your week as 'I had a good week because you slept through one night out of seven,' that was a little disturbing," said Pauley.

Sleep specialist Dr. Bruce Thomas says adults need seven to nine hours of rest each night. Routinely miss that mark, and you can boost chances for obesity, substance abuse and more.

"You'll have an increased risk for type-2 diabetes, increased risk of depression," said Thomas.

First, cut out the booze before bed. While it's a sedative, alcohol prevents deep sleep and encourages light sleep.

Second, watch the clock. If you're not snoozing 15 minutes after hitting the sack, get back up. Stressing over sleep can prevent it.

"It's like your head's packed with cotton and everything is muted," said Pauley.

If you're like Pauley and want to try sleep aids, use them only as a last resort.

"The longer you take them, the more dependence you develop on them, the more side effects you can have, and interactions with other drugs," said Dr. Thomas.

Pauley boosted his vitamins and balanced his hormones, which are other natural options.

"The energy level was up and I think the first person to pick up on a more bright disposition was my wife," said Pauley.

More sleep, happy wife, happy life: a pretty good combination.

And if you're a woman who tends to use the snooze button more than your mate? There's a reason: A new English study says women need more sleep than men, about 20 more minutes each day.

Source http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/health/your_health&id=7950139

Tips to help you prevent the flu

With February only a few days away, Missouri health officials are still urging people to get their flu vaccinations. Annual outbreaks of the seasonal virus usually occur during the late fall through early spring. In a typical year, approximately five to 20 percent of the population will get it.

While this flu season may not be as intense as previous years, getting your flu vaccination should still be a top priority.

“I think this season is milder to than previous seasons” said Adair County Health Department Nurse Lori Guffey. “We’ve still had a lot of people come out this year. We’ve administered, as of Tuesday, 4,070 flu vaccinations so that always helps decrease the flu.”

Guffey said washing your hands thoroughly and often as well as covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough will greatly reduce your chances of catching the flu.

For more tips and to find a clinic near you, click here.

Source http://www.heartlandconnection.com/news/story.aspx?id=569631