Dochub.io - Quick language documentation browser for HTML, CSS, JavaScript, DOM, jQuery, PHP.

GuideGuide - Photoshop plugin that allows you to quickly generates accurate grids for your designs/projects.

Inquire.ly - Collects data from your website's forms, with easy management and notifications. Will also be available as WordPress and ExpressionEngine plugins.

Asana and Do - Both Asana and Do are highly robust task and project management tools with great interfaces, multiplatform synching, team communication, and more. Hard choice, this one is.

Bonus link after the jump!

Codecademy.com - Codecademy is probably one of the coolest new projects to hit the internet. It is an easy, interactive, and fast way to learn coding, all hands on. Courses are gradually being added, starting from the basics and building up to advanced material. The language being taught JavaScript, arguably the most important language of the web today.

Double bonus!! Complementary to Codecademy, check out the appendTo Developer Learning Center. The video material covers beginner to intermediate JavaScript and jQuery coding. Free!

Enjoy! Share your great links/resources in the comments and I'll add them to the list.

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With the introduction of Siri, Apple's new virtual assistant platform for iPhones, the bet for the future is on! If you're thinking "Why does this matter? Speech recognition and task dictation is nothing new," you're absolutely right. However, there is one great differentiating factor in that Siri is the first to actually understand what you mean. Rather than passing blunt commands, you talk to it and hold a conversation. More after the jump...

Siri board member and investor, Gary Morgenthaler, says that Siri challenges the very nature of Google's search domain and shakes it down to the foundation. Siri would directly connect users to merchants, services, and content providers to bypass the ad-ridden, blue link results frenzy that is Google. What can/will Google do to adapt to this paradigm change? Publicly denying it can't be right, can it?

"Google has made a huge contribution to all of our lives … they’ve made search comprehensive and instantaneous … but the whole paradigm is wrong,” he says. “People don’t want a million blue links, they want one correct answer. All the rest is noise that you’d rather have go away."

Having said that, where do advertisers fall into the picture? The competitive nature of keywords and search terms is virtually eliminated in favor of directly connecting users to very specific providers of services and products. In a CNET interview, Morgenthaler states:

"Because Siri provides that semantic layer that can take you all the way to the specific goal you are seeking, cost-per-action ads become much more achievable for service providers--in this case, Apple--and also for e-commerce sites. If you're an e-commerce site, why do you want to sprinkle ads everywhere in hopes of bringing someone in the funnel if you have someone right here who wants to make a transactions?"

If search for knowledge, information, and solutions become so linear and specific, how will "discovery" be handled? We often learn and find things through search that we generally wouldn't if single answers were always given. Will this in turn make us lazy, or smarter and more productive? Could Siri promote curiosity by providing various answers and "suggestions" for our requests? If so, then Google can remain relevant in the future, but with a few tweaks.

While Siri sounds and performs impressively, it's important to note that the current implementation is relatively de-featured compared to what Siri used to do when it was just a downloadable app. Once Apple opens the APIs for Siri, the possibilities are endless, just as Apple opened up the iPhone to software developers. Targeted queries vs. general search, will be the name of the game.

Will searching the "old school" way start to vanish with the presence of Siri and the likes to come? Will virtual libraries and encyclopedias be accessible through an artificially intelligent computer, allowing new ways of learning and discovering knowledge?

Please share your views of the future in the comments below.

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You're probably very familiar with this new "30 Day Challenge" trend that's been going on lately. After watching the mini TED talk by Matt Cutts, I decided that it's time that I joined in on the fun! However... I don't know what to do, so I need your suggestions.

Things I am doing well in...

1. Not a caffeine addict – I don't drink soda or coffee often.
2. Rarely watch TV.
3. Keep meals relatively healthy – junk food a couple of times a month.
4. Always research and read interesting things (but no action).
5. I work out semi-regularly by playing handball, jogging, etc.

Things I am not doing so well in...

1. Practicing necessary coding and web design techniques, etc.
2. Learning a new language (Spanish, etc).
3. Working on personal projects that've been on hold for years.
4. Writing tutorials for this blog.
5. Photography.

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I would like to say thank you to those that have helped me compile this list, whether you know it or not. This endeavor has always kept me on my feet, thinking, and observing the world around me. It is my hope for this list to inspire people anywhere in the world, just as I have been influenced by those around me.

Continue reading for the list that's been in the works for nearly 3 years:

1. Always be willing to learn when given the opportunity.
2. Think not twice but 5 times about what you spend your money on.
3. Time is yours, and it's running. Run with it, or ahead of it.
4. Treat people with courtesy and respect, karma will take care of the rest.
5. Avoid keeping junk, or things you are attached to that are not important.
6. Realize what you take for granted, for it may not always be there.
7. In a situation, look for solutions and progress, rather than explanations.
8. Strive for consistent organization, as it helps with complex endeavors.
9. Keep a calendar for important dates and events, you won't regret it.
10. Wish people Happy Birthdays - you will be much appreciated.
11. Avoid lying - you will have less to remember.
12. Meeting new people and socializing has immense benefits.
13. Don't take the sparse resources available to you for granted.
14. Patience is a virtue. With it, you can go places never imagined.
15. Recycle your garbage and general waste.
16. Try to eat healthy when you can, or you'll kick yourself later.
17. Do not smoke or cause unnecessary harm to yourself.
18. Coupons are very, very great things. Use them wisely.
19. Know the difference between Effectiveness & Efficiency.
20. When you're discouraged, remember the purpose of it all.
21. Personal and Professional relationships in life are important.
22. Getting a solid education helps you in more ways than one.
23. Compliment people, even for the smallest things - they will like you.
24. Sometimes, life is all about risk. Choose wisely.
25. Learn how to take decent photographs, for they are priceless.
26. Always carry a spare (insert item here). You won't be sorry.
27. Don't make a fool of yourself - Do your research.
28. Be good at something, that way you can always fall back on it.
29. Always back up everything you don't want to lose. Always.
30. Education is beautiful. Enlighten others with your knowledge.
31. Don't let other people's negative attitudes get to the best of you.
32. If you freelance, choose wisely who you work for or with.
33. Remember: How would you feel in his/her shoes?
34. Always have resources and references that are helpful to you.
35. Free is not always good, as its problems may cost you.
36. If you can, read magazines in bookstores instead of subscribing.
37. Having a business card is efficient, effective, and impressive.
38. Knowing when to keep your mouth shut is a gift. Practice it.
39. Thank other people often, appreciation will be mutual.
40. Know how to turn a dollar into two... without ripping it.
41. Saying "no" to things can be very helpful in the long run.
42. Always carry a pen with you when possible. Preparedness rocks!
43. When you create goals for yourself, tell others about it.
44. Sometimes, the little things in life have the biggest value.
45. Understanding that not all things are fair can save many headaches.
46. Getting an education is one of life's great experiences.
47. Play games - it helps you learn about how people are.
48. Don't quite your job until you find another one.
49. Know a second language - it will help you achieve wonders.
50. A clean and open workspace helps with productivity.
51. Only make promises you know you can keep.
52. Take on a hobby you know you can stick with.
53. Make a list of random trivial questions and Google them!
54. Call a friend you haven't talked to in a long time.
55. Travel and experience the amazing varieties of life.
56. Read books - expose your mind to new ideas.
57. Turn off your judging machine when talking to people.
58. Observe and adapt desirable behavior & body language of others.
59. Respect the environment - you don't wanna damage your planet.
60. Always think twice about purchasing something you don't need.
61. Donate your used belongings to charities. They will love you!
62. Always look for inspiration for motivation to get things done.
63. Save money and buy energy efficient products.
64. Use credit cards only if you are certain you can pay it back.
65. Have a good understanding of history - old and recent.
66. Do not be afraid to take a risks.
67. If you really want something, put your heart into it.
68. Learn some handyman skills - they will benefit you greatly.
69. When traveling, be cautious of scammers trying to get you!
70. Do not carry important documents unless it's necessary.
71. Always be ready to write down ideas, you will forget them.
72. Pay attention to your dreams as they show you who you are.
73. Always put effort into being around like-minded people.
74. Utilize your belongings to their maximum potential.
75. Learn how things tick. It'll help your general understanding.
76. Do not be afraid to ask questions, no matter what they are!
77. Do not leave your chances with luck, but have room for it.
78. Do not carry around large sums of money for no reason.
79. Be considerate of others - it makes things so much easier.
80. Don't fall behind with the things you love - stay sharp!
81. Don't let failures stop you from achieving your goals.
82. Learn to socialize and converse with anyone.
83. Keep an organized list of all the people you know and meet.
84. Research productivity tools and techniques. There are thousands.
85. Challenging yourself is the only real way to grow.
86. Compromise helps you avoid many problems throughout life.
87. Don't burn down any bridges, you may be crossing one soon.
88. Don't be afraid to build something, the feeling is uplifting.
89. Always get plenty of rest before doing anything serious.
90. Respect others as you expect to be respected yourself.
91. Travel the world and experience life other than your own.
92. Through hard times, never fear seeking help.
93. Let your children be children, curious and energetic.
94. Don't fear admitting defeat. It only makes you stronger.
95. Be true to yourself, as you're the only sure thing you have.
96. If you believe you're born to do something, chase after it.
97. Don't be afraid to trust others.
98. Always put family and friends first, business second.
99. Love with all of your heart, and everything you've got.
100. Don't let a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity pass you by.
101. Make your own list.

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What is Penzu? A quick overview.
It is an online private journal and diary. Every entry is private by default, and not viewable publicly unless you specify. Entries are auto-saved as you write so you don't have to. You can upload photos from your computer, or insert them directly from Flickr. If for some reason you want hard copies of your entries, you can print them out, too. More after the jump...

For the passionate writers.
There are many cool features available with the Pro account; exporting entries to PDF and TXT files, tagging entries, and best of all, the mobile interface support. If you're serious about journaling, the $19/year Pro account fee shouldn't be a big deal. Penzu's "why" page points out a lot of positives about keeping a diary/journal, which you should definitely check out.

The interface.
As Penzu evolved throughout the last couple of years, the design hasn't changed much. You still have the ruled looseleaf writing area, entries browser, and a set of buttons above the looseleaf for printing, sharing, inserting photos, and so forth. Virtually no learning curve. Check out Penzu.com.

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1. On the Web: Penzu, Free Private Journal & Diary

So, let's get down to the nitty gritty. Being considerate involves compromise. You need to be observant of people's behaviors and feelings so you can determine what needs to be done. If someone you know is having a bad day, you probably shouldn't do/say anything inappropriate that would hurt their feelings. If you see a friend or colleague drowning in work, and you happen to have free time, lend a hand. These types of things are hard to forget. More after the jump...

What NOT to do/say when someone is having a bad day:

• Suggest that they should've listened to past advice.
• Be passive about their situation.
• Suggest activities that may worsen their mood.

If you know that someone prefers something a certain way, compromising and finding middle-grounds with him will earn you huge points in their books. When you treat people with that type of respect, they will remember, and vise versa.

At the end of the day, it comes down to respecting others and being a good comrade. I have helped people get through some tough times, and they have helped me in return. Is there a better way to maintain a strong network of loyal friends and colleagues?

Related posts:

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3. Design School – Prestigious vs. Not So Much, Part 1

A strong network is important because you will take it with you wherever your career takes you. The amount of opportunities you are presented often depends on who you know. Your former professor may recommend you for a job, or a former classmate may need your expertise in some project. In contrast, if you ever need a hand somewhere down the line, who do you ask?

Say a former colleague of yours becomes an Art Director and is building a team of professionals, who will he go to? Most likely the people he knows and trusts, which could be you. I have been referred to clients by my friends and colleagues simply because they knew I did design work. People often make recommendations based on good experiences. The more people you meet and impress, the more likely you are to be recommended. More after the jump...

Key factors of building a strong network:

• Always be willing to meet new people, especially within your field of work.
• Try to be remembered for reliability by performing well with others.
• Meet people hoping they may help you, and so you may help them, too.
• Don't break connections with people because of irrational feelings.
• Always carry business cards. Read: Why Business Cards Don't Suck.

I hope this post has provided some insight about the importance of networking. I would love to hear your thoughts on this matter, so please feel free to comment.

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In his class, I learned how to truly work as a team with partners, how be actively productive, and how to go above and beyond what I thought I was capable of. These are the types of professors that shape and mold us into who we are as professionals.

When you're just entering the working world, you don't have much experience under your belt. Your schoolwork is pretty much the only thing you have to show for yourself. For designers, this means that your portfolio does most of the talking. For those with careers that don't involve portfolios, your resume should list your accomplishments, activities, and so forth that define who you are and what you're capable of.

By mid-May, I will be launching a portfolio that will highlight a lot of my schoolwork. It will including some great advertising campaigns I worked on in Douglas Davis' class. I can't wait until it's up an running!

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Knowing what you want is one of the greatest challenges in life, even though the list always changes. We may not always have the answers in front of us, but if we learn to look for answers in the right places, many problems can be eliminated. We all have the ability to research, try and experiment with anything that interests us, whether it's music, the arts, programming, sports, and so forth.

Self discovery is a life-long process. Even when we reach the point in life where everything is going our way, it's no reason to stop growing as a person. There is too much to see and learn about in this world to be fooled by some success. Success, after all, is a state of mind, and must be actively sought after.

Remember: Not knowing isn't the problem. Not knowing how to get what you want is the problem.

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Flavors.me is a GREAT way to get you started if you don't have your own website, and a great addition to your online presence. It allows a decent amount of customization such as colors, fonts, and various options for Facebook, Flickr, etc. With this service, you can link people to just one page and have them access everything else. Great for potential clients and networking.

On another note, I'm getting decent traffic from my Flavors.me page back to this blog. I don't know how that happened... haha.

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