I really didn’t go anywhere, I’ve just been super busy. I’ll be posting more often so check back when you can. Thanks!

I recently came across an interesting new software concept called Maclings. Maclings are mini-applications for Macs that are sold in bundled groups of four apps.

Currently, there are three Maclings paks available - The Playful Pak, The Peaceful Pak, and The Practical Pak.  In my opinion these little apps are more fun than functional.  The Practical Pak, however, provides a few useful apps.  These include CornerTunes, Front App, Crosshairs, and Mouse Minder.

CornerTunes allows you to control iTunes by placing your mouse in the lower-right corner of your screen where CornerTunes fades in, giving you instant access to iTunes.  FrontApp offers two helpful functions.  It clears window clutter, allowing for a cleaner work area.  It also reduces memory usage of idle applications and frees up processor power by closing applications which no longer have any windows open.  Crosshairs will measure, locate, or align any visible item on your screen.  This is helpful in image editing and other designing when you need to properly align items.  Mouse Minder will bring your mouse cursor to the middle of the screen and highlight it.  This is especially helpful when your mouse cursor disappears or even when you’ve simply lost it on your huge monitor.  I am especially excited about this app because I have serious problems with my Logitech mouse at work.

Maclings mini-apps were created by SpriTec Software.  They are $9.99 per pak and with every order you’ll receive two bonus Maclings - Menu Fish and Leopard Eyes.  The best deal however, is to purchase all three pak’s for $19.99.  For a limited time, you will get a year of free updates.  Maclings require OS X 10.4 or later and will run on Intel or PowerPC Macs.

I meant to mention this sooner, but I’m sure faithful Things users already know that an update was posted that corrected the expiration date problem.  The update was released the morning after Things users were locked out of the program.  You can download the update here.  The new expiration date is 7-15-08.

Many users of Cultured Code’s Things, experienced frustration today when they launched the application only to receive a message stating that the program had expired. I wasn’t very happy when I couldn’t view my data, so I went on a quest to find a solution for this problem.  Also, please do not attempt this unless you’re fairly savvy; I don’t want you to screw something up and blame it on me.

Step 1

• Download and install HexFiend - http://ridiculousfish.com/hexfiend/

Step 2

• Launch HexFiend and go to File > Open > Things.app > Contents > MacOS > Things

Step 3

• Perform an ASCII search for 2008. This will take you to the expiration date.

Step 4

• Change the date and save the file. Quit HexFiend and launch Things. You should be in business.

Please note that I do not condone using this method on programs that you do not own.  This is simply a tip to help you get back into your Things data.  When Things is available for purchase, buy it if you like it!

Today, iTunes added HBO programming to its library. Most episodes cost $1.99, though some are slightly more expensive at $2.99 per episode. Original programming currently available includes: Deadwood, Rome, Sex and the City, The Sopranos, Flight of the Conchords, and The Wire. Thank you, iTunes; it’s about time.