Contract opportunity: formatting outlines
August 9, 2003 | Science
I have a desire for some Mac OS X "glue" code, and I'm looking for thoughts on whether it would be affordable for me to contract the work. If this can be built for a small fee then I'll be happy to contract for it. If it's a bigger project than I imagine, perhaps I could float my small budget to someone who is interested in making this a shareware or commercial product. Perhaps my vision exceeds my budget, and that's just the way it is. [End disclaimers.]
I use OmniOutliner for writing and organizing fairly lengthy documents, on the order of 15 - 60 pages. They get longer every project. I use Adobe InDesign to layout and format these documents. I love both of these apps and it's the most productive writing environment I've ever had.
The most time consuming part of my workflow is applying typographic styles to the documents in InDesign. A 60-page document has headlines, body text, interview quotes, sub-headlines, section headings, footnotes, citations, etc. Here is an example workflow: In OmniOutliner, export the outline file as text-only, usually as a MORE document; open the InDesign template and load the text (get text); select all and apply the "body text" style; go through the doc paragraph by paragraph and apply the styles; if there are any character styles apply those last. When you apply styles you have to select the text and then click on the appropriate style in a palette. Styling a 20 page document takes around two hours and is very error-prone. When I'm done the index finger of my "mouse hand" is nearly numb from repetitive motion.
OmniOutliner has multiple columns. While I'm writing, wouldn't it be nice to have a column called "Style" where I could enter the style name as I go. I would type the "Head-A" text, hit tab to the next column, and type "Head-A." Basically I'm styling the doc as I create it.
InDesign has an SDK and a tagged text format - I haven't looked at it but plug-ins rule the world in publication production so it's probably pretty powerful. What I want is to import the OmniOutline document, or the text export, and if an InDesign style of the same names exists as the label in the column named "Style," apply that style on import. This, truly, would be heaven.
A couple of approaches come to mind. The full-blown method would read the OmniOutline document directly as a legitimate InDesign "Get Text" format. A less intense approach might be an AppleScript to export the OmniOutline document as an InDesign tagged text document. The Perl-ish approach would be to take the output of the standard OmniOutline export and transform the text doc into an InDesign tagged text doc, or even a full-blown InDesign document. I'm sure there are other approaches that might be better informed as to the pros and cons.
InDesign SDK info: http://partners.adobe.com/asn/indesign/sdk.jsp. The "Exploded SDK" is browsable online.
Wadda 'ya think? Is this a day-long project or a month-long project? Are there any existing plug-ins I could use? Your thoughts and proposals welcome!
Onsale 9 AM
August 8, 2003 | Arts & Culture
turned the corner on the park and there were like 40 people on the steps of the opera house. thinking quickly i grabbed my cell phone figuring that if the line moved slowly i'd call from the line and it might be faster. almost got hit by a car crossing the road. not really, but they wouldn't have stopped if i hadn't been fearless. approached the steps and realized it was kids summer camp and they were waiting for the bus. i was first in line at the box office. had 15 minutes to kill so went inside the theater to look at seating. decided rows 6-10 (F-J) were probably best. if he's solo then close is better, but if there's a band it will be killer loud. went back to wait in line. two other people showed up. we talked concerts. chick there was hoping for solo because otherwise it would be killer loud. told her about hearing protectors. dude there took his mom to the '82 portland dead show i love so much. first throwing stones that night. opened the box office five minutes early. could have had any seat in the house. decided on F 105-106. on the centerline, naturally. (bruce cockburn [fan site] comes to my turf october 21.)
Sexual Orientation
August 3, 2003 | Arts & Culture
Parents: Are you concerned about your teenager's understanding of sex and sexual activity? Do they know about "the birds and the bees" but you're not sure if they know "how to do it?" If they are doing it are they getting as much as they possibly can from the experience? Would you like their first sexual experience to be positive, gentle and have an educational context? If so, then our Sexual Education eXploration (SEX) summer camp is for you!
SEX Camp is a place where bright, attractive teenagers go to learn first-hand about sex. All topics are covered in depth with person-to-person "hands-on" instruction. Our camp counselors are well-balanced, kind and gentle lovers who will help your teenager experience sexual experiences in a safe, positive environment. The counselors not only handle the "physics" of the experience, but the deep emotional feelings as well. Our 1:1 camper-counselor ratio ensures that your camper will have the same lover through the whole program. They'll build a strong relationship and experience plenty of foreplay, fondling and fun. We're full of respect, but we're not shy!
Three-Day Course Modules: Our three-day program covers the important basics such as eye contact, body language, first touch, closeness, kissing, advanced kissing, partial and full nakedness, full-body foreplay, cunnilingus, fellatio, multiple orgasms and intercourse (top, bottom, doggy and a few trick positions).
Full-Week Course Modules: Our full-week program includes all of the three-day modules plus additional advanced topics such as morning sex, the nooner, sauces and food as sexual tools, sex in the shower, rhythms of sex (nightly and weekly), anal stimulation and penetration, masks, personas, dress-up, light bondage and spanking.
The Basics: Every program includes critical preparation topics such as anatomy, condoms, diaphragms, the pill, lubrication, useful supplies to have on hand, and introduces beginner sexual aids like dildos, butt-plugs and videos. We also cover, in both three-day and full-week programs, important closure topics such as maximizing post-coital glow, cuddling, nuzzling, waking up together, and talking directly about sexual experiences.
The Setting: SEX Camp is held in a beautiful, natural environment that is conducive to quiet, intimate and intense personal growth. There are miles of nature trails, singing birds, flower gardens, gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, and a great clothing-optional beach for soaking up the sun.
The Accommodations: Each camper has the private use of one side of a duplex, with their counselor assigned to the other side. Each has a private bathroom and separate entrance. This arrangement allows the camper to have privacy when desired, and also allows for the variety of two Learning Locations.
The Counselors: Our camp counselors are selected for their inner beauty as well as their damn good looks. All counselors undergo extensive pre-screening, testing and training. We personally check their factual knowledge as well as their individual technique. They are dedicated to their campers and are able to imply lasting bonds of friendship. We staff all major personality archetypes to insure a perfect match with the camper.
Added Benefit: When leaving camp most of our campers experience the heartbreak of losing a lover, providing an opportunity for you as parents to nurture, counsel and support your teenager through this difficult emotional experience. Imagine how beneficial it is to have a predictable first heartbreak - your teenager will make better choices about future partners and as a result will have a healthier sex life.
Optional Post-Camp Follow-Up: For a small additional fee, our counselors will continue the relationship when the camp session ends. Occasional letters, email and IM allow for a smooth separation process and help the camper integrate the sexual learning experience into their everyday lives. Sorry, telephone contact is not possible.
Optional Multi-Counselor Package: For a large additional fee, your camper can learn from as many counselors as desired, in addition to their Primary Counselor. We staff a separate team for the Multi-Counselor Program so that the camper can experience the feelings of guilt, shame, abandonment and betrayal when "cheating" on their Primary Counselor. In addition, Multi-Counselor Team consists only of highly experienced returning counselors who can safely take the camper to "the next level."
Important Notes: Campers must have reached the age of consent in both their home state and the state of the camping program. Your camper chooses their counselor based on first-come first-choice. Sign up early for the best selection. Counselors are tested for a full range of STDs every three days.
Adults: Check out our SEX Camp programs for mid-career adults looking for a little variety or a fresh new start. Get the education you always wanted in a safe, healthy positive environment.
Job opportunities available. Call for more information.
(Note to ultra-literal readers: The above is satire. Take a deep breath. Write some poetry. Your congressperson doesn't actually care, don't bother calling them.)
