I'm warning out to you right now, the following post is going to turn into a love letter. It'll get real mushy, real fast. It's designer/geek-love for an Web 2.0 service. Why I can't get enough of Evernote.

Since I picked up the blogging bug a few months ago (and can't seem to shake it) my go-to tool has been Evernote. Even before the post writing began, I've relied on Evernote to keep me sane and keep my thoughts semi-organized. It's become a combination of a junk drawer for thoughts, a book shelf for projects, and a personal assistant that knows where everything's been placed.

A place for every thought.
One of the killer features in Evernote is also one of the most basic; Notebooks. Whether you want to keep your personal notes in different "stacks" or need a way to keep business projects organized, setting up Notebooks is one of the easist ways to get this done. I use more notebooks than I can count, but they help keep me organized and that's half the battle.

Something for everyone.
There's no telling when inspiration will hit or in what form it will come and for that, Evernote has you covered. Besides written notes, you can upload photos or snap them from your phone or computer for those that are visually-inclined. If you'd rather talk things through, their apps support audio notes as well, so you could use it to record podcast audio or brief meeting notes if you'd want. On top of all of that, you can also clip Web pages and Web content into a note for later reading or inspiration.

The apps...the apps!
Another killer feature of Evernote is the portability and mobility it has. They've got apps for Windows, Mac OS X, iOS, Android, and Blackberry, plus you can even go platform independent by emailing or tweeting (via a Twitter DM) a note to your account.

A just-released feature for bloggers and Website owners, the Site Memory button, allows site readers the ability to clip individual posts and save them to their Evernote accounts. A one more useful tool for an already-useful service.

When I started writing on a frequent basis, I never imagine the many and varied (yet connected) topics that could be presented. A Twitter chat with Rob Cairns, John Lusher, and Marty McPadden earlier this week sparked such a topic.

The chat started off talking about football, which shifted to win/loss records which then changed gears to racing and performance expectations. As a fan of Dale Earnhardt Jr., the last two NASCAR Sprint Cup seasons have been less then stellar. When an athlete is in a performance tailspin that they seemingly can't get out of, what can be done to reverse course?

Let's shift gears one more time (but still stay on topic). How do you, when things get stuck or slide out of control, get things back on track? There have been times where I've been in a creative rut, feeling like I'm spinning my tires, not getting anywhere, and just burning myself out. Taking a step back helps, but it takes more than that. Combine that with a change of environment, music, or switching to a different task altogether seems to do the trick. What about you?

Earlier tonight Twitter announced a major update to their Web interface once again making Twitter.com a destination, rather than a site to check every once and a while. By beefing up the Twitter homepage, @ev, @biz, and the gang are making a compelling argument for people to not use third party Twitter apps and to stick with, what used to be, the only place to tweet.

What's new?
While not rolled out yet, screenshots of the new site have surfaced and Twitter has posted an introductory video (commercial) to get folks pumped up for the new release. The one-pane approach that Twitter has employed for some time is now a two-pane split The thinner, two column layout is now much wider and uses some very nice visual effects taking place when you act on certain links. If you've seen or used the recently-released Twitter for iPad (iTunes link), you'll see many similarities between that app and the new site. Photos and video are now embedded within tweets and will show up underneath the message in the "reading pane". Another cool tidbit that's been discovered is the ability to include whole Flickr sets in a tweet.

The background scoop.
With the wider interface, you'll quickly notice that background images aren't as easy to see as they once were. This change will be a challenge to online marketers, designers, and anyone else that want to display a custom background on their page that has detailed information or branding included.

Change = Good.
These are some exciting changes for Twitter and I'm looking forward to see it rolled out in the coming weeks. To see more of the changes for yourself, check out their preview page

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What do you get when you take one creatively-driven, entrepreneurial person and give them an iPad? An outlet for sharing, creating, cooking, and even a little gaming. Kicking off my iPad owner interview series, I asked a good friend, colleague, and client, Pat Ingelse about her iPad usage and how it fits into her part-time venture Escape Route.

Why did you get an iPad?

I truly enjoy my iPhone-it has become a critical part of the day. I also enjoyed my iPod a great deal. The iPad looked like it was/could become a viable replacement for the iPod expanding its use to a design or promotional tool as well.

Do you like it/love it?

I am definitely glad I made the purchase.

What need did it fill, or was it a want?

While I can say it filled a need I had with starting a craft business, I do think it was more a want than a need! Either way, it was worth it.

If you had to make the decision to purchase it again, would you?

Absolutely

How has the iPad changed your "normal" computer habits?

No so much changed as enhanced. If I want to quickly check something on the internet or my email, it can be done in a snap. It is an easier tool to use to demonstrate an item or show a product. What are you doing with the iPad that has made your life easier or has surprised you? I like to check my email and the news before heading off to work. This makes that a quick step in the morning routine. I also used it this weekend when cooking. I brought up the recipe and had the iPad right along side as I cooked. Can’t say it made the meal any tastier, but I didn’t kill a tree printing off the recipe!

Do you use it for personal use or have you been able to integrate its use into business?

Right now, its more personal use. However, as I start doing trade shows, it will be a valuable tool to show product.

How often do you use your iPad?

At least an hour a day – weekends more.

Is that use more that you'd expected?

Pretty much Do you still use other computers as much?

I do not use the laptop in the morning any longer, which is a definite plus!

What apps do you use or have you purchased?

iBooks, Think Ink, iTeleport, Quickmark, and several programs to assist in determining product markup, sales analysis, etc.

What would you change about it or what features would you add/take away?

I am trying to take more advantage of the Kindle app but I find it is a little heavy to hold up for any length of time. It is a bit challenging to read it in brighter light. An easier way to print would be great. Also, something similar to MS Office (Word and Excel type focus). Maybe that does exist and I haven’t discovered it yet.

How are you using the portability of the iPad to your advantage? Is it allowing you to write more blog posts or at least start ideas because of its mobility?

It fits nicely in a briefcase-not as bulky as a laptop. It was so easy to prop up on the kitchen counter to refer to the recipes using minimal counter space. I think at this point, I would classify myself as the “typical” user.

Are you using the iPad in any non-conventional ways? If so, how?

Not at this point.

What's your favorite app and what made you choose it?

I like using ColorSplash and Brushes on this. It allows better space for seeing the designs making it easier to get excited about the creations! Sounds crazy, but it does make a difference for me.

Has the iPad helped your hobbies at all?

I have been able to find a couple apps that focus on needlework. The upside is that it has also given me some ideas for other apps, demo recordings, etc.

A few weeks ago I put a call out to some folks I know that are iPad owners.  I wanted to get their thoughts on how the device fits into their lives and how they're getting the most out of it. 

I've posted, tweeted, and commented many times about how much I enjoy using my iPad for work, play, and everything in between.  My kids love using it almost as much as I do, and it's helped spark a rush of ideas for me in the form of posts and design solutions.  But that's just me.  What do others think about it.  Are they happy with their investments?  Has it altered the way they use their desktop or laptop computers?

Out of pure curiosity, I asked some people for their thoughts, ideas, and even some app suggestions.  I'm thrilled with the responses and can't wait to share them!

While I wouldn't describe myself as an avid outdoors-man, I do enjoy being around nature and getting out of the normal "rat race" from time-to-time. One escape for my family is to go camping a few times during the summer. The last two trips I've brought my iPad along and at the suggestion of a friend here are some notes on how it fared.

Clarifying the term "camping".
Wikipedia defines camping as "Camping is an outdoor recreational activity. The participants (known as campers) leave urban areas, their home region, or civilization and enjoy nature while spending one or several nights outdoors, usually at a campsite. Camping may involve the use of a tent, caravan, cabin, a primitive structure, or no shelter at all." Sorry, but that's not how I roll.

Let me get this out of the way first. We don't camp in tents or even a cabin. We camp in, what I like to call a small mobile home that happens to be located in a campground. It has running water, air conditioning, satellite tv, beds, and a functioning toilet. I'd be lying if I said we "rough it" when we go camping. I might be lying to myself by calling it "camping", but I digress.

With all of these creature comforts, I rarely find the need to pull out any electronic gadget aside from a digital camera because there's always some form of entertainment a few feet away from us at all times. The first time I brought the iPad with us on an outdoor outing I only pulled it out of my bag once and used it for all of 5 minutes. The second time is different.

A digital Swiss army knife
For starters, I used it to type this post. I'd call that progress, wouldn't you? It's also been used it to offload photos. Not even a full camping day in and it proved itself to be invaluable. While I've only scratched the surface as far as what I can do with the iPad in the great outdoors, a great friend of mine has taken his iPad with him on many camping trips this summer. I'm hoping he'll share some of his insights soon.

My oldest son and his friend get snapped by my "friend" and I.

If you're a gadget addict like me it's easy to have older, yet perfectly good tech become a digital castoff when a new product comes home. Sadly this became the case with my Nikon D70 (affiliate link) when we purchased a point and shoot to take with us on a family vacation a few years ago. Through some recent trips down a memory lane of photography, I'm starting to right that wrong and spend more time with my old friend.

When my wife and I adopted out cat Stan more than six years ago, he was treated as our first child. We took countless photos of him and it was during those shoots, trying to capture every intricate movement, that I realized I needed to upgrade from my Olympus C1400 and get something that allowed for finer tuning (and a faster shutter).

After much research and contemplation, I decided to get the Nikon D70. We were inseparable. It traveled with us to Vegas and Arizona, helped us capture family events, holidays, and the ever-elusive Stan. It was a great partnership...until the new guy showed up.

How a trip to Disney World altered a friendship.
In 2008 my family and I took a trip to Disney World in Orlando, FL. Based on our past trips, my wife didn't want to lug around the Nikon so we bought a little point-and-shoot that could handle both still photos as well as video. We settled on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 (affiliate link). As soon as I got my hands on it, the D70 became an afterthought. Months went by before I picked it back up and started shooting with it and I scoffed at it's bulk and it's awkwardness. We didn't hang out as much, I started favoring my new, more portable, HD-shooting pal.

Time heals all wounds
As years went by, I realized I couldn't completely ignore my rapid-fire friend. As our family grew, he'd show up to help capture the beginnings of life, anniversaries, holidays, and more.

It wasn't until meeting some great people on Twitter that I've taken a renewed interest in shooting with the D70. Seeing stunning shots like this, this, and this have made me reach for my trusty Nikon more often than the point-and-shoot. In fact, we took it camping this past weekend. The Panasonic stayed home.

Not much needed in the way of an explanation here. These are based off of my earlier-released iPad wallpapers and work great with the iPhone 3G and 3GS (not to mention the iPod Touch). iPhone 4 wallpapers are coming soon! Just right-click and save or tap, hold, and save.

My oldest son started 4K today, marking the beginning of his school career. While I can't fully describe how proud I am of him, sending him off into the world does come with a few unknowns.

As he got onto the bus today, I had a feeling come over me that's similar to when I launch a new site or project (only this was on a much larger scale). Those thoughts and feelings were "I hope this works!". As that yellow vessel drove away, there was nothing I could do to help him, if he needed it. He was on his own...and he'd be fine. The more I thought about it today, he's in a great position to be learning new things and encountering new experiences.

Oh, to be young again.
The past few months have been filled with many new experiences for me including some great public speaking engagements, many opportunities to meet some thought leaders, and a few projects that have pushed and challenged my skill-set. Going into all of these, there's been a bit of trepidation, hesitation, and a bit of self-doubt thrown in, just to make things interesting. Today it struck me, my kids have the right mindset going into any new experience they'll encounter. They have no fear.

They don't know the risks, they aren't afraid to fail, in fact they don't even know what failure is. Failure, truly isn't an option. Isn't that great? I'm keeping that in mind when taking on new challenges. After all, it couldn't hurt.

A recent update to Pages '09 (iWork '09) (affiliate link) has added a nice feature to this robust Word competitor; the ability to export as an ePub file. This means quick and easy ebook publishing for the masses. Let's take a quick look at what you can do.

Stay inline.
In my initial test to create an eBook I found rather quickly that floating elements don't jive with the ePub format. When inserting photos or video you need to make sure they're inserted as inline elements rather than floating. This will lock the item in place and won't let text flow around it so you'll need to plan ahead when adding media to your eBook.

A Rich media experience
One of the great benefits of creating an epub book is the fact you can insert photos and video within the publication. When read in iBooks an ebook that contains these rich media elements can help the storytelling experience or aid the instruction of a topic. If you're looking for some ideas to get started, here are a few I think are great launching points:

• Cookbooks
• Home repair guides
• Automotive repair guides
• Craft guides
• Portfolios and demo reels for digital content creators

No headers and footers
In another test, I tried exporting an eBook that a client of mine had written (a raw Word doc.) into the ePub format. The document contained header and footer information that were stripped out of the final publication.

ePub exporting is "desktop only"
I was showing a colleague one of my test eBooks and she asked if that type of export was possible from Pages on the iPad. At this time the ePub export is only available on the desktop version of iWork '09. A future mobile counterpart would be a welcome addition.