For the geeks out there wondering how this site is glued together, I've included some comments on the "operation". Let me say however that I am not a web guy by any means. I know the basics and perhaps just enough to be dangerous. Don't laugh at me if you know a (much) better way.
This site was developed using Adobe GoLive CS2. (I'm headed to Dreamweaver CS3, but I needed to go with what I know to get this site up asap.) I started with a stock blog template from Blogger for the home page. I then tweaked the CSS quite a bit to match the look and feel that I wanted for the rest of the site. (Blogger templates in general aren’t very flashy, and not easily customized unless you host on blogspot.) I opted to privately host the site so I could add additional pages and other stuff.
As I said, I use GoLive. To create the drop down menus on the nav bar, I used a great little plug-in for GoLive called Menu Machine. It was really simple and pretty flexible too.
I'm totally intrigued with the social bookmarking (and networking) concept so I decided to work in some del.icio.us tags.
For a fun twist, I created an iMix in iTunes of some of Jen's favorite training songs.
The slideshows in the Gallery were created using Flash, and another plug-in called Slideshow Pro. The Spirit of Racine 2008 Slideshow was created using Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2.0.
All graphics are original works by me, unless noted. The image used for the "the Jen-Report is a manipulated stock photo.
An avid photographer, I shoot with a Nikon D200. For sports and fast moving action, I've historically shot jpeg, but since integrating Lightroom into my workflow, I am shooting almost entirely RAW today. I shoot primarily handheld with a 17-55 or a 70-200 lens. I use a monopod on occasion. For you photo-guys, I'll post my gear list/setup soon.
All post processing is done (on a mac) using Photoshop and/or Illustrator with a Wacom pen tablet. Additonally, I'll sometimes use NikonCapture and/or Adobe Lightroom. Upon completion, I upload my files using the FTP client Transmit by Panic Software.
I use Fatcow to host the site. I've used them for a couple of other sites over the years, so they were a natural choice. They manage a pretty goods hosting service. I have no complaints. If you are in the market for a host or new host, check'em out.
I am a "Mac" guy tried and true, though the nature of my business (the day job) makes me pretty much platform agnostic. By the way, my day job is managing the Midwest and Eastern US field sales operations for Wacom Technology.
Thats about it. As I learn more about (Web 2.0 standards and layout, I'll add to this site.)
Oh, do I race? Not as serious as Jen, but I do thoroughly love multisport. Unfortunately though, like many, I DO NOT like the swim. I've competed in a dozen or so events in the last couple of years. Ranging from XC Mountain bike, Off-road Duathlons and adventure races. I attempted my first triathlon in 2006, the Xterra Midwest Championships in Milwaukee, WI. As (my) luck would have it, a huge storm rolled in just prior to the swim start. so, my first tri turned into a du. Lucky for me! I wasn't very confident about my swimming abilities!
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