2025-12-15 MUGOO Zoom iMeeting - Annual Christmas Show-n-Tell

[AdminMan]

We still cannot have in-person meetings at the library. So we will use Zoom.

Date: Monday December 15, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM ET  You can join the Zoom meeting starting at 7:20.

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Although Zoom works in many browsers we STRONGLY recommend using the dedicated app on your device with the largest screen for the best experience.
You do NOT need a Zoom account to join a meeting!
If you need instructions, go here: https://mugoo.com/index.php/Main/UsingZOOM

This meeting will be the Zoom annual Show-n-Tell on Monday December 15th at 7:30.  We invite you to show off the things you've been doing using Apple hardware, software, services and Apple-related websites.  This includes but is not limited to ...

- photo slideshows
- video projects
- audio/music projects
- interesting use of applications
- how you manage your life and entertain yourself using Apple technology

Please email your presentation offers to show@mugoo.com

Presentations on the Agenda so far ...

Peter Koelbleitner - Heavy Metal - a video project
Ferriss High          - reprise of Photography Camping Course - a video project
Graham Fawcett    - overview of MailMaven app
Jamie Johnson      - some interesting things

Cheers,

Prez Wally

Unfortunately, no after meeting wings or desserts at the Royal Oak, but feel free to prepare your own snacks and share them with us on screen!

Did you miss a meeting?
Sign up for emailed meeting notices! https://mugoo.com/index.php/Main/MeetingReminders

Don't forget the Ottawa Public Library!
Even though we are unable to meet in person at the library, the OPL still offers a wealth of services you can access online. Go to https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en

[DavidR]

This was our annual show and tell event, where members have an opportunity share projects they have been working on.

Heavy Metal - a video project by Peter Koelbleitner
Peter presented a video project created on an iMac. He explained that he has moved from photo books to slideshows, which the family can watch on a big screen. The video is a collection of industrial images taken at a Nicholson Brothers manufacturing facility in Sydney, which he captured over a few hours while exploring the site. The group discussed the various manufacturing processes depicted in the photos, with Peter confirming they were general machinery for industries like pulp and paper and lumber. Peter mentioned the challenge of finding appropriate music for his slideshows and indeed Verdi's Anvil Chorus was an excellent choice. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/3ih95l2jqpwag7zu081l7/Heavy-Metal.mp4?rlkey=w0hcz0830p3g55lknd2nsch94&e=1&st=btmn7a92&dl=0

Peter explained he used DXO Photo Lab for photo editing and Photo Stage for creating the final presentation, having switched from Lightroom due to its subscription model. The group then discussed various photo editing software options. Charles recommended Graphic Converter as an alternative photo editing tool, noting its versatility and ability to handle file format conversions and resizing. Jamie recommended Affinity's free photo editing software as a Photoshop alternative, while Neil shared his experience using GIMP and Wally mentioned using Seashore for its simplicity. The conversation then shifted to Adobe's business model. Despite their transition to a subscription pricing, Adobe reported record profits, primarily from their Creative Suite including Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.

reprise of Photography Camping Course - a video project by Ferriss High
Ferris shared his collage of photos and videos from a pre-COVID camping trip in Georgian Bay where he tested his DJI Mavic drone in challenging wind conditions. This included a dramatic aerial rescue operation involving a capsized boat. Again, there was an excellent match of music to the visuals. https://vimeo.com/357459745

overview of MailMaven app - by Graham Fawcett
As a teaser for a fuller presentation in the new year, Graham introduced MailMaven, an "information rich" email client for macOS that combines functionality of previous Apple Mail extensions. https://mailmaven.app

The group then discussed email clients and their experiences with various platforms, including Gmail, Bell Sympatico, and Apple Mail. Graham mentioned he prefers apps that focus on security and privacy, staying out of the Google universe. The participants expressed concerns about email privacy and advertising, with Wally sharing his experience of receiving contextually relevant ads while using Gmail. Graham advised Charles on using smart mailboxes in Apple Mail to address his synchronization issues.

Some Interesting Things - by Jamie Johnson
Jamie shared his experiences with several ongoing projects.

First, he has a new camera, the Insta360, which allows for 360-degree recording and post-processing flexibility ... everything, everywhere, all at once. Two cameras record 360 degrees horizontally and vertically so you don't have to worry about which way the camera is pointing. https://www.insta360.com/product/insta360-x5 Insta360 Studio is like iMovie except you have choice of where you want to look. He demonstrated its capabilities using a video taken at the Purdon Conservatory in Lanark County. With a three-metre selfie stick, some of the footage looks like it was taken from drone. https://itsallaboutthelight.ca/videos/purdon2025

Jamie also discussed his use of Notebook LM https://notebooklm.google to plan sports photography activities, resulting in coverage of 20 events with 3 terabytes of content this past summer. He highlighted the tools he uses for editing, including Capture One, Final Cut, and Insta Studio 360. https://itsallaboutthelight.ca/videos/an-action-packed-summer?rq=Summer

Jamie then moved to managing and sharing family photos, including his recent inheritance of 10,000 slides and 50 reels of video. He discussed various methods of photo sharing, such as printing photos, creating canvas prints, using fridge magnets, and designing iPhone cases. Jamie also explained his process of creating photo collages and year-end books using PrestoPhoto.com, which he finds to be the most user-friendly option.

Lastly, he mentioned his interest in setting up a home battery system with a UPS, motivated by past power outages. Jamie explained how he chose the EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra to provide power for essential appliances during outages, with a 13 kilowatt hour capacity and modular expandability. https://ca.ecoflow.com/pages/delta-pro-ultra He detailed the system's features including multiple power inputs, smart home panel, and app-based monitoring, noting it cost $12,500 including installation and ran for 8 hours during a recent test at 80% capacity. The discussion included questions about battery maintenance, heat production, and the system's advantages over traditional generators, with Jamie explaining his choice was motivated by environmental considerations and the ability to use time-of-use pricing for cost savings.

You can view Jamie's presentation deck at https://mugoo.com/bigfiles/2025-12-15-Jamie_J.pdf