Archive for March, 2009

This video presentation shows exactly how I made this shiny red download button, using Adobe Fireworks.  It’s rather a simple process and only involves a few objects and some very commonly used properties.

If you would like to download the .PNG file for editing purposes in Fireworks, just click the download button.

Not being a graphical artists and not having any special training or schooling for web graphics,  I’ve always found Adobe Fireworks to be the easiest to use.  It’s simple and effective.  I have trouble getting around in Photoshop, but I’ve always been able to use Fireworks to help create modern day images for my web sites.

This is the very first and very basic “hello world” program with a few edit controls and a submit button, using Delphi for PHP.  There is nothing complicated about this application.  The entire purpose of this is to illustrate how to manipulate a Label by use of the OnClick event of a Button.

While Delphi for PHP is currently at version 2, it still has a lot of growth left.  Nevertheless, this IDE is an excellent IDE for writing and developing PHP code and applications.  Using the VCL is an option and not a requirement.  If you wish to use the VCL controls, then of course the Forms and VCL is needed.

Note: I’ve found the Delphi for PHP IDE a little picky if not delicate. I’ve had times when I’ve built this project and the button doesn’t work. I’ve discovered the reason is environment variables which define where the VCL is located in the path. The default project location is included in your path, so if you create a special folder on another drive, perhaps you too will epxerience problems with the button not being executed properly. When you “distribute” the application and it’s packages, the paths work fine. It’s only during development in the IDE and Debug Listener, where you may experience such problems.

Reflective images are easy.  The only steps involved are “vertically flipping” the image you want to reflect and applying some fades and transparencies to the flipped object.  This quick video shows exactly how it’s done using Adobe Fireworks.

There are several ways in which you can create reflective images.  The method in this video is a standard menu driven approach and is commonly used and considered very simple.  The other method is to create a vector object and apply gradient effects with some opacity.  I’ll create another video which demonstrates this another day.  The truth is, this menu driven approach automatically creates this vector approach for you.

Adobe Fireworks is a commercial software application for editing and creating graphics.  You can download a trial version of this software here.

Michael & Amy at the center of Chengdu, China (2/2009)

I am Michael.

This picture was taken in the center of Chengdu, China in February 2009 with my wife, Amy.

This website represents my private consulting company, webjestic LLC.  I’m a software developer, architect, and webmaster.  I’ve been in this business since 1994 and I’m an experienced and educated individual in regards to systems, applications, networks, and independently earning an online income as an entrepreneur.

For years I’ve appreciated privacy and never truly created a corporate image for my company.  All the while I’ve kept much of what I do a secret from others.  I’ve decided I would open the doors a little and create a website which represents some of the things I’ve done to generate a rather humble  income for myself.

webjestic.NET is my server to save and share some of my most intimate online income secrets, tactics, and strategies.  I’m designing this site on the fly with only some basic planning and concepts.  All information and activities are based upon my years of experience working for companies and individuals.

For years I’ve worked on dozens of WordPress websites and have developed a number of customized plugins for companies.  I’m not much of an artist, so I don’t actually do any .PSD web designing myself, but I am able to take customize themes to fit my need.   I also possess the ability to work with graphic designers to properly delivery the desired effect.

The majority of my application development has been in the Delphi environment (Object Pascal) and all my web development has been in PHP.  I know C++ and am no stranger to JavaScript.  I’ve been employed by some of the most prestigious consulting firms, did contract work for the United Nations, and lead development teams for CBN before becoming an independent consultant.

My work and my life style has taken me all over the world.  I’ve spent over a year in Europe, been through central America, and into Asia over half dozen times.  I’m currently in Chengdu, China as I write this and will probably remain here for months to come.  During all my travels and positions, I’ve continued to maintain a number of online commerce sites.

I’ve worked on most major database platforms as a developer.  MS SQL, Oracle, Interbase, and of course MySQL.  I’ve recently added Firebird (an offspring of Interbase) to the list due to the application architecture of my current client, a medical applications software company based in Ohio, USA.

I’d like to dedicate a lot of this website’s content to the men and woman I currently work with.

Thanks.