May 2006 – Page 2 – MeisterPlanet

Logitech Quickcam Orbit MP

In an effort to join other family members in their recent discovery of Skype‘s free video-conferencing features, I purchased a Logitech Quickcam Orbit MP webcam ($129 – Best Buy).

It’s definitely more expensive than the average $40 webcam that most will use, but I came across a video demonstration of the face-tracking features being used to amusing effect.

I’ve had cheap $30 webcams before and their poor video quality and small angle of view annoyed me enough that the Orbit MP’s 1.3 megapixel, 30 fps video capture ability interested me greatly. The face-tracking feature is also nice for someone like myself who tends to move around often during a conversation. The camera’s software recognizes facial features and will rotate the camera through a full 189Â° horizontal arc and 102Â° vertically.

Sadie Mae Weekend

Sadie Mae - Week Seven

The countdown is nearly over, as I’ll be picking up Sadie Mae on this coming Sunday.

With paws made for digging and ears that will hear a food container being opened miles away, things at the Meister House should be even more interesting once the little girl gets here.

$126,000 Saved Using 5-Cent Hairnets

Boston.com is currently running a story about Tom McHale, who saved the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority an estimated $126,000 this year using the type of hairnet worn by restaurant workers as a means to prevent snow from creating costly repairs on the MBTA’s train engines.

As the old saw goes, sometimes the best solutions are the simple (and cheap) ones.