Cory Bohon

I don’t like sitting around, not doing anything. I tend to always have a full schedule during school semesters, but during the summer, my schedule is a bit more lax. Therefore, I came up with an interesting idea: Build two open source projects in just two weeks.

I doubt I’ll be able to get them completely finished, but I’m hoping to at least get a beta version of two pieces of web software I’ve been wanting to write.

First is a URL redirecting tool that anyone can install and use on their own domain. You’d be able to login and add a new redirect, then use that URL on Twitter, Facebook, or wherever.

Second will be a bit more challenging. I want to build a simple blogging platform that just gets back to basics. A blogging platform without any of the clutter of modern platforms.

I’ll be posting back my results, so check back often. And, yes, I know these tools already exist, but I AM trying to reinvent the wheel with these projects and (hopefully) let the creativity of others flow.

If you have any questions or would like to see more content like this, feel free to contact me.

Since getting the iPad, it has completely changed where and when I consume media and do different computing tasks. I didn’t know how I would be using the iPad, but as it turns out, I can use it to do everything that I mostly did on my MacBook Pro, only on a slightly smaller device. I have thoroughly enjoyed using Safari, Pages, watching Youtube videos and consuming media (music, movies, etc.). But one thing I was missing was some way to write code and create new webpages.

Then comes Gusto, an application available right now in the iTunes app store for only $9.99 (US). It’s and easy to use tool for using FTP to access a server and edit webpages and files. I’m really enjoying it thus for and its enabling me to edit webpages that I wouldn’t ordinarily be able to do on my iPad.

My only complaint about this application is that I’m currently unable to access any server over SSH file transfer (SFTP). However, the iTunes description does state that this is a forthcoming feature in the application.

So, if you’re into website development and are sometimes away from your computer, make sure to couple Gusto and a Bluetooth keyboard with your iPad for the ultimate and portable website management tool.

Some readers may have noticed a new link on my navigation bar to the side. Yup, I’ve added a tag cloud. If you run a WordPress powered blog, then you can also add this cool Tag Cloud via a free plugin & code snippet.

WP Cumulus allows you to place an interactive, flash-based tag cloud on any page you choose.

SearchMe

If you’re looking for a great way to search for websites, with the whole “cover flow” look, then SearchMe might be for you. When you search for something, you are presented with a cover flow-esqe view of a snapshot of the web page.

Transfer BIG Files

YouSendIt is great for those <100MB transfers via the interwebs. But what if you want to send files that are 1GB or less? Well, now there’s Transfer BIG Files. It allows you to send files up to 1GB in size. The best part: it’s totally free!

TypeRacer

If you love racing and love typing, then TypeRacer might be for you! This addictive “game” allows you to type for points in a race against other users. Trust me, if you don’t have wrist problems now, you will after playing this! If you play it too long, you hands WILL fall off, trust me.

I have an over abundance of invites to two hot new web services. If you want an invite to either SocialThing! or Evernote for Mac, just post a comment. I have 4 Evernote invites and 4 SocialThing! invites. Remember to use a valid e-mail address and tell me which invite you want.

[Update:] 1 Evernote, 1 SocialThing invites remain.