Soundbooth CS3, Adobe's new Intel-only audio-editing program, was created with videographers in mind. With a design that video producers will likely find more familiar than traditional audio tools, Soundbooth makes it easy for multimedia creatives—including Flash developers and motion-graphics artists—to fix common audio problems. However, the program may be too limited for sound specialists, professional musicians, or videographers who face complex audio troubles.

Soundbooth looks very much like other CS3 programs—it features tabbed panels, a central work area, and a collection of tools for performing common operations. Rather than offering countless ways to tweak or add effects to audio waveforms, Soundbooth includes a focused set of tools for performing the kinds of tasks designers most need for their video projects—removing noise, performing basic cuts and fades, and adjusting volume, pitch, and time; adding effects; and automatically generating background music tracks.

IDSS acquires security and alarms company Intact Electronics

ID Support Services Holdings Limited (IDSS) has acquired Bolton based Intact Electronics Limited for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition of Intact, a specialist security and alarms company, further broadens IDSSs service offering.

IDSS employs over 150 people and operates through two trading groups offering support services to blue chip, multi-site customers in the retail, leisure and commercial sectors. Customers include Sainsburys, TK Maxx, Next, Philips, Wilkinsons, Currys and PC World.

Intact Electronics Ltd will be re-branded as ID Intact and operate as a subsidiary of ID Technology Group.

The acquisition of Intact follows record financial performance by IDSS with the business last month announcing a 56% increase in profits to 1.7 million for the year to 30 June, on turnover up 28% to 18.8 million.

2007 Mitsubishi Outlander LS 4WD Review

Does Mitsubishi have an identity crisis? When its name is mentioned, some people think of SUVs, like the Montero, while others think of the Lancer Evolution high-performance rally replica.

If so, the company is working hard to blend the best of both sides of its reputation. With its second-generation 2007 Outlander, Mitsubishi has merged an SUV with a rally car. A wild claim? You'd be forgiven for thinking so, as performance and handling are not usually associated with a crossover SUV. But the new Outlander, which shares little besides the name with the original, previews the chassis platform that will underly the next-generation Lancer Evo, and its four-wheel drive system is meant more for traction and cornering on pavement than traditional four-wheeling. In the crowded and competitive mid-size, middle-class crossover field, the 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander stands out by virtue of its sporty abilities.

Cyclist, truck collide near OHSU

Twenty five years ago I was an avid bicycle enthusiast and rider. I realized how dangerous it is to mix cars and bikes and gave up bicycle riding on the public streets. It is just not worth the risk. Proponents of bicycles as a major transportation choice are deluding themselves. How many of our fine City workers go about their daily business on bicycles? Save for a few bike cops and the like, the rest of them use motor vehicles to conduct business. The idea that the rest of us are somehow supposed to commute to work on bicycles is irrational thinking. Painting boxes and lines on the roadways just encourages more people to use this dangerous and inefficient form of transportation and does not provide enough safety. Bicycles are regressive, not progressive. Doing the wrong thing harder never works.

The Fall of Romney, Inc.

In fairness to Team Romney, they did more right than not. They rose from single digits in the national polls to receiving 32% of the primary votes cast to date. They became the conservative establishment's choice. They leveraged mechanical and resource superiority into solid leads in Iowa and New Hampshire, giving Rudy Giuliani pause about competing in the early states and chasing John McCain from Iowa. They leveraged their candidate's mastery of pat, 60-second answers into dominance (and rising poll numbers) out of the first debates. They met their goal of winning Ames, and got a bump. They met their goal of 30,000 votes in the Iowa Caucus.

Nearly all of the benchmarks set by Romney, Inc. were met — and often with flying colors. They checked every box they needed to become the nominee.