Mike Bass became the Chief Technology Officer of TriStar Graphics last year, and has led this multi-city company in modernization of all of its IT systems. In addition, he has created systems specific to the printing and graphics component of TriStar, including the use of variable data, and incorporation of client designs and data seamlessly into TriStar's operations. He will discuss the challenges and rewards of working with a forward-looking company with a specialized service.

This meeting will be held Tuesday, June 19, 2012, 6-8 pm at Graham Group Interactive, 2014 West Pinhook Road, Suite 210, Lafayette, LA.

Summer vacation

We take July off, but we will be back in a big way in August, with...

August 21, 2012 Adobe CS6 Launch Event

Adobe has announced the release of Creative Suite 6, and there are exciting new features in all of the components of this suite. We will take a tour of the highlights, with special attention to Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Premiere Pro and After Effects. There are not only new capabilities, but work spaces and work flow have been tuned up to increase productivity!

For this event we will have a generous supply of CS6 swag to give away, and just by attending, you will be entered in a raffle for free CS6 software!

This meeting will be held Tuesday, August 21, 2012, 6-8 pm at Graham Group Interactive, 2014 West Pinhook Road, Suite 210, Lafayette, LA.

In the works...

Also in the works for future meetings: ColdFusion 10; a close look at Adobe Illustrator; and more. Something you want to hear about? Let us know! Something you want to share? Let us know!

At every meeting...

We begin each meeting with free beer, chips and soda, and lively free form discussion of the topics of the day (also known as gossip). And by attending a meeting, you are entered in a raffle for free Adobe software! We also have other giveaways as well! We hope to see you at a meeting soon!

PDF forms can be a powerful tool for collecting even complex information from users. Craig Inman will give us tips and tricks on how to make these forms work for you. Also, we will have a quick peek at some of the exciting new features in the newly-announced Adobe Creative Suite 6 programs.

This meeting will be held Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 6-8 pm at Graham Group Interactive, 2014 West Pinhook Road, Suite 210, Lafayette, LA.

June 19, 2012: Mike Bass, TriStar CTO

Mike Bass became the Chief Technology Officer of TriStar Graphics last year, and has led this multi-city company in modernization of all of its IT systems. In addition, he has created systems specific to the printing and graphics component of TriStar, including the use of variable data, and incorporation of client designs and data seamlessly into TriStar's operations. He will discuss the challenges and rewards of working with a forward-looking company with a specialized service.

This meeting will be held Tuesday, June 19, 2012, 6-8 pm at Graham Group Interactive, 2014 West Pinhook Road, Suite 210, Lafayette, LA.

Summer vacation

We take July off, but we will be back in a big way in August, with...

August 21, 2012Adobe CS6 Launch Event

Adobe has announced the release of Creative Suite 6, and there are exciting new features in all of the components of this suite. We will take a tour of the highlights, with special attention to Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Premiere Pro and After Effects. There are not only new capabilities, but work spaces and work flow have been tuned up to increase productivity!

For this event we will have a few items of CS6 swag to give away, and just by attending, you will be entered in a raffle for free CS6 software!

This meeting will be held Tuesday, August 21, 2012, 6-8 pm at Graham Group Interactive, 2014 West Pinhook Road, Suite 210, Lafayette, LA.

In the works...

Also in the works for future meetings: ColdFusion 10; a close look at Adobe Illustrator; and more. Something you want to hear about? Let us know! Something you want to share? Let us know!

At every meeting...

We begin each meeting with free beer, chips and soda, and lively free form discussion of the topics of the day (also known as gossip). And by attending a meeting, you are entered in a raffle for free Adobe software! We also have other giveaways as well! We hope to see you at a meeting soon!

Phil Schneider, who wowed the group in our January presentation with his techniques on Philip Gould's photos, will return to do him magic on photos from ... you! Bring a photo or two on a thumb drive (.jpg format) and Phil will select a few and show us how he would use Photoshop to get the most out of your images.

This meeting will be held Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 6-8 pm at Graham Group Interactive, 2014 West Pinhook Road, Suite 210, Lafayette, LA.

May 15: Craig Inman on PDF forms

PDF forms can be a powerful tool for collecting even complex information from users. Craig Inman will give us tips and tricks on how to make these forms work for you.

This meeting will be held Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 6-8 pm at Graham Group Interactive, 2014 West Pinhook Road, Suite 210, Lafayette, LA.

June 19, 2012: Mike Bass, TriStar CTO

Mike Bass became the Chief Technology Officer of TriStar Graphics last year, and has led this multi-city company in modernization of all of its IT systems. In addition, he has created systems specific to the printing and graphics component of TriStar, including the use of variable data, and incorporation of client designs and data seamlessly into TriStar's operations. He will discuss the challenges and rewards of working with a forward-looking company with a specialized service.

This meeting will be held Tuesday, June 19, 2012, 6-8 pm at Graham Group Interactive, 2014 West Pinhook Road, Suite 210, Lafayette, LA.

In the works...

Also in the works for future meetings: ColdFusion 10; feature highlights for the upcoming next version of Adobe Creative Suites; and more. Something you want to hear about? Let us know! Something you want to share? Let us know!

At every meeting...

We begin each meeting with free beer, chips and soda, and lively free form discussion of the topics of the day (also known as gossip). And by attending a meeting, you are entered in a raffle for free Adobe software! We also have other giveaways as well! We hope to see you at a meeting soon!

The March meeting of the Acadiana Adobe User Group has been shifted to Tuesday, March 27, 2012. We will host Adobe's Raymond Camden with a presentation on Phone Gap. Learn how one user interface can be used to prepare native apps for a variety of smart phone OS's, including iPhone, Android and more.

This meeting will be held Tuesday, March 27, 2012, 6-8 pm at Graham Group Interactive, 2014 West Pinhook Road, Suite 210, Lafayette, LA.

Here are updates and information on other upcoming events:

April 17, 2012: Phil Schneider Photoshop Demo

Phil Schneider, who wowed the group in our January presentation with his techniques on Philip Gould's photos, will return to do him magic on photos from ... you! We'll announce how you can bring an image in .jpg format and Phil will select a few and show us how he would use Photoshop to get the most out of your images.

This meeting will be held Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 6-8 pm at Graham Group Interactive, 2014 West Pinhook Road, Suite 210, Lafayette, LA.

May 15: Craig Inman on PDF forms

PDF forms can be a powerful tool for collecting even complex information from users. Craig Inman will give us tips and tricks on how to make these forms work for you.

This meeting will be held Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 6-8 pm at Graham Group Interactive, 2014 West Pinhook Road, Suite 210, Lafayette, LA.

June 19, 2012: Mike Bass, TriStar CTO

Mike Bass became the Chief Technology Officer of TriStar Graphics last year, and has led this multi-city company in modernization of all of its IT systems. In addition, he has created systems specific to the printing and graphics component of TriStar, including the use of variable data, and incorporation of client designs and data seamlessly into TriStar's operations. He will discuss the challenges and rewards of working with a forward-looking company with a specialized service.

This meeting will be held Tuesday, June 19, 2012, 6-8 pm at Graham Group Interactive, 2014 West Pinhook Road, Suite 210, Lafayette, LA.

In the works...

Also in the works for future meetings: ColdFusion 10; feature highlights for the upcoming next version of Adobe Creative Suites; and more. Something you want to hear about? Let us know! Something you want to share? Let us know!

At every meeting...

We begin each meeting with free beer, chips and soda, and lively free form discussion of the topics of the day (also known as gossip). And by attending a meeting, you are entered in a raffle for free Adobe software! We also have other giveaways as well! We hope to see you at a meeting soon!

March 20, 2012 will be the first day of spring, and to start the new season, the Acadiana Adobe User Group will host Adobe's Raymond Camden with a presentation on Phone Gap. Learn how one user interface can be used to prepare native apps for a variety of smart phone OS's, including iPhone, Android and more.

This meeting will be held Tuesday, March 20, 2012, 6-8 pm at Graham Group Interactive, 2014 West Pinhook Road, Suite 210, Lafayette, LA.

The presentation on Ruby that was originally scheduled for that date will be re-scheduled and we will announce that new date soon.

Here's what else is coming up soon:

April 17, meeting topic TBA

We have two or three projects in the works, and we will know soon which of these we will schedule for our April meeting.

This meeting will be held Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 6-8 pm at Graham Group Interactive, 2014 West Pinhook Road, Suite 210, Lafayette, LA.

May 15: Craig Inman on PDF forms

PDF forms can be a powerful tool for collecting even complex information from users. Craig Inman will give us tips and tricks on how to make these forms work for you.

This meeting will be held Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 6-8 pm at Graham Group Interactive, 2014 West Pinhook Road, Suite 210, Lafayette, LA.

In the works...

Also in the works for future meetings: Photoshop practical demos; ColdFusion 10; feature highlights for the upcoming next version of Adobe Creative Suites; and more. Something you want to hear about? Let us know! Something you want to share? Let us know!

At every meeting...

We begin each meeting with free beer, chips and soda, and lively free form discussion of the topics of the day (also known as gossip). And by attending a meeting, you are entered in a raffle for free Adobe software! We also have other giveaways as well! We hope to see you at a meeting soon!

Feb. 28, 2012: Gadget Share and Demo Night

Note that this meeting is held on the fourth Tuesday, rather than the third Tuesday, as Feb. 21 is Mardi Gras

This is "Show and Tell" with an agenda. Members are asked to bring whatever gadgets and devices they have that other members may not have had the opportunity to handle. This is also an opportunity to see how your web pages render on devices that you may not otherwise have access to. In each case, there will be an actual agenda, using these steps to the degree of emphasis that is appropriate:

1. Describe the device, what it is used for, what is the rationale for it, where it fits into the larger picture, who it is marketed to, etc.

2. Demo the device showing your favorite features... and, showing the shortcomings, as well.

3. If this is a device that renders web pages, point the device to various URLs that members would like to see rendered on the device.

We have several items already lined up:

-A projection system that slips your iPhone or iPad into a dock and shows videos, etc. Plus, using bluetooth to send the sound from the iOS device to remote powered speakers.

-A pocket projector that attaches to iPhone

-Kindle Fire that has been tuned up for high performance. Plus one that is fairly stock, to compare.

-Several other tablet devices and phones.

-A clip-on camera that looks like a bluetooth earpiece (which it also is) but takes reasonable quality video as well. For spies?

-A demo of a DSLR by a real videographer/photographer.

-Plus whatever you bring.

We look forward to this meeting, and if these demos prove valuable, may have a section of each meeting given over to a 10-minute "Gadget of the Month" brought by a member.

This meeting will be held Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012, 6-8 pm at Graham Group Interactive, 2014 West Pinhook Road, Suite 210, Lafayette, LA.

March 20, 2012: Ruby Tuesday

Raymond Camden will give a capsule presentation on Ruby, and Ryan LeTulle will give his report on what he found as he looked for the best intro path to learning Ruby.

This meeting will be held Tuesday, March 20, 2012, 6-8 pm at Graham Group Interactive, 2014 West Pinhook Road, Suite 210, Lafayette, LA.

More meetings, more ideas!

We are eager for your requests and offers for presentations for upcoming meetings. Ideas currently in the works are: A look at ColdFusion 10, "Zeus;" an artist's explanation of the inner workings of an Illustrator file; a program on how to get the most out of your camcorder; a look at Premiere Pro and After Effects for former Final Cut users; and more. Remember, the best way to make yourself learn a new technique is to sign up to present on it! Please, let us know what you would like to see!

Did we mention the software raffles and free beer?

Don't forget, we begin every meeting with a social gathering with free beer, chips and soda. And, just by attending one of our meetings, you are entered in a raffle for an Adobe CS suite package! Another benefit: hanging out with folks who like to talk about the things you like to talk about. We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming meeting!

Acadiana AUG member Mike Bass passes along this information about a job opening for a Database Developer. Information for contacting Mike directly is included:

Position: Database Developer

Location: Lafayette, LA

Company: Medium-sized (35-75 people), Manufacturing and Marketing

Requirements:

Expert knowledge of relational databases, database file formats, tabular and delimited text files, data sorting and queries. Ability to design, manage, and manipulate databases.

Other skills: Experience with Filemaker Pro or similar databases. Knowledge of USPS mail regulations beneficial. Passionate, highly organized team-player with excellent attention to detail. Web design skills, HTML, CSS, and Javascript are a plus.

Description:

We are a growing 50-person manufacturing company under new, progressive management. The Database Developer will be required to rapidly develop prototype databases for processing customer mail and marketing data, including location-based data and calculations. This person will process this data on a daily basis for use in manufacturing and online marketing campaigns.

The Database Developer will seek ways to automate our processes and work to integrate a workflow with online storefront systems. This person will be required to learn details of USPS regulations in order to properly process customer data.

This is not an SQL-type database programming position. Someone with strong analytical skills, relational database experience and a willingness to learn can grow into this position as we expand our business. We are looking for someone who will work well with our established team. Some tele-commuting may be possible at a future date.

Reply with resume and a short personal description.

E-mail: mikebass@me.com

The new year is here, and new programs are bubbling up at the Acadiana Adobe User Group!

Jan. 17, 2012: Philip Gould and Phil Schneider - Photoshop from camera to production

Philip Gould and Phil Schneider will take us through the steps used to produce finished work for a current Gould photo exhibit. See how high quality prints are created, from leaving the camera through installation on the gallery walls, plus pick up all sorts of tips along the way. This meeting will be held Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012, 6-8 pm at Graham Group Interactive, 2014 West Pinhook Road, Suite 210, Lafayette, LA.

Feb. 28, 2012: Gadget Share and Demo Night

Note that this meeting is held on the fourth Tuesday, rather than the third Tuesday, as Feb. 21 is Mardi Gras

This is "Show and Tell" with an agenda. Members are asked to bring whatever gadgets and devices they have that other members may not have had the opportunity to handle. This is also an opportunity to see how your web pages render on devices that you may not otherwise have access to. In each case, there will be an actual agenda, using these steps to the degree of emphasis that is appropriate:

1. Describe the device, what it is used for, what is the rationale for it, where it fits into the larger picture, who it is marketed to, etc.

2. Demo the device showing your favorite features... and, showing the shortcomings, as well.

3. If this is a device that renders web pages, point the device to various URLs that members would like to see rendered on the device.

We have several items already lined up:

-A projection system that slips your iPhone or iPad into a dock and shows videos, etc. Plus, using bluetooth to send the sound from the iOS device to remote powered speakers.

-Kindle Fire that has been rooted and tuned up for high performance. Plus one that is fairly stock, to compare.

-Several other tablet devices and phones.

-A clip-on camera that looks like a bluetooth earpiece (which it also is) but takes reasonable quality video as well. For spies?

-We are hoping to have a demo of a DSLR by a real videographer/photographer.

-Plus whatever you bring.

We look forward to this meeting, and if these demos prove valuable, may have a section of each meeting given over to a 10-minute "Gadget of the Month" brought by a member.

This meeting will be held Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012, 6-8 pm at Graham Group Interactive, 2014 West Pinhook Road, Suite 210, Lafayette, LA.

March 20, 2012: Ruby Tuesday

Raymond Camden will give a capsule presentation on Ruby, and Ryan LeTulle will give his report on what he found as he looked for the best intro path to learning Ruby.

This meeting will be held Tuesday, March 20, 2012, 6-8 pm at Graham Group Interactive, 2014 West Pinhook Road, Suite 210, Lafayette, LA.

More meetings, more ideas!

We are eager for your requests and offers for presentations for upcoming meetings. Ideas currently in the works are: A look at ColdFusion 10, "Zeus;" an artist's explanation of the inner workings of an Illustrator file; a program on how to get the most out of your camcorder; a look at Premiere Pro and After Effects for former Final Cut users; and more. Remember, the best way to make yourself learn a new technique is to sign up to present on it! Please, let us know what you would like to see!

Did we mention the software raffles and free beer?

Don't forget, we begin every meeting with a social gathering with free beer, chips and soda. And, just by attending one of our meetings, you are entered in a raffle for an Adobe CS suite package! Another benefit: hanging out with folks who like to talk about the things you like to talk about. We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming meeting!

Our annual holiday social will be held at Cafe Habana City, 911 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA, Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011. We'll gather at 6 pm as usual for conviviality, followed by a delicious Cuban meal! Our semi-annual raffle for an Adobe Creative Suites package will be a highlight of the evening.

Google map to Cafe Habana City

Fun topics in 2012!

We're already planning a great slate of programs for 2012, including a look at the new ColdFusion Zeus, an in-depth look at PDF forms, a session on Photoshop, a session on getting the most out of your out of your camcorder, and much more. Plus, if there is a topic you would like to either hear about or present about (and many of you know that the best way to "force" yourself to learn a new skill is to agree to present on it!) be sure to let us know.

Hope to see you at the holiday social!

Several members of the Acadiana Adobe User Group have been following the developments with Adobe's new no-code HTML authoring tool Muse, so we wanted to point out that Beta 4 of Muse has been released and can be downloaded at http://muse.adobe.com/.

Also, don't forget our upcoming meetings!

Nov. 15, 2011: Philip Gould and Phil Schneider - Photoshop from camera to production

Philip Gould and Phil Schneider will take us through the steps used to produce finished work for an upcoming Gould photo exhibit. See how high quality prints are created, from leaving the camera through installation on the gallery walls, plus pick up all sorts of tips along the way. This meeting will be held Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011, 6-8 pm at Graham Group Interactive, 2014 West Pinhook Road, Suite 210, Lafayette, LA.

Dec. 6, 2011: Annual Dutch Treat Holiday Social!

Our annual holiday social will be held at Cafe Habana City, 911 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA. We'll gather at 6 pm as usual for conviviality, followed by a delicious Cuban meal! Our semi-annual raffle for an Adobe Creative Suites package will be a highlight of the evening.