MiniPaint - Edit Photos on your BlackBerry

It's review time again, and this time it's for a photo-editing programme on the BlackBerry.

I use the camera on my BlackBerry quite frequently, but there are often times when I want to make slight changes.  Either crop the image, lighten it, or even rotate it.

Now, there's an application that does all of that, and more.  It's from a company called BB4.

MiniPaint is accessed via the menu, as an option.  Select the photo you want to edit, and open with MiniPaint.

Here you can see a photo, for which a brightness/contrast filter is being applied.  There are a total of 11 filters to choose from, including saturation, adding gaussian blur and making sepia.

You can crop images; the only downside here is that the crop is at fixed percentages.

If you want to add text, you can also do that; as well as selecting from an impressive list of fonts and sizes.
In the screenshots here, you can see examples of the functionality I've mentioned, and if you have ever wanted to tweak your photos, then this is the tool to do it.


You can get hold of MiniPaint, and read some more reviews, right here.

Where Nations Meet

Following on from my review of jet2.com, I thought I'd write a short travelogue about Jerusalem.

Often referred to as the centre of all the world religions.

A place where, on a day-to-day basis, in the vibrant buzz of the markets,  Arabs and Jews mix without the tensions that the media portray.  That isn't to say they don't exist, but as a tourist wandering the historically rich streets; one can't help but put those thoughts to one side and soak up the atmosphere.

As we entered through Damascus Gate at the north of Old City, it's like taking a step through a time machine.
The colourful displays of traditional dress and food mixed with the tourist souvenirs of t-shirts and fridge magnets.

Eventually, you will come to the Western Wall (the Kotel). It's a sign of the times that you have to pass through security not unlike that at an airport; but such is life today. When you do walk into the Plaza, the effect is immediate.
To stand in a place that is so revered and so holy, the feeling cannot be imagined.

The last remaining wall of the Second Temple, with its personal messages pushed into the cracks and men (and women) praying, it's an important Jewish religious site.

Over the top of the wall you can see the top of the Golden Dome of the Rock; which is certainly a reminder that this is where the religions of the world meet.

The history, the buzz and the noise stimulate a sense of the past; and it's just wonderful to witness.

Of course, Jerusalem isn't just about religion and the past.

Outside of the Old City walls a modern city is alive and kicking, with fashionable shops and modern art.

But it's the history that will bring many back, time after time.

To barter in the suks (markets) and ponder how life must have been in biblical times is an experience to behold.

Meet Wenlock & Mandeville

The mascots for the London 2012 Olympic Games have been revealed to the world.

Designed to appeal to the young, and get them interested in the games; as well as to raise £70m towards the coffers of the organising committee.

It's a 'cute' video, which I think works quite well.

What do you think?

No Frills Air Travel

Budget airlines are rarely out of the news, usually due to their pricing policy not being transparent enough; or the quality of service.
I recently had the pleasure of flying with jet2.com to Tel Aviv; and I must admit I was pleasantly surprised.

The booking was made online, as expected, and a month before travel, I received an email advising me that "online check-in is now open".
I had the option to choose our seats, select a meal and check luggage for the hold.
All of this, had I elected to take it, would have added over £90 to the cost.
So, we bought sandwiches before we got to the airport, took the seats they allocated, but I had to take a suitcase.

At the airport, the service was quick and pleasant; even passing through security was less 'stressful' than I remember.
The quote of the day has to go to the member of staff who said:

"Ladies and gentlemen. We will soon be boarding the flight, in row order. Please have your passports and boarding cards ready.

"Thankyou; we are now boarding everyone"!!

Huh? Row order? Everyone! It was a scramble!!!

Once on board, the crew tempted us with nourishment (more money) and their duty free trolley, scratchcards and the sale of a watch that, apparently, is worn by celebrities!!

The one big downside was the seats.

Now, I wasn't expecting leather upholstery, or a seat-back TV. However, it would have been nice to be able to recline the seat, just a bit; and the thin cushion was, after 5 hours, no longer comfortable.
The expression "You get what you pay for" is never more true.

In the end, we departed on time and arrived 5 minutes early; it was a good flight, with friendly crew, above the clouds and in the sunshine.

Bearing in mind the weather in the UK; I really can't complain. Can I?

The Expendables

Sly is back, and this time with a cast to die for.

The story is about a group of mercenaries, sent on a mission to a South American country, with the single objective to overturn the leadership.  However, as the mission starts, they discover that the situation is not as it seems (is it ever?) The men are trapped in a game of deception - and there's a traitor amongst them.

Sylvester Stallone was involved in the writing and he directed it; and along the way drafted in some big names: Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke, Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger!!!

Now if that's not enough to whet your appetite for big action and adventure, then really, you should get out more!

With a budget of $85m, it was filmed in Rio de Janeiro, New Orleans and Los Angeles.  The release is slated for August, so keep your eyes open.

Can't wait? - then take a look at this...



The early previews went so well that the studio are already in talks to make a sequel (or two) and Sly has cancelled Rambo V to work on it.

Personally - I can't wait....