Academic referencing made (really) easy
I usually don't get excited over software. But an academic reference manager claiming to be "like iTunes" and turns out to be excactly that simple and intuitive, allowing me to stay organised in research and save hours of time, is almost to good to be true.
I was introduced to Sente by word on the street - the PhD street to be specific - and I have patiently waited for their next major update before purchasing it. A few days ago Third Street Software thus decided to release a public beta of Sente 6, which I have been testing since.
The interface is quite intuitive. I create a library for each project, and when I come across a new source I just drag and drop it into the library window. Sente will then attempt to find the reference for me, or allow me to search for the reference myself:
The articles are then copied into the library file, which allows me to throw away the downloaded files, usually named something obscure like "sdarticle-9707104011.pdf" from my download folder, and browse the articles inside Sente. The software further allows me to organise the library in a very iTunes-like fashion, including a rating system with the famous iTunes stars.
When I start writing the essay, report, dissertation or whatnot, I keep my Sente library open and drag and drop references into the document as I type. Then I just add {bibliography} wherever I want to put it and select a style (APA 5, obviously) to make Sente automatically convert all references for me.
I've only used five articles in this example library; the undergraduate edition of Sente allows up to 250. Postgraduate researchers need even more and as the library grows to huge sizes there are very powerful tools to keep it organised. But that's a different story. I could post screenshots of my dissertation library when I get there, but I presume the demand for it would be quite low. More examples and the software itself is available here. Unfortunately, Sente is available only for Mac users - those stuck with Windows will have to use Endnote.
Learning to Write
Learning to write is a lifelong quest; no matter if you're a poet, an academic or, like me, the casual blogger. Personally I'm criticised, more than often, for employing nearly incomprehensible language. Indecipherable to whom?
Nevertheless, I stumbled upon a journalism related podcast on writing. It's quite brief, consisting of a few minutes long episodes with one idea in each episode - much like a paragraph. Yet it captivates the essence of expressing oneself efficiently and with the clarity of unspoilt water. Thought you might like it, and if you don't - stop reading Aftonbladet / The Sun / similar adult comics, and get those literary neurons firing.
Lost playgrounds and new toys
I have been so lazy updating the blog that I put my twitter feed in the sidebar. In case you discovered it, you're probably aware of my terrible loss of internet.
Making a very long story short: I lost internet access a few days ago, and after about 24 hours without being able to access BBC's health and lifestyle tips on managing weight I was lying in the bed shaking from severe withdrawal symptoms. I skimmed through system logs and googled the contents on my iPhone while waiting for the support to answer my emails. I eventually discovered that the error pertained to server side of the DHCP transaction. [Lots of boring and technical stuff that nobody would read anyway]
I decided to quit using Windows, and get myself a new computer. Who wants a computer that hangs up the DHCP server and hinders me from surfing tasteless sing along songs on murdered politicians (Kudos to Sverigedemokraterna (SD) for this one).
I went to the Apple Store in Manchester Arndale. (And yes, that's a Disney Store next to it.)
I knew what to buy. Since the new iMacs were introduced with insane prices I aimed for a MacBook; and being geek I wanted a MacBook Pro, just like my Newcastle mate. However, I consulted a member of staff before buying anything, as I had some questions about migrating from obsolete Windows to gorgeous Mac OS X. He asked me what I'd be using the computer for. 'I'm a student, so presumably writing, surfing, and reading journal articles'. He thought I'd be a lot better off with a 13" regular MacBook. I've never had such a small screen, so I immediately rejected the idea.
Half an hour later, we'd established that the cheapest MacBook Pro held essentially the same components inside as the priciest regular MacBook, and that it was considerably easier to 'carry around campus', bring on a flight or take to the local Starbucks. I also had a 14 days return policy if I wasn't satisfied with the purchase. I was convinced.
Upon breaking the news of me buying my first Mac, a dear friend simply replied "Enjoy the longest bus ride of your life", and I did - not enjoy it, but rather endure it. I looked suspiciously on people around me with the eyes of a caveman or security professional: 'Who is most likely to try snatching my expensive catch with the pretty Apple logo?'. But I made it home safe.
Unboxing the MacBook was like being a five year old on christmas eve - just a bit more careful. Hopefully five year olds spend their time playing with other kids outside rather than sitting by computers all day (Microsoft thinks otherwise, but they're evil).
Anyway, I'll continue playing with my new toy now. More updates will follow.
Archive this
Tired of the "this is not free software" notification that comes with WinRAR? Well, 7-zip is completely free, open source, and does the job better.
First uninstall WinRAR. Then download, install the free software from 7-zip's website. If you don't know what x64 architecture is, use the 32-bit version.
Set the file associations from tools->options in the software:
And that's all. No more "pay for my mediocre software, even though there's better software for free" messages. 7-zip is simple, clean and easier to use.
