Clancy . . . overflow . . .the best bits . . . funnies
A sizeable contingent of local professionals has made the trip to what is one of the most important graphic arts shows in the world. Not quite as big as drupa, but certainly on a par with Ipex, Print 05 is a locus for a host of new releases (which Print21Online will be aggregating here next week).
Clancy is reminded with nostalgia of Print Chicago shows of years past and the Martini and Caviar Bar, just back from Lakeside Drive, still the only establishment where he gave way to the temptation to steal the menu!
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As an indication of the kind of developments taking place at Chicago, everyone seems to be announcing integrated workflows for digital and offset printing. Both Creo and Agfa have announced workflows to drive HP Indigo presses, while Kodak has unveiled its Unified Workflow, a collection of best-of-breed program in the same style as Xerox’s FreeFlow. The whole idea is that jobs can be integrated into unified workflows that serve both conventional and digital printing equipment.
Stay tuned for product details.
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Pretty soon all data will be able to transcend the limitations of output. The wonders of XML ((Extensible Markup Language) just received a boost with Adobe’s release of FrameMaker 7.2. Long regarded as the premier book and long complex document program the enterprise-class authoring and publishing software bridges the gap between simple word processing and XML authoring and publishing. Unlike word processing software alone, FrameMaker 7.2 allows users to output directly to multiple channels including print, PDF, HTML and XML. Companies that structure documents with XML can repurpose content with little effort, reducing the time and expense of initiating new projects, while enabling information to be delivered in new interactive or personalized ways.
XML may be difficult to get your head around, but do persevere – it is the future.
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In a sign of the times and an indication of great things to come, Glen Brindle is hired as Signwave franchise development manager. He is the spearhead of a campaign to increase the number of the sign shops in Australia from its current 19 centres to around 50 centres in the next few years. He might like to listen to his boss, Katherine Groom, general manager, who reckons there are not enough women taking up the challenge to operate and own their own business.
She reckons a Signwave franchise is just the ticket for feminine entrepreneurs.
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And finally … here’s one from Norman K for all you with overheated imaginations.
Two priests decide to go to Surfers Paradise on holiday. They are determined not to let their priestly status get in the way of having a great time, so as soon as they get off the plane they head to the surf shop and gear up in board shorts and singlets.
The next morning they’re on the beach in dark glasses, taking in the passing talent when a drop dead gorgeous topless blonde in a thong bikini comes walking straight towards them. They couldn't help but stare.
As the blonde passed, she smiled and said "Good morning, Father.
Good morning, Father," nodding and addressing each of them. They were stunned. How in the world did she know they were priests?
So they head off and get more into camouflage, with streaks in their hair and one of them even gets a piercing. The next day they’re back on the beach.
Pretty soon the same gorgeous topless blonde, wearing a string, taking her sweet time, comes sashaying toward them. Again she nods at each, "Good morning, Fathers," and starts to walk away.
One of the priests couldn't stand it any longer and said, "Just a minute young lady. We are priests, and proud of it, but I have to know, how in the world did you know we are priests – dressed as we are?"
She replied, "Father, it's me ... Sister Mary Francis!"
