Thursday 9 August 2012

FreeMind

FreeMind is a free mind mapping application written in Java. FreeMind is licensed under the GNU General Public License. It provides extensive export capabilities. It runs on Microsoft Windows, Linux and Mac OS X via the Java Runtime Environment.

As with other mind mapping software packages, FreeMind allows the user to edit a hierarchical set of ideas around a central concept. The non-linear approach assists in brainstorming new outlines and projects as ideas are added around the mind map.

As a Java application, FreeMind is portable across multiple platforms and retains the same user interface, causing some amount of variation from the common interface on each platform. Mac users may notice the most difference from their traditional user interface, but a MacWorld reviewer says the software's features should still appeal to the segment of users who accept function over form.

FreeMind was a finalist for Best Project in SourceForge.net's Community Choice Awards for 2008, which featured Open Source software projects.

Thursday 9 February 2012

Red-faced Warbler

In mountains of the Southwest, the brisk song of the Red-faced Warbler is heard in summer in leafy groves surrounded by conifer forest. This bird and the Painted Redstart, both Mexican border specialties, are our only warblers that wear bright red. In both, unlike many warblers, the females are nearly or quite as brightly colored as the males. Despite their conspicuous colors, both make the seemingly risky move of placing their nests on the ground.