There's a post over on Improve Photography of: 22 Things You Can Do Today to Change Your Photography Forever. I read through this, liked some of the steps, and decided I'm going to start doing some of these things, and wanted to blog about it.
I don't think these will happen in order, so I'll start with number 11 (
Action #11: Create a Facebook fan page for your photography (15 minutes) ). I have created a Facebook fan page for SchubyShots. That link probably won't work yet. I have the page setup as non-published so far until I can get a logo up, a description, and a few pictures for a first album.
Well, the setup was 15 minutes. I think the customization will take a little tweaking, playing, then publishing.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Saturday, December 15, 2012
New Gear
I found a slick deal, listed on a website for a Canon Rebel T4i from B&H Photography. Since this is this years camera, and I've been shooting with a Rebel XT (2003/4 model), I thought it was time for an upgrade. They had a deal where if you added the 55-250 they knocked $150 off the price of the lens.
So this camera takes 18 megapixel shots, as compared to the 8 on the XT. The file size (shooting RAW) has gone from 6-8 megs to 24-33 megs, so that should be fun management. Since it's all Canon, my previous lenses will still work, but now the batteries are different and it's gone from Compact Flash to SD/SDHC memory cards, so that's all different.
Took it out for it's first test run at the zoo today, and I have to say I really, really, really like this upgrade. HD Video, touch screen, high ISO for lower light shots. I'm glad I got the new toy. Now, what to do with that old XT...
So this camera takes 18 megapixel shots, as compared to the 8 on the XT. The file size (shooting RAW) has gone from 6-8 megs to 24-33 megs, so that should be fun management. Since it's all Canon, my previous lenses will still work, but now the batteries are different and it's gone from Compact Flash to SD/SDHC memory cards, so that's all different.
Took it out for it's first test run at the zoo today, and I have to say I really, really, really like this upgrade. HD Video, touch screen, high ISO for lower light shots. I'm glad I got the new toy. Now, what to do with that old XT...
Improve Photography Podcast
Well, out of curiosity I looked through iTunes to see if there were any photography podcasts. I found a few, and ended up subscribing to a couple. One that I really enjoy is Improve Photography ( iTunes linky ). It's still pretty new, there are only 8 episodes, and it releases about weekly. There's also a website ( linky ).
I've enjoyed the podcast, and while I can't think right now there have been some good nuggets of information. It's very well developed and they have good equipment (doesn't sound like they're recording in their garage while vacuuming), and I'm actually going to relisten to all the episodes.
The website has some good blogs/articles on it as well, and I may be quoting some going forward. All in all it's a very enjoyable site and podcast, and I hope they can keep it up.
I've enjoyed the podcast, and while I can't think right now there have been some good nuggets of information. It's very well developed and they have good equipment (doesn't sound like they're recording in their garage while vacuuming), and I'm actually going to relisten to all the episodes.
The website has some good blogs/articles on it as well, and I may be quoting some going forward. All in all it's a very enjoyable site and podcast, and I hope they can keep it up.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Advent Calendar 2012 - Day 12
Another minifig day. This is one of the fighters from Hoth that was using the previous days laser cannon thing.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Advent Calendar 2012 - Day 11
Not quite sure what this is, but it looks like one of the laser cannons on Hoth when they fought off the AT-AT incursion.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Friday, December 7, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Advent Calendar 2012 - Day 6
One of the little droid warriors that came out of the previous days transport.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Advent Calendar 2012 - Day 5
Not quite sure. I think this is one of the carrier transport things from episode 1 that opened up with a bunch of droid soldiers in it.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Monday, December 3, 2012
Advent Calendar 2012 - Day 3
This was a little weapon rack. It has a gungan spear and shield as well as a little catapult thing.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Friday, August 17, 2012
Lightening Photos
Posting this link here because I found it useful and want to be able to find it again.
http://spectacled-bear.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-brighten-up-dark-photos-without-blowing-highlights-using-FREE-software
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Dropped
Well, was swapping memory cards in my camera and dropped one. It bounced off the carpet, through a grate, off a mat, the exterior cabinet wall and right into the dog water dish.
Have read several stories of people washing memory cards, so I think I'll be good. Regardless, I'm glad I had just finished copying all the photos off of it.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
P90X Week 1, Day 3
Shoulders and arms.
Because of pain and injury I used low weights, but it was still painful.
Because of pain and injury I used low weights, but it was still painful.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Skipping Plyo
Skipping plyo today. Too much pain in my tricep/shoulder from my chair stumble.
I woke up at 3 am (alarm set for 5, normally get up at 6), and my right arm was killing me from rolling over and the such during the night.
Got up, got a bit of water, took some ibuprofen, and got an ice pack. I retired to the front bedroom, and with a tshirt covering the ice pack, I fell asleep icing my right tricep. Woke up about 20 mins later and put it on my shoulder, zoned out for another 20 or so and moved it back to my tricep. Passed out and woke up around 6 when my wife woke up.
I wasn't very good at plyo the last time due to all the jumping/moving and having not so good knees. So with my existing injuries I decided to skip plyo this morning.
I woke up at 3 am (alarm set for 5, normally get up at 6), and my right arm was killing me from rolling over and the such during the night.
Got up, got a bit of water, took some ibuprofen, and got an ice pack. I retired to the front bedroom, and with a tshirt covering the ice pack, I fell asleep icing my right tricep. Woke up about 20 mins later and put it on my shoulder, zoned out for another 20 or so and moved it back to my tricep. Passed out and woke up around 6 when my wife woke up.
I wasn't very good at plyo the last time due to all the jumping/moving and having not so good knees. So with my existing injuries I decided to skip plyo this morning.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Hurt Shoulder Arm
So it was Monday afternoon. I was returning to my chair, and I stumbled a bit and fell into my chair.
In the process, I heard my shoulder pop a bit and over extended my right tricep. It all hurt badly. Unfortunately my arms well all sore from working out in the morning, so it didn't really help things...
In the process, I heard my shoulder pop a bit and over extended my right tricep. It all hurt badly. Unfortunately my arms well all sore from working out in the morning, so it didn't really help things...
P90X Week 1, Day 1
Brutal!
Woke up an hour early (5am instead of 6am) with the Mrs with the intention of starting a round of P90X. It was her idea to get up early too (she's not much of a morning person, so it was a surprise to me).
Well, part way through the warm up she asked me if feeling nauseous was normal. I said it was a bit. After the cardio warm up, but before the stretching, she decided to retire and went back to to bed. I proceeded and finished the Chest and Back routine.
[Edit]
I didn't notice at first, but I didn't have a problem making it through the day, but when I woke up the next morning my pecs and arms were super sore/tired/worn. And my back/sides doen't hurt nearly as bad as I remember the first time I started.
Woke up an hour early (5am instead of 6am) with the Mrs with the intention of starting a round of P90X. It was her idea to get up early too (she's not much of a morning person, so it was a surprise to me).
Well, part way through the warm up she asked me if feeling nauseous was normal. I said it was a bit. After the cardio warm up, but before the stretching, she decided to retire and went back to to bed. I proceeded and finished the Chest and Back routine.
[Edit]
I didn't notice at first, but I didn't have a problem making it through the day, but when I woke up the next morning my pecs and arms were super sore/tired/worn. And my back/sides doen't hurt nearly as bad as I remember the first time I started.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Friday, May 18, 2012
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Walking Day 6
I'm not sure what to put. My pedometer reset on me. It was at this really high number around lunch because I didn't reset it. I did reset it before we spent several hours at the Indianapolis Zoo, and when done it said 900.
I know I did more than 900 steps, and today at the Columbus Zoo I scored 26,000 steps. I think I'll just put in 15000 for the day to cover things that weren't the zoo, and about half the time we spent at the Columbus Zoo.
I know I did more than 900 steps, and today at the Columbus Zoo I scored 26,000 steps. I think I'll just put in 15000 for the day to cover things that weren't the zoo, and about half the time we spent at the Columbus Zoo.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Walking Day 3
Forgot to take a picture, but today was 26,359.
Did a lot of walking today. Both out and about, around the home while packing, and who can forget walking around the yard twice. Once with a weed wacker, second time with a mower.
Did a lot of walking today. Both out and about, around the home while packing, and who can forget walking around the yard twice. Once with a weed wacker, second time with a mower.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Broken ?
I think me pedometer might be a bit broken. I notice that after lunch I had a bit more than 7000 steps. Drove to the pet store and picked up the dog from grooming and had a little more than 3000.
Wonder how the day will end.
Wonder how the day will end.
Walking Day 1
Walking for wellness day 1
Well, it's time to submit day one. Went through a bunch of calibrations tests randomly. I'd walk fifteen steps an the pedometer would register between 13 and 15. So I assumed it was close enough. Here ends day 1.
Well, it's time to submit day one. Went through a bunch of calibrations tests randomly. I'd walk fifteen steps an the pedometer would register between 13 and 15. So I assumed it was close enough. Here ends day 1.
Walking Club
At work we have started a walking wellness challenge. We were all divided into teams. Five total with five or six per team. Then we were given pedometers that are branded BCBS of Nebraska, who I believe is sponsoring the whole thing.
At the end of the day there's a website to put in your steps which get calculated to miles, and totaled for your team.
I won't be able to get to the CF walk, but Sarah and I are planning to be doing a bit of strolling around zoos on our vaca, so we'll see how this goes.
At the end of the day there's a website to put in your steps which get calculated to miles, and totaled for your team.
I won't be able to get to the CF walk, but Sarah and I are planning to be doing a bit of strolling around zoos on our vaca, so we'll see how this goes.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
New Camera Lens
Well, I was debating on whether or not to purchase a new camera lens. Before lunch I went ahead and pulled the trigger, and thanks to Amazon Prime a Canon 28-135 will be delivered on Friday. I also got the lens hood.
I've rented the lens a couple times from a local camera place, but their prices are WAY higher than Amazon, and they only price match local competitors.
Now I'm exciting for it to get here.
I've rented the lens a couple times from a local camera place, but their prices are WAY higher than Amazon, and they only price match local competitors.
Now I'm exciting for it to get here.
Refinement Trays: Tray 4 Day 1
Well, it's Wednesday May 9th. I'm currently in the refinement process, Tray 4, Day 1.
So far there hasn't been much for the upper teeth, since the bottoms are the ones that need refinement. It's been pretty normal, pain for the first couple days, then it's just plastic trays. The top has had a little pressure when initially putting on in the molars. Like it's doing a little spreading. The bottom though have been another story. Have to clip them into the molars as it's trying to spread and then force it down in the front because that's where the work is happening.
On a side note, in straightening the front teeth it feels like it's pulling them out a bit, so when I bite down they are rubbing on my front teeth, which is kinda the whole thing that being corrected by getting the invisalign. I'm having faith that since I'm only half way through the refinement trays it may push them back after it gets them straightened.
Regardless, after the two weeks I'll have an appointment with my dentist to check and determine how many refinement trays we'll do. If things are still off by then I'll be sure to bring it up.
So far there hasn't been much for the upper teeth, since the bottoms are the ones that need refinement. It's been pretty normal, pain for the first couple days, then it's just plastic trays. The top has had a little pressure when initially putting on in the molars. Like it's doing a little spreading. The bottom though have been another story. Have to clip them into the molars as it's trying to spread and then force it down in the front because that's where the work is happening.
On a side note, in straightening the front teeth it feels like it's pulling them out a bit, so when I bite down they are rubbing on my front teeth, which is kinda the whole thing that being corrected by getting the invisalign. I'm having faith that since I'm only half way through the refinement trays it may push them back after it gets them straightened.
Regardless, after the two weeks I'll have an appointment with my dentist to check and determine how many refinement trays we'll do. If things are still off by then I'll be sure to bring it up.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Technology
Well, it's the first half of April, and for the past month and a half I've been using an 11" MacBook Air exclusively. I've also replaced my Droid with an iPhone 4S.
I'm beginning to feel a bit like an Apple snob, especially since my wife has an iPad and iPhone as well.
I had an iPod touch prior, so making the move to the iPhone wasn't that big of a change.
Moving to the MacBook though has been quite a change. Getting used to the key commands, and the desktop layout, but in the past 6ish weeks I've made the adjustment and like it.
Haven't spent a whole lot of time in XCode, but am hoping to.
I'm beginning to feel a bit like an Apple snob, especially since my wife has an iPad and iPhone as well.
I had an iPod touch prior, so making the move to the iPhone wasn't that big of a change.
Moving to the MacBook though has been quite a change. Getting used to the key commands, and the desktop layout, but in the past 6ish weeks I've made the adjustment and like it.
Haven't spent a whole lot of time in XCode, but am hoping to.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Invisalign Refinement Tray 1, Day 1
Got refinement trays today. 11 trays. 1-8, then 9+, 10+ and 11+.
If I'm lucky we'll stop through 9+, similar to the way the last of 1-19 was 17+.
Two new attachments, both on the bottom.
18 to 22 weeks of plastic liners again. Lucky me.
If I'm lucky we'll stop through 9+, similar to the way the last of 1-19 was 17+.
Two new attachments, both on the bottom.
18 to 22 weeks of plastic liners again. Lucky me.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Check up...
Checkup at the dentist. Need refinement trays (new impressions). Will be staying in tray 17 until I get further instruction.
Friday, February 17, 2012
No excuses
Well, it's not a great excuse, but we've been super busy at work, and that's why I haven't written anything here.
Tray 16 for my invisalign came and went. Nothing exciting about it. Pain the first couple days, then just a plastic tooth wrapper.
Saturday, Feb 11th I put in tray 17+. This one was PAIN ALL OVER. All my teeth hurt, all the time. Trays in or out. Finally about the morning of the 15th I felt no more pain and discomfort. I also had a dentist appointment that day. She looked at my teeth and decided that 17+ would be my last set and confiscated trays 18+ and 19+ as well.
It was also decided that one of my bottom front teeth isn't faced exactly as desired. She punched an adjustment spot into the tray to put pressure to turn the tooth, and I will be going in again on the 29th. If things are where they should be, yipee! If not, apparently we get to do more molds and get refinement trays from invisalign. She didn't mention anything about cost, so I'm going to assume it's all covered under whatever alignment/warranty process my teeth have.
Tray 16 for my invisalign came and went. Nothing exciting about it. Pain the first couple days, then just a plastic tooth wrapper.
Saturday, Feb 11th I put in tray 17+. This one was PAIN ALL OVER. All my teeth hurt, all the time. Trays in or out. Finally about the morning of the 15th I felt no more pain and discomfort. I also had a dentist appointment that day. She looked at my teeth and decided that 17+ would be my last set and confiscated trays 18+ and 19+ as well.
It was also decided that one of my bottom front teeth isn't faced exactly as desired. She punched an adjustment spot into the tray to put pressure to turn the tooth, and I will be going in again on the 29th. If things are where they should be, yipee! If not, apparently we get to do more molds and get refinement trays from invisalign. She didn't mention anything about cost, so I'm going to assume it's all covered under whatever alignment/warranty process my teeth have.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Update About.me
Well, I just updated my About.com profile ( http://about.me/DavidSimmon ) so it includes my Google+ profile, my @DavidSimmon twitter and this here bloggy thing.
I feel so social.
I feel so social.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Tray 15 Day 1
Well, because of my extra couple days for tray 14 I have no swapped to tray 15. Nothing new. Tight clipping in and I can feel it push/pulling/twisting on my teeth. No pain wearing, but if all holds true it will hurt a bit when I'm not wearing it, and will be pain tomorrow when I do have them in.
There's a little bit of excitement and anticipation though. I know I'm in my final laps. Tray 16 is a given. Tray 17 will at least be halfsies. After that its all dependent on where my teeth are to how far to 19 I go.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Tray 14 Day 15
Well, this morning is the morning that I would normally switch to my next tray, but I didn't have my next tray. Went to the dentist and got a lookings at and my next (and last) five sets.
After reviewing, she used a pair of small pliers to make some bends in my current (tray 14) tray to put some additional pressure on my front two teeth in different spots. I was also told to continue wearing these trays for a few more days because of these new impressions. So Saturday I will switch to tray 15.
I also found out the last three sets are 17+, 18+ and 19+. Apparently the plus means that those are the trays that will take my loosened teeth and shift them and snug them all back up. My dentist told me that not all of them are necessary, and when I switch to 17+ I'll make an appointment to go in and see her and a decision will then be made to determine how much further I need to go. Then where ever the stopping point is, the Invisalign corporation will be contacted to make my retainer off of that tray number, and they'll use the digital image to make those. So no more molds needed (ya!).
Other than the bottom tray being a little tighter to click in due to the pliered marked, nothing new to report. Saturday will probably be a fun day of fun tightness and discomfort though.
After reviewing, she used a pair of small pliers to make some bends in my current (tray 14) tray to put some additional pressure on my front two teeth in different spots. I was also told to continue wearing these trays for a few more days because of these new impressions. So Saturday I will switch to tray 15.
I also found out the last three sets are 17+, 18+ and 19+. Apparently the plus means that those are the trays that will take my loosened teeth and shift them and snug them all back up. My dentist told me that not all of them are necessary, and when I switch to 17+ I'll make an appointment to go in and see her and a decision will then be made to determine how much further I need to go. Then where ever the stopping point is, the Invisalign corporation will be contacted to make my retainer off of that tray number, and they'll use the digital image to make those. So no more molds needed (ya!).
Other than the bottom tray being a little tighter to click in due to the pliered marked, nothing new to report. Saturday will probably be a fun day of fun tightness and discomfort though.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Fruit Jerky
Core'd and mandolin sliced 9 golden delicious apples this morning. After slicing, dipped the slices in some apple juice. The juice has vitamin c in it, which prevents browning during dehydration.
9 sliced apples filled all 8 trays. On the dehydrator and in 6ish hours we should have some crusty little apple rings.
And with the first and last slices all being odd, I got to eat them. Also got all the left over apple dipping juice. Yummy.
9 sliced apples filled all 8 trays. On the dehydrator and in 6ish hours we should have some crusty little apple rings.
And with the first and last slices all being odd, I got to eat them. Also got all the left over apple dipping juice. Yummy.
Beef Jerky
As I think I've mentioned I have a dehydrator with 8 trays. Last weekend we seasoned and cured 8lbs of ground beef (93%) into four 2lb batches.
Two batches were store bought seasoning: cracked pepper with garlic and hickory. The other two were mixed up using sauce from Buffalo Wild Wings: Asian Zing and Spicy Garlic.
After gunning it out into trays and dehydrating for six to eight hours we had some jerky.
The hickory was hickory. Have had it before, nothing too exciting from the normal. I definitely like hickory better than mesquite. The pepper and garlic was delicious. The Asian Zing was good as well. Have done that before as well. It comes out a little softer than seasoned jerky due to the moisture of the sauce. The spicy garlic is normally a really good wing sauce, but once jerkied it doesn't carry the same flavor. Not sure what got lost there.
Maybe it just needed more sauce, but then the meat gets difficult to work with. I wonder if it would be possible to dehydrate the sauce into a paste, or dust, then mix into the meat. Get the flavor and seasoning without the moisture. Will have to try that out and hopefully not make a giant mess.
Two batches were store bought seasoning: cracked pepper with garlic and hickory. The other two were mixed up using sauce from Buffalo Wild Wings: Asian Zing and Spicy Garlic.
After gunning it out into trays and dehydrating for six to eight hours we had some jerky.
The hickory was hickory. Have had it before, nothing too exciting from the normal. I definitely like hickory better than mesquite. The pepper and garlic was delicious. The Asian Zing was good as well. Have done that before as well. It comes out a little softer than seasoned jerky due to the moisture of the sauce. The spicy garlic is normally a really good wing sauce, but once jerkied it doesn't carry the same flavor. Not sure what got lost there.
Maybe it just needed more sauce, but then the meat gets difficult to work with. I wonder if it would be possible to dehydrate the sauce into a paste, or dust, then mix into the meat. Get the flavor and seasoning without the moisture. Will have to try that out and hopefully not make a giant mess.
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