Do You Need to Calibrate your Screen?

Screen calibration is essential especially if you want to view pictures in their true colors.

To check whether your monitor (screen) needs calibration, visit this place. And this, too.

Great Photography Resources

Okay, I'm far from being an expert. But here are some of the photography sites that I love.


1) http://www.photozone.de/

Posts about The Golden Mean and Depth-of-Field (DOF) are few helpful articles found there.


2) http://www.tofahrn-foto.de/index.php?lg=en&pg=home

His post about perspective has been very helpful to me.



3) http://www.picturecorrect.com/

Totally awesome site that offers camera reviews, post-processing and photography tips. Here's a great post about winter photography.

4) Of course I will not forget the Kodak site for Kodak moments! Lots of suggestions and ideas for memorable photos can be found here. To gear myself with the upcoming birthday of my son, I've read its article about photographing birthdays Here's something to read to gearin case


5) http://www.danheller.com/techfaq.html

His view about photography truly makes sense to me and his tip about photographing people is something that I dream to master.


6) For digital photography FAQs, this page has been of great help.


7) The Flickr Site. It's a big mine of tips and tricks and techniques and ideas from Pro and amateur photographers alike. One post that is still fresh to me is the discussion about SRGB and Adobe RGB options in digital cameras.


8) Canon websites (because I'm using a Canon). Here's a procedure on how to use Picture Style files in your camera from one of the Canon site.


9) And tips and techniques from another Canon site. Ah great, I found a very helpful article about Halloween photography here.

10) http://dpreview.com/.

Like Flickr, this site is a big, big mine of information. I love reading threads in the forums because I always pick up something from there.

11) http://www.betterphoto.com/allAbout.asp

It's a great site that offers tips to photographers. I've recently read its tip on how to avoid titling horizons. I also like their tip about about exposure compensation.

12) http://photoinf.com/

Lots of informative posts can be found here. I truly enjoy reading its about posts about composition - check the Part 1 here (also tackles about the Rule of the Thirds), Part 2
and the Part 3 about framing your shots here.

13) http://www.photomigrations.com/articles/archive.htm.

Here's one of my favorite articles from the site - it's about taking close ups.

These are my 13 for this week- I actually would love to add more (since there are lots of wonderful photography sites in the Internet) but I'm sticking to the theme. So there you are guys.

Oh btw, if you have your favorite site about photography to share, just drop me a line in the comment and I'll be checking it out too.

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Gmail Gadgets

What's new in the Gmail blog? Calendar and Docs Gadget. Click the link to find out what exactly these are :-)

No to Triclosan Now

I was researching about liquid handsoaps when I stumbled into articles about a common component to antibacterial handsoaps: triclosan.

I didn't realize that this common ingredient found in soaps and other toiletries, and which boasts of killing bacterias and preventing illness, is a health hazard in itself. Ugh, to think I'm so fond of products containing triclosan. Yes I definitely am! In fact whenever I scour the grocery for new products, more often than not, I pick up products that has triclosan indicated in their labels. Boy, I'm just glad that latest liquid wash I bought is non-medicated and doesn't contain triclosan (indicated in the label).

Anyway, I've read insightful articles about triclosan here and here. The effects are staggeringly frightening.

Triclosan is linked to liver and inhalation toxicity, and low levels of triclosan may disrupt thyroid function.

So I know better now. And the order of the day is to get rid of that bottle of antibacterial liquid wash sitting on the lavatory of our bathroom. If you have time, read more about triclosan here and here. I bet you'll be glad you've read them.

By the way, this is what the cosmetic database has to say about triclosan.

Also if you want to check life insurance rates, just click the link.

Freeze It, Bust It

I didn't know that putting things like stuff toys in the fridge can kill dustmites. Good thing I stumbled into this article. It says there that the "cool down" will kill them.

With my son being so allergic (and asthmatic, at that), I always find myself keeping his stuff toys away from him. Of course, there are days when doing so is not too easy. But now, at least I have an idea on what to do. Guess, it will really be a real treat for my son when he can be with his Barney again.

Cutey, Smiley, Baby

Have you tried using the emoticons in your Gmail?  If you're on your Gmail now,  try it and you see how cool it is. Indeed, a picture is worth a thousand words. In fact it can replace a thousand words!

How to Open .ppsx Files

The other day my friend ran into a problem. He wasn't able to open a .ppsx (or a PowerPoint 2007 XML Showfile) sent to him. Being somewhere without internet connection and no Swiss Army luggage, he asked a favor if I could look it up.

Of course, good friend that I am *smirk*, I immediately proceeded to search the Internet for a quick fix to his problem.

Here's a very helpful post that I found during my search. The post includes instruction how to open the said file using Powerpoint 2003.

It's a Faster Mobile Gmail

I'm so outdated. But good thing I read this post in the Gmail blog about the release of the improved Gmail software for mobile (J2ME-supported and BlackBerry phones.) I installed it early this morning and had my existing software, which was still 1.5, replaced with the newly released 2.0 version.

It's indeed faster. I'm in a low-signal area now and I'm using my N70 but I can see the difference between this 2.0 and the 1.5 in terms of the loading time. Definitely faster, I swear. For more of the enhancement details, check the Gmail blog.

See for yourself and download the Mobile Gmail 2.0 application by going to m.google.com/mail in your mobile browser.

What I'm Looking Forward in November

1. An important family affair (I'm not telling what it is because this is still in the works)


2. My husband's homecoming *whistling*


3. My son's 3rd birthday *yipee!*


4. My cousin (and her husband's) homecoming


5. Salon appointment *finally!*


6. Bonding with my sister who will be home from Japan


7. Positive Career assessment *God-willing*


8. Halloween Mall Sale


9. Mini vacation to Hongkong *woot*


10. Packing clothes for #9, which gives me enough reason to shop and go to #8 *double woot*


11. Taking lots of photographs of the sights in HK *of course!*


12. Visiting Disneyland *happy dance*


13. Cash credited to my account (for #8 to 11 to be possible *smile* )

Experiencing iGoogle For The First Time

If I'm not too careful, this site might fall into another niche or category other than what I first envisioned it to be. But really, I can't help but blog about my latest discoveries - mostly software and internet related.

You see I was bloghopping one day when I stumbled into a post about using iGoogle. I know, I know I'm so not updated. But what can I say, I have other concerns besides my online life. :-)

Anyway back to iGoogle. I think it's cool. I just lurve the fact that you can organize the page to see the inbox and other sites you follow and frequently read. See what I meant by clicking and enlarging the picture. I've added few favorites so that when I log on to my account I can immediately see what's new. And I've placed a Date/Time window too because I'm really so forgetful I couldn't decide what day is it at times. On the rightmost part (sidebar), I also placed few sites for entertainment purposes.

If you have not tried iGoogle, try it and see for yourself. Maybe you won't like it, maybe you would but then it's always great to try new things -and best to experience and see for your yourself.

Read, Read, Read Reviews

Last week -or was it a week before that I just couldn't be sure (but trust me, I'm sure as heavens about what I've read :-), I read the post of one of my bosom friends. The post mentioned about her having problems with her current webhost and at the end of it, she was soliciting suggestions from her readers for some webhost recommendations.

Reading it, my first thought was, oh how can she be having problems when her current webhost is quite popular and as a matter of fact this webhosting company was awarded as the Best Blog Hosting in 2007. I've also seen numerous sites hosted by this webhosting company (clue: it has something to do with the sky). So popular is this company that I too considered doing business with them - but that was before my sister recommended a friend's company (of which I'm lucky and that I really have nothing to complain about their services).

So anyway back to the post of my friend,I didn't want to come too strong or be offensive so instead of asking like Detective Conan, I only dropped a line telling her about the customized plan I have with another webhosting company (the one that my sister recommended).

That was weeks ago and I have quite forgotten all about if not for the fact that this morning, I was reading few articles online - one is about the Economic Impact on The Web Hosting Industry from a web hosting blog (It's a great blog, by the way and one can learn so much from there) - when I chanced upon the customer reviews on this popular webhosting company. And what I've read surprised me. It seems that, to say the least, customers are not satisfied with its services. Reading from the reviews, my previous statement may actually be an understatement. The talk there was not good. It's actually an eye-opener and boy, ain't I glad I didn't end up doing business with them!

So to put this post to sleep (or is everyone asleep now?), let me just say that I always find reading reviews beneficial. Almost always, reviews always give me views of the two sides of the coin. So whether you're looking for appliances, cosmetics, webhosts, make sure to read consumer/client reviews first. Needless to say, you'll pick up few things from what other people are saying.

Go Figure

If you've chanced upon this blog more than once, I believe you'll notice that I've been posting linkies to the Gmail blog lately. If you haven't seen these posts, humor me check them here, here, here and here. I'll pretend you'll be checking the posts. :-)

I'm afraid I've turned into an echo- or this blog has. But this is because, since I discovered the blog, I'm learning new things and being a Gmail user, I am happy with this - discovery and all. I can be slow -apart from forgetful- at times, but I am learning at my own pace.

Now apart from that, I actually never realized until very recently - like today- that I'm getting another benefit for following the blog: traffic. To illustrate, see graph below.


For the longest time I haven't really checked my Sitemeter but today since I have little time to spare and got nothing specific to do, I suddenly remembered to check on my stat. Funny how I got so obsessed with stats when I was still very new to blogging.

Needless to say, nonetheless I'm saying it, the graph shows the humble stat of tipsandtricks for the past 4 days. Notice something? Right. Something significant happened on Friday October 17. Notice the sudden rise of traffic that day? What's caused this two fold increase of the usual traffic?

Checking the entry page, I can see that the traffic came through this post which I posted on Friday. When I checked the referrals, lo and behold, I found out that the referring page is no other than the Gmail blog! So there's the answer. Ha, this should be a no-brainer but I can't believe I discovered that only now -and by accident, at that.

Finally, to validate all this, I'm doing an experiment now. The Gmail has recently published a post about reading your email in Android-powered phones. Although I read my mail on my mobile and my iTouch all the time, I have no experience with these Android-powered phones yet. This also means I don't have relevant opinion to the subject. But then you realized this post is like hitting 3 birds with one stone. As for the tip, go figure. I'm quite sure I was the last one to have figured it out.

Empty Message?

No, not now. Although in consonance with the subject (of this post), I was contemplating of just publishing a blank page. But if only that doesn’t sound silly and impossible since I am such a big talker (online, that is).

Now since I don't want to publish an empty page or just a link (as in one link without a single sentence) - you can see that I’d rather risk sounding silly with words and sentences than just keeping quiet - so goes the reason for this meaningless blabbering. Hehe.

Anyway, for some tip about sending empty email messages (one where the subject already contains the message), I’ll give you again a link of a post in the Gmail blog. Have a lovely day!

HDTV

Wear at your own risk

Okay, hands down I love Crocs. I love their sandals. They are enticing little things! And it seems that I can't get enough of them but of course, I have *ahem* skillfully mastered the art of restraining myself from picking up a pair (or pairs!) and bringing it (them) to the counter. I actually have enough practise of this whenever I drop by their shop, where I only content myself, believe it or not, by just looking and fitting... and then leaving empty-handed. :-)

Anyway, as much as I want to forget the issues concerning Crocs, which I mentioned awhile back, I just can't. I've read news and worrywart as I am, and despite being forgetful, I just don't easily forget them (the irony of life!).

SO what am I talking about? This may not be new to you (it actually is not new to me too) but here's a newbit from FoxNews about the parent of a maimed kid who sued Crocs Inc. because of the lack of safety feature of their rubber clogs.

So which side am I in all these hullabaloo? Naturally, I sympathize with parents and the kids (or even adults) who've been in accident while wearing Crocs. But in the first place, isn't it their choice to wear the footwear themselves? Or the choice of parents to buy and let their kids wear them? Now if parents don't think these are the safest footwear, then don't.let.your.kids.wear it. Otherwise, I think, part of the responsibility also lies on the shoulders of the able and deciding adults -who shell out cash for these pairs. But then, that's just me speaking. :-)

Gmail Goggles is Making Me Giggle

Have you been caught in a situation where you deeply regret something you've said or done?

Am sure you have been. Me? I always find myself in and out of this situation. Like this morning, I was in this "honest mode" and ended up hurting someone's feelings (because of being too honest!) -albeit unintentionally. To suddenly be awashed with guilt is definitely not a good start for the day!

With the exchange (although it's civil but still an uneasy one at that) this morning, how I wished I have answered mathematical problems before saying what was on my mind. Like this Gmail feature that checks if one is in "the right state of mind" when sending an email. (Intrigued, go here to read about it). It's a brilliant setup and a funny one at that -actually made me giggle today.

Ah the wonders of technology. Maybe the next time, I'll hear of phones having a feature like this too (or is it existing already?). Now if only I can have this seamlessly incorporated in my system, too - or shall I say EFFICIENTLY? You know, mentally answer math problems first before opening my mouth (and I'd have saved myself from feeling crappy).

(Or maybe the better tip would be to stick to counting 1 to 100 or 1000 or up to a million the next time!)

Random Things ...

1) What’s the best advice that’s been given to you? Think things over, don't rush things.

2) If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be? I wanted to be more understanding and patient.

3) Do you care about the way you look? Yes.

4) Do you like to give advice? If it is solicited, yes.

5) Are you a daydreamer? Yes

6) Are you an angel? In disguise, maybe. But you have to ask my husband. Ouch!

7) Shampoo: Now? It's the moisturizing shampoo from Body Shop

8) Toothpaste: Sensodyne

9) Flower: Any (it's the thought that counts)

10) Color: Green and yellow

11) Person you admire: Anita Roddick

12) If you could meet one person dead or alive: Mahatma Gandhi

13) Lust or love? Don't glare at me if I say both. For me it has to be Love -then, lust. Like I want to have both hugs or kisses.

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Fashionable Glasses

You might have heard of it. Or seen it around. Or someone you know like a friend or loved one might already be using it.

It’s those stylish yet affordable glasses from ZenniOptical.com that I’m talking about. Yeah, I’m sure you’ve seen it. Highly-publicized on TV, print, broadcast, yes, I’m positive, I’m sure. And I’ll even put in my last penny that you’ve definitely seen. Or are you using it …now? Like now? Are you kidding me but I’ll definitely understand it if you’ve fallen for these fashionable eyeglasses too.

But if you have no clue, here I'll show you some glasses with cool frames.



See? Definitely, eyecandy! Love these three. And do you know that new stocks have just arrived? Right. That’s absolutely right. They have new sets of frames to choose from. So if you are on a budget and is looking for stylish and affordable glasses, you really need not look too far. Just remember the name. It’s ZenniOptical and they have lots of high quality frames and lens to choose from.

Moreover, all of their eyeglasses orders include the following features and add-ins:

• Thin and Light 1.57 index lens
• Anti Scratch Coating
• Full UV Protection
• Lens edge polishing and beveling
• Quality Hard Eyeglass case
• Microfiber Lens Cleaning Cloth
• Full Guarantee

And here's a thought or two from The Clark Howard Show. Remember anyone can be fashionable without hurting the wallets.

Horizontal Stripes

As a rule, if you're a little heavy on the side, it's best to keep away from donning clothings with horizontal stripes as these lines create an illusion of width.

Go for pieces of clothing with vertical stripes instead because these will make you look slimmer and taller.

But.

If you think you can get away with the horizontal stripes, then don't limit yourself with the rules. Remember, it's not what the rule says that matter but almost always, whether one is able to give justice to the clothing. Besides, it's great to break the rules sometimes. :-) 

So if you think you can carry it well, the go for it.

Surviving Without a Mouse

For those of you who are wondering if it's possible to navigate your Gmail Inbox without a mouse, here's an answer from the official Gmail blog.

Using letters, this is absolutely possible. Example:

k = for moving the cursor upwards
j = for moving the cursor downwards

For more shortcuts, check the said post at the Gmail blog.

Lightroom 2.1: How to Change the Location of LR Catalog

I'm still new to Lightroom and still learning the ropes of this great photo editing tool. I've like it so far - well, if not for the fact that it freezes from time to time. Investigating, I recently discovered that it is eating up my Drive C space*, first because it generates a Catalog file in the drive. This, of course, slowed down the processes/applications in my computer.

So the other day I searched the internet for a solution. I may not be looking far enough and haven't been patient enough because unfortunately I was not able to find a step-by-step instruction on how to move and change the location of the Catalog folder containing the Lightrooma2 Catalog.lrcat file. I did find a clue somewhere in one of the photography forums.

So with this, I checked and checked. And alas, my checking was not in vain because I finally figured out how to do it.

*Before I give the trick in moving the .lrcat file, let's first see where the Lightroom Catalog folder is located. To check, go to Edit >> Catalog Setting >> General. In the General tab, this information is specified.

To change the location of the Lightroom Catalog? Easy really (except that someone like me took almost forever to figure it out!)

Go to Edit >> Preferences >> General. In the General tab, look for the Default Catalog . A path may already be specified there (as in the picture below) or the line that says "Load most recent catalog." At the rightmost side, you will notice that there's a pull-down menu.

Go to Other... (underlined) then you can choose the current location of the .lrcat file in the Lightroom Catalog folder which you just moved.

That's that. Easy peasy- like getting one of those Outer Banks rentals! If you want to verify whether the change is successfully effected, check again by going to Edit >> Catalog Setting >> General. You should see the path from there.

Pamper Your Feet

If our feet could talk... I'm sure they would have complained about the weight they carry all day!
And how much is that? 45kilos? 50kilos? 80kilos?

Now imagine if you had to squeeze them inside ill-fitting footwear in the name of fashion... under the heat of the relentless sun. What torture that must be!

Imagine.

They'd have screamed. yelled. thrashed!

But feet couldn't talk. They only sweat -and smell and get blisters. Or get inflamed ie. Plantar Fasciitis.

Anyway, how do we make up for the hardwork they do everyday? For their limitless patience and uncomplaining attitude, it's good to give them what they truly deserve. Once in a while, let's give them a little time for pampering. There's really no need to spend much or have someone do the pampering for us.

Here's an easy way which anyone can do anytime (although this is best done before hitting the sack).

Soak feet in milk for 10-15 minutes (it depends on how much time one can spare). Scrub feet with salt and oil mixture (fine table salt and olive oil can be used). Rinse thoroughly and apply moisturizer. Seal in the softness with thick cotton socks.

What Kind of Sandal Are You?

You are Thong Sandals

Trendy and modern You're always seen in the latest styles From glam to casual, you always look fantastic!

What Kind of Sandal Are You?

It says I'm a thong but I rarely use thongs these days (for footwear, that is!). But if you count the slippers, then I am totally THAT. Thong, to-thong, thong-thong!

I

Speaking of sandals, I so dig this sandals from Crocs (despite issues with Crocs sandals but okay, that's another issue, and maybe for another post). It is comfortable and yet stylish (for me). So love its design. Its construction is also great because it makes my feet breathe. I wear it frequently - and wear it with shortpants, jeans, skirt, leggings...anything!