Our latest addition to the iTunes App Store, MonoPhix Monochrome App for iPhone is getting an update within the next weeks. It’s the first of the -Phix apps that will be updated to version v2.0. But MonoPhix carries this tag with pride bringing a total of 15 changes and new features.

In MonoPhix 2.0, iphoneographers will be able to control the output of their Monochrome pictures completely. Where other apps only enable you to change the contrast settings, MonoPhix v2.0 will enable you to set highlights and shadow intensity. In this way you can make simple grayscale images with incredibly bright clear parts or adjust the sliders to make beautiful Monochrome images of pictures taken in all conditions. All changes can be previewed using a thumbnail.

Another major change is the absence of the Hard Mono and normal Grayscale features, these can now be accomplished by setting the slider in the right position with or without a little help from 4 preset settings. The missing buttons have been replaced by buttons to enable Sepia and Antique filters using the same depth and sliders which you use to make monochrome images.

Other changes include a significantly smaller filesize, a more logical save dialog and faster Monochrome filters provided by a major upgrade to the MonoCore engine.

But pictures say more than 1000 words (here are some pictures edited with MonoPhix v2.0 Release Candidate 1) :

MonoPhix v2.0 Monochrome example

Another MonoPhix Monochrome example - "Light at the end of the tunnel"

MonoPhix v2.0 Sepia example - Antique Fields

Another Sepia example which shows the right grain balance - Scratched Snow

Final example : Sepia - Monaco Train Station

Screenshots will be posted at release, MonoPhix v2.0 will be submitted to the App Store when all Beta testers approve of its quality.

CorelDRAW had its 20th anniversary just recently. If a software can stand for 20 years it couldn’t be that bad, right? But yes, it looks awkward and many people simply ignore it, since it is not “cool” enough. Its designer community isn’t large and the software itself has some disadvantages, which make it look a bit awkward. Let’s reviews some advantages and disadvantages of using this software.

Introduction

Why is that only people already addicted to CorelDRAW use it? Maybe they know something we don’t. In this article, I’ll review some of the issues with CorelDRAW. I think the developers of this software have created a sharp program, but not so user friendly.

CorelDRAW is very precise and reliable. All the tools give maximum control, but you must fight your way through to learn them. It’s definitely not the software that you can take for a quick spin and easily create great artwork.

The good news is that when you get used to its feature set, it becomes part of your thinking and can be a strong tool for creating astounding artwork. Let’s review a few pros and cons of CorelDRAW.

Er…How Do I Navigate?

First of all forget about the Space Bar equals Pan thesis. CorelDRAW has a navigator board but I must admit it’s not the real thing and most people don’t even know where it is (small box at the lower-right corner of the interface).

The easiest way to navigate is to zoom in and out to the pointer area with your mouse. This can be tricky sometimes if your mouse isn’t smooth enough. Sounds strange but once accustomed to this navigation technique you will get addicted to it. If you still feel lost grab the Hand Tool (H) to pan, and press spacebar to change back to the previous tool.

What About Freehand Brushes?

This is a real pain. CorelDraw’s freehand tools are only a concept but are nearly impossible to use them. Just try to do a quick hatching with the the freehand tool. You will end up with a mess, since you will continuously select the previously drawn lines.

It’s OK though, as this is not primarily freehand painting or sketching software. There are some other industry standard tools on the Corel palette (for example Painter) which excel in this field. But once again this is a week point since the core concept of the software is not to painting.

The World’s Best and Easiest Curves/Nodes Management

When you get down to the details you will be amazed how easy is to use the bezier tool and how precise its curve management is. If you are after vectorization then Corel Draw is great. Corel Draw is excellent software when it comes to vector tools. You have all the control over the nodes and curves with mathematical precision.

The right-click context menu makes vectorization so precise that technical illustration is easy to create. I take a deep bow in front of the team who developed this. This part is the strength of CorelDRAW from the dawn of vector software.

Super Fine Gradient Mesh

You need photo-realistic vectors? Just grab the super easy gradient mesh tool and you will make unbelievable vector portraits in no time. The Corel company has bundled photo-realistic art already in the version 8 clip art, and don’t forget the Hedy Lamar illustration on the cover of version 8. If you check the Corel community galleries you will find some gorgeous photo-realistic portraits, though the galleries are sometimes awkward and the community isn’t very exciting.

Highly Controllable Boolean Operations

I simply love this part of CorelDRAW. When you need to cut, weld, trim or intersect just open up the shaping docker and you have maximum control over the Boolean operations and the resulting shapes. Actually, you can base your style on these fine set of tools. Check them out for yourself.

Strange and Useful Effects

The effect palette is also a strength of CorelDRAW. I use these tools most of the time, especially the contour tool. Try some of this for extra options.

Color Separation and Prepress Goodness

If you’re working in the DTP business, CorelDRAW is your humble servant. It corrects your mistakes silently and makes color separation and prepress work as easy as it can be. The main concept of this software, the precision, has its word in the printing menu.

Screen Refreshing

If you want to spare yourself from getting upset, then don’t forget to press Command + W often to refresh the screen. CorelDRAW tends to forget to do this for you, which can be quite annoying sometimes.

Trace!

CorelDRAW has top notch tracing software integrated. It is quick, highly-customizable, and precise. Even if you don’t like other parts of the software, trying Corel Draw’s trace is a must. As a plus they have included a font recognition routine in the X4 version, which uses What the font! to find out what font was used on your scan. Nice idea!

Who uses CorelDraw Anyway?

Some really great artists from all around the world use CorelDRAW. Here is a short list to demonstrate.

AtixVector (Santiago, Chile)

machine56 (Bandung, Indonesia)

umidelmare(Wonderland)

Igor Tkac (igortshirts)

anhem

trojza (Alexander Poslykhalin)

GruberJan (Tatsyana Prokofieva)

Alexxx1 (Alexey Oglushevich)

RookeMare (Denvah, Colorado)

Ramonova (Russia)

Bmart333 (Pittsburgh, PA)

Conclusion

CorelDRAW can be awkward, especially to new users, but powerful in the hands of a seasoned user. You must decide the right vector software for you.

If you are a fan of South Park, choose Corel Draw because all the characters, scenery, and props are drawn using this vector package, as wikipedia states.

Finally, below is some artwork from renowned vectorist Roberlan, which showcase the choosing a vector software platform controversy.

Nobody starts writing from the very first moment they are supposed to write. There are some steps to write a cause and effect essay. The steps presented here are for an efficient 5-paragraph cause and effect essay. First, we start from the structure then, with an example.

Introduction Paragraph

1. With something catchy, introduce what you want to discuss. (You can write about anything which is relevant to the topic in important ways.)
   
2. Try to define the meaning of what you want to talk about. (e.g. If your topic is about the effects of child abuse, try to bring its definitions from several sources.)
3. This step is writing your Blueprint. Mention the causes -or the effects- of the phenomenon in short. (Do not explain them. You are going to do this in the body paragraphs.)

Body Paragraph 1

You need to develop your first body paragraph on the basis of the first cause -or effect- you mentioned in the introduction. Do not forget that you need to observe the paragraph writing rules to write a powerful paragraph.

Body Paragraph 2

You need to develop your second body paragraph on the basis of the second cause -or effect- you mentioned in the introduction. You can also connect the paragraphs with each other through transitional words.

Body Paragraph 3

You need to develop your third body paragraph on the basis of the third cause -or effect- you mentioned in the introduction. Do not forget the topic sentence and the supporting sentences.

Concluding Paragraph

In the concluding paragraph, it is better to give a summary of important points in other words. It is like the summary of your essay. Neither explain again nor mention the ideas exactly like you explained or mentioned in the essay. Try to use other words and sentences to make your paragraph look graceful. It also shows your skill in talking about the same idea in different sophisticated sentences.

At the end, you can end you writing with a clincher -a point, fact, or remark that settles something conclusively; it is a decisive factor and ends your essay beautifully.

[有趣] Pic Grunger ：照字面上是把照片弄的很破爛的意思阿…透過這個軟體可以把照片搞的像是揉皺的相紙，剛從垃圾桶撿起來的樣子。＄0.99。
（這個我還蠻想要的說…）
itunes link

A cause and effect essay is a type of descriptive essay. In cause and effect essays, you either talk about the causes which lead a phenomenon to occur or the effects which are resulted from that phenomenon.

Imagine that a huge fire happened in a forest near a town. Such a happening certainly had some reasons (causes) and it would have some results (effects). Let’s mention some possible causes and effects of a fire in a forest near a town.

Event: A forest near a small town burned in a huge fire.

Causes:

• The weather was hot.
• There had been no rainfalls during the past three weeks.
• Some hikers forgot to put off the fire the day before.
• Some people intentionally set fire in the forest for some reasons.

Effects:

• A lot of wild life was lost.
• The town was evacuated for three days.
• Many farms  and some houses in the town burned down.
• A few firefighters were injured.
• The governor resigned because he could not control the fire well.

Here are some tips for writing a good cause and effect essay:

1. Remember to narrow down your topic. If you do not do it, you will face a very broad topic to discuss with a lot of cause or effects none of which can be ignored. Narrow down your topic, so you can have a few causes and effects.
2. To write a five-paragraph essay, you need to focus on either the causes or the effects because you cannot include both in an efficient essay.
3. Remember that when you are writing the causes or the effects, you need to avoid the word “maybe” in your writings. Try to give your causes or effects from a verified source.
4. Find enough details about the causes or the effects; details will be very helpful in developing the body paragraphs.
5. Do not go away from the main point. Your main point is to describe the causes or the effects of a phenomenon.

So, where have I been, you ask? I have been working on the book harder than ever, and I’m finally beginning to see the fruits of my labor much, much earlier than expected. The first chapter of the book was published independently as a stand-alone magic effect, called “Torched and Restored Revisited: An introduction to a Miracle.”

The 24 page booklet contains detailed instructions on how to perform the effect, a plethora of pics, the history of the effect, and a section called “the work behind it all” which really gets into the down and dirty details of why the effect works so well, and how to make it better. All in all it’s a worthy project that I believe adds value to the magic community as a whole.

The effect is on sale for $20 at Decks, Lies, and Videotape, and it comes with three bonus items that I will discuss in future posts. They are all valuable items. I believe that in this case, twenty dollars buys you thousands worth in knowledge.

The first thing a person notices about a dress shirt is its color. In a crowded room of suits, your choice of shirt colors will either help you stand out or blend in; the key here is what are your intentions and do you know how to mix and match your clothing in order to fulfill them. The only way to do this is to gain mastery in understanding 1) what color shades compliment you and 2) how those same colors frame you in your environment. The goal of this article is to help you to begin to understand both.

The Role of your Complexion, Hair, and Eye Color

A man’s complexion, hair color, and eye color are the key indicators he should use when selecting the color of a fabric which will cover his body. Unfortunately, most men make their color decision based on what they have worn in the past, what colors are readily available, and the ever-changing winds of fashion. The result is what you see today, a sea of solid white and blue shirts. The two most important factors in selecting shirt color are a man’s skin tone and hair color. Eye color is a wild-card factor; in the cases where eye color strongly contrasts a man’s complexion and hair color, it can be used to introduce colors that would otherwise have not compliment an individual. It is the relationship between these three factors that determines what contrast category a man falls into: either High, Low, or Medium Contrast

High Contrast Men

Put simply, these are men whose hair color is a stark contrast to their skin tone; black hair with white skin is a perfect example. For high contrast men, the key to looking good is to be able to mimic this color difference in their clothing with the contrast in their facial zone. A dark navy suit with a white shirt and a charcoal suit with an ice blue shirt are two combinations that compliment high contrast men. In general, light colored shirts with dark suits and dark/vibrant ties with light colored suits. Dark shirts with light suits can be accomplished, but pulling this off requires skill. High contrast men are always complimented by strong ties that stand out from the shirt.

Low Contrast Men

As the name suggests, these are men with a muted appearance. Light hair and light skin is the most common variant, but men with red hair, bald men, and men with little hair also fall into this category. The strengths of these men are the exact opposite of the high contrast men above. Low contrast men should seek a monochromatic look, as that a strong contrasting outfit will easily overpower their muted tones. Remember the purpose of a frame (your clothing) is to enhance the picture (your face). In general, low contrast men fair well with dark blues and earth tone dress shirts combined with dark suits. When wearing light gray or tan suits, the low contrast gentlemen needs to stay with lighter colored shirts and earth tones; white is permissible here if the suit is light enough to avoid a stark contrast. Be careful in your choice of tie, if the neck-wear stands out too much it can draw attention from your face to your chest and stomach.

Medium Contrast Men

If you don’t fall into one of the two extremes, you most likely fit into this group. Brown skinned men with dark hair are common members, along with lighter skinned men and with gray and white hair. With such a wide selection of facial tones and hair colors, it’s hard to give specific guidance in this category. What we will say is that most men do not fit exactly in the middle; instead they lean towards either low or high contrast. The afore mentioned dark haired men with brown skin; they lean towards the high contrast, and can not only utilize that man’s color combinations but they can get away with a few subtle monochromatic combinations. The same with the light skinned gentlemen with gray hair. He is more similar to the low contrast individual, and would do well to follow the rules set forth for that man. However, he can very successfully pull off a contrasting outfit, especially if his eyes or another feature compliment the color combination chosen. To sum it up, medium contrast men can enjoy the best of both worlds, but should be careful when venturing too far in one direction.

The Role of Seasons

It should be mentioned that although your natural colors are the dominant factors in determining what color clothing you should wear, they are not the only things you should pay attention to. A dandy also gives attention to the seasons, paying heed to the effect the colors around him have on the ensemble he has put together. The dark suit and dark colored shirt you decide to wear may look magnificent on you, but at a summer wedding you’ll find yourself not only hot under the collar but sticking out like a sore thumb. Let’s take a quick look at the seasons and the shades of color they invoke.

Spring

The season of re-birth, it’s here that we pinks, lavenders, and lighter shades of blue. Lighter weight fabrics are dusted off from their winter sleep, and a man would speak well of himself to wear multi-colored checks and stripes that compliment him.

Summer

A time when light and bold colors dominate the scene. Gold striped shirts, red checks, and of course a wide variety of blue solids and patterns should grace the wardrobe of the well dressed man. 100% cottons, linens, and silks are popular fabric choices because of their wicking qualities.

Fall

Earth Tones and heavier fabrics begin to make their appearance. Clothing tends to take on a somber appearance with the onset of cooler weather, and now with the weather getting cooler is a good time to wear blends. Their heat retention qualities are good on an cold evening you are caught without an overcoat.

Winter

Dark colors and heavy fabric such as flannels make their appearance. You can enliven your wardrobe a bit with a pink or maize oxford, but winter is the season you want to get your money’s worth from the fabrics designed to keep you warm. Forest green and brown tones are a stable during this season.

It’s important to remember that confidence in ones appearance is vital to looking great. When people look at you a tad longer than usual, you need to have the confidence in your outfit to know that it’s because you look that good (as opposed to looking that bad!). Our advice is to have the courage to know yourself, and from that knowledge choose the colors that best compliments you as an individual.

The first thing a person notices about a dress shirt is its color. In a crowded room of suits, your choice of shirt colors will either help you stand out or blend in; the key here is what are your intentions and do you know how to mix and match your clothing in order to fulfill them. The only way to do this is to gain mastery in understanding 1) what color shades compliment you and 2) how those same colors frame you in your environment. The goal of this article is to help you to begin to understand both.

The Role of your Complexion, Hair, and Eye Color

A man’s complexion, hair color, and eye color are the key indicators he should use when selecting the color of a fabric which will cover his body. Unfortunately, most men make their color decision based on what they have worn in the past, what colors are readily available, and the ever-changing winds of fashion. The result is what you see today, a sea of solid white and blue shirts. The two most important factors in selecting shirt color are a man’s skin tone and hair color. Eye color is a wild-card factor; in the cases where eye color strongly contrasts a man’s complexion and hair color, it can be used to introduce colors that would otherwise have not compliment an individual. It is the relationship between these three factors that determines what contrast category a man falls into: either High, Low, or Medium Contrast

High Contrast Men

Put simply, these are men whose hair color is a stark contrast to their skin tone; black hair with white skin is a perfect example. For high contrast men, the key to looking good is to be able to mimic this color difference in their clothing with the contrast in their facial zone. A dark navy suit with a white shirt and a charcoal suit with an ice blue shirt are two combinations that compliment high contrast men. In general, light colored shirts with dark suits and dark/vibrant ties with light colored suits. Dark shirts with light suits can be accomplished, but pulling this off requires skill. High contrast men are always complimented by strong ties that stand out from the shirt.

Low Contrast Men

As the name suggests, these are men with a muted appearance. Light hair and light skin is the most common variant, but men with red hair, bald men, and men with little hair also fall into this category. The strengths of these men are the exact opposite of the high contrast men above. Low contrast men should seek a monochromatic look, as that a strong contrasting outfit will easily overpower their muted tones. Remember the purpose of a frame (your clothing) is to enhance the picture (your face). In general, low contrast men fair well with dark blues and earth tone dress shirts combined with dark suits. When wearing light gray or tan suits, the low contrast gentlemen needs to stay with lighter colored shirts and earth tones; white is permissible here if the suit is light enough to avoid a stark contrast. Be careful in your choice of tie, if the neck-wear stands out too much it can draw attention from your face to your chest and stomach.

Medium Contrast Men

If you don’t fall into one of the two extremes, you most likely fit into this group. Brown skinned men with dark hair are common members, along with lighter skinned men and with gray and white hair. With such a wide selection of facial tones and hair colors, it’s hard to give specific guidance in this category. What we will say is that most men do not fit exactly in the middle; instead they lean towards either low or high contrast. The afore mentioned dark haired men with brown skin; they lean towards the high contrast, and can not only utilize that man’s color combinations but they can get away with a few subtle monochromatic combinations. The same with the light skinned gentlemen with gray hair. He is more similar to the low contrast individual, and would do well to follow the rules set forth for that man. However, he can very successfully pull off a contrasting outfit, especially if his eyes or another feature compliment the color combination chosen. To sum it up, medium contrast men can enjoy the best of both worlds, but should be careful when venturing too far in one direction.

The Role of Seasons

It should be mentioned that although your natural colors are the dominant factors in determining what color clothing you should wear, they are not the only things you should pay attention to. A dandy also gives attention to the seasons, paying heed to the effect the colors around him have on the ensemble he has put together. The dark suit and dark colored shirt you decide to wear may look magnificent on you, but at a summer wedding you’ll find yourself not only hot under the collar but sticking out like a sore thumb. Let’s take a quick look at the seasons and the shades of color they invoke.

Spring

The season of re-birth, it’s here that we pinks, lavenders, and lighter shades of blue. Lighter weight fabrics are dusted off from their winter sleep, and a man would speak well of himself to wear multi-colored checks and stripes that compliment him.

Summer

A time when light and bold colors dominate the scene. Gold striped shirts, red checks, and of course a wide variety of blue solids and patterns should grace the wardrobe of the well dressed man. 100% cottons, linens, and silks are popular fabric choices because of their wicking qualities.

Fall

Earth Tones and heavier fabrics begin to make their appearance. Clothing tends to take on a somber appearance with the onset of cooler weather, and now with the weather getting cooler is a good time to wear blends. Their heat retention qualities are good on an cold evening you are caught without an overcoat.

Winter

Dark colors and heavy fabric such as flannels make their appearance. You can enliven your wardrobe a bit with a pink or maize oxford, but winter is the season you want to get your money’s worth from the fabrics designed to keep you warm. Forest green and brown tones are a stable during this season.

It’s important to remember that confidence in ones appearance is vital to looking great. When people look at you a tad longer than usual, you need to have the confidence in your outfit to know that it’s because you look that good (as opposed to looking that bad!). Our advice is to have the courage to know yourself, and from that knowledge choose the colors that best compliments you as an individual.

The first thing a person notices about a dress shirt is its color. In a crowded room of suits, your choice of shirt colors will either help you stand out or blend in; the key here is what are your intentions and do you know how to mix and match your clothing in order to fulfill them. The only way to do this is to gain mastery in understanding 1) what color shades compliment you and 2) how those same colors frame you in your environment. The goal of this article is to help you to begin to understand both.

The Role of your Complexion, Hair, and Eye Color

A man’s complexion, hair color, and eye color are the key indicators he should use when selecting the color of a fabric which will cover his body. Unfortunately, most men make their color decision based on what they have worn in the past, what colors are readily available, and the ever-changing winds of fashion. The result is what you see today, a sea of solid white and blue shirts. The two most important factors in selecting shirt color are a man’s skin tone and hair color. Eye color is a wild-card factor; in the cases where eye color strongly contrasts a man’s complexion and hair color, it can be used to introduce colors that would otherwise have not compliment an individual. It is the relationship between these three factors that determines what contrast category a man falls into: either High, Low, or Medium Contrast

High Contrast Men

Put simply, these are men whose hair color is a stark contrast to their skin tone; black hair with white skin is a perfect example. For high contrast men, the key to looking good is to be able to mimic this color difference in their clothing with the contrast in their facial zone. A dark navy suit with a white shirt and a charcoal suit with an ice blue shirt are two combinations that compliment high contrast men. In general, light colored shirts with dark suits and dark/vibrant ties with light colored suits. Dark shirts with light suits can be accomplished, but pulling this off requires skill. High contrast men are always complimented by strong ties that stand out from the shirt.

Low Contrast Men

As the name suggests, these are men with a muted appearance. Light hair and light skin is the most common variant, but men with red hair, bald men, and men with little hair also fall into this category. The strengths of these men are the exact opposite of the high contrast men above. Low contrast men should seek a monochromatic look, as that a strong contrasting outfit will easily overpower their muted tones. Remember the purpose of a frame (your clothing) is to enhance the picture (your face). In general, low contrast men fair well with dark blues and earth tone dress shirts combined with dark suits. When wearing light gray or tan suits, the low contrast gentlemen needs to stay with lighter colored shirts and earth tones; white is permissible here if the suit is light enough to avoid a stark contrast. Be careful in your choice of tie, if the neck-wear stands out too much it can draw attention from your face to your chest and stomach.

Medium Contrast Men

If you don’t fall into one of the two extremes, you most likely fit into this group. Brown skinned men with dark hair are common members, along with lighter skinned men and with gray and white hair. With such a wide selection of facial tones and hair colors, it’s hard to give specific guidance in this category. What we will say is that most men do not fit exactly in the middle; instead they lean towards either low or high contrast. The afore mentioned dark haired men with brown skin; they lean towards the high contrast, and can not only utilize that man’s color combinations but they can get away with a few subtle monochromatic combinations. The same with the light skinned gentlemen with gray hair. He is more similar to the low contrast individual, and would do well to follow the rules set forth for that man. However, he can very successfully pull off a contrasting outfit, especially if his eyes or another feature compliment the color combination chosen. To sum it up, medium contrast men can enjoy the best of both worlds, but should be careful when venturing too far in one direction.

The Role of Seasons

It should be mentioned that although your natural colors are the dominant factors in determining what color clothing you should wear, they are not the only things you should pay attention to. A dandy also gives attention to the seasons, paying heed to the effect the colors around him have on the ensemble he has put together. The dark suit and dark colored shirt you decide to wear may look magnificent on you, but at a summer wedding you’ll find yourself not only hot under the collar but sticking out like a sore thumb. Let’s take a quick look at the seasons and the shades of color they invoke.

Spring

The season of re-birth, it’s here that we pinks, lavenders, and lighter shades of blue. Lighter weight fabrics are dusted off from their winter sleep, and a man would speak well of himself to wear multi-colored checks and stripes that compliment him.

Summer

A time when light and bold colors dominate the scene. Gold striped shirts, red checks, and of course a wide variety of blue solids and patterns should grace the wardrobe of the well dressed man. 100% cottons, linens, and silks are popular fabric choices because of their wicking qualities.

Fall

Earth Tones and heavier fabrics begin to make their appearance. Clothing tends to take on a somber appearance with the onset of cooler weather, and now with the weather getting cooler is a good time to wear blends. Their heat retention qualities are good on an cold evening you are caught without an overcoat.

Winter

Dark colors and heavy fabric such as flannels make their appearance. You can enliven your wardrobe a bit with a pink or maize oxford, but winter is the season you want to get your money’s worth from the fabrics designed to keep you warm. Forest green and brown tones are a stable during this season.

It’s important to remember that confidence in ones appearance is vital to looking great. When people look at you a tad longer than usual, you need to have the confidence in your outfit to know that it’s because you look that good (as opposed to looking that bad!). Our advice is to have the courage to know yourself, and from that knowledge choose the colors that best compliments you as an individual.

It has been announced that Paranormal Effect will be released to DVD in January from Simius Films, this film has similar attributes to the recent phenomena Paranormal Activty which was relased in 2009. The Paranormal Activty plot is documenting a middle class couples’ move to a house in a typical suburban town, which at first seems normal until activity happens in the house which is unexplainable especially at nighttime. Mainly when they are trying to sleep. It is filmed by the male staying in the house using his personal camera and at nighttime placed on a tripod, this gives a sense of unreality and it has a similar style to Blair Witch Project.

Have a watch of the trailer it is a must see.

However, my main aim of this blog is to inform you on the recent copycats who want to seize onto this phenomena, which has recently began, because of  the style of film. For instance, Paranormal Effect is extremely similar to the film stated above, it is based on a young couple visiting Japan, shows how they explore the city, caves and how they come entangled in an old Japan curse. While filming they stumble across unfamiliar and tense occurences. However, this film appears to be a copycat of Paranormal Activity and lacking its own uniqueness, check the trailer below and decide for yourselves.

Thanks,

Claire

So I’m selling my motorcycle! yeap… vanessa couldn’t stay for long, I’m going to use the moneys to buy some new photography equipment. I can’t wait!!!

In other news, we threw down another photoshoot with Clear Effect, that I gave you guys a teaser on. This time I did the styling for the shoot. Kat’s theme was “rebel without a cause.” I’m hoping it translated well, my vision was a modern day Rosie the Rivetor. These were my favorite pix from the shoot! Enjoy…

Rebel without a cause..

Casanova Fresh

Ari

Hello, welcome to the Grammar Rant show. We have Debbie from Parry Sound on the line; please go ahead.

Yes, hello Mr. Grammar Rant. I saw your objection to the word “impact” in your excellent grammar book  “Write  Your Wrongs” published by Thomson/Nelson. Could you please explain your objection to the word? 

Of course, Debbie, and thank you, by the way, for that completely unsolicited plug for my book. 

I should start, however, by pointing out that my objection is not to the work “impact” per se, but to the use of the word when either “affect” or “effect” would be the more accurate words to use, as in , for example: The impact of the economic downturn was severe, which should more correctly be: “The effect of the economic downturn was severe.”

The solution is actually pretty straightforward. The majority of the time we can use affect as a verb and effect as a noun. 

Affect

To affect means “to influence,” as in, “The economic downturn affected workers,” or “The heat affected Debbie’s mood.” Affect can also mean to be pretentious, or act as if one were be superior in some way, as in, “She affected a snobby air of superiority.”

Effect 

Effect has a number of rather subtle meanings as a noun, but “a result” is pretty much part of the definitions. For example, “The effect – or the result – of the economic downturn has been job losses” or “ or “The humidity did not have an effect – or no result – on how Debbie felt.”  

Does that answer your question, Debbie? 

Oh yes, thank you Mr. Grammar Rant. I will never use the vague “impact” again when I really mean “affect” or “effect.”

Thank you to all our callers. Please tune in again next week when we once again answer your grammar questions.

Good night. Have a great weekend!

I am just loving the Tweening platform v11 by Jack Doyle. You keep on exploring the engine, it will keep on surprising you with its control, ease of use and flexibility. I used to be a big fan of Tweener before, but now its all TweenMax in my projects for the last 6-7 months or so. There a loads of features I can talk about right now which I absolutely love but may be I would explain them sometime later.

For now, I just want to say that I have now become a Shockingly Green Club GreenSock member and I would certainly encourage other developers to donate for all the effort Jack has been putting into making this platform so wonderful.

Photo manipulation is the application of image editing techniques to photographs in order to create an illusion or deception (in contrast to mere enhancement or correction), through analog or digital means. Its uses, cultural impact, and ethical concerns have made it a subject of interest beyond the technical process and skills involved.

Types of photo manipulation

In digital editing, photographs are usually taken with a digital camera and input directly into a computer. Transparencies, negatives or printed photographs may also be digitized using a scanner, or images may be obtained from stock photography databases. With the advent of computers, graphics tablets, and digital cameras, the term image editing encompasses everything that can be done to a photo, whether in a darkroom or on a computer. Photo manipulation is often much more explicit than subtle alterations to color balance or contrast and may involve overlaying a head onto a different body or changing a sign’s text, for example. Image editing software can be used to apply effects and warp an image until the desired result is achieved. The resulting image may have little or no resemblance to the photo (or photos in the case of compositing) from which it originated. Today, photo manipulation is widely accepted as an art-form.

History

Before computers, photo manipulation was achieved by retouching with ink, paint, double-exposure, piecing photos or negatives together in the darkroom, or scratching Polaroids.

The first recorded case of photo manipulation was in the early 1860s, when a photo of Abraham Lincoln was altered using the body from a portrait of John C. Calhoun and the head of Lincoln from a famous seated portrait by Mathew Brady – the same portrait which was the basis for the original Lincoln Five-dollar bill.

The 1980s saw the advent of digital retouching with Quantel computers running Paintbox, and Scitex imaging workstations being used professionally. Silicon Graphics computers running Barco Creator became available in the late 1980s which, alongside other contemporary packages, were effectively replaced in the market by Adobe Photoshop running on the Apple Macintosh.

Political and ethical issues

Photo manipulation is as old as photography itself; the idea of a photo having inherent verisimilitude is a social construct. Photo manipulation has been regularly used to deceive or persuade viewers, or for improved story-telling and self-expression. As early as the American Civil War, photographs were published as engravings based on more than one negative.

Joseph Stalin made use of photo retouching for propaganda purposes.[3] On May 5, 1920 his predecessor Lenin held a speech for Soviet troops that Leon Trotsky attended. Stalin had Trotsky retouched out of a photograph showing Trotsky in attendance. Nikolai Yezhov, an NKVD leader photographed alongside Stalin in at least one photograph, was shot in 1940 and subsequently edited out of the photograph. See images altered by Soviet censors for more information.

In the 1930s, John Heartfield used a type of photo manipulation known as the photomontage to critique Nazi propaganda. The pioneer among journalists distorting photographic images for news value was Bernarr Macfadden and his composograph in the mid-1920s.

The style and techniques of modern digital photomontage were anticipated as early as the late 1960s, particularly by the surreal album cover photography of the British design group Hipgnosis.

Some ethical theories have been applied to image manipulation. During a panel on the topic of ethics in image manipulation Aude Oliva theorized that categorical shifts are necessary in order for an edited image to be viewed as a manipulation. In Image Act Theory, Carson Reynolds extended speech act theory by applying it to photo editing and image manipulations. In How to Do Things with Pictures, William Mitchell details the long history of photo manipulation and discusses it critically.

Use in journalism

A notable case of a controversial photo manipulation was a 1982 National Geographic cover in which editors photographically moved two Egyptian pyramids closer together so that they would fit on a vertical cover. This case triggered a debate about the appropriateness of photo manipulation in journalism; the argument against editing was that the magazine depicted something that did not exist, and presented it as fact. There were several cases since the National Geographic case of questionable photo manipulation, including editing a photo of Cher on the cover of Redbook to change her smile and her dress. Another example occurred in early 2005, when Martha Stewart’s release from prison was featured on the cover of Newsweek; her face was placed on a slimmer woman’s body to suggest that she had lost weight while in prison.

Another famous instance of controversy over photo manipulation, this time concerning race, arose in the summer of 1994. After O.J. Simpson was arrested for allegedly murdering his wife and her friend, multiple publications carried his mugshot. Notably, TIME Magazine published an edition featuring an altered mugshot credited to Matt Mahurin, removing the photograph’s color saturation (perhaps inadvertently making Simpson’s skin darker), burning the corners, and reducing the size of the prisoner ID number. This appeared on newsstands right next to an unaltered picture by Newsweek.

There is a growing body of writings devoted to the ethical use of digital editing in photojournalism. In the United States, for example, the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) have set out a Code of Ethics promoting the accuracy of published images, advising that photographers “do not manipulate images [...] that can mislead viewers or misrepresent subjects.”  Infringements of the Code are taken very seriously, especially regarding digital alteration of published photographs, as evidenced in a recent case in which a Pulitzer prize-nominated photographer resigned his post following the revelation that a number of his photographs had been manipulated.

Social and cultural implications

The growing popularity of image manipulation has raised concern as to whether it allows for unrealistic images to be portrayed to the public. In her article “On Photography” (1977), Susan Sontag discusses the objectivity, or lack thereof, in photography, concluding that “photographs, which fiddle with the scale of the world, themselves get reduced, blown up, cropped, retouched, doctored and tricked out”. A practice widely used in the magazine industry, the use of Photoshop on an already subjective photograph, creates a constructed reality for the individual and it can become difficult to differentiate fact from fiction. With the potential to alter body image, debate continues as to whether manipulated images, particularly those in magazines, contribute to self-esteem issues in both men and women.

Photoshopping

Photoshopping is slang for the digital editing of photos.The term originates from Adobe Photoshop, the image editor most commonly used by professionals for this purpose; however, other programs, such as Paint Shop Pro, Corel Photopaint, Paint.NET, or GIMP, may be used. Adobe Systems, the publisher of Adobe Photoshop, discourages use of the term “photoshop” as a verb out of concern that it may undermine the company’s trademark.

Despite this, photoshop is widely used as a verb, both colloquially and academically, to refer to retouching, compositing, and color correction carried out in the course of graphic design, commercial publishing, and image editing.

In popular culture, the term photoshopping is sometimes associated with montages in the form of visual jokes, such as those published on the fark.com website and in MAD Magazine. Images may be propagated memetically via e-mail as humor or passed as actual news.[18][19] An example of the latter category is “Helicopter Shark,” which was widely circulated as a so-called “National Geographic Photo of the Year” and was later revealed to be a hoax.

wikipedia.org

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We will release two new vst plug-ins next week. As mentioned in the latest newsletter, they will be:

“Qu” – an effect with 4 separate filters which can be tuned individually to create harmonies within the filtered pitches. Great for industrial and ambient music.

“Root Delay” – a dub type delay / echo with a sweepable low pass filter. Separate Left and Right delay times, fully adjustable. Very good for dub / dub step or even techno effects.

Pricing for both plug-ins will be announced on the day of release, with announcements of special package discounts.

*These new effects will be released on the 26th November and sent out for free to all current NoiseSoft customers.*

Videos will be posted soon.

Lastly, thanks for the positive response to our latest plug-in “The Reductionist” free vst. And…once again we must warn people that the only official place to download or purchase our software / plug-ins is from our website.

days site -PG Web Portal Pro – portal management software.

One of the biggest problems that you can arrive in home staging actually has little to do with the home itself. Even if you do everything sensibly, trying to stage and sell a at ease that is surrounded by unattractive or poorly maintained homes can be contrary. The paragraphs that follow offer a few simple but effective tips to help make a more attractive despite unfavorable surroundings. These tips will also help you to set the home apart from the others, creating a private and inviting environment for potential buyers.

The firstt thing to keep in mind staging a home such an area is you want muddle through it different and more attractive, but you don’t longing make it sttand entirelyunconscious much. Making a home that looks like it doesn’t belong in the area can create an unappealing effect. The idea is to create a home and landscape that is inviting and welcoming that still feels like part of the neighborhood and the surrounding community.

An idea for making this het up b prepare is to up a teeny fence. The irresolute needn’t be upsetting stint, as is in place mostly representing a visual effect. This will separate the home and property from the others and create a tidy and beguiling space. A small fencce will do quite nicely can even span only the front and sides, as the deliberateness is not to keep anything out or in, but to invent a private blank.

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Staging homes in areas that less visually appealing is a unique challenge, but one that can be overcome with a bit creativity. Take at the neighborhood and understand what aspects the area need to be overcome. A portion of simple landscaping and defining the borders of the property can assault a sustained way towards helping to make the more appealing to hidden buyers and can help you create a space that captures the regard of buyers, drawing their eyes away from the other homes in the zone.

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