BioRUST Forums - Blogs - Synthetically Speaking by synthetic http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/ en Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:49:59 GMT vBulletin 60 http://forums.biorust.com/images/misc/rss.jpg BioRUST Forums - Blogs - Synthetically Speaking by synthetic http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/ Still kicking... for now http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/234-still-kicking-now.html Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:08:01 GMT Well... when it rains it pours it seems. I just got another possible web contract... possibly my biggest account yet should I decided to take it on for a textile cleaning company. I am still in middle of my roofing company website currently. I will post up a link to that one as soon as I wrap it up... Well... when it rains it pours it seems. I just got another possible web contract... possibly my biggest account yet should I decided to take it on for a textile cleaning company. I am still in middle of my roofing company website currently. I will post up a link to that one as soon as I wrap it up when I get back from vacation on the 3rd of next month.

Oh yeah... I am headed to Florida tomorrow for a family vacation for a week. Can't wait... never have I needed a vacation so badly. I haven't been sleeping a lot because of late nights working on these freelance projects while also dealing with the X and friends and then getting up early for work. Its taking its toll. If it weren't for those darn energy drinks (Monster and Red Jak are my favs), I would probably just drop somewhere and sleep lol.

In other news... I got email that the latest issue of PhotographyBB magazine will be available today and yours truly is the featured photographer this month. I was sent an email interview to which I replied back to the site admin with answers and some of my favorite pics. Kinda looking forward to seeing how that turned out.

I also just donated yesterday a 60" wide print of my last BW pano I posted not long ago. It was for an arts cultural fund raiser in which they wanted donations of art or photos for auctioning. I thought it might be a good way to get a little exposure while doing something good for an worthy cause. My father was nice enough to make the large print for me from his place of work at no cost too which was nice. He also printed out some others for me so I have a few that are larger than poster size and a few that are about poster size that I need to get framed now... uhggg... framing them is gonna cost me dearly I think due to size. ]]> synthetic http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/234-still-kicking-now.html Gonna Be Busy Spring http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/233-gonna-busy-spring.html Mon, 09 Mar 2009 22:18:45 GMT I feel bad I haven't been around a lot lately. I still try to at least stop by once a day but lots happening lately.

First up, dealing with some old feelings for an old love that has just told me she is getting married in a month. Its been really hard to deal with because we dated for 4 years, asked her to marry me less than 2 years ago and said "no.... just not right time"... we both got in an emotional rut from there and weren't happy so I said we should just be friends almost 1 year ago. Part of me always thought we would get back together I guess when we both were in a better mindset.

To help deal with emotional hangups... I have taken on some possible freelance projects. One is a website makeover. Story is a man had a programmer build a website and well.... it looks like it was made by a coder as well. So I need to see what he really wants and hit a price just under what the pros are charging.

Next, I got referred to a person who runs a "nipple piercing" business that specializes in valuable jewels and such (his website). He wants a marketing campaign to match his style of his website. Sounds like brochures, business cards, signage and possible TV graphics. Should be interesting considering the subject :megarofl:

So... I am still here... I pop in for a few minutes as I can but I am really just trying to keep busy because it helps me forget what I need to forget and move on... best part... I will be in Florida March 27th enjoying the sun, no work, and hopefully some good beer compliments of father for a family vacation. I can't think of better timing.... and I am for sure bringing the camera. Coco Beach and I have a date for an early morning photo shoot. ]]> synthetic http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/233-gonna-busy-spring.html My Dream Photo Assignment http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/227-my-dream-photo-assignment.html Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:09:57 GMT I just recently signed up for contest in which the idea was to dream up the greatest photo assignment ever. The winner of the contest is the person who gets the most votes for their idea and they get $50,000 to shoot whatever they want.

So my idea is to shoot Europe from an artist's point of view. Meaning, I would like to visit and shoot all the classic architecture, ruines, cobble stone streets and museums with the great works of past fine artists and such.

I have a little more detail on my trip here... I would really appreciate any votes I get for the contest. I highly doubt I have enough support to win over the masses but... every little bit helps and this is something too good not to try for. Please vote for me here.

Also, please feel free to follow the links for joining the contest yourself if interested as well. ;) ]]> synthetic http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/227-my-dream-photo-assignment.html <![CDATA[ST's Aquarium Adventures Continued]]> http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/225-sts-aquarium-adventures-continued.html Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:40:31 GMT Well, I am kinda bummed today. I must have an issue with my water because this morning I got up to feed fish before work and Red the Betta was sick. He had some white stuff on his snoot, color was bad and he wasn't swimming much. When I got home.... he was dead and attached to the power filter inlet. Never thought I would miss a fish but I really liked him. He had character and was the prettiest Betta the pet shop had. Glad I got a couple of pics of him before he passed.

The rest of the fish seem ok. I am going to pet shop tonight and have them test my water. I don't want to lose anymore fish.

Probably won't replace Red for awhile. I am thinking about just getting a 10 gallon to put on the stand under the 20 gallon and putting a new Betta in that by himself but it will be some time later this year before I can afford that. ]]> synthetic http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/225-sts-aquarium-adventures-continued.html New Fish http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/221-new-fish.html Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:23:20 GMT Well, I hadn't bought anymore fish after the last of the Neon Tetras disappeared due to money right now. The same friend that gave me the fish tank setup stopped by however and brought me over 7 new fish for my tank to play with Red.

I have 3 of these orange Mickey Mouse Platy's along with 3 Dwarf Gourami's. I also got some type of bottom feeder but can't remember his name.

And of course, Red wasn't too happy about his new roommates. He chased them around a bit poking at them. The Gourami's are actually a tad bigger in body size though and they sometimes would poke back. The Platy's are smaller and would run.

Not sure how this group will pan out with Red's temper. We'll find out in the next episode of "Synthetic's Tank Adventures" lol.

Now just gotta think of some way to thank my buddy for his generosity. I just looked at the receipt and he got me almost $40 in fish. :eek: ]]> synthetic http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/221-new-fish.html <![CDATA[Tetra's are just about gone]]> http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/216-tetras-just-about-gone.html Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:32:17 GMT Well, despite what I have read and pet store told me... Neon Tetra's are not a good fish to put in with a male Betta. Out of 6... I am down to 2 and I think they will be gonners by time I get home today.

It seems the Betta likes messing with them. He will chase one for a bit but never really tries to snip it... just chases and I think that is enough to scare those little things into a heart attack. I watched one happen last night... it was weird. He suddenly became distant and didn't want to hang with his other 2 buddies and kept swimming to top like he was gasping for air. Then he would fall down like he was dead but then suddenly start darting randomly all over the tank. He did this for about 15 minutes before finally he just quit moving and laid at the top.

There was 2 left when I left this morning and I could tell they were both scared silly and one already looked like it was getting the same distant look as the one last night and was going out on his own without his buddy. I have a feeling one of both will be gone when I return from work today.

Lessoned learned there. Gotta get fish that are close in size to the Betta... he's just too big of a bully to have those tiny fish in with him. Red's a bully but still love him. He's got personality and he actually seems to respond to my appearance near the tank so I guess I will keep him lol. ]]> synthetic http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/216-tetras-just-about-gone.html Getting a Pet http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/215-getting-pet.html Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:12:03 GMT I had the opportunity to get free pure Siberian Husky puppy from a friend and I really wanted it but... I am away from home over 10 hours a day now and will be traveling a lot this summer on the motorcycle. So I figured it really wasn't the best of ideas for me to get the puppy right now because I wouldn't be able to spend the time with it that it needed.

So, the same friend made me another offer that was too good to be pass up. He gave me a free 20 gallon fish tank with light, stand, filter, heater and I just gotta get chemicals, gravel and of course... fish. That's the kinda pet that seems best for me right now until I get another house mate or have more free time.

I just got the tank cleaned today and I found a nice place for it in my front room and set it up. I added some water to let sit and until I get my chemicals to properly balance it.

I am kinda looking forward to it having it. It wll server several purposes for me including entertainment, visual interest to room, and added humidity for those times like winter when the air is dry. Might even be able to get some photo opportunities out of it so I may be posting some fishy photos soon ;) ]]> synthetic http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/215-getting-pet.html Interesting Day http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/188-interesting-day.html Sun, 21 Dec 2008 06:31:02 GMT Started today running a couple of errands and then meeting my uncle and father for some holiday shopping at my local mall. We browse a little and then grab lunch. After lunch, we head to our cars. My father said he parked near mine so we walked out together. As I got near mine... I notice its got... Started today running a couple of errands and then meeting my uncle and father for some holiday shopping at my local mall. We browse a little and then grab lunch. After lunch, we head to our cars. My father said he parked near mine so we walked out together. As I got near mine... I notice its got something on the windshield... and more importantly... its backed out of space in middle of aisle where cars drive. NOT where I parked it.

My blood is getting hot now. I quickly run to see what was on my windshield. It was a report made out by a police officer stating my car had been hit while I was away.

On the plus side, I got the name and phone of the guilty. I contacted them immediately and it was little old lady with insurance luckily. I think she confused brake and gas because she knocked my compact SUV backwards a good 10+ feet.

I am able to drive it but its not quite right. I think its going to need some repair for sure. It will need radiator repair but its not leaking yet it seems. New bumper too.

On and a brighter side... I got some prints in the mail I had order over the internet. A few of them were 11x14 prints on a metallic paper... and all I can say is WOW. I was giddy with excitement over how well they turned out. I really like what the metallic did for the shots and thinking about making some LED light to really make the most of the metallic shine while mounted to a wall.

Oh... and lastly, got my self a little gift today before the accident discovery. I was looking for gloves that were thin to use with a camera in winter. I ended up finding these great gloves that have fingerless tips but can be covered like a mitten should I choose. Perfect for camera operation in winter. These were 3m Thinsulates but made by St. John's Bay I think... 60% off... love Xmas sales! ]]> synthetic http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/188-interesting-day.html Got to Shoot Today http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/185-got-shoot-today.html Sun, 14 Dec 2008 02:46:02 GMT Life has been kinda crazy lately with 2 websites in the works, tearing apart my motorcycle, relocating my job that now requires 2 more hours of my day and trying to get ready for holidays. I have felt a little anxiety which is not something I am used to.

I haven't had a chance to really shoot much and was missing it... possibly part of my anxiety? Today was one of those open days where I had nothing planned so I did a few errands and ran back home and grabbed my camera. I had noticed some interesting lighting on a building downtown so that was my destination. I got about 35 shots in.

I put a few in the gallery... I attached another here for kicks ;)

Now just gotta find my original files for that tutorial for Mog... might have to dissect .pdf... we'll see.
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]]> synthetic http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/185-got-shoot-today.html Still Employed http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/181-still-employed.html Fri, 05 Dec 2008 03:23:12 GMT Well, I still have a job. They got rid of one of the younger girls. Shame really. She was really a hottie and got along with everyone but... she didn't take her job serious and goofed off too much and it caught up with her.

I was told to pack my stuff though because Monday I will be working in a new location. I am the first of the remain three artists to relocate to our mother ship which has become a consolidated employee resource in a nearby city. I will have to drive 2 hours of my day going to and from work. That will take a little getting used to... will probably be riding my bike whenever weather allows to save on gas.

I am a little relieved knowing I still have a job. I am a little scared of the frustrations I face ahead though dealing with work that is unclear and sent miles over the wires in which I will have to make phone calls to have said unclear instructions explained.

There is no more face to face communication with the work I receive. And they (researchers) already claim us computer users are becoming antisocial and out of touch with personal communication. Considering this is what I face for 40 hours a week... wonder how that will affect me being that I am already a introverted shy person lol.

So in the end though... I still have a job which is really good to say in this current recession that the US and especially Ohio faces. I know some of us haven't been as lucky and I my sympathy are with those for sure and I appreciate all those that have wished best of luck and for their thoughts. Its gonna be tough times for a couple years... let's hope we can all pull through it ;) ]]> synthetic http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/181-still-employed.html What A Roller Coaster We Live On http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/180-what-roller-coaster-we-live.html Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:32:36 GMT Yes... I did say we live on a roller coaster... it at least it seems that way for me... I constantly feel like my emotions are running up and down lately and hard to stay "level headed" lol.

I will be plugging away at an electronic presentation for an interview tomorrow rather than finishing my pimped ride piece for the round robing thing tonight. Was told today that all 4 artists must reapply for jobs tomorrow and only 3 will remain. I only worry because I am the oldest and highest paid of the litter... but I am hoping my web skills will put me ahead of the group considering that is where all media is going. Wish me luck... Thursday may be my last day of employment. ]]> synthetic http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/180-what-roller-coaster-we-live.html <![CDATA[Yeah... I've been published!]]> http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/179-yeah-ive-been-published.html Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:38:07 GMT Just wondered over to the Photographybb.com site today (posted link about free online magazine previously) and downloaded the latest issue of the magazine (http://www.photographybb.com/PBB_Magazine/issue_10/PhotographyBB_10.zip) and to my surprise... one of my photos was top 3 from the last photo... Just wondered over to the Photographybb.com site today (posted link about free online magazine previously) and downloaded the latest issue of the magazine and to my surprise... one of my photos was top 3 from the last photo assignment about "Indications of Fall". It was an HDR shot of a forest from above. My second published photo of the year for 2008.... kinda feels nice ;) ]]> synthetic http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/179-yeah-ive-been-published.html <![CDATA[550 Miles of Nature's Finest Colors]]> http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/154-550-miles-natures-finest-colors.html Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:54:43 GMT Just got home Sunday from riding 550 miles in the hills of SE Ohio. I frequent another internet forum with riders of similar bikes as mine and many live in my state or neighboring states and they put together a Ohio rally where we had about 14-15 riders that showed up to ride some of Ohio's best roads.

We must have hit the perfect weekend because the trees had already begun their fall transformations making every turn hard to concentrate on the road. There must have been hundreds of great photo ops but I didn't want to hold the group up with my photo takes so I missed lots of opportunities.

I did take a few nice shots when we stopped for breaks and I did split from the group once on way back to our cabin to catch a nice sunset overlooking a vast colorful forest.

I will be posting up a few of my favs in the gallery but you can find shots for the whole event here ]]> synthetic http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/154-550-miles-natures-finest-colors.html <![CDATA[I've fallen in love]]> http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/145-ive-fallen-love.html Sun, 28 Sep 2008 03:30:49 GMT Yep, I have seriously fallen head over heels in love... with a new camera lens. I went out on a limb and grabbed a AFS 17-55 F/2.8 IF-ED Nikkor lens. I am just amazed by the detail, contrast, and color I get with the lens. After only 50 shots... I can see a noticeable difference in my shots from... Yep, I have seriously fallen head over heels in love... with a new camera lens. I went out on a limb and grabbed a AFS 17-55 F/2.8 IF-ED Nikkor lens. I am just amazed by the detail, contrast, and color I get with the lens. After only 50 shots... I can see a noticeable difference in my shots from the slower Nikon lenses such as the 18-55mm. I highly recommend this lens if you are Nikon user looking for better zoom lens.

Speaking of photography, I helped my father out at his place of work getting some signs made up for a large project he had. In return for the help... he printed one of my images out on his 60" wide Cannon large format printer... then he laminated it and mounted it on 1/2" foam core for me. I chose the pano pic posted here in my gallery. It was awesome to see that shot so big. Its literally 5 feet wide and the Canon printer did excellent job of reproduction. Dad really appreciated help and offered more prints should I want them. :D
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]]> synthetic http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/145-ive-fallen-love.html More Fair Photos Coming http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/143-more-fair-photos-coming.html Sat, 06 Sep 2008 03:44:26 GMT Well, I get a chance to get more people practice. I volunteered to take photos again at a nearby corn festival which has pretty much grown into a fair. The photos are just close-ups of people for the web but the really cool thing is I was also asked by our head staff photographer to get a couple... Well, I get a chance to get more people practice. I volunteered to take photos again at a nearby corn festival which has pretty much grown into a fair. The photos are just close-ups of people for the web but the really cool thing is I was also asked by our head staff photographer to get a couple feature photos that they can use in the newspaper too. The staff photographers are too busy to cover the event so they asked me to cover and get 2 nice and "cute" photos. Kinda cool because I will actually have the photos published in the newspaper along with my name in the credits below the photos.

I am excited and a bit nervous at same time. With those feature pics... I have to get the names and ages of the people to include with them. The other photos I just shoot and hand out business cards which was much easier. Some people can't stand to be captured in a photo while a few enjoy it. I hope I can find those that enjoy it or it may be a struggle to get the shot and the info for the shot. I will post up a link to the photos once I get them sorted and ready ;) ]]> synthetic http://forums.biorust.com/blogs/synthetic/143-more-fair-photos-coming.html