There are few places on the planet that are near the fun of the original Disneyland, The Walt Disney World, and all the other Disney Properties.

My only request would be that Disney would set aside a few days per year where no one under 40 is allowed in.

Heck, they could be all-nighters … I really wouldn’t care. Let the older kids run from ride-to-ride without worrying about tripping over the younger kids.

That would be a true dose of reality … then we’d need to come back to this *other* world, until next year.

• Sooo, this post may seem oddly out-of-place … maybe yes?

The *real* reason it is here is to show a somewhat different example of illustration and image enhancement — clicking to see the large view shows the details.

SYNOPSIS — Two-dimensional artists, such as those who paint with oils, acrylics, water colors and other media, are increasingly discovering the need to digitize their work, either for archives, or for reproduction. For many, it’s daunting, and for many more, they don’t know it’s daunting.

As a photographer with extensive skills in both areas, I am sharing a very general and basic overview of what’s needed, both in equipment and skill. This is meant to give you a foundation and help you head in the right direction for you. Considering that, it is still a fairly long article.

INTERACT: Please use the comment section at the end for any input — questions, comments or gestures.

THE PROCESS OVERVIEW

There are two distinct tasks to obtaining a high-quality digital replica of your two-dimensional medium.

• THE FIRST TASK

The first task is the capture — the act of simply getting your work off the canvas and into your computer. Primary tools: a camera or scanner There are two types of scanners: reflective (i.e., the most common, also called a flat-bed) or a transmissive scanner for film. Some believe that this is the only task … and for them, it could be. Many tasks can be considered “completed” by doing only the bare essentials, just to get by. The results will usually reflect that.

• THE SECOND TASK

The second task, in my opinion, is no less important than the first task. It is where magic is applied. Task Two combines art and science to create a virtually flawless replica, as well as providing the capability of moving beyond replication entirely. Primary tool: state-of-the-art, graphics-capable computer with lots of memory and storage.

In the previous paragraphs, I used the words "simply" and "simple," yet to achieve that level of success, I’ll be very candid: there’s nothing simple about it.   continue reading >>

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – If a woman wants to drive the men wild, she might want to dress in red.

Men rated a woman shown in photographs as more sexually attractive if she was wearing red clothing or if she was shown in an image framed by a red border rather than some other color, U.S. researchers said Tuesday.
The study led by psychology professor Andrew Elliot of the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York, seemed to confirm red as the color of romance — as so many Valentine’s Day card makers and lipstick sellers have believed for years.

Although this “red alert” may be a product of human society associating red with love for eons, it also may arise from more primitive biological roots, Elliot said.

Noting the genetic similarity of humans to higher primates, he said scientists have shown that certain male primates are especially attracted to females of their species displaying red. For example, female baboons and chimpanzees show red coloring when nearing ovulation, sending a sexual signal that the males apparently find irresistible. continue reading >>

For a limited time, save 25% off “Planet Farmland” — the fine art print by Lar Matré … and get free shipping as well.

The 25% off applies only to the selected prints, and not framing. But the framing at Imagekind has been recognized for superior quality, while typically costing less than your local framing shops.  I highly recommend having Imagekind mount the print in a simple, gallery-style frame, such as the one I suggest below.

Here are the details to remember:

1. Promo code [promotion over] must be entered at checkout.
2. Promotion expires October 14, 2008 at 10pm PDT.
3. This promo cannot be combined with another promo code.
   
4. One order per customer.
5. More details available at the site.

Other than the description in the subject line, I can think of no other reason for this post.

Sorry if this caused you to miss your bus.

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Ever been someplace, probably a place very old, and suddenly feel as if someone is standing just behind you? You turn, but see nothing. Chills race down your back.

Or, in another situation, you do see something. Something that shouldn’t be there. But before you can get past the surprise, and attempt a better look, it moves from sight. You begin to consider your 100-yard dash experience.

Few people ever want to admit to it. Have you?

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