My friend described this series "addicting," and it sure was. Please, don't read this series if you're looking for some literary analysis (although maybe if I think hard enough, I'd come up with something). The series is just fun. All the books on my reading list went down in priority so I can finish the Twilight Series. I read New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn one after the other in the past few days. The books get better per volume.
In New Moon, Jacob's character was fleshed out better. He is a more three-dimensional character than Edward was. He has more warmth to him (too much!) and has more life, as against Edward's being morose all the time. The novel seemed disjointed, though. The first half was happier, I suppose, because of Jacob. The second half, when Edward came back into the picture, seemed too far away, not just geographically, but also in tone.
Eclipse was better, since it played out the love triangle with humor. The novel allowed the characters to bounce off each other. It was the most natural of the novels. The big bad vampire that comes to destroy their happiness, though, was not too too interesting. But that was okay. The novel was fun, and you know that she's saving the Volturi, the big bad guys, for the final showdown.
Breaking Dawn had the potential to be the most exciting of all the novels. The first 1/3 of the novel, I thought, could have been shortened. I'm not interested in the details of the huge wedding, or their fabulous honeymoon in a remote island. It begins to pick up after that, especially when the novel starts being told from Jacob's point of view. It all built up to an ending that was satisfying enough, but promises so much more. There were new characters introduced. The plot continues to thicken.
There's a promise of so much more. To end the series here will shortchange all its followers. It will be a shame if Breaking Dawn was the last novel (Midnight Sun doesn't count, since it's just Twilight written from Edward's point of view).
I wouldn't say this is the best vampire series I had ever read. Others, and I'm thinking of the Anne Rice novels, had much more layers; more ideas to ponder; had more intricate plots and mesmerizing characters. Don't try to look too closely at these novels, or you'll find the cracks. And if you do, you'd just be denying yourself the fun and entertainment the novels can provide on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
Debussy-manic
I have to make up for those years of skipping piano practice. I really regressed, but, since I've been playing a bit more often the past month (I must have been doing something when I'm not blogging!) I kept playing the pieces I used to play a long time ago. Some, I had trouble playing again (my fingers had lost its old dexterity and agility). Happily, I'm regaining a bit of it back!
And as I continue to play, I find myself going crazy over Debussy. I haven't been practicing my Mozart Sonatas, not even Bach inventions (they used to be my favorites). Now, I just want to play the Debussy tunes one at a time!
First, I did Golliwog's Cakewalk. I heard it a long time ago and couldn't make heads and tails of it when I tried to play it, so I gave up. I forced myself to learn it this time around, and now, I realize it's so much fun to play! It makes my heart dance with it.
Second, I finally played Reverie from start to finish. When my piano teacher let me play it in my teens (or was it twenties?), she said it was too hard for me, but we'll try it anyway. It blocked my mind, and I kept thinking I couldn't play it. After forcing myself to sit through it and analyze, I finally got it! Yay!
Now, I am working slowly through Clair de Lune. I can play the first part now, the second part, slowly...and third part, hands separately right now. It's ok, though. I'm becoming more patient and am quite confident that I should be able to work my way through it.
Debussy's music to me, is like romantic watercolor in music. Whether it is the playfulness of Golliwog's Cakewalk, or the quiet tones of Reverie. His music has been described as impressionist, and I can understand why (though cannot explain it). When I play Debussy, my heart paints melodies in color. Emotions run away with my fingers. I never appreciated music as much before. I am in love!
I'm amazed at how I can learn on my own now. Of course, I had piano lessons when I was younger, for years. It seems that I've matured enough to play or learn with more patience. I am also reading some books on piano playing and piano technique, to supplement the practice.
And as I continue to play, I find myself going crazy over Debussy. I haven't been practicing my Mozart Sonatas, not even Bach inventions (they used to be my favorites). Now, I just want to play the Debussy tunes one at a time!
First, I did Golliwog's Cakewalk. I heard it a long time ago and couldn't make heads and tails of it when I tried to play it, so I gave up. I forced myself to learn it this time around, and now, I realize it's so much fun to play! It makes my heart dance with it.
Second, I finally played Reverie from start to finish. When my piano teacher let me play it in my teens (or was it twenties?), she said it was too hard for me, but we'll try it anyway. It blocked my mind, and I kept thinking I couldn't play it. After forcing myself to sit through it and analyze, I finally got it! Yay!
Now, I am working slowly through Clair de Lune. I can play the first part now, the second part, slowly...and third part, hands separately right now. It's ok, though. I'm becoming more patient and am quite confident that I should be able to work my way through it.
Debussy's music to me, is like romantic watercolor in music. Whether it is the playfulness of Golliwog's Cakewalk, or the quiet tones of Reverie. His music has been described as impressionist, and I can understand why (though cannot explain it). When I play Debussy, my heart paints melodies in color. Emotions run away with my fingers. I never appreciated music as much before. I am in love!
I'm amazed at how I can learn on my own now. Of course, I had piano lessons when I was younger, for years. It seems that I've matured enough to play or learn with more patience. I am also reading some books on piano playing and piano technique, to supplement the practice.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Twilight - Stephenie Meyer
One whole month has gone by, and not a single blog posting! Time really flies!
I finally read Twilight. I can understand why it's so popular. Stephenie Meyer uses simple language, fewer descriptions and a lot more dialogue. The book is easy reading and can appeal to women of any age, mostly teenagers, I imagine. I like how she can evoke the atmosphere in Forks, the rain and the dreariness.
I find her characters a little bland, though (maybe caught in the dreariness of the atmosphere?). Bella is always supposed to be unpredictable...but she seems to be predictably bland (and of course, at times, in love) to me. Edward is always either being furious, or chuckling, or amused, or in anguish. He "chuckles" at the weirdest times, too. So, since Bella thinks she's bland, it is told from Bella's viewpoint, ergo, the characters seem a bit bland. So it all works together.
Three-fourths of the novel just sets mood, the rest races to a satisfying conclusion. It's good light reading. I'm looking forward to the sequels later.
My reading list is full. I'm getting confused what to read next.
I finally read Twilight. I can understand why it's so popular. Stephenie Meyer uses simple language, fewer descriptions and a lot more dialogue. The book is easy reading and can appeal to women of any age, mostly teenagers, I imagine. I like how she can evoke the atmosphere in Forks, the rain and the dreariness.
I find her characters a little bland, though (maybe caught in the dreariness of the atmosphere?). Bella is always supposed to be unpredictable...but she seems to be predictably bland (and of course, at times, in love) to me. Edward is always either being furious, or chuckling, or amused, or in anguish. He "chuckles" at the weirdest times, too. So, since Bella thinks she's bland, it is told from Bella's viewpoint, ergo, the characters seem a bit bland. So it all works together.
Three-fourths of the novel just sets mood, the rest races to a satisfying conclusion. It's good light reading. I'm looking forward to the sequels later.
My reading list is full. I'm getting confused what to read next.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
When I first decided to get back into photography, it was because I wanted to appreciate the beauty of the things around me. It's very hard to break away from "the grass is always greener" mindset. That's not something you can do with photography. Photography is snapping present moment. You can wait for the shot, but what you get is what is there.
I had started taking pictures of parks and places nearby. Photography forced me to go out into the sun and find memories. I'm really not good yet, and I always forget to switch some setting or other. To my surprise (and much happiness!) one of my photos got picked for an online DC guide.
I didn't get any royalties for it or anything, but it was good to be featured somewhere. It's great encouragement!
I have to start editing my other photos next! It's just so much work sometimes, though!
I had started taking pictures of parks and places nearby. Photography forced me to go out into the sun and find memories. I'm really not good yet, and I always forget to switch some setting or other. To my surprise (and much happiness!) one of my photos got picked for an online DC guide.
I didn't get any royalties for it or anything, but it was good to be featured somewhere. It's great encouragement!
I have to start editing my other photos next! It's just so much work sometimes, though!
Friday, August 14, 2009
The Not So Big House - Sarah Susanka
I borrowed this older edition from the local library, which I visited for the first time the other day. Even if I'm not an architect and have no experience at all with construction, building houses, or designing houses, I really liked this book and found it to be very informative and interesting.
We moved into our home last year. The home we bought is a typical colonial style home from a reputable builder. The house is built from a pre-made design, built exactly like our neighbor's and my neighbor's neighbor, ad infinitum . I know what the inside of the house right across the street, and at the end of the street, and on the house at the end of the block looks like.
Certain features of our home, I thought, were useless. Having lived in Japan, I liked smaller areas which utilized space well. Less walking ;p Here, we have a formal living and dining room area, which I thought were useless and considered converting into a library. It's still pretty empty right now, no shelves, no books. But we did put a piano where the formal living room is supposed to be, and that's about it.
It was interesting because Sarah Susanka wrote the same exact thing. There were some things I learned about homes in the U.S. First, formal living and dining areas had been left over from the traditional Victorian ethic. I completely agree with her. I think homes should be just the right size for a person's needs, to cut down on energy costs, too, and allow a better quality of life. I have seen homes with 10 different places to sit. What for?
Second, I learned that colonial type houses were cheaper to build. No wonder our house was so cut and dried! The more corners on the exterior, the higher the cost. It's interesting that a "not so big house" will cost just as much as a McMansion box! And no wonder more people would buy the McMansion. Who can really afford the luxury of having something so creatively and distinctively designed and customized? It's really a shame. I know I wish I could have a home like that, but I'm not creative enough to fix up our boring home to look like "me".
There are other interesting thoughts to ponder from her book. How we need both public and private spaces in our homes, how some couples fight because their homes have no privacy. It was all very enlightening.
I would recommend this book for anyone who loves homes, whether or not they are up for buying a new home, designing their own home, or just trying to figure out what their style is (like me), since I don't even know where to start from! This points out things that you only vaguely knew, but couldn't verbalize. You read it and nod and nod and agree, and realize that all this time, she says what you already knew in your heart to be true.
We moved into our home last year. The home we bought is a typical colonial style home from a reputable builder. The house is built from a pre-made design, built exactly like our neighbor's and my neighbor's neighbor, ad infinitum . I know what the inside of the house right across the street, and at the end of the street, and on the house at the end of the block looks like.
Certain features of our home, I thought, were useless. Having lived in Japan, I liked smaller areas which utilized space well. Less walking ;p Here, we have a formal living and dining room area, which I thought were useless and considered converting into a library. It's still pretty empty right now, no shelves, no books. But we did put a piano where the formal living room is supposed to be, and that's about it.
It was interesting because Sarah Susanka wrote the same exact thing. There were some things I learned about homes in the U.S. First, formal living and dining areas had been left over from the traditional Victorian ethic. I completely agree with her. I think homes should be just the right size for a person's needs, to cut down on energy costs, too, and allow a better quality of life. I have seen homes with 10 different places to sit. What for?
Second, I learned that colonial type houses were cheaper to build. No wonder our house was so cut and dried! The more corners on the exterior, the higher the cost. It's interesting that a "not so big house" will cost just as much as a McMansion box! And no wonder more people would buy the McMansion. Who can really afford the luxury of having something so creatively and distinctively designed and customized? It's really a shame. I know I wish I could have a home like that, but I'm not creative enough to fix up our boring home to look like "me".
There are other interesting thoughts to ponder from her book. How we need both public and private spaces in our homes, how some couples fight because their homes have no privacy. It was all very enlightening.
I would recommend this book for anyone who loves homes, whether or not they are up for buying a new home, designing their own home, or just trying to figure out what their style is (like me), since I don't even know where to start from! This points out things that you only vaguely knew, but couldn't verbalize. You read it and nod and nod and agree, and realize that all this time, she says what you already knew in your heart to be true.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
O.A.R. @ Merriweather Post!
August 7, 2009. HS and my other friends went to Merriweather Post in Columbia, MD to watch the O.A.R. (Of A Revolution) "This Town" concert. There were hundreds, maybe thousands of people there that night. We got V.I.P. seats, with backstage passes. Our seats were so good, in fact (first row on the platform), that we were able to watch the whole concert sitting down, even though everyone else in front were all standing up and dancing! I danced too...in my seat. That's for shyer, more inhibited people who can just sway a little and bounce their heads up and down with the music.
The music sounds even better live than on CD. I particularly liked the drums interlude during "Lay Down," where Chris, Jerry, and Mike went at it for at least 3 minutes. Jerry is really impressive. He was, at different times, playing the saxophone (it has become one of my favorite instruments!), the drums, and the guitar, as needed. Richard sometimes switched from the keyboard to his guitar. The fans favorite, of course, was "Crazy Game of Poker," which everyone recognized immediately. Everyone jumped up and danced wildly. You can't help it, especially at the fast, almost country inspired part of the music. It wasn't just my head bobbing then. My shoulders would sway back and forth a bit, too. What an achievement!
The O.A.R. guys are a bunch of cool guys on stage. They wear ordinary jeans and t-shirts. They walk around casually, without any fancy blocking or choreography that reminiscent of the Mickey Mouse Club. They're relaxed, they don't try too hard. The only thing that comes out from them is their music. Their talent is what draws the crowd's attention, not looks, not choreography, not the set.
Supposedly, O.A.R. is one of the oldest bands in the industry. They've been together since 1996. I haven't seen many concerts, but I do know that when it comes to bands, only the lead singer becomes popular. For example: Tony Hadley and Spandau Ballet; Sting and the Police...the list can go on and on. For O.A.R., though, each member has their own time in the spotlight. Richard gets his own guitar solo, Chris gets his own drums highlight. Benj with his base guitar and Jerry with his saxophone, all have their own time airtime. I think that's what I like best about them. They share!
So in summary, I would say, these guys are so down to earth, they seem just like your buddies. It just turns out that they're really talented musicians...and they rock!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
A Hint of Wicked by Jennifer Haymore
I won "A Hint of Wicked" by Jennifer Haymore, from Gaby317's blog site "Starting Fresh" and tried reading it. Thank God it was something I won and not something I bought because I don't think I can go through the entire thing. I guess I'm just not so interested in themes involving one woman being in love with two men I am also no longer interested in reading soft porn with no plot. Then again, maybe I'm being unfair because I only read until the second chapter, but that is all I can stand right now. Thank you, Gaby317, and thank you Hatchett Books, for giving me the chance to read this. This is going on my paperbackswap books. I'm sure other people will find it more interesting than I did.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Persona 4
I ended up taking a longer break from blogging than I thought! It's not that I was busy with productive things. In fact, since I graduated from my master's degree last May, I hadn't been able to do the things I said I was going to do with my photography hobby.
I did manage to get my driver's license. I had also been busy trying to lose some weight. My weight loss efforts were, unfortunately, pushed aside for a couple of days after I started playing Persona 4. It is really terrible, how much time I have been spending playing that game.
It is such great fun though! What really impresses me about the game is the meticulous attention to detail. It reminds me so much of Japan, and the years I had lived there. The department stores have posters of "yakitori" and "ramen" in the foodcourt. The shopping carts are exactly the same (green baskets that you can put on top of pushcarts). The music, the jingles. The train station, the platform, the yellow bands along streets. It makes me all natsukashii.
I had been playing Final Fantasy 12, too. I find that, even if I had always been a Final Fantasy fan, in the end, the game got to be a bit tedious. I just didn't like the main character, Vaan, so much. There was no chemistry between the characters, and, yes, like other reviewers and bloggers, I really found Penelo silly. Especially her hairstyle! I got tired of having to run around the sprawling dungeons. It became more a pain than entertainment. On a positive note, however, the voice actors were the best I had ever heard for an RPG game. And the graphics! Just beautiful. But all in all, still, tedious! I don't know if I'm going to get back to that game. Maybe after Persona 4.
Persona 4, though, is like a breath of fresh air. The way the characters "mob" the downed enemies, with the "wham, thwack, etc" sound effects in cartoony letters, made me really smile. I kind of like the fact that the dungeons aren't so big or sprawling. Also, you can move from one place to another using the square button when in the real world. As for the story...it's a little formulaic and typical for someone who has seen as much anime and read as much manga as I have. I guess I'm getting a bit old for these kinds of things (that's an understatement!). Even then, the storyline makes me laugh a little. The characters are three dimensional(even if they're stereotypical). There's the delinquent biker gang dude, Kanji (but it made me laugh a little that his deepest fear is to be seen as gay); the girls who just want boyfriends (hey, this is a boy's game, still! at least, I think it is, since it has elements of a dating sim), the spoiled rich girl, the tomboyish girl next door type, the "idol", the quiet (cute) girl in class, they all just fit the same old formula. I say, I am getting a bit tired of that formula. But then, aren't romance novels the same in that sense? They follow that same old formula, and yet, they still hit all the bestseller lists! I guess it's because formulas are familiar. And, they don't require so much thinking (at least storywise!). I suppose that's why it's refreshing!
So, I dunno when I'm going to get back to finishing that Final Fantasy 12 game. Especially since I just bought a 2nd hand version of Persona 3!
I hope I don't turn Hikikomori from all this gaming!
I did manage to get my driver's license. I had also been busy trying to lose some weight. My weight loss efforts were, unfortunately, pushed aside for a couple of days after I started playing Persona 4. It is really terrible, how much time I have been spending playing that game.
It is such great fun though! What really impresses me about the game is the meticulous attention to detail. It reminds me so much of Japan, and the years I had lived there. The department stores have posters of "yakitori" and "ramen" in the foodcourt. The shopping carts are exactly the same (green baskets that you can put on top of pushcarts). The music, the jingles. The train station, the platform, the yellow bands along streets. It makes me all natsukashii.
I had been playing Final Fantasy 12, too. I find that, even if I had always been a Final Fantasy fan, in the end, the game got to be a bit tedious. I just didn't like the main character, Vaan, so much. There was no chemistry between the characters, and, yes, like other reviewers and bloggers, I really found Penelo silly. Especially her hairstyle! I got tired of having to run around the sprawling dungeons. It became more a pain than entertainment. On a positive note, however, the voice actors were the best I had ever heard for an RPG game. And the graphics! Just beautiful. But all in all, still, tedious! I don't know if I'm going to get back to that game. Maybe after Persona 4.
Persona 4, though, is like a breath of fresh air. The way the characters "mob" the downed enemies, with the "wham, thwack, etc" sound effects in cartoony letters, made me really smile. I kind of like the fact that the dungeons aren't so big or sprawling. Also, you can move from one place to another using the square button when in the real world. As for the story...it's a little formulaic and typical for someone who has seen as much anime and read as much manga as I have. I guess I'm getting a bit old for these kinds of things (that's an understatement!). Even then, the storyline makes me laugh a little. The characters are three dimensional(even if they're stereotypical). There's the delinquent biker gang dude, Kanji (but it made me laugh a little that his deepest fear is to be seen as gay); the girls who just want boyfriends (hey, this is a boy's game, still! at least, I think it is, since it has elements of a dating sim), the spoiled rich girl, the tomboyish girl next door type, the "idol", the quiet (cute) girl in class, they all just fit the same old formula. I say, I am getting a bit tired of that formula. But then, aren't romance novels the same in that sense? They follow that same old formula, and yet, they still hit all the bestseller lists! I guess it's because formulas are familiar. And, they don't require so much thinking (at least storywise!). I suppose that's why it's refreshing!
So, I dunno when I'm going to get back to finishing that Final Fantasy 12 game. Especially since I just bought a 2nd hand version of Persona 3!
I hope I don't turn Hikikomori from all this gaming!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Getting Offline for a Few Days
My final exams are coming up, and I have been so distracted. The stress is finally getting to me. I can't seem to sleep well, and I've been reading and checking things online too much. I think my emotions have been going crazy. I'm graduating next month, this week is the last week of classes, I have one exam starting Monday, and family duties have been bogging me down. Put my own personal, self-diagnosed ADD into the pot, and one can see how little I'm actually studying! Consequently, I have been shopping even more (part as "revenge", and part because it makes me feel better)! I broke another rule to myself. I said that I would keep my D80 until I got better at taking photos. Then what did I do? I turned around and bought a D300 from Ebay! S is going to kill me. Seriously. It seemed like such a good deal. Actually, I think it is a good deal, but I have spent too much, and there are other things I need more urgently (like a car!). I shouldn't be getting more toys!
Since I can't seem to control myself when my stress level is high, I'm going to have S hold on to my account to stop me from spending. In the same way, I will get offline for a couple of weeks. I can't study well when I'm online anyway. I keep looking and looking for people I know, or thinking of photos, or reading reviews, and ending up spending money! Oh how horrible!
Oh..this all makes me sad! :(
Since I can't seem to control myself when my stress level is high, I'm going to have S hold on to my account to stop me from spending. In the same way, I will get offline for a couple of weeks. I can't study well when I'm online anyway. I keep looking and looking for people I know, or thinking of photos, or reading reviews, and ending up spending money! Oh how horrible!
Oh..this all makes me sad! :(
Monday, April 13, 2009
Unexpected Treasures
I saw a bird's nest in the tree right beside our house this morning. I was able to take a shot, and smiled happily all day because of it. I captured a picture of something so wonderful, so close by. I know it's not the perfect angled shot,with the leaves hiding part of the bird, but the fact that it occurred right here, right outside, made it all the more exciting. Special things are all around us, and sometimes, they appear right in your own backyard!
Later, when I looked out again, the nest was gone. Only some leftover twigs remained. I was sad that the bird felt that she had to transfer her nest, just because she had been discovered. She will never know that she had made someone very happy.
I love that I had been able to capture it, even if it was just for a moment. Spring must be the best season of the year!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The Cherry Blossom Parade
Last Saturday, April 4, I dropped by to see the Cherry Blossom Parade. It was a lot of fun, and I was able to take a lot of pictures. Unfortunately, the high noon light just wasn't cooperating, and I didn't use my flash in most instances. Ah. we learn from our mistakes! Anyway, I will post some pictures when I have the time. School is almost over, and I really have to finally buckle down and study.
I finally got my Tokina 11-16mm 2.8. Hurrah! I will post some pictures soon! A friend of mine told me to visit the C&O canal this spring. I will definitely do that! And maybe the zoo, too. I will do my rounds of DC soon!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Wipe that Drool!
Instead of studying, I have spent the whole morning thinking and thinking of digital equipment. This is really very bad. I have never been so obsessed with something for a while now. Hmm..that's not quite true. I remember how I am always obsessed with something until I get it. It is such a human characteristic, this "greed." I remember obsessing over my PS3, and obsessing over the Wii. Now, I am obsessing over 4 lenses in particular. I am sure once I get those, I will be obsessing over a new camera (probably a D700). Woe is me. I have to stop doing this and think of something more productive, like making money!
What I should do is try to read more on photography and to take more pictures instead of trying to buy stuff all the time. Shopping and taking snazzy photos are 2 different things.
Incidentally, the other day, I was trying to take a picture of my university building at night, and the security guard stopped me. She said I am not allowed to take pictures, and only the school photographer is allowed! Where did that come from? There are 2 possible reasons why I am not allowed to take pictures. 1. It might be for security reasons. Am I a terrorist, looking for an entrance where I can plant an explosion for maximum bomb attention? That's a bit ridiculous since the school is not a military facility; or 2. It might be an intellectual property rights issue. I might start selling photos of my school as a postcard and make billions of dollars. Although the latter is more flattering, the truth is, I was only practicing and had gotten some very bad shots. Was my Nikon D80 that intimidating? I'll bet a point and shoot might even do better than the shots I took that night!
Oh well. Though the journey be rough, I will keep on going, as any aspiring artist must do! I should start posting more pictures to prove this, but I'm afraid once I start, I can't stop. That will all have to wait, then, for when school is over. It won't be too long now.
On the reading list: Scott Kelby's "Digital Photography" vol. 1 and vol. 2
What I should do is try to read more on photography and to take more pictures instead of trying to buy stuff all the time. Shopping and taking snazzy photos are 2 different things.
Incidentally, the other day, I was trying to take a picture of my university building at night, and the security guard stopped me. She said I am not allowed to take pictures, and only the school photographer is allowed! Where did that come from? There are 2 possible reasons why I am not allowed to take pictures. 1. It might be for security reasons. Am I a terrorist, looking for an entrance where I can plant an explosion for maximum bomb attention? That's a bit ridiculous since the school is not a military facility; or 2. It might be an intellectual property rights issue. I might start selling photos of my school as a postcard and make billions of dollars. Although the latter is more flattering, the truth is, I was only practicing and had gotten some very bad shots. Was my Nikon D80 that intimidating? I'll bet a point and shoot might even do better than the shots I took that night!
Oh well. Though the journey be rough, I will keep on going, as any aspiring artist must do! I should start posting more pictures to prove this, but I'm afraid once I start, I can't stop. That will all have to wait, then, for when school is over. It won't be too long now.
On the reading list: Scott Kelby's "Digital Photography" vol. 1 and vol. 2
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Book and Lens Swap
My father used to say that every place in the world is the same. There are good things and bad things; there are people who are polite or rude; kind neighbors and criminals; it really doesn't matter where you are. You can't expect to be happier somewhere else than where you're already at.
However, one thing I must say about the US that wasn't so apparent in other countries I have lived in, though, is that, they sure make it very easy for you to spend money! Especially with online shopping. I love Amazon. Ebay is okay, but you have to be careful because there are lots of scalpers in there, selling stuff without warranties for to much. I was hoping it would be one big garage sale, but people don't get online there to get rid of stuff.
However, it turns out that I am turning into such a lens junkie. The list of lenses I am drooling over has expanded to the 85 mm f/1.4, and of course, the 14-24mm f/2.8, the 24-70 mm f/2.8, and the 70-200 mm f/2.8. David Busch calls the last 3 the "magic three," and the 85 mm f/1.4 the best lens, a "legend" in portrait photography. All of those lenses together will set me back about US$4,000. I really don't have that much money, considering that I need to have a car yet, and I would, of course, need a car to get around for my photo shoots, right? Aside from the errands. Of course, I have to tell myself over and over, that all the photographers are right when they say that it's not the camera, but the man behind the camera who would take the best pictures. So, it really shouldn't matter what camera I have or lens. What I should do is going out there to develop my skill and my craft. Another option is to buy the lenses as cheap as I can find them, and if I don't like them (or don't use them), then sell them. In the same way, I should learn how to process photos, too. I suppose that I really can't expect the lens to do everything. I must say, I'm lazy. It's more fun to just shoot and shoot, than to sit behind a monitor correcting and editing a shot!
So now, I am going back to reading books again, to become that "photographer" behind the camera, through studying digital photography and practicing with my fancy camera (that is apparently, already obsolete, according to KR..sniff). It's sort of hard to read ebooks on digital photography because you can't really see what they mean when they compare one picture to another, using different camera settings. A real book will be better because the colors will be sharper. Of course, maybe it will be different if they make ebooks 1080p and you view it on a 1080p screen. But then, you can kiss portability goodbye!
I digress. Anyway, now, I am buying some books and, to cut down on the clutter, posting them on www.paperbackswap.org after I read them so that I can get credits and "order" books for free. I was hoping to save money that way, since I'm really so broke now. The idea behind the site is that, you should post 10 books to get 1 credit, and send out an ordered book for another credit. Apparently, you need 2 credits to order a book, but you only get 1 credit if someone were to order your books. I'm wondering if it is all worth it. I've had 2 out of the 3 books I posted ordered a few hours after I got them, and I can't even order a book yet. So that means I have to pay for postage first before I can get to borrow anything, and I'm not so sure people would post up their digital photography books. I can buy some used books, just from the postage cost, plus, I lose my books. The local library might have been a better option. I should go and pay it a visit soon.
However, one thing I must say about the US that wasn't so apparent in other countries I have lived in, though, is that, they sure make it very easy for you to spend money! Especially with online shopping. I love Amazon. Ebay is okay, but you have to be careful because there are lots of scalpers in there, selling stuff without warranties for to much. I was hoping it would be one big garage sale, but people don't get online there to get rid of stuff.
However, it turns out that I am turning into such a lens junkie. The list of lenses I am drooling over has expanded to the 85 mm f/1.4, and of course, the 14-24mm f/2.8, the 24-70 mm f/2.8, and the 70-200 mm f/2.8. David Busch calls the last 3 the "magic three," and the 85 mm f/1.4 the best lens, a "legend" in portrait photography. All of those lenses together will set me back about US$4,000. I really don't have that much money, considering that I need to have a car yet, and I would, of course, need a car to get around for my photo shoots, right? Aside from the errands. Of course, I have to tell myself over and over, that all the photographers are right when they say that it's not the camera, but the man behind the camera who would take the best pictures. So, it really shouldn't matter what camera I have or lens. What I should do is going out there to develop my skill and my craft. Another option is to buy the lenses as cheap as I can find them, and if I don't like them (or don't use them), then sell them. In the same way, I should learn how to process photos, too. I suppose that I really can't expect the lens to do everything. I must say, I'm lazy. It's more fun to just shoot and shoot, than to sit behind a monitor correcting and editing a shot!
So now, I am going back to reading books again, to become that "photographer" behind the camera, through studying digital photography and practicing with my fancy camera (that is apparently, already obsolete, according to KR..sniff). It's sort of hard to read ebooks on digital photography because you can't really see what they mean when they compare one picture to another, using different camera settings. A real book will be better because the colors will be sharper. Of course, maybe it will be different if they make ebooks 1080p and you view it on a 1080p screen. But then, you can kiss portability goodbye!
I digress. Anyway, now, I am buying some books and, to cut down on the clutter, posting them on www.paperbackswap.org after I read them so that I can get credits and "order" books for free. I was hoping to save money that way, since I'm really so broke now. The idea behind the site is that, you should post 10 books to get 1 credit, and send out an ordered book for another credit. Apparently, you need 2 credits to order a book, but you only get 1 credit if someone were to order your books. I'm wondering if it is all worth it. I've had 2 out of the 3 books I posted ordered a few hours after I got them, and I can't even order a book yet. So that means I have to pay for postage first before I can get to borrow anything, and I'm not so sure people would post up their digital photography books. I can buy some used books, just from the postage cost, plus, I lose my books. The local library might have been a better option. I should go and pay it a visit soon.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Top 100 - Simplified Tips and Tricks
I finished reading Top 100 Simplified Tips & Tricks, Digital Photography 2nd ed. on the plane. Such a simple book with lots of pictures, but it's good because I find that digital photography books can be hard when you're learning on your own and are starting from zero. Until you start familiarizing yourself with the camera and the concepts, it can all go over your head. I'm sure that once I've read some books over and over, it will all get simpler. I think that there is no shame in starting from a dummies book, or an extremely simplified book, and going on from there.
I noticed that a 3rd edition had already been released. It's worth getting and reading over and over, especially when certain things just don't stick to your head!
I noticed that a 3rd edition had already been released. It's worth getting and reading over and over, especially when certain things just don't stick to your head!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Inner Harbor 2
This is another picture taken in Baltimore, on the left side of where that boat from the previous post was. I liked the one with the ice better, but I suppose I could have cropped that one closer and cut away more distracting elements.
Highway 14
This picture was taken while on the passenger's side of the car, along Highway 14. It's hard to take pictures, really, when you can't just stop and shoot. Sometimes, you get a shot that's not "too" bad, at least for me, to show how different California really is from, say, Baltimore.
I'm on spring break, and of all the places, I had to come to Lancaster, California. Nevertheless, I thought I might take some pictures anyway, whether good or bad. Unfortunately, I need to get some studying done over the spring break, too. So instead of my D80 and my big bag of lenses, I had to pack some of my readings for university. I did bring my Canon SD880 IS. I am trying not to miss any opportunities to take photos, whether they be good or bad. I have to practice composition anyway, and I don't need my big camera for that! Of course, right now, everything I'm taking is on Auto Mode. It makes life so much easier though, but I won't learn from doing that.
I also started using Picasa. It makes uploading and blogging pictures much much easier, too.
PS3 Blues
About a couple of weeks ago, I said that I will test and see if Shin Megami Tensei worked on my PS3. Yes, it actually did play! It seems like the PS2 emulator in the PS3 works really well. Too bad that the new units had done away with backward compatibility.
I must say, I love my PS3. I love the graphics, the speed, the blu-ray capabilities, the way it can do an automatic slide show of pictures in your SD card. It's all really awesome. BUT, while we were showing a guest of ours the neat things the PS3 can do, it suddenly stopped reading disks! It stopped right in the middle of loading Grand Theft Auto IV.
I checked online to see what the problem could be. Apparently, a lot of people experience that same problem. How come I never saw those sites when I was checking for PS3 reviews? I was also worried that maybe Sony won't honor the warranty anymore (I bought the unit in July 2008), because I can't find the receipt, and I had bought the unit, of all places, from Circuit City, so I can't do another receipt. Good thing Sony accepts other documents as proof of purchase, i.e. card statements. If ever it was out of warranty, I read that Sony would have charged 150 dollars for repair. Yikes. I might as well buy a PS2 for 130! After all, most of the games I play are PS2s anyway (cheaper). But then again...who would want to go back to using PS2 Memory Cards after experiencing virtual memory cards saved on the PS3 hard disk? I want my PS3 back!!!!
In the meantime, I thought I might as well get that zelda game I always wanted, and try playing with the Wii while waiting. I think that the PS2 is even better than the Wii...okay, please don't kill me people! The Wii is fun, I guess, if you play with other people. Most people are too busy, though. I must be the only person my age who is still into those "Mickey Mouse" things, as my dad calls all animation and video games, no matter how violent, gory, or bloody they are. I think it's an interesting concept, though, that you'd have to move while playing the game. But, if you wanted to use that as a way of getting fit or losing weight...well...I think people would be better off getting a treadmill!
I called Sony finally, and they were very nice about it (contrary to what the people on many of the forums I read said). They sent the box last week, and I sent the unit back the other day. Electronics and gadgets are quite iffy anyway. Blu-ray technology is quite new, so it's understandable I suppose, that you'd get quite a few problems here and there.
I just hope I get my unit back soon so I can play again!
I must say, I love my PS3. I love the graphics, the speed, the blu-ray capabilities, the way it can do an automatic slide show of pictures in your SD card. It's all really awesome. BUT, while we were showing a guest of ours the neat things the PS3 can do, it suddenly stopped reading disks! It stopped right in the middle of loading Grand Theft Auto IV.
I checked online to see what the problem could be. Apparently, a lot of people experience that same problem. How come I never saw those sites when I was checking for PS3 reviews? I was also worried that maybe Sony won't honor the warranty anymore (I bought the unit in July 2008), because I can't find the receipt, and I had bought the unit, of all places, from Circuit City, so I can't do another receipt. Good thing Sony accepts other documents as proof of purchase, i.e. card statements. If ever it was out of warranty, I read that Sony would have charged 150 dollars for repair. Yikes. I might as well buy a PS2 for 130! After all, most of the games I play are PS2s anyway (cheaper). But then again...who would want to go back to using PS2 Memory Cards after experiencing virtual memory cards saved on the PS3 hard disk? I want my PS3 back!!!!
In the meantime, I thought I might as well get that zelda game I always wanted, and try playing with the Wii while waiting. I think that the PS2 is even better than the Wii...okay, please don't kill me people! The Wii is fun, I guess, if you play with other people. Most people are too busy, though. I must be the only person my age who is still into those "Mickey Mouse" things, as my dad calls all animation and video games, no matter how violent, gory, or bloody they are. I think it's an interesting concept, though, that you'd have to move while playing the game. But, if you wanted to use that as a way of getting fit or losing weight...well...I think people would be better off getting a treadmill!
I called Sony finally, and they were very nice about it (contrary to what the people on many of the forums I read said). They sent the box last week, and I sent the unit back the other day. Electronics and gadgets are quite iffy anyway. Blu-ray technology is quite new, so it's understandable I suppose, that you'd get quite a few problems here and there.
I just hope I get my unit back soon so I can play again!
Nikon Lens Problem?
From an earlier post, I said that I was using a 24-120 mm lens. Apparently, according to Ken Rockwell, it is one of the worst lenses ever made by Nikon! Ugh! For so long now, I have been wondering why my shots aren't as sharp as I would like them to be. I thought it was because of my hands, or lack of a tripod,...or something (maybe it was both). Finally, I began to wonder if maybe my lens just wasn't making the cut. So I've been checking reviews, and voila..one of the worst lenses ever? Sniff.
Anyway, I really don't have the money right now to upgrade to another lens, considering I'm just a beginner, a student, and I have no job. Soon, I will just be a beginner, with no job! At least that will give me all the time in the world to take pictures, although without the money to travel for more interesting photos. Greedy me!
Right now, on my lens wish list, I have 2:
1) 18-200 mm
2) 14-24 mm f/2.8
My D80 is also getting obsolete. Technology just moves way too fast! Maybe what I will do in the meantime is just learn composition with the stuff I have. I mean, a beginner like me can't afford to spend on all those gadgets.
I just read some reviews on Amazon. Some people said that the 24-120 mm lens is excellent. It appears that it is the VR that causes the pictures to be less sharp. Someone mentioned that one should turn the VR off under normal light. I should give try that out. Otherwise, I will just have to wait some more. In the meantime, I will have to make do with what I have, which is already a lot for a beginner! Lens reviews by photographers are really confusing. For example, Ken Rockwell loves the 18-200 mm lens, but you can see some bad reviews about it, too. If some people tell me that I have to know my own mind, well...I don't, because I haven't had enough experience with lenses. All I know is that sometimes, a point and shoot camera seems to take better pictures than my SLR does, and costs so much less!
Anyway, I really don't have the money right now to upgrade to another lens, considering I'm just a beginner, a student, and I have no job. Soon, I will just be a beginner, with no job! At least that will give me all the time in the world to take pictures, although without the money to travel for more interesting photos. Greedy me!
Right now, on my lens wish list, I have 2:
1) 18-200 mm
2) 14-24 mm f/2.8
My D80 is also getting obsolete. Technology just moves way too fast! Maybe what I will do in the meantime is just learn composition with the stuff I have. I mean, a beginner like me can't afford to spend on all those gadgets.
I just read some reviews on Amazon. Some people said that the 24-120 mm lens is excellent. It appears that it is the VR that causes the pictures to be less sharp. Someone mentioned that one should turn the VR off under normal light. I should give try that out. Otherwise, I will just have to wait some more. In the meantime, I will have to make do with what I have, which is already a lot for a beginner! Lens reviews by photographers are really confusing. For example, Ken Rockwell loves the 18-200 mm lens, but you can see some bad reviews about it, too. If some people tell me that I have to know my own mind, well...I don't, because I haven't had enough experience with lenses. All I know is that sometimes, a point and shoot camera seems to take better pictures than my SLR does, and costs so much less!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Inner Harbor, Baltimore
I suppose this is a cliche'd picture, taken on a sightseeing trip to Baltimore in January 2009. I don't know why pictures I take tend to be a little fuzzy. I guess my hands might not be so steady, and I seem to be too lazy to bring a tripod around. I think this picture would have been better taken using a wider lens with a wider aperture setting. It's too bad that the red buildings on the back can hardly be seen. Plus, a tripod would have helped quite a bit, too!
I still don't know how to use photoshop, I'm sure I'll learn as I go along. The books I've been reading haven't been too helpful, especially since I can't seem to apply the principles yet. Maybe if I take more pictures, it will all start making more sense to me.
What grabbed my attention in this scene that made me take the picture are the small ice formations on the water that formed a certain natural symmetry.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Playstation 3 Backward Compatibility
Apparently, today is PS2 Game Day on Amazon's gold box deals. I picked up Shin Megami Tensei Persona 4 which should get to me within the week. I expect to play it on my PS3, at least, whenever I have the time!
It should play...I own a PS3 80 GB, MGS bundle which I bought around the middle of last year, right before they all started to say that PS3 was going to get rid of backward compatibility. I think this is the first time in my entire life when "waiting" to get an electronic gadget wouldn't have been a good idea. So much for the rewards of delayed gratification!
Removing backward compatibility with PS2 from the PS3 is a terrible shame really. One of my main reasons for buying the PS3 is so I can play my old PS2 games (I have most of the Final Fantasy games, I think!), with the option of getting the newer versions of the game franchises I love in the future.
Since I got my PS3, I've only been playing PS2 games on it! So far, the following games I got work well enough:
1. Final Fantasy 12 (this is the one I'm working through)
2. Kingdom Hearts 1 and 2
3. Harvest Moon - Save the Homeland
4. Grand Turismo 3
5. Monkey Island 4 - Escape from Monkey Island
The only PS3 game I have is Metal Gear Solid 4 and Grand Theft Auto. Both are too violent for an RPG loving person like me!
This is the first time I got Shin Megami Tensei. I read some reviews that said it was pretty good. We'll see if Shin Megami Tensei Persona 4 works well on the PS3, and will post a report here later!
It should play...I own a PS3 80 GB, MGS bundle which I bought around the middle of last year, right before they all started to say that PS3 was going to get rid of backward compatibility. I think this is the first time in my entire life when "waiting" to get an electronic gadget wouldn't have been a good idea. So much for the rewards of delayed gratification!
Removing backward compatibility with PS2 from the PS3 is a terrible shame really. One of my main reasons for buying the PS3 is so I can play my old PS2 games (I have most of the Final Fantasy games, I think!), with the option of getting the newer versions of the game franchises I love in the future.
Since I got my PS3, I've only been playing PS2 games on it! So far, the following games I got work well enough:
1. Final Fantasy 12 (this is the one I'm working through)
2. Kingdom Hearts 1 and 2
3. Harvest Moon - Save the Homeland
4. Grand Turismo 3
5. Monkey Island 4 - Escape from Monkey Island
The only PS3 game I have is Metal Gear Solid 4 and Grand Theft Auto. Both are too violent for an RPG loving person like me!
This is the first time I got Shin Megami Tensei. I read some reviews that said it was pretty good. We'll see if Shin Megami Tensei Persona 4 works well on the PS3, and will post a report here later!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
In Memory and Celebration of Nathaniel
A few years ago, the son of one of my best friends passed away. She had been sending me his photos since he was a baby. He was such a good looking and happy boy, that I used to call my friend "future mother-in-law". She was a good sport about it and said that she had to train him to like older women. It was a tragic event, and my heart broke with hers. I remember receiving the news at 3 a.m. I cried so hard, all alone. I felt her pain, too. It was one of the saddest moments of my life. The name of the boy was Nathaniel. He died at the age of 5.
A few weeks ago another friend of mine from another circle gave birth to a baby boy. She had been married almost 9 years and had been wanting a baby so badly. They were praying about it, seeing fertility doctors...the works. I was starting to think that maybe the can't have children. After years of waiting, they have finally been blessed. It was truly wonderful news! A joyous event, and I was so very happy! And the name of the boy? Nathaniel.
My two friends...two women who never met, never knew each other. One in Germany, the other in California. Perhaps they will never meet, or perhaps they will. Who knows? However, the one thing they share in common is a boy named Nathaniel.
A few weeks ago another friend of mine from another circle gave birth to a baby boy. She had been married almost 9 years and had been wanting a baby so badly. They were praying about it, seeing fertility doctors...the works. I was starting to think that maybe the can't have children. After years of waiting, they have finally been blessed. It was truly wonderful news! A joyous event, and I was so very happy! And the name of the boy? Nathaniel.
My two friends...two women who never met, never knew each other. One in Germany, the other in California. Perhaps they will never meet, or perhaps they will. Who knows? However, the one thing they share in common is a boy named Nathaniel.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Photography - First Steps
I would like to try to take photos again. I am not a very good photographer, but I would like to learn, though! I hope somehow, that I can bring in my own personal taste and eye into the pictures I take.
So far, I think I have all the required equipment. I have had a Nikon D80 for the past 2 years and 3 nice lenses (nikon 24-120 mm, nikon 50 mm 1.4F, and a nikon 18-35 mm). My favorite, so far, is the nikon 24-120 mm. That's the one I use all the time.
I also bought a tripod from Radioshack. It's a Targus 66" silver tripod, on sale for only $19.99. Another thing to be happy about is the point and shoot camera I bought, a Canon SD880 IS, which I picked up from Amazon for $240.99. It's not that cheap. I think it was on sale at dell.com last December for about $199+. I really need a camera I can take around with me all the time, though. I love my D80, but it's so big that I might break my back carrying it!
I am out of practice, though. I had not been very good to begin with, but a huge camera and heavy tomes are not valid excuses for continuing to practice! Thus, I finally gave in and got that point and shoot.
I would like to take some classes, but with the ongoing recession and my inability to get a job, I think I should try to make do with what I have. As part of my self-study, the following books are in my reading list:
Starting Photography 5th ed., by Langford & Andrews
The Art of Digital Photography - by John Hedgecoe
Perhaps, as part of my personal course, I will try to post a picture at least once a week.
It is a windy day here in DC. I wonder if the wind will carry a good shot with it?
So far, I think I have all the required equipment. I have had a Nikon D80 for the past 2 years and 3 nice lenses (nikon 24-120 mm, nikon 50 mm 1.4F, and a nikon 18-35 mm). My favorite, so far, is the nikon 24-120 mm. That's the one I use all the time.
I also bought a tripod from Radioshack. It's a Targus 66" silver tripod, on sale for only $19.99. Another thing to be happy about is the point and shoot camera I bought, a Canon SD880 IS, which I picked up from Amazon for $240.99. It's not that cheap. I think it was on sale at dell.com last December for about $199+. I really need a camera I can take around with me all the time, though. I love my D80, but it's so big that I might break my back carrying it!
I am out of practice, though. I had not been very good to begin with, but a huge camera and heavy tomes are not valid excuses for continuing to practice! Thus, I finally gave in and got that point and shoot.
I would like to take some classes, but with the ongoing recession and my inability to get a job, I think I should try to make do with what I have. As part of my self-study, the following books are in my reading list:
Starting Photography 5th ed., by Langford & Andrews
The Art of Digital Photography - by John Hedgecoe
Perhaps, as part of my personal course, I will try to post a picture at least once a week.
It is a windy day here in DC. I wonder if the wind will carry a good shot with it?
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