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Showing posts from December, 2014

A short video take on my year of Weekly Photo Project 2014​. Enjoy.

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A short video take on my year of Weekly Photo Project 2014​. Enjoy.

That's All Folks! The Weekly Photo Project 2014 is complete for me, with two days to go.

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That's All Folks! The Weekly Photo Project 2014 is complete for me, with two days to go. 53 photos across 52 themes (I doubled up on week 23's theme of Silhouettes). Probably ten times that or more taken specifically  with the project in mind. I've cheerfully used Google's AutoAwesome on several occasions, and reveled in the abilities of the G+ photo-editor, and the Android apps "Photo Editor" (there are two with the same name, and I use them both for different things).  It was a tough year to be doing the project, with two major family disasters, but well worth it. My thanks to the curation team of Thomas Gillingham , Maurice Loy  , Samantha OBrien , Navin Upendran , Andrew Dobrucki , Bernhard Rembold , Robyn King , Francesco Scaglioni , and ben wong . Your feedback has been very encouraging, and has kept me going. I'm now looking forward to the Weekly Photo Project 2015, and another 52 photos. Who knows what else I might do?

Week 39 : September 30 :: Large/Small

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Week 39 : September 30 :: Large/Small #WeeklyPhotoProject2014  Weekly Photo Project 2014  curated by Thomas Gillingham , Maurice Loy  , Samantha OBrien , Navin Upendran , Andrew Dobrucki , Bernhard Rembold , Robyn King , Francesco Scaglioni , ben wong  #WPP2014-Wk39-LargeSmall Week 39 : Large/Small Nested mixing bowl set, and my final photo for the year.

It has taken a while to get it onto the wall, but now it looks great!

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It has taken a while to get it onto the wall, but now it looks great! Thanks for the great print Dots To Spots Printing​!

Feeling very accomplished.

Feeling very accomplished. I just successfully located and viewed comet Lovejoy2014/q2 through a pair of binoculars in the middle of suburbia - and was able to direct Alicia Smith to the same spot in the sky, where she saw it too! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C/2014_Q2_(Lovejoy)

Via John Samuel​ et al. Good words.

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Via John Samuel​ et al. Good words. Originally shared by Alinta McMurdo Merry Christmas! I hope you all have a healthy and happy day :) just a reminder ...

Meanwhile, Christmas in Australia

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Meanwhile, Christmas in Australia This magnificent work has been evolving for the last four years, just down the street from me. Growing from an initial 70-odd cans to the current more than 200, it began life a the remains of a birthday party that had too much rubbish to dispose of in one hit. This year I finally decided to get a photo of it, and just in time, as this will be the last year it appears. So enjoy this last look at a local icon, and tribute to Australian values: mateship, ingenuity, and beer.

El Reg are at it again.

El Reg are at it again. I, for one, welcome our new Scandinavian data centre equipment overlords.  http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/12/24/2014_the_condensed_conference_keynotes/

Memory card holders today - but something secret and special is lined up for tomorrow!

Memory card holders today - but something secret and special is lined up for tomorrow!  Comment on the the TTP link to enter. Originally shared by Think Tank Photo Day fifteen, but we're not done yet... #tTP15Days http://blog.thinktankphoto.com/2014/12/15-days-of-christmas-day-fifteen/ http://blog.thinktankphoto.com/2014/12/15-days-of-christmas-day-fifteen/

Ten Handy hints for participating in a Weekly Photo Project

Ten Handy hints for participating in a Weekly Photo Project As we get ready for the Weekly Photo Project 2015, thought I'd share some of the things I've learnt over past couple of years. First - Don't be shy - we really don't care what level of experience or quality of gear you have. We have absolute beginners and full-time professionals taking part, with everything from high-end DLSRs to 2MP smartphones. The point is to take part - to paraphrase one of my author friends "If you want to be a photographer, take photos!", and this is as true for those just wanting to improve their skills as for those looking to turn (or are already) pro. Second - Make sure you create a new album for the project at the start of the year, and (this is the important bit) add each photo to it before you share it.  Third - Include the theme in the caption of the photo before you share it - it makes it a lot easier when you are reviewing your work. Fourth - Print a copy of the th

Wonderful formation flying with some big birds!

Wonderful formation flying with some big birds! And Florian Haas has it right - it is great to see this with non-military aircraft for a change! Originally shared by Florian Haas Beautiful formation flying with planes that are not built to kill people and break things. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI4jWYZLeHQ&feature=share

The year that was...according to the Big G.

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The year that was...according to the Big G.

"Royalty"

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"Royalty" Week 52 - Dec 30 - Eyes #WeeklyPhotoProject2014  Weekly Photo Project 2014  curated by Thomas Gillingham , Maurice Loy  , Samantha OBrien , Navin Upendran , Andrew Dobrucki , Bernhard Rembold , Robyn King , Francesco Scaglioni , ben wong  #WPP2014-Wk52-Eyes Week 52 : Eyes This cat has recently moved in to our garden, and now lays claim to all the territory it can see. But it does have the most lovely eyes. As an aside, this is the first serious outing of another project of mine - a x2 teleconverter for the NX mount. These do not actually exist, so I decided to try building one out of a 16mm macro ring, the lens assembly from an old Pentax teleconverter I had lying around, and some #sugru . To my surprise it seems to work!

Week 6 Feb 11 - Love

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Week 6 Feb 11 - Love #WeeklyPhotoProject2014  Weekly Photo Project 2014  curated by Thomas Gillingham , Maurice Loy  , Samantha OBrien , Navin Upendran , Andrew Dobrucki , Bernhard Rembold , Robyn King , Francesco Scaglioni , ben wong  #WPP2014-Wk6-Love Week 6 : Love The toughest single assignment for me this year. At last I have a good image that I didn't use for another theme. ('Water', I'm looking at you !)  Another of my nieces, and one of my great-nephews.

Week 51 Dec 23 - Smiles

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Week 51 Dec 23 - Smiles #WeeklyPhotoProject2014  Weekly Photo Project 2014  curated by Thomas Gillingham , Maurice Loy  , Samantha OBrien , Navin Upendran , Andrew Dobrucki , Bernhard Rembold , Robyn King , Francesco Scaglioni , ben wong  #WPP2014-Wk51-Smiles Week 51 : Smiles Two of my nieces at a family picnic.

Here we go for 2015! Who's joining us?

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Here we go for 2015! Who's joining us? It is a great way to both improve your photographic skills and keep your enthusiasm up, and on top of that, you'll get to meet all sorts of interesting people! Originally shared by Weekly Photo Project 2015 Hi All, The list of themes for 2015 is on the "About" section of the project page at Weekly Photo Project 2015 along with a google calendar of the entries.  Copy / Paste info for the January themes is also ready.  Spread the word - let us try to make 2015 the best year for the project yet. \Francesco

Hat tip to Liz Quilty​ for this wonderful wakeup!

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Hat tip to Liz Quilty​ for this wonderful wakeup! Originally shared by Irreverent Monk 3 second cooking!  Gotta see it.  Who says only boys can have fun with high tech cooking! :)  Quick tip - ebi means shrimp in Japanese. h/t Liz Quilty over at FB

A reminder for anyone on the lookout for an ultra-lightweight high-end tripod, that the #3leggedsanta promo is...

A reminder for anyone on the lookout for an ultra-lightweight high-end tripod, that the #3leggedsanta  promo is still running. They are giving away other random stuff as well. Note: Requires newsletter signup. As their own media bod  says, though, you can always unsubscribe as soon as the promo is over. Disclosure: I'd really like one of their carbon-fibre-and-magnesium Ricks. Which is why I'm posting this. http://www.3leggedthing.com/christmas

Matt Crace​ on the Weekly Photo Project. I'm still two down on my target, but every thing he says holds true.

Matt Crace​ on the Weekly Photo Project. I'm still two down on my target, but every thing he says holds true. Except for getting one of them published! Good work there, Matt! Originally shared by Matt Crace Last January, I committed to a weekly photo challenge. I'm two shots away from reaching my goal/resolution.  https://plus.google.com/photos/117738869066234923369/albums/5965943989960133169 Over the past 50 weeks, this project has had a huge influence on my life. • I've met some truly awesome people from around the globe.  • I am a better photographer than I was a year ago.  • One of my 52 shots will be in a book to be published sometime this year. I really struggle to believe in my work but I keep trying. The quote from Jack Nicklaus I used at week 30 has really carried with me. Not just about the camera and the shot but about life's ups and downs. "Resolve never to quit, never to give up, no matter what the situation." The reason I'm sharing this is th

Thanks to Alicia Smith​ for pointing out this excellent summation of a fine academic career.

Thanks to Alicia Smith​ for pointing out this excellent summation of a fine academic career. Originally shared by Bill McGarvey For those Gilbert & Sullivan fans with a theological side to them... (t/h Gilbert Daniel) #theology   #philology   #biblical   #gilbertsullivan   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3x2SvqhfevE&feature=share

"Ludicrous COGZ"

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"Ludicrous COGZ" Week 50 - Dec 16 - Think BIG #WeeklyPhotoProject2014  Weekly Photo Project 2014  curated by Thomas Gillingham , Maurice Loy  , Samantha OBrien , Navin Upendran , Andrew Dobrucki , Bernhard Rembold , Robyn King , Francesco Scaglioni , ben wong  #WPP2014-Wk50-ThinkBIG Week 50 : Think BIG The "Ludicrous" edition of the board game COGZ, as played at the WABA December meeting.

"Abstract Abstract"

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"Abstract Abstract" Week 49 - Dec 09 - Abstract #WeeklyPhotoProject2014  Weekly Photo Project 2014  curated by Thomas Gillingham , Maurice Loy  , Samantha OBrien , Navin Upendran , Andrew Dobrucki , Bernhard Rembold , Robyn King , Francesco Scaglioni , ben wong  #WPP2014-Wk49-Abstract Week 49 : Abstract

Thanks to Simon Pollock for this heads up. Requires newsletter signup to enter.

Thanks to Simon Pollock for this heads up. Requires newsletter signup to enter. 3 Legged Thing very honestly points out that after the promo is over, you can unsubscribe :) Originally shared by FUJIFILM UK How would you like to win some camera gear? Well 3 Legged Thing are giving away loads of gear, some of it ours, as part of a little 9ish days of Christmas competition.  Go to the following link for more info: http://www.3leggedthing.com/christmas http://www.3leggedthing.com/christmas

Ooh! Look, Alicia Smith, our first digital camera!

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Ooh! Look, Alicia Smith, our first digital camera! We got ours for the 1999 Australian Worldcon. We've still got it. I'll have to pull it out and see if it still works. Originally shared by Sarah Barber Come on....... Who remembers these? Who had one? No, this is not mine. Actually, I had never seen one so I documented the vintage piece!

And who says women don't belong in I.T? Hmmm?

And who says women don't belong in I.T? Hmmm? Originally shared by The Daily WTF A brief bio of the programmer who made sure Apollo 11 didn't crash into the moon. http://buff.ly/16axeUT https://medium.com/@3fingeredfox/margaret-hamilton-lead-software-engineer-project-apollo-158754170da8?utm_content=bufferd8764&utm_medium=social&utm_source=plus.google.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Sugar gluesticks. Thousands of uses!

Sugar gluesticks. Thousands of uses! http://m.instructables.com/id/Gluing-a-gingersnap-cottage-like-a-nerd/

The Law of Unexpected Consequences in action, and wonderful to see.

The Law of Unexpected Consequences in action, and wonderful to see. It has been a while since I've been able to say this, but today I am proud to be Australian.  Originally shared by Dryade Geo Restore your faith in people, have a gander. http://mobile.news.com.au/technology/online/illridewithyou-twitter-sprouts-anti-islamophobia-campaign/story-fnjwnhzf-1227157197523

Holsters today from #ttp15 !

Holsters today from #ttp15  ! http://blog.thinktankphoto.com/2014/12/15-days-of-christmas-day-six/

Interesting read, explaining the ins and outs of governmental accounting tricks used to bamboozle us.

Interesting read, explaining the ins and outs of governmental accounting tricks used to bamboozle us. Originally shared by Scott Hamilton (Dame Nilly Lunchalot) This is an accounting trick, but it seems only students of government accounting rules can see it. People think that since the savings are being spent building up the fund, there won't be any net saving to the budget until after the $20 billion target has been reached. http://www.smh.com.au/business/comment-and-analysis/medical-research-future-fund-how-the-trick-is-done-20141214-126rpw.html

Ok #tTP15 is a bit on the specialised side today, but if you need a camera harness to go with a gear belt, here's...

Ok #tTP15  is a bit on the specialised side today, but if you need a camera harness to go with a gear belt, here's your chance. http://blog.thinktankphoto.com/2014/12/15-days-of-christmas-day-five/

Decembercon 2014 - the Christmas the WABA 12-hour December meeting, meeting for the Western Australian Boardgaming...

Decembercon 2014 - the Christmas  the WABA 12-hour December meeting, meeting for the Western Australian Boardgaming Association is always a special event. Come and have a look at some of what we got up to! Sadly, I did miss one part of the event completely - the King of Tokyo tournament - 10? 12? tables playing, and people trying to squeeze in! For me, most of the day was spent teaching and supervising Wings of Glory, where Alicia Smith and I had set up a 10 player dogfight scenario. We ended up with a total of 36 people playing across four games of it. Other highlights were Wez Lamont's COGz preview and tournament, and the annual Dice Decathlon tournament. We ended up with 124 people through the door, filled two rooms, and spilled out into the center's lobby for the COGz finals! https://plus.google.com/104545783008574601062/stories/eb9dd7ca-4fe9-3fe8-a8ae-2559c82d557114a46112315

Every once in a while we get something wonderful from Not Always Right.

Every once in a while we get something wonderful from Not Always Right. This time, it comes from a customer, which is even better! I bet there is a grin etched on someone's face that not even surgery could remove! Originally shared by Alicia Smith http://notalwaysright.com/being-a-good-person-is-doctors-orders/37448 Geeks Rule. http://notalwaysright.com/being-a-good-person-is-doctors-orders/37448

#tTP15 and it is backpacks today!

#tTP15  and it is backpacks today! http://blog.thinktankphoto.com/2014/12/15-days-of-christmas-day-four/

#tTP15 Rolls on - it is beltpacks today!

#tTP15  Rolls on - it is beltpacks today! http://blog.thinktankphoto.com/2014/12/day_three_ttp15/

Another giveaway from Think Tank Photo #tTP15

Another giveaway from Think Tank Photo  #tTP15   http://blog.thinktankphoto.com/2014/12/15-days-of-christmas-day-one/

Nice to see.

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Nice to see. Originally shared by Rachael Bennett For many people, gender identity is more complex than just "male" or "female."  Starting today, I'm proud to announce that Google+ will support an infinite number of ways to express gender identity, by giving you the option to customize the way your gender is represented on your profile.  Previously, we provided options for “Male,” “Female,” and “Other,” to encompass both those who don't fit into the traditional gender labels and those who don't want to declare their gender to the world at large. Now, the gender field on your profile will contain four entries, “Male,” “Female,” “Decline to state,” and “Custom.”  When “Custom” is selected, a freeform text field and a pronoun field will appear. You can still limit who can see your gender, just like you can now. We’ll be rolling this feature out for all users over the next few days. Many thanks to the people and groups who gave us advice on the best ways to

I did know of this horrible event. And I agree with John Samuel in every way.

I did know of this horrible event. And I agree with John Samuel in every way. Originally shared by John Samuel I did not know about this nasty (and potentially triggering) piece of Canadian history. As the link explains, it needs to be remembered and we need to work to prevent repetition by ensuring that women are NOT seen as intruders in tech spaces. That their right to be there, that our need* to have them there, is always acknowledged and respected. *Said need, meant need. I believe that the inclusion of women in tech spaces improves outcomes for all both those who work there and those who consume what tech spaces produce. http://tinyletter.com/metafoundry/letters/metafoundry-17-twenty-five-years-later

Before I begin, let us be clear on a few things.

Before I begin, let us be clear on a few things. Firstly, I am something of a amateur military historian. Secondly, consider the year and the season. Thirdly, for all that my normal listening playlist covers (at a minimum) acid dance, trance, ambient, electrorock, and gothpunk, I love a good choral recital. So with all that in mind, imagine my reaction on hearing that PUCS was running a one-off recital of christmas carols in three languages as a celebration of the events of December 25, 1914. I had to go.  So this afternoon, I rolled up to Trinity Uniting Church in Perth with Alicia Smith  (and her mum in tow) to listen to carols in German and French, as well as in English. What we got was so much more. To begin with, there was a screen with photos from the trenches projected on it, and a brass quartet up in the gallery. The program opened with a figure standing up in the gallery in greatcoat and scarf, officer's hat on his head, speaking of the cold and horror of the frozen trench

Really bizzare Beatles conspiracy theories. Just because.

Really bizzare Beatles conspiracy theories. Just because. Originally shared by David Gerard Rocknerd: Forget "Paul is dead": the Beatles NEVER EXISTED. Apparently. http://rocknerd.co.uk/2014/12/07/forget-paul-is-dead-the-beatles-never-existed-apparently/ http://rocknerd.co.uk/2014/12/07/forget-paul-is-dead-the-beatles-never-existed-apparently/

Full moon, Tycho.

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Full moon, Tycho. Samsung NX-300, 1/8s, Meade ETX90-EC with Celestron barlow/T-mount and moon filter. Shot at the Brighton Beach carpark, Perth Western Australia. Post-processing with the GIMP to remove dust and enhance contrast. Note to self: Clean barlow!

Alicia Smith wrote a great review of the Christmas Panto that GRADS are putting on this year.

Alicia Smith wrote a great review of the Christmas Panto that GRADS are putting on this year. It is a wonderfully fun night out - but I'll hand over to Leece to say just how wonderful and fun! Originally shared by Alicia Smith GRADS Pantomime - Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp. A Rambling Review by Alicia Smith (c) 2014 Gee, what with the disappearance of the the Theatre Australia website, I don't really have anywhere to post my theatre reviews where the cast might see them. Oh well, I'll just have to find out if there's anywhere to put it besides my usual haunts. Tonight some of us went to see GRADS production of Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp,  written by Stephen Quinn and directed by Stephen Lee. Produced by Arnold Wong who was bravely wearing a tshirt proclaiming "I wanna be a producer" on opening night. Mr Lee resplendent in a very fine tux. "The name's Lee. Stephen Lee." This runs from December 6th to the 20th - go to http://grads.org.au/ to

Chances to win some cool free stuff. Requires signup to mailing list to enter.

Chances to win some cool free stuff. Requires signup to mailing list to enter.  #cbholidaygivaway   http://www.colbybrownphotography.com/the-colby-brown-2014-holiday-giveaway/

The "Game of Truce" is being held on December 17th between the Army Football Association XI and the German Armed...

The "Game of Truce" is being held on December 17th between the Army Football Association XI and the German Armed Forces XI, in memory of the Christmas Truce of 1914. Kickoff at 7:30pm GMT. Cost is £3/£1. Well done whoever thought this up! http://www.farnboroughfc.co.uk/2014/12/army-fa-100-year-commemoration-game-of-truce/#.VIEB1cmxXV8.google_plusone_share

#FreePrintFriday is back again on Dots To Spots Printing​! Comment on the original post to be in with a chance!

#FreePrintFriday is back again on Dots To Spots Printing​! Comment on the original post to be in with a chance! Originally shared by Dots To Spots Printing Free Print Friday We are giving away a free print every Friday till the end of 2014 Simply place a comment on this post by 5:00pm tomorrow (6/12/14) AEST. The winner can choose any size up to 16x24 inches. The photo will be printed on 250gsm Satin Photo Paper We will randomly choose a person for this free print tomorrow night (06/12/14) and deliver it to their address. The winner of this event has till Sunday (7/12/14) 11:59pm AEST to send their photo to dots to spots to redeem this free print. Please refer to our website for Countries we deliver too. http://www.dotstospots.com.au Have a great Friday everyone. #friday #free #print #giveaway #photoprint #competition #advertising #win #share #freefriday #photography #gift

RAEZnet had their launch do for the amazing COGZ last night at Good Games in St James.

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RAEZnet had their launch do for the amazing COGZ last night at Good Games in St James. Enjoy some steampunky abstractness!