The end of 2014

I keep thinking about this past year. All the ups and downs, meeting new friends, keeping in touch with not so new friends. The trips, the vacations, the photo gear.

And when I think about all of that, it pales in comparison to the one thing that happened later in this year.

After 4 years of no contact, my oldest son, Paul sent me an SOS. And in that instant the 4 years of no contact evaporated. We talked for hours, and it was as if none of those empty 4 years existed.

A wound my heart had is gone. I no longer think of Paul, Collin, Jason, Joey and Bella with sadness. I smile now.

So, for everything that I got or happened this year, my favorite event was  "Mom, can you call. I need you."

Because I don't have a Kobo reader...

but I do want to read books available for sale on Kobo, but don't want to read them on my desktop, I have to jump through some hoops, that to describe how to do it is more complicated than the actually DOING of it. (And made more difficult when you have a small cat climbing all over the place)

Ok, bought a book, and when I went to find the epub on my desktop, all there is is a bunch of incoherent characters.  Ok, a bit of google to find what the hell is going on.  Ok, found out that to get epub, I have to download and install Adobe Digital Editions, then authorize the computer and download the epub.

Done.

I want to read it on my Kindle.  Hmmm, ok, the next step is to 'convince' the epub to not be a drm'ed epub, and then converted it to a mobi format.  Find file, have one program talk to it. Then have Calibre make a mobi format, then copy to kindle.

All I want to do is read my damned book. Yes, I understand there are naughty people out there that would prefer to not pay for the ebook, but that isn't me. BUT I want to read it where I want to read it.  One device. Not one tablet with three different e-readers, thanks anyhow.

Gee, should I take Apple up on this one?

They sent me a link to a survey about how I rate their service.

I wonder if they have a selection of "Sucks big fat donkey dick"? 

I think I will give it some thought before I click on that link.

Gottla Love iPhiles.. with ketchup

You know something, Apple.. you suck. And not the kind of suck that leaves anyone smiling.

Apple sells cross platform Quicktime Pro, an APPLE product, that works on a PC.  There is an issue with with it running, and even though this error happens on both PCs and Macs, the fob PC customers off with the "We only offer help if it's on a Mac."

I went to MicroSoft Answertech, where it seems they're quite familiar with Apple's bull$hit. Problem fixed. I posted the solution for those not comfortable with going into the registry and change permissions and do some editing,  on the Apple support forum, and enter APPLE FANBOI TO THE RESCUE!

Of course, iPhile immediately said it must me MY incompetence (to those who know me, this is a laughable comment) so I posted this in response then unfollowed the post:

Actually, I am an old hand at delving into the registry and tweaking it, have been for 15+ years. But my "trashing"... when I get told by Apple support themselves they know about this problem, and even know how fix it, but since I don't have a Mac they won't.... they deserve a bit of a textual spanking.

Also, did you miss the part that this also happens to Mac users? Either way, not going to argue. Apple sells a product, then doesn't support it. End of Story. Tweak does it automatically, for those (unlike me) who don't know how to or are reluctant to make registry edits.

Smash forehead into keyboard to continue

Ok, I am really on my last nerve when it comes to telecommunications, whether phone or computer. 

Our router died after years of long service. IINET did send another very quickly. That's the good news. Bad news is it doesn't like my wireless on my desktop, and when I start more than one program that accesses the internet, the "default gateway" goes "fnurky" and I have to reset the router.  Of course, first thing is they say it HAS To me my network adapter.  Umm, no, seeing as it can connect and stay connected to 3 different wireless routers/Wifi devices.  So, after a few hours hammering away, IINET support said they will send another modem, give that one a try see if that works. (Hey, did my purchase curse apply here?) 

And in OTHER news: Ordered new handset for Alan via VodaFone, forever now until the sun goes supernova, shall be known as VodaFail, on the 5th of November.  No show for 3 weeks. I email via their support page. Gist of the message from them was "Oops, our bad! Will send it out right away!"

Go forward another 3 weeks, and nothing. I call. I'm not happy. I'm made to chant the my details over and over and over. They have no record of my emailing their support.  Funny, I have not only the reply from their support but a reference number.  Pregnant pause ensued.  FINALLY, they will be sending the phone in 3 to 5 days.

It arrived today.  Did I mention they knew that this was an upgrade from a Samsung Galaxy S2, so would need a new sim chip? Shoot, even the gal who I dealt with on Nov 5th told me that!  Guess what DIDN'T arrive with the phone.  (insert a string of words that would make a 20 yr Marine Drill Instructor blush).  I call VodaFail, while on the landline with IINET, and Again, I am NOT happy here.  Paying for 2 $%%#%$*&@# months of phone service that can't be used? 

I told them that they had better not DARE to send me a survey again, because they would NOT like the responses.  I have a headache, my eyes hurt and I can hear the blood pounding in my ears.

It's like caring for a child

Ziggy, our older Bengal, has the habit of when she is stressed, she will lick an area on her leg until the fur fall out, and the skin is irritated. Then the vicious circle of her licking it because it itches , which makes it more raw and irritated, which makes it itchier starts. I put a "Cone of Shame on her and we took her to the vet. 

Exam showed no sign of skin infection. Vet and assistant shaved and washed the area, put NeoCort (Combine NeoSporin and Hydrocortisone) ointment on the area, giving it almost immediate relief. Anti-biotic and cortisone injection to last the day.  Came home with medications for her.

Unlike Loki, who just got on with life when he had to wear the CONE OF SHAME, Ziggy sulks.  Right now, she is on the desk extension/armrest look out the window, dozing off. (yeah, I know, I really didn't want that armrest, did I?) 

 

Did I mention how it's thrown my usual schedule into a tailspin?  Get up, crush pill, hide in her food, feed other three, put 1 in bedroom, take CONE OF SHAME off Ziggy, let her 'do her business', put her in front of medicated food (limiting overnight eating ensures she chows down on whatever we give her). 

Drink of water, give her a few minutes to groom face. CONE OF SHAME back on. Wing holds her up on 'show pose', while I put on rubber gloves, and apply NeoCort to her leg and upper thigh.

We get to repeat the ointment again in the evening.  I have an antibiotic past to give her, but the first dose.. well lets just say I had to wash it off her face. Vets need to come up with a tuna flavored version. *sigh*

December 7, 2014, Full Moon.

 

Canon 7Dmk2, Sigma 150-500, Kenko 1.4x extender. ISO 200, f/9.0, 1/200exp. 100% crop.

Ah, the joy of having a laptop that is desktop clone

What I didn't expect was when i went to use it for a specific filter, and it was gone. I checked in CS5 and CS6. No joy.

Booted up my laptop, and did a "Search Everything" and located them on in the AppData folder, and copied them over to an SD card, then imported them onto desktop folder.

Now that is a "Mission Accomplished" (on a small scale). ;)

Vet called with results of Loki's biopsy

To sum it up: not bone cancer.

Detailed information: The bony growth is the type normally found in larger breeds of dogs. The weight on such a thin-ish joint causes rubbing/grinding and can (an does) cause a bone spur or bony growth, causing pain and limping.  Loki is very large cat. Not overweight, just BIG. 

The good news is it can be treated by anti-inflammatories.  If the spur rebuilds up, it will be removed again.  And as a bonus, treatment is covered by pet insurance.

Yup.. nailed it.

"If you are more outraged at poor plack folks in Missouri looking stores than rich whites on Wall Street looting your future, you have been duped." Pete Dominick @petedominick

Post Surgical Check up for Loki

Vet was very pleased with how well the surgical wound is healing, and very happy to hear "What limp?"  as the reply to her question about the limp that brought Loki to the vet.  That in all probability means that the lump is a callus from an impact from a bad landing.

Loki has a few small abrasions on his paw, but it's from his trying to groom, and getting scraped on the edges of the "Cone of Shame".  Surgical elastic gauze put on the edges, and I have some ointment for that.  They gave him an injection of antibiotics so I don't have to stress him out anymore today.

Right now, Loki is curled up on the sofa behind me.  Me, I'm still exhausted from photo workshop yesterday. I was so tired last night, when I went to sleep, I dreamed about climbing into bed and falling asleep. Next thing I knew, it was 7am and purr kid was bugging me to get up.

The Lure of Banana/Peach/Passionfruit Yogurt

Still works on Loki.  He had his antibiotics in the yogurt, and 10 mins later, I put his single daily dose of pain meds in a gravy-ish cat food.

He wants to go outside, but not until the stitches are out.  Poor moggie. Watching him trying to scratch his ear through the "Cone of Shame". 

Loki back home, but not too happy

Vet/Radiologist report:

Radiographs of the forelimbs: wrist, elbows and shoulders The front wrist on the right side showed a bony change (different to the left) coming off the distal radius. The change is smooth and doesn't appear to be an aggressive lesion like an osteosarcoma or fungal infection.

A sample for this - as much as possible without weakening the distal radius was taken. Small cat fight wound was clipped and scrubbed.

Fairly certain the small cat fight wound was when he chased a trespasser from the front yard. Wing is out getting some Banana/Peach/Passionfruit yogurt to sneak Loki's medications into. Did that with him when he had broken leg, and he still loves the stuff. And getting him a few shrimp. Have to do a wee bit of pampering.

 

I

'm going to hope for the best, as the vet said it didn't have the 'moth eaten' appearance of being bone cancer. (looks at the bill) This is why I got myself an 'emergency credit card' and also why we have pet insurance.

Call from the Vet

Dr S said that the lump is a piece of bone, but not from Loki's wrist.  No idea where it has come from.  It isn't spongy, nor does it have the 'moth eaten' look of bone cancer. It's just a piece of bone.

That being said, the vet wants to remove it, and send it off for testing. 

So, with luck, we will end up bringing a grump, annoyed with us cat, home this afternoon.

Waiting..

Brought Loki to the vet around 9am, for a hard lump on his right 'wrist', and limping. On advise of the vet, he is there for x-rays and tests. 

I know some will say "It's 'only' a cat". But Loki is my cat. I've had him since he was 4 months old. I nursed him through a badly broken leg and long recovery time.

He curls up with my at night for a cuddle, follows me around the yard. He greets me in the morning, headbutts me for attention.

Now, I'm waiting to hear from the vet, hoping for the best.

Proof that Solar Energy is viable & does save money

Previous bill, and the graph in the bottom right hand corner shows just how much we cut the electric bill.  It has been cut over half.

 

In a market of competing software

There are sometimes too many choices, and it can get confusing.

Many people felt coerced into getting CS6 or Creative Cloud because of new camera raw formats, even though their earlier versions of Photoshop worked just fine, but Adobe didn't update camera raw data base for those versions.

One great work around with this is using CaptureOne.  It's less expensive then 'renting' Photoshop, and if you took up their free offer of CaptureOne version six, upgrading to v8 is even less expensive than Adobe Lightroom.

The tools in CaptureOne is like taking Adobe Camera Raw, Adobe Bridge, Lightroom, and some aspects of Photoshop and making them into one neat package. it can be a bit overwhelming with all the menu choices, but taking your time and get familiar with them, and you will be developing a workflow that will become second nature. 

After a few hours of trial and error, and a wee bit of swearing...

I got OnOne Perfect PhotoSuite 9 for Photoshop installed and running.  The problem I had after that was getting odd errors. Clicked on "Browse in Bridge" and I would get Javascript error.  I couldn't load multiple images into layers to, and attempting to photomerge would result in the same Javascipt error.

You can't pick what installation of Photoshop to install OnOne 9 into.  Yes, I still have CS5 running, with OnOne 8 because I have certain tools that just do not work in CS6 (astronomy based actions/plugins/addons). I tried uninstalling and reinstalling v8. Still kept getting the errors.  I had no way to install or keep it in just CS5 during the install. I also couldn't pick which version of Photoshop I wanted to uninstall OnOne Suite from.  ARGH!

Solution: Installed OnOne 9 leaving OnOne 8 fulling installed.  Then, what I did was go into CS6 and moved the plugin folders out of the CS6, launched, and TaDa! Javascript/PhotoMerge/Browse From Bridge works and I still have v8 installed for CS5.

Then another problem: after the installation, different OnOne tools that I use in conjunction because some of the features and options aren't in the PhotoSuite, stopped working.  It took about 4 hours to get that fixed, as both PhotoTune/PhotoProfessional tools had to be reinstalled, and my 'work arounds' applied.

I'm quite tired now.

Not overly happy..more like annoyed

I was forced to upgrade to newer version of Firefox. I haven't had any security issues, nor was it working improperly, but because certain websites have changed their coding, and Firefox doesn't quite function correctly (example: pulldown menus not pulling down)

Of course, the latest version GUI/Look is a gagger, so I had to fix that. (If I wanted to use something that looked like Chrome, I would use Chrome, thankyouverymuch).  Then worked on the addons (Thank you Nightly Tester for making that somewhat easier) and then customizations.  

(looks at Firefox) Well, close enough for government business.

A bit longer of a stroll

I have been back to doing laps, walking as briskly as possible without limping, in the back yard.  I do bring a camera outside with me, just in case the locals fly in for a visit.   When I'm done (typically 3 to 5 chapters of audio book) I will water plants that need it, and pull some of the grass growing between bricks.

Such a glamorous life. heh

Dear Bootlegger

If I have asked you over and over if the DVDs you're selling are the real deal, because I have been burned by people selling crappy pirated off the TV or old VHS tapes, then burned to DVDs and calling them 'box sets', even with network logos from different TV stations on them, and you tell me "Original discs, used but in great condition", you have NO call to get all snarky and pissy when I send you an email voicing my disappointment in selling me bootlegged.
I checked all my correspondence with you, and you on more than one occasion, assured me that the DVDs were originals.  Imagine my disappointment and then anger when I open the box, and find out what you have sold to me is not Original box set, and not even original discs in new CD/DVD cases, but obviously burned/copied DVDs. All you have to to is turn em over and take a look and you see the telltale 'blue/purple' dvd underside, rather than the gold-ish color of a proper DVD.
Yes, you gave me a full refund, saying I don't have to send the pirated discs back to you, but then you whined at me that you have to pay an overdraft fee?  Maybe you should have thought of that before selling pirated goods, yes?
You told me to just throw them away. No, I am going to see about sending them back, as I don't want them.  But I have to make sure that when I send them back, if the parcel gets tapped for customs inspection, that *I* don't get into trouble for shipping pirated media. 

Welcome to Paradox "The Girl Who Was Plugged In"

This was the very first episode of 'Welcome to Paradox' I ever saw.

Blatant advertising is illegal, and the only way to get your goods and services noticed is celebrity placements (current screen star toting new refreshing drink, or wearing latest fashions)

A despondent young woman has something that is missing from an executives 'placements'. Emotion, longing, humanity.  She meets one of the screen stars by accident, and he gives her a lily.  That being the high point of her life, she decides to end her life on that high point. The exec gets medical team there in time to save her life and offer her a unique opportunity.

The "Living Doll" project. A vat grown body, perfect, pretty, but without a mind. She is offered to be the mind that drives it. To be plugged in. She accepts the offer.  She embarks on a parallel life, but one that is destroying her, as she refuses to eat or sleep, and wants to remain in and as "Delphi". Even if it kills her.

My personal opinion, this is where some of the ideas in AVATAR came from. Vat grown to adulthood body, piloted by a living mind, and wanting to transfer the human mind into the the grown body permanently.

Grrrr

Still a pet peeve: when after months of trying to figure out a software issue on your own, you email support, outline everything you have tried to do, and the response you get is nothing more than a copy/paste from the %#$$@ online FAQ that you've read from back to front already.

After checking our records

We had the digital power meter installed 10 days before the installation of the solar panels. The meter reading, upon the switch on of the solar inverter, was at 283, meaning the average usage was 28kwH a day (must point out, we had been enjoying warmer than usual temperatures for these 10 days, so Synergy electricity usage was below average. Normal Average is 34kwh per day). Switch on was at 11:30-ish am, so the first day wasn't a full day of solar energy.

Meter Reading on switch on: 283

Day 1: 295 (mostly sunny skies)
Day 2: 305 (clear sunny skies)
Day 3: 317 (partly cloudy)
Day 4: 332 (partly cloudy)
Day 5: 347 (partly cloudy)
Day 6: 370 (heavy clouds, rain, and cold. Heating used)
Day 7: 380 (clear Sunny skies)

1/3 the average use of Synergy provided electricity. Even on cold rainy day, we used 1kwh less than the 'winter average'.

So, next year, we will be getting another 6 panels for the other north facing roof.

Welcome to Paradox "Options"

I really like this episode.  If you could actually swap genders, to see how the other half lives. Genetic/DNA surgery doesn't just give the semblance of the opposite sex, but you actually become the opposite sex.

A woman catches her husband cheating on her. She decides to undergo the the treatment.  The outcome of her experiment isn't quite what she expected, but at the same time opens her eyes to how men interact.  Also, instead of being male or female, but what it means to just being human.

Hatches Battened Down

Have some stormy weather, with very strong gusty winds heading our way. Wind's already here.  Have tucked things into the shed, other things up against the gate and house. Filled watering can to weigh it down. Made sure the lime tree was off the wheeled dolly (can't have that fall over again) 

As I have this quirk of typically sleeping through, or getting drowsy during them.  (yawn)  and this incoming storm is having the usual affect.

Today is the first day

That I have spoken to my eldest son, Paul, in quite some time.  It wasn't for the best of reasons, but I don't care.  He is going through a rough patch, (not of his making) and family is family.  I've missed him, and I told him as much. 

But then I did something even more important; I listened.  I let him pour it all out to me, no judgment and only offered advise and my opinion when I was asked for it.  He knew that if I thought for an instant that he was in the wrong, I would have landed on him (verbally) with both feet.

That wasn't the case.

And I'm still here to listen.

I envy my cousin his lack of tonsils

Because here I am, over 50, with a bout of tonsillitis combined with ear infection.  

My biggest problem with it right now is the painful swallowing. It's not just the tonsil/throat, it's the stabbing pain in the ear when I do from the pressure of the tonsil on the Eustachian tube.  It's especially troublesome right about 3:30 am, when the pain medication wears off. 

Fever, pain, and lack of sleep. Perfect recipe for being cranky, or having no filter and calling it like it is.

Nice to see that Good Customer Service isn't totally extinct

Yesterday, three QuickFlix DVDs arrived, but it had been raining, and the mailman didn't insert them fully into the mailbox. They got soaked. 

I had tried to carefully remove the mailing envelopes, but they dissolved into mush. The DVDs were ok, but the mailers were gone.

I logged onto QuickFlix site, and sent them a message via "contact us" after business hours yesterday.

This morning, I get a call. They are going to mark the 'mailer-less' DVDs as returned, so the next three are sent out immediately. When done with those, just double up the DVDs in the mailers. 

Might be a tight squeeze, and if the mailer opens on the sides, I can and will use either tape or stapler to close the edges.

What good is it...

For me, after someone complained about being fiscally careful, of doing just that (like sewing waistbands back on underwear is just so much fun.. and that's just one example of penny pinching) what that other someone has, in the past two weeks, racked up $229 in speeding fines?

Anyone... anyone? 

Bather’s Beach, Fremantle, W.A.

To those who say "Never try to out-stubborn a cat"

You have never seen me do exactly that. 

Ziggy has habit of licking a spot on a foot until it's lost the fur (stress thing like a human biting fingernails).  She has learned that I will make her stop whether she wants to or not.

Next thing; get her to stop ‘power rubbing’ her chin raw.

I'm so glad I have a sewing machine

But not so glad I need it as often as I do.

It seems that most of the times I use it, is to repair piss poorly put stitched together items.  Just got through finishing off the end of a zipper on a laundry bag, and stitching the zipper and fabric together.   This is the 6th one repaired, and two I had to toss because the zipper head came off.

Now, I know these didn't cost a small fortune (only $6 for a pair) but if you get them, use them once or twice, then they fall apart, and you get more, the cost can add up quickly.

And it's not just laundry bags. I've had to re-seam shirts, dresses, 'delicate underthings'. Wear once, wash once, repair.

RIP Robin Williams. Be at Peace, and thank you for what you gave us.

I had hoped when I heard this, that it was a hoax. But it's not.

Actor, comedian, genius.... the black dog got him. The world world has lost one of its brightest lights, and we are lessened for it.
My condolences to all who loved him, his family, friends, the world.

Maybe that 3rd battery pack for cordless weed trimmer was bad idea

Because I never know when to stop.

For the past few weeks, I have asked, repeatedly for assistance from the male bipeds.  First it was to clear some of the weeds that had grown back, and then just to remove twigs and branches so I could level everything with the weed trimmer.

*sigh* 

Drained all three of them cutting the grass/weeds on the side of the house, and some of it out front, too.  Hands hurt like hell from the vibrations. I got gloves with gel padding to absorb the vibrations, but someone forgot to tell the manufacturer that there is a difference in finger sizes from the middle finger down to the pinky finger, so they are of no use.

I now have clear areas to stand to take photos of Supermoon tonight.   Already have what gear I'm going to use set up and tested it last night, so I'm good to go

Last nights "After dark" photo session

Wing and I head into Fremantle just about every Friday. Him, for his photo project (one photo a week of the same restaurant to see how things change over the seasons), and me for some night time street photography.

I don't feel so bad about something now, because it's not only me he will walk in front of, or into the frame, screwing up a photo.  He did it to some tourists last night, and they were not happy.  I apologized to them, and explained that he has photo-bombed or blocked so many photos by not paying attention those around him, and it's an ongoing problem.  He gets idea of photo, and loses all spatial awareness.

*grump*

I called PetPlan about the increase in pet policy prices.  Turns out it's not because she older. It's because there have been people who have certain breeds of cat that are known to have specific to breed health problems that wouldn't be covered who are claiming their cats are 'domestic short hair' or other such non-breed of moggie.

Because of that, the insurance underwriters have had to increase costs across the board because of these people.

I will be having the "Death Coverage" removed, as getting their adoption fee/purchase price back isn't really an issue. That will drop the price $50 a year per moggie.

Once more into the breach.. for some, not for me!

Adobe has come out with Creative Cloud 2014.  Of course, they didn't warn anyone that Creative Cloud 2013 (for want of better label0 plugins might not, or more likely, will not work with their latest and greatest.

People who had CS6E/CS6 had the same problem.  I worked at it until I solved some of the "plug-ins for CS6 will not be updated to work in CC."  I had this problem with CS5 to CS6, and by spotting that the plugins worked in the 32bit Photoshop CS6, I manually copied the plugin files, their associated DLLs and activation tool, they all functioned perfectly in CS6E 64bit.

Along came CC, and the the trial, I had the same problem. I found out manually copying the plugins to the 32bit Photoshop CC 2013 worked just fine, but but not in the 64bit, so I had to be careful of the work. 

Every thing I have works just fine, the only thing I can think of having to do, it keep a 'past it's trial date' version of CC on the hard drive so I can download and install latest Camera Raw, if necessary.  I have that work around so I can use CS6 Adobe Camera Raw in CS5 Bridge.  That's too handy of a trick to lose.

Now that Trance has been here for a few months

And is no longer hiding, it's time for her to learn the hierarchy.  She has been stalking and attempting to bully Ziggy.  Ziggy is the 'diva' here, and Trance has to learn it.

Whenever Trance stalks or harasses Ziggy, she gets a squirt of water from a spray bottle. All three of us have one close at hand. Ziggy will be allowed to growl, and if Trance doesn't retreat, squirt.  

Bengals are intelligent, and I'm sure Trance will get the message/training quick enough. But this doesn't mean we will allow Ziggy to harass Trance.  Should Ziggy start being the bully, a different chastisement (noise and voice). Again, Bengals are intelligent (for the most part) and I'm sure she will get it through her noggin. :)

Good Morning 4am

Once again, I am up early because of feline behavior.

I heard this low, not quite silent growling, and felt something slowly climb over me, and settle down where one pillow overhung another. The growl got a bit louder.  I reached out, and felt a small muscular body, grabbed it and held it close. Flicked on the light, and it turned out to be Ziggy.  Her growling grew in volume and I looked around, and there was Trance, slowly slinking towards her.

Since Ziggy was under an 'overhang' of pillow, hiding her from sight, and kept my arm wrapped around her. She quieted a bit. I got up and shooed Trance away. 

Tried to go back to sleep, but even though both Loki and Trance weren't in the room, Ziggy kept intermittently growling. So, I tucked a blanket up over her, and then she started purring and dozing off.

 

Guess she knows who can keep her protected.

Early morning visit to Ebay

I have Feliway diffusers, but with the wide open floor plan, power outlet locations leave much to be desired. 

Visited eBay seller, and got some Feliway spray. Two bottles to use in the heavy cat traffic areas.

Pesky headaches

Woke up with nasty one this morning.

1: Drank some water, waited a goodly while.. no change.

2: Did some deep breathing/relaxation exercises...  no change

3: Went outside for fresh air and a bit of a meander... no change.

4: Self massage of neck, jaw (sternocleidomastoid muscle), temples and scalp.. no change

*sigh*

5: Panadeine.

Now that Trance has been 'belled'

Trance is a bit sulky with me right now, as a few mornings ago, I walked up to her, and as she was being lovey, I put a collar with a few small bells on it around her neck. She went nuts. Acrocatics at its best. She's not 100% used to it yet, but she isn't doing back flips, and trying to scrape it off now.

But the upswing is this: Now that Ziggy can hear her coming, and know where Trance is located, she has calmed down enough to stop hiding all the time. Here she is, sleeping out in the open, totally relaxed.

What is with the current crop of Republicans?

How many school kids, almost babies, need to be slaughtered before they stop taking money from a glorified gun club for political favors? Does it have to their own children and grand children before they wise up?

How many towns in Texas have to be almost blown off a map before the politicians stop trying to hide what dangerous chemicals are being stored/stockpiled in civilian neighborhoods? 

Why did governor of North Carolina make is FELONY to disclose what chemicals are used in fracking other than preventing those poisoned from the toxins being able to trace it back to the source? 

I know these politicians are lining their pockets, maybe not while their in office, but when they leave.  It's their 'retirement perks', other than the full 'pensions' they get for being in the US government.  

They're supposed to be working for the people... not screwing them over.

The intelligence of cats.. especially Ziggy.

It's not any deep dark secret that Ziggy does not want or even like having Trance in 'her' house. But this is just mind blowing.

I saw Ziggy come into my study. She jumped up on the sofa, and instead of just curling up to snooze, she sat, with front feet not tucked up under her, and staring out the door. Watching.. just watching, ears perked forward. 

This caught my attention. So, I watched Ziggy.

A few moments later, I see Trance, kind of walking low and cautious, heading toward the laundry area.  I got ready to stop Ziggy from going after Trance, but Ziggy just sat on the sofa.. watching. 

Huhwha?  I got up quietly to check on Trance, and what greeted me was this: Trance almost getting outside, but for me nudging the laundry basket, she spooked and ran back into the front area of the house.

Ziggy had opened the side door but didn't go outside. Instead she came back into the study, hopped onto the sofa and waited. If it hadn't been for the laundry basket, Trance would have gotten out.

Ziggy couldn't have told Trance to get out any clearer, could she?

A bit of progress with Ziggy and Trance.

 

Yesterday, with me babysitting, err catsitting, Ziggy GLARED at Trance, but no sound FX, no attempt to attack. Trance deliberately kept her eyes averted because had she had returned the stare, Ziggy would have taken that as act of aggression, and I'm quite sure fur would have flown.

This morning

Keito came back in and like usual, Trance went to go see him (she is smitten by Keito for some reason), and Ziggy came out at the same time.

HISSSSSSSS so loud, sounded like cardboard box being slid across stone floor. I rustled the container/ziplock bag with her breakfast in it to distract her, speaking all sweetness and light to her, distracting her, and no fighting ensued.

Ziggy growled at Loki and he fwapped her for it. Then, later, he grabbed and 'hugged' her.
She growled at him again a few minutes ago, and he LOOMED over her "You were saying?".

Ziggy decided now was a good time to just be quiet.

A most unhelpful reply

I have been posting for 2 years on a thread I started on the Adobe Forums about CS6 Bridge being so slow. 

Some twit decided to say he didn't feel like wading through 4 pages/130 posts to see if he could help.

I asked him "Then why did you bother posting this reply?" 

He also said it's not a general problem.  Really?  I know quite a number of people who have this problem, many of them who didn't have an earlier version of Photoshop so didn't know its behavior was glacially slow. And instead of post "ME TOO!" they just visit the thread to see if there have been any new developments.

So, for this lazy person, I posted everything in one post. Did some copy/paste, some editing to make sure I wasn't repeating myself and posted it as a reply.

Not going to hold my breath.

Keito has a 'fangrrl'

Was woken up this morning by the sound of rummaging around on the windowsill. I could tell it was Trance rummaging around, because I could hear things being shifted and walked over, but no tag/bell noise which would have indicated Loki or Keito. it's good to know that even with Ziggy attempts at bullying her, Trance is exploring and wandering around the house.

So, sat up, turned on light, see Trance following Keito all around the room.  He went into the on suite bathroom, she followed him. He went into the shower stall, she followed him. He looked at me with the long suffering sigh, and walked out of the room, Trance on his heels.

Into the kitchen, chirping, meowing, body rubbing on fridge, cabinets and anything she could touch, she follows Keito. :)   Trance will follow Loki around, but not with such enthusiasm. :D  The boys are so tolerant. Just wish Ziggy to chill a bit.

After a week, you know it was the flu

I don't get sick often. And when I say sick, I don't mean allergies, or headache/migraine, but sick. Fever, chills, cough, body aches etc etc.

For the past week, I have been sick. Sicker than I have been in years.  Part of the problem might be because I don't get sick often, that when I do, it knocks me right down.

I'm over the worst of it, I think. Yesterday, we went grocery shopping, only for about 90 mins, and I was depleted.  I guess my energy reserves are bottomed out. Hopefully, tomorrow, it will be sunny, and just warm enough for me to take a short meander around neighborhood.  Going to take it slow, maybe bring my 'slacker' camera with me. See if I can spark some inspiration.  

Think I'm over the worst

I caught Wing 's cold/flu, and it was really hammering me.

I swear that even my hair hurt. A dry hacking cough caused by a throat tickle for 2 solid days have left my ribs extremely sore, to the point I wondered if you could break a rib coughing.

Yesterday, I had actually felt worse than I did the day before. Lethargic, feverish, pain. The day before, I had tried the sleep a lot but ended up tossing and turning, not very restful at all.  So, yesterday, I stayed up until I just couldn't keep my eyes open, took a nap about 4pm, back up at 6pm. Ate a very small meal, and then back to bed. I slept through most of the night.

Got up this morning, feeling weak as a kitten, but not so lethargic, not trying to hack a lung across the room, and the fever appears to be gone now. Ribs still sore as all get out, but since I'm not coughing as much, it's more an annoyance now.

Still not too eager to meet edibles, though.

*Does Jedi mind trick hand gesture*

"This isn't the moggie you're looking for"

Wing and I were in our bedroom, and we hear cat fight screech noise.

We quickly go out to break up possible dust up and Ziggy, with tail inflated, runs past us. (Gee, think she knew she was being naughty?)

We check on Trance, and she is ok.

So, we go looking for Ziggy.

The little brat of a cat dove back under her blanket/sofa tent, then came sttttrreeetching out as if she had only just woken up (her version of Jedi Mind Trick hand gesture)

"Who? Liddle ol me? Naw, I just woke up!"

Side effect of phone having a breakdown

Although I have most of my apps restored via GooglePlay, one of them seems to have vanished.

I went to the app author's site, Ximad, and saw the app was listed there, and sent my details of original purchase. The reply was "That app is no longer available on GooglePlay."  It was all I could do to not respond "No shit, Sherlock. That's why I'm contacting you." I reiterated that it was listed on their site for Android, as well as Windows and iPhone.

I got replay "That app is no longer available on GooglePlay."   I pointed out about their listing, and this time the reply was "We forgot to update the site. The app is no longer available."  I told them that due to the nature of the internet, the app was still available but I would prefer to get it from the original programmer/source.  Told again, it's not available. No explanation, nada.  I mean, if they had told me they sold the rights to it (they hadn't) it would be one thing, but what they did was pull it and put out an "in app purchases" version, which I did NOT want.  "The app isn't available"?

Really?  Then why was I able to find it elsewhere and install it?  No, I didn't pirate it, but after the 10 message runaround Ximad gave me, it was tempting.

So, screw you, XiMad. Anything you might come up with again can rot for all I care because your customer service sucks.

Dear Loki, the brave Hunter

Yes, you're skilled, but I really wish you would NOT catch large wood roaches, bring them indoors then let them go.

Well, well, that seemed to have worked

Yesterday, I brought out the "Snuggee" blanket. Ziggy was on the cat tower and immediately stood up.

I put it on the sofa, and in less than 10 seconds she had gone under it, curled up and started snoring.

Last night, neither Ziggy or Trance were sequestered in a closed room.  And there was no fight or dust up between them.

I guess being warm under her favorite "Blankie" is a larger priority for Ziggy. :)

Ziggy got schooled by Loki... again

Loki has a history of putting up with Ziggy's bad behaviors just so long, before he decides to take her down a peg or two. 

Examples: he was sleeping in a box, and she kept jumping on and off it to annoy him, and he pounced and pinned her down. She kept slapping at his tail, he cornered her behind a door.

This morning, Loki, fed up with Ziggy's attacks on Trance, took matters into his own paws, as he did when she would pester him. He waited until her attention was elsewhere and POUNCED on her. She, of course, screamed as if she was being torn limb from limb.

The big question is this:  will she learn from it?

Meet Trance, 5 yr old Brown Marble Bengal

Trance came to live with us about 2 weeks ago. There were some dust-ups with Ziggy, resident Queen Bengal (queen as in royalty, not breeding).  Thinks have settled down, although there are still a few growls from Ziggy every once in a while. Keito and Loki could care less.

 

Hanging out on the windowsill.

 

Enjoying some late afternoon sun on the Cat Tower

Trance spent the night out of the bathroom

Seeing as after the entire day, no growling at all. Dirty looks are ok, but no fighting.

Wing said there was a big of growling back and forth last night, but he put a stop to it right away.

This morning, I get up, Ziggy is on the floor,  standing next to the altar table, and Trance is perched on my sewing machine cabinet. They're just staring at each other.

No noise, no growling, just staring. I broke it up by feeding them.

Trance is asserting herself

This morning, instead of waiting inside her cubby cube in the bathroom for one of us to come in, she was pounding on the door demanding to be let out.  I shooed Ziggy away from the door, and let Trance out.

Trance cautiously came out, remembering how Ziggy behaved yesterday, but come out she did.  I immediately started getting the food dishes ready. Keito and Loki were meowing and stopping my shin and ankles.  Ziggy was looking for Trance. I put a stop to that right away.

I also woke Wing  up, as he is going to help with this.  Oh, and this morning (rolling eyes) he said he is going to not interact with Trance too much, as it 'might be making Ziggy jealous and setting her off."  *insert facepalm here* Both Alison and I have been telling him that for the past week, and now it's suddenly his idea?  Oy! Grateful, though, he has at least joined the conversation.  heh

I just read the most repugnant Repub comment about minimum wage

I was going to link to the page, but I'm not going to give this asshole any net traffic. Minimum wage, had it kept pace with inflation, would and should be about $15 an hour if not more.

Here's my thought. A US Army Sergeant, with 4 years military service makes $30,661.20 in annual salary. That's $14.74 an hour if they ONLY worked as much as a standard 40 hour employee. My opinion: Shut your damned mouth and fix my friggin milkshake!

1: Being in the military, if you are given a clothing allowance, have all health care covered, even have housing. If you live on base, you can even go to a messhall for your meals. And if you live off base, you get a housing allowance.

Actually, after 1 there is no other reason. If any Fast Food Worker didn't have to pay for food, clothing shelter, and medical expenses or need, $30k a year would be fine.

Well, that could have gone a bit better

We let Trance out of "solitary confinement", and it seemed to be going ok.  But I think it was a case of too much open space, not knowing her way around (our bad, we should have shown her where the sand trays were immediately) and it just overloaded her. She 'panic toileted' on an old bag.  All cleaned up, but she was majorly stressed out.

She's back in the bathroom, fresh food and water, her cubby cube (aka her sanctuary).  Tomorrow, when we let her out again,  we will bring her to one room, close the door and let her get accustomed to the area. 

It was just a case of too much too soon.

Woo hoo!

I managed to get the Blu Ray player working! *does happy dance*.  And I didn't have to cave into ' My Computer Mate's' blackmail.

Re-seated some plugs/pins.  And that mofo would have charged me $110 for re-seating what he didn't plug in properly.

Just for giggles

I made a full disc copy of one of my blu ray movies to a hd.  Started up Blu Ray program, and voila, the full disc folder rip plays without a hitch.

so, that just means the idiot from "My Computer Mate" didn't put something together right (you know, the moron that made my computer worse, then had the audacity to blackmail me if I wanted him to fix HIS fuck up, I had to pay him more.) If it was just the drive, I wouldn't have been able to make a full disc copy, or play regular DVDs.

The only problem with ripping the blu-ray to a drive is that they're 43gbs.  Even with a large capacity drive, ripping my blu-rays to the drive is out of the question.  I guess I could just rip the main movie file, HD mp4 or mkv.

Tweaks and adjustments

New monitor set up as primary, as it needs to be.  Managed to get the touch screen working on the proper screen (it was active on the NON touch screen). 

The fun part is getting the desktop icons to stay put on the secondary monitor (done) and then the tedious opening of programs, they open on primary, shifting them to the secondary, closing them, then re-opening them to make sure the setting has 'stuck'.

There are a few programs that seem to not want to 'conform'.  I will beat it into submission.

New External HDMI monitor arrived

And it turns out that the idiot from "My Computer Mate" did something to that prevents Blu-Ray discs from playing.  (and before anyone trying to be 'helpful', don't. Been there, done it, over and over, no joy).   The drives read the discs, info all there, but when I hit play, nothing. I can play DVDs without a problem, but not blu-ray discs.  All I can think of is I need to hook it up via the DVI-I rather than HDMI, and that would entail cracking open the back of the computer again.

Easier solution for me is to rip videos from the blu-ray discs and play them.

Having the larger monitor.. well, my eyes are already thanking me for it.

So, what I will do is just use this computer until it caks it, and then do hat Alan did. have one built to order instead. Give said person a full system back up, and even though it will have fits for a while for not having the correct drivers, that is easily remedied. Just let it auto update them all.

Why does doing the right thing feel so terrible?

This morning, we took Yin, almost 19 yrs old, to the vet for her final sleep.  We had tried some pain medication and other things to improve her quality of life, but it wasn't working.  We knew this was the final trip, as Yin, who was quite vocal the last time, didn't utter a single sound. The vet was shocked to see how much more weight Yin lost after just one week. "There's almost nothing left of her." Out of <a href="http://Aikidomayland.livejournal.com/"><b>Wing</b></a>  and his mothers' hearing, the vet said Yin had days, if not just hours left, but would be in extreme discomfort and pain. Yin was ready, she was tired, it was time.

Vet took her to the back room to put in the injection cuff, and brought her back to us.  I didn't want to leave her wrapped up in a towel, on a table for her last moments.  I gently picked her up, and cuddled her close yet gently as to not cause any pain. I spoke gently in her ear, Wing and his mother said goodbye.   The vet inserted the first injection via the cuff, and she fell asleep. 2nd injection, and I could feel her breathing and heart beat slowing.  I whispered in her ear "good journey". 3rd injection, and Yin let out a shuddering sigh, all the tension in her body went away, and I felt when she left us.  I told then vet "I think she's gone now."  Vet checked, and I was right.

Yin has crossed "The Rainbow Bridge" 

Next time you try to f*** me, at least kiss me first.

aka My Review of “My Computer Mate” computer repair service.
I'm not a spiteful person, but when someone claims to provide a service, then does a piss poor job of it, and has the gall to say if you want it done right way, pay up again.
The Monitor on my Acer All in one Z5761 was intermittently failing. Called around and did some research, and was told that the 'inverter board' was failing and needed to be replaced. Off I went in search of part, and located it, bought it.
Then shopped around for a repair tech. Called a few of them before Wing found My Computer Mate, and suggested to call.
I did, and spoke at length with David, who appears to be the sole proprietor of the place. He said he was well versed in All in Ones, and swapping out the inverter board would take about an hour. He sounded so knowledgeable, a time was arranged for him to come and swap out the part.
I set up a work area, and when he arrived, I asked him repeatedly if there was anything he needed (you know, keyboard, mouse, speakers, or other computer items). He kept assuring me that no,nothing needed, and he proceeded to dismantle the computer. After an hour, he couldn't locate where the inverter board should go. So, he took a few more things apart, still no joy.
What set my spidey sense a-tingling was when I saw him looking at an online parts list for my computer right there and then. I thought he knew about them, and what went into them. Turns out, there is no inverter board for my computer. That the seller of the part had juxtaposed two digits in the model number. If David was so well versed in All in Ones, why didn't he know this ahead of time? Or why didn't he at least look this up prior to the attempt to fix mine?
I admit, he worked for three hours and only charged me for two. That isn't the issue.
The issue is this: he put my computer back together incorrectly. The monitor no longer had touch screen abilities (which it did even if the monitor was off), the webcam is now angled up and has a great view of the ac vent, and the audio for my blu-ray drive wasn't working.
When I informed him of these things, he told me he asked if I was satisfied with his reassembling of my computer and that I said I was satisfied.
I called the ACCC and gave them the whole story. According to them, someone who provides a service must do so with due care and skill. Seeing as I went from having an intermittently working screen, to having it, the webcam and the audio from the bluray not working, he didn't not do so with "due care and skill".
So yes, he said he will give me a full refund, but will NOT fix his f***ups unless I am willing to pay him more.
Sorry, but I never give a dog a 2nd chance to bite.

Say what? You're joking.. right?

After I sent and email, text messages, and then a contact request via their own website, the repair tech guy, finally called me back. 
I told him that no only wasn't the touch screen working, that the monitor doesn't even flick on then go off, but as I posted yesterday, the webcam is pointing at the ceiling now.
His response was (and this is almost verbatim) "I was there for 3 hours and only charged you for two. And you said you were satisfied with the results."
"How could I be satisfied when I didn't have the computer set up and tested. Yes, you worked for three hours, charged me for only two, but you made my computer problem worse."
His reply "Well, I could come out there and fix it, but I would have to charge you for that time, too."
Ok, I admit, I got pissed off... but I didn't swear.
"You didn't fix my computer, you made more problems (the touch screen not working, the webcam not seated), and you want me to pay for you to come back and fix YOUR mistakes? " (he started muttering something about having customers, and this is where I my temper got the better of me) I'm sure in you're in a big hurry to screw other people over."  and I hung up.
Then I called the ACCC and got some information to file a formal letter of complaint to him about charging me for services that were not performed with due care and skill.
It seems that my sending him email about the touch screen not working and the webcam not working right the very next day was one of the best things I could do. It started a 'paper trail'.
Will wait for Wing to get home to get the legalese terms correct.

Ok, now I'm annoyed

Yesterday, I hired someone to come to the house to install/replace inverter board for my all in one computer monitor.  He spoke as if he knew both where the board was, and how to fix it, and that it would only take one hour.

After dismantling the back of the computer, he couldn't find the inverter board. He checked online, and yes, the part I had was supposed to be the part for the Acer Aspire Z5761. but it wasn't anywhere to be found.  So, he took my computer down to its component parts.  No inverter board to be found anywhere.  Only then does he look at a list of parts for the computer, a list that only professionals or tech stores can access.  No inverter board for my Acer Aspire all in one, but there is in others.

He put my computer back together (I thought) but now, the monitor doesn't even 'try' to come on, and touch screen functions don't work, and the webcam is staring at the ceiling. 

He made my computer worse than it was, and I paid for the fucking privilege.

According to their website, they guarantee the computer gets fixed, or you don't pay.  I want a refund.

Wasn't quite the results I was hoping for.

Turns out the seller of the Inverter Board listed wrong model compatibility.  In home tech spent hours taking my computer down to its parts and there is no, I repeat, no inverter or inverter board located anywhere in the machine.

I have informed the seller of inverter board of this, and the out of pocket cost for having a tech work in my home ($110 ph labor. Luckily for me he didn't charge me for all 4 hours, just 2. )

The goodish news is it. Everything is set up again as it was, using two external monitors.  Also, whoever designed this computer had oatmeal for brains. There is an hdmi out cable that goes no where.  So, after bank account recovers from this expense, since the computer itself is in great condition, I am going to get an HDMI out compatible monitor, and an HDMI extension and just rock two monitors. 

Problems solved!

Mega kudos to Alan for helping me get everything set up again.  Worth his weight in gold, he is.

1, 2, 3, 4, get the laundry off the floor

Would be great if Loki would stop deciding to make himself a 'nest'.

Still feeling "Con Hangover", mostly because Wing unwisely planned for activities the day after. My plans were get laundry washed, hung on the line, folded, put away, do some reading, some photo processing and general vegging out.

*sigh*

SwanCon #39, "Conjuration"

Opening ceremonies were rousing, as usual. Coman is a great emCee.

Sat in on panel about using social media to keep a strong web presence. The pros and cons, and how we (collective we) each have a different way to handle the faceless trolls whose only claims to 'fame' are being able to type FIRST on a blog post or seem to enjoy just being nasty.  Jim Butcher said it wonderfully: The first person who gets mad loses. 

That's pretty much what I live by.

This is why I will be giving "Canon Shine" a miss

Deadly Boring Photographs: How to select a Genuine Photography Competition: There are some well organised, genuine and ethical photography competitions in the world setting the highest artistic and technical standard...

Whoever thinks housework isn't work

I invite them to the 3 hour workout I just had.  And I'm still not done. Problem is, I'm wincing when I take a deep breath, or try to sit up or pull my posture up straight.

Bonus: I still have more to do; and it needs to be done. Can't put it off.

Now this is very disappointing

"Canon Photo 5" is no more. It's been superseded by "Canon Shine".

It's turned into an internet popularity contest. If you have a large Twitter, FB, or other blog/media site friends list, no one who doesn't have one stands a snow balls chance in hell. Those with huge friends lists will get 'voting swarms'.  The 'winner' becomes their free of charge spokesperson for Canon ads, getting little else than a bit of international viewing.

This is a damned shame, and really makes me sad. It does. I was really looking forward to this years Canon Photo 5. Sorry, Canon Australia. You've dropped the ball on this one. No more inspiration in a little brown box.

Dear Magical Computer Elves/Sprites/Sidhe;

After I go through all the trouble of making system image (which for odd reasons failed twice before succeeding. Once because although it says it can work in background, you really need to leave the machine alone, and twice because one of our furry godlings managed to unplug the external drive), the setting up the 2nd external monitor so I can use the desk space, you decided to 'allow' the desk top monitor to start working again.



Thanks ever so much. 
Yes, I know that the inverter board failure is an intermittent failure before complete failure, but I do find it funny that after jumping through all the hoops of creating system image, finding where I put the USB to DVI cable, get it set up, that the All in one Desktop monitor 'decided' to start working again.

For the time being...

I set up an old external monitor to my laptop, giving me a semblance of normal operating procedures here.  I ordered the part, and found a local computer repair person who will then come out to the house to pop open the computer and replace the faulty inverter board.  I will be watching how the all in one is dismantled, so I can do it next time.  I've never worked on an all in one before, and although I did find the online manual as to how to do it, I want to see it done before I attempt a repair myself.

Still have 2 hours waiting for the full system image back up on the desktop to finish.

Alan's computer is in the shop for diagnostics.  Not certain if it's the motherboard or the hd. No use trying to fix one thing when it's something else.

Almost makes me want to set up time lapse photography

The past few weeks, Sam (the gardener) has been doing a great job taming the wild growth.  The past two weeks he's been working in the back yard, on the right side of the house.  He did a great job (see below)

Problem is this: because the last person we hired to clear the yard didn't take the debris away, or even bag it for us to dispose of, but left it hidden in piles under trees or shrubs, which allowed the seeds to fall off and it just started the whole thing all over again.  So, although Sam has thoroughly weeded, every morning I go outside, and I see grass sprouts at least 2 inches tall.   I get the rake out, dig them up and expose their roots, and they do dry out.  Later on the same day, I go outside, and I'll be damned if there isn't more of them, same height.

Looking into either burying the area in mulch, or find a pet safe weed killer. The only one I found the weeds need to be in the sun.  Not happening back there. The fence casts shadows right to the bricks.

Oh FFS!

Why is it when you say you're keeping Windows XP on specific computers, you get inundated with unhelpful suggestions about Linux or Macs?

1: I don't want LINUX. It's great you love LINUX, but I have certain programs and hardware that will not, and cannot run in LINUX, even using a simulated Windows Environment.

2: I wouldn't be going through all the effort of making sure I was getting the last Windows XP updates available if I wanted to run a different OS.  I don't know why that is do difficult to see.

3: Also, I don't want a Mac. Again, you like Macs, fine by me! But It's not for me.  (yes, I've used them, and no I don't want to again!)

Haven't tasted the likes of that in 30+ years

When I was a kid, I loved "delicious" apples. Red Delicious, Golden Delicious. But when I was an adult, because of long cold storage, and other reasons (farming, growing of certain varieties only) "Delicious Apples" just weren't. No fragrance, no flavor, with the taste and texture of wax.

Today, Wing and I were out pillaging. I went into the local growers veggie store.

I, to my delight, found some October Sun Plums, a favorite of mine. Meandered through, picking up some sugarsnap peas, a few avocados. I turned down the aisle, and smelled something I hadn't smelled in decades, but remembered.

The honeyed apple fragrance of Golden Delicious apples. Thinking I was mistaken, I looked around, and there I saw them. Golden in color, some with a slight blush of red. I picked one up, held is close to my face, and inhaled. Mana must smell like this.

Bought some, and brought them home.

Unpacked the groceries, and took one apple from the bag. Washed it off, and then took a bite.

You know how scientists say our sense of smell is the one sense that can bring memories flooding back like no other sense can? That one bite of a Golden Delicious apple brought back good memories of my Grandmother, baking pies, catching fireflies then letting them go before we went in for the night, and a slew of others. A feeling that all is well with the world.

Such a small thing, one Golden Delicious Apple. Pardon me while I put the other ones in the crisper.

I guess they're his now

 Yet another reason why my lemongrass doesn't survive long. Not only does Loki eat it, he sleeps on it.
 

Olympus TCON 17X for Stylus 1 Review

Let me say right off the bat, I have used tele-converter lenses before, on my Lumix DMCFZ50. So I do know they have some quirks and limitations. Onto the review. The Tele-Converter attaches to the Stylus 1 with the CLA13 adapter. The Tele Converter lens has a handy rubber grip on it, as putting this on your camera will make it a bit front heavy.

Went into Stylus 1 menu settings and set up one of the buttons to turn Tele converter on or off.  The tele-converter allows you to maintain a constant f/2.8, meaning you can keep the aperture wide open, or stop it down to the camera's max of f/8.0.
Two things that I really have a problem with: Tele-Converter has no lens hood available, nor is there a way for you to protect the front element with a filter. No thread. What I ended up doing was using a 77mm Hoya UV filter, and a silicon wrist band to hold the filter in place.



The images are below, are the same ORF file, processed with different software, then resized to 50%. Photo was deliberately taken in the worst possible lighting, back lit, bright sky. Full zoom, at the top of a tall tree. I felt if the lens could manage this with a reasonable quality as a result, it augers well for 'ideal' conditions.
Processed with Adobe Camera Raw, then opened in Photoshop. Purple fringe removal action, adjusted levels.

ORF processed with Olympus Viewer 3, then opened in Photoshop. Purple Fringe removal action, adjusted levels.

I found that the Olympus Viewer 3 handled the raw file colors somewhat better, but both could really use some more color adjustment. The OV3 one is a bit too cyan, and the ACR has a bit too much magenta. Details on the birds, considering the distance, and lighting, impressed me. Does this equal having a telephoto lens on a camera body? No, but it does allow for a wider use of the Stylus 1.

Now for an image of something rather mundane, but under more 'ideal' lighting. Part of the walk way. ORF Processed in Adobe Camera Raw, opened in Photoshop, levels adjust only. No purple fringing issues, and details are amazing. If you wanted you could count the grains of sand, and how many ants are walking across the brick.

100% Crop of Lorikeet in top of a gum tree. Straight from camera, no processing at all done.


Adjusted with Purple Fringing removed.

Will the tele-converter take as clear sharp photos as body mounted lenses? Seeing as it's being used on a camera that starts out by having a small sensor, no, probably not, but it does take good ones. Is it worth getting? Oh hell yeah, but I would really like to see Olympus come out with some sort of lens hood or 'clip on UV filter for this nice piece of glass.

Olympus Stylus 1

First off, as a photographer, I can flat out say judging a camera by 'pixel peeping' a waste of time, unless you're planning to put your photos on a billboard or the side of a bus. Most images are printed out as 5x7 or 8x10. Also, I've had A3+ sized photobooks printed out using 1600 ISO images, and the noise doesn't translate to the print.

Onto the review:  my old Point and Shoot was having problems focusing in lower light. So, I went out shopping for a point and shoot.

Yes, the Stylus 1 is more expensive than I planned. However, it does a helluva lot more than your average point and shoot. I've taken the Stylus out at night shooting, and haven't seen the blurring, but I think that's because I don't have the in camera noise filter on, or set to the lowest setting possible depending on the lighting, and for such a small sensor, I was surprised at the results. Clear sharp images, even after noise reduction during photo processing.

I like that when on Manual the aperture setting dial is no where near the shutter speed anymore, that you change the shutter speed via a ring round the lens.

Customizable buttons/dials allows you to set your camera up to suit your needs. You can even set which directions the dial turn to suit.

I did notice a problem, that is software correctable. In bright back, or directional lighting situations, the chromatic aberrations are highly visible, and the provided Olympus Viewer 3 can't seem to correct it. (Adobe Photoshop did, using Oly 10-60mm lens profile. I'm using Adobe Camera Raw 8.3 and there is no profile for the Stylus 1).  Olympus Viewer 3 also struggled with making panoramas from shots taken in Panorama mode, whereas Adobe Photoshop stitched them together flawlessly. Hopefully, all these issues could be fixed with a software update.

In the past, I haven't been a big fan of digital zoom, but I have to say that the Stylus does a pretty good job of it, as long as you are shooting low ISO, and make sure you're shooting in JPG/RAW mode, as it only affects a JPG.  Yes, there are some noise artifacts, but no where near as much as there used to be, and easily corrected in photo processing software.

Lightweight, small, and great set up options.  It's great for street photography, as you can not only shut off the beeps, you can also silence the shutter.

Oy, won't they ever go away or just shut up

Creationists just can't get it through their heads. Their "book' is a compilation of stories and fables. You wouldn't give equal time (inferring equal credence) to Flat Earthers during a NASA program, so giving the loonie group from “Answers in Genesis” equal time on a science show is not going to happen.

Creationism - religion
Cosmos - Science

Creationist can whine like toddlers all they want, but it won't change the fact that the bible is not science or even factual data, and has no place in the 2014 COSMOS series any more than it did in 1980 Carl Sagan version.

Another small sign of improvement

Last night, Wing and I went to Cottesloe Beach, to photograph the "Sculptures by the Sea".

The first year, we went, it was hellish for me. Bad back, weak leg, walking on shifting sand. I had to sit down every 10 minutes or so walking because it just hurt so much. Took us close to 4 hours to do the entire loop.  And I was lamed up for about a week.

2nd year. Still caused pain, gave my left leg a lot of grief, and I still had to take breaks but after every 20 minutes or so. Took over 3 hours. Hurting unit for about 5 days.

3rd year, pretty much repeat of 2nd year, but walking break every 30 minutes, lame for about 3 days.

This year, I went from one end of the beach art, to the other end. Took about 2 hours. BUT, the only time I sat down was when I was waiting for Wing to finish taking his 10th shot of the same piece of art work.  A bit stiff today, but once I was up and around, I was fine, and started doing laundry, vacuuming rugs and planning dinner.

Fred Phelps is dying

And I have to admit, I will not shed one single tear for him.  I won't, as he and his cult would do, crow about the death of someone, but neither shall I mourn. He is a vile example of humanity, as is his bred to be his congregation family.

You know what would be great, though? If a hundreds or thousands showed up at his funeral.

Quiet, respectful, everything he and his followers aren't.
People in military uniform, cross dressers, singers, actors. Everything and everybody he and his cult decried as evil, and sickly gleeful about when they died,  show up... and hold up signs saying "Fred... we forgive you."

Have them show up and show humanity towards a man who lost his.

Then go make a donation to the an Equal Rights organization in his name.

Bull$hit from Amazon dot com

I emailed both Amazon Kindle and Amazon, asking why was a certain e-book 4 times the cost, and why was I being forced to use Amazon Australia? I would much rather pay US dollars for my e-books, even with the conversion prices than being forced to the Amazon Australia. These are the duck/dodge/weave but don't answer replies from them (my messages are italic, Amazon's bold):

 

Other info:Being forced to use Amazon Australia
Comments:I'm angry. I spotted an ebook by Andy Borowitz, 18 page short story, for 99 cents. I went to go buy it, and when I logged in, the price almost quadrupled to $3.63 because I was forced to select Amazon Australia?  Oh HELL no.  I know what the exchange rate is, and this is way beyond appropriate pricing.

how to do I stop being automatically shunted to Amazon Australia for my ebook purchases? I would rather find "not available to your geographical location", and pay in US dollars than to be blatantly ripped off.

Message From Customer Service

Hello, I'm really sorry to hear that you are being charged higher than the conversion rate for the book by Andy Borowitz. I wanted to help investigate this problem, and in-order to do so, I will need to know the title of the book by Andy Borowitz. If you can provide the ASIN number of the book, please click on the link below: https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/contact-us We hope you can contact us soon so we can help solve this problem quickly. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Best regards, S***** U. K.

 

Then this one:

 

Message From Customer Service (Amazon Kindle) Hello, I've read your email and I'm sorry for the inconvenience. This is something we don't want our customers to experience. I've checked and found that you have updated your address to Australia, That's the reason your being charged for Australian price. Further to compensate for the inconvenience, I've issued a promotional credit of $10 to your amazon account. Also I would request you to update your country setting.

From your computer:

1. Visit Manage Your Kindle (www.amazon.com/manageyourkindle).

2. From the left navigation, click Country Settings.

3. Under Current Country, click Change to select an existing address or enter a new address.

I am once again sorry for the inconvenience that this may have caused to you. The company is actively working to improve service levels and your feedback has proved to be invaluable. You are our regular customer and we would like to continue our relationship with you. I request you to forgive us as we promise you a better service next time.

If you still have any trouble, I request you to please reach us over chat or phone so that I can transfer you to our live customer support executives who can discuss the problem in detail and perform the real time live troubleshooting to resolve the issue to your satisfaction. I hope you understand our limitation in this case as we'll not be able to do live troubleshoot in email.

If it is not convenient to reach us over phone then please contact via chat for live support. I realize that at this point of time asking you to contact us again would be disappointing, however, we would really like to assist you better.

Your patience and understanding is highly appreciated in this matter. You can reach us by chat or phone directly and toll free from many countries by clicking the Contact Us option in the right-hand column of our Kindle Support pages at: http://www.amazon.com/kindlesupport When you visit our website and select Contact Us, click on the "Phone" tab, enter your number, and we’ll call you right back.

If your country isn't listed or you’re unable to take advantage of the Contact Us feature, you can call us directly at 1-866-321-8851 or 1-206-266-0927 if you're calling from outside the U.S. In addition to our large selection, one of the benefits we try very hard to offer our customers is convenience. I'm very sorry for the inconvenience you experienced in this case. Thanks for using Kindle.

We look forward to seeing you again soon. Best regards, A****** N

 

The above reply is a crock, and I told them so, as I have been buying ebooks on Amazon, not Amazon Australia for years. I have been paying US dollars for them and with the conversion rates, have maybe paid 25 cents over the US price. I don't want a $10 coupon, I want to know what is so different about the digital bits and bytes that it merits four times the price?

Dear Amazon Australia - You suck.

I went to go purchase this 18 page short story, and thought, ok 99 cents...sure. I login to my Amazon account, and get hit with this:
The price almost quadrupled. A short story, 18 pages, on Amazon dot Com US is 99 cents. But once I login, it suddenly goes to $3.63. 4 times the cost. So Amazon dot Com, the next time you try to f**k me, kiss me first.

Marvel DVD/Video Viewing time line/Line-up

Iron Man, Thor, Avengers, Captain America, Hulk

Captain America
Hulk
Iron Man
Iron Man 2
Thor
Avengers
Iron Man 3
Thor - Dark World

That looks about right, yes? 

We did the "Time Warp" again!

It's astounding.. time is fleeting. Madness .. takes its toll. (Please have exact change ready)
I had wondered how they were going to do the opening of the stage production, seeing how the movie starts. They had an old style movie "usherette" with an icecream/cigarette tray sing the opening number.
As much as I love the Tim Curry version of "Rocky Horror Picture Show", I have to say that Craig MacLachlan was fantastic as "Frank-n-Furter".   Not only was he a great singer, but he played the part for all it was worth, and did it with a style all his own.  I would say in many instances, due to it being a stage production, was able to add more to it, with ad libs, hamming up certain scenes (his 'appreciation' of Rocky's... umm 'attributes'... then Brad's.  Then there was the miming of their attributes) He wore the "Sweet Transvestite" costume with panache and looked damned good doing it, too!
Christie Whelan Browne was perfect as "Janet".  Her 'bedroom scene' with FrankNFurter was roll in the aisle hilarious. Especially with Craig hamming up that "Janet" was ummm 'shedding' after he came out from under the blanket.
Tim "Brad" Maddren.. excellent voice and also played the part to perfection.  I think my favorite scene was the "Bedroom" scene when "Brad" realizes that isn't Janet in the bed with him. Somehow, he got struck with a case of the 'giggle jiggles', and it was turning into a "mirth quake", and Craig made sure Tim lost it.  Craig breaking script and giving him a liplock busted up the audience.
"Rocky".. Hey, I'm married, not buried, and he was luscious stack, who sang and performed beautifully. Looked pretty damned good in a corset/fishnet stockings and garters, too!
Columbia, Riff Raff, Magenta/Usherette, Eddie/Doctor Scott, Narrator (Ashlea Pike, Kristian Lavercombe, Erika Haynatz, Nickolas Christo, Tony Farrell)..  amazing actors and singers. 


My only complaint, and it's not at the show or actors.  It was the audience.  What is it about Perth that makes people think when they buy a ticket to a concert, or an audience participation stage play such as this one, that they behave as if their asses are married to that seat?  Half the fun of RHPS live is audience participation. 
"There's a Light"... there might have been 20 people out of the entire audience that I could see, waving glow sticks, and about that many doing the "Time Warp" reprise at the end. Even with the actors/players encouraging people to get up, again, their asses married to their seats.
Not so, I! I got up and had a great time. And I would do it again!

Annoyance: Companies that can't grasp the fact it's a GLOBAL economy, and GeoBlock.

Case in point: Olympus Australia, the micro 4/3s accessories. The Accessory Port and Hot Shoe covers are easily lost. You can't find them on the Olympus Au site at all.

You can, however, find them on the Olympus USA site. BUT you can't buy them if you're in Australia, even with a drop mail address because you have to have a US *billing* address.

Also, in Australia, the price is double for these items, and that's not because of exchange rates. (Accessory Port cover, $7 US, was $15 AUD. With exchange rate, at the time we needed accessory port cover, it was almost at parity).

So, either quit the GeoBlocking, or keep the ^$%%#*%#%# items in stock!

Windows 8 'lets see just how stupid this is' function.

I applied Windows 8 security updates and rebooted. Turns out the security update  wiped my Microsoft Live login password. On top of that, I couldn't remember it, so couldn't login to Windows.

Just under the "wrong password/email" message was their solution:
Login in to Accounts.live.com and reset password.

And just HOW does one do that if they can't remember their password to log onto the computer?

Didn't plan on an early start today

But my dreams has something else in mind. Woke up before 5am due to a nightmare. And here I thought I was too old for such things. *sigh* I did try to go back to sleep, but Keito had other ideas. Nibble Nibble, snog, nip, MEW! *again, sigh*

So, got up, stayed quiet so not to wake anyone else. Got dressed in shorts, baggy shirt, sneakers. Grabbed MP3 player, loaded an audio book on it, and did 30+ minutes of laps in the back yard. While I was doing it, I spotted Wing and Ziggy watching me. I don't think Ziggy understood what I was doing, because she looked very perplexed. (Human, are you lost or something?)

Waited until Wing went to work, then I went to work. Laundry, sweeping, vacuuming, pruning and feeding/watering potted plants.

Now, I feel like I need a nap.

How to almost squish a cat

More laundry to do today. Sheets, blanket, assorted bedclothes.

After I stripped the bed, decided it was time to rotate/flip the mattress as my grandmother told me should be done.  Get it half way around (pulled from long side, stood on long side, held it up, walked to other side of bed to guide it back down) and Loki decides to jump under the freaking mattress!

So, balancing the mattress with one hand/arm, I had to fish Loki out.

Life with pets can be so exciting, yes?

A bit of plant care and bird watering

In this heat, what is left in the bird baths evaporate almost overnight. Scrubbed them all out and refilled with with fresh cool water. I could hear the birds in the Jacaranda, gum, bottlebrush and Geraldton Wax trees where it had just been silent a few seconds prior to the fill up.

Went into back yard, give the poor little orange tree a good 'soaker' watering while hanging up the laundry. Then did the same for the potted lime, chilli and catnip plants. Also gave the star jasmine a goodly drink. Really need to get that one into a larger pot.

Got the clippers out, climbed the steps, and trimmed back some 'tendrils' of the boxwood tree. Now the branches are even with the top of the pergola.

With all that done, I decided it was time to re-start doing my laps in the back yard. Got audio book player, and just got into it. Not too long, as it is rather hot out there. Wing said it's 20 meters from pergola post to pergola post.

So 40 meters per lap. Will get up to a kilometer, and then start increasing speed without limping, keeping my steps even. As Wing knows, I can move fast but only if I allow myself to have a limp, and GP/Doc has told me to avoid doing that. Time for some icewater, then go check to see if laundry is dry. In this heat, probably dry by the time I finish typing this out!

After much testing this, that or the other thing

The final solution to Adobe CS6 Bridge being slow is this:

Copy the Adobe Camera Raw.8bi v8.3 into the C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\Plug-ins\CS5\File Formats folder. This way, you will get all the metadata, AND when you press space bar to preview the images, you get the full embedded jpg view.

You have to right click, "Open With Photoshop CS6" and ACR 8.3 opens without a hitch. But if you right click and select OPEN IN CAMERA RAW you get the "unable to use the Camera Raw plug-in. It is not compatible with this version of Bridge." (leading me to believe if I had really great programming skills, I could remove that version checking that would allow it to launch on a double click. Maybe someone other than me can figure that one out.)

On the rare occasion I really need to tweak a jpg in Adobe camera Raw, I'll just use CS6 to do so.

That panicky feeling when...

You put a lens on your camera body, and you get error message "Check status of your lens".  You take lens off, check everything, remount the lens, switch on camera, and get the error again.  *worry*

Get another camera body, mount lens on that one, and it works just fine.  *panicky feeling*.  Mount lens on 1st camera body... "Check status of your lens"  (panic intensifies)  Camera body less than 6 months old! :o

Deep breaths, put on magnifying spectacles, and inspect camera. All good, and other lens works on it.  Inspect lens... It's amazing what one small smidge of pet fur can do. Cleaned off, lens working, panic abated.

Yeah, Ziggy is just a little bit high strung

Ziggy has been licking her leg until there is fur loss. It's a stress thing, so I ordered some Feliway for her. Synthetic "happy cat" pheromone. Diffusers and small spray bottle for out of the way areas. It's helped before, so got it again. 

Feliway arrived today, diffusers and spray... *chucklechortlesnickersnortlaughing*

While Ziggy wasn't in the room, I spritzed some around the room in areas Ziggy hangs out.

She came in, sniffing around. She jumped onto the sofa.

The box with the Feliway on the sofa must have startled her, because she LEVITATED and leapt backwards, knocking into the just filled water bowl, soaking her and the rug. Soggy cat went FOOF (or tried to, because she's kind of wet) and shot out of the room like a rocket.

*snarflesnickerchuckle* Soggy Inflated Cat.

Adobe CS5 Bridge usage with PSCS6

As I previously posted about it, if you remove the Camera Raw.8bi from the C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\Plug-ins\CS5\File Formats, when you double click on the RAW/ORF file in CS5 Bridge, it automatically goes to the latest Camera Raw (in this case, 8.3), but you wouldn't see any of the metadata (camera make/model, shutter speed, ISO, date taken, etc etc), but you would see it in CS5 bridge after image is saved as a JPG.

Personally, I want to see the metadata of the RAW files. Solution: copied the Camera Raw.8bi from the CS6 version into the CS5 folder, as it has all the camera data info.  Now, this means you can't double click as it will kick up the incompatible current version of bridge. But if you right click and Open With and choose CS6, it opens in Camera Raw 8.3. 

Takes about an eye-blink longer to do it this way, than to double click to open in Camera Raw directly.  Works for me! :D

Holy crow, that worked!

For almost 2 years, I've been dealing with glacier slow Adobe CS6 Bridge. Every fix/tweak/suggest has been tried with no results. CS5 Bridge was always faster. What I did was this. I left CS5 installed (smartest thing I did). Using yLaunch, I made a short cut for Photoshop CS6 and Bridge CS5. Biggest problem was newer ORF files are unreadable by Bridge CS5, so I convert those to DNG. But how to get the latest Adobe Camera Raw to work with it? It was so simple, I'm surprised I didn't think of it sooner. I went into C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\Plug-ins\CS5\File Fomats and moved the Camera Raw.8bi out of there to my desktop. I launched PSCS6 and CS5 Bridge with yLaunch. Opened CS5 Bridge preferences and changed every instance of Photoshop CS5 to Photoshop CS6. Restarted Bridge. Double clicked on a DNG, and voila, it opened in Adobe Camera Raw 8.2 without a problem. I tried this on Canon CR2 files, and it worked, too. And all the scripts to photomerge or other tasks work with CS5 Bridge. And after doing this, the ORF files were viewable in Bridge CS5. Halli-fekking-luliah!

*Wibble*

'The Waltons' Actor Ralph Waite Dead at 85
Also known in more recent times to play "Jackson Gibbs "the father of NCIS Charater "Jethro Gibbs".

Aw, damn. But 91 is a good long run.

Comedic Legend, Sid Caesar, age 91.. RIP

Well, that’s that.

After some careful thought, and discussion (thank you, carverkins, for saying what everyone kept either ignoring or not wanting to mention.) with friends and Wing , I quit that certain photography group. I didn't want to leave in a blaze of anger, or vitriol, and put great thought into my "Sayanora", drafted it, proofed it, and then submitted it. It is as follows:
So long, farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, adieu
Facebook has me spread too thin and stressed out, and I've found myself spending way more time trying to catch up and keep up than I would like. There's a few other things of a personal nature that have left me in a bit of a tailspin, so it's time to take time for myself.
Time for me to 'decompress', and as I feel I really no longer have anything to contribute to this group, it sadly is one of them to receive the ax. I've tried to clear as much of my junk from here as I could, and if any more is found, I hope that the admin will just remove them.
So, take care, and happy snapping. (divides self by Zero... POOF!)
Then I clicked on "Leave Group" and all the anxiety and stress lessened immediately.
So, now, I'm going to grab a good book, and read for a while. I haven't really been able to concentrate the past few days, and I can now. PANDEMIC here I come, ready or not!

Tribalism and Cliques

You find them everywhere.
I am a member of a photo group. I, and at least two others, were making some memes similar to a Tumblr thread. This has been going on for close to 2 years.

Suddenly, a new member of the group decided to thump his chest, accuse me of bullying and harassment. Someone who wasn't in the photos, and had nothing to do with it, even when explained to him that the subject of the photos found them funny, and I had proof of that.

Then suddenly, two more jumped onto his soap box, calling me a bully.  Then it gets better. Two out of the three who contributed to the photo memes were reported for bullying and harassment. Just two of us, and we were banned/blocked from posting for a half day, the third contributor had nothing said against her.

Now, I have to say right out that there were at least two dozen people who were shocked at the banning, and tried to explain it to the finger pointers that it wasn't bullying, that the subject wasn't offended or bullied.  Did that stop them? Nope.

Even after I deleted (odd that, i couldn't post, but I could purge) one of the accusers who publicly accused me of being a bully/harasser delivered to me by via Private message, a left handed apology designed to assuage his self righteous accusations, rather than actually contrite.

Now, some might wonder why being mis-labeled as a bully, or just being falsely accused of something bothered me so much.

I would have to take you down through a trip to memory lane;  when as a newly imported to Connecticut Texan, while at grammar school, had my mouth slash open by a local CT resident, and when brought into principals office, the local kid said I called him a word I'd never heard of, so that justified his snapping me in the mouth with his book band (rubber cord with hooks on both ends) and I got (by what's called assault in todays standards) paddled, all the while the little bastard that lied was smirking.

That set the tone for my entire school life, through grade school, Jr high and High School
.
12 years of being bullied in school, having my hair torn out of my head, set on fire (have scar on my cheek from it, still) stolen from, assaulted, until I fought back, breaking two noses.
So yes, being falsely accused bothers me. Add falsely accusing me of being a bully.. do the math.

LiveJournal Tags: bullies,liars,tribalism,us vs them mentality

Loki has a good long memory

This morning, I broke routine, and instead of the muesli, I decided to have a hot cross bun with a small tub of low fat yogurt.
Loki was immediately in attendance. You see, when he was a kitten, he broke his leg, and I used to hide his pain meds/anti-inflammatory in a small serve of yogurt. Although there is no drugs in it now, after 8 weeks of hiding his medication that way, he still likes having his morning yogurt.
It's been 2 years since I've broke weekday breakfast routine, but he still remembers. Spoonful given to him on a small plate. Much purring ensued.

LiveJournal Tags: loki