Event alert - Put-In-Bay Island Wine Fest

This Saturday, Put-In-Bay hosts their 9th annual Island Wine Fest at Crescent Tavern. Over 200 wines from around the world will be available for testing. Local wineries, Heineman Winery and Put-in-Bay Winery will be represented and will have bottles for purchase  to take home.

Some reports have the number of samples as high as 250 to 400 different wines available. I don't even expect to get through the first 200, but I'm going to try.

Entry tickets are $5 per person and individual wine samples average $1-2. Hours are from 11am until 6pm.

While you're there, check out the silent auction that benefits the Historical Society.

Taking the Miller Ferry from Catawba?  First boat to Put-in-Bay leaves at 7:30am and last boat back leaves at 7:30pm. See you there.

Learning Corel Painter from the Painter Master

If you wanted to learn basketball, Michael Jordon would have been a great person to have on your team. If you wanted to learn to be an astronaut, Neil Armstrong could have helped launch your career. So, if you really want to learn Corel Painter, there’s no one better than Karen Sperling to give you the how’s and why’s of digital painting.

20+ years ago, when Corel Painter first came out, the original printed Painter manual (remember those?)  was written by Karen Sperling. Now, several editions and many books later, Sperling has gone the manual one step better, issuing a series of DVD’s to teach Painting for Photographers. 

Painting your digital photos offers so many advantages that all photographers should at least consider it. The prices of your work increase dramatically if you can create those one-of-a-kind pieces of art people so love. In addition, while painting, you control what shows and what doesn’t show in the final piece. 

Ugly wires going to your building? Gone. Lifeless skies that day?  Poof, beautiful clouds. Need to crop an image? No problem. When painting, you can redirect the point of interest, liven (or mute) the color palette, increase contrast and show only what actually enhances the scene.

Through voice and video, it’s the next best thing to attending one of her intensive Artistry Retreats. On the DVD, she first explains some of the basic reasons why some paintings succeed and others fail. Using examples from the masters, she shows you three basics that will immediately improve your efforts.  As she leads you through different example images later, you’ll realize how effective they can become.

I’ve watched dozens of training DVD’s and my general criticism is that the instructors always show you “how” to do something, but only the best educators fully explain “why” they did it that way. Without the “why,” I don’t feel like I’m getting my money’s worth. Sperling gives the “why” first, and then the “how.” 

The other dirty little secret with many instructors is that they have customized the software to make it do amazing things. Through presets, plugins, special settings and the like, they make their work stand-out. On her DVD, she includes the custom brushes that she uses while demonstrating the oil and watercolor techniques in the video. She even includes the original photos so you can follow along with each lesson.  Using time lapse video, you can watch her as she completes a multi-hour painting in under an hour’s time.

If you do cityscapes, there’s one little tip here about using textures to create those thousand windows you see in skyscrapers. That one tip alone will save you hours of painting time. With many more hints from the master, this DVD is a real investment for anyone wanting to make the jump into digital painting. 

You’ll find her books in many book stores or just order from her website. There’s a volume 1 as well that shows how to paint portraits, but volume 2 stands on its own if that’s the only type photography you do. “While there may be some who would like to paint both,” she said, “the majority have definite views about "I only paint landscapes" and "I only paint portraits."” It’s up to you. Pick one or both.

You might also want to consider her Bonus CD2, a compendium of other special brushes that among other things, paint multiple strands of grasses or leaves in one stroke. It makes an excellent addition to Vol.2: Landscapes.

iHome / New Balance NB639 earphones for exercise

Complete kit of earbuds, earhooks, pedometer and heart monitor.  Everything you need to track your workout - at home or on the road.

New Balance knows running. iHome knows audio. Put their engineers together and good things are bound to happen. The new NB639 is a perfect example – sport earphones with a heart monitor and pedometer. Attach them to your iPod, iPhone, iTouch, Zune…whatever music device you like to exercise with, and you’re off.

Adding only 2/3 of an ounce, the heart rate monitor clips conveniently to your waist, sleeve or neckline. No more nasty chest straps.

The NB639 uses “One Touch Heart Rate Monitoring” which means you click the indicator on the monitor once and then keep your thumb in that position. Within seconds, your heart rate is announced verbally in your earphone. No more trying to read small LCD’s while you are exercising. Your music volume lowers during the announcement and then returns to normal.

Press the “Voice Out” button and you’ll be told the distance of your run, the number of steps taken, the length of time you’ve been exercising and the number of calories burned. For maximum accuracy, in the profile software you can specify age, height, weight, and length of walking and running strides.

 

The unit comes with a USB2.0 dongle that serves a dual purpose. You can plug the monitor portion into the dongle to both download your data and to recharge the monitor. The data is stored for you in the Heart Pal application which totals and graphs your workouts. A PC version comes in the box and both Mac and PC Users can download the software from the Internet.

The headphones by iHome are a great hybrid-style earbud. Wear them straight out of the package as standard earbuds or attach the over-the-ear hooks so they stay on even during the most strenuous activities. 

I’ve not been a big fan of sports clip-on earphones in the past, but these are actually very comfortable and they stay in place amazingly well. Three different interchangeable and washable rubber cones are supplied to fit your individual ear. 

But what good is all the above if it doesn’t deliver awesome sound? Not to worry, I’ve never met an iHome product that didn’t deliver good sound and this is no different. Good bass, clear treble and everything in between. You’ll love it.

Find more information on-line at http://ihomeaudio.com/NB639B

The iRig Microphone and iPhone apps

Now, a microphone and apps just made for recording on your iPhone

Finding quality audio gear at a reasonable price is usually a difficult endeavor.  Finding compact audio gear that travels well is also a challenge. To find something that sounds good, doesn’t cost a fortune and travels well – Uber Cool!

Such is the iRIg Mic from IK Multimedia. This quality condenser microphone plugs into the iPhone you are already carrying and gives you audio recordings which are bound to surprise you. Made of heavy duty material, this mike feels really good in your hand. 

Three sensitivity settings on the handle let you immediately adjust for a distant song bird, a close-up interview or an ear-crushing live rock band.  Free software apps enables you to do simple straight recordings with iRig Recorder or for those vocalists out there, try the also free VocaLive. Both do great job rights out of the Apple store, and both can be upgraded to give even more features with in-app upgrades available.  Check out the video demo of iRig recorder (with optional features.)

With an ala carte menu available, you can get just the effects you need for the recording types you do. The VocaLive app comes with Reverb and Doubler already included (once you register). Singers and songwriters will have a suite of 5 dedicated real-time vocal effects (pitch correction, choir harmonizer, voice doubler, vocal morpher and de-esser) plus 7 effects tailored to vocal processing (reverb, EQ, compressor, delay, envelope filter, chorus, phazer) that can be combined on a 3-processor vocal rig chain. VocaLive also includes dozens of presets to help you get up and running in seconds.  Check out the video demo of VocaLive. 

Ever wanted a multi-track recorder? Would you believe a four–track recorder for only $4.99? Believe it. You can even import songs from your iTunes library, drop out the vocal track and rerecord the song with your voice. Way to go IK Multimedia.

Both apps will work on iPhone, iTouch and iPad. And if you are using an iPad, you’ll want to check out their iKlip, a sweet, simple adapter that mounts your iPad right onto a mike stand. If you are a performer, you can take your iPad onstage with you. 

For more details and sample recordings, check out the IK Multimedia website.

Brand new camera technology coming in October from Nikon

If all goes well, next month will see the new Nikon V1 mirrorless camera and lenses hit your local store shelves. This brand new CX format has a 2.7 crop factor where we've been used to the standard 1.5 factor in most DSLR's. With big sensor, 1080i video and fast shooting, this could be a game changer.

Key points to get excited about:

•  The new Nikon 1 system is a revolutionary system, built from the ground up - Engineered specifically to strike the balance of performance, intuitive simplicity and portable design to enable users to capture and share their world like never before. This system is a platform for the future and targeted towards the expressive user who is connected to their world socially. The new 1 Mount is fully electronic, allowing for amazing speed and response
• 
  High Speed AF CMOS Sensor - New 10.1 megapixel CX-format High Speed AF CMOS sensor engineered for this new system to deliver amazing image quality. Overall, it is one of the major components attributing to the  optimally balanced package which was engineered to deliver the ultimate balance of portable form factor and image quality
• 
  New EXPEED 3 image processing engine -  Dual core image processor helps drive amazing performance and speed
• 
  The Nikon 1 system has the worlds fastest AF - the cameras use a new advanced hybrid autofocus system that enables fast AF with 73 focus points. The advanced hybrid autofocus system combines phase detection AF, which enables faster focusing and superior subject tracking performance with moving subjects, while contrast-detect AF performs well in low-light conditions
• 
  Fast continuous shot - Users can also shoot at 10 fps, while frame after frame the full adaptive AF system will yield sharp photos. It also has the worlds fastest full resolution continuous shooting speed at 60 fps (AF locked)
• 
  Motion Snapshot - By selecting the Motion Snapshot icon from the command dial at the back of the camera, consumers can capture fleeting moments with staggering depth and emotion like never before.
  Works in conjunction with bundled Short Movie Creator Software and my Picturetown
• 
  Smart Photo Selector - When a “can’t miss” photo opportunity arises, users can switch to the Smart Photo Selector mode which uses the camera’s pre-cache to start shooting and storing images. All of these images are analyzed within the camera, and the best photo is selected based on a number of factors including exposure, composition, focus and advanced facial recognition

Photoshop Compositing Secrets – by Matt Kloskowski

It's like having a Photoshop composite guru sitting right next to you

I knew I was going to love this book the moment I opened it. There was no Chapter One…turn on your computer, Chapter Two…make sure you have administrator rights, blah, blah, blah. NO. Instead, Matt starts with “10 Things You Need To Know About Compositing.” Wham. You get the good stuff right up front. Priceless. 

Instead of waiting until you’ve read the whole book, you are exposed to the key points to keep in mind while you are shooting your subject as well as while you are selecting an appropriate background photo. 

So, when you actually start Chapter One, some 25 pages later, each time a key point is mentioned, you’ll have a mini “ah-ha” moment when you can pat yourself on the back and say “I knew that.”  While I’m not a trained educator, I can’t help but think that will really enhance your retention of the concepts and be very valuable to the learning experience. 

Since compositing requires at least one photo to be cut out and dropped into another photo, Matt uses a good amount of pages showing some great tricks that really simplify the process. With his recommendations, you’re going to become a big fan of CS5’s improved Refine Edge and Edge Detection features.

Matt stresses the importance of keeping the same relationship between your shooting position of the subject and the background. For example, if you were kneeling on the ground, shooting up at a football player, that photo would look really strange if you tried compositing it with a photo of a football stadium taken from the top row. Your camera position should be in the same place for both. Matt shows you his preferred method – it’s really quite simple.

The book is really chock full of great practical advice. Here are just a few that stood out to me:

Chap. 5 deals with shooting multiple people individually and making them look natural when composited together later. 

Chap. 7 has just the right setting for grabbing those small details of a city skyline.

Chap. 8 shows a great composite of a concert scene that would be extremely difficult to pull off in the field. It also reinforces my thought that you ought to shoot stock shots of every concert venue you go to before the action starts, so you have good background stock images to use later. 

Chap. 10 may be a favorite as you learn how to create the typical movie poster. So who wouldn’t want to see themselves as the hero on a movie poster?

Chap. 12 shows how to make those sports template backgrounds that are so popular. You’ll be amazed how easy it is to create stuff you used to buy for $10 or more each. 

Chap. 13 lets you take that one killer photo and use it multiple times to make a single-photo composite. Hey, if it’s that good, why only use it once?

So, like if this book didn’t have enough good stuff already, there’s even an online tutorial where Matt and Scott Kelby show some of the highlights of the book as well as discuss plugins, tablets and other things that help with the compositing workflow. 

If you even have one compositing project to do this year, you won’t want to miss this book. It’s really that good.

Easy video shooting with your DSLR

Now, an accessory that really makes DSLR's video ready.

Of the millions of DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) (most cameras with interchangeable lenses) cameras that exist around the world, a good percentage of them are capable of shooting video. Whether shooting 720p or 1080i, these DSLR's are capable of shooting extremely high quality footage. Entire films actually have been shot using nothing other than a DSLR or HDSLR.

The problem with shooting video on these cameras has always been the viewer. While looking through the conventional eye-piece works well for shooting stills, you are unable to use the eye-viewer when shooting video. The photographer must use the LCD panel on the back of the camera and that's where the problems start. Most people can't focus on the LCD panel unless held at some distance from their eyes, and that distance is unusually uncomfortable to steadily hold the camera for more than a few seconds.

A company in Estonia called Kinotehnik saw this problem and created an extremely elegant solution. A magnetic rim is provided that sticks around the perimeter of the LCD screen. (In fact, they supply two.) Then, the approximately 3 inch long viewfinder magnetically snaps onto the rim. With the patented optics included in the LCDVF, you can place your eye up tight to the viewfinder and see your LCD screen perfectly. They claim the view you get is equivalent to watching a 42" screen from 4.6 feet away. That's big, bright viewing folks. There is no diopter correction built into the LCDVF.

Once the LCDVF viewfinder is in place, and you have put the viewfinder up tight to your eye, your elbows and arms can be braced in normal fashion, and you can shoot with relative steadiness for long periods of time. Without the viewfinder, I would always start to notice shake in under 10 seconds. The accessory can still be used even if you are using a tripod, which is obviously your best choice for long shots. The viewfinder can be flipped 180 degrees for left or right eye viewing.

Besides steadiness, light glare was always an issue when shooting outside. The LCDVF eliminates all that as well. The solution is so elegant, but it took Kinotehnik to make it practical. Before LCDVF, I used a competitor's solution that looked similar but was anything but practical to attach to the camera. They required stretching elastic bands crisscross around the camera and that took forever. With LCDVF's magnetic base, the viewfinder is on and off in a second.

The LCDVF has a lanyard attached, so you can let it hang from your neck between shots. When you are done using the LCDVF, it stores in a handy pouch, complete with a clip to faster it to your camera bag.

The LCDVF comes in multiple models depending on your camera's LCD measurement.  See this list to determine if your camera is compatible.

To purchase a unit, you'll find a list of resellers on their website. 

Great Mohican Indian Pow-Wow

This weekend saw Native Americans from across the US converge on the normally quite town of Loudonville for the Great Mohican Indian Pow-Wow. The event was put on by and held at the Mohican Campgrounds, along the banks of the Mohican River in Central Ohio.

Native American people come together each year in Pow-Wow's, celebrating with dance and music, as a way to renew old acquaintances and make new friendships.

Crafts, food, story-telling, tomahawk throwing, educational displays, music and dance were all on the busy schedule of events, repeated many times over the weekend. Highlights of the event were the colorful, energetic dancers.

One of the earliest events of the day was a story-telling session with Lance White Eagle. Besides sharing a number of Indian legends, he also dispelled many of the myths about Indian culture. Many in the audience were surprised to hear that the women were the ones who held the most power in the tribe, with the Clan Mother being able to dismiss the Chief if need be.

The event drawing the most spectators was the Grand Parade with flags including the US flag, POW flag, tribal flags and eagle staffs of all tribes present.

The US flag takes on extra meaning to the Native Americans. For many, the flag represents a time when many of their ancestors died fighting the US government. Now, the flag represents the new country in which the Indian nations reside. Finally, the flag recalls so many of their own who have fought and continue to fight for this country today.

The Grand Parade was led this year by a group of veterans representing most of the armed services. During the ceremony, past servicemen, as well as members of  police and fire departments were asked to come out of the audience and parade around the ring with the performers as a special tribute. A good number of them did come down and were each thanked for their service to this nation.

Friday was Children's day and only a few of their fancy dancers performed. Saturday and Sunday were competition days and dozens of  fancy dancers competed for $9,000 in cash prizes.

For more information about the twice yearly Great Mohican Indian Pow-Wow, check their website at http://www.mohicanpowwow.com.

Carmen Cognac Abrigo bag does more than travel duty

Gorgeous fall colors only begin to describe this Abrigo bag

Revolutionary ideas in luggage don't come along that often, but when they do, buyers delight in an "Ah-ha moment."  Such was the reaction when we came across the Abrigo bag, created by Katie Grove.  Described by Grove as "the world's only luxury coat bag," it is that, but so much more.

Luxury - yes - no doubt. It's made of some of the finest jacquard material imported from Turkey, where weaving is a centuries old artform. Best part, this 19"x22" bag is made right here in America. When not holding your coat, its soft fabric drapes close to your body and never gets in the way.

Sturdy - all seams are securely stiched and bode a long life, even in daily use. Rich leather reinforcement on the strap means even the heaviest load will travel safely. The leather also seems to keep the strap from twisting, whether worn over the shoulder or across the chest. Both zippers are surrounded by leather as well, protecting these vital parts of the bag.

Practical - Grove designed the bag to store her bulky coat, both while in the airport and on the plane. A unique outside front pocket is designed to secure the bag over the handle of your suitcase. While it stores your coat with no effort at all, most people buying this bag are liable to want to use it everywhere they go instead of taking a large purse. When you're done, the bag can be folded flat for storage.

Easy to get into the front pocket, this is a perfect place to store wallet, credit cards, etc. The large main compartment can handle just about anything else you could possibly carry. Also inside, you'll discover a key lanyard, solving the age-old problem..."now where did I put those keys."

The Abrigo bag is presently available in two classic colors - Carmen Cognac and Carmen Verde. The fabric is so stylish, you're guaranteed to get compliments on its looks and its so versatile, you won't use it just for travel.

For more information, check their website at http://www.abrigobag.com.

Dragons were seen on the Cuyahoga

September 17,  the 2011 Dragon Boat Festival was held in Cleveland, OH

With local, national and international teams competing, the Cuyahoga River was alive with action yesteray. Racing three boats at a time, contestants paddled from Jacobs Pavillion almost to the mouth of the Cuyahoga.

Dragon boat racing is an amateur sport that can trace its history back over 2,000 years in Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands. Its been a competitive sport since international racing began in Hong Kong in 1976. Yesterday's event was put on by the Cleveland Dragon Boat Association and Dynamic Dragon Boat Racing LLC.

Steeped in history, there is a spiritual component as well. In keeping with tradition, the Cleveland Dragon Boat race began yesterday with a Buddhist ceremonial blessing of the boats and the participants.

The Venerable Shih Ying-Fa, a local Buddhist monk, performed the celebration on the steps of the Powerhouse alongside the river. The ceremony concluded with bringing the dragon heads to life, called "awakening of the dragon". At this point, with the crowd cheering in the background, the monk painted the eyes of the ceremonial dragon heads, symbolizing the end of their sleep, and the start of the competition.

After the blessing, three boat races continued morning and afternoon. Entrants ran the gamut from high schoolers to senior citizens. Each long boat held twenty paddlers, one drummer to set the rowing cadence and one tiller to steer the boat.

"There's too many people in that skinny boat. I think they are going to tip over?" worried one young spectator. "I hope not," his mother said. "That's your grandmother in there." Grandma didn't tip over, and her boat went on to win that heat.

Photographic beauty awaits in the desert

The high desert of Chile's Atacama region offers something for everyone

You've been to the beach. You've been to the mountains. Looking for the next big thing - then haul your tired, bored bones to the desert. Too hot, too flat, too dull? Wrong desert, dude. We're talking about the Atacama Desert in Chile.

Pick the reason you want to get away...Is is for relaxation? Is it for adventure? Need to get a tan? Want to take pictures? Want to learn native cooking? How about a chance to practice that Spanish lesson you learned? 

The Atacama Desert has been around for eons, and can still be appreciated for its original, raw beauty. Thanks to a sensitive population and concerned developers, this natural jewel still shines with its enchanting landscapes and idyllic sunsets.

The little town of San Pedro de Attacama is at the epicenter of the Atacama fun, with dozens of businesses catering to the ever-increasing tourist trade. While many backpackers continue to arrive and find an ample supply of hostels here, the new flashpacker generation was looking for something a bit nicer. Luckily, now they'll find a choice of establishments that cater to the adventurer who also appeciates a comfy, king-size bed and a relaxing massage after their day of hiking volcanoes.

One such establishment, Tierra Atacama, offers great benefits not only to its guests but to the local community as well. With their operational philosophy, this is another example of "being good by doing good."

Tierra Atacama, just a five-minute bike ride outside the city center of San Pedro de Atacama, offers a luxury-level accommodation with fantastic views of the Licancabur volcano from all rooms . Self-described as an "adventure spa," this is truly a place where you can play hard and relax well. After a day of hiking, biking, horseback riding, or exploring, you'll appreciate the expert massages, swimming and soaking pools and meditation/yoga areas.

If adventure is why you came, the choices are as varied as the guests. Moon Valley with its naturally sculpted salt formations and Salar de Atacama (salt lake) with its three types of flamingos are the most often visited sites, easily reached from the hotel. If you are an early riser, don't miss the trip to El Tatio, home to active geysers.

Combining exercise with relaxation, try a bike ride to Cejar Lagoon where you can refresh and relax, floating all day in this salty watering hole. The buoyancy level of this turquoise lake is higher than that of the Dead Sea. If scampering up a mountain is more to your liking, how about trying to conquer Toco, the lowest mountain in the area at 18,480 feet. If that was easy, you're a candidate for Tierra Atacama's Mountain Week, with daily excursions to the best peaks in the area. Five days, four nights and all the mountains you can handle for USD 1,790 pp double occupancy.

What to expect at Tierra Atacama

Back at the hotel, rooms are laid out to maximize the views, yet provide privacy. Interiors are minimalist in design, and utilize local materials wherever available. The bathrooms offer both indoor and outdoor showers. If you haven't tried an outdoor shower under the desert sun, you haven't experienced water at Mother Nature's best.

Large windows facing the volcano allow you watch the sun slowly paint the hill with its light in the morning. In the evening, watch again as shades of pink and purple wrap the volcano as the sun slowly sets. With the incredibly clean air of the desert, your view is as clear as a high-def TV, which, by the way, you won't find in your room.

With the hotel's desire for congeniality among its guests, common-area living facilities are where you'll find the TV lounge, bar, restaurant, guest computer stations, game areas, & outdoor fire pits with inviting, soft cushions. The hotel's core just naturally draws its guests here to socialize.

Trying to decide on tomorrow's adventure? A floor-to-ceiling, hand-painted mural on the wall depicts the surrounding area with dozens of destinations worth exploring. Helpful guides can explain what to expect and the best way to get there. You'll find your fellow guests are always willing to share their recommendations as well.

Just steps away from the living area is the entrance to UmaSpa. A relaxing, deep-tissue massage, (the most requested service) is 60 minutes of bliss. Earthtone surroundings, soft music and aromatic scents greet you as you enter your private room and the skillful hands of your masseuse take it from there. For a uniquely local experience, request the Atacama Salt Scrub using local, natural salts with almond oil for silky smooth skin. Dozens of other treatments and rituals are available as well.

How it all started

When the hotel began planning its construction, the owners knew they wanted to honor the history of this site and wanted to make sure it would be a worthy addition to the community. While researching the area, they discovered that the existing adobe walls on the property were once a large corral for cattle being driven over the nearby Andes Mountains. They decided to preserve this bit of history and incorporated the walls into the entryway of the hotel.

Since the original use of the land had been agricultural, Tierra Atacama has replanted much of its property with vegetables, fruit and herbs which are all used by their restaurant in their daily menu planning. Through a co-operative arrangement with the local liceo (technical school), students working on an agricultural degree can help plan, cultivate and irrigate the crops. The students are then given a grant by the hotel to help finance their further studies.

 

Working hand-in-hand with nature

Tierra Atacama describes their typical guests as "curious, adventurous travelers" with a respect for this highly unique and fragile environment. As such, the hotel set high goals for sustainability and their guests respond with even more ideas. Since every activity outside the hotel required taking water bottles along, the hotel realized they could reduce the waste of plastic water bottles, and now issues each guest with a handsome, reusable, refillable aluminum water bottle. Future plans will see the water bottles placed in each room replaced with a glass carafe which can be refilled daily.

Hiring locally is another of Tierra Atacama's strong suits. Providing employment to a great number of locals obviously helps the local economy, but the people from the area also help the hotel achieve it's green goals, realizing that everyone gains when people respect and love the environment.

No one drives that home more obviously than the guides who take guests out on the various field trips. Take Gustavo, who leads the horse rides to Devil's Canyon, or Pamela, who points out the wonders of Moon Valley, or Christofle, who can tell you all about the salt flats and the national flamingo reserve...everyone of them is unabashedly proud of their land and its uniqueness. You won't go on one of their trips and leave unimpressed. Their enthusiasm for this land, its history and its heritage is contagious. You'll be sorry you didn't plan to stay longer.

For more information, check out the Tierra Atacama website.