Thursday, December 17, 2009
A Christmas card from Tux (gimpified)
A greeting card portraying the favorite penguin of all us Linux geeks around the world. He looks a bit sad at the moment, because he's learned that his buddies at Ubuntu have decided to dump his other buddie "The Gimp".
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Should Caligula be Time's Man of the Year?
Now that we are in the midst of our annual award season mania, and while we await Time Magazine's annual "award" to a "Man(or Person) of the Year", I have come up with what I think is another of my very helpful (but thus far under appreciated) suggestions to make the world a better place.
Since, so many of the other awards this year, have been strange and at times downright bizarre--isn't it time that we show some recognition to the fellow who started it all way back in the first century, by awarding his favorite horse Incitatus a seat in the Roman Senate?
After all, we started the year with Roland Burris being awarded a U.S Senate seat (under somewhat curious circumstances). And, we went from there to the (again, very curious) awarding of a Noble Peace Prize to another under qualified politician from Illinois. And, this has now been followed by Sports Illustrated's "Sportsman of the Year" being awarded to Derek Jeter (this, in a year when even Drew Carey was better qualified for the award).
So, I think it might be Caligula's time?
Or, on second thought, perhaps they should give it to Nancy Pelosi for stuffing all that pork into the mouths of all those salt marsh harvest mice?
Since, so many of the other awards this year, have been strange and at times downright bizarre--isn't it time that we show some recognition to the fellow who started it all way back in the first century, by awarding his favorite horse Incitatus a seat in the Roman Senate?
After all, we started the year with Roland Burris being awarded a U.S Senate seat (under somewhat curious circumstances). And, we went from there to the (again, very curious) awarding of a Noble Peace Prize to another under qualified politician from Illinois. And, this has now been followed by Sports Illustrated's "Sportsman of the Year" being awarded to Derek Jeter (this, in a year when even Drew Carey was better qualified for the award).
So, I think it might be Caligula's time?
Or, on second thought, perhaps they should give it to Nancy Pelosi for stuffing all that pork into the mouths of all those salt marsh harvest mice?
Saturday, November 28, 2009
The Gate (gimpified)
Yet another gimpified (using mainly the Cartoon filter) picture making use of some of the arhitectural details in the homes here in Sun Village
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Friday, November 27, 2009
Be thankful for yellow roses too.
Alternative Title: "Black Friday" Rose!
This rose is just across the little pond which fronts my condo unit.
It a straight photo, with just a wee bit of "gimping" to sharpen it.
This rose is just across the little pond which fronts my condo unit.
It a straight photo, with just a wee bit of "gimping" to sharpen it.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
A Peripatetic Pochard (gimpified)
The third red-crested pochard spotted on "Surprise Lake".
This one appears to have "gone native" with his Indian head band, he doesn't appear to require the additional feather sticking up out of the headband though.
My title for this one, represents my own humble suggestion to the good folks at Ubuntu as a code name for Ubuntu version 12.04. The Ubuntu colors are already in place, and like Ubuntu the pochards can show up in the most unexpected places.
This one appears to have "gone native" with his Indian head band, he doesn't appear to require the additional feather sticking up out of the headband though.
My title for this one, represents my own humble suggestion to the good folks at Ubuntu as a code name for Ubuntu version 12.04. The Ubuntu colors are already in place, and like Ubuntu the pochards can show up in the most unexpected places.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
RED-CRESTED POCHARD !!!
I've "discovered" who these avian visitors are. They are Red-Crested Pochards (Netta Rufina), who are native to Southern Europe who have gone dramatically astray or, more likely they are escapees from one of our local zoos.
I might have over reacted a bit to my "discovery", to the extent of actually trying to telephone the local Audubon Society to report my finding. But, eventually, I found similar shots of these guys on Flickr.com from Arizona locations, so that I now suspect that they aren't visitors from southern Europe, but were probably born somewhere in the Southwest US.
I might have over reacted a bit to my "discovery", to the extent of actually trying to telephone the local Audubon Society to report my finding. But, eventually, I found similar shots of these guys on Flickr.com from Arizona locations, so that I now suspect that they aren't visitors from southern Europe, but were probably born somewhere in the Southwest US.
Monday, November 23, 2009
I'm some kind of ducky (gimpified)
This morning I took a photo jaunt/library vist, and this guy with a couple of his buddies were breakfasting on the goodies at the bottom of our little lake. I haven't been able to identify the variety of duck as yet, but I did manage to make it look as much like a duck stamp as I could.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Canadian Goose (gimpified)
This is a head shot of one of the Canadian geese who hang around the Village. The patterns here almost suggest that the shot really belongs with my Auto Art series of a couple of weeks ago. There's even what appears to be a bit of pin-striping in the white portion of the head.
At any rate, I'm glad I've finally gotten around to attempting (in my small way) to make this guy famous, something I promised him I'd do if he would just sit still for a moment, which probably accounts for the somewhat skeptical look on his beak.
At any rate, I'm glad I've finally gotten around to attempting (in my small way) to make this guy famous, something I promised him I'd do if he would just sit still for a moment, which probably accounts for the somewhat skeptical look on his beak.
Friday, November 20, 2009
"Where's Miss Porkulus? I need a new paint job!"
Probably the most famous rock in Arizona, but it seems to need a new paint job.
So, where the hell is Miss Porkulus when you need her--there's a job to be saved somewhere on the outskirts of Congress, Arizona.
Inquiring minds want to know!
So, where the hell is Miss Porkulus when you need her--there's a job to be saved somewhere on the outskirts of Congress, Arizona.
Inquiring minds want to know!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Watson Lake Cartoon (gimpified)
I'm still mucking about in some of my old material. In this case, it's a view from Watson Lake Park northeast of Prescott, AZ from a trip we took to the lakes around Prescott about a year and a half ago. Again, I've used the new toys found in the G'MIC toolkit for The Gimp.
It's turned out pretty well, I think. I just wish I could have come up with a more clever title for it.
It's turned out pretty well, I think. I just wish I could have come up with a more clever title for it.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Surprised by the Paparazzi in Surprise!
This picture was taken over a year ago during one of my combination photo jaunts/library trips. This female grackle, along with several members of her flock were carousing on the beach of the small man-made lake to the East of the Northwest Branch of the Maricopa County Library here in Surprise.
This is another use of the G'MIC Cartoon filter in The Gimp. It seems to give a more "painterly" look than the usual Gimp filter.
This is another use of the G'MIC Cartoon filter in The Gimp. It seems to give a more "painterly" look than the usual Gimp filter.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sun Village 'scape (gimpified)
This might just turn out to be my personal all-time favorite of all the landscapes I've attempted on my numerous photo jaunts around Sun Village. The sign is relatively new and adorns the main (public) entrance to the Village. It's also part of the 13th hole of the par-3 golf course which works its way through Sun Village.
Calendula's coming and going in Sun Village.
This is the G'MIC toolkit (in The Gimp) at work again.
I like the compositional elements of this (triangles within triangles, etc.) more than the colors.
I like the compositional elements of this (triangles within triangles, etc.) more than the colors.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Beep! Beep! (gimpified)
I've lived in Arizona now for two and a half years, taken hundreds of photos, and this is the first one I've managed to take of a roadrunner.
Of course, I know that this one isn't a REAL roadrunner--really I do--but since he's the best I've been able to come up with so far I'll send it out into cyberspace with the hope, that the people out there in cyberspace will like it, and even more, I hope some real roadrunners will be attracted to it and start running around Sun Village when I happen to be out and about with my camera.
A techie note: this was the first time I've played around with the "coffee spill" trick, found in The Gimp under Filters>Decor. Any possible connection between coffee spills and roadrunners is purely speculation on my part of course.
Of course, I know that this one isn't a REAL roadrunner--really I do--but since he's the best I've been able to come up with so far I'll send it out into cyberspace with the hope, that the people out there in cyberspace will like it, and even more, I hope some real roadrunners will be attracted to it and start running around Sun Village when I happen to be out and about with my camera.
A techie note: this was the first time I've played around with the "coffee spill" trick, found in The Gimp under Filters>Decor. Any possible connection between coffee spills and roadrunners is purely speculation on my part of course.
Dwight is seeing brown again! (gimpified)
Another little composition featuring one of the house decorations from down the street here in Sun Village. It's mainly the composition and not the textures that I like about this one.
I seem to have reverted to my "brown period" again. I wonder what would have happened if I'd carried a can of paint around with me on my little photo jaunt yesterday?
I seem to have reverted to my "brown period" again. I wonder what would have happened if I'd carried a can of paint around with me on my little photo jaunt yesterday?
Friday, November 13, 2009
Little Dorrit meets Granny Nan at the Circumlocution Office!
Am I the only one whose noticed some of the startling resemblances between Charles Dicken's novel Little Dorrit and the Pelosi "healthcare reform" bill?
First, of course, there's the creation of a new debtor's prison scenario for those who choose not to buy insurance.
Second, there is the new Byzantine bureaucratic structure (Circumlocution Office?), which will probably still be under construction 100 years from now if this thing gets through the Senate.
And thirdly, there's more than a trace of the arrogance and pride displayed by William Dorrit (post-inheritance) in the behavior of the Pelosicrats in the House of Representatives since 2006.
There are even a number of contemporary characters, who seem to have made their first appearance in the novel.
Mr. Merdle--Bernie Madoff
Edmund Sparkler--Barney Frank
Flora Finching--Hillary Clinton
Jeremiah Flintwich--Charles Schumer
Tattycoram--Barack Obama
If indeed, this is a case of art imitating life, there is good news for all of us in this. In the novel, the good guys do win in the end!
First, of course, there's the creation of a new debtor's prison scenario for those who choose not to buy insurance.
Second, there is the new Byzantine bureaucratic structure (Circumlocution Office?), which will probably still be under construction 100 years from now if this thing gets through the Senate.
And thirdly, there's more than a trace of the arrogance and pride displayed by William Dorrit (post-inheritance) in the behavior of the Pelosicrats in the House of Representatives since 2006.
There are even a number of contemporary characters, who seem to have made their first appearance in the novel.
Mr. Merdle--Bernie Madoff
Edmund Sparkler--Barney Frank
Flora Finching--Hillary Clinton
Jeremiah Flintwich--Charles Schumer
Tattycoram--Barack Obama
If indeed, this is a case of art imitating life, there is good news for all of us in this. In the novel, the good guys do win in the end!
Powered by ScribeFire.
Yellowness (gimpified)
One of approximately 1,000,000 cowpen daisy's (that's Verbesina encelioides to you Latin speakers out there) to be found in and around Sun Village
Just a wee bit of gimping added plus a frame.
Just keeping it simple!
Just a wee bit of gimping added plus a frame.
Just keeping it simple!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
My Periwinkle is Crying!
This sad little beauty was found bordering the pond fronting the condo units here in Sun Village. We call the pond Apache Lake during the late fall and winter months because this is when our "Snowbirds" from Minnesota come back to roost temporarily.
This is the same variety of flower, by the way, sometimes called Vinca and sometimes called Periwinkle, which managed to get me banned from a pro-Obama Flickr group last November, therefore, I probably need to be careful what I say here. So, I'll just ask a single question. Why is this Periwinkle crying?
This is the same variety of flower, by the way, sometimes called Vinca and sometimes called Periwinkle, which managed to get me banned from a pro-Obama Flickr group last November, therefore, I probably need to be careful what I say here. So, I'll just ask a single question. Why is this Periwinkle crying?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Communiversity @ Surprise AZ-Cartoon (gimpified)
This shot is of the newly completed Communiversity campus, which is located in the Surprise Civic Center complex, just south of Sun Village. For info see:
http://www.riosalado.edu/communiversity/Pages/default.aspx
The post production on this uses the cartoon filter contained in my newly installed G'MIC toolkit. I've probably said this before, but I'll say it again (with apologies to Rush)--I'm having more fun than a human being should be allowed to have with this new tool bag.
Hope you like it!
http://www.riosalado.edu/communiversity/Pages/default.aspx
The post production on this uses the cartoon filter contained in my newly installed G'MIC toolkit. I've probably said this before, but I'll say it again (with apologies to Rush)--I'm having more fun than a human being should be allowed to have with this new tool bag.
Hope you like it!
Veteran's Day (2)-2009 (gimpified)
A jaunt down to the local branch of the Maricopa County Library to return a few books last Friday, turned into a bit of a photo jaunt.
This particular shot is a detail from a memorial plaque dedicated to the members of the US Army Corps who served in World War II.
It is of course heavily gimped.
This particular shot is a detail from a memorial plaque dedicated to the members of the US Army Corps who served in World War II.
It is of course heavily gimped.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Quoth the Grackle, "The Stimulus is Coming, The Stimulus is Coming"
Quoth the Grackle, "The Stimulus is Coming, The Stimulus is Coming"
Originally uploaded by h_dwight_beers
My second thought was that since this lamp is part of the City of Surprise's recent upsurge in construction of public facilities the bird could be serving as one of those "Your tax dollars at work" signs. However, evidently Mr. Obama is hard at work getting signs printed up which say, "My Stimulus Money at Work" in order to claim the credit for all such new lighting fixtures. This being the case, the poor grackle will be out of a job before he's actually been employed. And, since it will probably take a half dozen people to paint the lamp green and add lettering, Mr. Obama will probably count this as five jobs saved?
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Veterans Day 2009
Another rose, selected from Sun Village's Memorial Garden.
I'm a little ahead of the actual holiday, but in view of the recent tragedy in Texas--we could probably use an extra Memorial day this year.
I'm a little ahead of the actual holiday, but in view of the recent tragedy in Texas--we could probably use an extra Memorial day this year.
Monday, November 2, 2009
The Six Stooges
The mere mention of Rosa DeLauro in my Halloween blog, suggested to me that I might try my hand at a real cartoon using The Gimp.
And, I've had a sneaking hunch that Ms DeLauro, was some kind of reincarnation of Moe ever since the first time I saw her on C-SPAN. But, that Curley had invented that Maxine Waters glare many years ago I have only discovered fairly recently.
The classic studio shot of the original Stooges suggests that Larry may have undergone years of ear abuse. Although, I'm not suggesting that Ms Pelosi has suffered similar abuse--it might go a long way towards explaining some of her bizarre behavior.
And, I've had a sneaking hunch that Ms DeLauro, was some kind of reincarnation of Moe ever since the first time I saw her on C-SPAN. But, that Curley had invented that Maxine Waters glare many years ago I have only discovered fairly recently.
The classic studio shot of the original Stooges suggests that Larry may have undergone years of ear abuse. Although, I'm not suggesting that Ms Pelosi has suffered similar abuse--it might go a long way towards explaining some of her bizarre behavior.
Auto Art 11-Red Ford (gimpified)
Probably the last of the series.
I've not much to say about it.
However, on a completely, unrelated subject, having nothing whatsoever to do with classic cars, photography, or Glendale Arizona, I'll send out the following thought for the day:
I can now add the name of Shalrie Joseph to the list of Black People who I could have voted for to be President of the United States, last November. Although, Shalrie would be the only one on the list not legally qualified (he was actually born in Grenada), when it comes to leadership qualities--he'd be at or near the top of the list. Whereas, the Incumbent in the office can't even lead his pooch to the pooping station.
I've not much to say about it.
However, on a completely, unrelated subject, having nothing whatsoever to do with classic cars, photography, or Glendale Arizona, I'll send out the following thought for the day:
I can now add the name of Shalrie Joseph to the list of Black People who I could have voted for to be President of the United States, last November. Although, Shalrie would be the only one on the list not legally qualified (he was actually born in Grenada), when it comes to leadership qualities--he'd be at or near the top of the list. Whereas, the Incumbent in the office can't even lead his pooch to the pooping station.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
A Pumpkin Pelosi!
I've never been much for celebrating Halloween, but this little monster pumpkin did look remarkably as if Nancy Pelosi had put on one of her phony little smiles and then borrowed one of Rosa DeLauro's outlandish outfits to announce a new "Cash for Former Clunkers Program".
This photo of course was actually taken a week before Halloween, and ever since I've been wondering if "Huck" might be Pelosi's nickname for Barry. And, would "Huck" be short for Huckster? If so, its too bad, I think Mike Huckabee might have already copyrighted that nickname.
This photo of course was actually taken a week before Halloween, and ever since I've been wondering if "Huck" might be Pelosi's nickname for Barry. And, would "Huck" be short for Huckster? If so, its too bad, I think Mike Huckabee might have already copyrighted that nickname.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Auto Art 10-Red & Chrome (gimpified)
This is a G'MIC(Pencil Drawing) treatment of a "Little Deuce Coupe" seen at the AZ KOOL FM Classic Car Show. This particular effort was actually the first in this series that I worked on. However, I've been holding it back before Flickring it or blogging it, because I've been trying to come up with a clever way of tying it into Clint "Deuce" Dempsey, who, some of you will undoubtedly know is the Yank from Nacogdoces, Texas who plays football for Fulham FC in London.
Well, the shape of the shield/grille is similar enough. And, the red color (colour) of the car and the red FFC in the Fulham shield kinda fits. But, in the end my usual "cleverness" in these things has failed me, so I've decided to just send it out into cyberspace as is.
Well, the shape of the shield/grille is similar enough. And, the red color (colour) of the car and the red FFC in the Fulham shield kinda fits. But, in the end my usual "cleverness" in these things has failed me, so I've decided to just send it out into cyberspace as is.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Taking a Gambel's (gimpified)
I've been spending some time today organizing the photos on my hard drive.This exercise has led me to do a bit of gimping around on some of my older shots. This one, is about a year and a half old, and a different version of this Gambel's Quail can be found elsewhere in my Flickr photostream.
By the way, in other news, today has also seen the release of the final version of Ubuntu's 9.10, codenamed the Karmic Koala. So, already I'm looking forward to a version 12.10 in October 2012, which I am hoping will be codenamed the Querulous Quail. That is, of course, if the world doesn't come to an end earlier in that year.
By the way, in other news, today has also seen the release of the final version of Ubuntu's 9.10, codenamed the Karmic Koala. So, already I'm looking forward to a version 12.10 in October 2012, which I am hoping will be codenamed the Querulous Quail. That is, of course, if the world doesn't come to an end earlier in that year.
Overtime (gimpified)
For those of you out there who have been wondering what ever happened to overtime, another pic from AZ KOOL FM's Classic Car/Hot-Rod Show last weekend.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Auto Art 8-Pontiac (gimpified)
The third one of my Classic Car Show photos posted today.
I was only going to do two of these today, but after I posted the first two, I started playing around with my "problem Pontiac" picture. During this little session I reverted to playing with the Colors>Curves tool, which happens to be the first Gimp trick I learned when I started this whole thing a couple of years ago. And, lo and behold, the "problem Pontiac" has turned out to be my personal favorite of the whole bunch.
I hope you all like it.
I was only going to do two of these today, but after I posted the first two, I started playing around with my "problem Pontiac" picture. During this little session I reverted to playing with the Colors>Curves tool, which happens to be the first Gimp trick I learned when I started this whole thing a couple of years ago. And, lo and behold, the "problem Pontiac" has turned out to be my personal favorite of the whole bunch.
I hope you all like it.
Auto Art 7-Oldsmobile Lines (gimpified)
A classic 1957 Olds, which turned itself into a nice little abstract design.
And, there will be still a few more coming. Gimping cars is too much fun, there's probably a law against it somewhere.
And, there will be still a few more coming. Gimping cars is too much fun, there's probably a law against it somewhere.
I coulda had a V-8, i'f I'd bought a few thousand dollars along!
And, the classic cars keep on coming.
This photo uses the new (stable) G'MIC plug-ins (pencil sketch).
I suspect there will be more of these forthcoming in the days ahead.
This photo uses the new (stable) G'MIC plug-ins (pencil sketch).
I suspect there will be more of these forthcoming in the days ahead.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Dwight is thinking Green on his Birthday!
Thinking, that a nice green classic car grill would be a great present to send out to my dozens of Flickr fans.
Hoping, that one of my footballing heroes, Paul Mariner, is hugely successful in his new career as head-coach of Plymouth Argyle FC (the Green Machine).
And, thinking and hoping that if dozens of my fans were to click on the AdSense ads on this blog, the pennies I earn would turn into one greenback dollar. What a nice birthday present that would be!
Hoping, that one of my footballing heroes, Paul Mariner, is hugely successful in his new career as head-coach of Plymouth Argyle FC (the Green Machine).
And, thinking and hoping that if dozens of my fans were to click on the AdSense ads on this blog, the pennies I earn would turn into one greenback dollar. What a nice birthday present that would be!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Auto Art 1--Studebaker (gimpified)
The second installment on my series of photos taken at AZ KOOL FM's Classic Car/Hot-Rod Show in Glendale this weekend.
I do love the colors on this particular production, although, because of certain childhood experiences which have stayed with me all these years, I hate Studebakers!
I do love the colors on this particular production, although, because of certain childhood experiences which have stayed with me all these years, I hate Studebakers!
Fixer Upper (gimpified)
This truck, which also made an appearance at the AZ KOOL FM's classic car/hot rod show in Glendale this weekend.
I've paired this with the Edsel picture, because, it too, with a little imagination, may remind some of Barack Obama and the state of the country after 10 months of his "showmanship".
I've paired this with the Edsel picture, because, it too, with a little imagination, may remind some of Barack Obama and the state of the country after 10 months of his "showmanship".
Whoops! (gimpified)
This was one of the hundreds of classic cars and hot rods which put in an appearance at AZ KOOL FM's show this weekend near Glendale, Arizona's stadium complex Westgate Plaza.
For those of you too young to remember, the Edsel became the Ford Motor Company's big commercial failure back in the 50's.
If the design of this car should remind anyone of a certain White House resident with a big mouth and funny ears, well, you wouldn't be the only one. But, watch out, you may be forced to buy one of these when if or when Nancy Pelosi decides that Edsel ownership is a "right" not a privilege.
For those of you too young to remember, the Edsel became the Ford Motor Company's big commercial failure back in the 50's.
If the design of this car should remind anyone of a certain White House resident with a big mouth and funny ears, well, you wouldn't be the only one. But, watch out, you may be forced to buy one of these when if or when Nancy Pelosi decides that Edsel ownership is a "right" not a privilege.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Sparrow on lions paw (gimpified)
A trip to the Classic Car/Hot Rod Show in the Westgate Development of Glendale AZ, led to lots of car pictures, of course, but more of that later. It also led to this little "throwaway" shot of a sparrow sitting on the paw of a lion statue which resides in the little park just north of the Jobing.Com Arena.
This is my second experiment with the Pencil Drawing filter in the newly released G'MIC plugin toolbox.
This is my second experiment with the Pencil Drawing filter in the newly released G'MIC plugin toolbox.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Perfection II (gimpified)
"Perfection" was the title of one of my earlier efforts, which can be seen at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_dwight_beers/2234111841/
"Perfection II" was taken during yesterday's session in Sun Village's Memorial Rose Garden. Another perfect rose, some pretty perfect processing and a bit of gimping. Result--one of my most "perfect" pieces of work.
I hope, it will break all of my previous records for viewership on Flickr.com. Because, this rose deserves it, this picture, I think deserves it, and I deserve it!!!
Whoops!--I seem to be getting an Obama complex--are, there any elementary school students out their singing songs about me yet?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_dwight_beers/2234111841/
"Perfection II" was taken during yesterday's session in Sun Village's Memorial Rose Garden. Another perfect rose, some pretty perfect processing and a bit of gimping. Result--one of my most "perfect" pieces of work.
I hope, it will break all of my previous records for viewership on Flickr.com. Because, this rose deserves it, this picture, I think deserves it, and I deserve it!!!
Whoops!--I seem to be getting an Obama complex--are, there any elementary school students out their singing songs about me yet?
Mexican Bird of Paradise (gimpified)
These flowers have been the biggest challenge, photographically speaking, since I moved to Arizona. They are all over the place, but for a variety of reasons I seem to have trouble taking good pictures of them.
Finally,, in my own occasionally humble opinion, I've done a good one--of course, my friend the Gimp was heavily involved again.
Finally,, in my own occasionally humble opinion, I've done a good one--of course, my friend the Gimp was heavily involved again.
Yellow Rose Drawing (gimpified)
A new set of GIMP plug-ins arrived on the scene yesterday at
http://gmic.sourceforge.net/gimp.shtml
and, I've been playing around with some of the filters contained in this new (for me) toolbox. This is the first result. The filter used was the pencil drawing tool.
Again, it's from among the roses in Sun Village's Memorial Garden. They are quite in their glory at the moment.
http://gmic.sourceforge.net/gimp.shtml
and, I've been playing around with some of the filters contained in this new (for me) toolbox. This is the first result. The filter used was the pencil drawing tool.
Again, it's from among the roses in Sun Village's Memorial Garden. They are quite in their glory at the moment.
Friday, October 23, 2009
A bit of fun with a yellow bug (gimpified)
This little yellow VW bug was parked in the parking lot outside the Rec Center. I thought it might be fun to let The Gimp have a go at it. This is the result.
As Rush Limbaugh likes to say--having more fun than a human being should be allowed to have.
As Rush Limbaugh likes to say--having more fun than a human being should be allowed to have.
A Star among the roses (slightly gimpified)
Adjacent to the Sun Village Rec Center building here in Surprise AZ, we have a small rose garden, which serves as a memorial garden dedicated to the memory of residents who have passed away.
The garden has been a wonderful source of photo-ops for me ever since my arrival in the village about 2 1/2 years ago. Although, I've blogged a couple of these since my blog began back in August, most of the best of these photos can be found on my Flickr.com photostream at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_dwight_beers/
The present effort, which I took on my way over to the Rec Center this morning, is I think--one of the best I've ever done.
Here's hoping you all like it so much that you will click on all my AdSense ads and make me a few pennies.
The garden has been a wonderful source of photo-ops for me ever since my arrival in the village about 2 1/2 years ago. Although, I've blogged a couple of these since my blog began back in August, most of the best of these photos can be found on my Flickr.com photostream at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_dwight_beers/
The present effort, which I took on my way over to the Rec Center this morning, is I think--one of the best I've ever done.
Here's hoping you all like it so much that you will click on all my AdSense ads and make me a few pennies.
A Green Sunburst (gimpified)
Another of the house decorations, which a number of the residents of Sun Village have installed on the sides of their homes. These decorations provide, intentionally or not, much amusement to the other residents. Especially, it seems, those of us who own digital cameras, computers and some kind of photo-manipulation software. My friend, The Gimp, loves these things and usually can't wait 'til I get home from one of my little photo jaunts around the Village so he can play with them.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
It's 8:00 AM (in Surprise Arizona)--Do you know where your children are?
I've been sitting here this morning and pondering. Will the elementary school children of America be spirited away from their Obama worship sessions this morning for the purpose of taking "field trips" to such places as "Best Buy", "Staples", "Office Max", etc., in order that they may continue to worship at the feet of their newest idol--Windows 7?
I wonder, how many of these little tots know that on this very day the release candidate for Ubuntu 9.10 the Karmic Koala is also due for release. Have these kiddies been told that this little goody will cost their mommies and daddys absolutely nothing? Have these children been told that a cute little Australian critter is involved?
Concerned parents of America need to know these things!
I wonder, how many of these little tots know that on this very day the release candidate for Ubuntu 9.10 the Karmic Koala is also due for release. Have these kiddies been told that this little goody will cost their mommies and daddys absolutely nothing? Have these children been told that a cute little Australian critter is involved?
Concerned parents of America need to know these things!
Rec Center Side Entry (gimpified)
This is a remake of one of my earliest gimping efforts. This entry way is one of the few available, at the moment, because of an extensive re-decorating job being undertaken in the main part of the building.
For this effort, I've reverted to one of my earlier Gimp toys--the Colors>Curves tool. This particular building seems perfectly suited to this particular toy.
For this effort, I've reverted to one of my earlier Gimp toys--the Colors>Curves tool. This particular building seems perfectly suited to this particular toy.
Two ways of looking for Wallace Stevens in Tempe, Arizona (gimpified)
Two ways of looking for Wallace Stevens in Tempe, Arizona (gimpified)
Originally uploaded by h_dwight_beers
I did come away, though, without succumbing to a strange urge I had that day to buy a Hartford insurance policy
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Est-1863 (gimpified)
Yet another effort coming forth from that trip down the rocky road to Stanton on Sunday.
Though its highly unlikely that Jenny Lind ever made it to Stanton, Arizona, its just possible that one or more of Nashville's Grand Old Opry stars have flown over the town at some time during their careers.
I did my absolute best for the place though. I took this photo of the sign, whilst humming a few bars of "La ci darem la mano". Neither, Cesare Seipi or any of the gang at Arizona Highways will have much to worry about from this quarter though.
Though its highly unlikely that Jenny Lind ever made it to Stanton, Arizona, its just possible that one or more of Nashville's Grand Old Opry stars have flown over the town at some time during their careers.
I did my absolute best for the place though. I took this photo of the sign, whilst humming a few bars of "La ci darem la mano". Neither, Cesare Seipi or any of the gang at Arizona Highways will have much to worry about from this quarter though.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
A subject (photographic) that I nearly murdered!
This will probably be the last of the photos I took in Stanton last Sunday.
I found this little flower on the side of a small hill which led up to the "Lost Dutchman" sign (see below). I took the photo on the way up the hill--and nearly stepped on this little blossom on my way down. Life must be tough enough for these little flowers, having to live in a severe desert environment and then having to dodge tourist feet even in a place like Stanton.
And, since I haven't identified this particular flower, I've been wondering ever since Sunday how close I might have come to a violation of the endangered species act.
I found this little flower on the side of a small hill which led up to the "Lost Dutchman" sign (see below). I took the photo on the way up the hill--and nearly stepped on this little blossom on my way down. Life must be tough enough for these little flowers, having to live in a severe desert environment and then having to dodge tourist feet even in a place like Stanton.
And, since I haven't identified this particular flower, I've been wondering ever since Sunday how close I might have come to a violation of the endangered species act.
Monday, October 19, 2009
How many cheerleading coaches have been saved?
Report: Federal aid created or saved 250,000 education jobs - washingtonpost.com
What if a school district somewhere in America had decided late last year to save its taxpayers a bit of money over the next year by ridding itself of some of the more useless members of its "educational" establishment. And, if the sudden appearance of billions in "Obamamoney" last January had induced that same school district to change its mind, would this constitute an education job "saved" ?
What if a school district somewhere in America had decided late last year to save its taxpayers a bit of money over the next year by ridding itself of some of the more useless members of its "educational" establishment. And, if the sudden appearance of billions in "Obamamoney" last January had induced that same school district to change its mind, would this constitute an education job "saved" ?
Cartoon of a Cartoon (gimpified)
The third effort resulting from the bumpy ride to Stanton yesterday.
In this case it's the Script-Fu>Photo-Effects>Artistic>Cartoon filter that was used. The cartoon original was on a little plateau overlooking the rest of Stanton--the path leading up to it was called "The Path".
In this case it's the Script-Fu>Photo-Effects>Artistic>Cartoon filter that was used. The cartoon original was on a little plateau overlooking the rest of Stanton--the path leading up to it was called "The Path".
Broken-Shingles (gimpified)
A broken shingle, a little gimping and I have still more photographic evidence that I have paid a visit to Stanton AZ.
And, this photo like most of my Flickr.com photos is geo-tagged just in case anyone needs to know where exactly Stanton is.
And, this photo like most of my Flickr.com photos is geo-tagged just in case anyone needs to know where exactly Stanton is.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
A retired tintinabulator (gimpified)
Stanton Arizona is an RV center, its a ghost town and it has been a mining center. Its located somewhere in suburban Congress, Arizona at about the middle of a long, bumpy and sometimes scary dirt road. I can as of today, assert with complete truthfulness that I have actually been there, and I herewith present some photographic evidence of this assertion.
And, there will probably be a couple more bits of evidence forthcoming over the next day or so.
This one was pre-processed with Digikam before it was gimpified.
And, there will probably be a couple more bits of evidence forthcoming over the next day or so.
This one was pre-processed with Digikam before it was gimpified.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Why Rush Limbaugh shouldn't want to own an NFL team!
To begin, I should confess that I myself have not followed the NFL since the Super Bowl in 1977, which was the last NFL game I ever watched. I have, however, been an ardent follower of the English Football League(thats Association football or soccer, of course) since the 2nd broadcast of ABC's Wide World of Sports, which broadcast "Live from Wembley Stadium by satellite" the English FA Cup Final match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City in June 1961. For a number of years thereafter Wide World continued its FA Cup broadcasts every year and these later broadcasts usually included as commentator the late, great Danny Blanchflower (who had been a player in the 1961 Cup Final). And, it was around about that time when I became hooked on the "beautiful game".
It was also about this time when I first began to see myself as being a conservative. And it seemed to me, even then, that my two new passions were connected in a number of ways.
First, the "democratic" organization of the FA Cup, was for me, one of the its great beauties. Any group of 11 players who could come up with the entry fee (about 50 pounds, if I recall) could enter a team and make a run for the Cup--and, if they were good enough could progress all the way to the final at Wembley. This still, it seems to me, makes the FA Cup a far more exciting competition than the Super Bowl, where a committee of the club owners meet in a room (smoke-filled?) and decide first, which teams can play, where each team can play, and which players and owners (or potential owners) can join the "Club".
The English League itself, also, is organized along "democratic" lines with the promotion/relegation system determining which teams play each other every year with such decisions being made--where they should be made--on the playing field.
English football, it seems to me then, is a much better advertisement for several conservative principles such as free market economics, de-centralized government, etc., than the oligarchic structure of the NFL, and the other American professional sports organizations (including, regrettably MLS) which mimic it. And, the best indicator of the success of the English organizational scheme, is that it has been copied, with success, in well over a hundred countries, something the English National Health scheme cannot claim--with a straight face anyway.
To conclude, my humble advice to El Rushbo:
1. get in touch with the powers that be in MLS
2. get in touch with Drew Carey and David Beckham
3. organize a real football team in St Louis (which probably deserves one more than any other American city)
4. use whatever power and influence you may have to bring promotion/relegation (and, therefore true democracy) to American sports.
It was also about this time when I first began to see myself as being a conservative. And it seemed to me, even then, that my two new passions were connected in a number of ways.
First, the "democratic" organization of the FA Cup, was for me, one of the its great beauties. Any group of 11 players who could come up with the entry fee (about 50 pounds, if I recall) could enter a team and make a run for the Cup--and, if they were good enough could progress all the way to the final at Wembley. This still, it seems to me, makes the FA Cup a far more exciting competition than the Super Bowl, where a committee of the club owners meet in a room (smoke-filled?) and decide first, which teams can play, where each team can play, and which players and owners (or potential owners) can join the "Club".
The English League itself, also, is organized along "democratic" lines with the promotion/relegation system determining which teams play each other every year with such decisions being made--where they should be made--on the playing field.
English football, it seems to me then, is a much better advertisement for several conservative principles such as free market economics, de-centralized government, etc., than the oligarchic structure of the NFL, and the other American professional sports organizations (including, regrettably MLS) which mimic it. And, the best indicator of the success of the English organizational scheme, is that it has been copied, with success, in well over a hundred countries, something the English National Health scheme cannot claim--with a straight face anyway.
To conclude, my humble advice to El Rushbo:
1. get in touch with the powers that be in MLS
2. get in touch with Drew Carey and David Beckham
3. organize a real football team in St Louis (which probably deserves one more than any other American city)
4. use whatever power and influence you may have to bring promotion/relegation (and, therefore true democracy) to American sports.
Honeysuckle reaching for the moon (gimpified)
Woke up this morning, with my mind set on gimping, and this is the result.
My question of the day for those of you who like to ponder:
Is the American health care system good enough to get Charlie and Gooch back on the pitch before next June?
My own hope is truly audacious!
My question of the day for those of you who like to ponder:
Is the American health care system good enough to get Charlie and Gooch back on the pitch before next June?
My own hope is truly audacious!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
#3,214 on Obama's little list..
of things he needs to render an American apoligize for:
Milan Want Damages From U.S. For Onyewu Injury - NYTimes.com
Perhaps, he could include this in the one phone call to Berlusconi during which he is scheduled to apologize for Anzio, the theft of and imprisonment of Ezra Pound, as well as the FBI's long running mistreatment of those Italian community organizers we call the M.A.F.I.A.
Milan Want Damages From U.S. For Onyewu Injury - NYTimes.com
Perhaps, he could include this in the one phone call to Berlusconi during which he is scheduled to apologize for Anzio, the theft of and imprisonment of Ezra Pound, as well as the FBI's long running mistreatment of those Italian community organizers we call the M.A.F.I.A.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
I've been scooped by the Spoof!
I was holding back on this story for a slow news day here on Arizona Yank.
However:
http://www.thespoof.com/news/spoof.cfm?headline=s2i61094
sometimes, my sources just can't keep their traps shut and your intrepid reporter gets scooped.
However:
http://www.thespoof.com/news/spoof.cfm?headline=s2i61094
sometimes, my sources just can't keep their traps shut and your intrepid reporter gets scooped.
Pima Lake scene
Another effort from my little Sun Village jaunt on Monday. This time I did the pre-processing with Digikam, applied the Oil Painting filter, and then finished up with The Gimp--and, of course--added my new style border.
The scene is taken from the Eastern Shore of what we here in the Village like to call Lake Pima, looking Northwest. As I have explained before on another forum, we call this body of water a lake--because of the numerous ex-residents of Minnesota living in the village--it is in fact little more than a large wading pool.
The scene is taken from the Eastern Shore of what we here in the Village like to call Lake Pima, looking Northwest. As I have explained before on another forum, we call this body of water a lake--because of the numerous ex-residents of Minnesota living in the village--it is in fact little more than a large wading pool.
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