ImageFuser: Combine Multiple (Bracketed) Exposures

January 5, 2009

ImageFuser is a graphical front end for the Open Source Enfuse software available from Panotools. Mac downloads here, Windows downloads, here. See the panoramic example below:

panotool_enfuse

Enfuse is a command-line program used to merge multiple exposures (bracketed exposures) of the same scene and merges them together to form a uniformly lit scene.

It produces an image that looks very much like a tone-mapped image (without the halos). But it does not require the creation of an HDR (High Dynamic Range) image, so it’s much simpler to use and allows the creation of very large multiple exposure panoramas.

ImageFuser is a GUI for these Open Source tools: 

Free Documentaries at SnagFilms.com

January 5, 2009

snag_films

There are brief commercial interruptions but the Beta of SnagFilms.com offers, as promised, a large selection of excellent document on their site via streaming video. Watch HBO, National Geographic, PBS, Network and Independent documentaries on your desktop now!

With all the new distribution models coming into play these days, you can almost hear the yelps of the former moguls of the film-multiplex chains amidst the baying of the coyotes and the hot, dry wind on the plains. And the rest is silence.

A Visual Guide to Most Awesome Ways to Take a Photograph

January 5, 2009

Point, shoot and … what? From amazing architecture to abandoned places, sometimes the subject is at the center of compelling photography – but at other times the types and approaches take the proverbial cake. These fascinating photography techniques take the art of image-making into entire new dimensions.

Some photographers seem to freeze, slow, or speed up time. Others rotate our views in dizzying directions elevate our views to dazzling heights. Featuring eye-popping works from 3D, panoramic and high-speed to infrared, HDR and tilt-shift photographers, here is a visual guide to ten of the world’s most awesome ways to take a photograph.

For the complete article on the WebUrbanist site, go here.

30 Excellent WordPress Video Tutorials from Six Revisions

January 5, 2009

WordPress is one of the most popular publishing platforms currently out on the market. It’s free, highly-customizable, and very easy to install and use. Because of its popularity, you’ll find a wide array of resources that discuss WordPress development, administration, as well as plenty of user guides to help you get started quickly.

In this article, we take advantage of the merits of learning by way of watching video tutorials and screencasts. Video tutorials allow you to learn by following along with the instructor in real-time – a format that’s very effective for many people.

You can use these video tutorials a couple of ways: to learn about WordPress yourself or to send to your not-so-technology-inclined clients as a reference to help them get started. You’ll find the tutorials organized into several topics that include theme development and customization, site administration, beginner’s tutorials, and using some WordPress tools.

For the complete article and links, go here.

AG Design site has some kick-ass tutorials

January 5, 2009

Check out the excellent design tutorials on the AG Design site, here.

Dogfighting in Afghanistan “Even if people are starving, they’ll still keep dogfighting.”

January 5, 2009

“The interest of the people is increasing day by day,” said Sher Mohammad Sheywaki, 50, who was standing on the edge of the fighting pitch. “Even if people are starving, they’ll still keep dogfighting.”

For the complete New York Times article, go here.

dogfight_afghan

Good Newz from the Bad Newz Kennels: 47 out of 51 Dogs Saved

January 5, 2009

Sports Illustrated has done an excellent follow-up article written by  Jim Gorant on the the rehabilitation of the pit bulls confiscated from Michael Vick’s Bad Newz Kennels, read the complete piece here. You should also check out the Photo Gallery link, too. Tell me if you see any monster dogs there.

PETA and the Humane Society argued that this was a misuse of resources, spending so much to save these ‘celebrity’ abused dogs while millions of adoptable dogs await their own death sentences in our nation’s shelters. PETA has no credibility on any issue  whatsoever in my view, they are extremists and perennial publicity sluts. 

I think it was important, especially given the immense amount of bad publicity this breed has gotten over the last 30 years, to make the point  that these dogs could be saved. That’s a message that America needs to hear, while breed-specific bans are considered proper legal responses to the ‘innate viciousness’ of pit bulls.  It sounds simplistic but it is nonetheless true: there are no inherently bad dogs, there are only bad, uneducated dog owners.

For the recored the $928,000 that went to evaluate and place these dogs came from the Michael Vick’s pocket and 47 out of 51 dogs were saved. 2 died in shelters, 1 was euthanized for medical reasons and only 1 was destroyed because it was considered ‘too violent.’

In other news a 12 year old boy in Douglas, AZ shot his 34 year old mother 8 times last August 1, after arguing with her over chores. (Source). Where are the calls for a ‘breed specific’ ban on 12 year old boys? I’m just saying, is all. . .


Free Public Domain Images from your pal, the Government

January 5, 2009

Thanks to the great guys at Design Tools Monthly for this wonderful list of free image resources that you’ve already paid for with your tax dollars. Save the money you’d normally spend on quality pictures for your design projects and spend it on non-essentials like food, gas and shelter in 2009.

www.archives.gov

www.digitalvaults.org

www.nsf.gov/news/mmg

www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/pix

http://phil/cdc.gov/Phil/home.asp

www.loc.gov/rr/print/catalog.html

www.defenselink.mil/multimedia/multimedia.aspx

www.usmint.gov/pressroom

www.nps.gov/pub_aff/imagebase.html

www.photolibrary.fema.gov/photolibrary

www.photolib.noaa.gov

www.nih.gov/about/nihphotos.htm

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