Monday, May 07, 2012
Saturday, May 05, 2012
A couple of small coincidental events today
As posted on my primary blog, PJMixer, I saw a hawk attack a smaller bird on my walk with my dog this morning. After the post I checked into Facebook and on the first page was a photo of a beautiful hawk from a friend of mine.
I just posted another entry on in Tune in about hip-hop music and I found a video from a remix track of Gil Scott-Heron and it features the story of a US Olympic boxer. This is coincidental as my wife is sitting next to me and she just loves everything to do with the Olympics, although she doesn't like Gil's raspy voice - we'll see if she watches the video.
Now, there was a third coincidence today, but I can't recall it.
I just posted another entry on in Tune in about hip-hop music and I found a video from a remix track of Gil Scott-Heron and it features the story of a US Olympic boxer. This is coincidental as my wife is sitting next to me and she just loves everything to do with the Olympics, although she doesn't like Gil's raspy voice - we'll see if she watches the video.
Now, there was a third coincidence today, but I can't recall it.
Connecting the dots - sampling the past
One of the things I like about hip-hop is the samples that are taken from older music. I'm not sure where it all started, perhaps at the beginning of hip-hop, but I'm certain it's used often. One early stand-out track for me is Kanye West's Gold Digger. That being said, it was Jamie Foxx that sung Ray Charles' lines from "I got a woman" rather than using a true sample.
From the local seen, Torontonian Shad had a lot of airplay success from "Rose Garden"- I love the sample of the original 1967 version by The Three Degrees.
A go-to album for me that does a wonderful job of sampling older classics with fresher electronic sound is Nina Simone's Remixed and Reimagined. Her voice has such a beautiful range and mood.
For hip-hop and electronica, the samples seem to come mostly from old soul, jazz and R&B. Quite different to the Chris Sheppard's dance mega-mixes of The Cult in the 80's.
But what set this off was the recent Drake Rihanna single "Take Care". I knew I knew the simple piano sample, but thought it was from a Nina Simone track. But a few Google searches later took me to the original source: Gil Scott-Heron. I'd downloaded the wonderful Jamie XX remix of Scott-Heron's "I'll Take Care of You" about a year ago.
I love connecting the dots.
Originally posted on in Tune in.
Connecting the dots - sampling the past
One of the things I like about hip-hop is the samples that are taken from older music. I'm not sure where it all started, perhaps at the beginning of hip-hop, but I'm certain it's used often. One early stand-out track for me is Kanye West's Gold Digger. That being said, it was Jamie Foxx that sung Ray Charles' lines from "I got a woman" rather than using a true sample.
From the local seen, Torontonian Shad had a lot of airplay success from "Rose Garden"- I love the sample of the original 1967 version by The Three Degrees.
A go-to album for me that does a wonderful job of sampling older classics with fresher electronic sound is Nina Simone's Remixed and Reimagined. Her voice has such a beautiful range and mood.
For hip-hop and electronica, the samples seem to come mostly from old soul, jazz and R&B. Quite different to the Chris Sheppard's dance mega-mixes of The Cult in the 80's.
But what set this off was the recent Drake Rihanna single "Take Care". I knew I knew the simple piano sample, but thought it was from a Nina Simone track. But a few Google searches later took me to the original source: Gil Scott-Heron. I'd downloaded the wonderful Jamie XX remix of Scott-Heron's "I'll Take Care of You" about a year ago.
I love connecting the dots.
From the local seen, Torontonian Shad had a lot of airplay success from "Rose Garden"- I love the sample of the original 1967 version by The Three Degrees.
A go-to album for me that does a wonderful job of sampling older classics with fresher electronic sound is Nina Simone's Remixed and Reimagined. Her voice has such a beautiful range and mood.
For hip-hop and electronica, the samples seem to come mostly from old soul, jazz and R&B. Quite different to the Chris Sheppard's dance mega-mixes of The Cult in the 80's.
But what set this off was the recent Drake Rihanna single "Take Care". I knew I knew the simple piano sample, but thought it was from a Nina Simone track. But a few Google searches later took me to the original source: Gil Scott-Heron. I'd downloaded the wonderful Jamie XX remix of Scott-Heron's "I'll Take Care of You" about a year ago.
I love connecting the dots.
Camera quick clicks - categorization & recommendations
As a photographer, friends ask me on occasion for camera recommendations. There are many online camera reviews (of which I'll link you to a few), but for those people who'd like my personal comments, I thought I'd collect my thoughts here. This first post is an intro, to collect a few salient points after visiting with a out-of-town friend who's interested in a new camera.
I own 3 digital cameras and an iPhone 4S that subs in for candids and in-the-moment shots very frequently. My primary camera is a Nikon D80 which I've had since 2008 and its shutter has fired over 47,000 times. (I have to say, the D80 is actually my wife's camera, which is a perfect excuse to say I'm due for an SLR of my own !).
As a business person who presents technology to customers, I like to start by reviewing the customer's (your) requirements. What are you looking for in a camera ? I'll go out on a limb here, and group cameras in the following categories.
I own 3 digital cameras and an iPhone 4S that subs in for candids and in-the-moment shots very frequently. My primary camera is a Nikon D80 which I've had since 2008 and its shutter has fired over 47,000 times. (I have to say, the D80 is actually my wife's camera, which is a perfect excuse to say I'm due for an SLR of my own !).
As a business person who presents technology to customers, I like to start by reviewing the customer's (your) requirements. What are you looking for in a camera ? I'll go out on a limb here, and group cameras in the following categories.
- Capturing everyday moments
- Capturing everyday moments but may find yourself in non-ideal lighting situations
- Capturing everyday moments but like sports and nature photography
- You know what an f-stop / aperture is and/or don't mind carrying around a camera bag
- You want to make money as a photographer
As you can image, along with price, the cameras that typically align with these categories increase in size from 1 to 5. I'd consider myself a 4 who wants to be a 5, and carry a 1-3 when space as at a premium or camera restrictions are in effect (e.g. SLRs are not normally allowed for concerts in arena venues).
You may have noticed that I'm preferring the acronym SLR, rather than DSLR. I read a while back that we should now be ok dropping the D since close to 99% of photography is digital these days.
So, if you're #1 - you're probably not reading this article. For me, the golden rule of photography is always have a camera with you and today that is as simple as having your mobile phone with you. Otherwise, any camera will do. My #1 camera is my iPhone 4S.
The vast majority of the photography market is for people in category #2. The key here is that the cameras have a flash and are able to automatically (or manually) adjust exposure (usually thru variable ISO settings). Some smart phones fall into this category, but the vast majority are what I call compact point-and-shoot cameras. My #2 camera is a Fuji Finepix and I would consider Panasonic, Nikon and Canon as a potential replacement in the future. If you're looking for a camera in this category you have hundreds of choices. My simple recommendation is to pick a name brand and read the online reviews. If you're in this category you're wanting good quality, but you still want the camera to be easy to use, so things like menu navigation would be important. If you can play with a working version of the camera or ask a sales person to show you the basics it should help you make a decision. A few other features to consider, optical zoom range, ISO range and startup time (a spec that may be hard to find, but easy to see if you're holding a working camera).
CNET is a decent starting spot for consumer reviews, but their categorization didn't align too well with mine, but I think CNET write some good material, incl. videos: CNET's best compact digital cameras and CNET's best budget digital cameras.
Google also returned the following interesting charts from TopTenReviews. I haven't used this web site before, but there's lots of info and nice side-by-side specs: TopTenREVIEWS' point and shoot camera comparisons and reviews and TopTenREVIEWS' compare best compact digital cameras.
Category #3 is probably the most confusing category and covers quite a wide range of cameras, some of which may be classified as point-and-shoot cameras. The difference here is primarily the amount of control you have with the settings, good optical zoom range and perhaps even interchangeable lenses. These last two features get you into superzoom and compact camera system sub-categories of cameras. These cameras can get as costly as SLR camera, which confuses the decision even more. The difference is normally size, a camera in this category will for the most part be smaller and lighter than an SLR. I'd put my first digital camera, a Canon Powershot in this category as it has quite a few manual controls, a decent zoom and a very convenient flip out LCD screen (which I'd call an advanced feature). There are some very good cameras in this category and the highly innovative Nikon 1 would be high on my potential replacement list.
SLRs are my 4th category. What I'd say distinguishes these cameras is the size, cost and the wide variety of interchangeable lenses. Nikon and Canon share a huge part of this market and owner loyalties to one or the other run deep. Therefore, I'd say it's quite difficult to find an accurate, unbiased side by side review of these types of cameras. I have a D80 and in the past, I had a Nikon film SLR camera, therefore I'm biased toward Nikon SLRs. I can pick up the cheapest or the most expensive Nikon SLR and I'd know how to use it because the controls are almost identical thru the entire product set. So for me, an easy recommendation for someone about to buy their first digital SLR, would be the Nikon D5100. If you're upgrading, then the D7000 is a superb camera (and fills by dream hours). I also keep close eyes on a blog called Nikon Rumors for news on what Nikon treats are coming (e.g. a new entry level SLR has just been released called the D3200). For me I like quick access to common controls and a nice feature that I'd really like would be quickly switching between a couple of user presets. The other big thing to get excited about in this category is high ISO performance. Who needs a flash or a f1.8 lens when you can comfortably shoot at ISO 6400.
It's only fair that I should make some mention of Canon SLRs at this point. I did a little research and I have to say that the EOS 60D would be high on my list if I could rewire my brain and exchange all my Nikon mount lenses. Like my D80 it features an LCD for setting on the top side of the camera which is my preference when adjusting settings. Canon also has the more robust 7D - these two Canons are compared to the Nikon D7000 here.
Which leaves the 5th category, one set aside for professionals, aspiring semi-professionals or for people with a lot of money. Interestingly Nikon have two top models that differ by thousands of dollars, but are very close in performance. The lower priced Nikon D800 is the one getting all the attention and may be the best SLR for the money.
DPS have a few handy lists of favourites, incl lenses at : Digital Photography School - popular digital cameras and gear.
Another site I go to a lot for SLR and lens reviews is Ken Rockwell (mostly Nikon, but I've learnt from his deep analysis).
CNET is a decent starting spot for consumer reviews, but their categorization didn't align too well with mine, but I think CNET write some good material, incl. videos: CNET's best compact digital cameras and CNET's best budget digital cameras.
Google also returned the following interesting charts from TopTenReviews. I haven't used this web site before, but there's lots of info and nice side-by-side specs: TopTenREVIEWS' point and shoot camera comparisons and reviews and TopTenREVIEWS' compare best compact digital cameras.
Category #3 is probably the most confusing category and covers quite a wide range of cameras, some of which may be classified as point-and-shoot cameras. The difference here is primarily the amount of control you have with the settings, good optical zoom range and perhaps even interchangeable lenses. These last two features get you into superzoom and compact camera system sub-categories of cameras. These cameras can get as costly as SLR camera, which confuses the decision even more. The difference is normally size, a camera in this category will for the most part be smaller and lighter than an SLR. I'd put my first digital camera, a Canon Powershot in this category as it has quite a few manual controls, a decent zoom and a very convenient flip out LCD screen (which I'd call an advanced feature). There are some very good cameras in this category and the highly innovative Nikon 1 would be high on my potential replacement list.
SLRs are my 4th category. What I'd say distinguishes these cameras is the size, cost and the wide variety of interchangeable lenses. Nikon and Canon share a huge part of this market and owner loyalties to one or the other run deep. Therefore, I'd say it's quite difficult to find an accurate, unbiased side by side review of these types of cameras. I have a D80 and in the past, I had a Nikon film SLR camera, therefore I'm biased toward Nikon SLRs. I can pick up the cheapest or the most expensive Nikon SLR and I'd know how to use it because the controls are almost identical thru the entire product set. So for me, an easy recommendation for someone about to buy their first digital SLR, would be the Nikon D5100. If you're upgrading, then the D7000 is a superb camera (and fills by dream hours). I also keep close eyes on a blog called Nikon Rumors for news on what Nikon treats are coming (e.g. a new entry level SLR has just been released called the D3200). For me I like quick access to common controls and a nice feature that I'd really like would be quickly switching between a couple of user presets. The other big thing to get excited about in this category is high ISO performance. Who needs a flash or a f1.8 lens when you can comfortably shoot at ISO 6400.
It's only fair that I should make some mention of Canon SLRs at this point. I did a little research and I have to say that the EOS 60D would be high on my list if I could rewire my brain and exchange all my Nikon mount lenses. Like my D80 it features an LCD for setting on the top side of the camera which is my preference when adjusting settings. Canon also has the more robust 7D - these two Canons are compared to the Nikon D7000 here.
Which leaves the 5th category, one set aside for professionals, aspiring semi-professionals or for people with a lot of money. Interestingly Nikon have two top models that differ by thousands of dollars, but are very close in performance. The lower priced Nikon D800 is the one getting all the attention and may be the best SLR for the money.
DPS have a few handy lists of favourites, incl lenses at : Digital Photography School - popular digital cameras and gear.
Another site I go to a lot for SLR and lens reviews is Ken Rockwell (mostly Nikon, but I've learnt from his deep analysis).
Report from the dog walk #6
Kooper and I were startled this morning by the chaotic fluttering of wings close to the ground when we passed by a tree on our walk this morning. We turned just in time to see a medium sized hawk snatch away a smaller bird and then fly off with two other birds in hot pursuit. National Geographic stuff.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Pain in the...feet
I hate shoe shopping. I just wasted a couple of hours looking for a pair of dress shoes. The combo of iffy toes, a bum ankle, orthotics and what I like to consider, a decent sense of fashion, but a limited expense account worked against me today. I had painfully narrowed down my choices working my way through two shoe stores and about a dozen different pairs. I was close to settling on a pair of Rockports and doing one final test lap which happened to take me by the Eccos. Hey, why not, let's give those a try (I hear they make a very good shoe), more expensive but looks like they're on sale too. After another chunk of time I settle on the Eccos (not my first choice of colour, but damn nice looking and comfortable). At this time I must give credit to sales guy at The Bay, really patient with me and quick to help. So I decide on the Eccos, go to the checkout and discover they're not on sale ! Argh. Had enough, heading home empty handed.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Easton Town Centre - Columbus, Ohio
I had a short business trip to Columbus, Ohio this week. My colleague who lives in Columbus recommended staying at the Marriott Courtyard in Easton rather than downtown (my usual preference). He said downtown is quiet at night and they'd be much more to see and do in Easton. Well we was right. I had a few occasions to walk around Easton Town Centre which is a model-town version of upscale main street with an impressive atrium-like mall at its centre. Lots of good restaurant choices, every shopping destination from the usual mall choices, large department stores to an Apple store and Tiffany's. I even caught a movie (The Hunger Games; review on Flixster soon) at the AMC.
But there were things missing. The feeling of it reminded me of a trip to Disney World where a friend said the boardwalk area was like being inside The Truman Show.
There were people walking on the sidewalks, but the massive parking lots advertising 1000's of parking spaces were a constant reminder that there were very few local residents and it was a suburban destination rather than a true true uptown experience. There were a few strollers, but not a lot of school age kids during the evening and after-school hours Add to that the extreme restriction of not allowing pets on the (private) streets; the absence of many visible minorities and lower income folks; and no people hurrying to/from home, resulted in a feeling of a manufactured cityscape.
A good try Columbus and I will stay in Easton again if I return, but I'm afraid it's not so easy to manufacture the true uptown street feel of a large city. Looking forward to being home to my uptown Toronto neighbourhood.
But there were things missing. The feeling of it reminded me of a trip to Disney World where a friend said the boardwalk area was like being inside The Truman Show.
There were people walking on the sidewalks, but the massive parking lots advertising 1000's of parking spaces were a constant reminder that there were very few local residents and it was a suburban destination rather than a true true uptown experience. There were a few strollers, but not a lot of school age kids during the evening and after-school hours Add to that the extreme restriction of not allowing pets on the (private) streets; the absence of many visible minorities and lower income folks; and no people hurrying to/from home, resulted in a feeling of a manufactured cityscape.
A good try Columbus and I will stay in Easton again if I return, but I'm afraid it's not so easy to manufacture the true uptown street feel of a large city. Looking forward to being home to my uptown Toronto neighbourhood.
A quick Hunger Games review; not PG !
Much better than I expected - I've read the book (and half was thru the second), but the movie is much more dramatic and emotional. I think Jennifer Lawrence does a fantastic job - I was impressed by her acting, but Woody of course steals every scene he's in. To comment on the appropriateness of the PG rating (after reviewing the formal Ontario classifications), the movie should definitely have a 14A rating because of the graphic violence and mature subject matter (note that it was given the appropriate, equivalent PG-13 classification in the US).
Friday, April 06, 2012
Welcome Mr. Bond
Via Flickr:
This private residence close to the Beaches Boscobel resort reminded me of an extoic Bond location.
This private residence close to the Beaches Boscobel resort reminded me of an extoic Bond location.
Welcome Mr. Bond
Via Flickr:
This private residence close to the Beaches Boscobel resort reminded me of an extoic Bond location.
This private residence close to the Beaches Boscobel resort reminded me of an extoic Bond location.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Reports from the dog walk #5
Still very climate focused. Lots of people in shorts, short sleeves and flip-flops - me ? I was wearing shorts. Kooper was panting and his tongue hanging out. The beautiful aroma on tree blossoms in the night air. At least 3 homes with air conditioners going. Ski gear displayed in Sporting Life's windows looks silly. Heavy belly full of chili, hope to feel better for my late night ultimate game in an hour.
Reports from the dog walk
March 19, 2012. Met up with a strange creature - shepherd like head but short legs...then there was his dog !
Feb 27th, 2012. I've recently started working for a new company and for the first time in my life, I'm working from home. I had a pretty busy day with conference calls and technical "ramping up", then had my head down doing photo editing in the evening. I didn't realize it, but I hadn't stepped out the house until I just walked Kooper close to 11pm. Much colder than the thermometer says with a wicked wind. Glad to be back home.
Feb 26th, 2012. Very mild winter. Buds on a a Cherry tree on Rosewell Ave. Flower buds on the older gentleman's lawn - white bell shapes. Lovely sunny morning, very still - turns out to be the best weather of the day.
Dec 6, 2011. Report from the dog walk: fueled by Kasabian tunes - can't wait until Toronto March gig; but then again - slow down I'm getting old.
There's a few others that I've posted in the past (on Twitter or Facebook) that I don't seem to be able to find.
Feb 27th, 2012. I've recently started working for a new company and for the first time in my life, I'm working from home. I had a pretty busy day with conference calls and technical "ramping up", then had my head down doing photo editing in the evening. I didn't realize it, but I hadn't stepped out the house until I just walked Kooper close to 11pm. Much colder than the thermometer says with a wicked wind. Glad to be back home.
Feb 26th, 2012. Very mild winter. Buds on a a Cherry tree on Rosewell Ave. Flower buds on the older gentleman's lawn - white bell shapes. Lovely sunny morning, very still - turns out to be the best weather of the day.
Dec 6, 2011. Report from the dog walk: fueled by Kasabian tunes - can't wait until Toronto March gig; but then again - slow down I'm getting old.
There's a few others that I've posted in the past (on Twitter or Facebook) that I don't seem to be able to find.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Reports from dreamland #1
Missed and ill prepared school tests (parents taking tests with their children), car trouble, snow and hills and rental cars, wardrobe malfunctions, dog trouble, late night business meetings, missed meals...not quite a nightmare, but hardly restful.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Quotes from the last week
From Felix J. Palma's The Map of Time, page 585 - "...sometimes the best way to find out what we want is to chose what we do not want".
From Fox's new TV Series Alcatraz, Episode 8 on the difference between spirituality and religion - "Spirituality is for those seeking understanding. Religion is for those seeking reward.”
From Fox's new TV Series Alcatraz, Episode 8 on the difference between spirituality and religion - "Spirituality is for those seeking understanding. Religion is for those seeking reward.”
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