High Definition a Nightmare?

An article ran in papers today about how stars are regarding high definition as a nightmare. In some ways, high definition TV will reveal more than film on a large movie screen. A show created in high definition video is usually brighter and clearer than on the movie screen.

The article said many stars are still unaware of the great detail seen by high definition viewers (5 times clearer than a regular TV screen). The recent Academy Awards telecast was used as an example.  Cameron Diaz's acne problem showed. Prince's makeup flaws were apparent. The article also said that Katie Couric was getting a brow lift because high definition revealed forehead flaws.

Why not let the flaws show? It would be good to see that even famous stars have physical imperfections. We all know that they have plastic surgery. I saw a photo of Michelle Pfeiffer and Celine Dion with their families. From looking at their siblings, it was obvious the stars had changes made -- from noses to eyes to chins -- so that they looked "better" than their relatives. Heck, I would probably have something done, too, if I had the money, but since I don't, I say let the flaws show. It makes them more human. We don't seem to mind the sweat and large pores on athletes shown in high definition. Heh.

TextAmerica.com

This is a nice site -- offering free space for photos. They keep adding new features so I redid a few things on my site with them (Photo Blog) such as arranging the "Favorites" list at the bottom.

While this site is mainly for cell phone users who then "e-mail" a photo for on-the-spot posting, it is also used by regular camera-wielding folks. I used to use my cell phone to take photos for this (and still do sometimes), but my cell phone takes lousy photos. I carry a small camera around with me instead and just wait until I come home to upload images.

They are a nice group to work with, though, and I enjoy viewing the other photo blogs here.

Save the Hubble Telescope

So much time and effort was put into this -- it's terrible to think of the Hubble being left unmaintained. Are we afraid of another accident? Driving to work is a greater risk than going into space. Construction is not stopped when a worker is killed putting up a building. Accidents happen. Every life is precious, but I don't see the logic in bringing the shuttle program to a halt for this long because of one accident. Astronauts know and accept the risks they take. Ask them if they want the shuttle program to stop -- I bet the answer is no.

.Mobile for Internet Addresses

I like the idea of creating a .mobile or anything that adds domains as the Internet expands. I have a few .info domains myself (Matson.info, Muddypaws.info, MyPlace.info). My big gripe is with sites that think all e-mail addresses can only end in 3 letters! I have lost count of how many times I list my address as terry@matson.info only to be told by an automated site that my address is invalid! Argh!

Speaking of validation, AOL has blocked my address from sending mail to its members. I thought I had cleared this problem up with AOL, but it is back again. Apparently some Klez-type virus on someone else's computer is sending out mail in my name and AOL blames me for it. AOL has too much of a trigger finger and no easy way to correct it. Double Argh!

All's Fair in Love, War and ... Politics?

I am not into the conspiracy theory thing, but I just don't believe Kerry thought his microphone was off when he made the comments "off camera." I think it was all staged. It is a sneaky way to make a point. I guess the campaign is getting dirty already.

Sad Story

This is so sad. I received it in my mail today from J.M.

High-Definition TV

I wish I had a 50" high-definition flat TV and I wish every good show was in HD. Whenever I am in a store that sells these type of TVs, I migrate over to watch and drool. The clarity is amazing. Movies in the theater don't even look as crisp and bright as a show shot in HD.

Right now, from the demos in the store, it looks like HD is for sports and nature shows with an occasional movie and prime-time show. Hopefully, more TV shows will switch over to HD  format. One cable TV host said that his show would never do that -- it is too expensive. I wonder if he will be proven wrong someday. This technology is breath-takingly good.

Speed Up Your Broadband Connection

My husband tried this little program demonstrated on The Screen Savers. It is a simple EXE file (no installation needed) and checks your broadband connection and makes changes to speed it up. It recommended a few changes which he let it make.

He could not tell a big difference with the cable modem connection, but hey, every little tweak helps, right? I ran it for myself, too.

TCP Optimizer

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today my mother turns 72. She was born in Seattle and raised in Boise, Idaho. She has 6 brothers and sisters and in turn, gave birth to 7 children of her own. At one point, she had 6 children, aged 6 and under (photo). I was born first. Two years later, she had identical twin girls, then 10 months after that, her first son (it was almost like having triplets). Shortly after, followed 2 more girls (one at a time, though) and much later in life, when I was 13, my little brother was born. I can not imagine how she did it, but she was very good with children. We had a happy, if a bit crowded, childhood. We were all living in a 3-bedroom house until I turned 14. At one point, I shared a room with 3 siblings. How Mom kept her sanity, I will never know. Thanks, Mom!

Mother Nature Meets Photoshop

These are clever pictures of real creatures --- with a little enhancement:

http://www.annthenwhat.com/photoshopped.html.

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