Archive for February, 2010

I have my Canon Digital Rebel xTi since 2007, and until now I still have the basic kit lens (18-55mm). I do not have any lenses, I have not invested on one. Now that I’m involved with Project 365 – shooting random things creatively such as a stack of books, scalp pimples or me in glasses have become a challenge. I think I am ready to invest in one.

Here are the lens recommendation from I blog I always read (and yes, she is a great photographer!)

For indoor and low light shooting, nothing beats a 50mm lens in my opinion.  You can pick up the following 50mm lenses:

- 50mm f1.8 (Canon $100/Nikon $120.  This is a great lens for the price but if you can swing the price of the 50mm f1.4, you’ll find that it focuses quicker and sharper and produces better color.)

- 50mm f1.4 (Canon $350/Nikon $300 for the 50mm f1.4D and $430 for the 50mm f1.4G AF-S.  The Nikon 50mm f1.4G AF-S is a MUCH higher quality lens than the 50mm f1.4D and is worth the extra expense.  In addition, the Nikon 50mm f1.4G AF-S has an autofocus motor built into it, making it the ONLY 50mm lens that will autofocus on the Nikon D40, D40x, D60, D3000 and D5000.)

- 50mm f1.2 (Canon $1500/Nikon does not make this lens.  This is a great lens but is ridiculously priced and is overkill in my opinion for anyone who’s not shooting professionally and anyone who is working on a budget.)

The 50mm lens is also a great ‘everyday’ lens and can be really great for portraiture too (if you’re NOT using it on a full frame camera).  If I could only OWN one lens, this would be it.  Keep in mind that this lens does NOT ‘zoom’…you are the ‘zoom’.  Walk forward to ‘zoom in’ and walk backwards to ‘zoom out.’

If you shoot in a lot of cramped situations though, you might actually like one of these lenses BETTER than the 50mm:

- Canon 28mm f1.8 ($450.  Canon makes more expensive lenses that are similar, like the 24mm f1.4 and the 35mm f1.4 but they’re really spendy.)  This lens does not ‘zoom.’

- Nikon 35mm f1.8 ($200.  This lens will NOT work correctly on Full Frame cameras like the Nikon D700, Nikon D3, D3x or the D3s.)  This lens does not ‘zoom.’

For outdoor, everyday shooting, I recommend a zoom lens like the 24-70mm f2.8.  (Tamron makes a REALLY high quality version of this lens at the most affordable price, the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 for about $450 – this is the ONLY lens I owned for 3+ years and I think it’s wonderful.  Canon and Nikon have much more expensive versions of this lens; Canon $1400/Nikon $1800.)

For sports, recitals, theater (and any other subject that is far away from you while shooting), I recommend the 70-200mm f2.8.  (Unfortunately, this is an EXPENSIVE lens and a very HEAVY lens, therefore, you want to put a lot of thought into whether or not this is the right lens for you – maybe even trying it out at a camera shop.  Again, Tamron makes the cheapest version of it, the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 for about $750 and both Canon and Nikon make more expensive versions of this lens that are closer to $1700.)

For portraits, the 50mm lens I mentioned earlier is a great lens (unless you’re using it on a Full Frame camera) and so is an 85mm lens (these lenses create some of the most beautiful images you’ll ever see).

- 85mm f1.8 (Canon $440/Nikon $450)  This lens does not ‘zoom.’

- 85mm f1.4 (Nikon $1230)  This lens does not ‘zoom.’

- 85mm f1.2 (Canon $2000)  This lens does not ‘zoom.’

A few friends have been talking about setting up a dreamboard for themselves this year. Many have been saying it has been quite effective in making “their dreams come true” – and it is something worth trying. Not even the best fat burner can help me lose weight – maybe a little more motivation and inspiration will help?

Setting goals is something we are all familiar with. In fact, it’s almost become a cliche that some people no longer pay attention to. Making a dream board can take the cliche out of setting your life goals, and can even help you to accomplish those goals.

1. You can either gather use magazines or image websites. If you choose to use magazines, you should use different types, covering all the topics that you are interested in.

2. Go through each magazine and cut out any random pictures that appeal to you. Allow your mind to wander and follow your instinct. Find bright, colorful images that make you feel fantastic or get you thinking about what life could be like if it were you in that picture. Try to minimize the words that you cut out.

3. Purchase a magnetic board or a large blank painting canvas that is pre-strung on a timber frame and paper glue. These are inexpensive and available at a local art store. (A good size is 1m x 1.5m.)

4. Cut out the pictures neatly and stick them on your board.

5. Place the dream board beside your bed or in your office and look at it at least twice a day for about 5 minutes. Enjoy the images, enjoy your work and imagine yourself leading the life that is in your dream board.

6. You will notice in the following 12 months that you are starting to achieve some of the dreams you have stuck on your board.

Of course, you knew I would say I want one right? I think I can buy this once I deliver the best hgh supplement my cousin needs.

National Book Store and Collezione-C2 partner with Moleskine
for the limited edition My Pilipinas Moleskine

Celebrate the joy of being Filipino with the My Pilipinas Moleskine, designed by fashion stalwart and Collezione-C2 Creative Director Rhett Eala.

The result of a partnership between top Filipino brands, retail giant National Book Store and Collezione-C2, and the famed Moleskine brand, the limited edition Moleskine Classic Notebook features the iconic Philippine map on the cover of the legendary notebooks.

For two centuries now Moleskines have been the notebook of artists, writers, intellectuals and travelers, and have become synonymous with centuries of culture, imagination, memory, and personal identity. Famous users of the Moleskine include Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway and Bruce Chatwin.

The notebooks are available in large and pocket size, and plain or ruled pages for both sizes. All Moleskine products are thread-bound and feature acid-free paper, and come with a bookmark, elastic closure and expandable inner pocket detailing the product’s unique history. Available only in soft cover, the My Pilipinas Moleskine Classic Notebook is the ideal companion in creating and capturing life stories.

With the introduction of the My Pilipinas Moleskine, a symbol of nationalistic spirit and heart, new legends are expected to be created from the passion, mind and limitless creativity of Filipinos.
My Pilipinas Moleskine is available exclusively at selected National Book Store and Collezione-C2 branches.

If you believe in horoscopes or are curious as to what lies ahead for you this year – look no more. Whether you are a celebrity, housewife or energy auditor, you can see what is in store for you in this year of the tiger! 

TIGER
1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

Zodiac’s Nature:

Unpredictable, rebellious, colorful, powerful, passionate, daring, impulsive, vigorous, stimulating, sincere, affectionate, humanitarian, generous. Can be restless, reckless, impatient, quick-tempered, obstinate, selfish, aggressive.

2010 is the year of the Golden Tiger so people born in the year of the Tiger are said to be offending the Grand Duke (Tai Suey Wu Hang) of the year and this will usher in inauspicious and difficult periods from time to time throughout the year. It is important that they should try to avoid going to funerals or attending wakes. If it cannot be avoided then they should not go home or go back to the office directly from the funeral or wake. Instead, they should stop by a restaurant or a crowded area along the way like a supermarket or a shopping mall. This is symbolic of shedding off the bad luck or negative energy in another place and not bringing it back to home or to the office. Then they must bathe with water that has been boiled with pomelo leaves to minimize their bad luck.

Tigers are offending the Tai Suey this year; scientifically they are affected by the unseen negative force from Jupiter on the Earth at 60 degrees Northeast. So, there are many unlucky stars that are gathered under their sign and present in their life cycle in year 2010, there is also a lack of lucky stars. They will face many problems and persecutions both in their work and private life. Thus, they should handle their work cautiously to avoid great failures.

In general, 2010 is not a good year for Tiger people, due to the influence of the planet Jupiter, thus Tigers should be flexible to cope with the sudden changes during the year. They have to mind their own business to avoid getting involved in disputes. They should steer clear from rumors and gossip. Beware of road safety to avoid accident. They will have some movement this year which translates as a chance to move house, change career or travel etc. However, it is important to keep in mind that they have to be more patient, keep a low profile and avoid conflict with people. Tigers should try to be humble enough to accept advice from older people because they must understand that experience cannot be purchased. A Chinese proverb says: “With one careless move, the whole game is over” and “There is always a person above the other”.

Although Tigers offend the Tai Suey this year, they will have a Powerful Star under their sign so that they can delegate and they will have more authority in their work. Conversely, they will face more challenges and annoyances that will cause them to have more stress and pressure. To conquer all the coming challenges, they should relax more and lift up their fighting spirit.

Financially, money luck is easy come and easy go; they can hardly save money this year. Therefore, they should be more conservative in handling their business and financial affairs especially in the lunar months of January, April and July. It is not a good year to start a new business or undergo expansion unless they are Tigers born in the lunar months of July, August, September, November and December. For these Tigers, they will have better luck this year and their chances of success are big.

Thus, these Tigers should treasure the timing and be alert to grasp opportunities to exhibit their talents throughout the year. Tigers should not be greedy because as I’ve said every year “Being too greedy will cause one to be poor” and will also cause bad luck to follow soon after. You can see in the year 2009 Year of the Earth Ox, if people were not too greedy for high interest returns then they would not have lost all their money in the stock market and other investments which in turn greatly contributed to the global crisis. So, it is absolutely not lucky for Tigers to invest in the stock market. Keep away from gambling and beware of money traps especially when engaged in contract signing. It is important not to lend money or be a loan guarantor otherwise they will suffer in the months to come. Instead, Tigers have to march, step by step to be successful this year.

In love affairs, this is not a romantic year for Tigers and they should not expect too much. They will easily have misunderstandings. Apart from this, they are quite emotional, jealous and suspicious. So, they should keep a clear mind since this will help them have a stable relationship. They have to be especially cautious in the lunar months of January, April, July and August. Regarding health, due to the influence of the unlucky stars; they should keep away from sharp objects and beware especially of road safety. Pay special attention when driving in the highway and avoid talking on the phone or texting while driving. Try to avoid any dangerous sports. Be cautious in the lunar months of January, April, May, June, July, August and October. It is important to do more exercise and be patient to avoid struggling with people. The younger generation of Tigers especially should avoid having too much nightlife since this is the way to avoid unnecessary troubles. Apart from this, Tigers should avoid visiting patients and attending funerals or wakes. For their protection, they have to carry a “Safety Medallion”, and a “White Jade Gourd” to avoid accidents. Try to have a blood test or donate blood in the beginning of this year after February 4, 2010. Do more charity. If possible, eat more vegetables than meat. Keeping happy always will help Tigers have better luck.

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The husband has been buying me one book of Nicholas Sparks at a time. While you might immediately gush and say that is the sweetest thing, it has selfish reasons too. He is done reading David Baldacci books so he thought Nicholas Sparks might be interesting.

I got a complete list of his books here. He has around 16 books so this will be a lot to buy in one go. One book every two weeks would be fine with me. I do not really want to collect books now since I can read e-books (They are free!). But I have to agree – nothing beats reading and turning each page. Since we only buy paperbacks we do not need to splurge so much that we need to apply for payday loans online!

Here is the list of his books:

The Last Song
The Lucky One
Dear John
The Choice
At First Sight
True Believer
Three Weeks with my Brother
The Guardian
The Wedding
Nights in Rodanthe
A Bend in the Road
The Rescue
A Walk to Remember
Message in a Bottle
The Notebook