tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80365979601711169102024-02-08T10:03:33.119-08:00The Solemn Observer in Canada (from Taiwan)The Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036597960171116910.post-63044898471112613472008-09-10T15:45:00.000-07:002008-09-10T15:51:33.656-07:00UBC Science Frosh 2008It's been a long time, folks! I know I promised to update this photo blog with new pictures a while back, but I've been swamped by summer classes and other obligations and so have not had a chance to post anything until today.<br /><br />Regardless, here's a video that I put together for the UBC Science Frosh 2008. The event is meant to be an orientation day for arriving students entering the faculty of science at UBC. It allows them to connect with peers and senior students while having tons of fun in the process!<br /><br />While the event is only in its second year, the planning committee has done such a wonderful job that everyone, including the volunteers, had an absolute fantastic time with a great many fond memories.<br /><br />Anyway, below is the video I made using pictures that I took during the event.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZXzobjHxJcQ&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZXzobjHxJcQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>The Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036597960171116910.post-79840114626353905762008-04-30T19:37:00.000-07:002008-04-30T19:45:04.024-07:00Posting hiatus...OK, so I haven't made any posts in the last...oh let's say...six months? Well it wasn't just my inherent laziness at work here, nor was it due to lack of pictures to post - I happen to have 20G's worth of RAW files to process from the Christmas + midterm breaks - but mostly, it's that gosh darn word again: SCHOOL. Yes, finals have kept me pretty busy lately - the ones during winter '07 really butchered me, so a studious beginning was at the top of my mind when term 2 began, hence the complete lack of new posts.<br /><br />Well, finals are over, for the moment, and I'll soon be posting tons of new pictures. Check back in a few days!The Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036597960171116910.post-8460758891056354882007-10-31T15:32:00.001-07:002007-10-31T15:34:10.662-07:00Happy Halloween!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1810789556/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2123/1810789556_b4c7883b87.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="_MG_0828 (filtered)" /></a><br />Happy Halloween! Did any of you dress up? I sure didn't, but many of my friends did - witches and wizards, vampires and walking skeletons - not exactly a sight for sore eyes, but amusing nonetheless.The Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036597960171116910.post-60436381945858749402007-10-30T14:37:00.000-07:002007-10-30T14:46:43.918-07:00EOS 40D Test ShotsRight, so I haven't updated in a LONG time due to midterms, which also kept me from taking pictures in general (including trying out my new 40D). So a few days ago I took a break from studying (ok, one of MANY breaks) and tried out my new camera. Here are the results:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1806067886/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2046/1806067886_c132d8f2aa_o.jpg" width="1231" height="400" alt="Panorama_Pacific_Park" /></a><br />This is Pacific Spirit Regional Park office. This is one of my first semi-successful panoramas formed by four horizontal shots on tripod and stitched together using Photoshop.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1646560820/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2047/1646560820_ba5557d79f.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="_MG_0023" /></a><br />This is taken right on top of the fireplace in my apartment using tripod and flash bounced from the ceiling.<br /><br />I must say the 40D is a very versatile camera, producing very usable images all the way up to ISO 800 in my opinion (ISO 1600 with NR in camera). The burst mode is much better than compared to the 300D that I previously owned, not to mention the bigger and brighter viewfinder. I haven't tried out the live-view feature yet, but I'm sure I'll find some use for it.<br /><br />I will post more pictures later from my collection of images taken for the university newspaper <a href="http://ubyssey.bc.ca/">Ubyssey</a>.<br /><br />That's it for now.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Solemn Observer<br />30 October 2007The Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036597960171116910.post-34200161373439653262007-09-19T20:15:00.000-07:002007-10-02T21:08:47.654-07:00Kyoto, Japan [Part 5]Here's part 5. This will most likely be the last update in regards to my Japan trip.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356825693/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1014/1356825693_1a348aabed.jpg" alt="CRW_2398" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Ginkaku-ji - temple of the silver pavilion.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357715478/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1383/1357715478_64440710db.jpg" alt="CRW_2444" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />This is what happens when you don't bother taking notes during the trip - you forget wherever 'here' is when you go back to view your own pictures. Needless to say, this is another one of Japan's many temples.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356826837/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1317/1356826837_d05d8fced7.jpg" alt="CRW_2446" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356827243/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1126/1356827243_afed17ceef.jpg" alt="CRW_2448" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357716846/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1008/1357716846_1a703a0041.jpg" alt="CRW_2458" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357717246/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1068/1357717246_b8691d3361.jpg" alt="CRW_2465" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357717624/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1084/1357717624_f3088d9e35.jpg" alt="CRW_2470" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356829121/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1192/1356829121_66dabcb226.jpg" alt="CRW_2488" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />I may not remember where 'here' is, but at least I recall that you'd use the water here to cleanse yourself spiritually, at least that's what the people here believed.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357718488/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1212/1357718488_437647d14f.jpg" alt="CRW_2494" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356830517/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1069/1356830517_de57bb7ee0.jpg" alt="CRW_2534" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357720142/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1374/1357720142_f2b32eedf3.jpg" alt="CRW_2543" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357720678/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1089/1357720678_39d69dca8e.jpg" alt="CRW_2547" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356832147/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1045/1356832147_1213e7c7af.jpg" alt="CRW_2556" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356832653/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1184/1356832653_0c7965bddf.jpg" alt="CRW_2584" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357722214/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1419/1357722214_68e287cc44.jpg" alt="CRW_2600" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Imperial gardens.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356833751/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1328/1356833751_1bdbe9441a.jpg" alt="CRW_2613" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />You can see the castle to the rear.The Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036597960171116910.post-51288598742262683432007-09-16T14:56:00.001-07:002007-09-16T15:00:34.235-07:00Blog Post FormatI've recently received some complaints regarding slow download speeds when attempting to view my blog. After realizing that there are still many readers out there with slow internet speeds, I've decided to limit the number of posts shown at any one time to two. That means only the newest two posts will be shown, while the older posts will only be accessible through the "Blog Archives" section to the left. Hopefully all readers will be able to obtain tolerable download speeds after this change. Leave comments and let me know!<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Solemn Observer<br />16 September 2007The Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036597960171116910.post-61644528567148529152007-09-15T22:34:00.000-07:002007-09-16T12:30:56.123-07:00Kyoto, Japan [Part 4]Here's a few more pictures from my Kyoto trip.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356815669/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1346/1356815669_6dca9f1eaf.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_2181" /></a><br />Kimono (Japanese national costume - originally referring to all forms of clothing) show.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356816019/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1156/1356816019_7db71e65e9.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_2184" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356816473/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1276/1356816473_9bf2ec3434.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_2200" /></a><br />Typical Japanese 'lunch box'<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357706430/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1168/1357706430_810b49147e.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_2204" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357706924/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1026/1357706924_d3113d0add.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_2206" /></a><br />On my way to take the Sagano Romantic Train to Arashiyama, a district in the outskirts of Kyoto. The name Arashiyama also refers to the mountain across the Oi River. The district is famous for its many tourist locations - namely the Moon Crossing Bridge (Togetsukyo Bridge), notable for its views of cherry blossoms; and the Iwatayama Monkey Park, where over 170 monkeys dwell (why on earth did I just mention that?!)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357707416/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1281/1357707416_b3b18875bd.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_2211" /></a><br />Train station where I await to board the Sagano train.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356818409/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1138/1356818409_a7b8e52081.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_2228" /></a><br />River view from train. It's moments like this when I curse myself for not bringing my Tamron telephoto lens; this particular picture was captured using my 17-40 L glass, not nearly long enough to do the scene justice.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357708528/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1258/1357708528_232a9b6489.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_2230" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356819667/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1104/1356819667_d258aa4600.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="CRW_2235" /></a><br />Inside the Sagano train.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357709608/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1405/1357709608_719b8781fd.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="CRW_2247" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356820651/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1039/1356820651_97c9087702.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="CRW_2300" /></a><br />Entrance to Kyoto Station - the second largest train station (after Nagoya Station). Its 15-storied building incorporates a shopping mall, movie theatre, and a multistoried department store.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356821143/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1414/1356821143_76e7d27e4e.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_2304" /></a><br />Inside the Kyoto Station.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357710996/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1222/1357710996_2c5d2a38ea.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_2308" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356822157/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1412/1356822157_651afa9082.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="CRW_2316" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357712094/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1329/1357712094_21162c19fa.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_2325" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357713954/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1311/1357713954_9d3b6d9387.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_2343" /></a><br />This is what happens when you are lazy and don't bring your tripod with you - you shoot handheld instead in the dusk while quietly cursing yourself for your immense laziness.<br /><br />That's all for today.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Solemn Observer<br />16 September 2007The Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036597960171116910.post-86968885431083843022007-09-14T22:24:00.000-07:002007-09-14T22:39:21.189-07:00Kyoto, Japan [Part 3]Here's part 3 of my Kyoto photo collection. It's only been nearly two weeks since classes started, and I'm already behind in my readings (you'll note the plural form), so this post will be a bit short.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356810597/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1335/1356810597_18cb3b6bae.jpg" alt="CRW_2025" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />This is Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), formally known as Rokuon-ji (Deer Garden Temple). It was originally intended to be the retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, but was instead converted to a Zen temple by his son.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357700526/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1108/1357700526_756c7f6a56.jpg" alt="CRW_2031" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356811725/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1109/1356811725_59090de1d6.jpg" alt="CRW_2046" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356812351/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1390/1356812351_ba77de6533.jpg" alt="CRW_2084" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Entrance to Nijo Castle - built by Tokugawa Ieyasu (yes, the person who established the Tokugawa Shogunate) as the Kyoto residence for Tokugawa shoguns.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356812937/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1066/1356812937_7fe8c2dbc8.jpg" alt="CRW_2093" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357702652/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1009/1357702652_ec00400034.jpg" alt="CRW_2096" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357703208/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1186/1357703208_208c641f33.jpg" alt="CRW_2098" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356814333/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1240/1356814333_dc12e3f0ee.jpg" alt="CRW_2100" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356814845/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1089/1356814845_e02d846b0f.jpg" alt="CRW_2104" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356815325/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1181/1356815325_72ab4dc639.jpg" alt="CRW_2106" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br />That's it for tonight - back to genetics.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Solemn Observer<br />14 September 2007The Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036597960171116910.post-31417669413943423272007-09-11T20:46:00.000-07:002007-09-11T21:33:18.652-07:00Kyoto, Japan [Part 2]In this post we have Kiyomizu-dera (temple) and Gion district.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356785365/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1419/1356785365_c45e5d0c3d.jpg" alt="CRW_1613" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Heading for lunch in Uji City.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356786575/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1076/1356786575_d6407c3e01.jpg" alt="CRW_1630" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357675330/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1191/1357675330_21c9ded662.jpg" alt="CRW_1622" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356787091/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1198/1356787091_3b3def64e7.jpg" alt="CRW_1631" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356787483/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1090/1356787483_6add7203ef.jpg" alt="CRW_1634" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Gee, what's for lunch? Shrimp, rice, and...umm...hmm...don't know what the other things are. They were edible, at least.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357677232/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1031/1357677232_8ad637ac46.jpg" alt="CRW_1638" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356788487/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1091/1356788487_fc8a66be5c.jpg" alt="CRW_1640" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357678518/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1338/1357678518_12b563ec29.jpg" alt="CRW_1656" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />FYI, my bus is the one on the left. "Why on earth would I want to know that?" You think to yourself.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357679064/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1393/1357679064_b69b20089c.jpg" alt="CRW_1667" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Here we are at the Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, stone-paved roads that lead up to the Kiyomizu-dera (temple). More on the temple later.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356790269/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1266/1356790269_32b8e773c8.jpg" alt="CRW_1672" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357680196/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1228/1357680196_b9a475fef5.jpg" alt="CRW_1673" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357680714/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1045/1357680714_e7b5250420.jpg" alt="CRW_1719" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />When the Japanese built corner-markets, this is what they had in mind. I guess the Western versions would serve as wholesalers for them.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357681558/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1194/1357681558_03fc3bcbb7.jpg" alt="CRW_1724" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />I'm telling you, I can read EVERY single character on that sign. But what they mean in Japanese, I have no idea.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357692422/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1076/1357692422_90915d35e9.jpg" alt="CRW_1919" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356793869/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1030/1356793869_1bbfcfca71.jpg" alt="CRW_1750" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Outside a pottery classroom.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356794249/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1036/1356794249_02596947d5.jpg" alt="CRW_1756" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />This is my second day in Kyoto, and I have yet to see a SUV on the road. Even their commercial trucks are small (believe me, I've seen pickup trucks in Van that are larger).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357684956/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1129/1357684956_a0700e5bd5.jpg" alt="CRW_1772" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357686510/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1159/1357686510_9343fa5360.jpg" alt="CRW_1796" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />And here is the entrance to the Kiyomizu-dera. Kiyomizu literally means pure water, and the temple is so named owing to a waterfall inside the complex. It is most notable for its vast veranda,which is supported by hundreds of pillars, and the fact that not a single nail was used in its construction.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357687360/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1265/1357687360_1bccfdb14f.jpg" alt="CRW_1807" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Approaching the main hall.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357687760/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1368/1357687760_429f281648.jpg" alt="CRW_1819" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356798893/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1053/1356798893_5054321f89.jpg" alt="CRW_1823" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356799531/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1251/1356799531_34436c67cc.jpg" alt="CRW_1824" height="500" width="334" /></a><br />It was believed that if one were to jump off the veranda and survive the fall, then his or her wish would be granted. This belief was quite popular during the Edo period, which recorded 234 jumps, 85.4% of which survived.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357689422/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1173/1357689422_8ef587f710.jpg" alt="CRW_1829" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356800641/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1301/1356800641_ddb21bc49d.jpg" alt="CRW_1837" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Here you can get a better view of the veranda.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356801667/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1407/1356801667_b2d57eeea6.jpg" alt="CRW_1846" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356804959/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1060/1356804959_ab2cf18528.jpg" alt="CRW_1930" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Here we have left the temple and are proceeding to Gion, a district of Kyoto. It is commonly mistaken as a red-light district, but as geisha are entertainers, not prostitutes, Gion is not, and never was, a red-light district. Also, geisha in Gion do not refer to themselves as geisha, instead they have opted for the local term, geiko, meaning, woman of art.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357694634/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1217/1357694634_7b549539d1.jpg" alt="CRW_1945" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />On a completely irrelevant side note, this is what mailbox looks like in Japan.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356805863/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1160/1356805863_29dd9ab875.jpg" alt="CRW_1948" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Here are the streets of Gion.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357695598/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1322/1357695598_cc43d99408.jpg" alt="CRW_1950" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357695958/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1432/1357695958_ccee0c4f98.jpg" alt="CRW_1952" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356807247/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1330/1356807247_33e6a46f80.jpg" alt="CRW_1957" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357696864/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1194/1357696864_f7dbe9b5ef.jpg" alt="CRW_1966" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356808735/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1057/1356808735_9927bccf69.jpg" alt="CRW_1979" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Well, after a day of walking, it's time for dinner.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356809177/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1247/1356809177_082b183a02.jpg" alt="CRW_1983" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />I'd have preferred a nice, juicy steak, but alas, it's tempura, again.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356809651/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1322/1356809651_6f803b5f79.jpg" alt="CRW_1988" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Taken right outside the restaurant.<br /><br />That's all for today, more to come tomorrow.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Solemn Observer<br />11 September 2007The Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036597960171116910.post-33717757791253310152007-09-10T18:29:00.000-07:002007-09-10T18:58:52.114-07:00Kyoto, Japan [Part 1]What can I say. I'm a lazy guy. Which is why it's taken me so long to post my Kyoto trip photos. Nonetheless, they are here, and I can finally move on to my Victoria and Grouse Mountain photos.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356773255/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1236/1356773255_fe1320f72c.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_1320" /></a><br />Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. Not sure why I felt the need to include this picture, but perhaps it follows chronological order to do so (I did take off on an airplane from somewhere to get to Japan).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357663186/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1423/1357663186_dc0e2f50f4.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_1373" /></a><br />This is Kansai International Airport, which is built on an artificial island in the middle of Osaka Bay. It should not be confused with Osaka International Airport, which now only handles domestic flights and is located nearer the city than compared to Kansai International.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356774159/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1133/1356774159_94c5bf38aa.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_1375" /></a><br />First meal after the 3+ hour flight. There's actually udon to go along with the tempura, but obviously it didn't make it into my CF card (i.e. I was too tired to care).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356774571/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1264/1356774571_60cb990b41.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_1382" /></a><br />One of my favourite deserts - Dorayaki. According wikipedia (what we'd all do without it, eh?), it <span style="font-style: italic;">"is a type of Japanese confection which consists of two small pancake-like patties made from kasutera wrapped around a filling of sweet red bean paste."<br /><br /></span>It's almost impossible to find authenticate (or edible, for that matter) Dorayaki in Vancouver. The ones I've so far managed to obtain are either too dry or downright insulting to my taste buds.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356775037/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1009/1356775037_ac9cde30f2.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_1434" /></a><br />Here's sitting on the bus on my way to Byodo-in, located in the city of Uji in Kyoto Prefecture, with nothing better to do than to snap random pictures of the scenery.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356775537/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1411/1356775537_bf863e6118.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_1441" /></a><br />Another random shot of the countryside.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356776005/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1065/1356776005_b41b90fbda.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="CRW_1444" /></a><br />Here's the bus driver assigned to my tour group. That thing he's holding up is made by himself - zoom in if you want to read what it all says (it's in English, if you were wondering). He's a very friendly guy and on occasion (more often than I'd care for) would "entertain" us with his singing over the bus' speaker system.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356776493/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1320/1356776493_cc8c73e5f2.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_1469" /></a><br />Crossing the bridge into the city of Uji.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356777067/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1432/1356777067_e7e58e0b75.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_1483" /></a><br />Entrance to the Byodo-in - not to be confused with the replica temple in Hawaii. For those who crave more info, go <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/By%C5%8Dd%C5%8D-in">here</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357666908/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1045/1357666908_c51458cb0a.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_1484" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357667366/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1225/1357667366_564da44c9f.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_1488" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357668416/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1260/1357668416_c1280d54e3.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_1493" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356781309/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1339/1356781309_d942137602.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_1521" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357671180/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1320/1357671180_f5375481e0.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_1524" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356782735/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1090/1356782735_b5d93bb66f.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="CRW_1547" /></a><br />After the temple, our tour group went to this place for a Japanese Tea Ceremony (nothing ceremonial about it, believe me). The guy in the picture is the owner of the tea shop - he's very talkative, and if you let him, he'll go on for hours about this grandfather who used to provide tea for the Emperor of Japan.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357673096/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1310/1357673096_c789a8da35.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="CRW_1555" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356784125/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1208/1356784125_2a0eb8aeb5.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_1558" /></a><br />Here's the front of his store.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1356784593/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1377/1356784593_5b0cc3c368.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_1562" /></a><br />And here's the street on which his store is located.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/1357674132/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1315/1357674132_294990d77a.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_1566" /></a><br />And for no other reason than to waste film (for memory, in my case), here's a picture of Kyoto's street lamp.<br /><br />That's it for this post - more to follow, eventually. Now it's time to move on to genetics.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Solemn Observer<br />10 September 2007<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>The Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036597960171116910.post-1174467820030066772007-08-05T17:55:00.000-07:002007-08-05T18:20:56.538-07:00Photographic Journey [Episode 4]Here's the final batch of Taiwan photos. Next up will be the Japan trip photos.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932137538/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1377/932137538_3aa68b2b61.jpg" alt="CRW_0873" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Seafood prepared by my grandmother - very delicious, the sauce is terrific when poured on rice.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931288309/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1241/931288309_55aeae1fdb.jpg" alt="CRW_0880" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />I suppose this is called glutinous oil rice (油飯) - the actual food is much tastier than its English name suggests. The ones that I can find in Vancouver are usually either quite dry or too oily - a sacrifice that one must make to live in such a beautiful country, I guess.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931289439/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1407/931289439_7237d3b5e3.jpg" alt="CRW_0885" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Its ingredients are actually quite plain - glutinous rice (obviously, as the name suggested), some Taiwanese or Chinese mushroom, oil, and perhaps some dried mini-shrimps for flavor.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932141260/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1312/932141260_b3cafe9ea4.jpg" alt="CRW_1054" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Hopefully Starbucks won't come knocking on my door for photographing their symbol, but I've fallen under the habit of documenting meals and snacks. Actually, this cake was quite good.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931291877/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1331/931291877_b4aa4b72b6.jpg" alt="CRW_1057" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />didn't taste this one, but I'm sure it was delicious.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932143624/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1215/932143624_c8ca2383a6.jpg" alt="CRW_1065" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />And here's another.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931301403/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1142/931301403_c537455642.jpg" alt="CRW_1161" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />My family also visited the Shilin residence of the late-president/dictator, Chiang Kai-shek. The grounds are now open to the public with nice gardens.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931303753/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1434/931303753_43f37ff3cc.jpg" alt="CRW_1164" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />The grounds also host a small cafe. I didn't go in myself, but according to the sign, it features breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, group dinners, and apparently, souvenirs.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932156174/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1301/932156174_a8169e12cc.jpg" alt="CRW_1165" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932157840/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1033/932157840_acf93b5613.jpg" alt="CRW_1192" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />OK, I lied, most of the residence is open to the public, but a small area remains closed. This picture shows the private building.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932159860/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1020/932159860_d7225f417e.jpg" alt="CRW_1199" height="319" width="500" /></a><br />Still inside the residence grounds.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932161490/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1180/932161490_e4f7098408.jpg" alt="CRW_1212" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />One of the area's many entrances.<br /><br />Well, that's it for my Taiwan photos. Check back soon for pictures of Kyoto and Osaka.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Solemn Observer<br />5 August 2007The Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036597960171116910.post-44399750986884316452007-08-01T23:08:00.000-07:002007-08-01T23:42:30.233-07:00Photographic Journey [Episode 3]And here's Episode 3. Orchid & Elephant Thai Cuisine, Mondsee Restaurant (Fine Dining), and Taipei 101.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932116200/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1301/932116200_791a1a2d6b.jpg" alt="CRW_0417" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Caught this outside Guanghua Bazzar, a 200 meter long street featuring hundreds of technology-oriented stores. You can find anything from USB adapters to digital cameras - literally anything that has anything to do with electronics, computers, and technologies can be found here.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932117540/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1392/932117540_935521fb05.jpg" alt="CRW_0422" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Front entrance to Mondsee Restaurant in Shilin.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931295645/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1213/931295645_5206d85914.jpg" alt="CRW_1086" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Excellent Caesar salad. The croûtons were freshly baked.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931268315/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1325/931268315_d7e1197533.jpg" alt="CRW_0447" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Playing around with my Canon 50mm f/1.8 II and checking out its depth-of-field.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932120106/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1370/932120106_6cdef01702.jpg" alt="CRW_0483" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Steak fillet - hands down the best I've had anywhere, especially at medium rare.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931270719/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1206/931270719_2d4a26d24e.jpg" alt="CRW_0493" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Tender, juicy, and easy to cut. Delicious.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932147818/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1291/932147818_dd0bd56cd9.jpg" alt="CRW_1092" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />This chicken looks very inviting. Too bad I'm already too full at this point, and it's not my dish, either.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932122638/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1001/932122638_7a26431e03.jpg" alt="CRW_0607" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />At the Orchid & Elephant Thai Restaurant, which my uncle was kind enough to treat my family to. Great food, although the owner was a bit nervous when he (or was it a she?) saw me took out my camera and started shooting away at his/her dishes.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931273163/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1087/931273163_21aed5ae15.jpg" alt="CRW_0609" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />On the right is the soft-shell crab, curried chicken in the middle, and...well, you can tell what the rest are - all very delicious.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931274343/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1004/931274343_323e0e7c8b.jpg" alt="CRW_0617" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />The restaurant's featured desert - no idea what it's called in English. And no, that is NOT tequila on its right hand side.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932126182/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1033/932126182_c885cffeb5.jpg" alt="CRW_0618" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />The desert contains an assortment of fruits, taro, and coconut milk.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932127832/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1123/932127832_d6ebec97b3.jpg" alt="CRW_0648" height="500" width="334" /></a><br />After the thai restaurant, we visited Taipei 101. I've been inside the building previously, so this time we just visited the surrounding department stores. For those interested, the first few floors consist of a department store and a food court, while the rest of the building are offices. For a detailed description of Taipei 101, see <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101">here</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932129064/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1273/932129064_f180b6f033.jpg" alt="CRW_0650" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />In the background is Taipei City Hall.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932130368/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1138/932130368_2660724920.jpg" alt="CRW_0685" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Eslite Bookstore. This branch contains approximately 8000 square meters, making it one of the largest bookstores in the Asia region.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931280983/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1390/931280983_65c4f8a0cc.jpg" alt="CRW_0693" height="500" width="334" /></a><br />A view of Taipei 101 from the Eslite Bookstore.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931281943/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1311/931281943_32d3865b84.jpg" alt="CRW_0709" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Meatball soup at the neighboring food court.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932133388/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1059/932133388_f99730a9cd.jpg" alt="CRW_0717" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Beef noodles.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932134532/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1116/932134532_40bffa9b9e.jpg" alt="CRW_0820" height="500" width="334" /></a><br />Taipei 101 at night.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931285483/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1061/931285483_f44cc01005.jpg" alt="CRW_0855" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />After a day's walk, we sat down to enjoy some Taiwanese sausages - you wrap them in a thin flour shell and a little garlic.<br /><br />That's it for this post. Check back soon for Episode 4!<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Solemn Observer<br />1 August 2007The Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036597960171116910.post-75059142835914761452007-07-30T23:20:00.000-07:002007-07-31T00:09:40.722-07:00Photographic Journey [Episode 2]Here's Episode 2. Although all my Taiwan photos are already hosted on Flickr, if I don't post them here on the blog, they'll all vanish as I upload my Japan pictures. In this post, I'm enlarging the thumbnails slightly so readers can enjoy the photos without having to click on each one (you still can, if you insist, and you WILL get a slightly larger version).<br /><br />Locations: Xiduowu Japanese Seafood Buffet and Danshui (again).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931234245/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1254/931234245_d9b68a73f8.jpg" alt="CRW_0013" height="500" width="334" /></a><br />Entrance to Xiduowu Japanese Seafood Buffet. My second grandaunt (I think that's correct) was kind enough to treat my mother, aunt, and I to lunch.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931235529/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1220/931235529_4a0d4eb662.jpg" alt="CRW_0018" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />I'll tell you right now, the selection of items here is more than anything I've encountered in Vancouver. There's hand-rolls; sushi; various selections of udon; fresh seafood (fresh being raw, but some are cooked...I think); tempura (not your usual fare, either, they've got chicken, fish, squid, sweet yams, and a few others that I can't even discern); and several other items. It would seem that the owner opted to include any foods that were even remotely Japanese.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932086690/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1277/932086690_2ec5ec6270.jpg" alt="CRW_0032" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Yeah, couldn't help myself but to help myself to some desert.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931237987/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1368/931237987_a35670c127.jpg" alt="CRW_0046" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />OK, here's something that I did not dare to touch, so I photographed it instead. Don't ask me what it is - you don't want to know, and I'm not telling you...actually, your guess is as good as mine.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932089700/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1419/932089700_06ed8d985c.jpg" alt="CRW_0111" height="500" width="334" /></a><br />Heading off to Danshui again via the sky-train. One thing I must say about them - they're a lot cleaner (and more comfortable!) than the ones here in Vancouver; I've never considered Taiwanese to be particularly concerned with the environment (just look at the plethora of air conditioners sticking out of literally every household window, all running at the same time, as well as the garbages on the sidewalk), but in this case, I was pleasantly surprised.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932091742/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1026/932091742_e40e3c2833.jpg" alt="CRW_0119" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Here we're outside Danshui Station. I didn't get to photograph the building itself the last time I was here (which is about 3 days ago), so this time I'm pointing my L glass at the red bricks and firing away.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932094430/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1389/932094430_6e23cfa60b.jpg" alt="CRW_0126" height="500" width="334" /></a><br />Here's the same building from a different standpoint.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931245339/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1323/931245339_d158ed91b2.jpg" alt="CRW_0134" height="500" width="334" /></a><br />Thought I'd take a picture of the signpost. This one says: <span style="font-weight: bold;">cars obey direction of traffic</span>; apparently drivers in Taiwan hate to follow the flow (I can be completely wrong about what this sign actually means...but hey, I was out of the country for 13 years, what did you all expect!)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932097386/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1194/932097386_0a644c0dc8.jpg" alt="CRW_0135" height="500" width="334" /></a><br />Street of Danshui. Apparently the scooters in Taiwan ride on the sidewalk instead of on the road.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932099342/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1389/932099342_d507b03b90.jpg" alt="CRW_0144" height="500" width="334" /></a><br />Felt kind of hungry at this point (having walked for about an hour now as I recall), so I dropped by this fish-ball restaurant for some Danshui fish-ball soup.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931249967/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1261/931249967_41bcac9fd5.jpg" alt="CRW_0166" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Well I had to have dessert after the soup, and I picked up this string of sugared-tomatoes on a stick (this is a very literal translation).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932102140/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1184/932102140_decaf414f2.jpg" alt="CRW_0168" height="500" width="334" /></a><br />My, that's a whole lot of eggs...(why am I posting this? I have no idea).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932103350/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1405/932103350_f95c43755e.jpg" alt="CRW_0176" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Dropped by Dante's Coffee Shop for a brief respite after a long walk (carrying my 7kg camera bag and my 2.5kg Manfrotto tripod - not an easy task), and decided to share a slice of this cake with my family.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932104830/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1240/932104830_6f6aacac85.jpg" alt="CRW_0179" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />That was a really, REALLY good cake.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931257477/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1197/931257477_a5895373b3.jpg" alt="CRW_0198" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Again, I have no idea why I'm showing you this - it's a wall in the coffee shop!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931258763/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1265/931258763_31900882b7.jpg" alt="CRW_0246" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Yes, even in Taiwan there are Starbucks, one every 2 blocks down (as opposed to McDonald's, which is on EVERY BLOCK).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932110414/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1294/932110414_c9d73200fb.jpg" alt="CRW_0255" height="500" width="334" /></a><br />Could not help but to take a picture of this cute puppy (I'm sure some dog-lover will probably email me to tell me that THAT is a fully-grown adult).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931261465/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1058/931261465_69e2813dcf.jpg" alt="CRW_0256" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />OK, that's more than one picture for the dog, and I didn't mean to get the owner as well. What can I say, I love dogs!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932113314/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1400/932113314_0290dfc3e6.jpg" alt="CRW_0259" height="334" width="500" /></a><br />Not sure what to say about this one...it's an alley!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932114650/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1148/932114650_0b201c54fb.jpg" alt="CRW_0337" height="500" width="334" /></a><br />Yet another sign post. I'm reasonably sure that this one says STOP!The Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036597960171116910.post-21353357644622193442007-07-28T15:17:00.000-07:002007-07-31T00:33:36.582-07:00Photographic Journey [Episode 1]In this post, I included pictures taken during the very first few days of my trip to Taiwan.<br /><br />For those who want to know more about Taiwan, I refer you to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwan">here</a>.<br /><br />Locations: Vancouver International Airport/Grandparent's House (Taipei)/Danshui<br /><br />[Wikipedia] Danshui is a sea-side town in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_County" title="Taipei County">Taipei County</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwan" title="Taiwan">Taiwan</a>. It is named after a river whose name means "Freshwater". The town is also popular as a site for viewing the sun setting into the Taiwan Strait. There are three universities in this small town (population 130 105): <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aletheia_University" title="Aletheia University">Aletheia University</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamkang_University" title="Tamkang University">Tamkang University</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=St._John%27s_University_%28Taiwan%29&action=edit" class="new" title="St. John's University (Taiwan)">St. John's University</a>.<br /><br />Click on the photos to view larger versions.<br /><p><a name="History" id="History"></a></p><p><a name="History" id="History"></a></p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/921676733/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1013/921676733_30b806231f.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_9499" /></a><br />Vancouver International Airport - International Boarding Level.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/922525250/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1345/922525250_4f5fbd5fd7.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="CRW_9514" /></a><br />Vancouver International Airport - International Boarding Level<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/921678905/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1255/921678905_0c181ac4b9.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_9532" /></a><br />Vancouver International Airport - Boarding Gate<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/921679711/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1328/921679711_7aacedc4cb.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_9551" /></a><br />Onboard China Airlines 747 - Looks...not so delicious; tastes even worse.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/922527796/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1082/922527796_cf8e8bddc6.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_9553" /></a><br />Onboard China Airlines 747 - Looks...not so delicious; tastes even worse.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/922528576/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1426/922528576_185d00acae.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_9556" /></a><br />Onboard China Airlines 747 - Looks...not so delicious; tastes even worse.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931208213/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1320/931208213_0d60de53cf.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_9581" /></a><br />In Grandparent's House in Taipei, Taiwan - Flowers given to my mother from my aunt.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931209845/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1076/931209845_7f9882bd3b.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_9591" /></a><br />A Delicious Meal Prepared by Grandmother - there's vegetarian sausage, eggs, silk melon (?), and rice.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932061002/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1132/932061002_042743666b.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="CRW_9643" /></a><br />This is the sky-train station in Taipei - here I'm heading off to Danshui.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932062502/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1418/932062502_ae28198d7b.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_9647" /></a><br />Outside Danshui Sky-Train Station.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931213929/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1139/931213929_70440dec7d.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_9655" /></a><br />Street in Danshui.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932066020/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1343/932066020_f15f6ca218.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="CRW_9656" /></a><br />A small, local temple in Danshui<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932067004/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1050/932067004_12ab0de45d.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_9666" /></a><br />Danshui waterfront.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932069256/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1108/932069256_0d04e74fac.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_9686" /></a><br />Danshui waterfront.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931220331/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1338/931220331_a465cc20f4.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="CRW_9687" /></a><br />Danshui waterfront.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932071230/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1282/932071230_f4f649e105.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="CRW_9689" /></a><br />Danshui waterfront.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931223535/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1063/931223535_833faa842f.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_9724" /></a><br /></span>Danshui waterfront.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931225417/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1064/931225417_3e68340fb2_o.jpg" width="700" height="467" alt="CRW_9735" /></a><br />Danshui waterfront.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932076970/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1331/932076970_7ce5a24880.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="CRW_9767" /></a></span><br />Danshui waterfront night scene (hand-held!)<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/931229357/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1056/931229357_84f0dc5263.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="CRW_9780" /></a></span><br />Danshui street night scene<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932081340/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1172/932081340_b786d24325.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_9781" /></a><br />Danshui street night scene<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/932082924/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1375/932082924_03f1be0941.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="CRW_9801" /></a></span><br />Danshui tofu pudding store.The Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036597960171116910.post-66670784780170793052007-07-28T14:49:00.000-07:002007-07-28T14:55:53.242-07:00Sticking With FlickrWell, after an entire morning of testing, I've decided to stick with my Flickr gallery. Picasa employs a level of image compression that I find unacceptable; otherwise it would've been a good image host considering that it doesn't limit the number of photos that I can have shown (note: Flickr doesn't actually delete photos past the 200-limit, rather it hides them from view).<br /><br />Anyway, I'll continue to upload my pictures to my flickr account, which you can find <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/">here</a>. As for older photos beyond the 200-limit, I'll try to post the more important ones on my blog at some point in the future.<br /><br />Furthermore, there will soon be a wallpaper section, featuring backgrounds that I've created myself using photos taken by myself. Keep watching this blog for updates!<br /><br />That's it for now. Some time tonight I'll start posting my trip photos.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Solemn Observer<br />28 July 2007The Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036597960171116910.post-78301105155397458292007-07-28T13:02:00.000-07:002007-07-28T13:04:20.740-07:00New Gallery - Picasa Web AlbumsTesting out a new gallery right now that will hopefully replace my Flickr account.<br /><table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(http://picasaweb.google.com/f/img/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mengchiehster/TheSolemnObserverInCanadaFromTaiwan"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/mengchiehster/Rk8xzqiLqbE/AAAAAAAAACw/SJnhZmiaCks/s160-c/TheSolemnObserverInCanadaFromTaiwan.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mengchiehster/TheSolemnObserverInCanadaFromTaiwan" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">The Solemn Observer in Canada (from Taiwan)</a></td></tr></table>The Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036597960171116910.post-77766188355108870142007-07-27T01:18:00.000-07:002007-07-27T01:23:16.195-07:00Updates Coming Soon (Sooner than never)OK, I promise, with all my heart, that this blog WILL BE UPDATED...soon...I hope. As fellow photographers may have discerned for themselves, editing my trip photos is turning out more time-consuming than I had previously envisioned, and as a result I have not had time to update this blog.<br /><br />However, my post-processing has come nearly to an end, and within the next few days I'll begin posting the photos of my journey.<br /><br />So, check back soon!<br /><br />27 May 2007<br />The Solemn ObserverThe Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036597960171116910.post-18490625744152749532007-06-24T23:59:00.000-07:002007-07-08T18:57:08.649-07:00Back in VancouverWell, I'm back and happily suffering from jet lag (you know, that thing when you sleep during the day and walk around like a zombie at night? Instead of waking up at 8am, I now stare blankly into my TV, mindlessly watching the DVDs that I bought in Taiwan. Yeah, sounds fun, doesn't it?) On top of that, someone decided to drop a luggage on my toe, so now I've got a splintered toe nail to deal with.<br /><br />Aside from all that, however, I'm doing pretty good(?), plus I have about 37gb worth of pictures from my trip to edit, and that's no small task. Why so many? Well, I shoot in RAW, and each file is around 8mb, so take 37000mb and do the math yourself, and you'll know just how many pictures I've got to post-process. Oh, and did I mention that it takes about, oh, 2 minutes per picture? Yikes, that's too many numbers for my jet-lagged brain to deal with at the moment.<br /><br />So I leave you now to return to my mindless TV-watching in the hopes of eventually, probably, hopefully falling asleep from the seemingly impossible and improbable plot lines that permeate the shows that I currently watch.<br /><br />Good night to all,<br />Solemn Observer<br />25 June 2007 @ 12:08 AMThe Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036597960171116910.post-69122757144523150132007-06-16T05:12:00.000-07:002007-06-16T05:18:35.412-07:00Currently In KyotoJust dropping in to let my readers know where I am (no, I did not drop off the face of the earth) - I`m currently in Kyoto, Japan. I will be returning to Canada on the 20th of June, with approximately 20GB worth of pictures to process and post - needless to say, a tiring and arduous task. Regardless, I will get to work as soon as I get over my jet lag. For now, I`m returning to my hotel room to sleep - lots of walking tomorrow!<br /><br /><br /><br />Cheers,<br />Solemn Observer<br />16 June 2007The Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036597960171116910.post-85979600358069473912007-05-28T19:14:00.000-07:002007-05-28T19:16:56.651-07:00Going Away...I'll be leaving on a little vacation and will be out of contact for a while. I plan to take a lot of pictures and will share them with you all once I've gotten back and have had time to post-process them. For now, good bye, and enjoy the summer!<br /><br />Cheers,<br />The Solemn Observer<br />28 May 2007The Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036597960171116910.post-41885484908981107252007-05-23T23:05:00.000-07:002007-05-26T17:45:26.714-07:00[PHOTO] Flash Bouncer Test IHere's the first series of tests that I did for the DIY flash bouncer. I forgot to reduce the ambient light in this case and so the flash served mostly as fill flash; I will correct this in the next batch.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/216/511851243_eb2ab66c50_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/216/511851243_eb2ab66c50_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The first image was taken with the flash directed at the ceiling of my room.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/226/511818528_d7b665d9a9_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/226/511818528_d7b665d9a9_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The Second image was taken with the flash bouncer + flash directed straight at the subject.<br /><br />Without reducing the ambient light and making the flash the sole light source, I guess the pictures look a little weird. Even so, I think I prefer the second one with the bouncer.<br /><br />I will post other pictures tomorrow.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />The Solemn ObserverThe Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036597960171116910.post-18169723392141831592007-05-22T22:44:00.000-07:002007-05-22T22:46:23.854-07:00Update on DIY Flash BouncerFYI: I should not have called it a flash diffuser in my previous post; it is, technically, a flash bouncer.<br /><br />More importantly, the whole endeavor did not take me 5 minutes...<br /><br />In fact, come to think of it, I spent the better part of an hour working on it.<br /><br />I will post some test photos tomorrow if I have time.The Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036597960171116910.post-4023584830224506712007-05-22T14:51:00.000-07:002007-05-22T15:05:57.077-07:00Spiderman 3It occurred to me that almost everyone I know has seen this movie, and so feeling a little left out, I went and saw it, too. After thoughts? For starters, nice special effects - the sandman was particularly interesting to see, and it explained how the movie's $258 million budget was spent. As for plot, well, some reviewers thought it was bad, but hey, I liked it. The dialogue was mediocre and a little far in between occurrences, but keeping in mind that this isn't a drama movie, I had no problem with it.<br /><br />Overall, a nice movie to sit back, relax, and enjoy, with little processing power on your part required. I'd recommend this movie.The Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036597960171116910.post-32130157071718775352007-05-21T15:59:00.000-07:002007-05-21T16:07:48.324-07:00DIY Flash Diffuser<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/199/508496511_98384d9251.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/199/508496511_98384d9251.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />So I was surfing the web for photography tips today, and came across this tutorial that shows how to create DIY flash diffusers that work quite nicely! Check it out at<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span><a href="http://super.nova.org/DPR/DIY01/">http://super.nova.org/DPR/DIY01/</a><br /><br />It's made out of Fun Foam and plastic mesh that you can purchase almost anywhere; the whole construction process shouldn't take more than 5 minutes, according to the author. It's easy to carry around in your camera bag, too.<br /><br />Please note that I did not take the picture to the left; the author of the linked webpage retains the rights to this photograph.The Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036597960171116910.post-68502475325304090822007-05-21T13:19:00.000-07:002007-05-26T17:45:51.314-07:00[PHOTO] 2006 Abbotsford Airshow Part IV<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/211/503596077_d86659d67b_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/211/503596077_d86659d67b_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/221/503595777_8f511f7838_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/221/503595777_8f511f7838_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/191/503596149_2ae2122463_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/191/503596149_2ae2122463_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/230/503556264_bed83c7bfb_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/230/503556264_bed83c7bfb_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/227/503556900_b7261de3f6_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/227/503556900_b7261de3f6_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The Solemn Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02138468145607364064noreply@blogger.com0