I've been writing my Animator's Dream novel since the year 2010. That's five years of me writing out this novel, but I have to admit some of that time was spent taking a break from it.
The time spent writing this book consisted of going through my outline and getting inspirations for the characters in the various chapters. I also spent time revising and even overhauling the manuscript. The issue is that I've written more content than I wanted and I felt some of it was irrelevant filler. In rare cases it's a matter of changing text based on subject matter, but those instances are rare.
Now, I will admit most of my time had been spent not writing the novel but that's because I was taking a break and gathering thoughts. I only got back into the groove of writing it because it'd been on hold for a long time. I hear of stories of writers putting out books every few months and here I am with my first novel having been under writing for a half of a decade. These are people churning out books and making some kind of money while I am still working on my own.
That's changed now. I've started getting back on track and even set up special scheduling to keep myself working. In addition to school and secondary tasks, I've been making plans for my career and overall future. I'm not going to specify what kind of plans since this is no place for my personal life and details, but it's time for me to change for the better and to complete long-term goals. This includes this novel.
Friday, September 11, 2015
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Photoshop Freeware: GIMP
When you think of a computer program used for graphic design, the first that comes to mind is Adobe's Photoshop. Accessible to newbies; artists and professionals, Photoshop has access to multiple tools and effects that allow for high quality pictures and designs. It even has other capabilities such as 3D designs and limited animation. With great power, however, comes a great price; with prices starting at $500 and some outlets selling Photoshop at $1,000, this is no bargain. While Adobe offers Photoshop in their Creative Cloud suite, a monthly subscription is required to use the program. This is an option some aren't willing to accept or can't afford. Granted, there's Photoshop Elements also by Adobe but that program doesn't hold a candle compared to the main event. Still, graphic artists and designers of all kinds need a photo and art program of some kind to earn a living.
Fortunately, there's someone who believes in the spirit of free software. That someone made GIMP; short for GNU Image Manipulation Program, it serves to be a freeware alternative to Photoshop for those not willing to pay massive prices or monthly subscriptions. While it works closely like Photoshop, there are some features that make it stand out from its commercial bretheren.
First, GIMP has support for PSD files out of the box; PSD is the native Photoshop file, and if one doesn't have Photoshop at home they can use GIMP to continue working on projects. GIMP also has features similar to or even equal with Photoshop, such as lasso tools; clone stamps and even healing tools. GIMP also has line stroking tools and effects, great for making line art scanned to the computer.
GIMP can also save in a variety of formats like .JPEG; .GIF; .PNG; .TIFF, and many more. This is a plus for those that need Photoshop but want to save money. It also has support for plug-ins that add to GIMP further, which is also an advantage because it gives extra features not found in GIMP. In rare cases the latter turns GIMP into a completely different program altogether.
The only bad thing about GIMP is that it can do things just as well as Photoshop, but not everything. For one thing, GIMP won't be able to do 3D graphics, and you'd have to get plugins to do basic animations.
Overall, if you want an alternative to Photoshop and are intimidated by massive price tags or subscriptions GIMP is for you. While not as powerful, GIMP is a program marked by its versatility and community support. I strongly recommend it.
Download GIMP here: http://www.gimp.org/downloads/
Fortunately, there's someone who believes in the spirit of free software. That someone made GIMP; short for GNU Image Manipulation Program, it serves to be a freeware alternative to Photoshop for those not willing to pay massive prices or monthly subscriptions. While it works closely like Photoshop, there are some features that make it stand out from its commercial bretheren.
First, GIMP has support for PSD files out of the box; PSD is the native Photoshop file, and if one doesn't have Photoshop at home they can use GIMP to continue working on projects. GIMP also has features similar to or even equal with Photoshop, such as lasso tools; clone stamps and even healing tools. GIMP also has line stroking tools and effects, great for making line art scanned to the computer.
GIMP can also save in a variety of formats like .JPEG; .GIF; .PNG; .TIFF, and many more. This is a plus for those that need Photoshop but want to save money. It also has support for plug-ins that add to GIMP further, which is also an advantage because it gives extra features not found in GIMP. In rare cases the latter turns GIMP into a completely different program altogether.
The only bad thing about GIMP is that it can do things just as well as Photoshop, but not everything. For one thing, GIMP won't be able to do 3D graphics, and you'd have to get plugins to do basic animations.
Overall, if you want an alternative to Photoshop and are intimidated by massive price tags or subscriptions GIMP is for you. While not as powerful, GIMP is a program marked by its versatility and community support. I strongly recommend it.
Download GIMP here: http://www.gimp.org/downloads/
Saturday, September 5, 2015
This Honey Badger Cares: The Honey Add-On for Web Browsers
Saving money: a skill that's important for survival next to cooking. Some use coupons to cut down on bills; others take advantage of special offers in stores; then there's good, old-fashioned savings accounts and smart financial management. In the 21st century, however, all of that is taken to the next level.
An add-on for web browsers, Honey helps whenever you're trying to find a coupon code for shopping on the internet. It works with a wide variety of stores, ranging from retailers like amazon.com, to restaurants such as Papa Johns and Domino's.
Installing the add-on is simple. Go to the Honey website, scroll down to the "Download Now Free" button, and the web browser will do the rest. Congratulations, you now have access to coupon codes and extra savings.
In addition, there's a rewards program associated with the Honey add-on where you earn a currency called HoneyGold. For each dollar amount you spend, you earn the associated amount of HoneyGold. This can be used for redeeming amazon.com gift cards and, if their website is any indication, actual gold. Yeah, that gold; the same gold found on Fort Knox, Jewelry and to a degree electronics.
Overall, this add-on is strongly recommended for those trying to save money. Install it, and you'll be able to do just that.
Download the add-on here: https://www.joinhoney.com/
Join the HoneyGold program here: https://www.joinhoney.com/honeygold
An add-on for web browsers, Honey helps whenever you're trying to find a coupon code for shopping on the internet. It works with a wide variety of stores, ranging from retailers like amazon.com, to restaurants such as Papa Johns and Domino's.
Installing the add-on is simple. Go to the Honey website, scroll down to the "Download Now Free" button, and the web browser will do the rest. Congratulations, you now have access to coupon codes and extra savings.
In addition, there's a rewards program associated with the Honey add-on where you earn a currency called HoneyGold. For each dollar amount you spend, you earn the associated amount of HoneyGold. This can be used for redeeming amazon.com gift cards and, if their website is any indication, actual gold. Yeah, that gold; the same gold found on Fort Knox, Jewelry and to a degree electronics.
Overall, this add-on is strongly recommended for those trying to save money. Install it, and you'll be able to do just that.
Download the add-on here: https://www.joinhoney.com/
Join the HoneyGold program here: https://www.joinhoney.com/honeygold
Thursday, September 3, 2015
The Anker Bluetooth Keyboard: A Great Hardware Piece
The QWERTY keyboard; a staple of computer users since its inception, and is practically required next to the mouse to even operate a computer. Over time, however, keyboards change along with the world around them. They get new types of connections; can be used over a wide area of operating systems; even have additional buttons for exclusive features. In the case of Anker's Bluetooth keyboard, they become wireless.
Introductions out of the way, the Anker Bluetooth keyboard is a compact keyboard that can be used with anything that has support for Bluetooth hardware. Ranging from computers with either built-in or added on Bluetooth radios; Android devices like the Samsung Galaxy lineup; Apple's iOS systems; even Sony's PlayStation 3 supports this keyboard.
Pairing is simple. Turn on the keyboard, press the blue Fn key and the Z key, activate the Bluetooth finder on whatever device you have, pair the device by inputting the code that pops up, and you're done. Oh, and don't forget to charge the device up in case it doesn't have power.
The keyboard is more or less a bang for one's buck, costing only $16 online at amazon.com and working just as well as any keyboard. Highly recommended.
Buy this keyboard discussed in this blog here:
Amazon.com - Anker Bluetooth Keyboard
Introductions out of the way, the Anker Bluetooth keyboard is a compact keyboard that can be used with anything that has support for Bluetooth hardware. Ranging from computers with either built-in or added on Bluetooth radios; Android devices like the Samsung Galaxy lineup; Apple's iOS systems; even Sony's PlayStation 3 supports this keyboard.
Pairing is simple. Turn on the keyboard, press the blue Fn key and the Z key, activate the Bluetooth finder on whatever device you have, pair the device by inputting the code that pops up, and you're done. Oh, and don't forget to charge the device up in case it doesn't have power.
The keyboard is more or less a bang for one's buck, costing only $16 online at amazon.com and working just as well as any keyboard. Highly recommended.
Buy this keyboard discussed in this blog here:
Amazon.com - Anker Bluetooth Keyboard
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Sending SASEs to Special Services and Celebrities
Got a celebrity you like and want an autograph from? Can't make it to that fan convention due to circumstances out of your control? Sending a document to an official organization for publishing? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I've got the thing for you.
The SASE, or Self Addressed Stamped Envelope for short, is a special document that consists of two envelopes each with postage stamped on. It is used to send fan requests for autographs or manuscripts to publishing companies. Sweepstakes companies even request these documents in the event someone wins a massive prize.
The process is simple: have two envelopes with postage for both of them. The smaller envelope should NOT, repeat, NOT sealed up as this is reserved for the receiver to do so. Also have the intended delivery address--your address by the way--on this smaller envelope. Put the smaller envelope in the larger envelope. The larger envelope should have both the delivery address to the celebrity or company on it and a return address should things go wrong. Seal up the larger envelope, put postage on it and send it out. Hopefully you'll get a response in a few weeks.
That's all. Not so bad, is it?
Sources:
Self Addressed Stamped Envelope - Wikipedia
How to Send an S.A.S.E. (Self Addressed Stamped Envelope)
The SASE, or Self Addressed Stamped Envelope for short, is a special document that consists of two envelopes each with postage stamped on. It is used to send fan requests for autographs or manuscripts to publishing companies. Sweepstakes companies even request these documents in the event someone wins a massive prize.
The process is simple: have two envelopes with postage for both of them. The smaller envelope should NOT, repeat, NOT sealed up as this is reserved for the receiver to do so. Also have the intended delivery address--your address by the way--on this smaller envelope. Put the smaller envelope in the larger envelope. The larger envelope should have both the delivery address to the celebrity or company on it and a return address should things go wrong. Seal up the larger envelope, put postage on it and send it out. Hopefully you'll get a response in a few weeks.
That's all. Not so bad, is it?
Sources:
Self Addressed Stamped Envelope - Wikipedia
How to Send an S.A.S.E. (Self Addressed Stamped Envelope)
Thursday, August 27, 2015
ReTrak Selfie Stick: Self-Indulging and Self-Satisfying
First and foremost, the Selfie Stick by ReTrak can be purchased on Amazon.com for $20 here: ReTrak Selfie Stick with Bluetooth
The Selfie Stick: a product of smartphone owners around the world who want to be able to take pictures of themselves without exposing the smartphone in question. While no substitute for dedicated cameras with tripods or even high powered compact point and shoot cameras, it's great for if you have a phone with a high quality camera built in and need a stable hand for photography. So how does the Selfie Stick by ReTrak stack up?
The device in question is well built, not feeling like it's going to break but not too durable at the same time.
Operating the device is easy. The phone goes on the clamp at the end of the stick, and in the case of the model that I am using, has a switch on the bottom to turn the Selfie Stick's Bluetooth function on or off. Pairing the phone with the stick varies between phone models but it's a matter of going through menus and following instructions. There's a button on the stick allowing the picture to be taken when phones are in camera mode.
The only bad thing about the Selfie Stick is that the clamp part tends to flip when trying to extend outwards. This could be based on me using my Samsung Galaxy S4 phone while operating the Selfie Stick, however.
In conclusion, this is a great device for taking pictures of yourself or your friends but you don't have a dedicated camera. Smartphones are common place and almost everyone has one, so if you want a tool in assisting that camera app the ReTrak Selfie Stick is for you.
The Selfie Stick: a product of smartphone owners around the world who want to be able to take pictures of themselves without exposing the smartphone in question. While no substitute for dedicated cameras with tripods or even high powered compact point and shoot cameras, it's great for if you have a phone with a high quality camera built in and need a stable hand for photography. So how does the Selfie Stick by ReTrak stack up?
The device in question is well built, not feeling like it's going to break but not too durable at the same time.
Operating the device is easy. The phone goes on the clamp at the end of the stick, and in the case of the model that I am using, has a switch on the bottom to turn the Selfie Stick's Bluetooth function on or off. Pairing the phone with the stick varies between phone models but it's a matter of going through menus and following instructions. There's a button on the stick allowing the picture to be taken when phones are in camera mode.
The only bad thing about the Selfie Stick is that the clamp part tends to flip when trying to extend outwards. This could be based on me using my Samsung Galaxy S4 phone while operating the Selfie Stick, however.
In conclusion, this is a great device for taking pictures of yourself or your friends but you don't have a dedicated camera. Smartphones are common place and almost everyone has one, so if you want a tool in assisting that camera app the ReTrak Selfie Stick is for you.
Monday, August 24, 2015
Hiatus Return
For anyone that's new to this blog, feel free to ignore this post and just treat it as a "welcome to my blog" posting. Everyone else, read on.
I'm announcing the return to my blog after two years of no activity. I haven't posted anything in a long time not only because of outside issues, but also I felt that I haven't had anything new to say in a while.
That's about to change since from this point on, every two days a new blog posting will be created. Topics will range from progress in my novel; discussions about voice actors and audiobooks; product reviews; and other quality topics.
Again, I haven't had anything to write in a while but I promise I will change that. In fact I plan on making lots of changes not just in my blog, but with myself and others.
I'm announcing the return to my blog after two years of no activity. I haven't posted anything in a long time not only because of outside issues, but also I felt that I haven't had anything new to say in a while.
That's about to change since from this point on, every two days a new blog posting will be created. Topics will range from progress in my novel; discussions about voice actors and audiobooks; product reviews; and other quality topics.
Again, I haven't had anything to write in a while but I promise I will change that. In fact I plan on making lots of changes not just in my blog, but with myself and others.
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