Sunday, June 26, 2011

iPod photography

These days it seems that all of our gagets have cameras in them. Our phones, computers and even our music players. They are not very good cameras, especially the one in the iPod Touch like I have. Its camera is only intended for "FaceTime" video calls.

But what is great about the iPod Touch is that it can load "apps" that can do many things, and this includes photo programs that can be used to modify your photos. Although not exactly like Photoshop (actually there is a simple Adobe Photoshop version available) many of these apps have filters, presets and crop tools that allow you to create pretty interesting images.

In this sense, image quality can be overcome with tricks and gimmicks. All and all, it is kind of fun.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Caution ROC City

I first noticed this bit of graffiti several months ago along Interstate 490. It is at the point where you are moving from the suburbs and into Rochester proper.

A few weeks later a cut-out drawing of a man in a space suit was pasted over the inscription, but now much of that has been torn away.

This is not the first time I have posted an image of graffiti. I am still puzzled by this type of image. What is the intended meaning? Who did it and why? Why a spaceman? And why was it partially removed?

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Front door

I guess if you are a landlord that takes a big old house and makes it into cheap apartments, then you don't care if the water and power meters are at the front door. And why waste paint on the door either?

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Flying saucers in the parking lot

Looking out the conference room window, what do I see?

The reflection of the lights over the conference room table... but it does look a little like flying saucers.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Corner store

A bit of american that is slowly becoming a rarity. Years ago each neighborhood had a corner store where the staples of life could be found and everyone knew the shop keeper.

These days it is either the big box supermarket or a convenience store that is really a glorified gas station. I don't like to buy my milk from the same store that sells unleaded gas.

I guess the corner store is really the descendent of the old time general store, but like the original, it is destined for the history books.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Old world charm

England? Germany? Some other European county?

Actually it is downtown Canandaigua, nestled in the NY Finger Lake country. This building stands side-by-side by some very nondescript commercial store fronts from the 30's and 40's. In fact if you did not stop to look up you would completely miss this facade. Which would be a pity... it is a nice looking structure.

I wonder what the story is behind this building? I am sure construction was a premium. Why was it built here? What was it for? Today the first floor is only used as a cut-rate jewelry store.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Fresh spring

It's the time of year of vibrant growth and bright green. We have had some unusually hot weather for this time of year and it seems we have jumped into the hot days of July and August, but still with the pristine blessings of fresh spring.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Turn left for PA KING

Old signs that loose a letter or two can sometimes result in a bit of humor. This example may not be the best instance, but to me, it is funny.

May be it is just me?