http://search.deviantart.com/?q=by:CityKat&section=today deviantART RSS for by:CityKat en-us Copyright 2009, deviantART.com Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:44:42 PST deviantART.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://s.deviantart.com/minish/widgets/apple-touch-icon-precomposed.png http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/26982098/ http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/26982098/ Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:10:00 PDT
My camera was with me, of course, and I am still trying to learn to use the manual settings on my camera. I had run across the "sunny 16" rule and read the camera's user manual - so I thought I was ready to go.

Man OH man was I wrong. Let's just say that I not once needed an apeture as small (large?) as F16, and I could never get it right. It took me no less than a dozen photos each time before I got a histogram, and photo, I was okay with. Not to mention, every step you take at the zoo means a new setting - it's never the same twice! I got frustrated after a while and would try once, shoot an "auto" and then compare and adjust - I thought it was an okay compromise.

It was a fun day, though frustrating photography wise. I'm not sure what I learned - or if I will remember anything.

No... wait... I did learn that when indoors I shouldn't even bother trying to shoot because I don't have a decent flash.

We've all got to start somewhere...

M.

]]> ~CityKat http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/22809533/ http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/22809533/ Sun, 25 Jan 2009 18:00:24 PST
As it turns out, all of these people who are trying to help are really just making the whole thing seem like a giant scary monster. How am I supposed to "see the light"? Am I really supposed to pick apetures and shutter speeds and pose things and all of the above all at once? Is this the right angle? I can't reach this with my tripod! I really wish it looked better.

I have no idea where to start!

The basics... Figuring out the lingo is hard enough. F-stops, micro, DOF, 1:1, 4:1, 1:4, AF, MF, NEF, bokeh, noise, artifacts, iso, HDR, and so many more!

I've figured this much out : With my macro lens, I like the product - and I learn from it. I don't get as frustrated as easily (except that I can't hold the camera steady). With my other lens I hate the outcome, everytime. I can't frame those pictures, I can't find interesting subjects, I don't know where to start or where the finish line is.

For now, I'm going to stick to macro. I know I don't know the basics - but I'm trying to learn. I will keep taking out my other lens (see - I don't even know what to call it!). I will try to learn with it as well.

I will try.

I will succeed. Eventually.

I WILL prove you wrong, I am going to start with macro. Because macros make me smile.

M.

]]> ~CityKat http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/22494864/ http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/22494864/ Fri, 09 Jan 2009 20:01:28 PST
I feel as if some of the pictures could use some post-processing, or maybe it's just me wanting to hurry along my learning curve. I am eager to post them however, and will post them sans-post as soon as I am able to convert them.

Lots of love!

M.

]]> ~CityKat http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/21917743/ http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/21917743/ Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:01:55 PST
Expressing oneself is hard sometimes, it is very hard. Art makes it easier. More than art however, the community here on dA makes it easier.

The people here on dA are such good eggs! You are such good eggs! You are amazing people with such hope and wisdom and support. You do not discriminate or harass, you accept each artist as themselves. You support each and every person with enthusiasm and pride.

I love you all so much, and thank you all for being who you are.

M.

]]> ~CityKat http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/20718877/ http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/20718877/ Sun, 28 Sep 2008 07:59:38 PDT
My camera is more and more enticing these days, I often get distracted when doing field work. Measuring the diameter of trees is far less interesting than the fuzzy bummed bug (that looks like a seed) that we found over on the tree. And of course spending half an hour trying to get a decent shot of that bug is a common occurrence.

Of course my only camera at the moment is still my point and shoot, good as it might be - it really annoys me when I can't get it to focus just right. Add to that my lack of understanding of lighting, and you might be able to imagine just how frustrated I keep getting when hours of picture taking yields not one decent shot.

I'm trudging along though, struggling to master my point and shoot (which I will master) and looking into getting my first "real" camera.

We'll see where this road takes me... Hopefully somewhere with vivid images and amazing memories.

]]> ~CityKat http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/16766819/ http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/16766819/ Thu, 07 Feb 2008 08:51:00 PST
School is going well and midterms are looming. I'm doing a lot of stalking lately on DA, I try to make sure that I comment when I can - but photography is catching my eye lately and I'm not so good at the critical comments thing. That and we all know there are only so many "omg its amazings" that any one artist can stand. I apologize if ever I've lurked and not commented - but unfortunately some times, I just don't know what to say.

I think I need to learn how to work a camera... I keep trying to take decent photos, but I don't appear to understand anything about that art in particular. When I try to get a decent photo it's horrible, when I click by mistake it's amazing. Urg.

Not sure what else to say, I'll try to post something soon.

*hugs*

]]> ~CityKat http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/15803340/ http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/15803340/ Wed, 05 Dec 2007 06:41:10 PST
]]> ~CityKat http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/15014673/ http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/15014673/ Thu, 11 Oct 2007 12:33:15 PDT
Thank you!

1. What Country are you from?

2. Are you an Environmental Science student? Y / N

3. Where do you think Canada ranks out of the 56 countries making changes to deter climate change?
a. 1 – 10 (Doing the most)
b. 11-20
c. 21-30
d. 31-40
e. 41-50
f. 51-56 (Doing the least)

4. Where do you think Brazil ranks?
a. 1 – 10 (Doing the most)
b. 11-20
c. 21-30
d. 31-40
e. 41-50
f. 51-56 (Doing the least)

5. Do you think the current Canadian emissions targets are too high?  Too low? Just right?

6. What is your most prominent source of climate change information
a. Media
b. School
c. Scientific publications
d. Friends/Family
e. Other? ___________

7. As far as you are aware is climate change naturally occuring? Y / N

8. Are you willing to make little changes to your everyday life to help stop climate change? Y / N

9. How many of the following things do you do on a regular basis
a)Turning off the Lights When Not in Use
b) Using Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
c) Hanging Clothes to Dry
d) Walking instead of Driving
e) Carpooling
f) Avoiding Use of Air Conditioning and Heating
g) Using Both Sides of Your Paper
h) Recycling
i) Composting
j) Bringing Your Own Take-Out Containers/Mugs

10. Do you think you, as a person, can make a difference? (referring to climate change) Y / N

11. Do you believe that industrialized nations and developing nations should be equally responsible in the international fight against climate change? Y / N

12. Which of the following are the two largest contributors to the climate change issue?
a. Deforestation
b. Automobile Exhaust
c. Oil Industry
d. Mining Industry
e. Coal Fire Generation
f. Policies and Regulations
(or a lack thereof)
g. Toronto's Business Sector

13. (Only for Canadians) Which of following are Canada's two largest contributors to the climate change issue?
a. Deforestation in the West
b. Automobile Exhaust
c. Oil Industry in the West
d. Mining Industry in the North
e. Coal Fire Generation
f. Policies and Regulations (or a lack thereof)
g. Toronto
h. The Airline Industry
i. Our Neighbours to the South

]]> ~CityKat http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/14831418/ http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/14831418/ Fri, 28 Sep 2007 18:34:43 PDT
If you had to defend a stance that climate change does not exist - how would you do it? What data or facts would you use? What real-life events are relevant?

How would you disprove climate change?

]]> ~CityKat http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/14669808/ http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/14669808/ Mon, 17 Sep 2007 06:56:58 PDT
As for me... I can't write lately, and the one thing I have drawn was a simple doodle that I might some day turn into a tattoo. I might post a copy if I can find a decent one.

Things have been quite emotional for me for the past year and a half or so, and unlike most poets - once I"m too emotional I can't write. I'm too swept up in emotion and every time I try to put ink to paper, it fails. I'm hoping that this fall will mark something new in my life - I"m looking to make things right with myself.

So until things calm down just a little, I'll continue to try to write - and maybe one day soon I'll find the words again.

Take care of yourselves - all of you.

*hugs*

]]> ~CityKat http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/7529952/ http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/7529952/ Fri, 06 Jan 2006 19:49:18 PST
The first… The first is as white as snow, and it shines… it shines like diamonds do when stricken by the sun’s rays. This thing, it’s wonderful, it is the embodiment of joy and wonder, awe and amazement. It is everything good in this world. It is always happy, it cannot be forgotten. Even though it is common, and almost always seen if one looks around, we never tire of it. We are drawn to it - at least most of us are - for through it cheer and bliss are spread throughout the world.

The second… The second is without colour, but it reflects a perfect rainbow even though it will never know colour. It shimmers with emotions, with fear, with guilt, with regret, with sorrow, with sadness. It is the beginning of hope, but it is without hope. With it despair can be spread through the world’s people, it is the reason for which many people lose themselves, for it is hard to banish once it is found. It is rarely seen, for it is normally hidden from others, it is not something for which anyone is proud. And still we are left admiring it for it is the perfect embodiment of our most hidden selves – it is both beautiful and bold, it is both sad and at peace.

I still do not know the definition of perfection… I do not know if either of these things is truly perfect, though they seem it…

What is perfection? What is it to you?

*hugs* ]]> ~CityKat http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/6848660/ http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/6848660/ Sun, 23 Oct 2005 18:52:23 PDT
*hugs* ]]> ~CityKat http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/6804244/ http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/6804244/ Tue, 18 Oct 2005 18:48:33 PDT

*hugs* ]]> ~CityKat http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/6416845/ http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/6416845/ Sun, 04 Sep 2005 19:30:44 PDT
*hugs* ]]> ~CityKat http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/5155133/ http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/5155133/ Fri, 22 Apr 2005 05:06:27 PDT
To Earth to I pledge my allegiance, for I am one of Earth’s children. Rock hard head and stubborn as an ass, I am a friend to be leaned on with my cursed sturdiness. I can climb to the skies and live in the land of dreams and stars, I know the fear of my depths where blackness and torment abide. I have the ability to see all, to see through everyone’s eyes; both a blessing and a curse. I can erect mountainous walls to keep other’s out, or live in a field of flowers where all are welcome. I know how to shatter a soul with a quake powered by guilt and distaste. And yet I know how to help grow, as the do plants from feeding on the Earth’s love and kindness.

I am also the grandchild of Love and Dream. We are all the grandchildren of the immortals. In every one of us lies their traits, their lessons, their aspirations. How to love unconditionally, to share love and to create love. How to reach for the clouds and in them see what we will, how to be children wishing upon the first risen star, how to wish and hope for what might be. These things are buried deep within our souls, waiting for us to find and unlock their powers.

And yet there are other things waiting for us to find them, other things waiting for us to unlock their doors. For life must always be balanced, for the ups there are downs. For every mountain a valley, for every love there is lust, for every warm day a cold one, for every full tummy an empty one, for every life… a death.

And so Water teaches us, as do those who pledge allegiance to Water. Of all the immortal elements Water is the greatest, for Water gives life. And most who pledge their allegiance therein are also life givers, but there are a few, a few who find death in water. Who find the plummeting waters too tempting to resist. Those who see unsurpassable power and can’t restrain their lust for death. For Water is Earth’s opposite, and so Water’s child is mine.

Remember children, that we are all greater than those elements to which we pledge allegiance, for they create our balance, but it is you and only you who can create your own identity! Will you choose to burn yourself with fire? Break and not bend with the winds? Create uncontrollable quakes? Or drown in same waters from which you were born? Or will you create warmth and comfort with the spark of love, use the winds to help changes progress, stand proud and tall and strong, and drink the life-giving waters? Who you are is up to you, what you do is up to you. I will always forgive your actions, but you may not always forgive them.

Four immortals were chosen to sire and protect our galaxy; Creation, the sole father, who’s mistress’ were Hope, Sun and Prosperity. From Hope he sired Life, the mother of Remembrance, Forgiveness, Love and one other who’s name has been long forgotten. From Sun he sire Sky, the sole male in his generation. From Prosperity he sired his most trusted child, Mother, who would soon give birth to three of Sky’s children; Loyalty, Friendship and Dream. From these seven grandchildren thirteen great-grandchildren were born. Birthed by Love and sired by Dream were four; Fire, Earth, Air and Water, who are the four purest elements. Loyalty gave birth to Water’s children; Serenity, Beauty, Peace and the twins Trust and Distrust. And by Fire four more were born; Hate, Vengeance, War and Honour. They are the twenty eight Immortals and their story begins here.

--

Creation, the father of all was filled and consumed with the idea of creating a universe of beings who would live, learn, love and pass his lessons forward. To do this he called upon his mistress’ Hope, Sun and Prosperity to give birth to his family, who would guide these new beings.

Hope gave him the trust and open mind to see the good in all. She would give birth to Life who took after Hope in teaching good, and how to live life to the fullest, having fun and not worrying.

Sun, his favourite, loved lighting up his world with laughter and joy. She explored the limits of the universe. The boundaries of the heart. She gave birth to a true gentleman, the lord Sky. He always thought of others f... ]]> ~CityKat http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/4340892/ http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/4340892/ Mon, 17 Jan 2005 07:38:38 PST
The university level music program in Sudbury, Ontario, was suspended on Dec. 8 2004. This program is the only program of its kind in Northern Ontario, and its loss will be a massive one... unless we do something about it. There is a petition that you can sign to help this cause and save the music in Northern Ontario:

Petition -> [link]

If you'd like more background information, go here:

Laurentian Music -> [link]

We're looking at getting 10 000 - 20 000 signatures to help persuade Laurentian University to continue the program.

Thank you! ]]> ~CityKat http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/3648011/ http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/3648011/ Fri, 22 Oct 2004 09:34:00 PDT
Oh well, I'll survive. Nothing new to post lately, sorry. I haven't been able to write in a while, not all to sure why.

*hugs* ]]> ~CityKat http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/3540207/ http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/3540207/ Fri, 08 Oct 2004 06:30:39 PDT
Going to Kitchener today. It's going to be a long and bad day, I can tell all ready. Flipped on Jesse, got depressed as soon as I saw Alex, and I'm in tech class so I'm spiraling downhill. Oh well, I'm also laughing at myself. On a bright sid I'm tutoring a grade 8 sax player, uh oh.

*hugs*

Hopefully I'll update sooner or later. But who knows.

EDIT: I just noticed that my ID fits on my laptop (with it's widescreen) but not on normal computers... I'll replace it as soon as I think of something to put there. Sorry about that guys. ]]> ~CityKat http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/3320454/ http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/3320454/ Wed, 08 Sep 2004 19:15:40 PDT
*hugs*

Note to self - click the 'journal' at the top beside the message centre! Numbnut. ]]> ~CityKat http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/2936495/ http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/2936495/ Wed, 21 Jul 2004 19:30:48 PDT
*hugs* ]]> ~CityKat http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/2883139/ http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/2883139/ Wed, 14 Jul 2004 18:57:34 PDT
The scrap is truely a scrap, but people have been asking, so it's up. And I like my new poem. I had five hours of thinking time.

*hugs*

P.S. Jeremy's back!!!!!!! If you didn't know... ]]> ~CityKat http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/2635454/ http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/2635454/ Fri, 11 Jun 2004 10:21:47 PDT Oh well, I'll live. I have too, I have to post more poems. I need to find pictures to match first. If you've read other poems of mine and think I should post them tell me... I've only posted the ones I really like.

*hugs*

"Don't lead me into temptation; I can find the way myself!" ]]> ~CityKat http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/2564585/ http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/2564585/ Wed, 02 Jun 2004 07:56:16 PDT
Quote for the week -
"When God made man, she was only kidding." - someone

*hugs* ]]> ~CityKat http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/2298437/ http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/2298437/ Sun, 25 Apr 2004 20:24:27 PDT ~CityKat http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/2284915/ http://CityKat.deviantart.com/journal/2284915/ Fri, 23 Apr 2004 20:26:31 PDT ~CityKat