RSS
 

Posts Tagged ‘Keeps’

Photoshop ‘Infinite Jokes’ plugin keeps creators amused while they’re working

01 Sep

A free new Photoshop plugin from Infinite Tools adds an endless stream of jokes and puns to your workflow. Called ‘Infinite Jokes,’ the plugin was inspired by a recent request for jokes from viewers made by image retoucher Pratik Naik of Infinite Tools, he explained in his unveiling of the new plugin. The tool is a bit more sophisticated than merely showing jokes; it also enables users to rate the quality of the puns and to submit their own.

Infinite Jokes is, according to Infinite Tools, ‘A sassy panel that tells you the best PS jokes and openly judges you as you work!’ One example of a joke presented by the panel is:

Plastic surgery is like retouching. When it’s bad, it’s really bad. When it’s good, you won’t even know.

The jokes were submitted by the photo-editing community, which can continue to contribute jokes for inclusion in the plugin. Infinite Tools says users are able to choose whether the jokes are presented in the voice of a man or woman, as well as the accent used.

Every joke is presented alongside credit to the person who submitted it. In addition to rating the joke, users are also able to view the top jokes rated by users from around the world via the Infinite Tools website.

Because everyone has their own limitations and sensibilities, the company has also enabled plugin users to decide what type of jokes they want to hear — whether they want the jokes to be restricted only to ones that are funny, or to skew more toward the ‘mean’ end of the mood spectrum.

Users can also choose how often new jokes are spoken by the Infinite Jokes panel, with options ranging from every 15 seconds to twice an hour.

The plugin only works in Photoshop CC 2019 or newer and it requires an online connection to work. The Infinite Jokes plugin is free to download from the Infinite Tools website here.

Via: PetaPixel

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Photoshop ‘Infinite Jokes’ plugin keeps creators amused while they’re working

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Why Your Photoshop Keeps Crashing and How to Fix it

05 Mar

Photoshop can do amazing things with images. It can also make you want to pull your hair out in frustration.  Photoshop constantly crashing while you work is one such frustrating problem. Why does it crash? What can you do to fix it? Your computer may not have enough memory, or it may not have enough space to run Photoshop, causing Continue Reading

The post Why Your Photoshop Keeps Crashing and How to Fix it appeared first on Photodoto.


Photodoto

 
Comments Off on Why Your Photoshop Keeps Crashing and How to Fix it

Posted in Photography

 

Adobe reader keeps my dwg to pdf from opening

08 Sep

Apple Uses Mapping Data, issue Fixes adobe reader keeps my dwg to pdf from opening Improvements in Foxit PhantomPDF 5. issues Addressed in Foxit PhantomPDF 7. Keep links clickable, It’s Only Evil if You Get Caught, is there a point? Fixed an issue where the original file name and file extension are not retained when […]
BooksChantcdCom

 
Comments Off on Adobe reader keeps my dwg to pdf from opening

Posted in Equipment

 

An Apple a Day Keeps Creativity Awake

17 Feb

Do you find yourself lacking inspiration? Without new ideas? Or just unsatisfied with your average looking images? Pablo Picasso – the famous and talented artist – once said, “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” This exercise is designed to help you achieve exactly that, and awaken your creativity.

An old English proverb says, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. So following this principle I came up with a routine for your photographic health. Something to keep you busy so that inspiration can find you working, as Picasso suggested.

Step 1: Photograph an apple

An Apple a Day Keeps Creativity Awake

Why an apple? Well, because I found that many times the excuses that we use are linked to the idea that we don’t have an interesting subject, or a nice-looking one, or an expensive one, in other words something worthy of photographing. So don’t procrastinate at the market looking for the perfect red shiny apple that looks like one from a fairy tale, just get an apple. An apple is something we all have access to. It’s not particularly expensive, and as you will see, also very versatile.

The first part of the exercise is to photograph your subject, in this case the apple without altering it. In other words, you are the one who is going to adapt in order to get the most out of it. For now you don’t have to worry about the technical part, so you can just leave your camera on automatic mode and shoot away. Photograph your apple from the top and from the bottom; from afar and in macro; with a wide-angle lens and a telephoto – anything you can think of.

Once you have done this and you can’t think of any other ways to photograph the apple, push yourself to do at least two more. Yes, it may take some time to come up with them, but trust me, those will be the best ones! Why? Because photograph has been around for almost two centuries, and lately thousands of images are done everyday, so most likely the first images you can come up with, are also the same ones everybody thinks about. That is why you need to come out of your comfort zone and exercise your photographic mind and eye.

An Apple a Day Keeps Creativity Awake

An Apple a Day Keeps Creativity Awake

An Apple a Day Keeps Creativity Awake

As you can see, the color and exposure on each one is different. This is because the camera was set on automatic mode. This way the settings adjust to the information it’s receiving. If most of the frame is covered by the warm colors of the apple it sends different information than a frame mostly covered by the white background. This is why the next step is very important.

Step 2: Put your technique to good use

Now that you have found the best angle for photographing your apple, you can move on to the next level – make it professional!

When you had your camera on auto mode it made the decisions by itself. Let’s be honest, with the cameras that exist on the market today, it’s very easy to get a well-exposed photo. However, what I always say to my students is, “We learn photography not to make it good, but to make it our own.”

If you use the automatic mode of your camera, it might come out a good photo, but it won’t be your photo, because you didn’t make any of the decisions. In this part of the exercise you need to put your photographic knowledge – no matter how much that is – to good use.

If you know about bracketing (the process of making the same photo with different exposures) then do that.

An Apple a Day Keeps Creativity Awake

Underexposed

An Apple a Day Keeps Creativity Awake

Correctly exposed

An Apple a Day Keeps Creativity Awake

Overexposed

If you know about lighting, then play with your lights. Use a direct flash to create a hard shadow for one image, then use a flash and a reflector to soften the shadow, and so on. Even if you don’t have a professional set of lighting gear you can always play with artificial light from lamps and natural light from windows. The point is to use your tools and techniques to make your photo the way you want it to be and not just another snapshot.

An Apple a Day Keeps Creativity Awake An Apple a Day Keeps Creativity Awake
An Apple a Day Keeps Creativity Awake An Apple a Day Keeps Creativity Awake

Step 3: Get creative

Now it’s all about the finishing touches. It’s always important that you are able to produce a technically good and unique photo of an object/subject. But how about getting a bit more creative? Try to tell a story, to set a mood, or to use the apple as a metaphor, anything goes! (Image basket.jpg)

An Apple a Day Keeps Creativity Awake

Once you have your best angle and your light and settings selected, it’s time to decide what you want to say with your photo. Do you want your photo to be yummy and inviting? Maybe cut the apple and plate it on a beautiful table. Do you want it to be about health and nutrition? Maybe add some other fruits to the set.

If you want to push yourself a little bit more then try to tell a story, maybe make a photographic series. Think about Snow White or Adam and Eve, in both cases the apple plays an important role. Do you want it to be conceptual? Think about life and death for example using a fresh and a rotten apple. You can do anything you want just by adding some elements, add some context, and get creative!

Today for me it was a healthy, ready-to-eat snack!

An Apple a Day Keeps Creativity Awake

Conclusion and what’s next

Great work! I hope you enjoyed your apple for today. Tomorrow maybe go with an orange, or a dog, or a self-portrait. You can apply this three steps to everything, or stay with the apples and see how far you can get, the important thing is to exercise every day.

googletag.cmd.push(function() {
tablet_slots.push( googletag.defineSlot( “/1005424/_dPSv4_tab-all-article-bottom_(300×250)”, [300, 250], “pb-ad-78623” ).addService( googletag.pubads() ) ); } );

googletag.cmd.push(function() {
mobile_slots.push( googletag.defineSlot( “/1005424/_dPSv4_mob-all-article-bottom_(300×250)”, [300, 250], “pb-ad-78158” ).addService( googletag.pubads() ) ); } );

The post An Apple a Day Keeps Creativity Awake by Ana Mireles appeared first on Digital Photography School.


Digital Photography School

 
Comments Off on An Apple a Day Keeps Creativity Awake

Posted in Photography

 

Modified Nikon D5500 keeps things cool for astro-photographers

14 Oct

Italian astrophotography equipment brand PrimaLuceLab is selling a version of the Nikon D5500 that it has adapted for long exposures using a custom cooling system that manages the temperature of the camera’s sensor. The PrimaLuceLab Nikon D5500a Cooled uses dual Peltier cells to create a thermoelectric cooling effect that allows users to maintain the temperature of the sensor and to cool it by as much as 27°C below the ambient air temperature.

Keeping the sensor cool allows long exposures to take place without the sensor heating up and creating image noise. This means very long shutter openings can be used to make images with very little additional noise. Just as importantly, the cooling system can keep the sensor at the same user-specified temperature throughout a shoot so that dark frames don’t have to be made directly after each image – they can be made at the end when the subject has passed.

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_1400173065″,”galleryId”:”1400173065″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”standalone”:false,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”startInCommentsView”:false,”isMobile”:false}) });

The camera is also fitted with a system that prevents air moisture from condensing on the surface of the cooled sensor. The Anti-Dewing system heats the front filter over the sensor but not the sensor itself. Presenting a warm surface to the air means no moisture gathers. The infrared-cut filter of the Nikon D5500 has been removed and replaced by a filter that allows longer red wave lengths, specifically those beyond the H-alpha line, to pass and be recorded.

Touch sensitive buttons on the rear of the cooling block allow users to control the shutter opening and shutter time as well as set up sequences of different exposures with brackets of up to 900 seconds.

The PrimaLuceLabs Nikon D5500a, which comes with a 4-year warranty, is available now and costs €2190 (about $ 2420).

For more information visit the PrimaLuceLab website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Modified Nikon D5500 keeps things cool for astro-photographers

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Olympus TG-Tracker keeps up with your outdoor adventures

24 May

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_6448570778″,”galleryId”:”6448570778″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”standalone”:false,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”startInCommentsView”:false,”isMobile”:false}) });

Olympus has updated its tough camera lineup with the Stylus Tough TG-Tracker, a rugged action-cam that specializes in tracking location, temperature, altitude and more. The TG-Tracker takes 8MP stills with a 1/2.3″ sensor and provides 4K/30p and 1080/60p video recording options. It offers a fixed F2.0 13.9mm equiv. lens and the whole unit is rated to be waterproof to 30m/100ft, shockproof from 2.1m/7ft, freezeproof to -10C/+14F and crushproof to 100kgf/220lbf.

Also provided are a 1.5″ flip-out (but non-rotating) LCD and a built-in lamp with 30 and 60 lumen settings, the latter of which can be used for a flashlight mode. The tracking features for which the camera is named for include built-in GPS, barometric pressure sensor, temperature sensor, compass and an accelerometer. A pistol-style SG-T01 grip is bundled with the camera to help keep shots steady. The grip itself bends into a few different configurations to enable high or low angle shooting, and of course, selfies.

The camera syncs with Olympus’ Image Track app via Wi-Fi to display data logs including the user’s route and elevation, and can display detailed summaries of excursions including total elapsed time, distance traveled, average speed and minimum/maximum elevation, among other data points. Images and video (though not 4K clips) can be transferred to the user’s smartphone using the app as well. 

The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-Tracker is due to hit retailers in June for $ 349.99 in green and black body options.


Press release:

TRACK THE EXTRORDINARY: NEW OLYMPUS STYLUS TOUGH TG-TRACKER CAPTURES EVERY DETAIL OF YOUR ADVENTURES

Ultra HD 4K Video Comes Alive with High-Quality Imaging and Rich Log Data That Tells an Immersive Story

CENTER VALLEY, PA, May 24, 2016 — Olympus expands the outdoor video experience with the latest member of the Tough product family, the new Olympus Stylus Tough TG-Tracker. The Stylus Tough TG-Tracker is the first rugged experiential camera that combines Olympus’s Tough rugged capabilities with an advanced Field Sensor System,*1 a 204° ultra-wide-angle F2.0 high-speed lens and Ultra HD 4K 30p video capture to record brilliant action video with corresponding activity data. The Stylus Tough TG-Tracker’s built-in Field Sensors include GPS,*2 a barometric-pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an e.Compass and an accelerometer. Data logs can be displayed simultaneously with recorded images using the Olympus Image Track app, enhancing the excitement of reliving outdoor action with an immersive, data-rich viewing experience.

Like all other cameras in the Olympus Tough™ series, the Stylus Tough TG-Tracker is optimized for the most extreme shooting environments, with five rugged capabilities: waterproof to depths of 100 feet,*3 dustproof,*4 shockproof from 7 feet,*5 freezeproof to 14°F,*6 and crushproof up to 220 pounds of force,*7 — no protective case required. The Stylus Tough TG-Tracker represents a new category of rugged cameras with its Field Sensor System that’s capable of capturing location, altitude and depth, g-force and air and water temperature while users record videos and still images of their outdoor adventures.

A high-intensity LED headlight is integrated into the camera body for shooting support in low-light conditions. The bundled SG-T01 Steady Grip helps with stable framing during hand-held shooting. The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-Tracker’s compact body and tilt-out LCD monitor provide for quick and easy video capture, including low- and high-angle shooting.

*1 Because the GPS and other field sensors are not intended for use as strictly accurate measurement functions, under no circumstances are measured values (such as longitude and latitude, altitude, shooting direction and temperature) guaranteed. Additionally, information may differ from actual circumstances due to the effects of events such as natural disasters. *2 Depending on the country/region of use, different laws and regulations may be applicable regarding the use of the GPS function. Be sure to follow local laws and regulations. Turn off the GPS function in places where its use is forbidden or restricted, such as inside airplanes. Either the A-GPS Utility computer software or the Olympus Image Track app is required to update the Assist GPS data. *3 Waterproof functionality is equivalent to JIS/IEC protection class 8 (IPX8) according to tests performed following our in-house methods. *4 Equivalent to JIS/IEC protection class 6 (IPX6) according to tests performed following our in-house methods. *5 When the LCD monitor is closed, the Lens Protector is attached and the Mount Coupling, grip and Underwater Lens Protector are not attached, according to tests performed following our in-house methods. *6 The number of shots that can be recorded is reduced at very low temperatures. *7 When the LCD monitor is closed, the Lens Protector is attached and the Mount Coupling, grip and Underwater Lens Protector are not attached, according to tests performed following our in-house methods.

U.S. Pricing and Availability
The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-Tracker will be available in green and black beginning in June 2016 with an estimated street price of $ 349.99 (U.S.) and $ 479.99 (Canada). For a complete list of specifications, visit the Olympus website: http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/digitalcameras/tough/tg-tracker.html

Main Features

Field Sensor System for capturing all the action of outdoor adventures

The wearable-device market has expanded in recent years, offering ways to automatically record location information, steps walked, calories burned and other life-logging data. In the same spirit, the new Olympus Stylus Tough TG-Tracker is equipped with the Field Sensor System, which includes GPS, a barometric-pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an e.Compass and an accelerometer. Users can select from three different display options on the LCD monitor, including a compass display, level display, and log display, to show the data captured via these sensors. Log Mode records data without video for extended time periods.

  1. GPS
    The camera uses GPS (with GLONASS and QZSS functionality) to precisely calculate the user’s latitude and longitude from satellite signals. Additionally, Assist GPS can significantly increase the speed of the system’s positioning calculations by downloading satellite information ahead of time using the Olympus A-GPS Utility computer app or the Olympus Image Track smart-device app.
  2. Barometric-pressure sensor
    Altitude and water depth are calculated based on air- and water-pressure information. When the camera is submerged below a depth of half a meter, the Underwater Detector will automatically switch the camera to the optimal mode for shooting underwater so you can focus on getting the best shot without worrying about complicated controls. The monitor log display will also automatically switch from altitude to water-depth information.
  3. Temperature sensor
    This sensor records ambient temperature with a high degree of precision. The Stylus Tough TG-Tracker captures water temperature in both Video and Log Mode, and air temperature in Log Mode only.
  4. e.Compass
    This sensor tracks the direction in which the camera lens is being pointed. It provides an easy way to confirm direction when shooting outdoors.
  5. Accelerometer
    This sensor measures acceleration (g-force) on three axes to record the photographer’s movements. When a preset acceleration level is detected while a video is being recorded, the Chapter Function*1 automatically identifies and bookmarks the moment. This feature supports editing and playback of exciting scenes, like when jumping and landing in intense sports such as snowboarding and motocross. Users may choose from two levels of acceleration or may turn this feature off.

Rugged capabilities: waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, freezeproof and crushproof

With its sealed construction, the Stylus Tough TG-Tracker is waterproof to depths of 100 feet (30 meters). The waterproof seal also makes the camera dustproof, so users don’t have to worry when operating the Stylus Tough TG-Tracker in dusty areas. The dual-layer chassis makes for superb shockproof performance, allowing the camera to clear drop tests from heights of up to 7 feet (2.1 meters). Operation is guaranteed in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C), so you can shoot in cold-weather environments where other digital devices fear to tread. The Stylus Tough TG-Tracker also boasts a rigid construction that can withstand loads of up to 220 pounds of force (100 kilograms of force).

High-quality images captured with an ultra-wide-angle lens

  1. 204° ultra-wide-angle F2.0 high-speed lens
    The Stylus Tough TG-Tracker’s ultra-wide-angle lens was developed using advanced optical technology. Its 204° angle of view is wider than that which can be captured by the human eye, allowing it to record action videos with a dramatic perspective, especially useful for ultra-wide views of outdoor sports scenes.
  2. TruePicTM VII for 4K Image Processor and backlit CMOS sensor
    The Stylus Tough TG-Tracker is equipped with the TruePicTM VII for 4K Image Processor, the latest iteration of the TruePicTM image processors used in the Olympus OM-D and PEN compact system cameras, now with 4K video capability.*2 It quickly processes data from the high-sensitivity, low-noise backlit CMOS sensor to produce high-quality images.

Versatile shooting style and superb controls

The compact body provides for quick and easy video capture no matter your shooting style, allowing low- and high-angle camerawork. An SG-T01 Steady Grip is bundled with the camera to help with stable framing during hand-held shooting.*3 The MC-T01 Mount Coupling comes with a small mirror on the front to assist in capturing wide-angle group selfies.*4 The high-intensity LED Headlight is built into the camera body for shooting support in low-light conditions.*5 Its quick-action operation lets you swiftly illuminate subjects for high-quality imaging. Even when the camera is turned off, users can press and hold the Info button to activate the headlight for standalone use.

Compatibility with the Olympus Image Track smart-device app

The Stylus Tough TG-Tracker is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi.*6 Using the exclusive Olympus Image Track app, users can easily transfer videos recorded on the camera, along with field data, to a smart device. Users can also display the log data and view images simultaneously, enjoying the experience of the shooting environment during playback. Within the app, the data display can be switched between geographical information and altitude/depth information to best match the scene, and data is saved so that users can conveniently check the information at any time.

Other Features

  • Time Lapse Movie mode*7 for fixed-point observation of movement such as crowds of people, clouds crossing the sky or flowers opening.
  • Loop Recording function for easier video-data handling.
  • Bundled with the UP-T01 Underwater Lens Protector for underwater shooting.*8 
  • Graphical user interface (GUI) for intuitive control.
  • Electronic 5-Axis Image Stabilization*9 for compensation of every kind of camera motion.
  • 4K Video playback via HDMI connection.
  • Remote control and image transfer with the Olympus Image Share app.

*1 A “chapter” is a bookmark designating a scene transition in a movie. This feature lets you quickly find the exact spot you want during movie playback. Chapters can be manually inserted by pressing the OK button on the top of the camera, but manually inserted chapters cannot be transferred to the Olympus Image Track smartphone app. *2 4K videos cannot be transferred to a smartphone. They should be viewed on a large TV that supports 4K playback. *3 Because the Stylus Tough TG-Tracker’s angle of view is a diagonal 204°, part of the tripod will appear on the monitor when it is connected directly to the camera. This can be prevented by using the tripod baseplate on the bottom of the Steady Grip. *4 The Mount Coupling attaches to the top of the Steady Grip for mounting on the camera. *5 The LED Headlight can be used only for a limited duration. *6 “Wi-Fi” is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. *7 Users can select from 1080p, 720p or VGA and can record at up to 30 FPS in full HD. *8 The bundled UP-T01 Underwater Lens Protector is required to shoot underwater. Without it, the camera will not be able to focus underwater. The angle of view becomes narrower underwater; users must change the camera’s angle-of-view setting to Underwater. *9 When the Electronic 5-Axis IS is activated, the angle of view becomes narrower.

Optional Accessories CSCH-125 TG-Tracker Case

This case can be attached to a backpack or belt, and data logs can be recorded while on the go with the camera inside. The camera can be stored in the case on its own or with the Steady Grip attached. The case is equipped with a carabiner and spiral safety cord so users never have to worry about losing the camera. This accessory can even be used in the rain or in saltwater, so it’s perfect for use during outdoor sports or in harsh environments.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Olympus TG-Tracker keeps up with your outdoor adventures

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Kumamoto earthquake keeps Sony sensor factory shuttered

21 Apr

The major earthquakes that struck Japan on April 14th and 15th have closed Sony’s Kumamoto factory, which primarily manufactures sensors for digital cameras. Due to ongoing aftershocks and inspections of the buildings and manufacturing equipment, it’s not clear when the Kumamoto factory will be back in business.

The company’s factories in Isahaya City and Oita City were shuttered briefly, but have since resumed normal operations. Sony says that the impact on its financials is ‘currently being evaluated.’

Nikon says that it too is affected by the earthquakes due to damage at their component suppliers (Sony is a known supplier of Nikon’s sensors), which has greatly delayed the release of its three DL enthusiast compacts, the KeyMission 360 action cam and a pair of Coolpix cameras. 

Press Releases:

Status of Sony Group Manufacturing Operations Affected by 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes

(Tokyo, April 18, 2016) Sony Corporation (“Sony”) extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected by the earthquakes in Kumamoto.

Due to the earthquake of April 14 and subsequent earthquakes in the Kumamoto region, the following Sony Group manufacturing sites have been affected:

Operations at Sony Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation’s Kumamoto Technology Center (located in Kikuchi Gun, Kumamoto Prefecture), which primarily manufactures image sensors for digital cameras and security cameras as well as micro-display devices, were halted after the earthquake on April 14, and currently remain suspended. Damage to the site’s building and manufacturing lines is currently being evaluated, and with aftershocks continuing, the timeframe for resuming operations has yet to be determined.

Although some of the manufacturing equipment at Sony Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation’s Nagasaki Technology Center (located in Isahaya City, Nagasaki Prefecture), which is Sony’s main facility for smartphone image sensor production, and Oita Technology Center (located in Oita City, Oita Prefecture), which commenced operations as a wholly-owned facility of Sony Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation on April 1, had been temporarily halted, the affected equipment has been sequentially restarted from April 17, and production has resumed. Sony Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation’s Kagoshima Technology Center (located in Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture) has continued its production operations after the earthquakes, and there have been no major effects on its operations.

Sony has confirmed the safety of all of its and its group companies’ employees in the region affected by the earthquakes.

The impact of these events on Sony’s consolidated results is currently being evaluated.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Kumamoto earthquake keeps Sony sensor factory shuttered

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Last Stop: Japan Keeps Old Train Station Open for Lone Passenger

27 Jan

[ By WebUrbanist in Culture & History & Travel. ]

japan railways deserted abandoned

In a remote area of Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, a train stops just twice a day, as it has for years: once to pick up a girl on her way to school, and once to drop her back off afterward.

rural station interior

The otherwise-abandoned Kyu-Shirataki station remains open, thanks to Japan Railways, which honored the request of two parents to continue transporting their daughter back and forth until she graduates.

rural station last stop

The physical space is remarkably well-kept despite its relative disuse, still containing route maps and schedules as any other station would, despite serving as essentially a single-person shelter for the place’s only daily passenger.

rural station in japan

As the country’s population continues to shrink as well as urbanize, rural routes like this one have been forced to close – only high-speed railway lines remain on the rise. Fans of Japan Railways’ actions in this case see it as a victory for common courtesy as well as education. The line will ultimately close completely after the girl graduates and moves on (via CityLab).

Share on Facebook





[ By WebUrbanist in Culture & History & Travel. ]

[ WebUrbanist | Archives | Galleries | Privacy | TOS ]


WebUrbanist

 
Comments Off on Last Stop: Japan Keeps Old Train Station Open for Lone Passenger

Posted in Creativity

 

Use it or lose it: Learning photography keeps your brain fit

30 Oct

elderlyphotog1.jpg

Crossword puzzles, sudoku, and listening to classical music won’t keep your mind as sharp as you once thought. New research found people who only participated in passive activities such as playing games got little memory benefit. However, learning photography showed significant gains in memory. Read more

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Use it or lose it: Learning photography keeps your brain fit

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Wind Shield: Invisible Air Umbrella Keeps You Dry in the Rain

29 Nov

[ By WebUrbanist in Conceptual & Futuristic & Technology. ]

Umbrellas are already halfway there: compact as possible, they deploy in a quick motion and retract almost as easily. But problems remain: they are wet when you walk indoors, and their intentionally-then structure remains fragile.

Thus the Air Umbrella (or perhaps: unbrella) by Je Sung Park & Woo Jung Kwon which forces an artificial wind up through its handle that shoots out the top and deflects incoming raindrops before they can hit your head.

Adjustable by design, the power of the air pushed through the system can be varied based on conditions or the desire to extend your protective canopy to a walking companion. Likewise, the rod you hold can telescope based on need and for portability.

The feasibility remains to be seen – one could imagine it would be difficult if even possible to produce the kind of force required, and that batteries might drain too fast for it to be broadly useful. Still, technology has a way of catching up to good design. Another point of skepticism: its creators pitch it as a green alternative to plastic bags or one-use ponchos, but what about regular umbrellas? Perhaps, depending upon the durability of the latter versus the power usage of the Air Umbrella alternative.


Want More? Click for Great Related Content on WebUrbanist:

Gray-Sky Thinking: 15 Uniquely Modern Umbrella Designs

From the best in pugilistic umbrella-mayhem to the sweetest way to woo a loved one, these 15 examples are guaranteed to chase the clouds away.
Click Here to Read More »»



Graffiti Umbrella for Drawing on Walls & Sidewalks

You could take a rainy day and make it warm and fun with this playful umbrella design. It uses rainwater to create temporary sidewalk graffiti.
Click Here to Read More »»



Share on Facebook





[ By WebUrbanist in Conceptual & Futuristic & Technology. ]

[ WebUrbanist | Archives | Galleries | Privacy | TOS ]


WebUrbanist

 
Comments Off on Wind Shield: Invisible Air Umbrella Keeps You Dry in the Rain

Posted in Creativity