I realize that I haven’t posted anything in three weeks, but i do have good reason. Because school is over I had to give back my mac so until i can scrounge up the monies to replace I won’t be posting to much. But not to fear I’ll try to bust out some stuff whenever I can.

BTW: summer’s here, get outside!

Its been a while since I’ve been able to post anything but school has been really busy recently. But since it was such a beautiful day out today I decided to try to create some HDR photos. Don’t know what HDR is? click here

These two photos aren’t great but I’ve only been working off some online tutorials on how to do this. So if anyone has any tips, tricks, or suggestions please let me know.

Cheers,

I used the planet that I made on Sunday and created a star field background for it. The star field needs some work, I need to try and make it look more natural. If anyone has any idea please let me know.

Tonight (sunday) has been pretty boring, went out to dumpling house for dinner and then to kill time before I go to bed I figured I’d do some more playing around with photoshop. I made this image through the direction this tutorial . I think the image looks pretty slick, now i just have to find a use for it (any ideas?)

Enjoy,

I haven’t posted in about a week so here is an article that will be in the Sheridan Sun tomorrow (March 13). The version here is my own and doesn’t have some of the edits that the press version has. Also I took some pics of the event and a few turned out quite well.

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Toronto suffered yet another blast of winter this past weekend. Loads of snow was dumped all over the GTA as harsh winds nearly blew people off their feet. This however didn’t discourage Ontario’s pedal pushers from attending the 20th annual Toronto International Bike Show at the Direct Energy centre this weekend. Running from March 7th to the 9th, it was three days of self powered fun.
The Toronto International Bike show is the only exclusive bike show in Canada and one of the largest consumer bike shows in North America. With over 20,000 attendees each year it’s an important event on every bike dealer’s calendar. However, if you can’t afford to drop $8,000 on Trek’s 2008 Madone 6.9 Pro (the bike of seven time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong) there is more than just window-shopping at the show.
Throughout the three-day event, cyclists could watch the Toronto BMX Jam ’08 where some of the world’s best BMX rider’s compete on a terrain park built right inside the convention centre. Or, you could head over to the Meta Bike Trials demonstration and see Sheridan’s own Trevor Bodogh show off his amazing skills of balance and control. Bike trials put simply is a test of bike handling skills where riders navigate a course of man-made obstacles such as skids; boxes and railings all without letting their feet touch the ground. Trevor, a world-class trials rider has competed all over the world and is making his mark as an international rider. It speaks to Trevor’s credit that he can accomplish all this and still has time to study for his business midterms.
However, the show isn’t just an avenue for retailers to show their new products or a competition venue for professional riders. It is also a place for cycling organizations to promote themselves. This is perhaps the most important aspect of the Toronto International Bike Show. Groups like the Ride to Conquer Cancer (http://to08.conquercancer.ca), who organize a 200 km ride from Toronto to Niagara to raise money for the Princess Margaret Hospital have this opportunity to spread their message and gain support. Groups such as these are the reason we cyclists ride. Cycling is more than simply an effective way to travel it is vehicle for change. It is a social activity that can be enjoyed regardless of age and when that enjoyment is directed to a cause it can be extremely powerful. Every rider taking part in the Ride to Conquer Cancer is asked to raise $2,000 in donations, although many raise far more. Each participant is given their own website to which friends and family can make donations.
The show reminds me of why I love cycling, the great sense of community and good will that accompany this sport permeate all aspects of it. Whether you’re a weekend warrior going for a cruise or an experienced roadie rocketing down a hill at 70kph on 1″ tires cycling is just plain fun. In our age of global warming and rising oil prices it seems assured that the Toronto International Bike Show will continue to grow year by year.

This week I started as a layout editor for the Sheridan Sun. So far its been a lot of fun. I am really enjoying designing pages. I find there is artistry in layout. It is my job to communicate information both effectively and to make it look good at the same time. Also on top of just laying out the stories it is also my job to write headlines for the stories as well.

Here is Pg. 6 Sheridan Sun (March 6) <– click

I also set up page 8 but i’ll post that later.

My photoshop knowledge is terrible, not at the fault of my publishing teacher just I suck at it. But thats not to say I haven’t been trying. I found photoshop tutorial online here. The base layer graphic is just a woman’s two hands and the tutorial was to add the fireball. Anyway i haven’t posted anything in a while so heres a photoshop fireball for your enjoyment! Also if anyone has photoshop tips & tricks send them to me!

We recently had a photojournalism assignment where we had to cover an event, like sports games, plays, concerts, galleries. I decided that I wanted to make sure I went to an event that no one would have. This brought me to the 2nd annual Toronto Erotic Arts Festival. This combination of art show / retail exhibition took place at the Gladstone Hotel out near Queen West. Not knowing what to expect I went and had a fantastic time. I mean where else can I see plush sex monkeys?

Enjoy..

Its done, finally. The e-zine is complete and its getting handed in on Tuesday. Thanks to all those who edited it. The file is available to download and comments and critiques are also welcome.

- Alex