A beautiful and amazing DUer just gave me permission to post the photo of her that I Photoshopped...

[Amerigo Vespucci]

Long story short: This is a photo of a fellow DUer who's beautiful from the inside out. After she shared her photo with me, I fired up Photoshop and created the result you see below and sent it back to her. I asked her permission to post it and she agreed, so here it is.



She's one cool, articulate, gorgeous, artistic (a published author) and funny woman and as much as I enjoy posting here, I've got to say that getting to know her has been the unquestionable high point.



ON EDIT: She just PMd me and wants me to ask you to guess who she is. So guess away.

:hi:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. My dear Amerigo Vespucci!

Ooooh, that is one gorgeous picture!

OK...

Who is she?

:hi:

[Amerigo Vespucci]

2. I promised to keep her anonymous but she's a regular.

There's even a good chance she'll post in this thread because she knew in advance that I was going to post it.

:hi:

[hisownpetard]

62. It's me, CalPeg. What a nice thing to say. Thank you!

:hi:

[Rabrrrrrr]

3. Wow - I've never seen DS1 look so..... enticing.

:blush:

That is a really beautiful bit of photoshopping - I find myself entranced by the colors and patterns, and the way that you took detail out but still left the important information. And the head is framed beautifully.

If I run this through the "Would I hang it on my wall?" test, it passes with flying colors. And I have no idea who that is, so it's not from an emotional attachment to the subject or nostalgic sense that I'd put it up - I'd hang it because it's beautiful and captivating to look at, and because it stirs an emotional response.

:thumbsup:

[Amerigo Vespucci]

4. I'm not saying that DS1 isn't stunning, but that ain't DS1...

:rofl:

Thanks for your comments. This is how I see her. She's all that.

:-)

[Fire Walk With Me]

5. Whoever they are, they appear to be very comfortable and happy...

...is that smile for you, Amerigo? All of the energy of the person appears to be toward someone they are comfortable with. Hello, anonymous DUer!

And neat Photoshop job, Amerigo!

[Amerigo Vespucci]

6. She's very cool and has a big, big heart.

Glad you liked it, and thanks for the kind comments.

:toast:

[Amerigo Vespucci]

7. Nobody's guessed who this is yet, eh?

:shrug:

[BlueJazz]

8. I've got it!..Being a Computer smart person, I right clicked and got her name.

She's the Famous Writer "S"

She's Beautiful.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

9. YES!

Of course, the "S" is from her real name, so that doesn't really help with her DU name. But you're 100% correct on the rest of it.

:hi:

[hisownpetard]

13. What does this mean? I am computer-clueless! You "right-clicked"? No capiche.

[krispos42]

14. You're using a Mac, aren't you?

One reason I'm scared of Macs... no right mouse button! :scared:

[hisownpetard]

15. How do you know that??, she asks, shakily looking over her shoulder...

[krispos42]

19. Mac mice only have one button!

PC mice have at least two, one for the index finger (left-click button) and one for the middle finger (right-click button). Usually a scrolling wheel between them.

PC users can use the right mouse button to call up a menu. For pictures, we can right-click on it to call up the menu, then left-click (or just "click") to select "Properties" from that menue. Then a little window pops up with the information about the picture, such as size, dimentions, type of picture, and internet address. For example...



This picture is a 150x48 pixels, and is called "logowhite-150.gif"




I don't know how to do the equivilent with a Mac mouse, though. I thing you have to use the keyboard in conjuction with the mouse click.


Standard PC mouse






Standard Mac mouse




And please remember to speak clearly and into your spacebar when talking to youself... :P

[hisownpetard]

21. It's eerie, talking with someone who actually knows things.

And, quite frankly, I've never discussed my mouse with a total stranger before, either.
Some things are just too personal...

[krispos42]

26. I am a fountain of knowledge

Just don't throw pennies at me, please...

:-)

[hisownpetard]

27. Why? Do you only take dollar bills? Won't they clog up the drain?

[krispos42]

78. I prefer euros

The dollar's going down like the Hindenberg, and I'd like my retirement to be secure...

:P

[hisownpetard]

80. Good thinking, Mr. Chippendale, but why do you hate our troops?

[proud2BlibKansan]

49. You can use a 2 button mouse with a Mac

I prefer the 2 button mouse.

But if you don't have one, you just push the open apple key while you click on the mouse.

[Bongo Prophet]

52. I've used a mac for 15 years, and don't know the "open apple" key. I use cntrl click.

Or wacom pen.
Or wacom 2 button mouse, but the wrist hates meeses to pieces. (painful)


Seriously, what key do you mean? The apple/command key?
Anyway, cntrl is what works here at least.

CHaeersz, proud2Blib - you are one of my partner's feve DUers. (MMuffin)

[proud2BlibKansan]

54. Damn where's evlbstrd when I need him?

He is the Mac expert I always go to. In fact, I am in the middle of an email conversation with him about a Mac purchase I am contemplating. I will alert him to answer this question.

I am now using a Macbook with a touch pad. But yes, if I remember correctly, you use the open apple key (right next to the space bar).

Ah how sweet about MMuffin. The feeling is mutual, I assure you. :hug:

[Bongo Prophet]

59. I rarely come to the lounge, but you can p.m. either me or MM for mac help. Anytime.

Anytime evlbstrd can't help, give a shout - always glad to help.
Really, hover over the pic and hold ctrl down while clicking trackpad - voila, a contextual menu.


Ans so as not to be a thread hijacker----------------
Amerigo, that is an EXTREMELY good painting of a low res pic!
Ido pshop for a (meager) living, and know hte challenges therein.
Granted, it is a very well framed shot, and lovely subject - but the color balance and just-right-amount-of-detail - is what makes it pop.

Excellente!

[proud2BlibKansan]

64. I will probably piss evl off eventually

so thanks for the offer!

[evlbstrd]

55. proud is a good friend.

but she's a little confused. The option key with a mouse click is the way to "right click" with a one button mouse on the Mac. But you can use a two-button mouse as you would with any Windoze system. I know a lot of people that refer to the Command key as the Open Apple key. It's a holdover from the Apple II.

[proud2BlibKansan]

56. Proud is a stupid friend

I don't know why you even hang out with her. She don't know shit.

[evlbstrd]

60. But she has a huge heart.

That makes it easier to overlook all of her flaws.

[proud2BlibKansan]

66. Ah how sweet - I think

"All" her flaws? :wow:

[evlbstrd]

69. Don't worry.

You know enough of mine!

[Bongo Prophet]

63. Okay, gotcha. I did commodore back in those days - know the apple part of it, but not "open apple"

Thanks for the bit of history.
Still, on this mac and all the macs I administer, it is the ctrl that does the right mouse.
Perhaps I am mad, but I don't recall changing the system prefs on hotkeys.

Maybe it's a timezone thing! :shrug:

[proud2BlibKansan]

65. You don't call it the open apple key?

Well wtf else should you call it? Sure looks like an open apple to me :)

[Bongo Prophet]

67. Apple with a bite out of it? Eve's apple? Actually, when I am teaching someone new to macs...

I call it the Command key, because you use it to "command" the mac to cut, paste, print, etc.
The mnemonics for these are pretty easy to remember, and most make sense. :)

This really works well, I can see the light go on in their heads. As a teacher, you know that is the sign of success!

If they are PC folks, I say it is the apple's version of control key, and ctrl is the PC "alt" key.
That is MOST of what one needs to learn when migrating from Win to mac.

The "option" key does indeed give one extra options they would have.
Ex: Command i = tell your mac you want info on a highlighted file or folder.
Command + option + i =tell your mac you want info that will show you info on whatever you hilight

Ex2: Cmd + n = new folder
Cmd + option +n = new smart folder


etc etc.
The idea is to get used to the simple first, then add the "option" for more advanced key commands.

While I am in geek teacher mode:
You can open sytem prefs to the correct area by using the option key -
Ex: use the f5 function key (or fn +f5 if set up to use fn keys, say on a laptop) and it turns up the volume, right?
add option key to that, and the sys prefs panel comes up with the sound panel already selected.
Okay, this is all easier to do than describe.

Pretty slick OS - all that and unix too. ;)
Thanks for indulging me.

As a bonus, I can respond and kick this great artwork thread at the same time.

[proud2BlibKansan]

71. Wow you just taught me a few new things!

Pretty cool.

I am going to buy my kids laptops for Christmas. Way too much money but I can't bring myself to go cheap and buy them PCs.

Here is the one I am considering:

http://techrestore.com/xcart/product.php?productid=17414&cat=253&page=1

This is the same price but a slower processor:

http://techrestore.com/xcart/product.php?productid=17403&cat=253&page=1

[Bongo Prophet]

72. Definitely go with the faster one - it has 80gig drive rather than 60 as well.

Also, 512 is way too little RAM -(1 gig MINIMUM, more is better)
Annnd no wireless, and 10.3 os (panther) but these may not be a problem, or unwanted for some reason.

If you added Tiger, airport and RAM, that would hurt the budget by 150-200. Ouch.
BUT
consider waranty and other things, like the built in cam in a refurb macbook.


A quick trip to the apple store "deals" section reveal a pretty good comparative:
White macbook for $899.
For $100 more than the powerbook, you get a MUCH faster machine, 1 gig RAM, built in cam, Leopard (and the newer iLife stuff), 1 yr warranty.
The smaller 13 screen, but young eyes won't mind I'd bet. (1280 x 800 rez)
Plus, you have an EDU discount, though it may not matter on refurbs.

I would advise you to consider it - that is a LOT of extra oomph for 100 bux extra!

Sorry for sounding like a salesman, esp right after being all pedantic and stuff. ;)
No, I don't work for them. Yes, I do advise people on these things.
Sometimes I advise them to get a vista laptop, (17" HP for $699? Pretty tempting!)
My sister is looking for something this xmas, so trying to stay current.

Check it out (link at bottom.)
---------------------
Apple Certified Refurbished MacBook

Refurbished MacBook 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - White
13.3-inch glossy widescreen display
1GB memory
80GB hard drive
Combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW)
Built-in iSight camera

• Save 19% off the original price
Original price: $1,099.00
Your price: $899.00
Estimated Ship:
5-7 business days
Free Shipping

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=44BD9AA1&nclm=CertifiedMac

[proud2BlibKansan]

74. They need the 15" screen

They are musicians and want the bigger screens. I have a 13" and they say it's too small.

We have to buy the airport cards now. So I am thinking on waiting to upgrade the memory.

[Bongo Prophet]

75. Ahh. Understood. Then the faster g4 will run pre-universal apps really nicely.

Yes, when running multi-track audio or final cut, every damn pixel is gold.
(and many audio plugins are still ppc, including many free ones)

Good choice, then.
These are lucky kids to have such a cool mom! :thumbsup:

[proud2BlibKansan]

77. I'm not that cool

It's a bribe to make them go back to school. They are both in their 20s and need to get on with college and LIFE. Their mom is nervous :)

[evlbstrd]

68. You're not nuts.

At least as far as I know. You're right about the control key. Command/Open Apple is used more for menu commands.

[Bongo Prophet]

73. That is good to know, though all the evidence is not yet in....

:smoke:

[milord]

10. This beautiful and amazing DUer...

This beautiful and amazing DUer is easy to identify. She's my beautiful and amazing sister! What a nice surprise. Thank you, Amerigo.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

11. You're welcome...

...it truly has been a joy meeting and chatting with your sister.

:hi:

[huskerlaw]

12. I don't know who it is...

but she certainly has an amazing smile. And she just looks like she'd be a fabulous person to have a cup of coffee with.

Also, great photoshop, Amerigo!

[hisownpetard]

57. Well, let's have a cup of coffee together, next time I come to LA to visit my son!

Whaddya say?


:hi:

[hisownpetard]

16. Hey! This one sank like a plumbline from the Empire State Bldg.! Although I truly appreciate

your great Photoshopping skills and your very kind comments, I thought I'd step in and admit
that it's only me, seen through the eyes of a very nice DU'er.

Being as computer-illiterate as I am, I've never known how to post any pictures to DU, so I thought
it might a good idea when you asked to post it. Had I known the glowing terms you were gonna use to
describe me, I would've thought, "Who, me?? Naaaaah."

Anyway, thanks! It's very sweet of you - and it even brought my big brother ('milord') out of the woodwork!

[billyskank]

22. Now we need to see an unphotoshopped picture.

[hisownpetard]

23. OK, I'll ask Amerigo Vespucci, and I think that's only fair!

[hisownpetard]

24. delete - dupe

[Amerigo Vespucci]

33. Here's the original H.O.P. sent me...

...just like I said, a beautiful woman from the inside out.

[Richard Steele]

43. Yeah, she's awful purty, intshee? it's a FACT! nm

[hisownpetard]

70. Well, thank ya kindly, Mister! Shore do appreciate that!!

:hi:

[RetroLounge]

47. I know her!

She's a hell of a poet!

:loveya:

RL

[hisownpetard]

58. Coming from you, that's a great compliment!

Thanks.
:hi: :loveya: :hi:

[krispos42]

79. I had no idea I was telling such a good-looking lady about computer mice!

:-)

[hisownpetard]

81. And I have Rodentiaphobia, so any discussion about m--- is painful, to being with!

[hisownpetard]

28. Apparently, Amerigo has stepped away from his machine - putting the lie to the nasty rumor

that DU'ers have no life! Apparently, some of us actually do leave our domiciles,
occasionally.

However, I'm sure that when he returns, he'll comply with your request.:hi:

[billyskank]

30. You are too kind.

:hug:

[hisownpetard]

31. It's easy to be kind when he's doing all the work!

:dunce:

[Amerigo Vespucci]

39. No, it's not work, it's an honor

Artists need inspiration and any artist not inspired by you isn't an artist.

:toast:

[hisownpetard]

41. Awww, shucks!

:blush: :blush: :blush:

[Amerigo Vespucci]

34. HEY! Here's a chill pill! I'm right HERE! (You talkin' to ME????)

:evilgrin:

[lizziegrace]

46. Wow...

:wow:


:hug:


Photoshop is cool but you've got to start with great material. :)

[hisownpetard]

82. How nice! Thanks for that.

:loveya: :hi:

[NV Whino]

17. Great PhotoShop job

and great subject.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

38. Thanks...I am sure she's already anticipated my request for MORE PHOTOS...

...haven't you, HUHOP?

:hi:

[hisownpetard]

42. Do you remember how long it took me to send you that ONE, with you telling me, "o.k., so now you

move the cursor 3 " to the left, and then you..."

I am hopeless, and the most pitiful of all pitifuls...

[Amerigo Vespucci]

44. And gorgeous. You left out "gorgeous."

[billyskank]

18. She is beautiful.

But I don't know who it is. :(

[hisownpetard]

20. Read Post#16, please!

[hisownpetard]

61. It's me. Thanks for the compliments! You are more than kind.

:hi:

[hisownpetard]

25. Dear Amer-Vesp: billyskank would like to see the original photo. Could you please

oblige?

(I'd do it myself, if I knew how. When I grow up, I'm gonna learn how to use my computer. Really, I am).

[flvegan]

29. And so the hell do I!

Any of you in a bikini laying around?

[hisownpetard]

32. Yeah, but I was only 18 months old.

[MrCoffee]

35. check your pm

my bikini pic is on the way.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

37. Four little words:

"I...SAW...HER...FIRST..."



:evilgrin:

[Amerigo Vespucci]

36. I made it SO, number one...JEEZ.

:evilgrin:

[Guava Jelly]

40. I like it!!

:hi: And I met her tonight. Seems really nice.

[GOPisEvil]

45. Wow! Nice!

H.O.P. is a pretty woman, and you did a nice job photoshopping.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

50. Thanks very much....

:hi:

[Rob H.]

48. One word: Wow!

Great pictures. :)

[Amerigo Vespucci]

51. Thanks Rob...

...I said "WOW!" when i received the first one. That's how the second one happened.

:toast:

[Capn Sunshine]

53. Very sweet pic

and yet another glimpse into the behind-the scenes machinations and ruminations and palpitations that make the lounge seem like stage scenery , when the real show is actually backstage.

No wonder everyone wants to be one of the kewl kids. :hi:

[Robeson]

76. Certainly has a neo-Warhol quailty to it....

...nicely done...:thumbsup: