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Cyborg
A cyborg is a cybernetic organism (i.e., an organism that has both artificial and natural systems). The term was coined in 1960 when Manfred Clynes and Nathan Kline used it in an article about the advantages of self-regulating human-machine systems in outer space. D. S. Halacy's Cyborg: Evolution of the Superman in 1965 featured an introduction by Manfred Clynes, who wrote of a "new frontier" that was "not merely space, but more profoundly the relationship between 'inner space' to 'outer space' -a bridge...between mind and matter." The cyborg is often seen today merely as an organism that has enhanced abilities due to technology,[3] but this perhaps oversimplifies the category of feedback.
Fictional cyborgs are portrayed as a synthesis of organic and synthetic parts, and frequently pose the question of difference between human and machine as one concerned with morality, free will, and empathy. Fictional cyborgs may be represented as visibly mechanical (e.g. the Borg in the Star Trek franchise or Amber from the game Project Eden); or as almost indistinguishable from humans (e.g. the "Human" Cylons from the re-imagining of Battlestar Galactica). The 1970s television series the Six Million Dollar Man featured one of the most famous fictional cyborgs. Cyborgs in fiction often play up a human contempt for over-dependence on technology, particularly when used for war, and when used in ways that seem to threaten free will. Cyborgs are also often portrayed with physical or mental abilities far exceeding a human counterpart (military forms may have inbuilt weapons, among other things).
Real (as opposed to fictional) cyborgs are more frequently people who use cybernetic technology to repair or overcome the physical and mental constraints of their bodies. While cyborgs are commonly thought of as mammals, they can be any kind of organism.
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Uploaded on Jun 15, 2009
Figurines
A figurine (a diminutive form of the word figure) is a statuette that represents a human, deity, or animal. Figurines may be realistic or iconic, depending on the skill and intention of the creator. The earliest were made of stone or clay. Modern versions are made of ceramic, metal, glass, wood and plastic.
Figurines and miniatures are sometimes used in board games, such as chess, and tabletop role playing games. Figures with movable parts, allowing limbs to be posed, are more likely to be called dolls, mannequins, or action figures; or robots or automata, if they can move on their own.
Old figurines have been used to discount some historical theories, such as the origins of chess.
Porcelain is considered the finest of materials for figurines and other ceramics. There are many early examples from China where it originated, which drove the experimentation in Europe to replicate the process. The first European porcelain figurines, produced in a process mastered in Germany were known as Meissen ware after the city where it began. Soon the technique was copied in other cities, such as the one depicted to the right from Dresden.
Genre figurines of gallant scenes, beggars or figurines of saints are carved from pinewood in Val Gardena, Bolzano-Bozen (Italy), since the 17th century.
The terms inaction figures (originally used to describe Kevin Smith's View Askew figurines) and staction figures (a portmanteau of statue and action figures coined by Four Horsemen artists to describe Masters of the Universe figures) have been used to refer to figurines of comic book or sci-fi/fantasy characters without movable parts.
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Uploaded on Jun 1, 2009
Postcards
A postcard or post card is a rectangular piece of thick paper or thin cardboard intended for writing and mailing without an envelope and at a lower rate than a letter. Stamp collectors distinguish between postcards (which require a stamp) and postal cards (which have the postage pre-printed on them). While a postcard is usually printed by a private company, individual or organization, a postal card is issued by the relevant postal authority. The United States Postal Service defines a postcard as: rectangular, at least 3-½ inches high x 5 inches long x .007 inch thick and no more than 4-¼ inches high x 6 inches long x .016 inches thick;[1] (in metric; 12.7 cm x 8.9 cm) however, some postcards have deviated from this (for example, shaped postcards).
The study and collecting of postcards is termed deltiology.
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Uploaded on Jun 1, 2009
Colours
"Colours" is a study on positioning, lighting and color. This photo was taken in almost complete darkness against a vibrant blue painted wall. The ceramic frog and felt angel were placed 7-10 inches apart to give an interesting depth of field. I set the center of focus on the angels hand which put the ceramic frog in the background out of focus. It made for an extremely sharp angel and gave this shot a seemingly larger depth of field.
As far as the color goes, compliments can be seen between the green and red. The blue background really makes the figures pop and this was taken in a low lighting condition to knock down the lens flare on the ceramic frog. I shot this photo with a Nikon D60 and a Nikkor 50mm f1.4 mf lens from about 3 feet away.
I really liked how this one turned out. Feel free to send forth your comments and your suggestions. I look forward to them.
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Uploaded on Jun 1, 2009
