overseer

No other (pop culture) phenomenon has influenced my life as much as Star Trek has; from interests, to personal life, to work, and personal views.

It is also safe to say that the world wouldn't be the same without it, the progress it has caused in so many ways, and the amount of people of all walks of life it has inspired. Even NASA's space program got a huge boost in the 1960s and onward because of it.

The most important thing to consider, and keep in mind, because it is still as current and important as ever, is that our world, the universe, and existence itself as a whole, truly is an...

Infinite Diversity In Infinite Combinations.

Since there is no way I could have come up with something better, I will dedicate the following piece to this very special day:


Let's keep on boldly going, and hopefully, one day soon, someone will be writing their first message from a habitat on Luna or Mars.

You will need Adobe Photoshop to use these.

System Requirements & Compatibility

Windows:

• Vista, 7, 8 (I would certainly try it on 10. If Photoshop works, these should, too).
  
• Adobe Photoshop: CS4 through CC 2015
  
• Adobe Photoshop Elements: 9 through 13 (apart from HDR Efex Pro 2, which is not compatible with Photoshop Elements)
  
• Adobe Lightroom: 3 through 6/CC
  

Mac:

• OS X 10.7 through 10.10
  
• Adobe Photoshop: CS4 (CS5 for HDR Efex Pro 2) through CC 2015
  
• Adobe Photoshop Elements: 9 through 13 (apart from HDR Efex Pro 2, which is not compatible with Photoshop Elements)
  
• Adobe Lightroom: 3 through 6/CC
  
• Apple Aperture: 3.1 or later
  

If you have recently (2016) bought it (and it came with a $150 price tag), you will get a refund (more information here). If you have never used these, you are missing out. If you're like me and have an older version, this is the time to upgrade! As per the latest news, these will be free indefinitely.

Get your free copy here (430 MB):
www.google.com/nikcollection

Simply run the installer, choose the correct option (close Photoshop first). That's it.

If you don't know what these are, they are filter add-ons for Photoshop, that offer some really superior image correction and enhancement features, whether it's for digital works, or photography. 32-bit and 64-bit available.

Enjoy!

I usually don't like to advertise, but in this case, it's worth it. I'm not sure how many of you are aware of Star Trek: Axanar, but I'm sure you've seen artworks floating around; created by the very talented people that are actively involved in the project.

Since CBS owns the rights to Star Trek, there has been an going controversy about Axanar's future due to a potential lawsuit. One of the reasons for the lawsuit is the very professional production value of Axanar, including some well known Star Trek actors in the cast. Below you can help spread the word, and sign a petition to let CBS know, that fans stand behind Axanar and want it to happen and move forward. I certainly do.

Sign the peititon here

Would you like to know more?

Axanar Productions  •   Prelude to Axanar

#IStandWithAxanar

"Hello, I’m so happy you could join me today!"

I just saw something that evidently passed me by for a month! So, for everyone watching me in the same boat, it looks like 70 episodes of Bob Ross’ “The Joy of Painting” have been made available for free on his own YouTube channel:

 www.openculture.com/2015/12/70…

Here is the playlist:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=kasGRk…

Those are not ordered by season, but random episodes over the years (1983 to 1994), including the very first episode ever:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh5p5f…

Or, alternatively, the entire first season:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh5p5f…

 Or well, all the playlist on Bob Ross’ channel:

www.youtube.com/user/BobRossIn…

 

Enjoy!

My journal seems to be about depressing news, but then that's a sign of our times I guess.

Another great actor, who in recent years became known also to the younger generation as Saruman the White in the Lord of the Rings movies, as well as Count Dooku in the latest Star Wars installments. He was truly one of those that paved the way for movies the way they are today, and he was one of those who could really make Count Dracula come to life.

I have to agree with Scott Weinberg of Rottentomatoes.com who stated, "Do you have kids? They know who Christopher Lee is. Are your grandparents still around? So do they. That's amazing. Such a cool guy too." He had a career spanning generations and although his legacy will live on, I very much doubt that many today will have such a distinguished career. Since he was married for 53 years, I can even agree with what he once said his secret was, "Marry someone wonderful."

What strikes me most of these classic screen actors is that they commanded a quiet respect, no scandals, no bad press. They live and lived their lives dignified. That is what makes them, and made them special.

Rest in Peace Sir Christopher; may your legacy never be forgotten.