Computer Interests

[Ray]

I thought it might be interesting to ask what we all use our computers for,... other than the obligatory net surfing.

What interests do you have. My main interest is in Genealogy (my family tree) and I have nearly 18,000 people in the tree belonging to my family including my wife's family and those of my children's spouses. I suppose this really makes it my Grand children's tree.

Other than that I am interested in photography and have a nice selection of programs for manipulating, repairing and printing photos. I also have an interest in CAD (Computer Aided Drawing)which is a hang over from my employment, I use this in conjunction with my Family tree to prepare accurate maps showing where my ancestors lived, this in turn has led to me acquiring quite a large collection of maps and mapping programs.


This is an example map of Jamestown, and it is still a work in progress. It is my own work, and as such is free of any copyright limitations, the magenta blocks are Cadastral boundaries traced off fencelines etc., from aerial photography, so it is accurate and to scale. Within the CAD program it may be enlarged or condensed to any degree and eventually it will show all buildings and notable surface features. It is an on going program of mine and proceeds in "fits and starts" as it is time intensive and hard on the eyes for any length of time.

I have an interest in software generally, always on the lookout for new programs that I may be able to use for other interests.

What are your computer interests. Do you have any favourite web sites that you visit a lot?

[adminer]

The Jamestown map looks fantastic Ray....and complicated. Have you thought about doing it with a Google Earth underlay (you've probably done that already to get such stunning accuracy?)

I like to build stuff in Adobe Flash, sketch in pastels, paint in oils (preferably portraits), sculpt in clay and throw pots on my wheel (when I can get to it as my garage is full of junk ATM).  Other than that I like riding my Harley 

&OK I'm off topic - My computer is a way to talk about my interests with others 

Here's one on my old life drawings:

[Ray]

Obviously there is strong artistic streak in your heritage, I have seen some of CW's work and I must say that I was amazed at her talent. Unfortunately I have absolutely no ability in this field whatsoever, but it does not stop my appreciation of the work of others. My tastes are somewhat "pedestrian", and I have strong likes and dislikes regarding "art". (I can't stand "painters drop sheets" being framed and auctioned as "art".

My map was traced off a pair of mapping grade aerial photographs borrowed from a mate who uses them for his work. I scanned them at 600 dpi and stitched them together. The photos were several years old, so I've had to update the drawing by using a GPS to locate new roads, some cadastral boundaries were filched off older maps that i've been able to locate. I haven't done anything to it for months now, but the mood will take me one day and I'll start on the buildings.

Most of my other interests are transitory, as I have a short attention span for things that don't keep me challenged or constantly interested. Things like spreadsheets and to a larger degree databases intrigue me and I am constantly looking at new ways of employing then to aid me in my other interests. I'm not good, but I'm keen and I enjoy it.

Had I have been born 20 years later I feel that I would have ended up a typical "Geek". From the moment my daughter booted up the first computer I bought her, I knew I was hooked. My interest has never diminished. I've never been able to get interested in Games and just "surfing". When I go on the 'Net I'm usually looking for something to do with whatever my current interest is, and I'm never happier than when I'm just piddling about with computers. I have a "round" of local Oldies that I help one way or another with their 'putas, usually setting them up for the internet and teaching basics about emailing and using programs like MS Word. several times a week I get asked to solve small problems and otherwise just answer odd questions, it's great to see the Senior citizens getting the most out of their computers.

[utegirl70]

Wow, excellent work both of you two.
I'm afraid I don't have anything near as artistic as that going for me.. I mean, I did excell at Art in school, but it's been years since I picked up a pencil to draw anything.

While only relatively new to the internets, (2004) I mainly just keep up with family and friends via email and now on Facebook. I used to use MSN a lot, but have to say I haven't used that in around 6 months.
Like Ray, I too am interested in photography and did have a photo blog running for a while. I really need to get myself a half decent camera before I take that hobby up again.

My other main interest when first used to surf the net, was Utes. Joined a ute forum and got to make some really good friendships while meeting up with people from all over Australia at Ute musters etc.

Not so much into that now, though I will always be a Ute chick. 

And now, since I discovered I have inherited a blood disorder, I'm into researching all that entails that subject, and all the complications that arise from that! Fun!

Oh, plus I seem to spend a lot of time here. 

[adminer]

Wow - I'm so sorry to hear about your unwanted inheritance. I hope you can find the answers you're after on the internet.

I too love surfing the net - mainly keeping up with what's going on in the world through the news channels. Apart from that I like maintaining a link with a town that's very dear to my heart (Jamestown) through Jamestown Events - that's the main reason I put it up in the first place. My family have had a continuous presence in Jamestown since the 1870's so I feel the place is very much a part of me!

The art was when I was studying at Adelaide Central School of Art - it's hard to get naked girls to pose for me these days 

[utegirl70]

The art was when I was studying at Adelaide Central School of Art - it's hard to get naked girls to pose for me these days 

Heh, don't look at me!!! 

[adminer]

Heh, don't look at me!!! 

Why Not! LOL 

[Ray]

Here's a more extreme version of my photography efforts on the 'puta. It can't really be appreciated here as we do not have a panoramic viewer. It is a series of 15 photos of Jamestown made into a 4 metre long panorama. I also have the software to allow me to print it onto A4 paper with an overlap so that it may be glued together again.



The program I use to make the panoramas is MGI Photovista it does an exceptional job of re-rendering the colour so that the joins are undetectable in all but the very worst cases. The photo above is not a good example as it was cloudy and the shadows would move between shots.

[utegirl70]

Oh, Ray... that is beautiful!!!

I would so love to have something like that.. framed on my wall. Yep. That would look so good in our new home.


A winter panoramic would be lovely too.

[Ray]

I'll have a look at the software and tell you the exact measurements.  I think that you would find framing to be very expensive, you couldn't use glass in it. It would be too fragile as the picture is too long for it's width. I don't know if there is some plastic product available.

The actual size if printed(A4 Landscape) is 192mm x 3.035 Mtrs or if you are an old timer 7.5" x 10ft 1"

[utegirl70]

You know, you could make a nice sideline selling these kind of photo's. Especially to the locals!!

The Steve Parish of Jamestown!

[Ray]

I have one of another view of the town just printed on plain paper on display at the Local History Museum, it was printed for Ron Wenham to have a look at. Before i knew what had happened the President had pinned it on a display board. I did that about 4 months ago and considering that its only low definition, on plain paper with no protection from the dust and greasy fingers, it's still looking pretty good. Being taken in good light helps too, just look at that priceless Jamestown sky, it has not been re-touched.

It's only 5 or 6 feet long.



And here's something you won't have seen. Our rapidly growing Industrial area, on the Northern outskirts of the town.


The long white object at the right hand side behind the shipping container is one of the blades off the wind turbines from Hallett wind farm.

[utegirl70]

 

Am loving that melding of rich red earth, and the faded blue sky..with a touch of puffy white cloud... *sigh*

[Ray]

You always were an old softie.

Every time I see those clouds I hear "The Simpsons" theme music.

[utegirl70]

And here's something you won't have seen. Our rapidly growing Industrial area, on the Northern outskirts of the town.


The long white object at the right hand side behind the shipping container is one of the blades off the wind turbines from Hallett wind farm.

Zomg!

That is amazing... I remember going riding along there..and there wasn't a great deal to look at back then.

I'd love to go see those wind turbines..they always fascinate me.