It's Been a While

Hello again to whoever is reading this. I know I have been gone for a while, but I promise it's not out of laziness. I've just been finishing up school, working random jobs in search of having a real job in the science field. So if anybody knows of any open positions in research labs, pharmaceutical companies, environmental labs, or anything pertaining to science, health or optometry, please post them up. I would greatly appreciate any help in that area. Because we all know the only way to get a good job is to know someone in the company.

Anyways, I'm back and have a lot of backed up material to share with all of you. So expect frequent posting for the next few months. As always feel free to make blog recommendations as far as what kind of material you would like to see more of. The next posting will follow along shortly. Thanks for reading!

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15 Fun Online Photo Editors and Tools

This post is for anybody and everybody who wants to turn their photos into something amazing without having to learn complex software or purchase expensive plugins. Welcome to the world of Online photo editing.

For anybody who takes pictures, it is necessary and fun to do some editing. The best way to do this is to have some form of editing software, but sometimes using the software can be frustrating and not all that fun. In the last post, I covered 15 Free and useful software apps for anyone with a creative side. Today, I have compiled another great list of 15 which consists of online photo editors. There are 3 main benefits to using online editors:

1) Conveniently available on the internet and can be accessed from anywhere.

2) Does not drain your computer processing power or memory.

3) Very easy to use and usually provides one click effects and edits.

You will find the list below, and as usual I have included a short description for each site and examples. These sort of sites are not exactly meant for serious photographers like myself, but I will admit that they can be very fun. Some are for fun, but some can be used for serious editing. I have personally tried each one of these sites which is why I have included them. Have fun, and as always let me know your thoughts.

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1) Aviary - This is one of those serious editors I mentioned. This is your online adobe suite all on one site. There are 5 tools on the site including Image editor, image markup, effects editor, swatch editor, and a Vector editor. Just look at what you can do.

2) Dumpr.net - Fun and creative effects. Most are free. They offer a membership for the rest. greedy site owners :( . Still just fun to mess with.

3) FaceInHole.com - This is easily one of my personal favorites. for obvious reasons. Prepare to spend many fun hours on this site. Placing anybody's face in hundreds of different situations. If you don't see one you like, then you can create your own. Not only that, but you can order it on a t-shirt if you like. BTW the picture here is taken from my modeling career. Do not hesitate to call ladies. ;) lol.

4) Funny.Pho.To - Another very fun site with more of a variety of effects including framing, magazine covers, and face transplants.

5) Funphotobox.com - You guessed it, more effects and fun stuff. This site include some fun gif animations as well.

6) HairMixer.com - Do you want to see what you look like with a new hairstyle, or just want to make someone look really freaky. well here you go. the picture says it all.

7) InStyle Makeover : This one is for the ladies who want to see what they look like with celebrity hair and/or makeup. Automatically adjusts to your picture with tons of celebs to choose from. There is even an option to make over your man. (I hope my Girlfriend isn't reading this)

8) Photo505.com : More one click effects, but this site claims to have a new effect added every day. that could add up to a lot of effects.

9) Photofunia.com : more effects with plenty of animations as well.

10) Picartia.com : Use all of your photos to create a huge image mosaic. Always a fun project.

11) Pixlr.com : Advanced online photo editing using layers and custom brushes. Really gets the job done for an online tool.

12) Pizap.com : Let's just say this is a different level of fun.

13) Splashup.com : Another serious photoshop-like editor that offers pixel-level control.

14) SumoPaint.com : This one is really meant for people who like to draw and paint. Plus it edits photos with layers.

15) WriteOnIt.org : This site is mainly for creating your own magazine covers with your custom captions.

So that's it! Don't blame me if you find yourself spending hours on these sites. They are fun.

15 Free Apps for Photographers, Designers, and Artists

Software Development is at a point where for every Commercial Application, there seems to be someone who develops a free similar product. Which basically means there is no need to pay out tons of money to get some useful software. I have compiled here, a collection of 15 amazing apps that are absolutely free. These will be useful for Photographers, Designers, and Animators. As you go through the list you will wonder how some of these are offered for free.

I know some software developers and I know that there are years of work put into some of these. Just imagine spending years of time developing something then just giving it away. There are descriptions for each app along with samples when possible. I can't say it enough, but some of these are just WOW! You can thank me by getting a friend to subscribe to the blog. Thanks for reading and I look forward to your comments.

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For Photographers:

1)GimpShop : (Mac + Win) Maybe you have heard of the popular alternative for Photoshop, Gimp. Well this is a remake of the software in order to resemble the layout of Photoshop. This program can do everything that Photoshop can. Everything. It will make you say "I can't believe it's not Photoshop".

2)Adobe Kuler : (AIR based, Universal) A Great tool to simplify the world of colors. Use it to create color swatches by selecting your own colors or let the software generate its own color theme from an image. This is the kind of simple software that can save you hours of time.

3)Name Changer: I hate having to change the file names of photo sets one by one. This will let you select a batch of files and change all of the names at once and puts them in sequence. Just wonderful.

4)Shape Collage: (Mac + Win) Mostly for fun, but can inspire ideas. Use chosen photos to create a photo collage in any shape or arrangement you want.

5) PosteRazor: (Mac + Win) When you want to print out a picture in poster size, but don't have large paper or don't want to pay for a print. This will automatically split up your image into separate pages of chosen paper size and save it as a PDF file. Then you can print it and place the pages together.

6)TiltViewer: (Universal) Gives a very unique interface for your photo portfolio or album. To see a nice example, click HERE.

For Designers:

7) DrawBerry: (Mac) Create Vector based images in this fully loaded app. Simpler than using Adobe Illustrator.

8)Sweet Home 3D: (Mac + Win) An interior designers best friend. Use it to create top view layouts and then view it in awesome 3D.

9)Lego Digital Designer: (Mac + Win) Every Lego brick at your fingertips. Use it to create 3D models with lego bricks and then have the option of ordering the actual pieces in a kit to build the real thing.

For Animators:

10) Blender : (Mac + Win) Can you say "No way this is Free!" Very Powerful app for 3D Design and Animation. Even if you don't animate, you will definitely want to check this out.

11) Daz 3D studio: (Mac + Win) This goes Beyond animation. You can create amazing portraits like in a virtual photo studio. Has tons of free model downloads so you can use it just like a model. A Must Download for the sake of creativity.

12) Scratch: (Mac + Win) Developed by the genius people at MIT, a great app which can help you create simple animations and games. It is idiot proof, so even I can make my own game.

13) Flaex: (Mac) Takes Flash files and picks it apart. Saves all of the sounds, images, frames individually. Very useful.

For the Rest of you:

14) SketchBox: (Mac) You can make layered sticky-notes with text and drawings. good for quick notes and ideas.

15) Top Draw: (Mac) Use you JavaScript language to produce images at random. It can make some great looking original, abstract, images.

Don't Forget to Comment...

The Best Free Software of 2009

I am always on the lookout for free stuff and when I find it I always like to share. In this case I am referring to free software. After spending so much money on my computer and monthly internet fees, I may as well put some use to the bandwidth and download like there's no tomorrow. PCmag.com has recently listed 173 of the best free software of 2009 and here I will share with you my favorites . Why pay for Microsoft office when you can get something just as useful for nothing. My favorites are listed by category below.

If you are looking for software to download for free rather than free software, then there is a helpful link at the bottom of the post. (i.e. photoshop, office, corel paint...) I do not condone illegal software downloads, but I also am not a big fan of corporations either. As a disclaimer I will say that if you really use the software consistently, then consider purchasing.

Anyways, on to the list of Absolutely free and legal software. If you know of free software not listed here, please post a link in the comments. Enjoy.

This Has Been your find from the Search Whiz. Make Sure to Sign up for the blog and follow me on twitter. Trust me I do not disappoint!

Full list of 173 titles : PCmag.com

App Launchers

Circle Dock : (Windows) Places all of your desktop icons arranged in a circle. neat little app.

Quicksilver : (Mac) creates a desktop workflow.

Audio/Music

Mojo (Win/Mac) : Allows you to connect directly to your friends music library and download audio files onto your computer.

Wavepad Sound Editor (Win/Mac/PPC/Linux) : Recording software with plenty of effects plugins. You can even install a Pocket PC version and edit on your phone.

Backup (Win/Mac)

Mozy: this is an online backup system for free. (up to 2 GB). Better than an external HD. uploads discreetly in the background.

Blogging

ScribeFire (Win/Mac/Linux) : Firefox plugin that makes blog posting very simple.

Browsers

Camino (Mac): It's like firefox with more of a Mac style.

Calendar/PIMS

Communications/Email

Conferencing

DabbleBoard : (Web) Use it while conferencing as a virtual whiteboard.

File Sharing/Download

DownloadThemAll : A firefox plugin manages multiple downloads at once.

File Viewer/Converters

Finance

Fun/Home

Geni : (Web) Allows you to create your complete family tree online. really cool.

Springpad : (web) like an online notebook with ability to add pictures and maps. and then you can share with others.

Graphics

Artweaver : (Win) Like a free version of Corel painter.

FlauntR : (Web) online photo editor made for all the social network sites.

Gimp : Probably the best free alternative for Photoshop

Pencil : (Win/Mac/Linux) Wonderful free software for starting in animation.

Instant Messengers

Interface Enhancers

Local Search

Office

Buzzword (web): An online word processor

Google Doc (web) : googles online office suite

Open Office (Win/Mac/linux) : A Full Office Suite. very awesome.

Operating Systems

Networking

Air Raider: (Mac) Great wi-fi utility for Mac. very versatile

RSS Readers

Synchronization

Video

Cam Studio: Screen Video Capture

HandBrake: DVD backup software

As For the Source For free Software. Stay away from file-sharing programs because these files are usually bugged. Instead try TehParadox . You will find anything you're looking for. It Surely does not disappoint.

Thanks For Reading. Feel Free to Share.

The Top 10 Most Hilarious Infomercials

Are you ready to laugh hysterically? Good, because that's what this post is all about. I have compiled here a collection of the funniest infomercials ever made. What really makes them funny is the ridiculous product which is being offered in each one. For some of the ones listed here, I truly wonder just how many were sold. I wish I knew because I'm sure those sale numbers are just as funny as the products themselves. So enjoy, but make sure not to watch them all at once or else you may experience over-laughing. As always let me know your thoughts.

Remember! These are all actual products that are actually being sold. Just a Reminder because some are hard to believe. Carry on.

I have no words for this one!

If Only I were an orange fuzzy bear. The fun I would have

This will you give you the shake you've always wanted.

Weight Loss Laziness began a long time ago...

Because people will NOT stare at you when you wear this. seriously. come on.

I only wish this was a required piece of furniture in every cubicle.

And to think that people actually intentionally came up with this name.

Really? REAAALLY? That's all my mind says when I watch this

It's also useful just incase you decide to become a serial killer. what a value

I told you it was painful to watch

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Building your Website

Recently I have been looking into making my photography website, so I constantly search around to check my options. Most photographers out there have those really slick sites made with flash animation. At this point, as a photographer, you have to have a nice site. There are a few options out there:

1) Hire a web designer to create a unique site for you and then sit back and enjoy.

This is by far your best option, but it is the most costly way to do it. Generally getting a site professionally designed can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over 30,000. Your best bet is to search on sites for freelancers.

I recommend - Elance.com A database of qualified freelancers in many fields

Craigslist.org This is a more budget friendly source to find cheaper help

2) Learn the skills and do it yourself.

This option basically depends on your patience and time. If you have some skills and want to build on them, then it can be worthwhile to take this route. Not only will you save money, but you will add to your arsenal of digital skills. There are plenty of resources online to help you learn.

3) Take the simple route and use a website builder.

Most web hosting services also offer a free website designer program to get you started. This is the cheapest and least exhausting way to go. The site posted here is just amazing.

Free Website Design - Wix.com This is one of my recent online discoveries and was sent from above. It allows you to build a website using a simple drag and drop method. They have a bunch of themes that can be altered and also have flash based sites. If you choose to use the free account, then the site will have a simple banner along the bottom advertising wix.com. really not a big deal. If you upgrade (and pay them) the ads are gone and you can use a personal domain. They take care of the hosting. This is one site I guarantee will become popular.

This is also how I created my header for the blog. just thought it was fun.

These were just a few steps to help get you thinking. comment below for any questions. thanks for reading.

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Twitter Tools

Since I have been spending so much time on twitter lately, just thought I would share a small list of free tools online that make using twitter a bit less crazy. At first I really didn't find twitter all too amazing, but once you follow the right people it gets almost addictive. So make sure to follow my twitter by clicking on the sidebar or search @WhizSearch. I'll be waiting Tweeple.

Mac Tools

Twitterrific – Pretty much does everything on twitter. just in a smaller form.

TwitterPost – easily post your tweets and display your current itunes track

Twitgit – Simple read and respond twitter app.

TweetAhead – widget to schedule tweets

Twitterlex – Widget to show your friends latest tweets

Twidget – allows you to update your twitter status.

TikiTwit – Matches your iChat status to your last tweet. not really sure why that's important.

Cross-platform Apps, Widgets and Plugins

Tweetr – apart from normal tweeting, you can upload files and shorten urls.

Spaz – twitter app with url shortener and sounds

Tweeter – can upload images and has a full screen display feature.

Twinja – Very versatile app allows for many different functions and multiple accounts

Let me know if you want me to post more stuff like this. Just vote below the post or comment. Thanks!

This Has Been your find from the Search Whiz. Make Sure to Sign up for the blog and follow me on twitter. Trust me I do not disappoint!

Watches used to tell time

As time becomes more precious, the more reason there is to love watches. I like cool watches as most guys do. I never understood why there is that fascination with watches. I mean it's just this thing on your wrist that tells the time. In certain watches I appreciate the craftsmanship like the Swiss mechanism or great engineering. But most of the time I like watches when they look freaking awesome. I see them in the glass case and I want it. But then I try it on and it usually is too big for my wrist or just looks very strange. I came across this online watch store and I can't get enough. Watchismo.com has all the brands and high res. photos. I will post up a few of my favorites below. I personally like the modern styles that aren't actually functional, but they look interesting. Because after all I have my cell phone to tell me the time. Duh!

Get your friends to sign up to the blog !! You dont want all this good stuff to go to waste.

This Has Been your find from the Search Whiz. Make Sure to Sign up for the blog and follow me on twitter. Trust me I do not disappoint!

A Constant Reminder

For The Complicated Person: What were they thinking

a Watch made for a robot?

The Eternal Moonwalk

I have been seeing a ton of different Michael Jackson memorials popping up on the internet, but most of them aren't very good and pretty much suck. Todays site has to be THE coolest Michael Jackson tribute that could ever be. EternalMoonwalk.com is a site where thousands of people have uploaded a video of themselves doing the moonwalk from right to left thus continuing into the next video. You'll see what I mean when you check it out. While I will admit that most of the videos aren't the best "moonwalks", but they will still put a smile on your face. Just incase you wanted to upload your own, I have posted a video tutorial from youtube on how to do a moonwalk. So have fun and keep the dance going.

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Alternative Uses For Household Items

In times like these, you want to make the most of everything. So today I have the perfect site to put that concept into use. AltUse.com is a site completely dedicated to showing you all the different uses that typical household items can have. It is categorized by products and also by uses so everything is easy to find. From Aspirin to Vinegar, they all have uses that you would not imagine. I never knew that using instant mashed potato mix could be used as a rat repellant. Or that adding vodka to your shampoo will increase the shine in your hair. Really interesting site worth checking out.

Hopefully, you might save a few bucks from what you can learn on this site. All I can say is that the thought of using products for something other than the intended use just reminds me of the father from the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" . Lol

This has been your alternative find from the Search whiz. Sign up for the blog to find more awesome stuff. please comment. I'm soooooo lonely in here.