do more with your DSLR

there's nothing more annoying than bad lighting in a photo, well probably a blurry photo, but lighting is pretty crucial. if you own a dslr and take photos that aren't using the available light properly, you should be ashamed of yourself and give up your camera. until recently, i just assumed the auto settings would be able to do all the work, but i'm slowly getting the hang of and enjoying finding the right settings myself. i'm no pro, but it gets easier and this video was helpful, and amusing... if you're into dorky humor. i guess i kind of am. for a written explanation check out video school's "do more with your dslr I."

coffee & cameras: the perfect gift

if you know anyone who loves their cameras as much as their daily cup of joe, this is such a fun gift! a canon macro lens tumbler to take with them wherever they go. i got one for my pops considering he's one of the most avid camera enthusiasts i know. he loved it and he's not really into random gizmos. obviously it's not as heavy as an actual lens, but it looks pretty close to being real. it's even more fun for people who love cameras and act like they know a lot but don't really (like me); even though i'm surround by lenses daily i'd fall for it. you can find it on amazon.

xx

nook worm

so i'm really excited about my nook. yup, that excited i had to pose with it like that. it's cool, i embrace my nerd. i love books and still buy them for the library i will one day have, yes, with dangerous sliding ladders and secret passageways; but the idea of not having to carry a brick slash harry potter slash porn - in my defense i did NOT know anything about 50 shades of grey before i started it,  around doesn't sound too bad to me. i'd written a post about the nook a year ago, my brother works on the interface so i remember trying it out. i made it pretty clear to him that i liked it then.... he chose to ignore my hints, thanks tamer :p 

i suggest you guys check it out. you're practically carrying a whole library in a tiny tablet that's easy to read from, esp with its glow light. considering it's summertime, it's the perfect time to invest in one for the beach/plane. you can also highlight words or look them up. very nerd friendly. it's also much cuter than the kindle. lots more personality. i'm attached.

happy readings :)

xx penguina

MUST TRY: Nolus Cafe

it's been a couple months now that a friend of mine has been trying to get me to try nolus cafe in al bandar (between abu dhabi and dxb via the yas route). i finally checked it out and man am i happy i did. this place stresses the "healthy eating isn't always bland eating" point to another level. it's just the sort of place i wish i'd find more of in the uae. good thing it's not close to my house otherwise i'd be there daily. 

why's it so good? it's an afghani restaurant with a simple yet eclectic menu. the whole shebang for breakfast including the eggs (any way you like them ;) the fluffy treats i.e. pancakes/waffles (all served till 4pm fyi), and the lunch and dinner options are great when you want choice, and terrible if you're indecisive; you'll never be able to settle for just one dish. 

firstly, there's the always fun option of creating your own salad/sandwich/burger with the freshest ingredients. the salad comes in a huge bowl which really excites me, because when it comes to a salad, i'm a fiend. there's always a soup of the day, main meals that are all cooked with the right spices and apparently a great list of desserts. one dish i can't wait to try is there borani kadoo: sautéed squash in a sauce of saffron, cardamom and spices served on a bed of garlic yogurt. hmm.. maybe avoid it on a date. the word kadoo always reminds me of the restaurant helmand in boston; for the heartiest meals i'd always go there. nolus doesn't have the exact same atmosphere and the food is much lighter, but i love it as long as it's tasty and leaves me sated. 

 it's got a very fresh and organic atmosphere, looking directly out onto the water. apparently when the weather is nice, there's nothing better than enjoying the view with a nice meal. 

i started off with a delicious cream-free tomato basil soup (i stress cream free because i hate creamy soups and love it when a place can pull it off without). i created my own salad: spinach and mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, lots of avocado, grilled chicken (i'm very skeptical about chicken in restaurants but this one was so tasty), hearts of palm, asparagus, flaxseeds and sautéed mushrooms. basically a whole bunch of green (i was going extra healthy). 

i then tried the salmon kabob which was tenderly cooked to perfection in my opinion.

i'm pretty easily satisfied when it comes to food, i don't need anything fancy, and since i prefer to eat more healthy options, what i like is pretty straightforward. this place brings all of that and more. if you want a burger while your friend has a salad, or breakfast while your friend wants lunch it's all readily available. 

i also loved the bathrooms and their cheeky labels - "those who sit" and "those who stand." i'd be worried if it confused anyone...

the one distraction i did have was the server who seemed to be rushing to catch a flight with every order. what i definitely don't want to hear when i'm out enjoying a meal is "maybe, if the chef has time." first of all, if i'm asking for a new dish that's not on the menu, sure, or if i'm at la petite maison where you don't dare change a single thing, fine. but at a casual spot to eat that isn't even full, if i ask the server to split my salad between two bowls to share with someone else, he should be able to make it happen. way to be extra disdainful and scold the person trying to enjoy a meal. also, if you offer fresh juices, don't tell me you're not sure if you can squeeze me a little bit of fresh lemon. i hope i don't bump into him again.

but like i said, that's the only distraction. i would eat at nolus daily if i had the chance, and i can't wait for my next meal there!

xx penguina

meet my new man, mark III

i couldn't be more thrilled this week to receive a very special gift; the new canon 5d mark 3. how do i use it exactly? don't ask. it's a new addition to the camera family of the calamawy household. i have to say the other cameras are not taking it too well... that's probably only a joke to people who have been over, or know my family well; my father seems to suffer from an acute disease of an insatiable appetite towards cameras.

for real though, i'm willing to be taught how to use this one, i know it offers a lot. if anyone out there has an idea where i can learn, hi :)

xx penguina

To some, "style" is money..

You know those people who don't really understand style, but just buy clothes from a designer's latest collection (whether it's ugly or not) because as long as it's a designer and the purchase implies money money monayyyy, they're happy and feel "stylish"? Those are the kind of people who would probably buy Sigma Germany's "Wood Edition" of their SD1 high-end DSLR.. just m.o.

The wooden case is made of Amboyna Burl, which is a decorative veneer found on a Southeast Asian tree. It then takes around "60 hours to cut, mill and polish." As my friend Menna says, as if trees don't have it bad enough..

It sells for around €9,999 or AED 51,160. I personally wouldn't need it. Translation: it's tacky as hell and I wouldn't buy it if I had that money to throw away.

[dpreview]

Thank you Steve Jobs

We all have our own attachment to Steve Jobs. Despite the fact that most of us never met him, we all loved him and what he has given us. He genuinely changed our lives. 

My family has always been known for being loyal Apple fans. With our first computer before I was born, in 1985.  Growing up with my brother and father, two tech lovers, a day doesn't go by without the mention of Apple, a new software for it, or product. Each corner of my room has an Apple logo on it. From my iPad, to my iPod, to my laptop - which really is one of my best friends. To this day, without fail, I never pick up an Apple product without noticing how beautifully stylish and simple it is. Not only am I grateful for having these products, but even more grateful someone extremely creative and inventive shared himself with the world. With that said, it’s one thing to be creative and inventive, but another thing to also be inspiring, motivational and charismatic. Not sure there will ever again be someone who will keep us on our toes like we were before each keynote speech; or able to sit completely focused, listening to the introduction of a tech gadget. Ultimately, Jobs wasn’t just selling a tech gadget, but an improvement or enhancement to our lives.

"Life is fragile," as Jobs said. I can’t agree with him more. There is no time for stress and unhappiness; one day we will all be gone and all the petty problems we surround ourselves with will be forgotten. If you’ve been given a life, make the most of it, love it and love yourself.

My deepest condolences to his family, friends, all who knew him, and to all of us who loved him for his genius mind, hard work, perseverance and charm.

I carry Steve Jobs with me wherever I go.

forever loyal

Rest in Peace

iPad Support for Future Reference

I had a mini panic attack when my iPad wasn't responding and wouldn't turn on. I'm sure most of you iPad parents know how to deal with this already, but I had to do a bit of research. If this happens to yours, all you have to do is press down on the Home and Wake/Sleep button at the same time for around 10 seconds and only then will it get over its hurt feelings and respond to you.

Dearest Google, I think I need my space..

We all know how smart and thoughtful you are. You catch on to my simple glances here and there and take note of what I like. You know so much about me and I'm so comfortable telling you anything. You're always trying to please me by being one step ahead...

...but sometimes, you just gotta chill out. No, there isn't another search engine.

I wasn't researching colonics because I suffer from colitis or poo problems. Thanks for educating me on the inflammation, and everyone else who used my laptop too.

Have to deal with that awkward moment when friends try to politely share laxative remedies like they're bringing it up out of the blue, and think I'm shy when I don't know what they're talking about.

#google #pusheditagain

Some facebook Privacy Settings to Check

I'm so confused with all the facebook changes and what is secure and what isn't anymore. All I know is that I hate having my profile picture visible to people who aren't my friends, and if anyone knows a way to change this I'm all ears!

I just received this from a friend today and noticed my "secure browsing" was disabled. I enabled it. If you'd like to do the same follow these steps: 

"FB has changed without any notification. Look at your URL (top box on your screen.) If you see 'http' or just 'www' instead of 'https' you DO NOT have a secure session & can be hacked. Go to Account Settings - Security tab - Secure browsing - click Edit. Check box, click Save Changes."

 

How to spoil your iPhone

The last thing I want are more reasons I should switch to an iPhone. Despite my undying love for my Blackberry, I can't deny my wandering eye. I found this sort of interesting. And then I changed my mind.

Made from solid walnut wood with an aluminum or glossy face plate, the C/Dock can serve a couple purposes with its slick modern design. With your iPhone snug inside, it can be used as:

- a fancy dock for you to charge your phone in (oh excuse me, does the white wire look bad against your mahogany wood?)

- a photo frame (probably a good idea if you have no one to talk to)

- an alarm clock by your nightstand (God forbid you just lay it on the table)

- a mini flat screen (calm down)

Google Goggles where have you been all my life?!

It's so funny how things work. Just yesterday I asked my brother if he knew of any applications that allowed you to post an image and immediately find the source or any links to it. When he didn't I'm not going to lie, I felt like a genius, until I decided to keep some random station on in the car while driving and got put back in my place. Apparently Google has had the application Google Goggles for some time now and it's EXACTLY what I was referring to. Check out the video above, the guy is a bit weird and I wouldn't want him as a friend, but you'll definitely get the gist. 

About a week ago the Getty Museum formed an alliance with Google Goggles and has become the first museum to adopt image recognition. All of its art work is now in an online archive that you can access using the application. It's such a great way to learn more about art pieces at your own pace, rather than trying to get as much information from those tiny information posts in the least amount of time. I don't even know why I bother reading those, I always just skim them anyway; I suppose it makes me feel like I'm learning something. In reality the info just goes straight out my other eyeball.

Knowing this earlier would have saved me so much time and so many weird search keywords; especially when looking for the source of the two painted boobies below... (that's right, I said boobies).

A New Smart Cookie

One of my favorite things to do is spend time in bookstores, especially small, cozy ones. Since my brother started working at Barnes and Noble though, going to any other bookstore is beyond deceitful. 

I did stumble upon such a warm and adorable one in Palo Alto, CA that I couldn't resist going into  -because it was so cold outside of course... Anyway, under most of the books were personal reviews on note cards;  I don't remember blinking. I ended up leaving with nothing because according to the reviews I'd have to buy over 500 books to feel alive and gain more perspective. It doesn't help that I judge books by their cover and creativity is at it's maximum these days. Then again, the main reason I kept my wallet in my pocket was because I was on vacation and my luggage was already 10 kilos overweight. 

After my brother got over my infidelity, he realized he had the perfect solution (from Barnes and Noble of course). He's a software engineer there, and introduced me to the new Nook, which he worked on. I have to say his team did a great job. It's simple, small, light and just like a cookie (I don't know...). It has great features I've always wanted while reading a book. For example, clicking a word and getting an immediate definition, or the ability to share quotes directly to facebook, or sharing your reading status (not sure who does that) or even recommending books to friends by email, facebook or twitter. 

Despite how impressive the new Nook is, I'm not ready to become an exclusive e-reader, the thought of only Nooks, iPads and Kindles taking over does make me a bit sad. I'm too much of a romantic to give books up and I'm definitely owning a library with a ladder in my dream house. Owning a Nook could potentially destroy that dream. 

Either way, if you're more loyal to electronics these days or if you're a romantic like me,  I will say that for those times you want a library of books at the weight of around 7 oz, the new Nook is definitely the right cookie for you.

Is Your Social Network Getting You Down?

Clearly, you're not alone. Check out the web 2.0 suicide machine and you'll see why. I do hope you never have to consider it...

Crackberry Users Check this out!

Unfortunately this is what it has come to.... Yeah I know, you wouldn't be caught dead with it, but you can't say it wouldn't be prettty convenient!

Blackberry I love you, But You're Bringing Me Down

You might find this absolutely ridiculous, but I have gotten myself into a very serious love-hate relationship. I have always tried to hold the upper hand in my relationships and well I've completely failed this time. If you get nauseous easily don't read on. I don't want to lose readers... if it's not too late. 

So you're still reading... you either feel sorry for me or are worried you might be in the same boat... which is sure to sink. On a serious note, I can't be the only one who has fallen hard for their blackberry. I'm just completely dependent on it. It's not a one sided relationship, I just know that I need it much more than it needs me. It's that damn messenger that keeps me holding on. 

I'm more than fine with being taunted by my family about how rude I am for constantly giving more attention to my blackberry. I have consciously become impolite for it.

Recently I've come to realize that it has turned into somewhat of an abusive relationship. I'm actually injured! I have diagnosed myself with "Blackberry Thumb," although I do have a record of misdiagnosing myself (I thought I was lactose intolerant for 4 years before I went to a doctor and was told otherwise). According to an article on Techrepublic (who goes there?), "Blackberry Thumb is a stress-related injury due to over-use of any pda or smartphone... the condition is caused by highly repetitive, forceful thumb movements with the thumbs held back from the palms. The symptoms are pain in the thumb and region around the base of the thumb and hand."

Whenever I'm in a conversation on blackberry messenger I type as though I'm helping someone unlock a code to a nuclear bomb that is set to explode any second. It's like I'm afraid someone's feelings might get hurt if I don't tell them what I did that day as soon as the message is read. I'll go as far as replying at a traffic light and I've seen worse. Honestly, who's feelings get hurt by those "read" notifications... Unless you've just asked someone if they love you for the first time (which is stupid to do over bbm anyway) you should be alright if they take some time to reply. Alas, what I thought would be exercise for my thumbs turned into pain.

It's that red light... I'm spellbound by it. It can be seen no matter what you put on top of it! I try so hard to ignore but it's useless. If I put my phone on silent it's even worse. I'll hold my breath and stare at the blinker constantly to wait for it! At least my latest blackberry is honest, my first one was constantly blinking for no reason. It also got run over by a car so I guess we're even.

To all you Blackberry users, try not to stress your poor thumbs too much. Take breaks, let people get over the time you take to reply.

Anyway, despite it all I'm happy and if that's the case why should I let go. I already know I'M the one who's going to get hurt, I'm fine with it....

Where can I get help?

i-Phoners n' Touchers Text Your Hearts Out!

I'm sure there are probably a number of texting apps already out there for the iTouch but I just found out about textPlus brought by the Gogii platform. Looks like an easy app that should be checked out.

Gogii (Go-jee) comes up with innovative ways to text using the web. textPlus can be used by the iTouch and the iPhone, offers the option of writing texts unlimitedly in landscape mode, always notifies users about incoming texts and is private (it better be). Users can send texts over wifi, no 3G required. You can even create an instant chatroom and text with several people all at once - I don't think this is an option on the iPhone.

And yes... *drumroll* it's all free! Knock yourselves out at www.gogii.com.

Crackberry Users - too funny!

Flip Mino HD!

My new favorite gadget is the Flip Mino HD, a mini digital camcorder that can capture up to an hour of continuous footage in high definition. It has a built in USB to connect directly to your laptop and it comes with it's own flip video program to organize your videos and share them. It might have a small LCD screen, but with its touch- sensitive buttons and 4G of memory this product is definitely worth the purchase. If you order it from the website, www.theflip.com, you can be creative and even design your own one. If you think you've got extensive Mino designing capabilities you can sell your designs. I just got mine and love it, it's tiny, light and will def come in useful. Perfect for blackmail. Price: $229.99

Fyi: Pure Digital, the maker of the Flip, sold itself to Cisco for $590 million in stock, I think it's going to get pretty popular.

Bookworms can Travel Light, in Style

There have been quite a few reading devices made; however, the Kindle 2 just seems like a sleeker way to go. You can pretty much carry your library around in 10.2 ounces. You can download books anytime from the Kindle Store with it's 3G Wireless feature. Even though I prefer reading from a book, this does look like a good deal when I don't want to carry a 400 page book around...like Twilight... which I'd rather no one see me read... if I did have it..

All you early adopters can purchase it exclusively from Amazon.com for $359.