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Friday, January 29, 2016

Know Your File Types: When to Use JPEG, GIF, & PNG

Know-Your-File-Types

Know Your File Types: When to Use JPEG, GIF, and PNG

Digital images fill up our inboxes, take up computer memory space and take time to load on a web page. When working with digital image files there are certain file types to use for each circumstance.

JPEG

  • File extension: .JPG or .JPEG
  • “JPEG” stands for “Joint Photographic Experts Group.”
    • The group designed the format in 1986.
  • Pronounced “jay-peg”
  • 16-bit data format
  • Can display millions of colors
  • Uses a very complex compression algorithm
    • To reduce file size
    • Let image details be “forgotten” and then fill in when displayed
      • Called “lossy” compression for the lost data
      • The human eye doesn’t see color detail as well as it does light and dark detail, so some color detail can be sacrificed to save file space.
    • 60-75% compression is usually optimal for website usage.
    • Use when a small file size is more important than maximum quality
  • Standard file format of digital cameras and web pages.
  • Compatible across many platforms (PC and Mac), and other programs (web browsers and image editors).
  • In March 2014 Mozilla createdthemozjpeg format.
    • Works within the current, recognizable jpeg format.
    • Works with existing platforms, such as web browsers.
    • Reduces the file size up to 15% more without losing quality.
    • Useful for web pages, especially Facebook, for faster upload.
  • JPEG Mini Tool
    • Tools like JPEG Mini let you compress photos up to 5 times without losing quality.
    • Smaller file sizes means less storage space needed and quicker upload.
  • Best Uses:
    • Still images only
    • Real-world images like photos
    • Complex coloring
    • Shading of light and dark

GIF

  • File extension: .GIF
  • “GIF” stands for “Graphics Interchange Format”
  • Created by CompuServe in 1987 to transfer images quickly across slow connections.
  • Pronounced “jif”
    • Public debate over “gif” or “jif”
    • Creator Steve Wilhite stated that the correct pronunciation is “jif.”
  • Uses 256 indexed colors
    • Uses dithering, a process where two pixel colors combine to make one to reduce number of colors needed.
  • Allows forsingle-bit transparency
    • One color can be chosen to be transparent.
  • Can be interlaced
    • Progressive loading shows a low-quality version first and then better detail is added.
  • Can be animated
  • Uses lossless compression
    • Fewer colors means files start even smaller than JPEG.
    • Compression does not lose any data.
  • Best Uses
    • Web graphics with few colors
    • Small icons
    • Animations
    • Simple images
      • Line drawings
      • Single-color borders
      • Simple cartoons

PNG

  • File extension: .PNG
  • “PNG” stands for “Portable Network Graphics”
  • Designed in the mid-1990s as a way around patent issues with the GIF format, including benefits from both GIF and JPEG.
  • Pronounced “ping” or “P-N-G”
  • Lossless compression, so no data loss.
  • PNG-8
    • Very similar to GIF
    • 256 colors and 1-bit transparency
    • PNG-8 files are even smaller than GIF files
  • PNG-24
    • 24-bit color, similar to JPEG
    • Can include over 16 million colors
    • Lossless compression means larger files than JPEG
  • Alpha-channels
    • PNG files allow transparency to be set on a scale between opaque and completely transparent, allowing for a faded, translucent look.
    • PNG images can be put on any color background and maintain original appearance
    • Some older browsers may have trouble supporting PNG files because of alpha-channels.
  • Best Uses
    • Web images such as logos that involve transparency and fading.
    • Images in the middle of the editing process.
    • Complex images like photographs if file size is not an issue.

What Should You Use?

JPEG is best for
  • Still images
  • Photographs
  • Many colors
  • Shading of light and dark
GIF is best for
  • Animations
PNG is best for
  • Web images (PNG-8)
  • Logos which involve transparency and fading
  • Images in the editing process (PNG 24)
  • Complex images like photographs if file size is not an issue (PNG-24)
With the variety of image file formats available you can use the right format for your images to save quality and space on your website, in your emails, and and your personal digital scrapbooks.
credit/source: http://www.whoishostingthis.com/blog/2014/12/06/jpeg-gif-png/
Courtesy to the original writer's sources.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Why POPE FRANCIS just asked PROTESTANTS for Forgiveness

Pope Francis
Pope Francis in Rome on January 25.REUTERS/REMO CASILLI
ROME (Reuters) - Pope Francis asked Protestants and other Christian Churches for forgiveness for past persecution by Catholics as the Vatican announced on Monday he would visit Sweden later in the year to mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
Speaking at an annual vespers service in St. Paul's Basilica in Rome attended by representatives of other religions, he asked "forgiveness for the un-gospel like behaviour by Catholics towards Christians of other Churches". He also asked Catholics to forgive those who had persecuted them.
The Vatican announced that on Oct. 31 Francis would go to the southern Swedish city of Lund, where the Lutheran World Federation was founded in 1947, for a joint service with Lutherans to launch Reformation commemorations that will continue throughout the world next year.
Martin Luther, a German, is credited with starting the Protestant Reformation in 1517 with writing 95 theses - said to have been nailed to a church door in Wittenberg - criticising the Catholic Church for selling forgiveness from sins for money.
It led to a violent, often political schism throughout Europe and Christianity, prompting among other things the 30 Years' War, the destruction of English monasteries, and the burning of numerous "heretics" on both sides.
Catholic traditionalists have accused Francis of making too many concessions to Lutherans, particularly in a "common prayer" that both religions will use during the 2017 commemorations.
They say the prayer, which will be used during the pope's visit to Lund, excessively praises Luther, who was condemned as a heretic and excommunicated.
Francis, however, has made dialogue with other religions one of the hallmarks of his papacy.
He has already visited the Lutheran church of Rome, the Waldensian protestant community in northern Italy, and Rome's synagogue. This year he is due to become the first pope to visit the Italian capital's mosque.
While his predecessors have visited Protestant churches, Francis has come under criticism from traditionalists who accuse him of sending confusing signals about inter-faith relations.
They have also contested guidelines issued this month for the "common prayer".
"The Reformation and Martin Luther are repeatedly extolled, while the Counter-Reformation and the Popes and Saints of the 16th century are passed over in total silence," the traditionalist blog Rorate Caeli said.
Theological dialogue between Roman Catholic and Lutherans began in the late 1960s after the Second Vatican Council. But Catholics and Lutherans are still officially not allowed to take communion at each other's services.
When he visited Rome's Lutheran church last year, traditionalists attacked Francis for suggesting in answer to a question that a Lutheran woman married to a Catholic man could decide for herself if she could take communion in her husband's church.
credit/souurce: http://www.newsweek.com/pope-francis-protestants-forgiveness-persecution-419512
Courtesy of Reuters and www.newsweek.com

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Cute Penguins and their Way of Life

They're just like us, only WAY cuter! Happy #WorldPenguinDay

Posted by Good Housekeeping on Wednesday, January 20, 2016

credit/source: https://www.facebook.com/GOODHOUSEKEEPING/videos/10154482660457598/ courtesy: Good Housekeeping, Media/News/Publishing and facebook.com

Friday, January 22, 2016

54MW Pililla Rizal Wind Farm Launching January 20,2016

Alternergy's 54MW Pililla Rizal Wind Farm Launching 

January 20,2016  in Brgy. Halayhayin Pililla, Rizal

















Click the link for complete information and photos:
credit/source: https://www.facebook.com/doe.gov.ph/photos/a.740836099351325.1073741885.324295137672092/740836169351318/?type=3&theater
courtesy of  Philippine Department of Energy

Note: This is one of the examples of Renewable Energy. Congratulations to DOE.

What is Microcephaly?

Microcephaly versus normal size head comparison
photo credit: cdc.go

What is microcephaly?

Microcephaly is condition where a baby’s head is much smaller than expected. During pregnancy, a baby’s head grows because the baby’s brain grows. Microcephaly can occur because a baby’s brain has not developed properly during pregnancy or has stopped growing after birth, which results in a smaller head size. Microcephaly can be an isolated condition, meaning that it can occur with no other major birth defects, or it can occur in combination with other major birth defects.

Other Problems

Babies with microcephaly can have a range of other problems, depending on how severe their microcephaly is. Microcephaly has been linked with the following problems:
  • Seizures
  • Developmental delay, such as problems with speech or other developmental milestones (like sitting, standing, and walking)
  • Intellectual disability (decreased ability to learn and function in daily life)
  • Problems with movement and balance
  • Feeding problems, such as difficulty swallowing
  • Hearing loss
  • Vision problems
These problems can range from mild to severe and are often lifelong. In some cases, these problems can be life-threatening. Because it is difficult to predict at birth what problems a baby will have from microcephaly, babies with microcephaly often need close follow-up through regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor their growth and development.

Occurrence

Microcephaly is not a common condition. State birth defects tracking systems have estimated that microcephaly ranges from 2 babies per 10,000 live births to about 12 babies per 10,000 live births in the Unites States.1

The causes of microcephaly in most babies are unknown. Some babies have microcephaly because of changes in their genes. Other causes of microcephaly can include the following exposures during pregnancy:

Causes and Risk Factors

  • Certain infections, such as rubellatoxoplasmosis, or cytomegalovirus
  • Severe malnutrition, meaning a lack of nutrients or not getting enough food
  • Exposure to harmful substances, such as alcohol, certain drugs, or toxic chemicals
Researchers are also studying the possible link between Zika virus infection and microcephaly.
CDC continues to study birth defects, such as microcephaly, and how to prevent them. If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, talk with your doctor about ways to increase your chances of having a healthy baby.

Diagnosis

Microcephaly can be diagnosed during pregnancy or after the baby is born.
During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, microcephaly can sometimes be diagnosed during an ultrasound (which creates pictures of the body). To see microcephaly during pregnancy, the ultrasound test should be done late in the 2nd trimester or early in the third trimester. For more information about screening and confirmatory tests during pregnancy, visit CDC’s birth defects diagnosis web page.
After the Baby is Born
To diagnose microcephaly after birth, a healthcare provider will measure the distance around a newborn baby’s head, also called the head circumference, during a physical exam. The provider then compares this measurement to population standards by sex and age. Head circumference charts for newborns, infants, and children up to age 20 years in the United States can be found on CDC’s growth charts website. CDC recommends that health care providers use the WHO growth charts to monitor growth for infants and children ages 0 to 2 years of age in the U.S.
Often, healthcare providers should take the head circumference measurement when the newborn baby is at least 24 hours old. This helps make sure that compression due to delivery through the birth canal has resolved. If the healthcare provider suspects the baby has microcephaly, he or she can request one or more tests to help confirm the diagnosis. For example, special tests like a CT scan or an MRI can provide critical information on the structure of the baby’s brain that can help determine if the newborn baby had an infection during pregnancy. They also can help the healthcare provider look for other problems that might be present.

Treatments

Microcephaly is a lifelong condition. There is no known cure or standard treatment for microcephaly. Because microcephaly can range from mild to severe, treatment options can range as well. Babies with mild microcephaly often don’t experience any other problems besides small head size. These babies will need routine check-ups to monitor their growth and development.
For more severe microcephaly, babies will need care and treatment focused on managing their other health problems (mentioned above). Developmental services early in life will often help babies with microcephaly to improve and maximize their physical and intellectual abilities. These services, known as early intervention, can include speech, occupational, and physical therapies. Sometimes medications also are needed to treat seizures or other symptoms.

Thursday, January 21, 2016

7 FOUNDATION MISTAKES YOU'RE PROBABLY MAKING

credit/by:  

No offense, but you might be doing your makeup all wrong.
Foundation mistakes - Herve Leger by Max Azria Spring 2011
beautyeditor.ca/

So if you think you're doin' it wrong (and sorry, but you probably are)... read on:

FOUNDATION MISTAKE 

#1: USING A POWDER FOUNDATION

Foundation mistakes - powder foundation

Ditch it.

I know, I know—I used to be a massive Bare Minerals fan too. And yes, mineral makeup IS supposedly better for your skin (non-comedogenic, naturally anti-bacterial and with built-in sunscreen).
The problem is that powder foundations don't give you the best finish. The look right now is very, very natural and a little bit dewy and the best way to get said look is with a liquid foundation. Powders are drying, tend to cake and can even accentuate wrinkles because they settle into the creases. Some of the ones with shimmer in them can even make your pores look larger—horrifying!
Instead, here are a few liquid foundation recommendations that I swear by...
This is my day to day go-to and the one I reach for the most:

Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation in 118 Flesh
My shade (Ivory) is a perfect match and it doesn't look or feel like I'm wearing heavy foundation, even though it gives amazing hi-def coverage. There is an impressive shade range, too.
This is an oil-free option that also offers plenty of coverage with a light texture:

Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup Oil Free SPF 15
It's even better paired worn on top of their SPF 15 primer.
This next one makeup artists go crazy for—when I used to work on staff in magazines, it would always mysteriously disappear when we brought a bottle on set.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (2)
Obviously, it photographs beautifully and the texture is to die for.

FOUNDATION MISTAKE #2: TESTING YOUR FOUNDATION ON YOUR JAW


foundation on jaw
Yes, everybody tells you to do this but I have some breaking news: you should actually test your foundation underneath the eyes, on/around the nose and at the cheek/jawline. Do it all on one side of your face so you can compare with the no-makeup side. 

The perfect shade should pretty much disappear into your skin—but if in doubt, go ever-so-slightly darker, not lighter. Erring on the side of darker shade will help cover flaws a lot better and will warm up your skin tone. Remember, nobody wants to pull an Eagle (light face, dark body) like Emily Blunt.

Emily Blunt - Golden Globe Awards 2010

FOUNDATION MISTAKE #3: 

NOT USING PRIMER UNDERNEATH YOUR FOUNDATION

In which case, welcome to the blog. You obviously must be new around here because I feel like we talk about primers All. The. Time.
Most people look 150 percent better with primer—really, they do—because it helps your foundation glide on smoother and stay put longer. (As in: it will be much less likely to slip n' slide around your face, or start to crease.) They're making really clever ones lately that can also soften the appearance of wrinkles, control shine or boost radiance.
If you're looking for oil control, this is the most mattifying primer I've ever tried, EVER:

Becca Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector
I've also had good luck with this Cover FX one, which also has anti-acne benefits:

Cover FX Mattifying Primer with Anti-Acne Treatment
And then here's the Hourglass one I was talking about above:

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15
It feels real slippery when you put it on, but don't fret—it makes foundation go over top like a dream, and helps it last for hours. Love that it has built-in SPF.
Finally, this one from Urban Decay is a classic:

Urban Decay Pore Perfecting Complexion Primer Potion
It's light, dries down quickly and helps minimize the appearance of pores. Not ideal for dry skin, though.
PS: I know everyone raves about this primer, but I just don't get the hype. Your mileage may vary, though.

FOUNDATION MISTAKE #4: 

APPLYING YOUR FOUNDATION WITH YOUR FINGERS OR A SPONGE


Guilty as charged! I'm a longtime finger user, even though I have probably 10 different foundation brushes... but I plan to change.
The reason foundation brushes are superior is because they use far, far less product and are also ACE at blending—and that means a smoother, more natural, less cakey application. Sponges are okaaaay (I've been trialling the Beautyblender lately and it's quite nice) but the problem is that they waste a lot of product. Plus, they tend to be better at dabbing on areas where you need more coverage instead of creating a smooth, even application.
When looking for a foundation brush, make sure it's synthetic, not animal hair (you should never use animal hair with liquids). And it's a pain in the bum, but you also have to wash it regularly with either a makeup brush cleaner or a gentle baby shampoo.
Probably the best quality brushes for the price that I've come across are fromEcoTools. I've used this foundation brush for years:

EcoTools Foundation Brush
If you can spend a little more, this Bobbi Brown brush will never fail you:

Bobbi Brown Foundation Brush

FOUNDATION MISTAKE #5:

 APPLYING FOUNDATION ALL OVER YOUR FACE


liquid foundation
So not necessary, doll. The purpose of foundation is not, in fact, to cover up every square inch of your face—it's really only supposed to be used on the areas where you need it. Think: the redness around your nose/chin, the darkness underneath your eyes, the random rogue blemishes that you've been fighting by night but need to conceal by day.
Blend everything really well using your aforementioned foundation brush, and if you've selected the right shade, it should look seamless. (If you need more coverage, we're talking about concealer next...)

FOUNDATION MISTAKE #6: 

PUTTING CONCEALER UNDER, NOT OVER, YOUR FOUNDATION


woman applying concealer
Okay, this one is bad. Very, very bad. But I will forgive you if you didn't know better because there are people out there—in fact, I interviewed one on Friday—who are perpetuating this myth. (Since she was, er, representing a company that MAKES foundation, I didn't have the heart to tell her that she had it in the wrong order.)
Honestly though—what's the point of applying concealer if you're just going to blend it all away by putting foundation on top? So remember: foundation first, then concealer. Go in with a brush to dab it (a cream, not liquid) on top only where you need it. Then blend!
Here are a few of my top concealer picks...
I've been using this product for years:

theBalm TimeBalm Anti-Wrinkle Concealer
My shade (Light) is a perfect match to my skin tone, and it's got a creamy, easy-to-blend texture with good, high coverage (and anti-wrinkle benefits!).
These next two are similar in texture and colour to theBalm, except they're made from natural ingredients, including coconut oil. I've gone through a couple of these Nvey Ecos in my lifetime:

Nvey Eco Organic Erase
And then lately, I've been into the RMS Beauty version—which is very similar ingredients-wise, but maybe a touch creamier:

RMS Beauty Un Cover-Up
Finally, there is a reason this concealer is a cult beauty classic that makeup artists swear by.

Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer
It's pricey but totally worth it for the incredible texture, high coverage and seamless finish.

FOUNDATION MISTAKE #7: 

SETTING YOUR FOUNDATION WITH TINTED POWDER AND A BIG, FLUFFY BRUSH


woman applying powder
I wrote about the perils of tinted powder earlier this year, and I'll still stand by them. If you want to "set" your foundation, I strongly, strongly advise that you invest in a colourless translucent powder, which not only works for every single skin tone in existence, but will also prevent that horrendous cakey texture from messing up your otherwise bang-on makeup application.
I recommend this powder, which was one of the originals and still one of the best.  :

Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder
It sets your makeup really well without looking or feeling like you've got anything on your skin.
This is another option that to me feels pretty much the same as the MUFE:

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores HD Silk Micro Finishing Powder
Just make sure you blend well, unlike Nicole Kidman:

Nicole Kidman powder face
Okay, that particular incident may have been because HD powders show up white under flash photography, but even so... the point is that the look you want is dewy, not powdery. So I would only apply your powder in the areas where you tend to get shiny: the forehead and maybe the chin. And contrary to received beauty wisdom, don't use a big, fluffy brush to apply because you're going to deposit waaaaay too much product. Instead, go for a domed, fluffy eyeshadow brush.
And if you need to touch up during the day, please invest in some handy oil-blotting papers. Get the kind that aren't coated with powder though, or you're just going to end up back at square one.

Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens

credit/source: http://beautyeditor.ca/2010/11/22/no-offense-but-youre-probably-making-one-of-these-7-mistakes-with-your-foundation
My Note: All products were suggested by the original writer. It will up to you whichever is right on your skin type and tone. I agree before putting on foundation you must apply primer.