The Garden Route » Images

How to Customize your WordPress Typography

Yorgo Nestoridis — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:32:49 +0000

Basic CSS3 to Customize your WordPress Theme

With the increasing browser compatibility of CSS3, additional customization of websites is in the reach of most anyone (Even a Monkey can do it, according to Nikos Advertizopoulos …). Tonight we will start with a series of calls to become familiar with the possibilities arising from the use of CSS3 on WordPress to improve typography and font styles.

You may follow the progress of the work at the Ycademy Demo Site which features the Semiomantics XO Theme.

Looking forward to seeing you on YorgoLive tonight.

Semiomantics XO Transparent WordPress Drafts

Yorgo Nestoridis — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:19:44 +0000

Transparent WordPress Custom Theme

Playing with the XO Theme Version 3.3.x from Semiomantics and CSS3, I notice how easy it is for most anyone to customize the XO Theme by adding transparencies and other CSS3 elements. Here below you find some drafts. You may visit the test site from : http://globalthebrand.com.

Transparent WordPress Gallery

Scripts and Plug-ins

On the test site we use the Semiomantics Widgets and Theme Handler plug-in as well as a modified Supersized plug-in; the latter needs some more work to make it more responsive. Also we use TubePress which behaves fine also on mobile.

The Theme is Semiomantics XO with 3 custom child-themes; any theme can be associated with any page, post, category, tag or sidebar.

Portraits of Africa 2012 on Google

Bianca Gubalke — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:57:49 +0000

Portraits of Africa 2012 on Google

Time again to monitor and check the performance of our new WP based Semiomantics XO 2012 Script on search engines.

Here’s a screenshot of yesterday’s post “Portraits of Africa 2012″ on Google – have a look! Positions 1, 2, 3 and 6 ahead of 10,800,000 search returns – YEBO GOGO!

Portraits of Africa 2012 on Google

When looking up “Portraits of Africa 2012″ on Google, I also checked how the images in my article were ranked – here’s the detail of the screenshot showing the Image of a “Young African Girl” on position one, followed by the Image of a “Young African Boy” on position 4… and a small ad I created ages ago peeking at us on position 2. All of them ahead of our South African presidents… just too funny! The young generation is on the move!

Portrait of Africa Images

It becomes even more intrigueing when we look up “Portrait of Africa Images” on Google and find these young faces of Africa featuring amongst some really classy photography! And again… the random positioning is just too weird… for those who read this and understand what I mean! Welcome to the future :)

Fact is, that with the increasing importance of images and media on the Internet – and with this for our website development – … and people preferring to look at something for quick grasping of the contents rather than reading long time-consuming – and even worse: thought-provoking - texts… that the correct tagging and classification of photos and images becomes more important. Here as with any post what counts is to be found on Google – Google Top 10 that is. Noone else looks further…

Congratulations to our young friends who’ve made it to the top ranks and find themselves in interesting and attractive company! There will be more….

Astir Beach Framed in Photoshop

Yorgo Nestoridis — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:17:59 +0000

By Yorgo Nestoridis

[ hide ]

Astir Beach Framed in Photoshop

My by now famous Astir Beach Image which can also be found on Google Top 10 was the sample for last night’s Ycademy session where we were experimenting with frames and borders. Here some more results after yesterdays Session Preview:

Astir Beach – Vouliagmeni with Frames and Borders

astir16

Vouliagmeni Astir Beach, Glass Frame

astir5-backlight

Vouliagmeni Astir Beach, Backlight

astir5-blackglass

Vouliagmeni Astir Beach, Smokedglass

astir5-whiteglow2

Vouliagmeni Astir Beach, Whiteglow

astir5-whiteglow

Vouliagmeni Astir Beach, Whiteglow 2

astir5-steelripples

Vouliagmeni Astir Beach, Steel ripples

astir5-steelframe

Vouliagmeni Astir Beach, Steel frame

astir5-pits

Vouliagmeni Astir Beach, Pits

astir5-orangejuice

Vouliagmeni Astir Beach, Yellow

astir5-goldbevel

Vouliagmeni Astir Beach, Gold

astir5-dalimeltdrip

Vouliagmeni Astir Beach, Dali Melt and Drip

astir5-chrome

Vouliagmeni Astir Beach, Chrome

astir5-blackglass

Vouliagmeni Astir Beach, Black Glass

Author: Yorgo Nestoridis, Media Marketing & Publishing, Founder of YORGOO Publishing, YORGOO Press and Semiomantics.

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Who is Cy Ford

Yorgo Nestoridis — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 07:18:29 +0000

By Yorgo Nestoridis

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Who is Cy Ford

Cy (Cyril) Ford is a Painter living and working in Notting Hill, UK, who has decided to share his work online. His new WP Best Gallery has been set up by Semiomantics. Felisa Ryan, will take care of the content management.

The new site at cyford.com is up and running and already indexed by Google.

Cy Ford Online Gallery Images

sunset

Sunset by Cy Ford, Acrylic

still-life

Flowers and Candles, Still Life by Cy Ford

drawings

Seashore, Drawing by Cy Ford

Note the changing site backgrounds, which are images of works by Cy Ford. The selector projects randomly a different background with every page view.

Look out for more.

Author: Yorgo Nestoridis, Media Marketing & Publishing, Founder of YORGOO Publishing, YORGOO Press and Semiomantics.

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The 1001 Faces of Semiomantics XO

Yorgo Nestoridis — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:31:43 +0000

New Semiomantics XO Theme for WordPress

The above Screenshots represent just some of the pages, features and looks the 2012 Edition of the high performance XO Theme for WordPress has up its sleeves. The above site is the fruit of the 2 Days Ycademy Online Seminar for Semiomantics Developers and designers.

XO Theme Features

The 2012 Edition of XO is focused on even more flexibility in as much as editing, cross-browser and cross-platform compatibility are concerned.

The Site displays perfectly on Mobile devices, showing responsiveness also of the plugged in scripts chosen of which some have been adapted to satisfy the high standards of Semiomantics Publishing Scripts for Excellence.

The site elaborated at the Ycademy Online Seminar this past week-end features some smashing features, such as:

Background Slideshow, customizable for each page, post or archive
Built in Directory
Media Library for YouTube and Vimeo
Pro-sliders which can be deployed anywhere on the site
In addition to the responsive design, a separate light Mobile Version is available
Bold and Efficient Navigation
Built in Custom Fonts
Social Network connectivity and publishing
and much more.

XO for Developers

The XO script is well commented and offers designers a clean and straight forward environment for custom developments. XO uses best practices for WordPress development and makes the best use of the possibilities offered by the WP back-bone, assuring smooth integration and optimized conflict handling.

XO for Designers

XO is a great playground for designers. The DIY version allows anyone to adapt layout and colors to taste right from the back-office; there is no need to have any knowledge about coding or designing. The theme behaves like a Chameleon and adapts to specific needs with just a few clicks of the mouse: pre-configured layout elements transform your XO quickly into a Magazine, Newspaper, personal Author Blog, a Media Hub, a Shop, a Marketing Machine, a Social Media Publisher, a Product Promoter or a Fan Site or most anything your imagination dictates.

For the professional designer, XO offers a well commented environment. Custom code can be added right from the dashboard or, as I prefer using a child theme. XO is tuned for HTML5 and CSS3 use, making it a modern and inspiring framework for exceptional design effects.

XO out of the Box

Out of the box, the XO Theme for WordPress provides a stable and reliable, robust and optimized solution for common use. It provides built in features such a slider with multiple transitions and a one click selector for easy use.

Layouts can be easily adapted to needs and purpose of the site. In fact, most custom designers rely on the theme engine to format efficiently layouts.

Custom XO

The site featured in the above gallery uses a few pro plug-ins to add functionality in function of customer requirements. The integration of such add on scripts is a relatively simple process for designers and developers.

Customization of the XO Theme

XO has been developed for high performance, productivity, excellence in publishing and flexibility. For the professional users, the XO Theme constitues a solid base with a huge potential for customization and creative artistic expression.

Semiomantics XO 2012 Release

The release of XO Version 3.3.x is planned for the first week of February. The present Release Candidate has been thoroughly tested. A few minor issues will be taken care off before XO will be available to the public.

Upgrading existing XO installations

If your site is running on Semiomantics XO suing basic customization, the theme can just be overwritten. (Save your custom CSS beforehand.)

If you are using a custom version with custom developments or a child theme, some of your customization will need to be adapted to the enhancements of XO 2012. This concerns namely custom headers and footers as well as custom functions.

Support for developers and designers is available as usual at our Ycademy Online Calls and Seminars or through Semiomantics Pro Support.

Trendwise with Semiomantics XO2012

Bianca Gubalke — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:04:05 +0000

Trendwise with Semiomantics XO2012

In a world of infinite choice, we all have our personal preferences when it comes to creating the Web Design for our personal websites and blogs – and this is exactly what many of our customers will tell us, especially if they have a business with set colors, fonts and logos. Of course, there are also those who haven’t thought about this issue, who may not want to be bothered with it (as this takes ample time and thought) and who expect us to suggest, advise and guide. This is where we should know and focus on current trends, put our personal priorities on the backseat, and design something fresh, modern and appealing where we are absolutely “Trendwise with Semiomantics XO2012″, which is currently going through a testing phase and will soon be released.

Most importantly, we need to think forward to adapt to the incredible developments and momentum on the mobile web: can people see our web design work on their iphones, smart phones and tablets? This is currently the driving power behind many decisions and as we want our customers to get the traffic and results they expect, this is what we need to focus on and ensure that they too see the advantages of certain essentials they might not initially agree with.

It’s all about functionality and thinking customerwise: let them see what your website is all about fast and in an attractive way, make navigation clear, quick and easy like a dynamic show. And let there be balance!

Trendwise with Semiomantics XO2012

With the new trends 2012 having been set, how can we at Web Design South Africa be trendwise with Semiomantics XO2012, the best WordPress based script to be released soon, and give our website or blog a New Look 2012?

How to give your Author Blog a Trend 2012 Look

Here are a few pointers as to how to give your Author Blog a Trend 2012 Look:

1. Color Trend 2012

I already wrote about the Color Trend 2012 HERE.

To repeat it quickly, the color of the year 2012 is a warm orangy red called “Tangerine Tango”. It’s not too far off the color I am always using in my personal color scheme that marks “Web Design with Passion”. However, there are other trendy colors like ‘solar power’ and the ‘sodalite blue’ I used in my example above, in connection with ‘tangerine tango’.

Here you want to think of backgrounds, fonts, menu, graphics, links, hover effects etc. – however, don’t overdo it when setting it off against another shade or complementary color. What I learned in Typography many years ago with one of Europe’s two leading authorities in the field and a true friend, Professor Tuenn Konerding (Staatliche Kunstakademie Duesseldorf, Germany), still applies today: experiment massively… but then reduce, keep it simple, don’t use more than 2… maximum 3 colors.

I wish I had a better photo – but I am happy I can call at least this one up – for an extraordinary mind and spirit that left our planet far too early…

Interesting also the trend towards one-page websites and a comeback of the magazine theme (full layout Semiomantics XO). Of course, Apple-style layouts are still en vogue as they are a modern classic and simply good.

2. Typography 2012

The focus is on bold letters and custom fonts that can easily be read on mobile phones. Interesting here the Google Font Library that can be added in form of a plugin and loads fast while making the look of the website more appealing.

Textures, shades and reflections are ‘in’ as well…

3. Large High Quality Images

Less text but large, high quality images – meaning all forms of sophisticated Media Design – be it photos, graphics, videos… – especially for backgrounds but also for graphics, sliders (we will come to these) and whatever you integrate into your Website Design to attract and captivate.The use of light or shadow boxes – where pictures can be enlarged in an overlay- is very much in the trend.

Actually, we have been ahead of this trend with Semiomantics XO 2011 already, and particularly with our comprehensive work on Evolution, my personal favorite… yet unfortunately on Flash which is currently not seen on mobile phones due to power plays between the ‘big boyz’ … but this too shall change one day once even they get it that ‘competition’ is out and ‘cooperation’ is in to save our planet – and this is NOT a trend but a Truth! Ask Steve on Cloud!

Meanwhile Evolution will… well, evolve!

4. Sliders are en vogue

And yet another feature where Semiomantics has been well ahead of the trend: sliders are en vogue! Besides that, in my view they are brilliant, practical, interactive, attractive, seen on the mobile web and add to the functionality of a website. At tleast the ones we use – they do come at a cost, but it’s well worth it – quality always had its price!

5. Connect to Social Networks

Finally, websites and blogs need to offer easy ways – meant are rather ‘loud’ icons (… I leave this to your personal taste…) – to interlink and connect to Social Networks like Twitter, Facebook, Google + etc. Today, people look out where they can connect, follow, share and register … and so the cybernet expands continuously and I sometimes wonder what all of this really means at the end of the day and for our environment! But that’s a topic for another day!

For now… let’s be aware of current trends and advise customers accordingly… there’s lots to play with!

Christmas 2009 images

Zo Nicholas — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 19:19:32 +0000

By Zo Nicholas

Christmas 2009 images

Photos taken locally in the U.K. over the past few days. Will we still have a white Christmas in 2009? or will all the snow be gone by then. Temperatures hover around freezing so its pretty cold all the time so there is a big chance that we may. See the gallery for more images.

See gallery here

Spot the rabbit

See if you can spot the rabbit.

Enjoy.

Author:
Zo Nicholas, Media, Marketing, Publishing.

Co-Founder of YORGOO, YORGOO Press and Semiomantics.

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Landscapes Photography

Bianca Gubalke — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:18:34 +0000

Landscapes Photography

Landscapes Photography is certainly something everybody with a digital camera is interested in, the proof being over 41 million search returns on Google with some absolutely awesome landscape photos and luscious landscapes by amateurs and professional photographers alike, both in black and white and in color.

Nature Photography

Interestingly, “Landscapes Photography” beats “Nature Photography” by about 10 million search entries, who would have thought so?

Which shows that one would never know without looking it up – which is a basic rule and revelatory lesson when it comes to anything we do, research or get involved with on the Internet, big or small. In fact, it should be a natural reflex… and it will be in the near future.

Landscapes Photography and Web Design

Landscapes Photography is a phenomenal if not THE source of inspiration when it comes to Web Design and, of course, Graphic Design.

For the purpose of this post and as you may have seen on many of my articles, I often base my Web Graphics on my own pictures and photos taken with my digital camera and post-edited in Photoshop – however not always. I always attempt to make pictures that need no additional editing, although there are also the quick snapshots with a clear purpose – for instance a fascinating pattern that I can transform into a texture for a background.

I encourage all web designers to improve this skill of self expression as not only is it rewarding on a personal level, it enhances your websites and blogs dramatically… which is important if not essential in a virtual world that feeds on images.

Landscapes Closeups

“Landscapes Closeups” sounds like a contradiction in itself, however, I love the magic of the delicate, secret and almost invisible worlds within the world.

Like in my example here, it’s sometimes a tiny detail that attracts me and – once enlarged on my screen – I discover a magic and drama I was totally unaware of when taking the picture… although I wonder what attracted me in the first place? But that may be an idea for another post. . .

From a technical viewpoint and without going into the many lenses and zooms for which there are great professional tutorials, I prefer to frame my picture as close as possible, meaning also to have the parts nearest to the camera in focus and let the background and parts furthest from the camera go out of focus . . . the famous ‘blur’ effect.

Happy Photoshooting!

Author: Bianca Gubalke, Art, Media, Publishing.

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Bianca Gubalke on Google Wave

Bianca Gubalke — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 07:20:06 +0000

by Bianca Gubalke

Bianca Gubalke on Google Wave

Bianca Gubalke on Google Wave – I am excited about this future-oriented new Communication and Collaboration tool on the Web – and I thank the friend who invited me. As yes. . . it needs an invitation… and it’s early days. However, Google Wave can only be as good as the people who actually have it, set it up, test it, work with it and play with it. People like you and me who firstly create and then ride the Google Wave. . .

The Internet is a pretty wet affair… from surfing to waving. . . we stay in the waters and if I look outside it’s a wave all over, a curtain of a wave of pouring rain, day and night, since a week… where is our sunny, hot and simply stunning South African summer? A summer we love to spend on Noordhoek Beach as the kid below just a month or so ago. . . ?

Let’s quickly look at Google Wave. It has a simple layout consisting of 4 modules:

* Navigation in the left column, top – consider it your Inbox

* Contacts in the left column, bottom – sort of your Addressbook or List of Friends (with pictures)

* List of Active Waves in your Inbox – in the middle column

* New or Open Wave in the right column – here is where things happen, here you can write, comment, add images, respond via audio or video, add gadgets (like games, puzzles, ratings, conferences, Google Earth…) and robots ( eg. for surveys amongst Wave collaborators).

If you are fortunate enough to get a Google Wave account, do what I did right away and check out the many short yet explicit videos that illustrate the many features – and then play with them!

Bianca Gubalke on Google Wave

As with any Social Network, you want to set up your Profile in a professional and branded way. Besides, Google is the Master of the Internet in a way and has found the many versions of YOU anyway – be it in form of Blogs, Websites and other Links.

My Profile about “Bianca Gubalke on Google Wave” is a reflection of what I set up on my general Bio and Profile HERE. If you wish to have a Profile that you can link to from everywhere on the Internet, register for a free account right there and I teach you how to have your own Google-efficient page. Once done, you never have to worry about it again. . . just do the occasional update. The difference here is that this page is under YOUR control – not that of any Social Network or other Program. Be and stay independent – as far as that’s possible on Web2.0.

What still needs to be added is my Picasa Album, which I will do in the near future – then it’s all about the Wave!

What do you do on Google Wave?

A good question: What do you do on Google Wave?

Google Wave is still in a development stage and I assume that those who are fortunate enough to test it right now will provide lots of feedback and valuable input for improvements and adaptations to common needs.

Once the excitement of the new trend is over, I could imagine a very useful tool to work directly on projects with ones’ collaborators and partners from anywhere in the world. This is the thrilling concept behind it as far as I am concerned. If one can stop the spam before it starts and really work within an open yet private and respected environment – that would be perfect!

Here are just a few Benefits that simply trigger faster Action more often:

* The moment someone comes online, one would know through the green mark. Action!

* The moment a wave is updated or gets a new comment, one would know and be able to check immediately without losing time. Action!

* If something needs commenting – it’s instant, whether in the open or in form of private replies.

* If something needs the direct contact – say a document or article needs to be discussed in real time – voila! Let’s talk or even start a conference! Instant Action!

These are amazing possibilities saving time and making teamwork faster, smoother and more efficient – not to speak about excluding misunderstandings right away through immediate interaction.
What always amazes me with Google is the amount of foresight and preparation at the highest levels. But then if not them… who else could deliver at that level in the virtual world?

So let’s learn all about the new tool and expect lots more to be coming from Google Wave in the future!

Learn Google Wave at Ycademy Seminars

To learn more about Google Wave at Ycademy Seminars get one of the few privileged tickets for the Ycademy November Seminar on 21 and 22 November 2009, totally online and recorded for Seminar participants! Knowledge is Power – and Ycademy Seminars add Action to it, guiding you forward on your personal “Path to Profitability”.

. . .

Author: Bianca Gubalke, Art, Media, Publishing.

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Bianca Gubalke on Google Wave

Bianca Gubalke — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 19:19:08 +0000

by Bianca Gubalke

Bianca Gubalke on Google Wave

Let’s quickly look at Google Wave. It has a simple layout consisting of 4 modules:

* Navigation in the left column, top – consider it your Inbox

* Contacts in the left column, bottom – sort of your Addressbook or List of Friends (with pictures)

* List of Active Waves in your Inbox – in the middle column

If you are fortunate enough to get a Google Wave account, do what I did right away and check out the many short yet explicit videos that illustrate the many features – and then play with them!

Bianca Gubalke on Google Wave

What still needs to be added is my Picasa Album, which I will do in the near future – then it’s all about the Wave!

What do you do on Google Wave?

A good question: What do you do on Google Wave?

Here are just a few Benefits that simply trigger faster Action more often:

* The moment someone comes online, one would know through the green mark. Action!

* The moment a wave is updated or gets a new comment, one would know and be able to check immediately without losing time. Action!

* If something needs commenting – it’s instant, whether in the open or in form of private replies.

* If something needs the direct contact – say a document or article needs to be discussed in real time – voila! Let’s talk or even start a conference! Instant Action!

So let’s learn all about the new tool and expect lots more to be coming from Google Wave in the future!

Learn Google Wave at Ycademy Seminars

. . .

Author: Bianca Gubalke, Art, Media, Publishing.

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Communication with Birds

Bianca Gubalke — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 07:18:10 +0000

by Bianca Gubalke

Communication with Birds

Communication with Birds is a red thread through my life. . . but this was definitely a Cape White-eye SOS this morning! Panic in my garden!

Social Networks

These tiny birds form large “social networks” outside the breeding season and often visit flowering bushes or berry-bearing plants in large flocks – appearing like shimmering clouds feeding on insects and nectar, berries, fruit and small grains.

As in all Social Networks (in one way or another), Cape White-eyes are very vocal and can easily be distinguished by their soft trilled pee, pree or pirreee callnotes that they use to stay connected, however, what I heard this morning was a highly agitated pitch varying in volume and tempo. . .

Communication with Birds

One doesn’t need a degree in Communication with Birds to understand if something is wrong – and to react accordingly… and fast!

MadMax was with me, so it wasn’t the cat… but it could be a snake, a hawk or a mongoose… to name just a few of many possibilities.

Cape White-eye

Guided by what turned out to be the parents, I discovered a tiny little Cape White-eye (Zosterops pallidus, ‘Glasogie’ in Afrikaans) sitting motionless on the ground – an easy prey for any predator. I had to operate fast to capture the little being and get it into a safe, warm place – while the parents fluttered in great distress around me. . . and MadMax already watched my movements with great interest from my studio. Getting him out there and me inside – the adorable little being warmly covered with my hands – was not an easy operation, however, he also seemed to . . . understand!

Finally, I could check this tiny feather ball without finding any external damage, caress it and get some life back into it… while the parents watched through the windows, cheering with their little voices.

When I was called to my PC to answer a call… the idea of “Cape White-eye Online” was born!

I took a series of quick – and far from optimal shots photographically speaking – with my Logitech camera, however, you rarely get a Cape White-eye chick this close in front of your lens! And how exciting and touching: you see how it basically ‘woke up’ and then flew onto a window sill – an indication that after all it was well! it could fly!

So I caught it gently and took it to the golden Solandra Maxima tree I told you about in an earlier post – where I know many birds are currently breeding – and let it fly into the air! It was wonderful to see it happy and free… and immediately its parents were around with some tremolo chirps… and life continued as normal!

Author: Bianca Gubalke, Art, Media, Publishing.

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Watercolor Online

Bianca Gubalke — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 07:18:46 +0000

by Bianca Gubalke

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Watercolor Online

Watercolor Online – is this possible?

I loved doing watercolors in the good old days before the PC entered my life, and I still admire artists who really know how to create this form of spontaneously controlled Artwork where everything needs to flow to give a satisfactory if not stunning result.

Either it’s good – or it’s for the waste bin… there’s no inbetween!

The question for me now is:

Can one really achieve anything online that gives a result that can be compared in terms of visual appearance to the traditional Watercolor Technique – Wet in Wet, Washing, Glazing and the subtle methods of dropping colors into the wetness, lifting superfluous pigments off and working over it all when completely dry with a dry brush?

Watercolor Online

Watercolor Online may not be everyone’s cup of tea, however, most people are equipped with digital cameras and can capture their favorite motives – in my case Pictures from my Garden.

Honey Bee on a Bottlebrush

To see whether I could get anywhere near the impression of Watercolor Online, I manipulated a digital image I took of a Honeybee on a Bottlebrush in Photoshop… and while I obviously have a bigger original, here’s a small version of my series on the topic “Honey Bee on a Bottlebrush”.

Another question was the presentation on something more ’tissue-like’ without distorting the image itself… and as I have a transparent background on my Author Blog here was the next challenge.

I’m working on more . . .

…

Author: Bianca Gubalke, Art, Media, Publishing.

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Malachite Sunbird

Bianca Gubalke — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 07:19:02 +0000

by Bianca Gubalke

Malachite Sunbird

The Malachite Sunbird – or so-called Green Sugarbird – is endemic to the Cape Peninsula, right at the tip of Africa. It depends on the many nectar-producing plant species and the insects attracted to them on which they feed – especially the sugarbush Protea, the Pincushion Protea Leucospermum and Pagodas Mimetes, as well as Eucalyptus trees, Agave americana, and the New Zealand Christmas Tree (Metrosideros excelsa) – all of which I grow in my garden here in Noordhoek.

Malachite Sunbird Stamp

The Malachite Sunbird and its joyful voice is such a typical presence down here in South Africa that I decided to dedicate one of my specially designed stamps to it!

Voila the Malachite Sunbird Stamp!

. . .

Author: Bianca Gubalke, Art, Media, Publishing.

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Malachite Sunbird

Bianca Gubalke — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:19:34 +0000

by Bianca Gubalke

Malachite Sunbird

Malachite Sunbirds (Nectarinia famosa, 1766, Cape of Good Hope, South Africa ) are beautiful little emerald jewels on flurry wings. Attracted by the rich colourful proteas and many other flowering species in my garden, I have a couple of them breeding and it’s not rare they even come into my Studio… the event being an absolute highlight for MadMad, my hunter-hearted cat! It really gets the adrenaline up on all sides. . .

Malachite Sunbird

Malachite Sunbirds – also called Green Sugarbirds - are extremely fast and often mistaken for colibris, who are much smaller though. I had not yet taken the time to really wait patiently with my Nikon Coolpix P90 to eternalize these adorable little beings, but they come and greet me every morning and evening with their distinctive voices and cascading songs… and yesterday I quickly caught a male on the large Strelitzia Nicolai on my terrace – and this while the storm was roaring and stripes of rain dimmed the light.

Imagine the colours in full sunlight! It’s a photo still to be made… but the rains continue down here at the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa – which is totally unusual for this time of the year.

Wildlife Art

From Digital Photography to Wildlife Art – I just love this combination and can lose myself completely in it. I did publish a few of the many artistic versions I created with Photoshop in my Gallery… and these are just some delightful experiments, however, they gave me some ideas for commercialization that I will be investigating and possibly putting into practice. Nothing I haven’t done in my ‘low-tech’ past as an artist. . . sometimes one just needs a hint to remember :)

Exciting!

Author: Bianca Gubalke, Art, Media, Publishing.

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Google Wave Communication Tools

Bianca Gubalke — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 07:18:30 +0000

by Bianca Gubalke

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Google Wave Communication Tools

Google Wave Communication Tools determine the way we will communicate and interact on Web2.0 in the near future; it is the big OLA! you definitely want to catch and ride with ease the moment you can.

Of course, there are waves and waves… so: what does the “Google Wave” stand for?

About Google Wave

This is what I found directly on wave.google.com – the source so to speak:

Conversation and Document

“A wave is equal parts conversation and document. People can communicate and work together with richly formatted text, photos, videos, maps, and more.”

WOW – this will be saving lots of time and speed up the communication process immensely, also making so many time-consuming extra miles redundant – although they may have their charm and thus their place. It’s gain a matter of choice.

Example: If I send out an invitation for a party, I can do so the noble yet complex low-tech way and expect RSVPs in the same way. Which rarely happens. . .

Alternatively, I can use the Google Wave Communication Tools and everything is in one place and easy to be responded to by anyone, while being open to all. It’s so-to-speak one invitation document bundling a wave of conversation in forms of enthusiastic yesses, apologetic no’s and the usual odd questions. All in a mini-blink of an eye… almost immaterial and certainly less than a laborious mouse click.

Sharing

“A wave is shared. Any participant can reply anywhere in the message, edit the content and add participants at any point in the process. Then playback lets anyone rewind the wave to see who said what and when.”

Actually, we’ve been exercising the “wave principle” already in our Conference Rooms during say Ycademy Seminars. Everyone coming in – even if hours late – can scroll back and follow the conversation (chat) right from the beginning and then add an input… at the end of it.

Mark the difference: at the end… not inbetween. If that’s now going to be possible on Google Wave we’re messing up the concept of linear time – I’m all for it! Perhaps we learn something to apply to our lives… like going back in time and doing things different! Let good old Stephen Hawkins get back to the drawing board and rewrite the History of Time!

Real Time – Live

“A wave is live. With live transmission as you type, participants on a wave can have faster conversations, see edits and interact with extensions in real-time.”

Faster than fast – past Facebook and Tweets… that’s where we’re going! Instant. Live. We’ve got to have our act together to avoid ‘doing’ before ‘thinking’ – or is it all about a spontaneous reaction… reflex… almost non-existent, over, forgotten, next… ?

Social Networks watch out!

Google Wave Communication Tools on Google Top 10

“Google Wave Communication Tools” made it speedily to Google Top 10 within just a few hours… ahead of over 3,6 million search returns – here’s the screenshot:

This high performance in terms of Search Engine Optimization just reflects the results achievable when the right Script – in this case a WordPress based Semiomantics Script – is paired with correct Editing and Publishing as taught in the monthly Ycademy Seminars – even on high traffic keywords.

Google Wave Communication Tools on Ycademy Seminar

While such results are not achieved overnight, everybody can acquire the Knowledge and Skills.

If you enjoy doing so within the safe and trusted environment of a bonded Team, join us on the next fully online Ycademy Seminar on 21 and 22 November 2009 which focuses on Social Network Publishing in general and “Google Wave” in particular.

. . .

Author: Bianca Gubalke, Art, Media, Publishing.

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Google Wave Communication Tools

Bianca Gubalke — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:19:55 +0000

by Bianca Gubalke

Google Wave Communication Tools

The brand-new Google Wave Communication Tools are about to create waves and will definitely open new horizons of never before experienced speed in terms of Online Communication.

Now it’s all about catching the “Google Wave” . . . firstly understanding and then implementing this “personal communication and collaboration tool” that merges e-mail, instant messaging, wikis and social networking. . . and where the sky is the limit!

Google Wave Communication Tools on Ycademy Seminar

Faithful to its philosophy of always being at the edge of technological developments… as well as under the topical umbrella of Social Network Publishing , this month’s Ycademy Seminar on 21 and 22 November 2009 will introduce all Seminar participants to the new Google Wave Communication Tools – the features, possibilities and how to make the best use of this future-oriented and highly interesting new arrival on the Web2.0 sky!

Interested in joining the Ycademy Seminar?

Get your ticket HERE and prepare to take your Online Communication to another level!

Author: Bianca Gubalke, Art, Media, Publishing.

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Facebook Profile

Bianca Gubalke — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 07:18:51 +0000

by Bianca Gubalke

Facebook Profile

When dealing with Social Networks on the Internet, Facebook is a key player and whether we like this social arena of Mr. Everybody or not… what is important is to create a Facebook Profile that reflects who we are or how we wish to present ourselves when it comes to Social Network Publishing.

Facebook Profile Picture

Besides being in control of our names – ideally as a .com – the next step is to upload a Facebook Profile Picture.

While my usual colour scheme is reflected on the white-black-silver-red version below , I tried to play with Facebook and integrated their illustruous variety of blue hues in a soft degrade – the above is a screenshot and not as sharp as in reality. When trying to define a color, you’ll notice that the color code changes with almost every new placement of your color picker – amazing!

I intentionally didn’t want to start off with a tone-in-tone of their grey in my top picture frame, but rather have it flow in and merge in a more dynamic yet unobtrusive way.

The little thumbnail works perfectly well, but too much traffic on Facebook or slow connections down here in South Africa probably caused the error when I did the Screenshot above.

Facebook Profile Picture Examples

These are just some Facebook Profile Picture Examples that illustrate what can be done with a vertical banner with a 200 x 600 pixels format.

Author: Bianca Gubalke, Art, Media, Publishing.

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Sun Sneakers or Snow Hoppers

Bianca Gubalke — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:20:09 +0000

by Bianca Gubalke

Sun Sneakers or Snow Hoppers

“Sun Sneakers or Snow Hoppers” got such overwhelming response – not only on Google Top 10 – but also in form of rather secretive comments, questions and remarks from inquisitive people… that I can no longer withhold the amazing vista of a minuscule alien invasion I came across in my garden the other day, digital camera in hand… as I had just captured the pictures for my article on “Cup of Gold” (Solandra Maxima, remember).

Snow Hoppers on Sun Sneakers – LIVE!

Sun Sneakers or Snow Hoppers

See my version of Sun Sneakers? Drying after a good wash in the hot African summer air… but not the tiniest drop is lost in Africa… see the Snow Hoppers invading the lush white grounds to capture a bit of humidity twinkling in the sun!

See the telescopic-eyed ‘Captain’ keeping watch at the top of the hill while the bataillon of semi-transparent aliens creeps up from behind, each taking a strategic position for optimum Lifestyle!

So many things we don’t observe unless we walk around with an open heart and an inquisitve mind!

Imagine these minuscule weirdos locked on crystal Swarowski blings, kicks and sneakers? Right there on Google Top 10 powered by Semiomantics Scripts – what else?

Push Marketing or Pull Marketing – that’s the question!

Certainly a worthy topic to be discussed at the unbeatable daily Info-Call in http://yorgotalk.com – at 8 pm London time – meet you there!

. . .

Author: Bianca Gubalke, Art, Media, Publishing.

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Web Design images

Zo Nicholas — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 07:19:39 +0000

Web Design images 2009 by Zo nicholas

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