My thoughts on the iPad. /  by Thomas Nguyen

The Apple iPad was finally announced today.  Overall, it's basically a ginormous iPod Touch with Amazon Kindle capabilities.  So it doesn't seem that great or innovative right?  Well in my opinion, what makes the difference is size.  Size matters. TWSS.

The iPad has a 9.7" screen that will make everything just more enjoyable. Watching videos, reading an ebook, browsing the web, emailing, playing games, etc... all of that can be done on an iPhone, but the user experience is just ok.  The iPad however should blow away the user experience in all those activities.

During their presentation, The New York Times unveiled a new app of theirs that displayed their news articles just like a traditional newspaper.  It looked amazing!  However, imagine that on an iPhone.  It just wouldn't look that great.

Another great app that was featured during the presentation was Brushes.  Brushes allows artists to use the iPhone or iPad as blank canvas and their fingers as brushes to paint with.  It's a cool app for the iphone, but on a 9.7" iPad.. that's pretty dang sweet right there.  

Besides the stunning screen, the processor has been upgraded to be amazingly fast.  Games and pretty much every application is going to be running very smoothly.

And of course, lets not forget about the ebooks! The iPad features a new app called iBooks that allows you to buy and read ebooks in a stunning color capable 9.7" screen.  

Pricing

The Kindle's top of the line model costs $489.  And it's only an ebook reader. The base WiFI model of the iPad is only $499. But with the kindle, 3G wireless is a free service.  This doesn't matter if you will be mostly in WiFi Spots.  But if you want to use 3G capable iPad, it will cost you more.  The 3G + WiFi models are $130 more and you also have to pay a monthly fee for 3G.  It costs 15 bucks for 250mb worth of data or $30 bucks for unlimited data.  Bummer!  The only good thing is that there is no contract and you can cancel anytime.

I was holding out on buying a Kindle since I wanted to see what Apple had to offer.  Well, they are definitely offering more features and a better screen! I wish it had a screen and multitasking capabilities though! But I need to live up to my twitter name, addictedtoapple haha. I will most likely go with the iPad and probably a 16 or 32GB WiFi + 3G model.  I'll mostly be on WiFi but I like having the option of using the 3G if I needed it. Another bummer is that it's going to take 60-90 days to get one! 

So what are your thoughts?

Colorful, Dynamic, Dramatic Photoshop Background Tutorial /  by Thomas Nguyen

 

This is my first ever tutorial! While I was in high school, I stumbled upon this technique through fun photoshop experimentation.  However, this technique/style still has stood through the test of time in my opinion.  And the best part is.. it's quite easy.  To simplify it in easy steps, this is what you will be doing:

1. Paste a colorful photo

2. Motion blur that photo

3. Quickly adjust vibrance/saturation & brightness/contrast

4. Do a little dance because BAM, you are done.

However, there is so much more fun things you can do after that and in between in which I will explain.

1. Create a new document.  I started off with a black background.

 2. Paste a photo.  Now, it all depends on what kind of look and style you want.  If you want more defined lines and different colors in your background.. choose a photo with tons of color variation.  If you want a simpler look, then choose any photo with less color variation.

 

 3.  Now it's time to motion blur.  Go to the filter menu, and then choose blur, motion blur.  From here, you can play with the angle and distance.  In regards to the distance, it's a personal preference.. the further you go, the more the defined the lines will be the majority of the time.  Again, it all depends on what type of effect you  are going for.

4. Color adjustment time.  This is where you can make the colors look more vivid.  Simply just go to the Image menu, adjustment, then vibrance.  Or of course, you can make a new adjustment layer and choose vibrance.  From here, play around until the colors pop out a little bit more.  If you have an old version of photoshop and don't have the vibrance option, simply go to the same menu and choose Hue/Saturation.  Adjust the saturation to your liking and you'll get the same effect.



5. Time to make the photo even more dramatic.  Image Menu - Adjustments - Brightness/Contrast. Play around here for the effect you are trying to go for.  Most of the time, i adjust the brightness a tad bit, but up the contrast to define the color lines even more.

From here you can start your dance!  You are done!  

But.. here are some other fun things you can do.

 Now it's time for some extra lighting effects.  The first step is to duplicate your layer, and then change your blending mode to overlay.  This is VERY important to do before the next step.  It will allow you to preview the next effect.

Go to the Filter Menu - Gaussian Blur.  Play around a bit to get the settings you will like. From here, you can play around and switch blending modes to see if there is another effect you would like.  The 2nd photo there shows how it would look if I used the screen setting.

 

 

Another additional style you can do is to add a color overlay on your background.  Simply just right click on your layer, and got to blending options.  Then click and choose the color overlay option on the left side.  From here, change the blend mode to color and pick a color of your choice.  So above is an example of that type of effect.

I hope this tutorial was easy enough for everyone to follow.  Try it out, have fun, experiment even more, and let me know how it works out for you!  If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email.

Nike's Zoom Kobe V & Bruce Lee | MVOT: Sugar Ray - When It's Over /  by Thomas Nguyen

The new Nike Zoom Kobe V was designed in Kobe's homage to kung fu flicks and Bruce Lee!  The yellow laces and upper section of the shoe were inspired by Bruce Lee's yellow jump suit from Game of Death.  It even sports the red scratches from Bruce Lee's Enter The Dragon.  Even though I hardly play basketball, I think I'll get a pair because it's just too cool to pass on by.  Maybe I'll just wear them for kickboxing class =P

 Music Video Of The Day: Sugar Ray - When It's Over

Even Sugar Ray paid homage to Bruce Lee in this hilarious video.  Watch as one of the band members sports the Yellow Jump suit and renacts the famous scene with the legendary Kareem Abdul Jabbar.

Music Video Of The Day: Weezer - Buddy Holly /  by Thomas Nguyen

Music Video Of The Day: Weezer - Buddy Holly

This was one of my favorite videos growing up and it still is!  I thought it was amazing they were able to put themselves into Happy Day's.  The next time I ever saw anything like this was probably Forrest Gump cut scenes.

Do you guys remember old school Windows 95 and this being included with it?  I do, and I remember watching this video over and over. Enjoy.

Happy MLK JR Day | This I believe | Music Video Of The Day /  by Thomas Nguyen

Happy MLK Jr. Day

For over five years, I have always blogged my respects for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  I continue that ritual today.

I just wanted to say thank you for always believing in a better future for all.  And thank you for your courage to not only fight for social injustices, but to fight with leadership, positivity, and non violence.  You continue to inspire me to be a better person and to help others in need.  You never stopped believing in the hope and future for the generations to come. I hope we all can continue your dreams.

This I Believe

A couple of years back, a friend of mine gave me a wonderful book titled "This I believe, The personal philosophies of one hundred thoughtful men and women" for my birthday.  It was actually the original copy from 1952.  The book is based upon legendary broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow's radio program.  Listeners were asked to send in an essay about their views of life and what they believe in. The essays came from people from various backgrounds and all walks of life.  There were essays from regular people to Helen Keller, Jackie Robinson, Eleanor Roosevelt and more. So many different people, so many personal philosophies, but all truly inspirational.

The series still goes on today.  You might even catch it on NPR or their podcast.  The book series has also continued with and updated version of "This I believe" and "This I Believe II".  Other noteworthy writers in the new series are William F. Buckley, Jr., Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, Newt Gingrich, Colin Powell, Tony Hawk, Yo-Yo Ma, and more.  I'm finishing up the 2nd edition, but I just wanted to share this great series with everyone, especially on MLK Jr. Day.

One of my favorite stories that I would like to share is by Andre Kostelanetz.  In 1945, he was in France and visited the renowned French artist Henri Matisse.  Inside Matisse's small house was an abundant amount of magnificent paintings.  He then asked Matisse, "What is your inspiration?"  Matisse replied back... "I grow artichokes".  He then further explained, "Every morning I go into the garden and watch these plants.  I see the play of light and shade on the leaves and I discover new combinations of colors and fantastic patterns.  I study them.  They inspire me.  Then I go back into the studio and paint."  Andre was amazed, because at that time, Matisse was just about 80 years old.  He thought Matisse would have surely seen every combination of light and shade by that time.  However, everyday he received new inspiration just by looking at artichokes.

It just goes to show you, inspiration is all around us.   You just need to take time and look a little closer.

Music Video Of The Day: Michael Jackon: Man In The Mirror

Continuing the theme of MLK, Beliefs, and change... I present to you Michael Jackson's Man In The mirror.  A song that has always struck me to become a better person.

As I, Turn Up The Collar On My
Favorite Winter Coat
This Wind Is Blowin' My Mind
I See The Kids In The Street,
With Not Enough To Eat
Who Am I, To Be Blind?
Pretending Not To See
Their Needs

Man those lyrics always hit me.  Anyways , enjoy and Happy MLK Jr. Day!

 

Music Video of the Day & Weekend Updates. /  by Thomas Nguyen

Sylvie's Crew

On Saturday was the first time I helped volunteer with my cousin Sylvie.  Usually once a month, she gathers a couple of friends to contribute some food or money and creates a lunch for a needy organization.  This time around, it was for the N Street Village organization that helps out with women who are homeless or recovering from drug addiction or mental illness.

I made my way downtown and walked into the Bethany Women's Center, where the food would be served.  As I walked in, I was the only guy in the place, being stared at by whole bunch of women.  I was a little nervous trying to look for Sylvie, but luckily, a member of their staff knew right away I was looking for her.  She guided me to the kitchen and I finally saw Sylvie & Jenny.  Later we were joined by Nichole, Joy, and Christine.

On the lunch menu that day, Sylvie decided to create some pizzas, pasta, and salad.  Sylvie had some home made pizza dough in which Jenny, Joy, Nichole, and Christine helped make a variety of pizza pies and the pasta.  And I'm not joking about the variety.. white pizza, cheese with tomato sauce, vegetable, pepperoni, pepperoni and olives, white pizza with pepperoni, combination with turkey sausage.. and there might be another one that I'm missing. Nikki and I were on salad duty.  We were a little slow, but now that we know what we are doing, we'll be more efficient next time :P  Oh, and I forgot, Joy brought some awesome ginger snap cookies for desert.

We were able to finish up everything in 2hrs and were ready to serve by noon.  The ladies lined up as we served them pasta, salad, and three slices of pizza.  There was still room for leftovers and we encouraged them to eat some more.  One cute elderly lady came up for a vegetable slice to go. As she walked away, she took a big whiff of the pizza, exhaled "Ahhhh" and smiled at us.  That right there.. made my day.  It was such a great experience that I hope I will be able to do it again.  I think it's pretty amazing that my cousin has been organizing, taking lead and doing this for quite some time now.  I believe now, we are known as Sylvie's Crew. Be on the lookout for where we'll be next haha.

Ping Pong Dim Sum

 

Ok, with a name like that.. how can I not try this place out?  Ping Pong Dim Sum is a London based restaurant that just opened up recently in downtown DC.  It's right on 7th street in Chinatown/Verizon Center.  I met up with my college buddies, Christy, Mantik, Jenn and Almond.

The menu offered a pretty interesting variety, however from what I noticed, it was a lot of seafood related dishes.  The restaurant recommends that each person should get 3-4 dishes.  Each dish costs anywhere from $2-7, which is a bit pricey.  We all ordered a good amount, at least that's what we thought.  Each dish had 3 portions, which is not good when you need to split it up for 5 people.  We cut everything in half and ate from there. Overall, the food tasted pretty good, but the portions were way too small and way to expensive.  Definitely not a great bang for the buck. By the end of it, we were still starving. Right after, we ended up driving to Centreville to feast at BBQ Chicken & Beer which more then satisfied our hunger.  Terigold is still my flavor of choice!

I'd only recommend Ping Pong Dim Sum for Happy Hours.  Small portions, hopefully some cheaper prices, drinks and a nice atmosphere could be the right setting and reasons for you to visit.  If you are going there for true dim sum feasting... then look elsewhere or be prepared for a big bill. And also on a side note, the Flowering Jasmine & Lily tea is quite cool. It actually sprouts at the bottom of your glass with a flower in the middle.  It's like a secret garden inside your tea glass haha.  But the taste is too subtle.  C for taste, and an A for the wow factor.

Ground Level Gourmet

My good buddy Huong has finally started a blog!  Huong is an amazing cook that everyone should look out for.  I've been fortunate to taste her creations.  She puts alot of thought into her dinner parties, from the food, decor, and how everything is presented.  Just a like a true chef!  Check out her site at www.groundlevelgourmet.com

Music Video Of The Day: P.O.D - BOOM

In honor of my ping pong dim sum adventures, I present to you P.O.D. Boom.  It's the only video I know of that features ping pong the majority of the time.  What's cool is that I know some of the people in the video.. and some of the guys are actually wearing our North American Table Tennis Shirts!  Woohoo.  Enjoy!