Linux Cabal talk on GIMP

So today it was my turn on give the technical talk about the graphic tool The GIMP. This tool is one of the most controversial out there. As opposed to Microsoft Office and OpenOffice.org, GIMP and Photoshop go on very different paths in things like the UI. But as we later learned is the actual Filters that represent one of the biggest problems to the designers.GIMP is more a mental and attitude issue than a technical issue. We came to the conclusion that the lack of understanding of the Filters in GIMP is what will break the work flow of many designers. The work flow is very important for them since they build their collection of techniques through books and courses about the application. However the lack of really understatement of real design and be so platform dependent makes them become too specific and really stall their development as true designers.In the end I dedicate myself to explain GIMP specialties, what is good for and some techniques on using them. The difference between bitmaps and vector graphics. Description of GIMP main tools and menu options, keyboard shortcuts configuration and other additional setups.I did 3 samples:

• Clearing red eyes
• Improving dark images on low light
• Healing people’s imperfections like zits and marks on skin

In the end the people around didn’t seem the most appropriate audience since nobody really used Photoshop but they learned a lot using Gimp.I also give them some interesting links to visit like:

• GimpTalk
• GUG
• Youtube Gimp Videos

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Advocating for an Art Project

So I have been very busy with OOo regardless of the lack of news on the matter. Firstly I am doing some hacking, some advocating, and some translating. First of I have been working on having an independent Art project which will basically provide OpenOffice.org more freedom to attract designers and artists to provide for OOo.There is an original OpenOffice.org Art pet project under Marketing. The problem is that there is no strong leadership, usually is inherited by the marketing team which is also not the most stable. Another reason is that this project is stalled most of the time. The rate of desinger that become 1-time poster is a serious indicator that they never could figure out what to do.Gaining independence from the Marketing will improve the dynamism on the project, attract new designers and will highly encourage many designers to stay with the project and contribute.Other things I have been doing has to do with the translation of OOo in Spanish, having Spanish OOo community more in tune with the general OOo tasks is a good thing. However this also add complexity and skills to all of us. So I end up with a 3000+ string to translate. It was a good thing that at least I have 1 other volunteer to help out.Finally there has been some hacktivism going on with the No OOXML campaign which seems to be shaping up quite well. I hope things eventually blossom into something good.

GF No more

So after 3 years of really second to non relationship with almost a year exception we finally come to an end. My girlfriend, Irina Andrea Iosub, broke up wtih me.Shocked? Mos def…As opposed to her,I was really into her, the news caught me completely off guard. I thought that it was just a down period but later shemake sure it was over. Over over over for good.Painful? Like no anestesiaSo this is my first real meaningful break up in my life. So I guess is meant to be hard. The problem is how to bounce back and also ask if a new relationship is really worth it. For better or worst this was a LD realtionship which means there was no relationship on daily bases. What I mean is that taking the sex-hunger aside, do I really wan to have someone else in my life? I am not sure. I actually think I am just more used to be by myself.Also a taste of no attachments start growing on me thru the day in the sense that I dont have to be there for her checking emails and IMthat means that I now am able to focus on other things. But now I am feeling an unvelievable feeling of just getting on the next place out of this country. I guess I didn’t learn my lesson on LD.Well to be honest, I don’t think this was an LD situation, since we lasted so long on LD that it was really not a matter of being appart morethan a matter of not being in touch. We had survive not being together before. But we haven’t been so disconnected from each other.I hope we can talk soon anyway, I realize that even if we move on a next stage we keep at least touch of each other. Right now I have so much media of what happened so far that I just don’t want to let go off copletely. She is also an amazing person to just leave.Good bye Irina, baby, you’ll be missed.