Xoa Gray / is on Nostr

Been around for about half a century.
I used to be an IT guy, but now I spend most of my time fiddling with fountain pens and typewriters. I'm also an avid gamer.
Remind me to flesh this out more at some point. ;)

Last Notes

2025-04-14 17:38:02

This is the best explanation of the exposure triangle I've ever seen. If you're new to photography, or just want to watch a really good video about how exposure on your camera works, give this a look.
https://youtu.be/vu5ohljtB-A?si=i2l0rzV-Xxmd--tV
#Photography #HowTo #ExposureTriangle

2024-12-25 17:03:44

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@nprofile…vdjy I expect this is just the tip of the iceberg, as most of our news organizations have already gone down on one knee and kissed the ring.

2024-12-17 11:31:40

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@nprofile…vdjy My favorite thing to do on those days is just chill out with a coffee and enjoy the quiet for a little while. I'd say if there's something that brings you a little peace, do that. It's not a bad way to start the day.

2024-11-29 18:44:25

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@nprofile…kgju That looks amazing! :)

2024-11-24 17:56:08

I did not realize that Numbats were so cute. Now I know. And if you didn't now you do too! :)
https://cdn.masto.host/phoenixmastohost/media_attachments/files/113/539/216/261/577/839/original/2f544dc946a55510.png

2024-11-20 18:43:24

If you want to try a larger fountain pen, but don't want to pay the usually high prices because they usually fall into the premium pricing range, Give the Jinhao No.9019 a try.
It is not going to feel the same as a premium pen, but it is the size of one, and it is far better than it has any right to be for a $13 pen. They're excellent writers, and if you find you like them, you'll know on the cheap that fat pens are for you.
#fountainpens

2024-11-17 21:02:01

Well little Curidas, it's been a good run. Dropped it at a Wal-Mart of all places.
#fountainpens
https://cdn.masto.host/phoenixmastohost/media_attachments/files/113/500/307/596/776/775/original/4f10d363ff842eba.jpeg

2024-10-25 18:57:47

I have to say I love the confused look on people's faces at stores and stuff when they say “Do you have our app?" and I pull one of these out.
https://cdn.masto.host/phoenixmastohost/media_attachments/files/113/369/590/167/965/308/original/9867ea21bd5a8fd1.jpeg

2024-10-25 12:14:08

If you're one of those people that doesn't care about privacy because “you’ve got nothing to hide, you never do anything wrong."
Just remember one thing.
Until the overturn of Roe Vs Wade, there were millions of women in this country that never did anything wrong either. But since the abortion laws changed, their smartphones and the data they collect are now being used against them in court.
You don't have to be doing something wrong to care about privacy.
#privacy

2024-10-09 03:09:24

I see so many posts and videos about photographers looking for a “film like” image. You see constant mentions of "Film like" photos and cameras that have features about them that give an experience that's like shooting a film camera.
Film cameras still exist. You can't get any more film like experience than actually shooting film, in a film camera.
If you want "film like" images and experiences, just try the real thing.
#photography

2024-10-04 09:10:04

So if you're into photography, and you're watching YouTube at all, you've probably seen the myriad of videos that claim X or Y Digicam creates photos that are “Filmlike".
About 90^% of the time, they really don't. But, what they can do is tap into our nostalgia by taking photos that remind us of other times.
The Digicam"craze isn't creating "filmlike" photos, it's creating photos with a 90's / early 2000's aesthetic. And that's cool, it can be that and still be a good thing.
#photography

2024-10-03 10:15:08

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@npub1vg4…2yt8 You don't have to own a million of them to like them.
The Al-star from what I've heard is a pretty good pen. I have a Safari myself, (basically the same pen, but plastic,) it's been a solid writer for years.

2024-10-02 17:21:26

If you're into fountain pens, what's one that has just never let you down? Something that just writes, and writes well every time you use it.
For me, if I had to choose just one, it would be my Pilot Elite 95s EF.
I have a couple others that are really close, or maybe better in one way but not another, but overall that has just been the most solid pen I own.
#fountainpens

2024-09-20 15:14:51

I’ve heard a few times now people on YouTube refer to an older camera as “outdated”. Cameras aren’t like PCs, they don’t just stop taking good photos after a few years. Sure, eventually everything wears out. But I have cameras that are over 20 years old and still take great photos.
Don’t fall for the idea that if your camera isn’t the latest model you can’t take good pictures with it.
#photography

2024-09-20 00:55:29

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@npub1aka…zzz2 I could see that. I have something along the same vein that I use. Traveler's Notebook.

2024-09-20 00:44:56

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@npub1aka…zzz2 I used to have a Handspring Visor that I used constantly. Genuinely miss it sometimes. I often think I might go back to using a palm device for a couple different reasons.

2024-09-18 09:03:59

I may be dipping a toe back into film photography after all these years. I've missed it in a way. Starting small, though depending on how things go I might ramp it up a bit.
Either way, this should be fun. :)
#photography