markymutt's scrapbook

Thank you Time Machine!!!

noreply@blogger.com (markymutt) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 02:16:00 +0000

For those of you who hope "it won't happen to you"...

OK, so I thought I'd write a special thank you to Apple's Time Machine, and really encourage everyone I know to "back shit up!!!" I mean honestly, a great deal of our lives are saved in gigabites on a computer, so it's really important that we look after it. Even though what I'm saying here relates to Mac uses, the same goes for my PC friends out there. Back up, back up, BACK UP!!!

I recently had a melt down on my old G5. It's a pretty old machine, like 6 years, it's a power pc, not an intel mac and it runs on OSX.

(These event were over the last 2 weeks)

My computer wouldn't start and I couldn't even start it up on my install CD. I couldn't even load it on to my laptop in Target Disk mode. I tried several ways to get the disk to load and at one point, I got the disk to show up in Disk Utility but it didn't have anything nice to say except that it was seriously damaged and that I should try reformatting it, but that was difficult to do, because the installer CD wouldn't even load fully. I finally thought that the battery on my logic board may need replacing, so I bought a new one in the hopes that it was the main cause...

Firstly, I do quite a bit of freelance work on my computer. Because of that, I figured it was sensible (2 years ago) to get Time Machine set up so that in the event that something like this ever happens, I'd be ok. I use an external hard disk for this. I also have a second hard disk in my computer where I save additional music, photos and stuff, so that frees up space on my main hard disk for my programs to work efficiently.

Now, I decided that in the event that my main hard disk was truly beyond repair, I would have to use my second hard disk as my new main. So I got a new external disk to transfer everything I had on it so I could use it. Luckily, I was able to use Target disk mode to load my second hard disk to my laptop and transfer all my stuff to the new External.

Now how often do we pray backups are actually being backed-up? Especially, when Time Machine runs in the background... and you're not physically having to do anything day to day, to make sure it's backing stuff up? You take it for granted it's doing what it's supposed to right? Ok.

Now, all the stuff that was on my second hard disk was transfered to my new external, so I was ready to use it as my new main hard disk. I cross my fingers that everything that was on my old main hard disk was safely backed up via Time Machine to my other external.

Now, back to my battery... I put the new battery in and started the computer... It didn't work. I tried starting from the install CD... nope! I tried target Disk mode to my laptop... it didn't show up. Basically, I simply had to accept that my main hard disk was really damaged.

In order to install OSX onto my second hard disk, I had to physically remove my damaged hard disk and swap it out with my second hard disk in order to get the install CD to even start running. Which it did!!!

So now, I install OSX to my new main hard disk. Done. Next, do all the necessary system software updates for OSX. Done. Now I was ready to restore everything I had on my Time Machine to my new main hard disk.

Do not use Time Machine. That's just to set up a new time machine back up for you computer.

What you need to do is use Migration Assistant (in your utilities folder). It will ask you if you want to use your Time Machine back up and what you want to restore, including applications!!! Basically, if you are intending to buy a new computer, and you wanted to transfer everything from your old computer to your new one... if you had Time Machine set up on the old one, you can use Migration Assistant to transfer everything!!!

Now what I was super pleased with is that setting, fonts, applications... everything was as it was before my melt down!!! It took about 4 hours for the transfer, but once it was done, my old computer was completely back!!! I didn't have to reload fonts, I didn't even have to reload any applications, adobe CS', everything was done. OMG!!! what a relief!!! No scrambling for CDs of applications to reinstall, or fonts to upload or any of that!!! It was all there!!!

Thank you, thank you Time Machine!!! Seriously!!!

One thing it will do after all your system and files and folders and applications are restored, is your mail... Mail will pop up, and ask you to restore you mail. You don't need to set up your mail accounts. That's all done, but you will need to get the mail from those account back and update any new mail from the online servers.

Until you have a melt down people, you have no idea...

Even if you don't do work on your computer, let's face it, you still have a lot of personal stuff on the computer, pictures, movies, music.. whatever, it's your stuff. Trust me, if it means anything to you, you gotta back it up. And if you're a Mac like me, Time Machine is the one thing you simply have to have.

aerie - Times Square

noreply@blogger.com (markymutt) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:55:00 +0000

Always nice to get some mileage from a logo I created. I added some "mood" music courtesy, of Brian Ferry:)

NYDG Foundation Auction for Haiti

noreply@blogger.com (markymutt) — Fri, 07 May 2010 11:55:00 +0000

I so wanted this signed Giselle print! All In all a successful event!

Inspired by Alice

noreply@blogger.com (markymutt) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 05:53:00 +0000

How could I not be inspired... Click on the image for a larger view.

New Mooncake

noreply@blogger.com (markymutt) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:26:00 +0000

With Valentine's fall on the start of the Lunar New Year... I thought a little "silly" was in order.
Happy Valentine's Lunar New Year everyone.

My Avatar Series

noreply@blogger.com (markymutt) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:54:00 +0000

So, after watching Avatar... Of course I was compelled to create myself as one.
Click on the images for a larger view.

Brett Gleason - The Dissonance

noreply@blogger.com (markymutt) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:21:00 +0000

Finally the wait is over!!!
Brett is an amazing talent and a wonderful guy. I'm totally excited about his official album release and his awesome video for his single "I Am Not".
Please check out his website brettgleason.com or his myspace page for more information, music and downloads!
And if you're in the city, don't miss his album launch performance at The Delancey on Friday, Jan 15th and get a free CD!

Brett, you rock!

Kylie coming!

noreply@blogger.com (markymutt) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:55:00 +0000

State of Independence

noreply@blogger.com (markymutt) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 17:10:00 +0000

Fireworks at the Hudson (Riverside Park)

I have to admit, I was bored and rather lazy and thought twice about walking towards the river to catch the fireworks for a change. But it was 8.45pm and I had some 15 minutes to get my act together and head down. And I am so glad I did, for more reasons than simply passing the time to catch fireworks.

When I arrived I was honestly surprised by the turnout at the river. 125th street is pretty damn far away from where the fireworks were actually taking place, so not only would one loose on the size of the display, but you would loose the sound of the explosions, which would make for half the experience. I thought that I would be one of a few huddled groups of people and couples and possibly a few families who decided to head out to "see what they could see" or have "something different for the kids". As it turned out, there had to have been well more than a thousand people there, and I'm pretty sure I'm underestimating this. With implacable organization, there were even safety barricades all around and on the jetties, with police and firefighters for crowd control. All this for a 20 minute spectacle that was happening some 6 miles away! There were even people on the fly-over of the West Side Highway over looking the park waiting to catch a glimpse of the show.

Note, that where we were, is in no way a tourist attraction. The mass majority of the people that were there, either lived in the area or were visiting friends and family in the area. With all our economic problems and anxieties, the fact that so many people came out here to see it and to celebrate the 4th, I am duly humbled by the American people and I am so glad I got off my ass, for this has given me yet another reason to love New York.

Remember The Time

noreply@blogger.com (markymutt) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:31:00 +0000

Michael Jackson (Aug 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)

Do you remember
Back in the spring
Every morning birds would sing
Do you remember
Those special times
Theyll just go on and on
In the back of my mind

I thought I'd share some photos I took today, the day after Michael Jackson left us. My neighborhood is strangely quite. Last night it was pretty much deserted as I believe everyone made their way to the Apollo. Apparently the music and singing went on till the wee hours. This afternoon the Apollo continues to draw crowds and I won't be surprised if this is only the beginning.

...So tonight gotta leave that nine to five upon the shelf and just enjoy yourself,
Groove. let the madness in the music get to you,
Life ain't so bad at all... if you live it off the wall.

Before icanhascheezburger

noreply@blogger.com (markymutt) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:05:00 +0000

Couldn't help re-posting this:
This captioned cat picture postcard was found by Tracy Angulo in a Seattle antique store. Tracy tells us that the photograph is from 1905, which would make this officially the oldest cat picture with a caption, AKA lolcat, that we’ve seen.
more animals

A Sweet Bird Of Youth - Forever Paul Newman

noreply@blogger.com (markymutt) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:03:00 +0000

1925 - 2008
It's difficult for me to find the words... Perhaps it's just as well... There are no words...

Magazine-ing Dexter

noreply@blogger.com (markymutt) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:05:00 +0000

Call me a Serial Art Director...
This latest ad campaign for Showtime's Dexter is so up my alley! Having been in publications for most of my design career, I miss it a lot, and sometimes, I find myself occasionally creating a "Cover" just for the hell of it.
Well, whoever did the Details, Wired and Rolling Stones covers for the campaign, kudos to you. And, as you can see, I was compelled to create a few of my own ideas on Dexter's campaign, with some other magazines you may recognize. Enjoy!

The Madding Crowd

noreply@blogger.com (markymutt) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:01:00 +0000

Gay Pride 2008

Although it was a rather wet Sunday, it didn't seem to dither the thousands gathered to participate and support the event. Thank goodness for the bars, our refuge and excuse from the sudden downpour to grab a cocktail.. or two. Between ducking from the rain and swigging cocktails, sad to say I missed most of the parade, but here are some shot s I did manage to capture.
Refuge at Stonewall.

Historic Hamilton Grange On Wheels

noreply@blogger.com (markymutt) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 21:06:00 +0000

Today I witnessed the second half of Hamilton's Grange's historic move to its new home in St Nicholas Park. A dramatic journey, a century overdue.

How does one even begin to say "great Job" to the incredible precision and nail-biting patience these movers have. No yelling, no squabbling, no loud horns except when announcing that they had reached a desired position... Quite simply put, the move has been graceful and humbling to witness.

141TH STREET
At about 9.30am, the Grange was well on its way, already at the foot of 141st Street at the corner of Hamilton Terrace. Here it began it's right turn into the park. Because the street slopes down from the park, it had to be filled-in with gravel to create a flat surface for the house to be rolled into position. (Did I mention the house had wheels?)

Making my way through Convent to get a better view from Hamilton Terrace, I passed by its previous home next to St Luke's Church. By moving Hamilton Grange, not only will it give the old house more breathing room and to exists once again in all its grandeur, but it has also revealed the beauty of St Luke's; A picture not seen in over 100 years. I wish that this void that remains will be maintained as a park for all who live in the neighborhood.
HAMILTON TERRACE
A small crowd has gathered from as early as 7.30am. NY1 and PBS are covering the event. As the house is moved slowly into position, Congressman Rangel, the man responsible for securing the funds needed to "make history", also pays a visit to the site.
Now in position, it is almost 11am, and the wheels are repositioned and prepared for its rotation.
Slowly but surely, the house is rotated on its axis.

OTHER VIEWS
The current view from St Nicolas Avenue.
From the Park, the house is in position to be moved onto its new foundation.

Re-moving History

noreply@blogger.com (markymutt) — Sat, 31 May 2008 22:52:00 +0000

I couldn't help but be moved by this story, considering how I literally stumbled upon it. A chance lunch date with a friend last week, lead me to show him around my neighborhood in Harlem. On our extended stroll to the restaurant, we passed by a curious construction site. A handsome but rather dilapidated wooden house, sandwiched between a Church and an apartment building, was sitting some 20 odd feet off the ground on what appeared to be an intricate pile of well positioned, oversized jenga blocks!

It was obvious that the house was carefully, and I should say preciously, being moved. I was intrigued and had to find out more.

Living in the area for over 6 years, I'm ashamed of my lack of knowledge of American history and that I had no idea that such a historic landmark was only a stroll away from where I live and work, for as it turns out, it is the site of The Grange, the country house of Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury (1789-1795), one of the developers of the Constitution and leader of the Federalist party. He was also the founder of the Bank of New York and The New York Post.

Furthermore, upon my research, I became aware of the controversy behind this move that actually started way back in the early 1900s!

ORIGINAL HOME 1802-1889

In 1798, Hamilton had commissioned architect John McComb Jr. to design his Federal style country home on his 32 acre estate in upper Manhattan. In those days, where I live now, the area was largely farmland. The house was completed in 1802, perched on a woody hilltop, surrounded by wilderness with views from the top floor, of the Hudson River from the front side and the valley of Harlem from the back. Hamilton had only enjoyed his new home for two years, before he was fatally wounded in a duel with his political rival Aaron Burr on July 11, 1804.

The First Move
CURRENT LOCATION 1889-2008

The years after his death were a trying time as Hamilton had left his personal affairs in great disorder. Mrs Hamilton struggled to retain the house, but eventually, parted with it in 1833. For almost a century, the property had been looked after by sympathetic owners until finally, in 1889, when property became too valuable for it to compete with the growing city, Amos Cotting bought the land under the Grange for his row house development, and gave the house to St. Luke's Episcopal Church in exchange for building a church next to his development. This in turn meant moving the house about two blocks away from where it stood, to its current location. Unfortunately, the original porches and piazzas were removed and it was set sideways on a new basement. Both the original front entrance, which now faces St. Luke's Church and rear entrance were walled up. A new main entrance was cut in what formerly had been the side wall of the front stair hall, and the original main door was installed there. Another front door was also cut into one of the original rear rooms and the present porch added. At some point, the roof balustrade was also removed. Over the years, the house has sadly resided, quashed between the church and an apartment building with little or no resemblance of its original grandeur.

The Next Move
NEW LOCATION 2009

Interestingly, discussions to move the house back to a more rural setting began appearing as early as 1901. There is even an article from the New York Times dated March 17, 1912 which not only mentions the desire to restore it and maintain it as a museum with collected personal relics of Hamilton but also its chosen site to be in St Nicholas Park. In the 1950's and 1960's, as the Grange continued to deteriorate, a new push for relocation and restoration emerged and several sites proposed, including the City College campus, Riverside Park, a vacant plot on Amsterdam Avenue and near the Cloisters. click map for a larger view

In 1962, the National Park Service became the owner of the house. However, it was only in 1993 that their decision to proceed with the move to the more pastoral setting of St Nicholas Park was made - a plan long opposed by the house's neighbor, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, who claim a historic link with the Grange. More than a decade later, funding was finally allocated and the house's new foundation is being prepared in the park. The missing original entranceway, the front and back porches and other architectural features of the house will be restored.

The controversy continued with the question of it's desired orientation. A huge concern to some preservationists who insist that the house's orientation should be positioned as it was originally intended as it would affect not only its exterior appearance but the way natural light would play within it's rooms. But at its new location, perched on a hill-slope in the Park, the idea to rotate it 180º so that the entrance faces the open landscape, would revive the character of Hamilton’s home as a freestanding mansion. Keeping it's original orientation would make the main entrance face the steep ridge from which City College rises and defy common aesthetic sense. Furthermore, regardless of which way it faces, neither the views nor the play of natural light within the house could possibly be replicated on this new site. There may be more accommodating spots in St Nicholas Park, but this chosen corner is more appropriate because it lies within the parameters of Hamilton’s original estate, making a 200-year-old connection between the building and its new setting.

I feel compelled to keep an eye on the Grange in the following months. An easy stroll home from work will take me past this new site and I will continue to record it's move and restoration. So much of its history has already been lost. Considering how it had been butchered for over a century, I personally welcome this move and its new orientation. I only pray that it would be lovingly restored without compromising its old aged beauty. Soon, for the first time in 119 years, the house will occupy a verdant setting, reminiscent of it's original grandeur and one can finally appreciate fully the beauty of the home that Hamilton helped design and once called his "sweet project".

Spotted -"XOXO"

noreply@blogger.com (markymutt) — Sat, 17 May 2008 03:55:00 +0000

Don't get me wrong... I'm all for stretching the boundaries, and I actually enjoy watching 'Gossip Girl', but this ad campaign got me thinking...

Yes, we live in a time when text messaging and abbreviations are second nature to us, and as a catch phrase, this works pretty well for the show. However, I question the abbreviation itself.

I'm no fuddy-duddy, nor some religious fanatic. That's not my issue. I'm just wondering what in our society is becoming acceptable language in advertising. What if we weren't so familiar with abbreviations? The only reason we understand OMFG, is because we've used the phrase verbally in it's full phonetic glory. Would we have allowed this campaign to run had the words been spelled out? Some how... I think not. I think there might even be an uproar.

My case in point, the CW network also ran TV commercials with these letters flashing one by one, large as it can fit on your TV screen... but wait a minute... The commercial that ran at 8pm is not the same as the one that ran at 11.30pm?!?? The "F" was missing! ... So here we have a PG version - of an abbreviation, mind you - of the commercial for the younger followers of the show. Obviously, the network themselves thought it was questionable as well.

That said, the show itself isn't in any way full of sex scenes as it would so seem, jugging from this billboard. Abbreviations aside, the OMG version of the commercial at 8pm is more representative of the show, cutting from one drama to the next, while the OMFG version at 11.30pm is all just sex, from one single flash back scene in the whole series. "Hello?"

More things happen in one episode of 'Gossip Girl' then in an entire season of, Dynasty! The plot keeps moving and honestly, it's all fun fluff and not at all inappropriate for teens. Unless the network's intention is to step it up a notch for a later time-slot and an older audience for next season, this billboard and the late night commercial, is, quite frankly, misrepresentation. In fact, I don't even recall the "F" word ever being used verbally or even in a text message on the show.

The real catch phrase for this show is, for me, and should be, "XOXO", as Gossip Girl herself signs off on every episode. Now, I would have much preferred to see that in huge letters on a billboard, and be greeted by text-messaged hugs and kisses on my flat screen TV. Wouldn't you?

the delicate leaf

noreply@blogger.com (markymutt) — Sun, 11 May 2008 02:13:00 +0000

RITE OF SPRING 2

So, it's been 3 weeks since my post on the tree in my office backyard. Notable changes are apparent. Not all the leaves have "become". Much is still in a dormant stage.
I don't remember if the color of the leaves were always this shade of green. As I said, I'm no botanist but I'm pretty sure it's the "young fresh leaf color" right now and they get deeper and darker as the months go by.

Bill of Law

noreply@blogger.com (markymutt) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:40:00 +0000

Ok! Whoo-hoo... Law and Order SVU are shooting at my building of residence. But to be totally honest, I don't know weather I should be excited, surprised, or depressed.

Yes it is exciting to see the whole set up and drama that goes with a shoot, (it is Law And Order SVU after all.) And just the chance to see burly Christopher Meloni in the flesh and in action... What a treat! unfortunately, I'll be at work at the time unless they're doing a night scene... then maybe I'll just make some excuse to trip over a cable or something, just at the right moment.

But take into account my neighborhood... should I be surprised that a scout decided on our location for a scene? How depressing is it to realize, that some scout found your neighborhood "perfect for a crime scene". This is not the first time that Law And Order have found my neighborhood appealing.

Yes, the truth is, my neighborhood has had it's fair share of the "dark side". Even today, tricks are treated, and "exchanges" made. But not to the degree as it was in the past, thank heavens. It's a much safer neighborhood now and slowly but surely, it will hopefully continue to do so and maybe one day, we'll get to a place where a scout will find the location... not so "perfect".

That said... my heart goes out to the people whose neighborhoods have been "abused" for CSI.

Well, they shoot tomorrow and Friday, so if anything is worth recording, I will add to this post.

rite of spring

noreply@blogger.com (markymutt) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:13:00 +0000

It's a pleasure to actually see a tree go from its leafless winter state to its full green glory in summer. There's a wonderful tree that grows right out on the backyard of the brownstone I call my office. Because I'm a floor up and have access to a balcony, I can not only see this miracle unfold every year, but touch it's young soft leaves as it goes through it life cycle.

I'm no botanist, and living in the tropics for most of my life, where plants and trees are always in full bloom, it's only natural to be fascinated and want to record this simple event we take all too for granted. This tree has obviously been here for many decades, possibly older than I am. So why not show it some respect.

These images were taken only 2 weeks apart. I must remember to shoot it again next week and the following times it begins looking fuller and become glorious.

By The Hand Of God

noreply@blogger.com (markymutt) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:33:00 +0000

Caught this shot the other day. First thought? Rather appropriate. But, wait a second! Does it actually mean something? should I be looking deeper into this picture? This was taken on 125th Street in Harlem. "Raising the dead" ... Lazarus is a retail store. Was it doing badly? Is it doing better now? Is it a sign for us to start spending money again? How about even deeper... There has been a lot of talk about the gentrification of Harlem? Is it a sign?

The thing about clouds... 2 seconds after this shot... it was gone. (now is that a sign too?)

Spring Arrival

noreply@blogger.com (markymutt) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:18:00 +0000

Thought it was rather clever of AX to plaster the entire Spring Street station with their Spring/Summer campaign. All we need now is the warm weather.

Icicle Works

noreply@blogger.com (markymutt) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 07:05:00 +0000

So how cold has it been? Well, I took this photo today, but obviously
it took some time to develop. This is right outside my office. Today was pretty brrr!

Deathbed off Broadway

noreply@blogger.com (markymutt) — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 01:36:00 +0000

Having lived here in New York City for over 5 years, it's embarrassing
to admit that I haven't made more effort to take some time out for a
little theatre. Yes! I'm talking Broadway but also off Broadway, which
is a different entity of it's own. Being here, it's natural to assume
you'd get to doing certain things in due time, but honestly...
When is that?

Lucky for me, I recently made a friend online who happens to be an
actor and who was preparing for a new play, off Broadway, called
"Deathbed". I'd been meaning to catch some theatre, and now I had the opportunity to not only do just that, but also show some support to a new friend.

Not to give anything away, and I'm no critic, so I won't even try to be here, I enjoyed it immensely! I have to say that I probably enjoyed it more because it was a smaller theater and so a more intimate experience, and my friend Brandon Miller was amazing in his role and I was thrilled for him that he got a special mention in the New York Times.
New York Times Review

Respect

noreply@blogger.com (markymutt) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 04:06:00 +0000

So it was a quite Sunday morning. I had to go to the Apple store in Soho to see a genius about a glitchy iPhone.

Being in the neighborhood, it only made sense to take a stroll by Heath Ledgers apartment.

Call it paying ones respects, a morbid sense of curiosity or simply still feeling a loss that needed closure. It's odd to feel this way, when you don't really know the person. But celebrity is it's own being in a way, and actors give so much of themselves for our entertainment, that I think when you respect a particular actor and follow his career, and have hopes for his success and look forward to his next performance... and than the unexpected happens... what can you do... but say goodbye... somehow.