happagirl2004

I am currently located in West Chicago, IL and work in Chicago. I am interested in learning about Buddhism as it intrigues me as a faith and spirituality I may be interested in. But I don't know where to go to learn anything since I know very little at all and my work schedule frees me up only two days a week (Tuesday and Wednesday). Does anyone have suggestions on where I might start?

I have a Nikon D80 and with wedding season a lot of my friends are getting hitched, but I've been noticing that a lot of my pictures are turning out really grainy. These are usually low light occasions and I often pull out my 70-300 lens to get up close from where I'm sitting. But as I go through them a lot of my pictures show a good amount of grain. I've tried to adjust my ISO, currently I have it set on 640, but I'm scared of going any higher since I've experience more grain with a higher ISO. Does anyone have any tips for how to compensate for this? I have an external flash and on camera flash both of which I have diffusers for if that helps.

Thanks!

My friend has 3 more weeks at boot camp. Can I mail her treats (i.e. lemon bars) while she's there or is that prohibited? Or will the Drill Sergeants eat it all before she gets it. Thanks.

I have just acquired a well seasoned, large, round baking stone. Does anyone have any suggestions what I should do with it (what I should make) in order to try it out?

I got a great tip on how to make a home-made diffuser...but it's from South Africa! I don't know where I can find the bottle in order to make it, does anyone have any suggestions where I might find a bottle like this to make a temporary diffuser, until I can buy an actual one?

http://www.outdoorphoto.co.za/forum/showthread.php...

I am looking at purchasing a flash diffuser and have found varying reports as too which is better: Gary Fong Lightsphere II or the Omni Bounce. Obviously the Omni Bounce would fit better into the budget and the camera bag, but if there is a significant difference I would go for the Lightsphere. I was just wondering what the general consensus is about the two products.

Pros and Cons work as well as side by side comparisons.

A very good friend of mine has asked me to take her engagement photos. I consider myself a moderately-serious amateur. I have a Nikon D80 with a standing tripod with several lens filters, but no other equipment (lighting reflectors, fans, etc.) I am fairly confident in my Photoshop/Picasa picture editing abilities and I take pictures quite often, but mostly nature in theme and primarily focusing on natural lighting.

If you have ANY tips for me to take get the confidence, both technically and mentally, I need to for this please send them my way!

Thanks!

I have a male sugar glider who I believe is over two years old. He has been subjected to several owners who didn't treat him very well, but it didn't seem to be a problem. I have had him for over 6 months and outside of being a little wary of being held he hasn't been aggressive until the past week or two.

He's suddenly become extremely frantic about his food and hisses, chatters, and bares his teeth when I remove his bowl and when I bring it back filled. He usually gets oranges, apples, and bell peppers (or a mixed vegetable mix), 3-4 Super-mealworms every day, and a sprinkle of calcium every couple of days.

I have two cats, but it hasn't seemed to bother him.

I am a HUGE fan of Harry Dresden and after reading "Small Favor" I was left further curious if Jim Butcher has named the Knights of the Black Denarius after biblical Fallen Angels. But every time I search them only references to the Dresden Files come up. I was wondering if anyone could clarify it for me. THANKS!