WebcamMax.com has a nifty free trial software program that works with webcams to input cool effects. It did seem to cause a bit of lag, but it’s worthwhile, especially if you’re using a PC. The program also works with a variety of video messaging programs like Skype, AIM, and livestreaming sites.
There was a great quote from The Quotable Optimus Prime that falls in line with this past St. Valentine’s Day weekend:
From Prime says,
“We must have courage, Huffer. We can’t ignore the danger. We must conquer it.”
Episode: More Than Meets the Eye Part 2
Valentine’s Day is a crock. Most of us know this – the implications behind a holiday dedicated solely to material displays of affection and love are horrific. It seems only appropriate, though, that this post spends some time on the topic of love. A good friend of mine was recently ‘heartbroken.’ He sent a forlorn message asking, “Why do we do this to ourselves? What is the point of love?”
Humans have certain needs, not only for the physical intimacies that are included in any romantic relationship, but also for the emotional connection that “being in love” offers – the companionship, the laughter, and the memories that make living a bit more worthwhile, justifiable, and enjoyable. The majority of us suffer through the hardships and failed relationships in a stumbling attempt to find kindred spirits, but there will always be pain along the way. Even those who are in committed relationships have to continuously work at maintaining the strength and closeness with their loved ones.
The game of love is never won or lost, but remains constantly in play. Think about someone in your life who had made you happy, even if for a brief instant. Consider any of your friends, a family member, a confidante, even an acquaintance – someone who thanked you one day, gave you a smile, even. Wouldn’t it be worse to sit on the sidelines and referee the other players rather than to give it a try, to even move one piece on the board? We are social beings. Despite the pain and sorrow that can only come from interaction with others at times, to shy from forming a connection with a human being out of fear is needless avoidance, chosen loneliness, and in extreme cases, agoraphobic bitterness or despair.
Granted, an individual should feel comfortable with him or herself enough to be at peace alone. Yet, true strength is not found in avoiding the things that can cause us immeasurable joy and an equal amount of sadness – it is in confronting those challenges head on to experience the most we can out of life while we still have time to live it.
I guess this wasn’t a Valentine’s Day post after all. Do not take a created holiday too seriously. Instead of investing in frilly laced cards, gourmet chocolate, or near-wilting flowers, just use the time it would have taken to run to that store and swipe that credit card, and look at a person who you value. Get out that pen, paper, and stamped envelope. Ready your cellphone with their telephone number, your finger hovering over ‘send.’ Good. Now, tell them how much they mean to you not just on this day, but every day. And mean everything you say.
Great picture… even better quote.
Thank you, Garrett!