tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53545382040313020042024-03-13T13:06:15.667-07:00Houdini Community BlogSESI-LAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01757867957488485053noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354538204031302004.post-19970690582095801852011-09-06T10:49:00.000-07:002011-09-06T10:49:16.512-07:00Um... Is this thing on?Hi everyone, sorry it's been a while. Here in the LA office, we've been busy assimilating Houdini 12 before release. So much new, awesome stuff coming up in 12, I won't list it all here, but you're going to love it. Aside from that, we've had an awesome summer and a brilliant SIGGRAPH, and it's really good to see Houdini being noticed for its strengths beyond being "that particle package." Meeting with lots of different people during SIGGRAPH was a huge stoke, because the things they want to use Houdini for are so varied and amazing, it gave me project envy almost on a daily basis. So if you're always the one stuck doing dust puffs for the whole show, or debris, or sparks, or missile trails, take heart, because there's some really exciting work out there ready to challenge your skills, your intellect, and your artistic sense. And noobs, remember that the current crop of dust-puff people are looking to move up food chain, so I'm sure they'd be more than happy for you to take over that onerous task so you can get your feet wet.<br />
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With that in mind, I can't stress this enough: Now is a REALLY good time to be a Houdini user. Remember that old government PSA for reading? "Each one teach one." So pick it up, learn it, and teach a friend. In my perfect, blindingly nerdy world, we would have Houdini 'battles' at clubs, where users show off their skills, like a nerdcore version of <i>8 Mile</i> or <i>Step It Up</i>. OK, maybe I'm a little too into this, or I've been doing it too long, but on a scale of 1 to awesome, it sure wouldn't be 1. John Courtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17122032863835570725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354538204031302004.post-28245577718607676342011-03-24T13:32:00.000-07:002011-03-24T13:32:14.110-07:00Happy Houdini DayThere are lots of stories about how Houdini (the software) got the name. But we won’t get into that here today.<br />
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It is however, the 137th birthday of the man, and Google <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/24/google-doodle-harry-houdini-birthday_n_840236.html">paid tribute</a>. Here’s a neat little video about the life of a great magician:<br />
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By the way, <a href="http://forums.cgsociety.org/forumdisplay.php?f=77">CGTalk is now picking up a Houdini Forum</a> if any of you are interested. We know there have been some in the past, but this one is going to stick!SESI-LAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01757867957488485053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354538204031302004.post-42295347554985299492011-02-24T14:43:00.000-08:002011-02-24T14:53:15.637-08:00cmiVFX Houdini Fractal Clouds & Terrains<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Our friends over at cmiVFX recently released another Houdini tutorial!</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/20325893"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">cmiVFX Releases New Houdini Fractals Clouds & Terrain Training Video</span></b></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> from </span></b><a href="http://vimeo.com/user694829"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Chris Maynard</span></b></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> on </span></b><a href="http://vimeo.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Vimeo</span></b></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">cmiVFX Releases New Houdini Fractals Clouds & Terrain Training Video</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">High Definition Training Videos for the Visual Effects Industry</span></b><br />
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Princeton, NJ (february 23, 2011) – cmiVFX launches its latest full feature training video for Houdini based on highly advanced fractals for the creation of volumetric clouds and natural terrains. This video covers a detailed workflow within VEX nodes to allow the viewer to have a deep understanding on creating professional shots for such natural effects. The educational structure for this video, gears all users up to be able to follow its contents from beginning to end. This in-depth introduction to Fractals will add an essential knowledge to all Houdini artists wanting to move to the next level. The results produced by this video are truly superb, and near impossible to achieve any other way. With this revolutionary blend of artistry and technology, every user can have the ability to understand the roots and principles of constructing solid multi-fractal networks . At this same time, you will learn how to seamlessly create a digital asset to make your fractals accessible on any shot that you are working on. When you're finished with the video, you will have the opportunity to create very complicated cloud system, in very difficult scenarios like multilayering effects with complex design and anything else you can dream up.<br />
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<b>Short Description:</b><br />
In this course we will investigate all the details on creating a robust fractal network, so we can learn how to fix any issue that may arise or even prevent them from happening.<br />
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Here at cmiVFX we maintain a current training library for the latest versions of popular software titles. When it comes to high end CG and VFX training, there is only once choice… cmiVFX!<br />
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Don’t forget about the cmiSubscription plan! Get one today. cmiVFX launched the most affordable subscription plan in Visual FX Training History for only $299 USD, and if you were a subscriber, this New Training Release would already be in your account. This video is also available a-la-cart in our brand new HTML5 player system.<br />
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Houdini Fractals Clouds & Terrain Training Video<br />
<a href="http://www.cmivfx.com/tutorials/view/280/Houdini+Fractals">http://www.cmivfx.com/tutorials/view/280/Houdini+Fractals</a><br />
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<b>Introducing Fractal Networks</b><br />
In this chapter we will navigate through core VEX nodes and network workflows to create basic fractal images and animations, building up a ground knowledge for mastering fractal color extraction and animation. We then set rules for interaction between external images and your fractals. <br />
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<b>Procedural Terrains</b><br />
One of the first areas that fractals were used was on creating digital terrains. In this section, we`ll look from start to finish how to build a node system that provide us the power to create interesting and unique terrains with VEX, how to control them and also how to comprehend the idea behind a multi-fractal terrain.<br />
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<b>"For Loop " VEX Node</b><br />
One of the greatest nodes in VEX is the "for loop" node, it allows you to repeat the same sequence of code many times. however it has a very specific condition it needs to meet to work properly. Continuing with the effort to evolve the fractal system , we will delve into how to take advantage of the "for loop" to implement richness and a more natural look. Along side the "for loop", we will introduce a method to securely change the input parameters of the network.<br />
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<b>Multi-Fractal Workflow</b><br />
Once we understand what is behind a good fractal system, its time to start bringing to life a complete multi-fractal OTL. In this section we`ll cover every information you need to achieve a great , clean and efficient system.<br />
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<b>Introducing Volumetric Networks</b><br />
Working with volumetric nodes in Houdini is a delicate thing. It can be an intensive process if you don't handle it right. Our goal here is to present the viewer with a unique way to manage the intricate details within the volumetric process. How to properly set your scene to receive volumetric elements, how to render them, shade, understand definitions and set specific rules to achieve a believable result.<br />
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<b>Custom Volumetric Displacement</b><br />
In this chapter we will introduce the epicenter of our product. Combining all the knowledge we acquired until here to build our own custom volumetric displacements. We will use a simple system to create a pyroclastic cloud to understand the technique behind control vectors and how they can help us to properly add displacements. <br />
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<b>Object Volumetric Setup</b><br />
One of the most required option in a good volumetric system is the ability to apply it to any kind of source object. This can be extremely helpful to draw unique designs and to style clouds in any way we desire. Here we will explain extensively all the necessary steps to accomplish ultimate control on where your volumes will be applied. The only limit is your imagination! <br />
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<b>Cloud Systems Workflow</b><br />
Everything we have learned so far culminates in this outstanding Cloud System workflow. Utilizing our custom multi-fractal OTL and all the knowledge acquired through all the lessons, we will demonstrate how you can create unbelievable natural cloud effect and how to control it in any form your production demands, thus optimizing visibility and rendering to have a great viewport feedback together with great rendering results.<br />
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<b>About The Author</b><br />
Andreu Lucio is a spanish cg professional with more than 10 years experience and is 32 years old. After studying visual communication, he started working in international cartoon series in 1999, "The triplets", "Juanito Jones" and "Tom" as a Cg Artist for a company called Cromosoma. He become the Lead Cg Artist so learned a lot about light, colors, compositing, fx and how important they are for improving the final result. During his carrier working in some of the top spanish studios he has deeply use softwares like 3d Max, Maya, Houdini, Modo, Combustion, Nuke. Stuff like dynamics, expressions, maya mel and python had been present almost always in his long r&d sessions. Never stopped learning neither working so how to fit developed techniques in the real production its been the key goal for him. For the last 3 years he is working in Torsion Animation, a small Houdini based studio that has co-founded, creating motion graphics and visual fx for commercials. The studio is really small, so it has to use his skills from modeling to compositing and Houdini´s power in order to get the job finished within the tight deadlines and the high quality demanded.<br />
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This video is available today at the cmiVFX Store: <a href="http://store.cmivfx.com/">http://store.cmivfx.com/</a><br />
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About cmiVFX<br />
cmiVFX is the leader in High Definition Video Training for the Visual Effects Community. Register for FREE and receive hours of FREE content at the cmiVFX Video-on-Demand Player. ( http://store.cmivfx.com/login ) For additional information about cmiVFX, visit http://www.cmivfx.com. © 2010 cmiVFX | cmiStudios. All rights reserved.SESI-LAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01757867957488485053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354538204031302004.post-74269963936508373862011-02-07T14:32:00.000-08:002011-02-07T14:32:28.934-08:00more Houdini furOur friends over at <a href="http://www.methodstudios.com/">Method</a> sent us a link to their recent work profiled on <a href="http://www.fxguide.com/featured/super-vfx-for-the-super-bowl-part-1/">FXGuide</a>. This commercial coveted some time during the Superbowl yesterday, so we’re happy to have Houdini artists showcased on such a stage!<br />
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Plus you have to love the beaver… <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyujx9WxqgM/TVByixW2mHI/AAAAAAAABg4/E8huTDmbv9E/s1600/beaver_match.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="252" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kyujx9WxqgM/TVByixW2mHI/AAAAAAAABg4/E8huTDmbv9E/s320/beaver_match.jpg" /></a></div>SESI-LAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01757867957488485053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354538204031302004.post-80356422652892492892011-02-04T11:35:00.000-08:002011-02-04T11:35:01.357-08:00in dire need of Houdini artistsHey everyone, and happy belated new year!<br />
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We’re currently in need of many, many Houdini artists in various regions such as Los Angeles, Vancouver, Australia, and London.<br />
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Many of you may have spoken to myself or other Side Effects staff regarding hiring, and right now we’re looking to help several of our clients find this talent.<br />
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Our website now boasts a full page of facilities looking to hire people using Houdini, so please check it out through the Community Tab <a href="http://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=70&Itemid=185">HERE</a>. <br />
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In the mean time, if you are a freelancer, and would like us to keep a copy of your CV and demo reel for consideration when speaking with clients, please email them to <b>freelancer@sidefx.com.</b><br />
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Please also remember that you’re always encouraged to post about hiring gigs on our <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/groups?mostPopular=&gid=81037&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr">LinkedIn Group</a>. <br />
SESI-LAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01757867957488485053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354538204031302004.post-19010978040929384852010-12-16T12:13:00.000-08:002010-12-16T12:15:03.181-08:00a blast from the past<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/V_uF1XPpA2Y?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/V_uF1XPpA2Y?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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Thanks Greg!SESI-LAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01757867957488485053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354538204031302004.post-18353927904989647012010-12-14T12:26:00.000-08:002010-12-14T12:26:36.851-08:00December roundupHello Houdini folks! We've had a very busy winter season. Early this month we held an <a href="http://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1850&Itemid=226">LA Networking</a> event with recruiters from <a href="http://motiontheory.com/">Motion Theory</a> and <a href="http://www.rhythm.com/">R&H</a>. We had over 100 attendees, old and new users alike, gathering to meet and greet and enjoy an evening of Houdini talk and catching up.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And on another note, we've recently done loads of new <a href="http://customer%20stories/">customer stories</a>. Definitely check out the new one on the <a href="http://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1887&Itemid=68">Katy Perry video done</a> at Radium Reel FX. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyujx9WxqgM/TQfSY4nqUXI/AAAAAAAABgs/dl0wSNllBDk/s1600/screen-capture.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyujx9WxqgM/TQfSY4nqUXI/AAAAAAAABgs/dl0wSNllBDk/s320/screen-capture.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lastly, we're super excited about providing an all <a href="http://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1849&Itemid=66">new user guide</a> to Houdini. Lots of good stuff in there, and definitely worth a read even if you're an experienced user.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Best of luck and happy wishes to you till the new year!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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As usual, VHUG had a great meeting, and we learned a bunch of new applications for using Houdini’s proceduralism.<br />
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Here’s a few photos of the Vancouver users who meet every few months. Definitely check up on their <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=226198360751">Facebook page</a> to learn more!<br />
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Some users: Leo Chan (head of VHUG), Peter Bowmar, Caleb Howard, Georg Duemlein, Greg Massie, Ivan DeWolf, Carlos Lemus<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyujx9WxqgM/TOr-N4rs5DI/AAAAAAAABgk/240bC79IvTI/s1600/IMG_0605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyujx9WxqgM/TOr-N4rs5DI/AAAAAAAABgk/240bC79IvTI/s400/IMG_0605.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Hey - here’s John Courte (Senior Houdini Artist) and Richard Hamel (VP Sales/Mktg) in front of the famous Steamclock in Gaslamp District!SESI-LAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01757867957488485053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354538204031302004.post-66545335014318157552010-10-26T11:32:00.000-07:002010-10-26T11:34:36.597-07:00October RoundupHey thanks to everyone who came out to the SF Usergroup at PIXAR last week. It was a great success and we had almost 100 attendees come see the presentations from Image Movers Digital and PIXAR :).<br />
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Here are a few photos:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyujx9WxqgM/TMceByJFrbI/AAAAAAAABgU/CJDI_gnd_IA/s1600/IMG_0596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyujx9WxqgM/TMceByJFrbI/AAAAAAAABgU/CJDI_gnd_IA/s320/IMG_0596.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Xray from Image Movers Digital presents his Houdini and Massive workflow</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyujx9WxqgM/TMceZOUOBoI/AAAAAAAABgY/jcOjCgdfAII/s1600/IMG_0595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kyujx9WxqgM/TMceZOUOBoI/AAAAAAAABgY/jcOjCgdfAII/s320/IMG_0595.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Bay Area users watch - and some came in from Vancouver and Utah!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Last week, Side Effects also sponsored the 2nd <a href="http://www.visualeffectssociety.com/production-summit-2010/panels">VES Production Summit</a> in Marina Del Rey. Here's a <a href="http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118026241.html?categoryid=13&cs=1">link</a> to a Variety article re-capping some of its highlights.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div>SESI-LAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01757867957488485053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354538204031302004.post-54942266595225908422010-10-04T15:48:00.000-07:002010-10-04T15:48:55.930-07:00Houdini Usergroup in Northern CaliforniaHey everyone,<br />
<br />
We'll be hosting a Houdini usergroup meeting with great presentations on October 20, 2010 at the PIXAR campus.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyujx9WxqgM/TKpZtBucTWI/AAAAAAAABgQ/kd0_zjmj2tc/s1600/houdini_pixar_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyujx9WxqgM/TKpZtBucTWI/AAAAAAAABgQ/kd0_zjmj2tc/s400/houdini_pixar_main.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Please come <a href="http://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1833&Itemid=226">here</a> to RSVP!SESI-LAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01757867957488485053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354538204031302004.post-25439636901162849852010-09-02T11:03:00.000-07:002010-09-02T11:03:17.224-07:00od[challenge] 2010 is Live!Our friends over at <a href="http://forums.odforce.net/">OdForce</a> have launched a new od[challenge]. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyujx9WxqgM/TH_mlz0Kx7I/AAAAAAAABgI/Ne4tr7m3zUk/s1600/ofc2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="419" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyujx9WxqgM/TH_mlz0Kx7I/AAAAAAAABgI/Ne4tr7m3zUk/s640/ofc2010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Check out the details <a href="http://forums.odforce.net/index.php?/topic/11709-odforce-challenge-2010/">here</a>!</span>SESI-LAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01757867957488485053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354538204031302004.post-37423988558637477662010-08-11T10:02:00.000-07:002010-08-11T10:02:13.215-07:00Post SIGGRAPH 2010 RoundupWe had an amazing time this year at <a href="http://www.siggraph.org/s2010/">SIGGRAPH 2010</a> in Los Angeles. Our Education Team had a booth on the show floor and met with loads of people eager to learn or teach Houdini at their schools.<br />
<br />
We even held an <a href="http://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1769&Itemid=226">education mixer</a> at our Santa Monica Training space and had many attendees roll through to meet with various staff from Side Effects both LA and Toronto facilities.<br />
<br />
All this was capped off by an amazing event to to launch our latest and greatest version of Houdini.<br />
<br />
Lots of thanks again to our lovely presenters:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Marion Spates and Christopher Leone from <a href="http://www.motiontheory.com/">Motion Theory</a> presenting on <a href="http://www.fxguide.com/article638.html"><i>World of Color </i></a>(Disney commercial)</li>
<li> Jeremy Hampton from <a href="http://www.digitaldomain.com/">Digital Domain</a> presenting on <i>Percy Jackson </i></li>
<li>Spencer Lueders from <a href="http://www.framestore-cfc.com/">Framestore</a> NY presenting on <i>Salt</i>. </li>
</ul><br />
Thanks to everyone who came out for the Houdini 11 Launch event as well, we loved getting to hang with our talented users and fans. And the performance from Fire Groove made it all a wonderful celebration :).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyujx9WxqgM/TGLXZGZggpI/AAAAAAAABf4/yzRmWgcDblk/s1600/IMG_4346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kyujx9WxqgM/TGLXZGZggpI/AAAAAAAABf4/yzRmWgcDblk/s640/IMG_4346.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spencer Lueders presenting on SALT</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyujx9WxqgM/TGLXLkmYLsI/AAAAAAAABfw/l3W2Cfpx340/s1600/IMG_4568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kyujx9WxqgM/TGLXLkmYLsI/AAAAAAAABfw/l3W2Cfpx340/s640/IMG_4568.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mingling around and meeting other Houdini nerds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>SESI-LAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01757867957488485053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354538204031302004.post-90515501342053222602010-06-10T15:25:00.000-07:002010-06-10T15:25:19.558-07:00H11 and SIGGRAPH 2010!It's been a while, I know. I owe a major blog update.<br />
<br />
But for now, let's get excited about the news around Houdini 11! Check out the <a href="http://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1752&Itemid=316">sneak peak</a> from Kim on our site as well as a list of all the new stuff in there. <br />
<br />
We'll be going Gold with Houdini 11 just before SIGGRAPH this year in Los Angeles... which means we'll have to celebration as well :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Come join us for a great event at the <a href="http://www.cooperdesignspace.com/">Cooper Design Building</a> in downtown Los Angeles on July 27th (just blocks away from the conference center). <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1751&Itemid=226">Here's</a> more information on the Launch Event as well as details for our Education Booth and presence at SIGGRAPH this year.<br />
<br />
Don't forget to RSVP!!<br />
<br />
PS: If you're currently a commercial customer current on AUP, you'll be getting access to Houdini 11 Beta in just a few short days.SESI-LAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01757867957488485053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354538204031302004.post-29482970130584934242010-04-22T18:40:00.000-07:002010-05-10T09:47:21.122-07:00Leo Chan and Ziggy at GDX and SCAD<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty4eJaZCNmA/S9D_VUxMJ7I/AAAAAAAAACo/0zoiyPPcd_Q/s1600/APR+2010+012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty4eJaZCNmA/S9D_VUxMJ7I/AAAAAAAAACo/0zoiyPPcd_Q/s400/APR+2010+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463147089817774002" border="0" /></a>SCAD Atlanta and SCAD and the GDX in Savannah all got a great dose of Houdini from EA's Leo Chan and SESI's Ziggy Ostertag, with Aliza covering both bases. Here's a synopsis:<br /><br /><br /><br />Ziggy and Clark at SCAD Atlanta studio<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty4eJaZCNmA/S9D_oNTFrOI/AAAAAAAAACw/RBWCe_RM51k/s1600/APR+2010+024.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty4eJaZCNmA/S9D_oNTFrOI/AAAAAAAAACw/RBWCe_RM51k/s400/APR+2010+024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463147414229986530" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />SCAD grad students listening to<br />Ziggy's Intro to Houdini<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty4eJaZCNmA/S9EAFPRHDTI/AAAAAAAAAC4/7tcrZUcMDOM/s1600/APR+2010+044.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty4eJaZCNmA/S9EAFPRHDTI/AAAAAAAAAC4/7tcrZUcMDOM/s400/APR+2010+044.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463147912974765362" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Leo and Debra Fowler of SCAD field<br />questions at GDX<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty4eJaZCNmA/S9EAf3b_qRI/AAAAAAAAADA/_MhaeoX5GR0/s1600/APR+2010+066.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty4eJaZCNmA/S9EAf3b_qRI/AAAAAAAAADA/_MhaeoX5GR0/s400/APR+2010+066.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463148370434435346" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Leo introduces a whole new generation<br />to Brian Eno's<br />"Music for Airports",<br />via Houdini.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354538204031302004.post-85078943206514210212010-04-05T12:04:00.000-07:002010-04-27T13:16:08.492-07:00Colliding implied surfaces is cool!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty4eJaZCNmA/S7o4Yuy4kuI/AAAAAAAAACg/4NWL1dt-RYY/s1600/Volume+Star.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 365px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty4eJaZCNmA/S7o4Yuy4kuI/AAAAAAAAACg/4NWL1dt-RYY/s400/Volume+Star.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456735896042246882" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Learn how with this Thursday's class "Understanding Volume Primitives". Dave Koester will break it down for all DOPs fans.<br /><br />Call us for class files at 310.319.9876.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354538204031302004.post-63715075304618570332010-03-30T10:57:00.000-07:002010-03-30T11:10:31.627-07:00Beginners to Experts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty4eJaZCNmA/S7I9j4KhBbI/AAAAAAAAACQ/migE0HhZpeM/s1600/Luke_Python+Tricks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty4eJaZCNmA/S7I9j4KhBbI/AAAAAAAAACQ/migE0HhZpeM/s400/Luke_Python+Tricks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454489785280300466" border="0" /></a>Last week's training covered everything from "how to make a movie with special effects" (for Loyola Marymount students) and a "very gentle intro to Python in Houdini" with Igor Boshoer, to "Motion FX & CHOPs" with Gonzo Cababaca and "Python Tricks" with Houdini guru Luke Moore.<br /><br />Is that snake charming?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354538204031302004.post-63542356452296257562010-03-11T17:34:00.000-08:002010-03-11T17:51:43.162-08:00Side Effects Welcomes Siegfried Ostertag<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty4eJaZCNmA/S5mbJ9hHGwI/AAAAAAAAACI/1mMItgUXCS8/s1600-h/Ziggy+Day+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 258px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty4eJaZCNmA/S5mbJ9hHGwI/AAAAAAAAACI/1mMItgUXCS8/s400/Ziggy+Day+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447555819715894018" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: courier new;font-size:85%;" >Ziggy Ostertag has joined the Side Effects team as Houdini Trainer, and is shown here on his first day at work, right in the thick of it.<br /><br />Ziggy began his VFX career in Germany at Computer Projects Unlimited, and at C.O.R.E. & Effectory as both trainer and VFX TD. He has worked at Rhythm & Hues, Imageworks, and Digital Domain in LA. <br /><br />Come learn from the master!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354538204031302004.post-64459033678104657532010-03-11T17:23:00.000-08:002010-03-11T18:03:51.225-08:00Houdini Training at Graffiti School, Mumbai<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty4eJaZCNmA/S5mYlJGscMI/AAAAAAAAACA/tdQp0mNWQ_c/s1600-h/train_the_trainers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty4eJaZCNmA/S5mYlJGscMI/AAAAAAAAACA/tdQp0mNWQ_c/s400/train_the_trainers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447552988147904706" border="0" /></a><br />Andrew Lowell at Mumbai workshop with VFX trainers from Big Animation, Frameboxx, Foskia Graffiti and others.<br /><br />Look for great Houdini effects coming out of Bollywood soon!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354538204031302004.post-53698676385702474002010-03-08T11:14:00.000-08:002010-03-08T11:14:23.554-08:00thanks VHUG!John Courte and I just got back from beautiful Vancouver. What a way to catch up, the post Olympics sentiments and Canadian pride were still going strong.<br />
<br />
While there, we had the pleasure of joining up with the VHUG (Vancouver Houdini User Group) for their first community presentation, kicked off and led by Leo Chan of Electronic Arts Canada.<br />
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<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aDsnI4pcyxkEctUekKnLZA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kyujx9WxqgM/S5VLX1ErE3I/AAAAAAAABSU/HX6m6SXpXXc/s400/VHUG_March2010.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/houdininerd/VHUGKickoffPresentationFor2010?feat=embedwebsite">VHUG Kickoff Presentation for 2010</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Left to right (Leo Chan, unknown, Craig Zerounie, John Courte, Sean Lewkiw, Robert Kelly, Leyla Tirgari, Greg Massie, Paul Flanagan, Kashayar Khalkhaly)<br />
<h1 id="profile_name"><br />
</h1>SESI-LAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01757867957488485053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354538204031302004.post-63088401429905186682010-03-02T19:42:00.000-08:002010-03-02T19:42:39.509-08:00VHUG Kickoff Presentation for 2010John Courte (Senior Houdini Artist) and myself will be in Vancouver on March 3rd for the first presentation from the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=226198360751&ref=search&sid=511713397.3522625762..1">Vancouver Houdini User Group (VHUG)</a>.<br />
<br />
Come join us at CIS Vancouver starting at 7pm to hear from Leo Chan from EA!<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=50+West+2nd+Ave,+Vancouver,+BC&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=50+W+2nd+Ave,+Vancouver,+Greater+Vancouver+Regional+District,+British+Columbia,+Canada&ll=49.276709,-123.101377&spn=0.011313,0.030878&z=14&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=50+West+2nd+Ave,+Vancouver,+BC&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=50+W+2nd+Ave,+Vancouver,+Greater+Vancouver+Regional+District,+British+Columbia,+Canada&ll=49.276709,-123.101377&spn=0.011313,0.030878&z=14&iwloc=A&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We'll be buying the first round of drinks over a few blocks at the <a href="http://www.thewhiprestaurant.com/">Whip Restaurant</a> and Bar afterward to chat, meet, and mingle with the local userbase.<br />
<br />
Don't forget to RSVP for the event on the official <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=289777131941&index=1">Facebook page</a>!SESI-LAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01757867957488485053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354538204031302004.post-49685837106491004822010-03-02T09:46:00.000-08:002010-03-02T10:36:48.042-08:00Houdini Essentials with Andrew Lowell<span style="font-weight: bold;">Andrew Lowell</span>, straight from Massive/Houdini TD on Invictus, is at Side Effects, Santa Monica to teach <a href="http://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1652&Itemid=215"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Houdini Essentials Over 2 Days</span></a> this Thu Mar 4 & Fri Mar 5, 10 - 5pm.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty4eJaZCNmA/S41YtVxz6wI/AAAAAAAAAB4/CpcOMvP01DI/s1600-h/ff_for_Patrice.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty4eJaZCNmA/S41YtVxz6wI/AAAAAAAAAB4/CpcOMvP01DI/s400/ff_for_Patrice.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444105060524223234" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty4eJaZCNmA/S41TlZri8pI/AAAAAAAAABo/1gJlwM2RRt8/s1600-h/TtT+Slides_Prcdrl_wrkflw.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty4eJaZCNmA/S41TlZri8pI/AAAAAAAAABo/1gJlwM2RRt8/s400/TtT+Slides_Prcdrl_wrkflw.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444099426574594706" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354538204031302004.post-86797153680396798882010-02-23T10:53:00.000-08:002010-02-23T11:28:15.730-08:00Vancouver's Ray Corbett Teaching at Sidefx<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty4eJaZCNmA/S4Qr8fpc3SI/AAAAAAAAABY/NYSFN9nZZ6Q/s1600-h/trails.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty4eJaZCNmA/S4Qr8fpc3SI/AAAAAAAAABY/NYSFN9nZZ6Q/s400/trails.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441522568057904418" border="0" /></a>Houdini and Nuke Artist<br />Raymond Corbett<br />will be in LA this week to teach 2 workshops at Side Effects:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1675&Itemid=215">Houdini and Nuke Workflow</a> on Friday the 26th from 2 to 4:30<br />and<br /><a href="http://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1676&Itemid=215">Working with Trail Effects</a> on Saturday the 27th from 9 to 5Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354538204031302004.post-2129866379345358792010-02-12T12:23:00.001-08:002010-02-17T07:56:31.057-08:00Dr D Recruiting in London!!<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr> <td><br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1MOrURWE28DyGe_XdfnNRw?authkey=Gv1sRgCPnG7N6TmvuGVw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kyujx9WxqgM/S3W4egBQvCI/AAAAAAAABRQ/--hl4HESIBs/s800/FINAL%20FLYER%20-%20LONDON%202010.JPG" width="650"></a><br />
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<tr> <td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/houdininerd/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCPnG7N6TmvuGVw&feat=embedwebsite">Blogger Pictures</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>SESI-LAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01757867957488485053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354538204031302004.post-8266907049376242272010-02-11T12:05:00.000-08:002010-02-11T14:42:15.663-08:00Face tracking with OpenCV, Python, and HoudiniOK, I know I promised you something else in my last post regarding how to animate the real-world data given up by DOPs on the Interceptor, but I got a little sidetracked instead. Today's exercise is how to make strange data talk dirty to Houdini.<br /><br />I give you the humble PipeIN CHOP. The PipeIn CHOP has been around since before some of you could legally buy a beer, and its primary purpose is to take in data from external apps and sources. Oh great! Awesome! Now I can connect my Lego Mindstorms to Houdini and terrorize the cat! Not so fast, hoss. It's a little like the secret knock to the after-hours rave. Unless you send it exactly the bytes it needs, in exactly the right order, in exactly the right format, you ain't gettin' in. Houdini's PipeIn CHOP likes to get its data in very specific ways. You can't just blow bits at it and expect it to assemble you a pony at the molecular-genetic level.<br /><br />The PipeIn CHOP gets its data from a named pipe, which is a temp file specifically created and written to for that purpose.<br /><br />The docs are a bit terse, but what you need to know is this: You poke the PipeIn Chop with commands, the four most useful being 'reset,' 'send current sample,' 'send channel names,' and 'upload.' This is not very far from the ancient Commodore 64 cassette drive. Maybe some of your parents have one in the attic, put there when they had to make room for you.<br /><br />The point is, once you can make that work for you, the rest is pretty much cake. Watch the video. Afterwards, I'll post some of the code that makes it happen.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-BUVpvGpNus&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-BUVpvGpNus&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Here's the python code for the reset command:<br /><br />## reset command<br />def send_reset(fifo):<br /> p = pack('cccc', chr(170), chr(0), chr(170), chr(0))<br /> fifo.write(p)<br /> fifo.flush()<br /><br />The reset character is 170. We like it so much, we send it twice.<br /><br />Here's the python code for the 'send current sample'<br /><br />def send_single_sample(fifo, numchans, val):<br /> cmd_type = 1<br /> num_channels = numchans<br /> vals = val<br /> p = pack('>ii', cmd_type, num_channels )<br /> fifo.write(p)<br /> for i in range(numchans):<br /> v = pack('>f', vals[i])<br /> fifo.write(v)<br /><br /><br /><br />The '>' character signifies the endian-ness of the data. If any of you have the misfortune to be running Houdini on IRIX, change this to '<.' Tongue firmly in cheek, of course. The 'ii' is part of the 'struct' module in python that formats the data as in, two integers, followed by as many floats as there are channels.<br /><br />Obviously, this is part of a much bigger script, which I'll post as soon as I can figure out where to put it and link to it.John Courtehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17122032863835570725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354538204031302004.post-59051966144194232142010-01-28T12:10:00.000-08:002010-01-28T12:20:58.487-08:00Free Lunch!Yesterday's free, one hour Intro to Houdini class provided a great way to get Going Procedural, with beautiful work files from Goncalo Cabaca and great snacks as well! Keep an eye on <a href="http://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=114&Itemid=215">Side Effects Training</a> for more classes to come.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty4eJaZCNmA/S2Hwsvs14VI/AAAAAAAAAAM/_ICJfrN7vI4/s1600-h/03.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 310px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ty4eJaZCNmA/S2Hwsvs14VI/AAAAAAAAAAM/_ICJfrN7vI4/s320/03.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431887277094986066" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0