Photos and Photoshopping and A Really Big Dog

OK, folks. I watched the video in this article like six times and I cannot figure out how it works. He even uses different shapes and they still morph when seen in the mirror. Can any of you figure it out?

If you have been following the periodic photos of our trip to the CA graduation last month, you have now made it to the giving of gifts to the high school senior.

And more gifts.

And, yes, more gifts.

Sadly, did you hear about the first death of a person in a self-driving car? He was in a Tesla and was reportedly watching a movie at the time of the crash. Tesla says that before Autopilot can be used, drivers have to acknowledge that the system is an "assist feature" that requires a driver to keep both hands on the wheel at all times. Drivers are told they need to "maintain control and responsibility for your vehicle" while using the system, and they have to be prepared to take over at any time, the statement said. So, who is at fault for this? Tesla's software? The driver? The legal issues here could get really ugly really quickly. And what if someone else had been hurt of killed? Are you excited for the future of driving?

Do you think this photo is real? It certainly looks like it. Remember, always read the small print.

As we all prepare for the family reunion, here's a way to make personalized coasters using a map. Maybe you could print one that has all the places we visit and use it for this craft?

If you haven't already heard of Vivian the dog, you're in for a big treat. Vivian is a mini dachshund owned by her human, Mitch Boyer. As of recently, Mitch has been Photoshopping images of Vivian to make her in her "true size." He wanted to capture her larger than life personality in a picture. As a result, he has created several realistic looking photos of Vivian being the same size as Clifford the Big Red Dog. Most dachshunds think they're big dogs, but in this case, Vivian is literally huge. Let's look at one. Having been a proud black-and-tan dachsie owner, I agree that they think they are big dogs.

Wait. I found another funny dog-related story. Watch this video of a dog using an automatic ball thrower to play fetch by herself. The hyperkinetic behavior of this dog reminds me of a certain football-on-TV loving dog that a certain niece owns.

While Vivian was obviously Photoshopped, what about this next photo? Can you tell which parts, if any, were manipulated?

As you likely surmised (hmm. When was the last time I used that word?), no Photoshop was involved in making the photo. If you look at the article, they have a series of shots showing the work he put in to make it look so special.

So, what are your plans for the Fourth? Going to watch the fireworks? Having a family BBQ? Traveling out of town? I know we are watching a couple of GRANDS tonight. Maybe do a little drone practice on Saturday morning. We have a family thing on Sunday. Maybe see the folks on Monday. Then, back to the grind on Tuesday.

Sadly, it is back to the grind right now for me. I've got several tasks I need to finish today so I can do all the things I mentioned above. You go finish your stuff, too, so you can enjoy the weekend. See you after the holiday.