Thursday, September 30, 2010

Time To Restock Your First Aid Kit














From the HHH Blog Archives. This is a great post worthy of , ummm, reposting:

Summer is coming to an end but for many geocachers like myself that means it's time to crank up our geocaching efforts.

If you live in a more southern climate summertime is sweltering hot and even though we do geocache it is not as much fun. Now that Labor Day has past and cooler weather has kicked in we really can't wait to hit the trails.

Here's just one thing you may want to keep in mind before you start tearing into the woods, deserts, mountains and other interesting terrains. Make sure you replenish your first aid kits you take with you while out on your adventures. Over time we seem to use up those band aides and alcohol swabs. Not to mention the poison ivy balms and bug wipes. Other items in your first aid kit can just plain expire over time and can even hurt you if used. We may not realize that simple medicines and pain relievers can loose their effectiveness after time and sitting in hot vehicles.

So before you jump into your vehicle and start looking for that ultimate geocache. Restock your first aid kit and make sure you are prepared for the unexpected. You will be so glad that you did.

Another helpful hint from the HeadHardHat to you.





GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Wanted: Viewer Suggestions for GeoSnippits Geocaching Videos


UPDATE - And The Winners Are....


Mike Guirdy - Cajunseeker (twitter)
Steven Sick 
Dave Clark
Tim Massaro
Collin French - Ukgcpodcast (twitter)


Thanks to everyone who sent in suggestions it was greatly appreciated. 


Congrats to our contest winners.





As you may already know that over 90% of all GeoSnippits geocaching videos are from viewer suggestions. We just finished a really popular one called GeoSnippits - Dealing with Geocaching Muggles. Now it's time to move on to our next tutorial and we would like your suggestions on what it should be.

So we are putting out a little contest. 

Please go to our GeoSnippits website and check out the videos we have already and then send in to us your best suggestion. We will go over all the ones submitted and the top five will win a GeoSnippits pathtag.

Send all submissions to headhardhat@gmail.com with the subject of GeoSnippits Suggestion.

Winners will be announced once chosen.

Good luck to all.

GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Monday, September 27, 2010

GeoSnippits Needs Equipment So We Are Asking...









It really does show how tough times are, I mean if you read in the news recently that the recession has been over for a year now. Could have fooled me and a bunch of my unemployed friends. With that being said we at GeoSnippits are in a situation and are asking for your help. To be frank, our equipment is getting old and we really need to start replacing it. Unfortunately we don't have the funds to do so. To help, we have put donation buttons on my blog GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed and the GeoSnippits websites. It is our hopes that all our viewers and fans out there can help us get the equipment we need to keep going.

If you have enjoyed our videos or gained valued information about geocaching through them, please give what you can. It will be greatly appreciated.

Also if you would like to sponsor GeoSnippits we would love to hear from you as well. You can contact me directly at headhardhat@gmail.com.

Much thanks in advance,

HeadHardHat

GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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@headhardhat

Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Friday, September 24, 2010

Video Editing - It's A Rendering Kind Of Thing

















I get asked all the time about how much work video editing can be on a show like GeoSnippits.

To me it's not work, sure it can take long hours, mind numbing viewing time going over video clips, grinding your nails to the bone whilest trying to fit eight minutes of needed content into four, going cross-eyed deciding which clip looks the best, filling in voice-overs, adding content text, re-filming transitions, manipulating green screen work, adding music and sound effect bits...... but I digress.

Keep in mind everything that I know about creating video is self taught and I am just beginning. For me making a ten minute GeoSnippits Geocaching Video can take four to eight hours (sometimes more) to complete. That does not include the couple of hours it takes to render the final product. It is a work of love and there is really no other way to put it and I do indeed love it.

So what does it take to do a single ten minute GeoSnippits video? Let's break it down:

Filming
Usually myself and my production assistant Geoness leave for a location to begin filming. Some episodes require multiple locations. Average amount of filming takes around four hours per episode not including drive time.

Editing
All of the digital film has to be transferred over to my computer before I can work with it. Back in the old days (a year ago or so) I had to use software to convert the digital files to a format my editing software could understand. That took about two hours or so. Fortunately my new editing application does not need this and I can jump right into it.

Editing - Initial Review
Production crews often refer to these as The Dailies. This is going over all the digital film we shot for the day. I have a procedure where I document all my film clips, what each clip is to be used for and if it is to be used at all. The initial review is very helpful for me to know how I want to place everything and any extras that I may want to add down the line.

Editing - Placement
The next step is taking the wanted clips and putting them in order within the editing application. This is a painstaking process because you also have to cut out only the sections you want and removing the rest as you go. All this and keeping in mind that you have time limits for episodes (especially for TV shows like Michigan Magazine TV). By the time you are complete with this phase you should have the main content, openings, closings, title sequences and such in place.

Editing - Voice Overs

There are many parts of a video where you need to add voice to emphasis a point or add content. Voice overs are needed to do this and lets just say there are many ways you need to be creative to do this. I have found that having a comforter over my head while doing this presents the best sound (thanks Darrylw4 for the suggestion).

Editing - Adding Content
To make a video more interesting it is important to add extra content. Many times photos or mini movie clips can help the viewer understand things more easily. This takes time because you have to go through those tens of thousands of photos to find the one you need. Once you find all the ones you need you have to also have to import them into the editing software as well.

Green Screen is a whole other aspect that I also use a lot with GeoSnippits. Basically it is taking digital film of me with literally a green background, adjusting it in the editing process and putting it in front of another background making me look like I am somewhere besides my spare bedroom where I actually film it. This also adds to the complexity of the editing process.

Finally you also need to add any text to your video. This can include everything from your title sequence, key points and credits. All are part of the visual experience you need to have to make your videos view worthy.

Editing - Music
Music and sound effects can make or break a video. There is always the debate of is it too soft, loud or should it be there at all. You can't please everybody but it does set the tone for your video and is a big part of GeoSnippits. We have come a long way since the beginning but I think we have a good idea now of how to do music correctly.

Editing - Final Tweaking
When all is said and done I then go over the final reviews of the video. Correcting spelling errors, adjusting the timing of transitions, making sure everything flows the way I want it to. When I get to this phase I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and know that I am almost done.

Rendering
Then when everything is exactly the way that I want it I render the video. Basically what that means is the editing software takes my video which is in separate pieces and turns it into a complete video that I can put on DVD or send to You Tube. This can take several hours depending on how much I have incorporated into the video itself.

Well there you go. This gives you a rough idea what I do to create a GeoSnippits video either for You Tube or on Michigan Magazine TV (RFDTV Network). So if you ever see me send out a tweet moaning because I am up to my eyeballs in editing you will know why.

Just remember that I love doing this and wouldn't have it any other way. Well, having a bunch of editing elves to help me out would be sweet, but you know what I mean.

See you out on the trails.

-HHH





GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
http://www.geosnippits.com

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Where In The World Is Pete The Parrot?

Pete The "Party Animal" Parrot









Pete The Parrot is a real party animal. He is a geocaching travel bug but he is a real party animal.

For about the last two years Pete has been swinging the night life in the country of Germany. I am not sure why he liked it so much but overall he moved from one geocache to the next about two dozen times. This of course doesn't count his hiatus while being in possession of a dead geocacher (not making this up). Overall it's been an interesting journey for Pete and it appears to only be getting wilder.

Pete is now in Beijing, China. The geocache is GC1TCE6 - Olympic Forest Park and is the site of the 2008 Olympic games. This amazing little travel bug now has over 15664 miles under his, err, wing.

UPDATE: Within hours of being dropped off someone has already picked up Pete and he is off to party somewhere else.

Go Pete Go!


GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Wednesday, September 22, 2010

This Week's Michigan Magazine TV Show With GeoSnippits










Check out this weeks edition of Michigan Magazine TV shown on ustream.


Show 1538 U.P. Blacksmith Randy Dunn of Cedarville + Geocache Letters from Viewers - HHH describes the different types of geocaches.



You can see Michigan Magazine twice each week on the RFDTV Network...


GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Monday, September 20, 2010

GeoSnippits - How To Deal With Geocaching Muggles













(Above is Geoness in her return appearance as the GeoSnippits Muggler)

One of the hot viewer topics this year is how to deal with muggles. It literally is the most requested video asked to be made. So keeping with our GeoSnippits tradition of using our viewer suggestions we went out this last week and created our latest geocaching tutorial. How To Deal With Geocaching Muggles is a tutorial video designed in an almost classroom like setting to show our viewers how geocachers are being seen by muggles and how to look less suspicious when we go out geocaching.

It is broken down into several sections of discussion:
  • Types of muggles
  • What makes geocachers look suspicious
  • How to Fit In a muggle prown area while geocaching
  • What to do when approached by a muggle
and an over summary.

I am sure there are tons of other examples that can be used (send those in to us by the way and we will make an advanced video! headhardhat@gmail.com) so this can be considered a 101 beginners edition.

We hope you enjoy this GeoSnippits geocaching video and come back for more. Again send in those suggestions. We do listen and over 90% of our videos get created because of viewers like you. Thanks Again!

-HHH



If the viewer above does not show the video please click the url below.


GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Friday, September 17, 2010

The Stickpic: Better Photos When You Are Alone

I get asked all the time to review different types of products. From GPSr units, software applications to items you may want to use whilest geocaching. Today's product can be very useful when you are in the situation of being somewhere scenic, you want to take that killer photograph of yourself somewhere but you are by yourself. The best you are going to be able to get is a closeup of your face and not a whole lot behind you. Now what?

One handy solution is the Stickpic. You may have heard me mention it on the Cachers of the Round Table podcast back in June. You can here the entire CRT podcast here: http://cachersroundtable.com/ (go to June 2010).


This little gizmo is about the size of a finger ring and fits in your pocket for just this situation. If you are travelling light while on a hike the size of the Stickpic is a plus.

You simply attach it to the end of your hiking pole until snug and then hook on your camera via the tripod connector to the Stickpic adapter.





Extend your hiking pole out, set your 10 second timer on your camera and take the shot.

Not only are you able to have perfectly taken scenic photos but you can do them without having to ask a stranger.

Keep in mind that you should always have your camera safety strap attached to your hiking pole when doing this. The Stickpic can slip on occasion and you don't want to take the chance of your camera falling.


If you would like to find out more about the StickPic go to their main website here:


GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Thursday, September 16, 2010

TripCyclone and HeadHardHat Discuss Unique Geocaches on the Geocaching Podcast










The Geocaching Podcast hosted by Darrylw4 and XpunkX is a weekly geocaching treasure trove of information. Recorded live every week on Tuesdays 9:30pm EST this entertaining show not only continuously brings you fun and unusual topics but interesting guests as well. If you get a chance, join them in the real time chat room while the show is being taped. You can go here for more information: http://geocachingpodcast.com/.

This week fellow geocacher TripCyclone and myself were guests on the show to discuss unique geocaches. It was a lot of fun to participate in and it holds quite a bit of information which might get you in the mood to construct your own. You can hear it here: http://geocachingpodcast.com/episode-171-creative-cache-containers-ii/.

Be sure to check it out and let us know what you think.





















GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Too Pretty Out To Not Go Geocaching

Interesting find in a wooded area.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Geocaching Instant Gratification With Smart Phones

It wasn't that long ago really that if you wanted to go geocaching you had to download a .gpx or .loc file from somewhere on the internet and then upload that file into your GPSr unit. By doing that you were sort of trapped to only that location and if you wanted to venture past that area you had to get another file. How times have changed.

Now many high end GPSr units have the ability to wireless transfer data from one GPSr to the next but you still have to have someone else to do this. The big question is what happens if you are in a totally unknown area where you do not normally geocache? The answer is smart phones.

For almost all of the smart phones these days there are applications (some are free, some you pay) that allow you to be just about anywhere and you can find geocaches. The kicker is you have to be able to connect to the internet through your phone but if you have that ability you are in like Flynn. This is absolutely fabulous if you suddenly find some time to kill or just want to go geocaching because you can. Then all you have to do is bring up the application, connect to the internet via your phone and start geocaching. Instant gratification.

Keep in mind though that when you go geocaching with your smart phone that they are not made for outdoor use. In other words dropping them on a rock or into a stream or pond is not a good thing. A genuine GPSr is made for such things and can take the punishment. So use your smart phone at your own risk.

Speaking of geocaching, I am about to head out and do some. I have never geocached in the area I want to go but no worries.. I have my smart phone ready to take on the challenge.

See you out on the trails...

GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Tuesday, September 14, 2010

HOLY COW - GeoSnippits Starts Season THREE!!!



















I can't believe it but GeoSnippits just started it's third season. Where has all the time gone?

Yep that's right we are now in season three. Looking back we have presented over 50 GeoSnippits geocaching tutorial videos on You Tube which have been seen all around the world.

If that wasn't enough we are starting up Season Two on Michigan Magazine TV where we have created now over 30 episodes for them as well.

If you want to see a recent episode when I did my first geocaching interview with MMTV host and creator Barry Stutesman. Check this out. http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/9509143


You can see Michigan Magazine on the RFD TV Network twice each week. Seen in all 50 states.




We at GeoSnippits want to thank all of our viewers for watching. Your show suggestions make up over 90% of the videos we do and it just wouldn't be possible without you. It is all greatly appreciated.

If you have a moment, please be sure to let Barry know what you think about GeoSnippits on MMTV by sending him an email at info@michiganmagazine.com

See you out on the trails,

-HeadHardHat

GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Sunday, September 12, 2010

GeoSnippits : Giggle Bloopers

All of us at GeoSnippits Videos put in an awful lot of effort to bring our viewers quality entertainment. It is our hope that they gain valuable information about geocaching and get a giggle in the process. Speaking of giggles we tend to have that happen a lot while filming.

Check out this quick video when we were having one of THOSE days.


If the viewer above is not working you can see our video here:

Enjoy.

GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
Twitter me at
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Tuesday, September 7, 2010

GeoSnippits - Make Your Own Evil Nano Geocache



















One of the really cool features about geocaching is the ability for geocachers to invent geocaches. The possibilities are almost endless and limited only to our imagination. One thing for sure is if someone creates a geocache and the design is solid others will modify it to their liking. That is the way it should be and keeps the game, sport, obsession fresh and fun.

This particular geocache is one of those adaptations. It originated from my How To Make An Evil Ant Hill Geocache video of which I made last year. Recently I received an email from Seth Jones who sent in some photos where he made a geocache based off the Ant Hill geocache and instead of using bondo he used a plastic resin. Check out the post I made about it here.

I was immediately intrigued and had to make some geocache versions for myself. This video shows how I made them and the end results. I completely expect our viewers to come up with their adaptations as well.


If the viewer above does not display, please use this link to view the video.

As usual your comments, show suggestions, etc. are welcome. Please be sure to send in photos of your geocache ideas. They may get posted in one of our upcoming GeoSnippits videos.


GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
http://www.geosnippits.com