Arachne's Daughter is finally coming out!

The Monster High character Arachne's Daughter appeared as an option in a popularity contest during the 2011 San Diego Comic Con. Mattel showed prototypes of several MH dolls and asked voters to choose their favorite, which would then be commercially produced. Sadly, Arachne's Daughter lost...but Elizabeth Jr. just sent me word that Arachne's Daughter will be an exclusive at this year's Comic Con! Nifty! She is the only MH doll I would consider getting, although she would definitely need a repaint...and possibly a rehair.

Genius discovers basic DSLR functions!

No thanks to the Canon EOS 30D Digital Field Guide I bought to supplement my manual, I finally figured out how to adjust my camera's shutter speed, which should take care of my long-time bane: washed-out photos.

The Digital Field Guide [an independently produced book] went off on a tangent about the philosophy of shutter speed and what every different mode does, until I eventually wanted to yell, "Just tell me which buttons to push dammit!"

Turns out it's as easy as hitting the DRIVE ISO button, then turning the main dial on the camera to the left to increase or right to decrease the ISO.

With my new knowledge of autofocus points and ISO control, I'll be unstoppable!