Approximate steps using PS7, retracing steps in retrospect, and using the 623x468 pixel original challenge image linked to here...
http://www.pbase.com/stfchallenge/image/53372100 The symbol, @, is being used to mean ...'about'
Image-Adjust-Levels (move right histogram slider to the left to @134 )
Elliptical Marquee Tool (encircle hamster and writing)
Select-Feather (set to @30 )
Select-Inverse
Image-Adjust-Selective Color (move black slider on 'red' to @+100% )
Image-Adjust-Brightness/Contrast (move contrast slider to @-15 )
Filter-Blur-Gaussian (move slider to @4.0 )
Select-Inverse
Filter-Sharpen-Unsharp Mask (set to @ 50,1.0,5)
Set background color to white
Image-Canvas Size (increase width and height by @ .2 inches)
