Look at this stud. Check out the wind blown combover.
12 July, 2007
11 July, 2007
Vote for Calvin
Vote for Calvin:
It appears as if this pesky conflict raging in the Middle East is not going to quell itself anytime soon, and I’m thinking if we had a new spokesperson, a new flesh-bridge of some sort, we just might be able to make a little progress in getting this meat-grinder war, or wars, to shut down.
Looking at Iraq, it is clear to see the merge of Sunni and Shia didn’t work, and neither did the purge. How about the surge? Nope, it didn’t work either.
But who the heck can we send to be our ambassador?
Typically, in this type of situation you go to your star closer, someone like the aging Jimmy Carter. Maybe Carter doesn’t have a 100 mph fastball, but his off-speed political tactics have worked before, as in The Camp David Accords. But, I’m not really sure what those accords ever REALLY did. Plus, our negotiators are always aging Caucasian males in suits, and I’m not sure that style is going to work yet again.
So, Bush Sr.? Nope, won’t work. He already had one war there. Bush Jr.? Just kidding, not a chance.
Okay, got it, how about Clinton? Gentleman Bill, not known for his foreign policy during his tenure, but now he is a pseudo-diplomat, at times. But man, again, an aging white guy in a suit. My gut says it just won’t work.
I think what we need is a new direction, a breath of fresh air, and I have the perfect solution. I know the person we need.
Calvin Broadus, aka Snoop Dogg, the legendary hustler and rap machine is the PERFECT man for the job.
In short, Snoop transcends. Snoop transcends race, religion and politics.
The D-O-Double G is about three things, making music, making money and making love, and if my calculations are correct, those three things represent the goal of at least 85% of all males in the known universe, including those raging in the Middle East.
They might not admit it, at least at a public demonstration, but behind closed doors the insurgents, even the mighty Taliban are ready to sample the goods.
Snoop raps about many things urban, violent and on both sides of the law, but under that facade, I believe, is a guy who is at peace with the world and with himself, and that is JUST the man for the mission.
Imagine Dogg rolling down Hussein Blvd in Sadr City in his “Chevy 64 Red,” with Dre, hitting the “Bubonic Chronic.” A mind-blowing moment is what we need and this could be it.
Snoop would gather the groups and say, “Bitches, just work this shit out,” and they WOULD. How could you not with him in his purple robe and jewel encrusted cane??
After all, the groups fighting, us, them, Sunni, Shia, Al Queda, Taliban, etc, they all lust after what Snoop has…..AN EMPIRE.
Girls, drugs, a posse, real estate, fame, celebrity…you don’t think this is what everyone wants? Wake up! Jimmy, Bill and George don’t have it, never will. Snoop inhales, and isn’t afraid to admit it.
And, most importantly, especially with the Taliban, Snoop has street cred. Let’s be honest, The Dogg has found himself in several uncomfortable situations with the law. Snoop might know his way around a weapon if you know what I mean, allegedly, and with guys like the Taliban, this is instant respect.
Now, I’m not even sure you can get him. He might be touring, and for sure you are going to have to redo the inside of Air Force One. As it is, the posse won’t fit and Snoop’s needs are beyond what the current administration has in place. And forget about Customs.
Is it time to get a little shizzle on our pizzle and start the drizzle? You know what I mean. It’ a dog eat dog world out there. Maybe it’s time to feel the bite.
It appears as if this pesky conflict raging in the Middle East is not going to quell itself anytime soon, and I’m thinking if we had a new spokesperson, a new flesh-bridge of some sort, we just might be able to make a little progress in getting this meat-grinder war, or wars, to shut down.
Looking at Iraq, it is clear to see the merge of Sunni and Shia didn’t work, and neither did the purge. How about the surge? Nope, it didn’t work either.
But who the heck can we send to be our ambassador?
Typically, in this type of situation you go to your star closer, someone like the aging Jimmy Carter. Maybe Carter doesn’t have a 100 mph fastball, but his off-speed political tactics have worked before, as in The Camp David Accords. But, I’m not really sure what those accords ever REALLY did. Plus, our negotiators are always aging Caucasian males in suits, and I’m not sure that style is going to work yet again.
So, Bush Sr.? Nope, won’t work. He already had one war there. Bush Jr.? Just kidding, not a chance.
Okay, got it, how about Clinton? Gentleman Bill, not known for his foreign policy during his tenure, but now he is a pseudo-diplomat, at times. But man, again, an aging white guy in a suit. My gut says it just won’t work.
I think what we need is a new direction, a breath of fresh air, and I have the perfect solution. I know the person we need.
Calvin Broadus, aka Snoop Dogg, the legendary hustler and rap machine is the PERFECT man for the job.
In short, Snoop transcends. Snoop transcends race, religion and politics.
The D-O-Double G is about three things, making music, making money and making love, and if my calculations are correct, those three things represent the goal of at least 85% of all males in the known universe, including those raging in the Middle East.
They might not admit it, at least at a public demonstration, but behind closed doors the insurgents, even the mighty Taliban are ready to sample the goods.
Snoop raps about many things urban, violent and on both sides of the law, but under that facade, I believe, is a guy who is at peace with the world and with himself, and that is JUST the man for the mission.
Imagine Dogg rolling down Hussein Blvd in Sadr City in his “Chevy 64 Red,” with Dre, hitting the “Bubonic Chronic.” A mind-blowing moment is what we need and this could be it.
Snoop would gather the groups and say, “Bitches, just work this shit out,” and they WOULD. How could you not with him in his purple robe and jewel encrusted cane??
After all, the groups fighting, us, them, Sunni, Shia, Al Queda, Taliban, etc, they all lust after what Snoop has…..AN EMPIRE.
Girls, drugs, a posse, real estate, fame, celebrity…you don’t think this is what everyone wants? Wake up! Jimmy, Bill and George don’t have it, never will. Snoop inhales, and isn’t afraid to admit it.
And, most importantly, especially with the Taliban, Snoop has street cred. Let’s be honest, The Dogg has found himself in several uncomfortable situations with the law. Snoop might know his way around a weapon if you know what I mean, allegedly, and with guys like the Taliban, this is instant respect.
Now, I’m not even sure you can get him. He might be touring, and for sure you are going to have to redo the inside of Air Force One. As it is, the posse won’t fit and Snoop’s needs are beyond what the current administration has in place. And forget about Customs.
Is it time to get a little shizzle on our pizzle and start the drizzle? You know what I mean. It’ a dog eat dog world out there. Maybe it’s time to feel the bite.
06 July, 2007
Get In The Water Now
Okay, for those of you living in Southern California who never get in the water, now is the time to break that habit.
The water is 70 degrees, a far cry from the mid-winter, mid-50's, crippling norm. So, get off your butt, drive west until you can't drive anymore, put money in the meter, and just start running. Run until your forward momentum has gone past the point of no return. By then, you will be in water thigh deep and can let yourself go. That first breath is a short one, but once that first wave washes over your head, you will be reminded, instantly, of your days as a kid when the water temperture didnt' matter.
Now, dont' swallow any of the water, cause you will probably get a serious disease, but that is the easy part.
The water is 70 degrees, a far cry from the mid-winter, mid-50's, crippling norm. So, get off your butt, drive west until you can't drive anymore, put money in the meter, and just start running. Run until your forward momentum has gone past the point of no return. By then, you will be in water thigh deep and can let yourself go. That first breath is a short one, but once that first wave washes over your head, you will be reminded, instantly, of your days as a kid when the water temperture didnt' matter.
Now, dont' swallow any of the water, cause you will probably get a serious disease, but that is the easy part.
Wimby
I know what is going to happen. Today at Wimbledon there were some EPIC matches, we are talking slugfests including Federer, Ferrero, Djokovic, Nadal, etc, and what will NBC show????
Venus Williams for the third day in a row. If we are lucky we might get a little Roddick, but the chances of his match living up to the drama of other men's quarters is not likely.
And, I'm a big Venus fan, think she will probably win the entire event, but her matches are blowouts, routes, drubbings, and they are not great to watch, in comparison to others. Again, NBC has chosen to ONLY show Americans, unless we are in the finals, where they don't have a choice.
We gotta stop doing this and just show the best matches. My guess, if we are lucky, we will see Venus in the finals, hoisting the jewel encrusted platter for yet another time. But, until then, give us the good stuff NBC, quit messing around. It's bad enough we get tape delay. Dont' make us suffer another day.
Venus Williams for the third day in a row. If we are lucky we might get a little Roddick, but the chances of his match living up to the drama of other men's quarters is not likely.
And, I'm a big Venus fan, think she will probably win the entire event, but her matches are blowouts, routes, drubbings, and they are not great to watch, in comparison to others. Again, NBC has chosen to ONLY show Americans, unless we are in the finals, where they don't have a choice.
We gotta stop doing this and just show the best matches. My guess, if we are lucky, we will see Venus in the finals, hoisting the jewel encrusted platter for yet another time. But, until then, give us the good stuff NBC, quit messing around. It's bad enough we get tape delay. Dont' make us suffer another day.
05 July, 2007
Stop The Madness
I'm worried. I'm now hearing about global warming in just about every way imaginable. Radio, tv, magazines, newspapers, talk shows, satallite, sign language and smoke signals. Global warming is now MAINSTREAM!!!! I know fifty other photographers working on global warming projects, and dozens more lining up to take a crack at it. Art communities, magazines and non-profits, only interested in hitting what's hot, and that is GLOBAL WARMING.
You might think this is a good thing. "Get them talking about," "that's what I say," Billy said. But, I'm not so sure.
In today's world of 24-hour news madness, where the same story, images and soundtrack are are blasted at us, over and over and over, on the same channel, in the same fashion, with a different host at the top of every hour, you just have to wonder what the accumulative effect could possibly be?
Madness?
The problem is I am already hearing a collective fatigue in regards to this issue. Let's face it, when we get bombarded by something this much, it turns people off, and turns them off quick!!!!! Our collective attention span is so fast...whoa, that was it....it just went by. Gone.
I'm not saying I'm fatigued, but I have a special interest in this issue, but I know a lot of other people are already over it. I know because I've heard them say it.
I have no answer, no solution, other than perhaps turning off 24 hour news. Get in, get out, then research on our own. I don't have 24 channels by the way, don't even have cable, cause I know I'd spend WAY too much time in front of the tube. I'm weak and I know it.
So, let's be rational, and don't buy into the madness. The issue looks real, but the frenzy is not.
You might think this is a good thing. "Get them talking about," "that's what I say," Billy said. But, I'm not so sure.
In today's world of 24-hour news madness, where the same story, images and soundtrack are are blasted at us, over and over and over, on the same channel, in the same fashion, with a different host at the top of every hour, you just have to wonder what the accumulative effect could possibly be?
Madness?
The problem is I am already hearing a collective fatigue in regards to this issue. Let's face it, when we get bombarded by something this much, it turns people off, and turns them off quick!!!!! Our collective attention span is so fast...whoa, that was it....it just went by. Gone.
I'm not saying I'm fatigued, but I have a special interest in this issue, but I know a lot of other people are already over it. I know because I've heard them say it.
I have no answer, no solution, other than perhaps turning off 24 hour news. Get in, get out, then research on our own. I don't have 24 channels by the way, don't even have cable, cause I know I'd spend WAY too much time in front of the tube. I'm weak and I know it.
So, let's be rational, and don't buy into the madness. The issue looks real, but the frenzy is not.
04 July, 2007
Plutonium/Hotel OJ
Unknown sources are reporting that black market plutonium and hotel orance juice are now selling at identical prices on the open market. Smuggled through the Urals and into the wanting hands of terrorists and heavy metal lovers alike, plutonium has long been known for it's astronomical asking price. But visit any hotel, in any location in the known world, order orange juice, and you will also face a bill of ungodly proportion.
Both fluids are held and transferred in tiny containers, similiar in size and shape to other vessels, but miniature in form.
At last report, crack teams of world experts were monitoring the latest developments.
Both fluids are held and transferred in tiny containers, similiar in size and shape to other vessels, but miniature in form.
At last report, crack teams of world experts were monitoring the latest developments.
02 July, 2007
info@
Okay, anyone reading this with an "info@" beginning of their email address has to change it right now. Yep, it's official, and the cat is out of the bag. We all know that "info@" means, "I really dont' want to talk to you unless I need something," and the fact that everyone now knows what this means renders this method no longer effective and only makes you look bad.
During my daily activities, my very diverse daily activities, I run into people with this type address, some used for personal and others for their business.
When this first started it was done as an attempt to cut through the hordes of email zinging around the electronic world. Then, the person with the "info@" address would typically have ANOTHER address you were supposed to use after they determined you were normal, or that they needed something from you, or that you could do something for them.
But, at least 90% of the time those addresses are nothing more than black holes, or sure death for email, prompting the client to then get back to you asking why you never sent the email you were supposed to send in the first place. The game goes back and forth, back and forth.
But now, after all these years, when I see an "info@" email address, about 99% of the time, I refuse to use it, and surely won't take any time sending anything to that address, forcing the client to actually call me. That way I can save the trouble of waiting for the "real" email address.
So, anyone out there using this system, it's old and somewhat outdated. Time to move on, show your real address, heck, go crazy, put an actual address, a real address, mailing, postage, white vans in front of your house, flags on your box type of mailing address. Go for it. Don't be afraid.
During my daily activities, my very diverse daily activities, I run into people with this type address, some used for personal and others for their business.
When this first started it was done as an attempt to cut through the hordes of email zinging around the electronic world. Then, the person with the "info@" address would typically have ANOTHER address you were supposed to use after they determined you were normal, or that they needed something from you, or that you could do something for them.
But, at least 90% of the time those addresses are nothing more than black holes, or sure death for email, prompting the client to then get back to you asking why you never sent the email you were supposed to send in the first place. The game goes back and forth, back and forth.
But now, after all these years, when I see an "info@" email address, about 99% of the time, I refuse to use it, and surely won't take any time sending anything to that address, forcing the client to actually call me. That way I can save the trouble of waiting for the "real" email address.
So, anyone out there using this system, it's old and somewhat outdated. Time to move on, show your real address, heck, go crazy, put an actual address, a real address, mailing, postage, white vans in front of your house, flags on your box type of mailing address. Go for it. Don't be afraid.
01 July, 2007
Sinking Ship
Okay, I found something worse than having major dental work. NBC's coverage of Wimbledon. I think it would actually be better to just not cover it at all. There is a real channel that covers this event, which used to be HBO, but I fear those days are over. I think now it is ESPN2, or another sports mega channel. NBC, for some reason, continues to broadcast tape delayed junk, or at least attempts to do it, but ONLY on the weekends.
Coupled with this alarming style of coverage is their incessant need to seemingly ONLY show American players, who in most situations, are NOT the best players in the game. If you are talking hardcourt, US Open, I can see trying to focus on the American players, but anytime you leave this tournament, head across the pond and find yourself on a "natural" surface, you can bet there are other players that should be being featured.
So, when I see NBC is "ramping up their coverage" I know it will be a two day old Serena match, where she is pounding someone. Or, Roddick, playing his baseball style, game, which is about a serve an brute force. Occassionally, they will give you a taste of Federer or Nadal, just because they HAVE TO, seeing as they are head and shoulders above anyone else playing the game.
I'm not saying that supporting the US players shouldnt' be done, not by a long shot, but you have to decide who you are targeting, tennis fans or the "casual" fan, an elusive bugger who has popped up in recent years and is demanding much attention.
So get with it NBC, take a stand. The Tour de France is coming up, and the networks here do the same thing. Painful, organ music, coffee filters over the lens and talk of "destiny" and "man vs mountain." If you want to know what is happening, real time, you gotta go to Verses where instead of buying coffee filters and organs they put a guy on a motorcycle with a camera.
Coupled with this alarming style of coverage is their incessant need to seemingly ONLY show American players, who in most situations, are NOT the best players in the game. If you are talking hardcourt, US Open, I can see trying to focus on the American players, but anytime you leave this tournament, head across the pond and find yourself on a "natural" surface, you can bet there are other players that should be being featured.
So, when I see NBC is "ramping up their coverage" I know it will be a two day old Serena match, where she is pounding someone. Or, Roddick, playing his baseball style, game, which is about a serve an brute force. Occassionally, they will give you a taste of Federer or Nadal, just because they HAVE TO, seeing as they are head and shoulders above anyone else playing the game.
I'm not saying that supporting the US players shouldnt' be done, not by a long shot, but you have to decide who you are targeting, tennis fans or the "casual" fan, an elusive bugger who has popped up in recent years and is demanding much attention.
So get with it NBC, take a stand. The Tour de France is coming up, and the networks here do the same thing. Painful, organ music, coffee filters over the lens and talk of "destiny" and "man vs mountain." If you want to know what is happening, real time, you gotta go to Verses where instead of buying coffee filters and organs they put a guy on a motorcycle with a camera.
29 June, 2007
Toy
Man, don't think I've seen this kind of madness since Cabbage Patch. The iphone. A small, rounded rectangle of metal and plastic capable of causing lines not seen since the Depression Era.
Call me skeptical. No, really, call me that cause I am.
I have a cell phone, an old one, so old the kid behind the counter at the cell phone shop probably wasn't born when my phone was launched. But, it works. I love it when I need it, when it works, but then I don't love it anymore because it is just a small, rounded piece of metal and plastic.
In many cases I love the people on the other end of the magical cordless line, but I'm not sure how much credit I can give the phone. After all, it is just a small, rounded piece of metal and plastic.
I'm starting to think we are gadget happy. No, correction, I KNOW we are gadget happy, but in the long run is this a sustainable trend? Do you detest me for even questioning the great Apple father in the sky? If are asleep in the parking lot at Fashion Island, portable radio in hand, fending off hordes of line cutters you probably do detest me, but my question remains.
Cause remember, I'm skeptical. When I hear iphone 1.0, I'm already thinking iphone 2.0. Just like high-def tv. I'm already over it. I dont' even need to buy one. I have a TV, an old one, so old the kid behind the counter in the TV shop probably wasn't born when my tv was launched. You get where I'm going here?
Call me skeptical. No, really, call me that cause I am.
I have a cell phone, an old one, so old the kid behind the counter at the cell phone shop probably wasn't born when my phone was launched. But, it works. I love it when I need it, when it works, but then I don't love it anymore because it is just a small, rounded piece of metal and plastic.
In many cases I love the people on the other end of the magical cordless line, but I'm not sure how much credit I can give the phone. After all, it is just a small, rounded piece of metal and plastic.
I'm starting to think we are gadget happy. No, correction, I KNOW we are gadget happy, but in the long run is this a sustainable trend? Do you detest me for even questioning the great Apple father in the sky? If are asleep in the parking lot at Fashion Island, portable radio in hand, fending off hordes of line cutters you probably do detest me, but my question remains.
Cause remember, I'm skeptical. When I hear iphone 1.0, I'm already thinking iphone 2.0. Just like high-def tv. I'm already over it. I dont' even need to buy one. I have a TV, an old one, so old the kid behind the counter in the TV shop probably wasn't born when my tv was launched. You get where I'm going here?
24 June, 2007
Customer Service
Okay, in contention for worst customer service.....cell phone companies.......office supply companies..........neck and neck, too close to call.
19 June, 2007
15 June, 2007
Spurs Win AGAIN
I think we owe this entire "feeling" of the finals to the sports media, who never seem to want to work for there stories anymore, and to the league for producing a product that is getting worse and worse every single year. Check the ratings numbers and you will see, on the DECLINE.
The celebration last night was the perfect ending to the year for the NBA, the sportswriters and fans. It was the worst thing I have ever seen, and exactly what everyone deserved. We didn't deserve a game seven, with a high scoring shootout, but the league didn't produce that all year long. Why expect it now? The those ten people who hung around to boo the Spurs, those guys, and gals perhaps, were fantastic, and just made Cleveland look more like a sore loser than ever before. (I am a Saints fan, however this year my secret AFC team is Browns, so I know something about loser teams.)
The league doesn't produce good basketball, it produces a lot of sloppy, lazy games because players have guaranteed money. There are MAYBE a handful of teams that play defense, the Spurs being one, and a handful of teams that play as a team, the Spurs being one.
Dynasty? Of course not, the sportswriters, who have to work with the Spurs to get stories, no court cases, contract holdouts, infighting to make their days go easily, will not allow the Spurs to be a dynasty. In fact, they have already started. Two minutes after the game, one commentator said, "Well they have to win back to back to be a dynasty."
You have a team of unselfish players who only care about winning, and in today's NBA that is just not what people want. People want controversy, entertainment, celebrity and 120 point games.
What I love is when the series started, and the sportswriters said, "Oh this is going to be boring," it appeared as if most people just took that at face value and said, "Okay, this is going to be boring."
I didn't watch much NBA all year, but I did watch at least part of three or four of these finals. I didn't seem a boring game at all. I saw one team who was a supreme, well oiled, disciplined machine, dismantling a lesser team. How can you call what Tony Parker did boring? Manu? Even Duncan, who isn't flashy, but who possesses BASIC skills that allow him to be one of, if not the most dominant player at his position in the history of the game.
The Spurs had no weakness other than their 4th quarter lapse, which has been a trademark for a long while.
As for the Cavaliers, they are just fortunate to play in the East, and could have been easily handled by at least four, perhaps six teams in the West. Lebron? He just isn't that good at this point in his career. I'm not saying he isn't a good player, he is , and has the entire team and city on his back, but he is too rightside heavy, turns the ball over, shoots too much, and does not have a consistent jumper. I think he WILL be a great player, at some point, but he surely isn't a Dwayne Wade type guy at this point in his career, and the team needs to surround him with at least a better point guard, and big man. Otherwise, I don't see them returning to the finals, not with the Heat, Bulls and Pistons hanging around.
And now we head into the off season with the "boring" Spurs polishing yet another trophy, and for the sports media it only gets worse. There will be no domestic disputes, no DUI's, no ego or money issues, no trade demands, no trade retractions and probably no interviews. They will just disappear.
The celebration last night was the perfect ending to the year for the NBA, the sportswriters and fans. It was the worst thing I have ever seen, and exactly what everyone deserved. We didn't deserve a game seven, with a high scoring shootout, but the league didn't produce that all year long. Why expect it now? The those ten people who hung around to boo the Spurs, those guys, and gals perhaps, were fantastic, and just made Cleveland look more like a sore loser than ever before. (I am a Saints fan, however this year my secret AFC team is Browns, so I know something about loser teams.)
The league doesn't produce good basketball, it produces a lot of sloppy, lazy games because players have guaranteed money. There are MAYBE a handful of teams that play defense, the Spurs being one, and a handful of teams that play as a team, the Spurs being one.
Dynasty? Of course not, the sportswriters, who have to work with the Spurs to get stories, no court cases, contract holdouts, infighting to make their days go easily, will not allow the Spurs to be a dynasty. In fact, they have already started. Two minutes after the game, one commentator said, "Well they have to win back to back to be a dynasty."
You have a team of unselfish players who only care about winning, and in today's NBA that is just not what people want. People want controversy, entertainment, celebrity and 120 point games.
What I love is when the series started, and the sportswriters said, "Oh this is going to be boring," it appeared as if most people just took that at face value and said, "Okay, this is going to be boring."
I didn't watch much NBA all year, but I did watch at least part of three or four of these finals. I didn't seem a boring game at all. I saw one team who was a supreme, well oiled, disciplined machine, dismantling a lesser team. How can you call what Tony Parker did boring? Manu? Even Duncan, who isn't flashy, but who possesses BASIC skills that allow him to be one of, if not the most dominant player at his position in the history of the game.
The Spurs had no weakness other than their 4th quarter lapse, which has been a trademark for a long while.
As for the Cavaliers, they are just fortunate to play in the East, and could have been easily handled by at least four, perhaps six teams in the West. Lebron? He just isn't that good at this point in his career. I'm not saying he isn't a good player, he is , and has the entire team and city on his back, but he is too rightside heavy, turns the ball over, shoots too much, and does not have a consistent jumper. I think he WILL be a great player, at some point, but he surely isn't a Dwayne Wade type guy at this point in his career, and the team needs to surround him with at least a better point guard, and big man. Otherwise, I don't see them returning to the finals, not with the Heat, Bulls and Pistons hanging around.
And now we head into the off season with the "boring" Spurs polishing yet another trophy, and for the sports media it only gets worse. There will be no domestic disputes, no DUI's, no ego or money issues, no trade demands, no trade retractions and probably no interviews. They will just disappear.
13 June, 2007
Gaza
I wrote something today for BBC World Have Your Say. Well, I wrote a comment to them regarding the piece they were doing on the recent events in Gaza. It wasn't like I was called and asked to write someting, just sent an email and asked to comment if I felt like it.
I wrote it on another computer, which I could turn on, then copy and paste, but I'm too lazy to even cross the room, so now I sit here telling you what I wrote.
My point was, "What else is there to do in Gaza but fight?" If you are twenty-five and have been fighting for five years, ten perhaps, then what else are you reallly qualified to do? Is it easier to fight than to build for a better Gaza in the future. I have never been there, so I'm just talking and wondering, not pointing the fingers at those living in Gaza. It doesn't appear that there is much infrastucture, industry, education, jobs or opportunity, besides linking up with one side or the other and squeezing your trigger finger.
If you watch the footage, it appears to be total chaos. What I'm saying is that yes there are supposed to be two main factions fighting, but within each faction there appears many splinter groups, conflicts, opportunists and a lot of people just standing around.
I began to wonder if conflict will become a part of the DNA of this culture, or maybe it already has. Afghanistan, Colombia, etc, places that just grind on, year after year, war, famine, war, corruption, etc.
I think these places, in some ways, fail to exist to most people because this drama has been so "normal" for so long it no longer has much of an impact, unless you have a personal connection. I think it proves there is an intanglible aspect of humanity that almost needs war. And war is good business, for the people on the fringes, and it sure seems to be, in some ways, an "easy" way out.
Mabye I'm wrong, but each day I see more and more that makes me wonder.
I wrote it on another computer, which I could turn on, then copy and paste, but I'm too lazy to even cross the room, so now I sit here telling you what I wrote.
My point was, "What else is there to do in Gaza but fight?" If you are twenty-five and have been fighting for five years, ten perhaps, then what else are you reallly qualified to do? Is it easier to fight than to build for a better Gaza in the future. I have never been there, so I'm just talking and wondering, not pointing the fingers at those living in Gaza. It doesn't appear that there is much infrastucture, industry, education, jobs or opportunity, besides linking up with one side or the other and squeezing your trigger finger.
If you watch the footage, it appears to be total chaos. What I'm saying is that yes there are supposed to be two main factions fighting, but within each faction there appears many splinter groups, conflicts, opportunists and a lot of people just standing around.
I began to wonder if conflict will become a part of the DNA of this culture, or maybe it already has. Afghanistan, Colombia, etc, places that just grind on, year after year, war, famine, war, corruption, etc.
I think these places, in some ways, fail to exist to most people because this drama has been so "normal" for so long it no longer has much of an impact, unless you have a personal connection. I think it proves there is an intanglible aspect of humanity that almost needs war. And war is good business, for the people on the fringes, and it sure seems to be, in some ways, an "easy" way out.
Mabye I'm wrong, but each day I see more and more that makes me wonder.
11 June, 2007
The Slammer
I think we have reached a new collective low. Paris in jail. What is next? How is it possible that this little angel did anything foul enough to visit old county lockup? This girl has had a difficult life, battled expense accounts too large to handle efficiently, somehow found a way to fill days, months, years of free time, and most importantly, contributed so much to society in general.
And now, after her special treatment, oops, I mean her release, we found out she now cares and wants to help wounded animals, or was it missing kids, or perhaps others with excess money issues.
We are all pulling for you Paris, stay strong.
And now, after her special treatment, oops, I mean her release, we found out she now cares and wants to help wounded animals, or was it missing kids, or perhaps others with excess money issues.
We are all pulling for you Paris, stay strong.
31 May, 2007
Movie Review: Harsh Times
Okay, I admit. I rent my movies at the library. I'm in there all the time as it is, getting books, and their DVD case is just sitting there waiting to be plucked clean.
I check out books because I ran out of room in my house for books, books to keep that is, so now I find myself "renting" what I read.
So I designed a 160-page book today, was nearly out of my mind with wrath toward the computer, so I ventured to the library to get a flick and leave the evil computer machine behind.
Every so often, once in a blue moon, a movie character comes along that truly makes me feel a little uneasy. You would think it would be a mainstream bad guy, but for the most part, movie bad guys don't scare me all that much. In fact, mainstream movies in general don't scare me, or interest me, all that much. If a movie takes in $200 million in the first eight minutes, chances are, I won't even bother to see it. There is just something about mass produced entertainment that seems to hit a little outside the target with me.
Now obscure, bashed by critics, in release for less than one week type movie, now that is more up my alley.
Harsh Times is such a film, and it's lead character, played by English actor Christian Bale, was one of those roles that just made my skin crawl.
This movie was wrong in so many ways I lost count as my level of depression pressed my body deeper and deeper into my horribly uncomfortable mid-century couch. In fact, the movie was so twisted, dark and wrong I ended up lying on the floor, figuring maybe I should feel the same pain the main character is spreading like a blanket over everyone and anyone in his path.
Iraq war vet, looked to be Special Ops, home from the war, and let's just say finding it a smidge difficult to blend into the old nine to five world rife with rules, regulations and those pesky laws we have.
Drugs, guns, nightmares, bad deals, violence, scams, missed opportunities, and just for kicks a South of the border love affair that can't possibly end well. In fact, the opening credits were enough to tell me that NOTHING in this film was going to end well, or even start well for that matter.
Now I'm not saying this was a great movie, or that torturing yourself with violence and depression is a great way to spend two hours on a Thursday night, but I have to say, there was something so wrong with the main character that he was actually right.
I kept mumbling to myself, "Ooohhhh nnnnoooo,"" because I knew that not only was there something horrible around every bend, but I also knew that this story just might be how this entire mess would go down in real life.
You ever pull a half gallon of milk out of the fridge and smell it, LIKE YOU SHOULD, only to be confronted with not really knowing if it is good or bad. It's on the line!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's six am and you sure don't want to drive to get more.........and then, my friend, it is YOU that is on the line.
THAT is what this movie was about. The other characters were somewhat irrelevant, but it was the main guy that I couldn't get a bead on. The accent was here then there, he was calm, then total rage. I just kept thinking, "I think I know this guy."
The truly scary character is the guy who is clearly whacked out of his skull, but who can ride that line, JUST close enough to make you think twice, and this is what Bale's character did.
How many guys like this are out there?
The script was good too, authentic you might say, and come to think of it, the storyline was also solid.
Again, is this a GREAT movie? Probably not, but I'm no judge of anything Hollywood(As you can tell from this post.) I'm not sure it was even in the real cinema. They might have just driven it by on the way to Blockbuster to drop off the DVD's.
But like I said, I rented it at the library, which has a selection a touch smaller than the major video store. It was either this or "Breaking Two, Electric Bugaloo," and I"ve already seen that too many times.
I check out books because I ran out of room in my house for books, books to keep that is, so now I find myself "renting" what I read.
So I designed a 160-page book today, was nearly out of my mind with wrath toward the computer, so I ventured to the library to get a flick and leave the evil computer machine behind.
Every so often, once in a blue moon, a movie character comes along that truly makes me feel a little uneasy. You would think it would be a mainstream bad guy, but for the most part, movie bad guys don't scare me all that much. In fact, mainstream movies in general don't scare me, or interest me, all that much. If a movie takes in $200 million in the first eight minutes, chances are, I won't even bother to see it. There is just something about mass produced entertainment that seems to hit a little outside the target with me.
Now obscure, bashed by critics, in release for less than one week type movie, now that is more up my alley.
Harsh Times is such a film, and it's lead character, played by English actor Christian Bale, was one of those roles that just made my skin crawl.
This movie was wrong in so many ways I lost count as my level of depression pressed my body deeper and deeper into my horribly uncomfortable mid-century couch. In fact, the movie was so twisted, dark and wrong I ended up lying on the floor, figuring maybe I should feel the same pain the main character is spreading like a blanket over everyone and anyone in his path.
Iraq war vet, looked to be Special Ops, home from the war, and let's just say finding it a smidge difficult to blend into the old nine to five world rife with rules, regulations and those pesky laws we have.
Drugs, guns, nightmares, bad deals, violence, scams, missed opportunities, and just for kicks a South of the border love affair that can't possibly end well. In fact, the opening credits were enough to tell me that NOTHING in this film was going to end well, or even start well for that matter.
Now I'm not saying this was a great movie, or that torturing yourself with violence and depression is a great way to spend two hours on a Thursday night, but I have to say, there was something so wrong with the main character that he was actually right.
I kept mumbling to myself, "Ooohhhh nnnnoooo,"" because I knew that not only was there something horrible around every bend, but I also knew that this story just might be how this entire mess would go down in real life.
You ever pull a half gallon of milk out of the fridge and smell it, LIKE YOU SHOULD, only to be confronted with not really knowing if it is good or bad. It's on the line!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's six am and you sure don't want to drive to get more.........and then, my friend, it is YOU that is on the line.
THAT is what this movie was about. The other characters were somewhat irrelevant, but it was the main guy that I couldn't get a bead on. The accent was here then there, he was calm, then total rage. I just kept thinking, "I think I know this guy."
The truly scary character is the guy who is clearly whacked out of his skull, but who can ride that line, JUST close enough to make you think twice, and this is what Bale's character did.
How many guys like this are out there?
The script was good too, authentic you might say, and come to think of it, the storyline was also solid.
Again, is this a GREAT movie? Probably not, but I'm no judge of anything Hollywood(As you can tell from this post.) I'm not sure it was even in the real cinema. They might have just driven it by on the way to Blockbuster to drop off the DVD's.
But like I said, I rented it at the library, which has a selection a touch smaller than the major video store. It was either this or "Breaking Two, Electric Bugaloo," and I"ve already seen that too many times.
26 May, 2007
Spring Cleaning
This is the time of year that most of us looking at that garage, that storage area, that extra room in the house that has become the landing pad of all the stuff you don't know what to do with, and realize, "Okay, it's time."
The same thing happens now in the digital age. We acquire things. We store things, too many things, and every so often we have to stop and say, "Okay, I've got to deal with this."
Me, I've got a system. Whether or not this system is the best, or correct, or perfect, can only be answered at some time in the future. Saying that your system of storage is "fantastic" or "fool proof," cant' be proven, at least at the moment.
Talk to me in ten years, twenty, or even forty years.
So today, at the moment, I'm transferring things from one electronic place to another. It is tedious, boring if you will, but very important. Of course I do this all the time, on an ongoing basis, but several times a year, I go through the spring cleaning, fall cleaning, etc.
So right now, around me, there are lots of progress bars, flashing lights and negative sleeves, contact sheets and archival boxes brimming with collected film.
The same thing happens now in the digital age. We acquire things. We store things, too many things, and every so often we have to stop and say, "Okay, I've got to deal with this."
Me, I've got a system. Whether or not this system is the best, or correct, or perfect, can only be answered at some time in the future. Saying that your system of storage is "fantastic" or "fool proof," cant' be proven, at least at the moment.
Talk to me in ten years, twenty, or even forty years.
So today, at the moment, I'm transferring things from one electronic place to another. It is tedious, boring if you will, but very important. Of course I do this all the time, on an ongoing basis, but several times a year, I go through the spring cleaning, fall cleaning, etc.
So right now, around me, there are lots of progress bars, flashing lights and negative sleeves, contact sheets and archival boxes brimming with collected film.
22 May, 2007
21 May, 2007
Palm Springs Photo Festival Snaps
Okay, just a tiny sample my friends. Next year, put it on your books and go.
17 May, 2007
16 May, 2007
Reality
I needed to write this post because I, once again, ran into someone who said, "Wow, you have the best job in the world." "A photographer, just driving around all day taking pictures."
Well, I do have a great job, but it might not be exactly what a lot of people think it is. Now I can't speak for all photographers, or all kinds of photography, but I can speak for me.
My life is about 5-10% actual photography, and the rest is work. Now I like some of this labor, but much of it is work, just like any other line. I've worked on a ranch, installed hot tubs, worked construction and did some of the world's worst modeling jobs, and while some of these endeavors are more physical than what I do now, they all contain a similar level of attentiveness.
In fact, I work far more now than I ever have. My job is a 6-7 day a week job, all year long. It wouldnt' have to be this way if I made it easy on myself, just did one thing, outsourced, turned over control, but anyone who knows me knows that ain't gonna happen anytime soon.
You see, I was born this way. This photography thing was in me from the beginning. I'm a collector, of stories, of histories, of images, words, scrapes of this and that. I can't turn it off, leave it at the studio or forget about it, even on vacation(I don't go on them). And because of this, I'm cursed with always being on, always working.
If my wife and I have day when there is "nothing to do," we don't know what to do. This happened recently, not a full day mind ya, but a partial day with NOTHING on the books. We looked at each other and laughed.
"People do this all the time," I said to her. "Like every weekend." More laughs.
You see, I'm the one man band. Marketing, yep, that's me. Advertising, me too. Fulfillment, delivery, design, editing, archiving, creating, brainstorming, traveling, bookings, taxes, payroll, accounting, etc, etc. Me.
Sometimes when all this is on your plate it is easy to lose track of the fact that these days we are living, these days, right now, I'm talking about days like today, are the days that we are supposed to be enjoying. This is life.
For me, I reconnect, I remember in a way, by going out and making pictures, not for a client, or an assignment, but for me only. It is not that these photos don't have uses, don't get me wrong, but they originate inside me, for me. Selfish I know, but real all the same.
In short, I've go no complaints. I work my butt off, true, but I can't imagine it any other way.
Well, I do have a great job, but it might not be exactly what a lot of people think it is. Now I can't speak for all photographers, or all kinds of photography, but I can speak for me.
My life is about 5-10% actual photography, and the rest is work. Now I like some of this labor, but much of it is work, just like any other line. I've worked on a ranch, installed hot tubs, worked construction and did some of the world's worst modeling jobs, and while some of these endeavors are more physical than what I do now, they all contain a similar level of attentiveness.
In fact, I work far more now than I ever have. My job is a 6-7 day a week job, all year long. It wouldnt' have to be this way if I made it easy on myself, just did one thing, outsourced, turned over control, but anyone who knows me knows that ain't gonna happen anytime soon.
You see, I was born this way. This photography thing was in me from the beginning. I'm a collector, of stories, of histories, of images, words, scrapes of this and that. I can't turn it off, leave it at the studio or forget about it, even on vacation(I don't go on them). And because of this, I'm cursed with always being on, always working.
If my wife and I have day when there is "nothing to do," we don't know what to do. This happened recently, not a full day mind ya, but a partial day with NOTHING on the books. We looked at each other and laughed.
"People do this all the time," I said to her. "Like every weekend." More laughs.
You see, I'm the one man band. Marketing, yep, that's me. Advertising, me too. Fulfillment, delivery, design, editing, archiving, creating, brainstorming, traveling, bookings, taxes, payroll, accounting, etc, etc. Me.
Sometimes when all this is on your plate it is easy to lose track of the fact that these days we are living, these days, right now, I'm talking about days like today, are the days that we are supposed to be enjoying. This is life.
For me, I reconnect, I remember in a way, by going out and making pictures, not for a client, or an assignment, but for me only. It is not that these photos don't have uses, don't get me wrong, but they originate inside me, for me. Selfish I know, but real all the same.
In short, I've go no complaints. I work my butt off, true, but I can't imagine it any other way.
Times Are A Changing
Well, it has been five years, and my internal clock, the one I can only rarely hear, has decided things have grown too normal, too routine. So, big changes on the way yet again.
For some reason, much to the chagrin of those around me, about every four or five years I make a change like this. I stop one thing and I start another.
What am I going to stop? What am I going to start?
You just have to wait and see.
For some reason, much to the chagrin of those around me, about every four or five years I make a change like this. I stop one thing and I start another.
What am I going to stop? What am I going to start?
You just have to wait and see.
Palm Springs Photo Festival 2
This post goes out to Maggie who was nice enough to send me a note.
In short, always go. As a "newbie" I think you would have been totally fine. If you have the passion for photography, want to learn, then it is never a bad thing to attend something like this.
The great thing about this event was that it was a true festival. Even though many of the photographers in attendance are "significant" within the industry, they are all there to look at work, and a range of work at that. People are relaxed, and everyone I met was kind and thoughtful in their reviews.
Although I did see a good amount of really nice work, the level of participant was far ranging.
You can take a workshop, attend a seminar or symposium, and at night you are treated to two amazing slideshows.
I think this event had something for everyone. Plus, great location, as you know, and a good sense of people just hanging out, relaxing and enjoying photography.
In short, always go. As a "newbie" I think you would have been totally fine. If you have the passion for photography, want to learn, then it is never a bad thing to attend something like this.
The great thing about this event was that it was a true festival. Even though many of the photographers in attendance are "significant" within the industry, they are all there to look at work, and a range of work at that. People are relaxed, and everyone I met was kind and thoughtful in their reviews.
Although I did see a good amount of really nice work, the level of participant was far ranging.
You can take a workshop, attend a seminar or symposium, and at night you are treated to two amazing slideshows.
I think this event had something for everyone. Plus, great location, as you know, and a good sense of people just hanging out, relaxing and enjoying photography.
13 May, 2007
Palm Springs Photo Festival
Put it on your books for next year. Jeff Dunas and crew really pulled it off. A true festival of creativity, inspiration and dedication. More later.
02 May, 2007
01 May, 2007
24 April, 2007
15 April, 2007
13 April, 2007
Holding Up
So I don't watch a lot of TV. I have a TV, but don't have cable, so the only thing I get is the smattering of local channels, plus an odd assortment of "fringe" channels shall we say.
So last night I turn this thing on. My remote control is partially broken, so only certain buttons work.
As I was trying to get to one channel, one of the buttons stuck and I was taken to a mid-20's channel that was showing reruns of Charlie's Angels.
Wow, I have to say, this show REALLY DOES NOT STAND UP OVER TIME. Your shocked I know.
I am old enough to remember this show during it's original run, and I have say, I thought Boseley was God. I worshipped at his church, wanted to be him, wanted to smell like him. Three woman, working for him, armed, dangerous. I was too young to think about acting, script, storyline, reality, reason, or anything else.
At the time, I think it was Sabrina that really was the center of my total fixation. I mean Farah was Farah, and still is, Farah. Just say it, Farah, Farah, Farah. But there was something about Sabrina, at least I think that was her character name, that hooked me.
My sister, three years older, but not much wiser, was physically trying to be her own Angel, buying red pants, berets and wearing all the facial products she could get her hands on. My brother, six years older, was too cool for any of us, and was in the middle of his 10-year , teenage isolation period, so I had and still have no idea his views about this poignant and world-changin show.
But this time around, watching this rerun, I was stunned. In one action sequence, two of the three Angels are chasing "the bad guy" through a park, and when it comes time to tackle the guy, in comes the MALE stunt double. This guy was "subbing" for Cherly Ladd, a sub herself, and he was built like a middle linebacker for the Raiders.
One minute Cheryl in her red hot pants, the next minute someone who looked like my dad is tackling the bad guy. Then, in an instant, there is Cheryl again. No grass stains, hair in place, etc.
I was thinking, "Gee, how did they fool me with this when I was eight?"
Oh, and the script. I was nearly in tears. Then, the bad guy, in a final and apocalyptic fit, tries to act menacing as he blacks out or passes out or something along those lines. I was hysterical with laughter. Hysterical at this guy's acted pain. And it was this hysteria that snaped me out of my haze, forcing me to realize I was actually watching a rerun of Charlie's Angels. Good God, what is next? Magnum P.I? The Fall Guy? Hardcastle and McCormick?
In short, be careful people. Those shows of our glory years come with a price. If you want your memories deflated, just search out those lost channels and prepare for the worst.
So last night I turn this thing on. My remote control is partially broken, so only certain buttons work.
As I was trying to get to one channel, one of the buttons stuck and I was taken to a mid-20's channel that was showing reruns of Charlie's Angels.
Wow, I have to say, this show REALLY DOES NOT STAND UP OVER TIME. Your shocked I know.
I am old enough to remember this show during it's original run, and I have say, I thought Boseley was God. I worshipped at his church, wanted to be him, wanted to smell like him. Three woman, working for him, armed, dangerous. I was too young to think about acting, script, storyline, reality, reason, or anything else.
At the time, I think it was Sabrina that really was the center of my total fixation. I mean Farah was Farah, and still is, Farah. Just say it, Farah, Farah, Farah. But there was something about Sabrina, at least I think that was her character name, that hooked me.
My sister, three years older, but not much wiser, was physically trying to be her own Angel, buying red pants, berets and wearing all the facial products she could get her hands on. My brother, six years older, was too cool for any of us, and was in the middle of his 10-year , teenage isolation period, so I had and still have no idea his views about this poignant and world-changin show.
But this time around, watching this rerun, I was stunned. In one action sequence, two of the three Angels are chasing "the bad guy" through a park, and when it comes time to tackle the guy, in comes the MALE stunt double. This guy was "subbing" for Cherly Ladd, a sub herself, and he was built like a middle linebacker for the Raiders.
One minute Cheryl in her red hot pants, the next minute someone who looked like my dad is tackling the bad guy. Then, in an instant, there is Cheryl again. No grass stains, hair in place, etc.
I was thinking, "Gee, how did they fool me with this when I was eight?"
Oh, and the script. I was nearly in tears. Then, the bad guy, in a final and apocalyptic fit, tries to act menacing as he blacks out or passes out or something along those lines. I was hysterical with laughter. Hysterical at this guy's acted pain. And it was this hysteria that snaped me out of my haze, forcing me to realize I was actually watching a rerun of Charlie's Angels. Good God, what is next? Magnum P.I? The Fall Guy? Hardcastle and McCormick?
In short, be careful people. Those shows of our glory years come with a price. If you want your memories deflated, just search out those lost channels and prepare for the worst.
Landis
Okay, nearly a year after the infamous "positive" test, Floyd Landis still finds himself entangled in his million dollar defense of the Tour de France crown.
Yesterday, a governing body ruled the lab could test the backup, or B samples, from Landis, to help with other ongoing aspects of the evidence they are gathering against him.
I'm a little confused. I've been confused about this for a year, but I keep thinking SOMEONE will answer some of these questions about the case.
And yet, no, nothing, nada.
The "mainstream" media has completely dropped the ball on this case. I think a collective, "doping fatigue" and complete ignorance of procedure, history and science is to blame, not to mention most of the "mainstream" media seems to know little about cycling, and probably can't win any awards by writing about it. Harsh, I know, but think about it.
Landis failed a test for synthetic testosterone. He failed one test, in the middle of SEVEN tests throughout the Tour de France.
How does that work? How is that possible? Doesn't this seem a little strange? Would someone take testosterone for one day? I'm not saying he wouldn't but what benefit would there be?
You would think that someone would have tried to explain that, but as far as I know it just keeps appearing in print as a sidenote.
Oh and remember, the "mainstream" media first reported his testosterone level was too high, then too low, then the ratio was too high, then too low, etc, etc. They had NO IDEA what they were reporting, yet they did it anyway. Better to run a retraction than coming in second?
Also, the lab that conducted the tests is the same lab that has made countless procedural errors in past tests, and was the same lab that went after Lance Armstong, over and over. And yet this is the lab that is still being used for the testing? Nice!!(in Borat tone)
I don't think anyone is disputing the fact that this lab has made several errors, and yet the idea of using another lab hasn't occured to anyone? Nice!!(in Borat tone)
Believe me, I think most of the guys who are competing at the highest level in cycling are DOPED TO THE GILLS, but that does not eliminate the fact that something isn't right in the Landis case.
And, when I hear a report about this case, in the "mainstream" media, it is the same rehashed mush they were reporting when the case first broke.
Funny, of all those riders to ride last year, just one positive test. Just one. American Floyd Landis. Winner.
Oh, and that "event" a few months ago regarding the second place finisher, and a "abnormal" test of some kind. THAT was an accident. The Spanish anti-doping investigation. Oh ya, were gonna throw that one out too.
In short, the entire industry of cycling stinks, and I would not be surprised to find out that the crowd watching the race is doping. But, again, that still does not make me wonder what is really going on behind the scenes in the Landis case.
Yesterday, a governing body ruled the lab could test the backup, or B samples, from Landis, to help with other ongoing aspects of the evidence they are gathering against him.
I'm a little confused. I've been confused about this for a year, but I keep thinking SOMEONE will answer some of these questions about the case.
And yet, no, nothing, nada.
The "mainstream" media has completely dropped the ball on this case. I think a collective, "doping fatigue" and complete ignorance of procedure, history and science is to blame, not to mention most of the "mainstream" media seems to know little about cycling, and probably can't win any awards by writing about it. Harsh, I know, but think about it.
Landis failed a test for synthetic testosterone. He failed one test, in the middle of SEVEN tests throughout the Tour de France.
How does that work? How is that possible? Doesn't this seem a little strange? Would someone take testosterone for one day? I'm not saying he wouldn't but what benefit would there be?
You would think that someone would have tried to explain that, but as far as I know it just keeps appearing in print as a sidenote.
Oh and remember, the "mainstream" media first reported his testosterone level was too high, then too low, then the ratio was too high, then too low, etc, etc. They had NO IDEA what they were reporting, yet they did it anyway. Better to run a retraction than coming in second?
Also, the lab that conducted the tests is the same lab that has made countless procedural errors in past tests, and was the same lab that went after Lance Armstong, over and over. And yet this is the lab that is still being used for the testing? Nice!!(in Borat tone)
I don't think anyone is disputing the fact that this lab has made several errors, and yet the idea of using another lab hasn't occured to anyone? Nice!!(in Borat tone)
Believe me, I think most of the guys who are competing at the highest level in cycling are DOPED TO THE GILLS, but that does not eliminate the fact that something isn't right in the Landis case.
And, when I hear a report about this case, in the "mainstream" media, it is the same rehashed mush they were reporting when the case first broke.
Funny, of all those riders to ride last year, just one positive test. Just one. American Floyd Landis. Winner.
Oh, and that "event" a few months ago regarding the second place finisher, and a "abnormal" test of some kind. THAT was an accident. The Spanish anti-doping investigation. Oh ya, were gonna throw that one out too.
In short, the entire industry of cycling stinks, and I would not be surprised to find out that the crowd watching the race is doping. But, again, that still does not make me wonder what is really going on behind the scenes in the Landis case.
11 April, 2007
09 April, 2007
Glamour of War
Recently re-reading Dispatches by Michael Herr, one of the most notable books to come from the Vietnam War.
Near the end of one chapter the book details a conversation with photographer Tim Page regarding the “glamour of war.”
Page goes off. The gist is is “how can you take the glamour out of war?” “The glamour out of a Huey?
I don’t have the book in front of me, otherwise I would write it word for word. I loaned the book to someone else, just so you know.
“You just can’t do it,” is the basic conclusion.
Then, about a month ago, I found myself watching Patton, the George C. Scott piece from back in the day.
Patton talks about the beauty of the battlefield.
Me, I have never seen, or known war, so I can’t speak on first hand knowledge, but these ideas got me thinking.
Is war glamorous? Is it beautiful?
It can’t be right?
What about the IED? How can this be viewed as anything but horrific? We have had mines, traps, etc, for a long time in warfare, but perhaps with the new IED and EFP, the ball of molten copper used for piercing armor, we have entered a new era in warfare?
It all seems stupid, crazy, but again, I don’t know. I haven’t seen it, experienced it.
Near the end of one chapter the book details a conversation with photographer Tim Page regarding the “glamour of war.”
Page goes off. The gist is is “how can you take the glamour out of war?” “The glamour out of a Huey?
I don’t have the book in front of me, otherwise I would write it word for word. I loaned the book to someone else, just so you know.
“You just can’t do it,” is the basic conclusion.
Then, about a month ago, I found myself watching Patton, the George C. Scott piece from back in the day.
Patton talks about the beauty of the battlefield.
Me, I have never seen, or known war, so I can’t speak on first hand knowledge, but these ideas got me thinking.
Is war glamorous? Is it beautiful?
It can’t be right?
What about the IED? How can this be viewed as anything but horrific? We have had mines, traps, etc, for a long time in warfare, but perhaps with the new IED and EFP, the ball of molten copper used for piercing armor, we have entered a new era in warfare?
It all seems stupid, crazy, but again, I don’t know. I haven’t seen it, experienced it.
02 April, 2007
Ethanol and Photography Directly Related
The controversy with Ethanol revolves around the amount of energy required to manufacture it, compared to the amount of energy you get from using this fuel. Some would say, it takes more energy to make it than you get from burning it, making it a "negative" energy.
Documentary photography is the exact same thing.
You have to ask yourself, "How much time and energy do I want to spend trying to convince someone else to send me to do a project when I can just go and do it myself?"
Documentary photography is the exact same thing.
You have to ask yourself, "How much time and energy do I want to spend trying to convince someone else to send me to do a project when I can just go and do it myself?"
01 April, 2007
24 March, 2007
23 March, 2007
Double O
I watched the new James Bond movie last night. Well, it isn’t really new, but new for me, and the latest in the Bond series. It was a dud. Twenty minutes in I was waiting for it to start, even after the overdone opening scene, and twenty minutes from the end I couldn’t wait for it to be over.
My wife knitted through the entire thing.
This was my first movie in a while, so I’m not sure what I was hoping for, but this wasn’t it.
It was mostly overlit, that huge softbox feel of people standing in bright sun, but for some reason one side of their face is glowing orange from the warning gels. And, there were too many tight close-ups of Bond’s grimacing face. Okay, we get the point. He doesn’t open his mouth or huff and puff when he runs, and his eyes are like those of a hawk. Great. Most of us don’t run, or can’t run at all and our eyes are shot from too much computer times sandwiched in our tiny, veal-fattening work cubicles. Just more reason I relate so much to this long-running character.
Oh, and the beefcake scenes were just too much. Okay, okay a new Bond, the audience has to get the full review, but please one is enough. When he comes running up the beach in his “Euro” suit my mind flashed to Dudley Moore running towards a dreadlock wearing Bo Derek.
“So relax,” I said to myself, “just let it run and enjoy it.” But when I noticed the main, evil character had a scar on his face and one bad eye I just couldn’t stop thinking of Mike Myers.
I was literally laughing to myself, smiling, and had to say, “Okay, enough you idiot, stop laughing and get serious.” Stop thinking about Doctor Evil!”
And then came the Bond Girls. I think her name, this time was “Ms. Broadchest,” which I have to say might have been the best part of this movie.
I have no idea who this woman was, or the other girl was who slain earlier in the film, but I had to endure the “Honey, do you think she is pretty?” from my wife.
I did what any man watching a Bond movie says, “No sweetie, that woman is grotesque.”
(Knitting needles speed up in the background.)
And the clichés were done as if on a checklist. “Aston Martin, yep, got it.” “Martini, check.” “Bond, James Bond, okay, ya, got that too.” All the gadgets were there too. Really, it had everything but a plot and script, so it was a good start.
I’m not sure who made this movie, or why they made it, and chances are I’ll never get an answer, no matter how many email template pages I fill out. I think this new guy has a chance to be good, but only in the right directorial hands.
They have to go dark people. I mean come on, how many wars are raging around the world right now. People don’t want peace and the good guy. They want the white hat wearing lead to develop a drug habit and get cut down in a back alley deal gone wrong.
This is 2007 and I’m just not sure that the clean violence of yesteryear’s Bond is enough anymore.
You can’t be macho and not deranged at the same time.
My advice is to take a step back, take a breath and stop everything. Take out the explosions, the chase scenes, a few of the clichés, and start with a plot, script and screenplay that are tighter than Yale entrance exam.
Bond needs to be rougher, more real, not some gym dude who is all perfect all the time.
Embrace a modern evil plot and villain. Look around; this won’t be hard. Surprise us. Have TWO changes in the plot…whoa, I know that is a real stretch. But do it anyway.
Or, put Bond into a larger overall plot, like the war in Iraq. A bit player lost in a situation he cannot control.
Okay, that’s it, no more help from me.
I think the good news from all this is that I’m sure it didn’t cost anymore than like 50 million dollars to make, so we all have that going for us.
My wife knitted through the entire thing.
This was my first movie in a while, so I’m not sure what I was hoping for, but this wasn’t it.
It was mostly overlit, that huge softbox feel of people standing in bright sun, but for some reason one side of their face is glowing orange from the warning gels. And, there were too many tight close-ups of Bond’s grimacing face. Okay, we get the point. He doesn’t open his mouth or huff and puff when he runs, and his eyes are like those of a hawk. Great. Most of us don’t run, or can’t run at all and our eyes are shot from too much computer times sandwiched in our tiny, veal-fattening work cubicles. Just more reason I relate so much to this long-running character.
Oh, and the beefcake scenes were just too much. Okay, okay a new Bond, the audience has to get the full review, but please one is enough. When he comes running up the beach in his “Euro” suit my mind flashed to Dudley Moore running towards a dreadlock wearing Bo Derek.
“So relax,” I said to myself, “just let it run and enjoy it.” But when I noticed the main, evil character had a scar on his face and one bad eye I just couldn’t stop thinking of Mike Myers.
I was literally laughing to myself, smiling, and had to say, “Okay, enough you idiot, stop laughing and get serious.” Stop thinking about Doctor Evil!”
And then came the Bond Girls. I think her name, this time was “Ms. Broadchest,” which I have to say might have been the best part of this movie.
I have no idea who this woman was, or the other girl was who slain earlier in the film, but I had to endure the “Honey, do you think she is pretty?” from my wife.
I did what any man watching a Bond movie says, “No sweetie, that woman is grotesque.”
(Knitting needles speed up in the background.)
And the clichés were done as if on a checklist. “Aston Martin, yep, got it.” “Martini, check.” “Bond, James Bond, okay, ya, got that too.” All the gadgets were there too. Really, it had everything but a plot and script, so it was a good start.
I’m not sure who made this movie, or why they made it, and chances are I’ll never get an answer, no matter how many email template pages I fill out. I think this new guy has a chance to be good, but only in the right directorial hands.
They have to go dark people. I mean come on, how many wars are raging around the world right now. People don’t want peace and the good guy. They want the white hat wearing lead to develop a drug habit and get cut down in a back alley deal gone wrong.
This is 2007 and I’m just not sure that the clean violence of yesteryear’s Bond is enough anymore.
You can’t be macho and not deranged at the same time.
My advice is to take a step back, take a breath and stop everything. Take out the explosions, the chase scenes, a few of the clichés, and start with a plot, script and screenplay that are tighter than Yale entrance exam.
Bond needs to be rougher, more real, not some gym dude who is all perfect all the time.
Embrace a modern evil plot and villain. Look around; this won’t be hard. Surprise us. Have TWO changes in the plot…whoa, I know that is a real stretch. But do it anyway.
Or, put Bond into a larger overall plot, like the war in Iraq. A bit player lost in a situation he cannot control.
Okay, that’s it, no more help from me.
I think the good news from all this is that I’m sure it didn’t cost anymore than like 50 million dollars to make, so we all have that going for us.
20 March, 2007
Flickr
Okay, what does this say about the photo industry? I just took a quick tour through Flickr and found FAR MORE interesting work than I find on most of the "industry" stops. Wow. Really, blown away. There are some unknown pioneers, blazing their way through the world, and unless you go hunting you will never know they exist.
These folks won't show up on any top ten list, contest results or glossy pages. They just go create, and by the looks it, they are creating more than most of the "pros" I know. But, as you know, "pros" have many demands the casual creator won't have to deal with. Not knocking the "pros" by any means. In some ways it is far better and more fun to shoot for yourself than for others. I've done both and can see an upside to both.
The Flickr crowd doesn't seem to be hung up on retouching, on perfection, on making everything look bigger, better, smoother, faster and more over-the-top. They just experiment. Remember doing that?
And, with the revolution happening in the printing/publishing industry, this could mean big changes in the world. I don't about you but I'm smiling.
These folks won't show up on any top ten list, contest results or glossy pages. They just go create, and by the looks it, they are creating more than most of the "pros" I know. But, as you know, "pros" have many demands the casual creator won't have to deal with. Not knocking the "pros" by any means. In some ways it is far better and more fun to shoot for yourself than for others. I've done both and can see an upside to both.
The Flickr crowd doesn't seem to be hung up on retouching, on perfection, on making everything look bigger, better, smoother, faster and more over-the-top. They just experiment. Remember doing that?
And, with the revolution happening in the printing/publishing industry, this could mean big changes in the world. I don't about you but I'm smiling.
18 March, 2007
Indian Wells Madness
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
A strange bar until 1am. What were we doing, and why were we doing it? Sometimes there is no good answer. This bar was like the bar in Star Wars, only filled with humans. There was a lifesize cardboard cutout of some "beer woman," and it just kept appearing. Karaoke was blazing. I was going to do my version of War Pigs by Black Sabbath, but oddly enough that song was not on the list. In hindsight, perhaps this was a good thing.
13 March, 2007
Gone Missing
Just did the sync, address book is gone. Oh well. I have two more copies, four actually, now that I think about it, but is that enough?
Gone Missing
Just did the sync, address book is gone. Oh well. I have two more copies, four actually, now that I think about it, but is that enough?
09 March, 2007
It's Official
Okay, it's official. I set my mom up with her own blog. Yes, her own blog. I'm not sure if any of us are truly prepared for what this means, but we are about to find out.
It Needed To Be Said
Okay, a friend calls me, says she knows the photo-editor at a large, national kids magazine who saw my work and liked it. “Send her something,” my friend said. “I told her you would.”
So, I grab a nearby promo card, head to my database to address the card only to notice I don’t have a listing for this particular person.
So, I go online, search for “editorial offices,” and hit send. Nothing.
So, I go to the magazines site. Nothing. No address, no phone, no fax, nothing.
At the far edge of the page a “contact,” button. “Ah-HA,” I think to myself.
What do I get? The dreaded, black hole, template page. “Please send us your message, and include your email and question,” the page stated.
What it should have said was, “Go through these meaningless motions and the only thing you can be SURE of is that we will never respond in any way, shape or form.”
This is why these places have these templates from Hell in the first place. There is nobody there to take your message. There is nobody to follow up, follow through or care about what you could possibly want. UNLESS, the GREAT UNLESS, you have something they NEED.
Then, suddenly, a strange thing happens. Suddenly you might get a call, or an email. “Hey, we heard you have such and such.”
You respond, “Well, I sent my message via your template from Hell, but strangely enough, I never got a response.”
“OH,” they will say. “That is so very surprising.” And then here it comes…”Why don’t you send it to this OTHER email address.”
Let me decipher this. This means, “Why don’t you send it to this REAL address.”
People, my fellow citizens, my fellow taxpayers, are we not yet beyond this?
As you all probably know, this is a very common strategy amongst those who feel they are either very important, or that they would get too overloaded by “people” trying to communicate with them.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am a wedding and kids portrait photographer. Let me repeat that. I am a wedding and kids portrait photographer. I get A LOT of calls, emails, etc. I would put my call/email load up against a magazine photo-editor any day of the week.
And you know what. It’s not that bad. My numbers and addresses are all over the place. And, the best part is what comes of unexpected calls and emails. I look at this as contributions, humans interacting with other humans. Partnerships are formed, friends are made, plans are hatched.
So, my dear photo-editor friends, it’s okay, open up and enjoy the rest of the world. We won’t bite. I promise.
So, I grab a nearby promo card, head to my database to address the card only to notice I don’t have a listing for this particular person.
So, I go online, search for “editorial offices,” and hit send. Nothing.
So, I go to the magazines site. Nothing. No address, no phone, no fax, nothing.
At the far edge of the page a “contact,” button. “Ah-HA,” I think to myself.
What do I get? The dreaded, black hole, template page. “Please send us your message, and include your email and question,” the page stated.
What it should have said was, “Go through these meaningless motions and the only thing you can be SURE of is that we will never respond in any way, shape or form.”
This is why these places have these templates from Hell in the first place. There is nobody there to take your message. There is nobody to follow up, follow through or care about what you could possibly want. UNLESS, the GREAT UNLESS, you have something they NEED.
Then, suddenly, a strange thing happens. Suddenly you might get a call, or an email. “Hey, we heard you have such and such.”
You respond, “Well, I sent my message via your template from Hell, but strangely enough, I never got a response.”
“OH,” they will say. “That is so very surprising.” And then here it comes…”Why don’t you send it to this OTHER email address.”
Let me decipher this. This means, “Why don’t you send it to this REAL address.”
People, my fellow citizens, my fellow taxpayers, are we not yet beyond this?
As you all probably know, this is a very common strategy amongst those who feel they are either very important, or that they would get too overloaded by “people” trying to communicate with them.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am a wedding and kids portrait photographer. Let me repeat that. I am a wedding and kids portrait photographer. I get A LOT of calls, emails, etc. I would put my call/email load up against a magazine photo-editor any day of the week.
And you know what. It’s not that bad. My numbers and addresses are all over the place. And, the best part is what comes of unexpected calls and emails. I look at this as contributions, humans interacting with other humans. Partnerships are formed, friends are made, plans are hatched.
So, my dear photo-editor friends, it’s okay, open up and enjoy the rest of the world. We won’t bite. I promise.
08 March, 2007
02 March, 2007
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
