18 February, 2008
17 February, 2008
Movie Review: No Country For Old Men
Get in the car, right now, drive to the cinema and see it. I had not been to the cinema in a long, long time, and I have to say, this was the perfect picture to see.
13 February, 2008
12 February, 2008
Michael Ventura: Letters at 3am.
A friend recently reminded me of this guy, same friend who told me about him in the first place. Michael Ventura, Austin based writer, who is just plain good. No other way to put it.
Read it, and all the others.
http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/column?oid=oid%3A499199
Read it, and all the others.
http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/column?oid=oid%3A499199
11 February, 2008
Mom and Her Camera
Mom checking in with some thoughts of the camera. What she doesn't say in this little story is that, I think, she was the only woman on this trip, which meant she was getting a CONSTANT ribbing from all the guys on the excursion. In fact, I too remember images from her trip, and I'm actually not sure if she knows that I remember them, but I do.
There is a photo of her sitting on a rock, smiling, as one of the guys behind her throws water on her from one of the coffee cans they used to bail the boats.
And another thing....her nickname is Annie Oakley, and she was, in many cases, the only woman on these trips. Hunting, fishing, hiking, etc, she was there, keeping up with all the guys. In that world you have to earn your respect, and she did.
But, with having said that, she still favors my brother the most, her first child, but denies it to this day!!
I got to thinking about all the photographs I have taken during my seventy years. How much of me is in those pictures? Who will look behind the print? Who will find me standing there behind the camera searching the view finder for just the right mix? Who will wonder who I am and why I took the picture? Who will find me? Who will learn my secret?
My hands first found a camera when I was about twenty or so. My mother-in-law gave me a Graphflex 35millimeter Camera that was totally manual. I studied it for a few days and set out to take pictures. All the settings for the camera were a guess for me. I remember I took a picture of blue, flowering chicory growing along a guardrail next to a road in Indiana and of white Indian Pipes growing near a huge rock in the woods where we lived. When my husband John and I floated the middle fork of the Salmon River in Idaho, I carried this camera in a plastic bag inside my shirt. We started at Dagger Falls, on the middle fork, and floated to the main Salmon River. There were five of us in each small, rubber raft. One was the guide. As we approached a set of rapids I would grab my camera, jump up and click, click. Then I would jam it back in the plastic bag and grab the ropes to secure my position for the trip through the rapids. Luck was with me. My camera stayed dry. We were cold and very wet, but, we bailed the water out of our raft as fast as we could. Big coffee cans did the job well. Everything got wet, including most peoples cameras. They kept them wet so they wouldn't be ruined. We had a lay over day at a spot on the river called Hospital Bar. There was a rock bathtub near the river where hot spring water mixed with the cold water of the river. It was like a bath. John took my picture sitting in the warm water. I still see him taking this picture. I didn't want to leave. After the trip we sent our pictures to many of the people whose cameras got wet. My husband gave a slide show with the pictures at Rotary Club in the small Indiana town where we lived. It wasn't hard to get good pictures on the river. Everywhere you looked it was beautiful.
Over the next few years I took pictures of my family and lots of wild flowers and wild scenes. We lived in a woods and owned an additional area that was the Jean Stratton Porter property. She was an Indiana author. It was a swampy woods, with a creek running through it full of wild flowers. Our neighbor trapped the creek and caught mink. There was an old cabin in the woods near a bend in the creek that the local boyscouts use. It had a wood burning stove. Visiters would sometimes knock down the door to get it. My husband put a sign on it. It said, "The door is open." Spring time was a beautiful time there. I supplied a local artist with pictures of old, fallen down buildings. During the next several years, I took hundreds of pictures at our ranch in Wyoming. I have taken and looked at alot of pictures, but, it wasn't until my sister Nedra sent me a picture her son Tom had taken, that I realized I had been missing something. Tom had taken a picture of Abigail, the blue, cream, persian cat my family had given my mother.
I do alot of thinking in the bathroom. There are times I have revelations during my visits. The claw footed tub is a great place to meditate, as well as other modern conveniences. The cat picture Tom took hangs in this room. It is big and shows Abigails huge, copper colored eyes. They stare at me with great intensity. What are those eyes asking of me? What do they want? What are they telling me? What am I missing? Maybe she wants me to see what was happening at the time the picture was taken. Maybe she is telling me Tom is there with a camera in his hands. He is hoping Abigail will not move so he can get a great picture for his grandmother. They are having fun trying to get this picture. I don't know what kind of camera Tom had. I am not sure I even knew Tom liked to take pictures. Now, I know he did. I am sure glad. I like thinking of them and fun times.
So, now when I look at Abigail there on my bathroom wall, I see Tom and my mother together. A sense of humor was not spared on those two. They were both wonderful human beings and sent joy and happiness to those who knew them. Mom, Tom and Abigail are all gone now, but, this picture holds them for me to find and enjoy. Now, when I look at a photograph, I see the mystery of the story behind it. Not knowing for sure if what is revealed is intended. Wondering if the eye of the camera found the reason for the photo in the eyes of the photographer. Wondering if their photography gathers and holds them in its lights and shadows. Maybe you will see their secret hidden in the stillness when a second of life is stopped on film. Maybe you will see the image of the cold, wet woman behind the camera on the river. Maybe she will pull you in and hold you in the spell of the river that brought her closer to herself. Pictures dance around her like leaves in the wind. They are everywhere. They never stop. The camera in her head is never still. Maybe she knows the secret left behind in her pictures for you.
There is a photo of her sitting on a rock, smiling, as one of the guys behind her throws water on her from one of the coffee cans they used to bail the boats.
And another thing....her nickname is Annie Oakley, and she was, in many cases, the only woman on these trips. Hunting, fishing, hiking, etc, she was there, keeping up with all the guys. In that world you have to earn your respect, and she did.
But, with having said that, she still favors my brother the most, her first child, but denies it to this day!!
I got to thinking about all the photographs I have taken during my seventy years. How much of me is in those pictures? Who will look behind the print? Who will find me standing there behind the camera searching the view finder for just the right mix? Who will wonder who I am and why I took the picture? Who will find me? Who will learn my secret?
My hands first found a camera when I was about twenty or so. My mother-in-law gave me a Graphflex 35millimeter Camera that was totally manual. I studied it for a few days and set out to take pictures. All the settings for the camera were a guess for me. I remember I took a picture of blue, flowering chicory growing along a guardrail next to a road in Indiana and of white Indian Pipes growing near a huge rock in the woods where we lived. When my husband John and I floated the middle fork of the Salmon River in Idaho, I carried this camera in a plastic bag inside my shirt. We started at Dagger Falls, on the middle fork, and floated to the main Salmon River. There were five of us in each small, rubber raft. One was the guide. As we approached a set of rapids I would grab my camera, jump up and click, click. Then I would jam it back in the plastic bag and grab the ropes to secure my position for the trip through the rapids. Luck was with me. My camera stayed dry. We were cold and very wet, but, we bailed the water out of our raft as fast as we could. Big coffee cans did the job well. Everything got wet, including most peoples cameras. They kept them wet so they wouldn't be ruined. We had a lay over day at a spot on the river called Hospital Bar. There was a rock bathtub near the river where hot spring water mixed with the cold water of the river. It was like a bath. John took my picture sitting in the warm water. I still see him taking this picture. I didn't want to leave. After the trip we sent our pictures to many of the people whose cameras got wet. My husband gave a slide show with the pictures at Rotary Club in the small Indiana town where we lived. It wasn't hard to get good pictures on the river. Everywhere you looked it was beautiful.
Over the next few years I took pictures of my family and lots of wild flowers and wild scenes. We lived in a woods and owned an additional area that was the Jean Stratton Porter property. She was an Indiana author. It was a swampy woods, with a creek running through it full of wild flowers. Our neighbor trapped the creek and caught mink. There was an old cabin in the woods near a bend in the creek that the local boyscouts use. It had a wood burning stove. Visiters would sometimes knock down the door to get it. My husband put a sign on it. It said, "The door is open." Spring time was a beautiful time there. I supplied a local artist with pictures of old, fallen down buildings. During the next several years, I took hundreds of pictures at our ranch in Wyoming. I have taken and looked at alot of pictures, but, it wasn't until my sister Nedra sent me a picture her son Tom had taken, that I realized I had been missing something. Tom had taken a picture of Abigail, the blue, cream, persian cat my family had given my mother.
I do alot of thinking in the bathroom. There are times I have revelations during my visits. The claw footed tub is a great place to meditate, as well as other modern conveniences. The cat picture Tom took hangs in this room. It is big and shows Abigails huge, copper colored eyes. They stare at me with great intensity. What are those eyes asking of me? What do they want? What are they telling me? What am I missing? Maybe she wants me to see what was happening at the time the picture was taken. Maybe she is telling me Tom is there with a camera in his hands. He is hoping Abigail will not move so he can get a great picture for his grandmother. They are having fun trying to get this picture. I don't know what kind of camera Tom had. I am not sure I even knew Tom liked to take pictures. Now, I know he did. I am sure glad. I like thinking of them and fun times.
So, now when I look at Abigail there on my bathroom wall, I see Tom and my mother together. A sense of humor was not spared on those two. They were both wonderful human beings and sent joy and happiness to those who knew them. Mom, Tom and Abigail are all gone now, but, this picture holds them for me to find and enjoy. Now, when I look at a photograph, I see the mystery of the story behind it. Not knowing for sure if what is revealed is intended. Wondering if the eye of the camera found the reason for the photo in the eyes of the photographer. Wondering if their photography gathers and holds them in its lights and shadows. Maybe you will see their secret hidden in the stillness when a second of life is stopped on film. Maybe you will see the image of the cold, wet woman behind the camera on the river. Maybe she will pull you in and hold you in the spell of the river that brought her closer to herself. Pictures dance around her like leaves in the wind. They are everywhere. They never stop. The camera in her head is never still. Maybe she knows the secret left behind in her pictures for you.
07 February, 2008
Final Wash
Develop 2:30 min
Stop: 30 Seconds
Fix: 10 min
Second Fix: 10 min
Perma Wash 3-5 min
Final Wash: 25 min
Another Day In Paradise
Another day at mom's ranch.
A chigger is a 6-legged mite larva that sucks the blood of vertebrates and causes intense irritation. We got introduced to these tiny guys last Spring. The heavy rains that belted us day after day, setting records, led the way for them to become extremely prolific. We suffered under their influence all Summer as we mowed down the rain soaked, shoulder high grass that surrounded the cabin. With each storm, the mowing began again. This pattern continued for most of the Summer. We tried everything to get rid of the chiggers, so, our bites would disappear. They seemed to thrive on the sprays and cream insect repellents were tried. We put them on our skin, our socks, our boots and our long pants. We also put them on our arms and shirts. Well, guess what we got? Chigger bites everywhere, that kept us itching all Summer. Even though we mowed with our pant legs tucked inside our old knee high snake boots, they still found us. We were real tired of this problem.
We checked with our gardening friends and some of our neighbors and most of them had the same issue. It wasn't until I checked with Joe that I found a solution. He is my neighbor to the East. I can't see his place from mine, unless I crawl up in the tree house on the back forty. From there I can see the roof of his house. He has supplied me with some of the best fresh eggs I have ever had. We always have a nice visit when I return the empty egg cartons. When I have Gypsy with me she tells me she wants one of Joe's chickens real bad. They are always our walking around his yard. During one of our visits, I ask him about chiggers. He said he used sulfur to keep them at bay. I had never heard of that, but, I was glad to learn of something that worked. Well, Winter settled in and we forgot about the chiggers.
Now, the end of Febuary is in sight and the weedeater is in the shop for it's Spring service. We know the mowing will need to be done soon. So, when we were in Craig's Hardware yesterday, we decided to check out the sulfur. Reading all the warning and instructions on the side of the bag that only confused us. We were not sure whether to use it or not. For instance, it said keeps chiggers and ticks off your dog , but, if you get it on you wash your clothes and take a shower? I ask the young check out girl and she wasn't sure what I should do. She went and ask Craig's wife about the problem. I was still stewing, staring at the rows of products used to kill every insect known to man, when his wife walked up to me. She said people put the sulfur in an old sock, tie it off and bang it against their boots and pant legs. Wow, that seemed like a great idea to me. Banging the bag it will be. I am still pondering whether or not I will bang it over Gypsy. There was a warning. I don't want her mad at me. Living with her is difficult enough. She told me at the beginning she doesn't do yard work. She said she is an aristocrat, and they hire people to do jobs like that.
The sulfur in the sock technique will be put to use soon. Look out chiggers, we are ready for you. Our fingers are crossed. If you have never suffered at the hands of chiggers, you might think this is much ado about nothing. Please know you are welcome to come to the cabin and mow anytime. Call to make a reservation. If this results in chigger bites, you will understand our plight. Wouldn't it be nice if sulfur socks could get rid of all those things in life that cause you intense irritation? We will see.
A chigger is a 6-legged mite larva that sucks the blood of vertebrates and causes intense irritation. We got introduced to these tiny guys last Spring. The heavy rains that belted us day after day, setting records, led the way for them to become extremely prolific. We suffered under their influence all Summer as we mowed down the rain soaked, shoulder high grass that surrounded the cabin. With each storm, the mowing began again. This pattern continued for most of the Summer. We tried everything to get rid of the chiggers, so, our bites would disappear. They seemed to thrive on the sprays and cream insect repellents were tried. We put them on our skin, our socks, our boots and our long pants. We also put them on our arms and shirts. Well, guess what we got? Chigger bites everywhere, that kept us itching all Summer. Even though we mowed with our pant legs tucked inside our old knee high snake boots, they still found us. We were real tired of this problem.
We checked with our gardening friends and some of our neighbors and most of them had the same issue. It wasn't until I checked with Joe that I found a solution. He is my neighbor to the East. I can't see his place from mine, unless I crawl up in the tree house on the back forty. From there I can see the roof of his house. He has supplied me with some of the best fresh eggs I have ever had. We always have a nice visit when I return the empty egg cartons. When I have Gypsy with me she tells me she wants one of Joe's chickens real bad. They are always our walking around his yard. During one of our visits, I ask him about chiggers. He said he used sulfur to keep them at bay. I had never heard of that, but, I was glad to learn of something that worked. Well, Winter settled in and we forgot about the chiggers.
Now, the end of Febuary is in sight and the weedeater is in the shop for it's Spring service. We know the mowing will need to be done soon. So, when we were in Craig's Hardware yesterday, we decided to check out the sulfur. Reading all the warning and instructions on the side of the bag that only confused us. We were not sure whether to use it or not. For instance, it said keeps chiggers and ticks off your dog , but, if you get it on you wash your clothes and take a shower? I ask the young check out girl and she wasn't sure what I should do. She went and ask Craig's wife about the problem. I was still stewing, staring at the rows of products used to kill every insect known to man, when his wife walked up to me. She said people put the sulfur in an old sock, tie it off and bang it against their boots and pant legs. Wow, that seemed like a great idea to me. Banging the bag it will be. I am still pondering whether or not I will bang it over Gypsy. There was a warning. I don't want her mad at me. Living with her is difficult enough. She told me at the beginning she doesn't do yard work. She said she is an aristocrat, and they hire people to do jobs like that.
The sulfur in the sock technique will be put to use soon. Look out chiggers, we are ready for you. Our fingers are crossed. If you have never suffered at the hands of chiggers, you might think this is much ado about nothing. Please know you are welcome to come to the cabin and mow anytime. Call to make a reservation. If this results in chigger bites, you will understand our plight. Wouldn't it be nice if sulfur socks could get rid of all those things in life that cause you intense irritation? We will see.
05 February, 2008
04 February, 2008
Answer me this..
Election advice:
"I'm not sure how to fix this country. Or, if it needs to be fixed. I really don't know much of anything. I would end the straight up wars, continue the covert, press the conservation issues in terms of energy and try to instill an overall positive atmosphere, not caving to the negative aspects of life in our world.
I would also encourage Americans to get involved abroad, a "never settle" campaign about continue to learn and share with the rest of the world. We are so powered by consumerism it has blinded us from all but what is right in front of our face......namely our television. "
"I'm not sure how to fix this country. Or, if it needs to be fixed. I really don't know much of anything. I would end the straight up wars, continue the covert, press the conservation issues in terms of energy and try to instill an overall positive atmosphere, not caving to the negative aspects of life in our world.
I would also encourage Americans to get involved abroad, a "never settle" campaign about continue to learn and share with the rest of the world. We are so powered by consumerism it has blinded us from all but what is right in front of our face......namely our television. "
02 February, 2008
Damn the Hog
I knew that damn groundhog was going to see his shadow. I slept in a hat last night, no kidding, and this morning I think there was frost of my coffee cup.
California building requirements in the mid 1950's leaves much to be desired. I realize that after living in warm climates for much of my adult life I am no longer capable of dealing with anything resembling cold weather.
As we speak I am making plans for retirement in S. Florida. Enough of this tundra of cold.
I would have left earlier but I can't find my bermuda shorts or insect repellent.
California building requirements in the mid 1950's leaves much to be desired. I realize that after living in warm climates for much of my adult life I am no longer capable of dealing with anything resembling cold weather.
As we speak I am making plans for retirement in S. Florida. Enough of this tundra of cold.
I would have left earlier but I can't find my bermuda shorts or insect repellent.
31 January, 2008
30 January, 2008
Please
Get this game over with. I can't take it. All the talk. Enough. Just play. Please. End it now for the sake of humanity.
Two weeks of build up are taking their toll.
It's not longer about football.
The media must be held accountable for the insanity.
Two weeks of build up are taking their toll.
It's not longer about football.
The media must be held accountable for the insanity.
28 January, 2008
Poem from Mom
Ladybug, ladybug
How do you fair?
Here in the cabin
With our loving care
We welcome you here
To eat what you may
You bring us good cheer
We think it's ok
At night you are quiet
By day you are clean
We are not on your diet
You couldn't be mean
Stay with us forever
And leave not a trace
We think you are clever
Please keep up your pace
You deliver your pleasure
And seek no reward
You are a treasure
An A you have scored
How do you fair?
Here in the cabin
With our loving care
We welcome you here
To eat what you may
You bring us good cheer
We think it's ok
At night you are quiet
By day you are clean
We are not on your diet
You couldn't be mean
Stay with us forever
And leave not a trace
We think you are clever
Please keep up your pace
You deliver your pleasure
And seek no reward
You are a treasure
An A you have scored
23 January, 2008
Mom & Gypsy
A typical day with mom and her dog, a spoiled rotten, short-haired pointer.
Winter has made some changes at the cabin. We have wrapped the water lines and turned on our infrared lights in the pumphouse and bunkhouse. I am using the bunkhouse as a greenhouse for now. I brought the aloe vera plant that was blooming there into the cabin and put it on the window sill next to the desk where I write. I have been watching the ladybugs crawling over the bloom eating the aphids. The ladybugs are welcome guests inside the cabin. Our time spent on the porch has diminshed with the colder weather, however, on those warmer mornings we are still there observing the morning. This is typical Texas weather, 22 degrees on Monday and 75 degrees on Tuesday. We have had one hard freeze, but, much of Winter has felt more like Spring.
With this cooler weather, the influx of critters into the cabin has pretty much come to a stand still. Oops, that is until a week ago. There is a mystery as to what actually happened. I am speculating as to the series of events that forced a squirrel to take cover in the only space in our walls big enough to hold it. That Gypsy was involved in the squirrels desperate attempt to escape is pure speculation. The scuffle I heard on the porch within seconds of her exiting the cabin door, leads me to believe she is somehow mixed up in this. Mind you, Gypsy is a near perfect, unspoiled pet. She is a loved, trusted and dedicated companion. I would not change one thing about her. Well, maybe one thing. She is death on cats and squirrels. The episode I mentioned above is due to her desperate attempt to get her teeth firmly around a squirrel, followed by vicious tearing, chewing and of course, lots of blood and guts. My best guess is she surprised a sguirrel on the porch. In it's haste to avoid instant death, it became confused and hit it's head on the swing. In a confused frenzy, the squirrel looked for any place it could find to escape. It ran up the logs near the porch, by the swing, and into the first hole it found. This led to the only space in the wall where a critter could fit. The noise began as soon as it started to investigate it's new found sanctuary. At one point, I thought it had found it's way into the cabin proper. Throughout the day it made it's presence known. When it panted and whined I was concerned for the state of it's health. Suddenly, the noise stopped. We may have heard it a few more times, in the next couple of days. Gypsy with her nose in the air and her ears up insisted it was still in our wall. I did not hear or smell it. The Organic Pest Control guy, Carlos, came and sprayed a large dose of capsicum,(red pepper) into the crevice in the logs where I actually saw a flash of flesh entering. I am not sure what it was. He said not to plug the hole until we were sure it was gone. A few days have gone by, and I am still not sure what to make of this. Could Gypsy have injured this animal enough so it passed away hiding in our cabin wall? Sometimes things are just better left alone. We think this is one of them. Gypsy still seems mildly interested. She says it was a big squirrel with big teeth and bulging eyes. She said it was asking for it and she did nothing but accommodate it. She is probably pondering what could have been if she had captured that squirrel. She probably thinks she came alot closer than she actually did. We think if she had succeeded, we would have had a trip to the vet to get some damage repaired. Does this mean she has given up on squirrels? No, don't think so. There is one eating seed at the bird feeder hanging on the squirrel tree as I write. Gypsy is on the porch on a solid point. Her eyes are glazed and saliva is dripping from her mouth What do you think? Excitement reigns! Gypsy rules! Call The Dog Whisperer, before it is too late for us! Girls just want to have fun!
Winter has made some changes at the cabin. We have wrapped the water lines and turned on our infrared lights in the pumphouse and bunkhouse. I am using the bunkhouse as a greenhouse for now. I brought the aloe vera plant that was blooming there into the cabin and put it on the window sill next to the desk where I write. I have been watching the ladybugs crawling over the bloom eating the aphids. The ladybugs are welcome guests inside the cabin. Our time spent on the porch has diminshed with the colder weather, however, on those warmer mornings we are still there observing the morning. This is typical Texas weather, 22 degrees on Monday and 75 degrees on Tuesday. We have had one hard freeze, but, much of Winter has felt more like Spring.
With this cooler weather, the influx of critters into the cabin has pretty much come to a stand still. Oops, that is until a week ago. There is a mystery as to what actually happened. I am speculating as to the series of events that forced a squirrel to take cover in the only space in our walls big enough to hold it. That Gypsy was involved in the squirrels desperate attempt to escape is pure speculation. The scuffle I heard on the porch within seconds of her exiting the cabin door, leads me to believe she is somehow mixed up in this. Mind you, Gypsy is a near perfect, unspoiled pet. She is a loved, trusted and dedicated companion. I would not change one thing about her. Well, maybe one thing. She is death on cats and squirrels. The episode I mentioned above is due to her desperate attempt to get her teeth firmly around a squirrel, followed by vicious tearing, chewing and of course, lots of blood and guts. My best guess is she surprised a sguirrel on the porch. In it's haste to avoid instant death, it became confused and hit it's head on the swing. In a confused frenzy, the squirrel looked for any place it could find to escape. It ran up the logs near the porch, by the swing, and into the first hole it found. This led to the only space in the wall where a critter could fit. The noise began as soon as it started to investigate it's new found sanctuary. At one point, I thought it had found it's way into the cabin proper. Throughout the day it made it's presence known. When it panted and whined I was concerned for the state of it's health. Suddenly, the noise stopped. We may have heard it a few more times, in the next couple of days. Gypsy with her nose in the air and her ears up insisted it was still in our wall. I did not hear or smell it. The Organic Pest Control guy, Carlos, came and sprayed a large dose of capsicum,(red pepper) into the crevice in the logs where I actually saw a flash of flesh entering. I am not sure what it was. He said not to plug the hole until we were sure it was gone. A few days have gone by, and I am still not sure what to make of this. Could Gypsy have injured this animal enough so it passed away hiding in our cabin wall? Sometimes things are just better left alone. We think this is one of them. Gypsy still seems mildly interested. She says it was a big squirrel with big teeth and bulging eyes. She said it was asking for it and she did nothing but accommodate it. She is probably pondering what could have been if she had captured that squirrel. She probably thinks she came alot closer than she actually did. We think if she had succeeded, we would have had a trip to the vet to get some damage repaired. Does this mean she has given up on squirrels? No, don't think so. There is one eating seed at the bird feeder hanging on the squirrel tree as I write. Gypsy is on the porch on a solid point. Her eyes are glazed and saliva is dripping from her mouth What do you think? Excitement reigns! Gypsy rules! Call The Dog Whisperer, before it is too late for us! Girls just want to have fun!
A poem from mom
Okay, new addition to the Smogranch Chronicles, and this is the poem series from mom. Direct from Alien Ranch, I will post whenever she sends one my way.
The Winter birds of the woods are here
Telling us their story
The feeders are full
Doves, sparrows, finches, cardinals and jays
Their feathers fluffed
Against the cold
Gobbling the seeds
As fast as they can to prepare
For the cold yet to come
Wondering where Summer went
And when it will return
Knowing the first signs
Are buried deep in the woods
Waiting for the warmth of Spring
When life begins anew
Welcomed by raindrops
Knocking at the door
And the sun awakening the start
Of yet another promised year
In the life of the woods
A year of stories
The birds will tell us
We are content
To wait
To watch
And to listen
The Winter birds of the woods are here
Telling us their story
The feeders are full
Doves, sparrows, finches, cardinals and jays
Their feathers fluffed
Against the cold
Gobbling the seeds
As fast as they can to prepare
For the cold yet to come
Wondering where Summer went
And when it will return
Knowing the first signs
Are buried deep in the woods
Waiting for the warmth of Spring
When life begins anew
Welcomed by raindrops
Knocking at the door
And the sun awakening the start
Of yet another promised year
In the life of the woods
A year of stories
The birds will tell us
We are content
To wait
To watch
And to listen
20 January, 2008
Movie Review: Into the Wild
Haven't seen it yet. I'm about four years behind current films. Can't remember last time I actually went to the movie. Wait, yes I do, got there and the movie I wanted to see was sold out. A small town to say the least.
But, will see, I'm sure, when it hits DVD.
But, will see, I'm sure, when it hits DVD.
19 January, 2008
Fluid
Life without coffee would not be worth living. Really, imagine how horrible that would be.
Is it wrong for me to go to sleep thinking about my espresso?
Is it wrong for me to go to sleep thinking about my espresso?
16 January, 2008
Book Review: Into The Wild
Emotions I felt while reading this book: anger, sadness, pity, frustration, jealousy.
Whatever your take on this kid, the book is worth reading. Sure he made some bonehead moves, but he also took some unreal chances that paid off with true adventure.
I think we have all lost our heads in the clouds at certain times in life, but few of us have truly put everything we know on the line.
Whatever your take on this kid, the book is worth reading. Sure he made some bonehead moves, but he also took some unreal chances that paid off with true adventure.
I think we have all lost our heads in the clouds at certain times in life, but few of us have truly put everything we know on the line.
07 January, 2008
Gasp
My respiratory debacle continues into the fourth week. My round of antibiotics have ended and now I wait. Congested. Gasping.
I've had a history of this, from the time I was six-months-old until now. It sucks. I don't get colds, don't get the flu, just this.
No running, no riding, nothing for almost a month.
I've had a history of this, from the time I was six-months-old until now. It sucks. I don't get colds, don't get the flu, just this.
No running, no riding, nothing for almost a month.
04 January, 2008
No Kidding
Just got a copy of latest issue of a popular photography magazine. I'm not kidding, cover story is, "D-SLR Wars."
Let me repeat, I'm not kidding.
I just posted a sarcastic note about this very thing, "Hey, what we need is another D-SLR war story."
I guess someone thought I was serious????
Man, talk about a slow day in the newsroom.
Let me repeat, I'm not kidding.
I just posted a sarcastic note about this very thing, "Hey, what we need is another D-SLR war story."
I guess someone thought I was serious????
Man, talk about a slow day in the newsroom.
26 December, 2007
24 December, 2007
Feeding Frenzy
This is the type of action that makes feathers fly. You should hear these babies fighting for space at the feeder. My greatest achievement of the year, getting these things to adapt to my feeder.
22 December, 2007
Inkjet Madness
Inkjet printing is all the rage, and has been for many years. So tell me something........why on Earth is it nearly impossible to get traditional photographic sizes in this paper?
Let's try something exotic like 11x14 and 16x20, two of the most printed sizes in the history of the medium???
Name one photographer who editions prints in 11x17 or 13x19??? I don't know a single one, yet drive to any dealer and that is all you will find.
I know these new, odd sizes represent pre-press sizes, but why is there not more demand for traditional. If you edition in 11x14, if this paper existed, it makes the process seamless in terms of delivering a traditional, silver print or a digital print.
When I asked at my local dealers.....plural....dealers....they all said the same thing. "It sucks." Each dealer explained to me that photographers come in all the time asking for these sizes and all the dealer can say is "Buy the larger size and trim it down."
Not only is this the most wasteful solution possible, other than buying a second box, soaking it in kerosine and burning it, it also creates handing issues that most photographers are not going to want to deal with.
Plus, what happens to the edge, or edges that are trimmed? Does it suffer from different aging issues?
In an age when photographers are rumored to be substituting fading inkjet prints to collectors who have purchased their images, we don't need yet another reason to only print traditional, silver images.
Help us paper companies, help us.
Let's try something exotic like 11x14 and 16x20, two of the most printed sizes in the history of the medium???
Name one photographer who editions prints in 11x17 or 13x19??? I don't know a single one, yet drive to any dealer and that is all you will find.
I know these new, odd sizes represent pre-press sizes, but why is there not more demand for traditional. If you edition in 11x14, if this paper existed, it makes the process seamless in terms of delivering a traditional, silver print or a digital print.
When I asked at my local dealers.....plural....dealers....they all said the same thing. "It sucks." Each dealer explained to me that photographers come in all the time asking for these sizes and all the dealer can say is "Buy the larger size and trim it down."
Not only is this the most wasteful solution possible, other than buying a second box, soaking it in kerosine and burning it, it also creates handing issues that most photographers are not going to want to deal with.
Plus, what happens to the edge, or edges that are trimmed? Does it suffer from different aging issues?
In an age when photographers are rumored to be substituting fading inkjet prints to collectors who have purchased their images, we don't need yet another reason to only print traditional, silver images.
Help us paper companies, help us.
21 December, 2007
The Other Life
The solitude of cold. One day running, 15 degrees, never again. The crunch of snow and spinning tires. Absolute silence at night, but the falling flakes make you want to rush to the phone and tell someone.
19 December, 2007
Dear Heinrich
Just as we have progressed from slithering creatures emerging from the swamps, you too much follow this tried and true path to electronic enlightenment.
I'm not sure you noticed, but your life, your entire life, is now about upgrades, and this step for you, this tiny Blurb step, is just another in a long line you must prepare yourself for.
Still using an outdated operating system. How dare you. I'm surprised anyone will even speak to you or claim to know you.
Run forth young man, run quickly and download. Swipe the card. Buy the ticket. Take the ride.
A road paved by Blurb awaits.
DRM
I'm not sure you noticed, but your life, your entire life, is now about upgrades, and this step for you, this tiny Blurb step, is just another in a long line you must prepare yourself for.
Still using an outdated operating system. How dare you. I'm surprised anyone will even speak to you or claim to know you.
Run forth young man, run quickly and download. Swipe the card. Buy the ticket. Take the ride.
A road paved by Blurb awaits.
DRM
18 December, 2007
One Nation Under Blurb
Okay, this is the first of many posts regarding Blurb, THE independent book publisher based in San Francisco. Did I mention how great they are?
My clients love them. I love them. My mom loves them. My sister is mystified by them. My brother still doesn't know about them.
In short, it goes like this.
Come up with an idea.
Formulate what you want to do with this new idea.
Download Blurb Booksmart Software.
Dump your idea into the software.
Design.
Send.
Wait.
Enjoy.
There are many book publishers these days, a truly great thing, but Blurb is my fav. Why? Where do I start? So much for so little, and an online bookstore ready for biz.
So far I have made 30 books with Blurb, including client books, catalogs, portfolios, etc. I use them for everything. You can too. You should. What is stopping you? Nothing.
http://www.blurb.com
What are you waiting for?
My clients love them. I love them. My mom loves them. My sister is mystified by them. My brother still doesn't know about them.
In short, it goes like this.
Come up with an idea.
Formulate what you want to do with this new idea.
Download Blurb Booksmart Software.
Dump your idea into the software.
Design.
Send.
Wait.
Enjoy.
There are many book publishers these days, a truly great thing, but Blurb is my fav. Why? Where do I start? So much for so little, and an online bookstore ready for biz.
So far I have made 30 books with Blurb, including client books, catalogs, portfolios, etc. I use them for everything. You can too. You should. What is stopping you? Nothing.
http://www.blurb.com
What are you waiting for?
14 December, 2007
And the final score is...
Yep, the Mitchell Report was just as expected. Release it on a Thursday, people will talk, and then a little on Friday, but by Monday the sports world will be back to football. Brilliant.
And, was it me or did Mitchell seem as uncooperative as many of the players they tried to interview. Defensive too. Bang up job guys. Well done.
I for one feel supremely confident that we will get to the bottom of this..........
How much did it cost? 20mil? Seems like a real bargain.
And, was it me or did Mitchell seem as uncooperative as many of the players they tried to interview. Defensive too. Bang up job guys. Well done.
I for one feel supremely confident that we will get to the bottom of this..........
How much did it cost? 20mil? Seems like a real bargain.
13 December, 2007
The Report
Brace yourself. The Mitchell report will unveil itself today. This report is the George Mitchell scoop into performance enhancing drugs in MLB. However, I don't think it will really say much or do much.
I'm not sure how much anyone really wants to know.
It will name some names and there will be rumbling, little gasps, but the public doesn't care, so why should baseball?
Attendance is up, and people LOVE the long ball.
Again, I'm thinking they, MLB, should adopt my Tour De France policy of free doping. Let em.
Seventh inning stretch?? Sure, why not.
I'm not sure how much anyone really wants to know.
It will name some names and there will be rumbling, little gasps, but the public doesn't care, so why should baseball?
Attendance is up, and people LOVE the long ball.
Again, I'm thinking they, MLB, should adopt my Tour De France policy of free doping. Let em.
Seventh inning stretch?? Sure, why not.
07 December, 2007
Paris Photo
This is long overdue but I am going to write up a review of Paris Photo for those single-digit readers out there who might at some point venture across the pond to check out this grand event.
I just realized that the f and j keys on my keyboard have little ridges on them. I have been typing for 20 years and have never noticed this. This might tell you about my power of observation???
I just realized that the f and j keys on my keyboard have little ridges on them. I have been typing for 20 years and have never noticed this. This might tell you about my power of observation???
Pistolero
A few days ago I got to thinking about guns.
I grew up in a rural community, a community in which hunting and fishing were the average pastimes, like shopping and plastic surgery are around here.......just kidding!!!
But I did really grow up in the sticks.
A gun to me is like any other tool, it has a purpose and doesn't evoke any particular type of response in me. I'm a good shot actually, even had the offer of a full-scholarship to a prestigious school if I had intended on going that route. But, alas, I didn't. I started shooting, a camera, and ended up where I am now.
I'm no gutsy-photojournalist, nor am I a war-photographer, but I sure have had my fair share of guns pointed at me. You would think that having a gun pointed at you would be a horribly traumatic event, but actually I don't recall it being that way. In fact, I remember times where it didn't really bother me at all. Okay, chalk a few of these up to being young and stupid, and a few more to being aging and stupid, but overall, still, not that bad.
Mexico, Cambodia, Brazil, and kind of a half hearted, boredom gun barrel in my direction in Bolivia, but I'm not really counting that one. I was more afraid when an angry Bolivian mob was trying to turn our car over. But, no guns involved, just lots of big rocks. Always get the insurance!
In Cambodia I had a very young kid point an AK-47 at me, at point-blank range, and demand 1500 rial for walking on the grass along the Mekong. Of course this was absurd but he just wanted the cash, which amounted to about one dollar. I wanted to throttle the little punk, but I never really felt afraid because there were so many people around, not that it mattered to him.
The worst gun situation I've been in might have included people who were shooting directly at me. But, I don't know for sure because for about a fifteen second time period I have no recollection of what I did. I remember hearing bullets hitting the cars around me, but I just zoned out, and when I came to I was crouching behind the front of a car with a mother and her child.
This was in Austin, and I had just begun what I thought was going to be a great project. Oh ya, I didn't shoot one frame during this little "outing," and in fact it never even crossed my mind. That shows you how I perform under pressure.
But I have to say, even though these events didn't bother me much at the time, they do make me think a little bit now. All these years later, when I have learned how fickle life is, I realize one small shift in the DNA of the 3D world and I might not be here writing this mess. During most of these encounters I was alone, operating in that space of fragile isolation where there is no 911 and you can't count on anything other than luck, logic and quick thinking.
The world, in many locations, is harsh, dirty and fast and in these places life has, often times, little meaning. In a odd way, in some cases, that's what makes these places so damn alluring and that is what ends up drawing you in, just so you can have this type of experience, a RICH moment of your bodies natural speed dumped into your bloodstream in near overdose levels. Yes, a cheap thrill.
I think what reminded me of these times was seeing the images of the gunman who recently murdered eight people during a shooting spree at a mall in Middle America. There was a security camera angle which made it feel like the gunman was aiming at me, and it reminded me of the past. It reminded me how fickle things are, how quickly things can change and how it can pay to keep your eyes and ears open at all times.
Now that I think about it, it has been a little less than one year since someone pointed a gun at me. The guy pointing it at my was also trying to stuff me in a metal cage in the back of his van, which I know must sound somewhat surreal, but it is true. Again, I was working on a project and ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time. But again, I wasn't worry about being shot, but I was REALLY worried about being stuffed into the cage, especially with the three guys who I was going to be stuffed in with.
What I'm thinking is that I really hope this is the last time someone points a gun at me. I don't think it will be, but I can still hope.
It doesn't get better, or more fun, or more interesting, quite the contrary.
I grew up in a rural community, a community in which hunting and fishing were the average pastimes, like shopping and plastic surgery are around here.......just kidding!!!
But I did really grow up in the sticks.
A gun to me is like any other tool, it has a purpose and doesn't evoke any particular type of response in me. I'm a good shot actually, even had the offer of a full-scholarship to a prestigious school if I had intended on going that route. But, alas, I didn't. I started shooting, a camera, and ended up where I am now.
I'm no gutsy-photojournalist, nor am I a war-photographer, but I sure have had my fair share of guns pointed at me. You would think that having a gun pointed at you would be a horribly traumatic event, but actually I don't recall it being that way. In fact, I remember times where it didn't really bother me at all. Okay, chalk a few of these up to being young and stupid, and a few more to being aging and stupid, but overall, still, not that bad.
Mexico, Cambodia, Brazil, and kind of a half hearted, boredom gun barrel in my direction in Bolivia, but I'm not really counting that one. I was more afraid when an angry Bolivian mob was trying to turn our car over. But, no guns involved, just lots of big rocks. Always get the insurance!
In Cambodia I had a very young kid point an AK-47 at me, at point-blank range, and demand 1500 rial for walking on the grass along the Mekong. Of course this was absurd but he just wanted the cash, which amounted to about one dollar. I wanted to throttle the little punk, but I never really felt afraid because there were so many people around, not that it mattered to him.
The worst gun situation I've been in might have included people who were shooting directly at me. But, I don't know for sure because for about a fifteen second time period I have no recollection of what I did. I remember hearing bullets hitting the cars around me, but I just zoned out, and when I came to I was crouching behind the front of a car with a mother and her child.
This was in Austin, and I had just begun what I thought was going to be a great project. Oh ya, I didn't shoot one frame during this little "outing," and in fact it never even crossed my mind. That shows you how I perform under pressure.
But I have to say, even though these events didn't bother me much at the time, they do make me think a little bit now. All these years later, when I have learned how fickle life is, I realize one small shift in the DNA of the 3D world and I might not be here writing this mess. During most of these encounters I was alone, operating in that space of fragile isolation where there is no 911 and you can't count on anything other than luck, logic and quick thinking.
The world, in many locations, is harsh, dirty and fast and in these places life has, often times, little meaning. In a odd way, in some cases, that's what makes these places so damn alluring and that is what ends up drawing you in, just so you can have this type of experience, a RICH moment of your bodies natural speed dumped into your bloodstream in near overdose levels. Yes, a cheap thrill.
I think what reminded me of these times was seeing the images of the gunman who recently murdered eight people during a shooting spree at a mall in Middle America. There was a security camera angle which made it feel like the gunman was aiming at me, and it reminded me of the past. It reminded me how fickle things are, how quickly things can change and how it can pay to keep your eyes and ears open at all times.
Now that I think about it, it has been a little less than one year since someone pointed a gun at me. The guy pointing it at my was also trying to stuff me in a metal cage in the back of his van, which I know must sound somewhat surreal, but it is true. Again, I was working on a project and ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time. But again, I wasn't worry about being shot, but I was REALLY worried about being stuffed into the cage, especially with the three guys who I was going to be stuffed in with.
What I'm thinking is that I really hope this is the last time someone points a gun at me. I don't think it will be, but I can still hope.
It doesn't get better, or more fun, or more interesting, quite the contrary.
05 December, 2007
Yearly Nog
Stop pretending. It is that time of year again, when without any trace of guilt we can once again enjoy the splendors of the nog. Egg nog. Forget about soy, or the "lite" version. Instead head straight for the full-blown version, the thick, paste-like mass that just oozes from the carton.
This is living people.
Nothing, and I mean NOTHING will settle that hot, winter day thirst like a dose of the nog.
This is living people.
Nothing, and I mean NOTHING will settle that hot, winter day thirst like a dose of the nog.
No More
It is official. I am now 38, almost 39 and I no longer get carded, not even by the really young checkout person at the grocery store. A chapter has ended and another has begun. It's all downhill from here.
28 November, 2007
Crazy
Crazy time. 63 rolls so far. Sneak peak? No way. Not showing anything.
Much, much time in the darkroom coming up.
Much, much time in the darkroom coming up.
27 November, 2007
D Slr
I really wish someone would do another article about "D SLR Wars." I just can't seem to get enough of that.
07 November, 2007
Why the Rush?
After a recent conversation with a news photographer I realized I needed to write something regarding the latest, greatest media push, the headlong rush into multi-media.
As newspapers and other gathering organizations rush to arm their staffers with sound equipment and video gear I find myself wondering, "Do we really need or want this?"
If someone said, "Hey, our budgeting department needs to spend the money," I would say, "Okay, I get it," but I find it very hard to believe the average paper reader is asking for video links at the papers homepage.
When I hear people talk of their local paper, with few exceptions, they are complaining, and when they complain it is not about video, photography or the need to see multi-media presentations, they complain about the quality of the news gathering.
It seems to me if you were a still photographer, and now you are a still photographer, videographer and sound technician, you run the risk doing three things a third as well as you did just one. And please tell me you negotiated for three times the pay seeing as you are now doing three jobs???
Today we are absolutely flooded with images, sounds, videos, etc, many from the news world, but how many of these are well done? Thought out?
I think we have many times the images we once had, but most are just quick hits to satisfy our hyper-short attention span. It all feeds into the talking head, which is no longer the talking head, but also the sports scores, S&P 500, weather and Brittany all broadcasting, at the same time, to your one head at home.
Can we all say, "Enough already."
Perhaps it is time to put on the right blinker, move to the middle lane, and slow down, not speed up.
As newspapers and other gathering organizations rush to arm their staffers with sound equipment and video gear I find myself wondering, "Do we really need or want this?"
If someone said, "Hey, our budgeting department needs to spend the money," I would say, "Okay, I get it," but I find it very hard to believe the average paper reader is asking for video links at the papers homepage.
When I hear people talk of their local paper, with few exceptions, they are complaining, and when they complain it is not about video, photography or the need to see multi-media presentations, they complain about the quality of the news gathering.
It seems to me if you were a still photographer, and now you are a still photographer, videographer and sound technician, you run the risk doing three things a third as well as you did just one. And please tell me you negotiated for three times the pay seeing as you are now doing three jobs???
Today we are absolutely flooded with images, sounds, videos, etc, many from the news world, but how many of these are well done? Thought out?
I think we have many times the images we once had, but most are just quick hits to satisfy our hyper-short attention span. It all feeds into the talking head, which is no longer the talking head, but also the sports scores, S&P 500, weather and Brittany all broadcasting, at the same time, to your one head at home.
Can we all say, "Enough already."
Perhaps it is time to put on the right blinker, move to the middle lane, and slow down, not speed up.
06 November, 2007
Esso
Get ready for $4 gas, something that has long been a reality for the rest of the world, minus only the oil-rich states such as Iran and Venezuela. And, it will probably continue to rise over the next few years.
Last time I was in Europe I was paying about $7 per gallon.
Last time I was in Europe I was paying about $7 per gallon.
05 November, 2007
02 November, 2007
Journalism
From Carl Bernstein:
"The ideal of providing the best available version of the truth is being affected by the dominance of a journalistic culture that has less and less to do with reality and context."
"The ideal of providing the best available version of the truth is being affected by the dominance of a journalistic culture that has less and less to do with reality and context."
29 October, 2007
El Canyon Grande
An odd assortment of outtakes. You might have to turn your head, but I never said this was going to be easy.
Aperture Prize
Yep, here it is. We can all suffer together. Enjoy.
Daniel Milnor:
On behalf of the Aperture Prize Committee, I would like to thank you for taking the time to submit your work for review and consideration as a prize recipient. Aperture received over 800 entries for consideration, and they exhibited an impressive level of quality and diversity. I regret to inform you, however, that it was not selected as one of the portfolios to be featured on the website. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to view your work and also for subscribing to Aperture magazine. Best of luck with all your future endeavors, artistic or otherwise.
Sincerely,
The Aperture Prize Review Committee
Daniel Milnor:
On behalf of the Aperture Prize Committee, I would like to thank you for taking the time to submit your work for review and consideration as a prize recipient. Aperture received over 800 entries for consideration, and they exhibited an impressive level of quality and diversity. I regret to inform you, however, that it was not selected as one of the portfolios to be featured on the website. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to view your work and also for subscribing to Aperture magazine. Best of luck with all your future endeavors, artistic or otherwise.
Sincerely,
The Aperture Prize Review Committee
Response to Aileen
Aileen,
Thank you for the post.
I too went to WPPI back in like 03 or 04, and frankly I felt completely out of place, so much so I vowed to never return. I broke this vow, and returned last year, for a meeting which was outside the scope of the conference, and this time around felt even more out of place.
It felt to me like there were 15,000 people all doing the same thing, and this thing was not what I wanted to be doing.
However, I don't see this is a bad thing, only a different thing.
My background in photography is so different than the bulk of people attending that conference, that it is only logical for us to be on different pages.
I fit a small niche in this market, and I exist almost entirely outside the industry. I don't market, advertise or exist in any of the mainstream wedding venues, avenues, sites, etc.
So, what works for them, doesn't work for me.
But, weddings are only a small part of what I do.
The WPPI crowd is motivated, organized and successful, so you can learn much from them if you chose to do so. It might not be anything in terms of actual images, but marketing, advertising, etc.
And yes, you ARE being sold on hardware, software, etc, but that is what is driving the entire industry.
The photo business today is about technology and far less about photography. There has been, and will continue to be, a shift.
Lastly, NEVER be afraid to speak your mind. Your life is too short to skirt issues you feel strongly about. We owe it to ourselves, our business and industry to say how we feel.
Anyone you alienate, offend, etc, was probably not your real friend to begin with.
Thank you for the post.
I too went to WPPI back in like 03 or 04, and frankly I felt completely out of place, so much so I vowed to never return. I broke this vow, and returned last year, for a meeting which was outside the scope of the conference, and this time around felt even more out of place.
It felt to me like there were 15,000 people all doing the same thing, and this thing was not what I wanted to be doing.
However, I don't see this is a bad thing, only a different thing.
My background in photography is so different than the bulk of people attending that conference, that it is only logical for us to be on different pages.
I fit a small niche in this market, and I exist almost entirely outside the industry. I don't market, advertise or exist in any of the mainstream wedding venues, avenues, sites, etc.
So, what works for them, doesn't work for me.
But, weddings are only a small part of what I do.
The WPPI crowd is motivated, organized and successful, so you can learn much from them if you chose to do so. It might not be anything in terms of actual images, but marketing, advertising, etc.
And yes, you ARE being sold on hardware, software, etc, but that is what is driving the entire industry.
The photo business today is about technology and far less about photography. There has been, and will continue to be, a shift.
Lastly, NEVER be afraid to speak your mind. Your life is too short to skirt issues you feel strongly about. We owe it to ourselves, our business and industry to say how we feel.
Anyone you alienate, offend, etc, was probably not your real friend to begin with.
28 October, 2007
The Fires
For those of you who have been asking, first of all, thank you for doing so. Although the air, in places, still smells of smoke, at least in this area of Southern California, all is much better than before.
My house, covered in ash and debris from 60 mph winds, is still standing, and was never really under threat. The fire would have had to have burned ten miles of concrete to get to where I am.
There are, however, many folks who were not so lucky, and still many more who continue to hold their breath.
Today was the first day I could see the sky, and felt like I could finally open my doors and windows.
I ran the mop in my office today, and once again, it was covered in a fine ash, which turns to a nice, coffee-like mud when you begin to sweep it.
When the onshores blow, and you look inland, the plumes of smoke are still there. The Santiago fire I believe, set by an arsonist, or at least that is the opinion of those who know.
What is odd is that already the fires were somewhat of an afterthougth on the nightly news as people move on with Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and the presidential race, which now begins to get interesting.
My house, covered in ash and debris from 60 mph winds, is still standing, and was never really under threat. The fire would have had to have burned ten miles of concrete to get to where I am.
There are, however, many folks who were not so lucky, and still many more who continue to hold their breath.
Today was the first day I could see the sky, and felt like I could finally open my doors and windows.
I ran the mop in my office today, and once again, it was covered in a fine ash, which turns to a nice, coffee-like mud when you begin to sweep it.
When the onshores blow, and you look inland, the plumes of smoke are still there. The Santiago fire I believe, set by an arsonist, or at least that is the opinion of those who know.
What is odd is that already the fires were somewhat of an afterthougth on the nightly news as people move on with Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and the presidential race, which now begins to get interesting.
Photo Plus
Okay, recap of Photo Plus.
It was just like last year. Only there were less pros and more advanced amateurs. I nearly lost my voice after speaking for three days. Most people don't understand, or even know about white balance, and this includes most of the "pros" I spoke to.
There is a huge amount of new technology, but I would say the quality of image, overall, has continued to slip. It seems we are all preoccupied with gear, and not as intent on actually using it to make better pictures.
Produced, retouched work is what is exhibited the most, by far. So, if your goal is to get sponsorship, get known, I would suggest this style of work.
There was still very little about archiving. Scary.
And, there are many copy cat companies that are mimicking existing companies. Nothing new.
Weather was fantastic. New York is gentrified, although the streets in the Meatpacking District are still sticky with death.
In a nutshell.
Best meal I had in the city??? A home cookin job by the Beegs!
It was just like last year. Only there were less pros and more advanced amateurs. I nearly lost my voice after speaking for three days. Most people don't understand, or even know about white balance, and this includes most of the "pros" I spoke to.
There is a huge amount of new technology, but I would say the quality of image, overall, has continued to slip. It seems we are all preoccupied with gear, and not as intent on actually using it to make better pictures.
Produced, retouched work is what is exhibited the most, by far. So, if your goal is to get sponsorship, get known, I would suggest this style of work.
There was still very little about archiving. Scary.
And, there are many copy cat companies that are mimicking existing companies. Nothing new.
Weather was fantastic. New York is gentrified, although the streets in the Meatpacking District are still sticky with death.
In a nutshell.
Best meal I had in the city??? A home cookin job by the Beegs!
21 October, 2007
15 October, 2007
Monkey Business
Well, the Floyd Landis debacle appears to be headed for yet another court date, and in my mind there are still more questions than answers. Namely, if he didn't do it, then how can the substance be found in his system. And, if this case was so cut and dry, why did one of three people vote "not guilty?"
"France's anti-doping agency dropped its investigation on Thursday into Tour de France runner-up Oscar Pereiro, saying the Spanish rider had provided sufficient justification for use of an asthma medication."
So here is the runner up, another rider embroiled in yet another doping scandal, but as with many of the other European riders, he is somehow cleared. There sure seem to be a lot of pro cyclists with asthma problem. I mean alot. Funny, I had asthma as a kid and a bike was the last thing in the world I would have been able to do.
I'm wondering if other riders have been implicated for the same drug? I'm a little unclear on this.
"France's anti-doping agency dropped its investigation on Thursday into Tour de France runner-up Oscar Pereiro, saying the Spanish rider had provided sufficient justification for use of an asthma medication."
So here is the runner up, another rider embroiled in yet another doping scandal, but as with many of the other European riders, he is somehow cleared. There sure seem to be a lot of pro cyclists with asthma problem. I mean alot. Funny, I had asthma as a kid and a bike was the last thing in the world I would have been able to do.
I'm wondering if other riders have been implicated for the same drug? I'm a little unclear on this.
14 October, 2007
Right Now
The only goal is to produce work. More than ever before. There is something that changes when something becomes commercial, and there is no way to deny it. You might not want to think that, but it's true. But, you walk the line. Nothing wrong with that, but freedom lies outside the commerical world.
The challenge is to walk that line, as sharp as a razor's edge, and make sure you don't drift too far.
When will be see the first CGI fashion spread? Next year? How about CGI portrait?
Why watch the sunrise when you can create it as your desk. If you have to ask you are missing the point.
Gotta go shoot.
The challenge is to walk that line, as sharp as a razor's edge, and make sure you don't drift too far.
When will be see the first CGI fashion spread? Next year? How about CGI portrait?
Why watch the sunrise when you can create it as your desk. If you have to ask you are missing the point.
Gotta go shoot.
04 October, 2007
Camera
No, this is not a Leica pictured below. This is a Zeiss Ikon, 35mm, rangefinder camera. Just fyi.
02 October, 2007
Impending Doom
As the latest candidates jockey and jab one another I realize the time to vote is, once again, drawing near.
Now what? Not again. What next? Lesser of two evils...all the traditional, vile consequences are apparent, and like always, there is nowhere to hide.
You can't NOT vote. Can you? A protest vote? Would it matter.
Rudy has bad manners. Hillary fakes her laugh. Obama hasn't done anything, and Edwards spends too much time on his hair.
John M. is too old, Fred won't get in the game and Snoop doesnt' seem interested in running. So now what?
This is it? This is the best we could do? Now we have to vote for one of these people? Oh man. Come on. Not again.
Where are our leaders? Our real leaders? Where are the people without strings to oil, big-business and the intricate web of corruption wrapping them like a warm tortilla?
Somewhere out there is the great hope. Perhaps revolution is what we need, a small, suburbic uprising of Walmart shoppers who can take it no more.
If they get up, we'll all get up. Let's go! Aaaaaarrrrrrrggggg!
Now what? Not again. What next? Lesser of two evils...all the traditional, vile consequences are apparent, and like always, there is nowhere to hide.
You can't NOT vote. Can you? A protest vote? Would it matter.
Rudy has bad manners. Hillary fakes her laugh. Obama hasn't done anything, and Edwards spends too much time on his hair.
John M. is too old, Fred won't get in the game and Snoop doesnt' seem interested in running. So now what?
This is it? This is the best we could do? Now we have to vote for one of these people? Oh man. Come on. Not again.
Where are our leaders? Our real leaders? Where are the people without strings to oil, big-business and the intricate web of corruption wrapping them like a warm tortilla?
Somewhere out there is the great hope. Perhaps revolution is what we need, a small, suburbic uprising of Walmart shoppers who can take it no more.
If they get up, we'll all get up. Let's go! Aaaaaarrrrrrrggggg!
Stewardess, I'd like more warm nuts please!
AP is reporting......."Federal employees wasted at least $146 million over a one-year period on business- and first-class airline tickets, in some cases simply because they felt entitled to the perk, congressional investigators say."
Wow, $146 million. If you are going to abuse travel perks, might as well go all the way. What does that equate to in warm nut spending? Is there a warm nut angle? Do they lobby, the nut people? If so, I'd say their efforts are paying off. No pun intended.
Why not just charter at that point? Gulfstream anyone?
I'm a coach guy. I gave up years ago, and realize when I fly it is just going to suck, I'm going to be late and there is nothing I can do about it. At least I'm not in front of my computer.
However, if they allow people to use their phones in flight, I'm never flying again. Ever. For any circumstances. Ever. Again. Never.
Wow, $146 million. If you are going to abuse travel perks, might as well go all the way. What does that equate to in warm nut spending? Is there a warm nut angle? Do they lobby, the nut people? If so, I'd say their efforts are paying off. No pun intended.
Why not just charter at that point? Gulfstream anyone?
I'm a coach guy. I gave up years ago, and realize when I fly it is just going to suck, I'm going to be late and there is nothing I can do about it. At least I'm not in front of my computer.
However, if they allow people to use their phones in flight, I'm never flying again. Ever. For any circumstances. Ever. Again. Never.
30 September, 2007
Check This Out
http://www.wgefund.org/
Recently I was able to meet with this organization, which is an NGO centered around the idea of microcredit, and the ease in which small amounts of money can have direct and lasting impact on people around the world.
I will post more about this later, but wanted to get this online as soon as possible.
In short, for the price of what you pay for one lunch, that same dollar amount, in microcredit loan form, believe it or not, can launch a small business, develop a new product or provide the ability to plant crops, etc.
Take a look.
Recently I was able to meet with this organization, which is an NGO centered around the idea of microcredit, and the ease in which small amounts of money can have direct and lasting impact on people around the world.
I will post more about this later, but wanted to get this online as soon as possible.
In short, for the price of what you pay for one lunch, that same dollar amount, in microcredit loan form, believe it or not, can launch a small business, develop a new product or provide the ability to plant crops, etc.
Take a look.
25 September, 2007
Top to Bottom
You ever notice those annoying online or printed magazine lists about the best towns to live in? Or the coolest town to live in? The best states to live in? The best kept secret spots to live in?
The list should read, "The Towns Which Will Surely Be Ruined By Us Putting Them On This List." Because in essense what happens is the masses of people who live in the worst places to live, or the uncoolest towns to live in, or the worst states to live in, or the worst kept secrets spots to live in will all see the list and begin to flee their putrid hell and move toward the towns on the list.
Your town can't be the best, cool or secret once it is on the list. Ever wonder why the towns on the list change every year? Well, it's because the towns from the previous year are already ruined.
There are people out there packing right now, heading toward your secret town, and they are bringing all their stuff with them.
If your smart you will start your own list and aim the masses of unhappy residents to decoy "garden spots."
The list should read, "The Towns Which Will Surely Be Ruined By Us Putting Them On This List." Because in essense what happens is the masses of people who live in the worst places to live, or the uncoolest towns to live in, or the worst states to live in, or the worst kept secrets spots to live in will all see the list and begin to flee their putrid hell and move toward the towns on the list.
Your town can't be the best, cool or secret once it is on the list. Ever wonder why the towns on the list change every year? Well, it's because the towns from the previous year are already ruined.
There are people out there packing right now, heading toward your secret town, and they are bringing all their stuff with them.
If your smart you will start your own list and aim the masses of unhappy residents to decoy "garden spots."
19 September, 2007
To Wear or Not to Wear
What is up with photojournalists and scarves? It can be 100 degrees and these guys are wearing scarvces like this is normal behavior, dress code or style. And, I'm not talking about a lightweight scarf. I'm talking a MAJOR, seventeen wrap grab thingy with an entire village attached.
Is this the adult photo world equivalent of dress up?
Is this the adult photo world equivalent of dress up?
11 September, 2007
To War Or Not To War
Yesterday during the Petraeus testimony the idea came up that the military is at war but our country is not. What do you think? How much of an impact have the wars had on your life? Talk to me.
07 September, 2007
Water
No more bottled water for me. I'd been buying five gallons at a time, which is fine, and still better than buying individual bottles, but now I have The Berkey, which has been fantastic, and takes a bevy of bad out of my home water supply. Read about it. And the water tastes great.
http://www.berkeyfilters.com/
http://www.berkeyfilters.com/
Reading
"The Cell" Inside the 9/11 plot and Why The FBI and CIA Failed To Stop It.
A good read. Fast and informative.
A good read. Fast and informative.
04 September, 2007
28 August, 2007
26 August, 2007
Green
There has been much talk recently of the green movement, environmentalism, etc. If you have had your ear to the ground, this talk has been going on for a long, long while, but until recently was not a part of the mainstream.
The latest issue of American Photo deals with several "green" issues, photographers, images, etc.
What I'm finding hard to wrap my head around is, firstly, what does it really mean to be green, and what does it mean to be an environmentalist. Who can call themselves an environmentalist? Why I ask is that I find it very difficult to equate photography with being green. I think it takes a real stretch to be a photographer and an environmentalist, just based on what it takes to do our jobs.
I drive a hybrid, am builing plans to change my landscaping to a near zero water level, as well as adding solar to my house to try and get myself off the grid. I no longer buy bottled water, instead use a high-tech water filter which will allow me to safely use tap. I buy organic food, try to buy local, and in as many ways possible I try to leave as little footprint as possible.
But in reality, I'm not sure this means much. Just my e-waste alone, use of all the latest technology, and what it takes to design, market, release, sell, discontinue and destroy products probably offsets any positive effect I am making. In the darkroom I waste water, paper and produce toxic chemicals. Much of what I buy for my profession is made to be obsolete, impossible to upgrade so that I must, almost always, buy the lastest version, furthering the cycle of consumerism and waste.
And then there is the travel.
This is not to say I'm going to stop, on the contrary, I am planning more and more things, but I think we have to be realistic, and realize the real change will occur when either we as a collective make these decisions, or the planet makes them for us.
The latest issue of American Photo deals with several "green" issues, photographers, images, etc.
What I'm finding hard to wrap my head around is, firstly, what does it really mean to be green, and what does it mean to be an environmentalist. Who can call themselves an environmentalist? Why I ask is that I find it very difficult to equate photography with being green. I think it takes a real stretch to be a photographer and an environmentalist, just based on what it takes to do our jobs.
I drive a hybrid, am builing plans to change my landscaping to a near zero water level, as well as adding solar to my house to try and get myself off the grid. I no longer buy bottled water, instead use a high-tech water filter which will allow me to safely use tap. I buy organic food, try to buy local, and in as many ways possible I try to leave as little footprint as possible.
But in reality, I'm not sure this means much. Just my e-waste alone, use of all the latest technology, and what it takes to design, market, release, sell, discontinue and destroy products probably offsets any positive effect I am making. In the darkroom I waste water, paper and produce toxic chemicals. Much of what I buy for my profession is made to be obsolete, impossible to upgrade so that I must, almost always, buy the lastest version, furthering the cycle of consumerism and waste.
And then there is the travel.
This is not to say I'm going to stop, on the contrary, I am planning more and more things, but I think we have to be realistic, and realize the real change will occur when either we as a collective make these decisions, or the planet makes them for us.
Finally
Rain today, first time in ten months. Well, a sprinkle really, but we need anything we can get. And lightning flickering down the coast. Nice to see. Maybe the brown will go green?
14 August, 2007
Confused
How can we have more people in space, but don't yet have a light-rail system for travel within the United States. Drive the I5 on a Sunday, witness the 200+ miles of gridlock and you will have plenty of time to ask yourself this same question.
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