Just updated Firefox to the latest non-beta version. Once again, tried and true addons were disabled. A quick download/install of Mr Tech Toolkit fixed that.
Getting ready to head to the Perth Zoo this afternoon for a few hours. As much as early in the day is better (and cooler) we really don't want to have to fight gaggles of screaming kids, especially in the nocturnal house. Some critters are shy enough without having ill behaving kids being allowed by their parent(s) to pound on the glass, or scream E above High C just for giggles. I don't mind or mean excited kids. Excited kids aren't 'ill behaved'.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
JiveLournal (yes, intentional juxtaposition of letters)
It's been having quite a for DOS attacks, and other issues.
My take: this is what you get when you allow anyone with a disposable hotmail address to create a free account. Spammers, porn, you name it. It was much better when it was invite codes and pay to sign up. Yes, I do understand the wanting of more users, but they went about it the wrong way.
I have 'opened' yet another blog, and have imported from about 2006 until present into it. Won't be an issue about posting, as I use a blogging program. Type it out onces, click on post, and it goes to all at once. And I don't have to worry about the web based updater eating the post!
My take: this is what you get when you allow anyone with a disposable hotmail address to create a free account. Spammers, porn, you name it. It was much better when it was invite codes and pay to sign up. Yes, I do understand the wanting of more users, but they went about it the wrong way.
I have 'opened' yet another blog, and have imported from about 2006 until present into it. Won't be an issue about posting, as I use a blogging program. Type it out onces, click on post, and it goes to all at once. And I don't have to worry about the web based updater eating the post!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Las Vegas Show Stopper - The Telethon Adventurers
Las Vegas Show Stopper - The Telethon Adventurers, a set on Flickr.
It was an amazing experience, and it was truly an honor to take part in it. Sunday, November 27, 2011
About halfway done.
Going through photos taken last night. So many good ones, but being brutal with culling. A few photos, I have worked some 'digital magic' (taking a foot from one photo, and putting on a better photo where the foot was cut off, fixing closed eyes from one photo by porting them in from one with eyes open), but I won't be doing that with many. So far, it's taking me about 1 minute with each "not need fixing" photo. Mostly check for noise, and a crop if necessary.
The show last night was fabulous. And I discovered something. Covering an event like that... it's exhausting. My lazy backside didn't get out of bed until after 9am. Anyone who thinks that taking photos isn't work, I dare you to get out there and take more than just 'happy snaps'. And do it for several hours, non stop. Interact with the people, jolly them into relaxation and a smile. Then take into account camera, lens, battery grip, and on a belt, a few lenses to swap out. I think I need a nap and I've only been awake for 3 hrs.
The show last night was fabulous. And I discovered something. Covering an event like that... it's exhausting. My lazy backside didn't get out of bed until after 9am. Anyone who thinks that taking photos isn't work, I dare you to get out there and take more than just 'happy snaps'. And do it for several hours, non stop. Interact with the people, jolly them into relaxation and a smile. Then take into account camera, lens, battery grip, and on a belt, a few lenses to swap out. I think I need a nap and I've only been awake for 3 hrs.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Nice to know that our record is intact
Two days after household waste pick up (appliances, furniture etc) we had a major appliance die.. again!
Insert many bad words here.
Insert many bad words here.
What to pack..
Getting camera gear ready for tomorrow night. Luckily I got the 24/70 back from repairs. The collar in front of the focus ring was tilted. Turns out there was a small pin behind it that was worn out. Nothing I could have done to prevent it. All fixed now. Seeing as we are doing portrait shots, last thing I wanted was to have that lens out of commission.
Trying to decide whether to take the 100mm macro or the 50mm portrait lens. Also, if I want to take two cameras or just be quick in swapping of lenses. I do have the 'dual strap' Black Rapid. Of course, I will be hearing the theme music to "The Good, The Bad and the Ugly" if I rock that look.
Wing is packing his gear, and I have a funny feeling he will be 'over catering' gear-wise again. That's ok, he has to carry it, not me.
Trying to decide whether to take the 100mm macro or the 50mm portrait lens. Also, if I want to take two cameras or just be quick in swapping of lenses. I do have the 'dual strap' Black Rapid. Of course, I will be hearing the theme music to "The Good, The Bad and the Ugly" if I rock that look.
Wing is packing his gear, and I have a funny feeling he will be 'over catering' gear-wise again. That's ok, he has to carry it, not me.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
I should be close to 100% by Saturday
Still didn't get to sleep in, as the purrkids woke me up. I swear they take notes on what the other does. Keito was never one to traipse up and down our bodies until we get up, but after watching Loki do it.. oh yeah.
3 loads of laundry washed and hanging on the line, one currently in the washer. Amazing how just doing the laundry has tidied up the bedroom. it's so hot and dry outside, even the layered dress, are just about dry already.
Knee is feeling much better today, and back is happy for the warm weather. I should be fine for photo gig this Saturday. It's not an all day event, thank goodness. Evening fundraiser. Should be fun. The phto workshop we did this Sunday was a great refresher for me. Will be using off camera flash and flash stands. Wing is a bit nail biting nervous about this, but I have no idea why. He knows what to do and how, so he will be fine. But it's in his nature to worry and mull. :)
3 loads of laundry washed and hanging on the line, one currently in the washer. Amazing how just doing the laundry has tidied up the bedroom. it's so hot and dry outside, even the layered dress, are just about dry already.
Knee is feeling much better today, and back is happy for the warm weather. I should be fine for photo gig this Saturday. It's not an all day event, thank goodness. Evening fundraiser. Should be fun. The phto workshop we did this Sunday was a great refresher for me. Will be using off camera flash and flash stands. Wing is a bit nail biting nervous about this, but I have no idea why. He knows what to do and how, so he will be fine. But it's in his nature to worry and mull. :)
Photobook arrived with a bit of damage
And I have been debating with myself about whether or not to contact 123Cheese about it. One corner of the book is crimped as if it was dropped, and in the middle of the opening edge, there is another crumpled bit, enough to leave matching 'dents' on the first few pages.
I have emailed them, and sent photos of the damaged book.
I have emailed them, and sent photos of the damaged book.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
3rd day after All day Photoshoot
I feel a helluva lot better than I did yesterday, and hopefully today I feel worse than I will tomorrow.
I don't have to lean forward to grab hold of the counter to pull myself up. Don't feel like I will fall asleep at the drop of a hat. Knee is still giving me some grief, as is lower back if I do much of anything, but no where near as severe as it was on Monday or Tuesday.
On CatchOfTheDay, I bought to vouchers for photobooks to be made by 123Cheese. I put them together, uploaded them, and waited.
One of them arrived, and I thumbed through it. I thought my photos looked good on my monitor. I am floored at what they look like in a professionally printed A4 sized book.
I don't have to lean forward to grab hold of the counter to pull myself up. Don't feel like I will fall asleep at the drop of a hat. Knee is still giving me some grief, as is lower back if I do much of anything, but no where near as severe as it was on Monday or Tuesday.
On CatchOfTheDay, I bought to vouchers for photobooks to be made by 123Cheese. I put them together, uploaded them, and waited.
One of them arrived, and I thumbed through it. I thought my photos looked good on my monitor. I am floored at what they look like in a professionally printed A4 sized book.
Gone Between
R.I.P. Anne McCaffrey
R.I.P. Anne McCaffrey, Creator of Pern and The Ship Who Sang
Anne McCaffrey wasn't just the inventor of Pern, the world where a whole society is based on dragon-riding. She was also an incredibly influential author who helped transform the way science fiction and fantasy authors wrote about women, and the way all of us thought about bodies and selfhood. She was the first woman to win a Hugo Award and a Nebula Award, as well as a Grand Master of science fiction.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Again, I pay the piper for the dance
Yesterday was great. Light Play 2 photography workshop. It was how to use off camera flash in outdoor settings. Yes, I know there are 'purists' that think you should make due with available light all of the time, but pish tosh! If you have the tools to make sure your subject or subjects are evenly lit, or to create ambiance, you use it.
We had two models, and they were great. Took direction, were great at anticipating what was required. Excellent sessions in 3 places. A Park, a Junk Yard and a vineyard. Results were outstanding.
Then, it was the Night portion of Light Play 2. Long exposure, fire and photography. What could be more fun?
After all the adrenaline wore off, my chickens came home to roost. Lower back seized up, knee started singing, and left foot was.. hmm. Sore. yeah, ok, sore. Managed to put camera gear away, get into jammies, and I really don't remember crawling into bed.
Woke up this morning and could not move. I had to have a bit of incentive. Funny, mentioning "bit". Loki was most annoyed that we went away and abandoned them forever.... again. He laid across my lower legs, wrapped his front paws around them, and started biting my feed and legs. Not hard, but it was motivation enough to get my creaking, slow moving self out of the bed. Some coffee, some pain medication, some breakfast (in that order) I began going through and processing the photos. Wow.
Nene and Mal at the park
At the Junkyard
At the vineyard
Globe and Dome - more long exposure photography.
Rain of Fire - Umbrella a requirement! Long exposure photography
We had two models, and they were great. Took direction, were great at anticipating what was required. Excellent sessions in 3 places. A Park, a Junk Yard and a vineyard. Results were outstanding.
Then, it was the Night portion of Light Play 2. Long exposure, fire and photography. What could be more fun?
After all the adrenaline wore off, my chickens came home to roost. Lower back seized up, knee started singing, and left foot was.. hmm. Sore. yeah, ok, sore. Managed to put camera gear away, get into jammies, and I really don't remember crawling into bed.
Woke up this morning and could not move. I had to have a bit of incentive. Funny, mentioning "bit". Loki was most annoyed that we went away and abandoned them forever.... again. He laid across my lower legs, wrapped his front paws around them, and started biting my feed and legs. Not hard, but it was motivation enough to get my creaking, slow moving self out of the bed. Some coffee, some pain medication, some breakfast (in that order) I began going through and processing the photos. Wow.
At the Junkyard
At the vineyard
Globe and Dome - more long exposure photography.
Rain of Fire - Umbrella a requirement! Long exposure photography
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Final notice? How about a first one?
I've been waiting for a specific item to show up for the past few weeks. Lurking, watching to make sure I didn't miss the delivery.
Nada. So, I called the post office to see if there was a parcel there. Nope.
Got the mail from the letterbox, took out the mail. Then I started swearing. On top of all the letters is a "Final Notice" to pick up a parcel.
I called the post office... and got the usual "Would you like to lodge a complaint?" Like that will do any #%^$%@( good.
Nada. So, I called the post office to see if there was a parcel there. Nope.
Got the mail from the letterbox, took out the mail. Then I started swearing. On top of all the letters is a "Final Notice" to pick up a parcel.
I called the post office... and got the usual "Would you like to lodge a complaint?" Like that will do any #%^$%@( good.
Need to get some baking done, again
Just picked more ripe limes from my tree. That makes close to 20 so far in the past 2 months.
I think our house is on their 'daily rounds'
Could hear all four, but could only see two. Was also very windy, so was lucky to get this one.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Conversations in Real Life
Wing is going on an overnight business conference, and is in the stage of mad dash of packing suitcase.
Him: Toiletries, toiletries
Me: the grove where you pick ripe commodes.
Him: I'm gonna bite you.
*snrk*
Him: Toiletries, toiletries
Me: the grove where you pick ripe commodes.
Him: I'm gonna bite you.
*snrk*
I had visitors in my front yard!
Went out to pick limes from my tree, and hear odd cawing noises. Looked up, saw a splash of red in black feathers. Quick stepped into the house, got my camera and got a few shots. :
Red-Tailed Black Cockatoos - There were four of them, but one was behind the trunk of the gum tree. I saw the two birds on the right feed the one on the left, so I would say 2 adults and two juviniles. :)
Red-Tailed Black Cockatoos - There were four of them, but one was behind the trunk of the gum tree. I saw the two birds on the right feed the one on the left, so I would say 2 adults and two juviniles. :)
Care to tell me again, O Sneaky Seller...
That it was the real deal?
Back View:
The one on the left is the Genuine Canon Battery Charger. Note the clean placement of the label, clear sharp text. Whereas the one on the right, sloppily placed label, text looks like someone needs some lessons in typesetting.
Front View:
The one on the right, bright white lettering, smooth surface. The LED is properly seating and clear. the contact point indicators are clearly marked. The one on the right, what looks to be spray painted on lettering, LED milky and off center. Contact point indicators pretty much just indents. The gap (not visible here) between the upper part and lower part is uneven.
What you can see by photographs is the knock off is about 1/3 the weight of the Genuine product.
So, want to try to tell me again it's a "Genuine Canon Replacement"?
Back View:
The one on the left is the Genuine Canon Battery Charger. Note the clean placement of the label, clear sharp text. Whereas the one on the right, sloppily placed label, text looks like someone needs some lessons in typesetting.
Front View:
The one on the right, bright white lettering, smooth surface. The LED is properly seating and clear. the contact point indicators are clearly marked. The one on the right, what looks to be spray painted on lettering, LED milky and off center. Contact point indicators pretty much just indents. The gap (not visible here) between the upper part and lower part is uneven.
What you can see by photographs is the knock off is about 1/3 the weight of the Genuine product.
So, want to try to tell me again it's a "Genuine Canon Replacement"?
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
I'm no dummy
And I really don't like it when people try to treat me as such.
I bought a 'replacement battery charger' for my Canon 7D. I looked carefully at the photos posted and noted it was a Genuine Canon product.
Imagine my surprise when I opened the parcel, and not only found no cord for the charger, the charger rattled... and then when I looked at the back of it, I noticed it wasn't the same one I had seen on seller site. It was Counterfeit Canon product, flimsy, and poorly made. I said so to the seller. This is his reply and reason for canceling the sale' and my rebuttal.
eBay 16-Nov-11 at 16:05:48 AEDST
This case has been opened by the seller with the following reason: Other.
Additional information provided by the seller: Hi,
It is a replacement charger as I described in my listing.
I think it may be damaged during transportation. That is why it has rattle sound. Anyway, refund was made in full via paypal
Please agree to cancel this transaction.
Best regards,
J*****
My Reply: 16-Nov-11 at 17:58:04 AEDST
Item was Counterfeit Canon product. Not only that, what good is a battery charger without the cord, and with parts rattling around inside of it. Disappointed in the shell game of selling from "Adelaide" but not selling Genuine Canon product.
If you try to screw me, you should at least kiss me first, or maybe dinner and a movie. I did get my money back.
I bought a 'replacement battery charger' for my Canon 7D. I looked carefully at the photos posted and noted it was a Genuine Canon product.
Imagine my surprise when I opened the parcel, and not only found no cord for the charger, the charger rattled... and then when I looked at the back of it, I noticed it wasn't the same one I had seen on seller site. It was Counterfeit Canon product, flimsy, and poorly made. I said so to the seller. This is his reply and reason for canceling the sale' and my rebuttal.
eBay 16-Nov-11 at 16:05:48 AEDST
This case has been opened by the seller with the following reason: Other.
Additional information provided by the seller: Hi,
It is a replacement charger as I described in my listing.
I think it may be damaged during transportation. That is why it has rattle sound. Anyway, refund was made in full via paypal
Please agree to cancel this transaction.
Best regards,
J*****
My Reply: 16-Nov-11 at 17:58:04 AEDST
Item was Counterfeit Canon product. Not only that, what good is a battery charger without the cord, and with parts rattling around inside of it. Disappointed in the shell game of selling from "Adelaide" but not selling Genuine Canon product.
If you try to screw me, you should at least kiss me first, or maybe dinner and a movie. I did get my money back.
Well, that's done now
Put together two photo books. I thought it would be easy, just picking photos and designing the book. (headdesk) 60 pages, times 2, and you can put more than one photo per page if you so choose (and I did that several times)
My hand is sore as the entire thing is point and click only, no keyboard interface. The reason my right hand is so sore, is unbeknownto me I had picked the wrong size book to get with my Catch of the Day purchase. There was no way to convert the pages into the larger size, so I had to rebuild them. But then I had a LIGHT BULB moment. I saved the wrong sized pages as proofs. I could care less if they had the word PROOF stamped all over them. I needed them for reference only.
Saved the proofs in an easily found directory, opened that folder on monitor #2, and opened the program in monitor #1. Instead of taking a few weeks to compile two books, it just took a few hours (about 5) to rebuild them.. the right size. I did have to do a bit of scaling, cropping but all were placed in the same configuration.
Book #2 is being uploaded now.
My hand is sore as the entire thing is point and click only, no keyboard interface. The reason my right hand is so sore, is unbeknownto me I had picked the wrong size book to get with my Catch of the Day purchase. There was no way to convert the pages into the larger size, so I had to rebuild them. But then I had a LIGHT BULB moment. I saved the wrong sized pages as proofs. I could care less if they had the word PROOF stamped all over them. I needed them for reference only.
Saved the proofs in an easily found directory, opened that folder on monitor #2, and opened the program in monitor #1. Instead of taking a few weeks to compile two books, it just took a few hours (about 5) to rebuild them.. the right size. I did have to do a bit of scaling, cropping but all were placed in the same configuration.
Book #2 is being uploaded now.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Ever notice the hypocrisy?
When anyone from the NRA claims the right to bear arms doesn't say you have to fill out permits, it's accepted, but if someone dares to mention there is nothing that says you need permits to pursue "the right of peaceful assembly", that just gets people arrested.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Conversations in real time:
A friend of mine, who works long hours, can only go jogging or walking at night. He recounted a chance meeting with local law enforcement officer (who I think was pissed off working the late shift)
DJ: Police Officer: "Don't you think a guy dressed all in black, running down a dark street at 10:30 at night is kinda suspicious?"
DJ: "Unless he's running down the street with a TV under his arm, no."
(Me: LOL)
(Me: you got pulled over for jogging?)
DJ : I was out for my daily walk/jog, and a cop stopped me as a "suspicious person".
DJ : he was like, "What are you doing?"
DJ "Walking, jogging, being active."
Police Officer "Why are you doing it at this hour?"
DJ: o.O
DJ: "Why are you questioning a citizen who has done nothing wrong?"
Police Officer: "I asked you a question, you'll answer it."
DJ: "Because exercise is good for you, and this is the time I had available. Walking and jogging in public isn't a fucking crime."
Police Officer: "I am an officer of the law and you will address me with respect!"
DJ: "FINE! Walking and jogging in public isn't a fucking crime, SIR."
(Me: LOL good for you!)
DJ: he was soooooooo not amused. but once he realized who my father is, and realized he'd get absolutely nowhere in the conversation with me, he let me go
DJ: Police Officer: "Don't you think a guy dressed all in black, running down a dark street at 10:30 at night is kinda suspicious?"
DJ: "Unless he's running down the street with a TV under his arm, no."
(Me: LOL)
(Me: you got pulled over for jogging?)
DJ : I was out for my daily walk/jog, and a cop stopped me as a "suspicious person".
DJ : he was like, "What are you doing?"
DJ "Walking, jogging, being active."
Police Officer "Why are you doing it at this hour?"
DJ: o.O
DJ: "Why are you questioning a citizen who has done nothing wrong?"
Police Officer: "I asked you a question, you'll answer it."
DJ: "Because exercise is good for you, and this is the time I had available. Walking and jogging in public isn't a fucking crime."
Police Officer: "I am an officer of the law and you will address me with respect!"
DJ: "FINE! Walking and jogging in public isn't a fucking crime, SIR."
(Me: LOL good for you!)
DJ: he was soooooooo not amused. but once he realized who my father is, and realized he'd get absolutely nowhere in the conversation with me, he let me go
Friday, November 11, 2011
What I was doing on 11-11-11 at 11:11 am this morning
On this once in a century time and date, I was taking a break sweeping up leaves in my back yard.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Why do things have to be so damned complicated.
Wing gave me a new macro lens for our anniversary. (another mental hug your way, dear).
I have a Macro light ring, with adapters, but the only adapter I don't have is for the new lens. So, off on a net hunt I go, looking for an adapters. First I didn't find any, then I did manage to find one for my camera. $55. I would need three of them. Hmmm
So, I typed in a different search term, and located a rather inexpensive macro flash ring that had every adapter size I would need (55, 62, 72, 77mm thread) for $38. Yes, cheap one, but I was looking for adapters.
Then I changed my search a little bit again, found a good, yet inexpensive (last years model) TTL macro flash ring, but it only had two of the adapter ring sizes (55 and 62mm).
So, it comes down to this: my best option is to get the cheap flash ring for the adapters, and the good macro flash ring to use, and keep the cheap one in storage in case of breakage.
I have a Macro light ring, with adapters, but the only adapter I don't have is for the new lens. So, off on a net hunt I go, looking for an adapters. First I didn't find any, then I did manage to find one for my camera. $55. I would need three of them. Hmmm
So, I typed in a different search term, and located a rather inexpensive macro flash ring that had every adapter size I would need (55, 62, 72, 77mm thread) for $38. Yes, cheap one, but I was looking for adapters.
Then I changed my search a little bit again, found a good, yet inexpensive (last years model) TTL macro flash ring, but it only had two of the adapter ring sizes (55 and 62mm).
So, it comes down to this: my best option is to get the cheap flash ring for the adapters, and the good macro flash ring to use, and keep the cheap one in storage in case of breakage.
Ok, where did Tuesday go?
I have no idea way, but I forgot today was Wednesday. Right now, I am gritty, and none too 'spring time fresh', as I have been cleaning out closet of dusty old clothes, vacuuming, dusting, doing laundry, and other assorted grunt works around the house.
Wing just reminded me that tonight is camera club meeting...
Wing just reminded me that tonight is camera club meeting...
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Slowly but surely
Making some headway in the house cleaning. I keep doing just a little, and when back starts complaining, park my butt for a bit, or go for a meander in the back yard, stopping by the jasmine for a bit of an inhale.
Out they went!
Threw out a double armload of worn out and threadbare clothing. Will probably chuck some more next week after I clear out the other closet.
Abso-fragging-lutely beautiful sunny day. Took care of the gardening. Amazing how fast the transplanted lemon grass is growing. Spending most of the day cleaning, and doing a lot of laundry. Most of the clothes line is filled with soon to be sunshine fresh smelling clothes/towels.
Wing and I have been asked to take photos of a local charity event. We said yes. Waiting for the coordinator of the event to stop by today to drop off tickets and schedule.
Will be one helluva learning experience for Wing. He's a bit nervous about it. I reminded him he has worked a crowd before at SwanCon. He countered with "But I knew them!" I think he will be just fine.
Off to hang another wash load out on the line!
Abso-fragging-lutely beautiful sunny day. Took care of the gardening. Amazing how fast the transplanted lemon grass is growing. Spending most of the day cleaning, and doing a lot of laundry. Most of the clothes line is filled with soon to be sunshine fresh smelling clothes/towels.
Wing and I have been asked to take photos of a local charity event. We said yes. Waiting for the coordinator of the event to stop by today to drop off tickets and schedule.
Will be one helluva learning experience for Wing. He's a bit nervous about it. I reminded him he has worked a crowd before at SwanCon. He countered with "But I knew them!" I think he will be just fine.
Off to hang another wash load out on the line!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Busy-ish weekend
Wing went to an Aikido workhsop. I had to tape up his shoulder to prevent re-injury. The removal of the tape was... well, he know knows what it feels like to 'wax' hair. He said he can't understand why anyone would deliberately do that to herself, though.
Then, off to the third part of the Portraiture Workshop. This time it was practical application of lighting, whether gentle soft light, harsh direct, flash or any combination thereof. Was much fun. What's even better is when the instructor is a bit of a nutter, because it's fun and not boring. It was great, and rather sad it's over. Learned lots.
Hurry home, get ready. For what? Wing's an my 11th Wedding Anniversary. Still smitten after all these years. Wing made reservations at Coco's, in South Perth. It was wonderful.
Still need to educate the Purr-kids about these too-damned-early wake ups. They have a screwy sense of timing. If I go to bed early, they let me sleep late (that's any time after 7am) But should I go to bed late (around or after midnight) they get me up at 5am.
Then, off to the third part of the Portraiture Workshop. This time it was practical application of lighting, whether gentle soft light, harsh direct, flash or any combination thereof. Was much fun. What's even better is when the instructor is a bit of a nutter, because it's fun and not boring. It was great, and rather sad it's over. Learned lots.
Hurry home, get ready. For what? Wing's an my 11th Wedding Anniversary. Still smitten after all these years. Wing made reservations at Coco's, in South Perth. It was wonderful.
Still need to educate the Purr-kids about these too-damned-early wake ups. They have a screwy sense of timing. If I go to bed early, they let me sleep late (that's any time after 7am) But should I go to bed late (around or after midnight) they get me up at 5am.
Friday, November 4, 2011
It's not that I'm suddenly taking Sky scape photos
More like I have been going through and processing sky shots, sunsets, interesting cloud formations. I've had the time, so have been putting it to good use. I have a backlog of photos, but have been concentrating on the the above mentioned.
Dammit
Problem with limited sensation in my left leg and foot. Spotted what I thought was dirt on the bottom of my foot. Then noticed red blotch around what I thought as dirt. Just picked a splinter out, and disinfected the area. Umm ow?
Thursday, November 3, 2011
It's been a year
It's been a year since Wing picked up a camera, and delved into photography. I am so glad that I, and many of his friends, bullied/cajoled/persuaded him not to give up after that jackass (dare I say) instruction dismissed him and insulted his camera kit. On a personal note, I would still like to swat that arrogant asshole just once.
But I digress:
Wing has made great strides in his photography. But he has this one personality quirk that I think I have actually cracked a tooth grinding my teeth over. If I give him construction criticism, he has no problem with it. Dare I give him a compliment well deserved, he dismisses it in a rather condescending manner, as if what I said has no merit. I have to admit, I got miffed and politely .. ok, not so politely, ripped into him verbally about it. "If you accept my criticism, you have to accept a compliment. I love you, but I'm not going to lie to you if something is bad." So, now he takes the compliments, with a bit of embarassment, but at least he is no longer dismissing it out of hand.
And for a bit of photography:
Dragons' Head Cloud: The only editing done was removing a tree branch from right side of the photo.
But I digress:
Wing has made great strides in his photography. But he has this one personality quirk that I think I have actually cracked a tooth grinding my teeth over. If I give him construction criticism, he has no problem with it. Dare I give him a compliment well deserved, he dismisses it in a rather condescending manner, as if what I said has no merit. I have to admit, I got miffed and politely .. ok, not so politely, ripped into him verbally about it. "If you accept my criticism, you have to accept a compliment. I love you, but I'm not going to lie to you if something is bad." So, now he takes the compliments, with a bit of embarassment, but at least he is no longer dismissing it out of hand.
And for a bit of photography:
Dragons' Head Cloud: The only editing done was removing a tree branch from right side of the photo.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Should we just chalk it up to yet another IOKIYAR?
It's O K If You Are Republican.
Democratic Congressman Anthony Weiner tweets inappropriate to his office photos to a woman who asked him to gets drummed out of office. A Democratic President has a willing playmate, and he gets raked over the coals. Of course, the selfrighteous will say it's because they LIED. Any democrat who does anything even mildly off color, he/she is forced out of office.
BUT..
Bob Packwood, Senator (R-Ore.), resigned in 1995 under a threat of public senate hearings related to 10 female ex-staffers accusing him of sexual harassment. He even kept diaries of his antics, but he was allowed to resign with one helluva pension payout! But first he tried to lie his way out of it saying the women were lying.. until his journals were found.
Senator David Vitter (R-LA), found to have been a client of prostitutes in D.C. & Louisiana, lied under oath about it, and was cold busted.
Newt Gingrich - Cheated on dying wife, divorced her to marry mistress. Then cheated on new wife, he lied saying they were happlily married, and even tried to get her to lie about this marriage. He divorced her and married the latest mistress.
I could go on and on about the Republican "paragons of virtue' but a quick google search will give you all the same info. My point is that it's disingenuous for RW/Conservative talking heads to claim it has to do with lying.
Now, we move to Herman Cain. Two women were given pay offs err payouts by the Restaurant Association that Cain used to head. They were also made to sign confidentiality agreements, aka gag orders, on the details. Would Cain lie and deny it? Yes, and he can get away with it unless the gag order is lifted. Also, his story keeps changing day by day.
Do I believe their accusations? Yes, I do. Not because Cain is a GOPer but because of how RW mouth pieces have been slicing the women to ribbons as they do whenever anyone dares to accuse any high profile GOP member of doing anything wrong. And Cain's glib comments aren't changing my mind.
Democratic Congressman Anthony Weiner tweets inappropriate to his office photos to a woman who asked him to gets drummed out of office. A Democratic President has a willing playmate, and he gets raked over the coals. Of course, the selfrighteous will say it's because they LIED. Any democrat who does anything even mildly off color, he/she is forced out of office.
BUT..
Bob Packwood, Senator (R-Ore.), resigned in 1995 under a threat of public senate hearings related to 10 female ex-staffers accusing him of sexual harassment. He even kept diaries of his antics, but he was allowed to resign with one helluva pension payout! But first he tried to lie his way out of it saying the women were lying.. until his journals were found.
Senator David Vitter (R-LA), found to have been a client of prostitutes in D.C. & Louisiana, lied under oath about it, and was cold busted.
Newt Gingrich - Cheated on dying wife, divorced her to marry mistress. Then cheated on new wife, he lied saying they were happlily married, and even tried to get her to lie about this marriage. He divorced her and married the latest mistress.
I could go on and on about the Republican "paragons of virtue' but a quick google search will give you all the same info. My point is that it's disingenuous for RW/Conservative talking heads to claim it has to do with lying.
Now, we move to Herman Cain. Two women were given pay offs err payouts by the Restaurant Association that Cain used to head. They were also made to sign confidentiality agreements, aka gag orders, on the details. Would Cain lie and deny it? Yes, and he can get away with it unless the gag order is lifted. Also, his story keeps changing day by day.
Do I believe their accusations? Yes, I do. Not because Cain is a GOPer but because of how RW mouth pieces have been slicing the women to ribbons as they do whenever anyone dares to accuse any high profile GOP member of doing anything wrong. And Cain's glib comments aren't changing my mind.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Today has been day of planting and removal
My garden pot mover/trolley arrived today. I looked at the poorly pictographed instructions, and managed to put it together without them with no spare parts left over.
Moved my potted lavender plant into the back yard without a hitch or wince. From there, I transplanted the 5 lemongrass plants mother in law gave me (the pot and sand they were in were just for transporting, not for growing). Transplanted my dill plant too, and I think it sighed with relief. It was rather pot bound. Next, it was topping up the other planters/pots with some more potting mix. Time to mix up the horrible smelling plant food, and give 'em all a good drink. Gave the Jasmine and Honeysuckle vines a good watering. "Rained" or the three orchid pots for good measure.
Mixed up another watering can of vile smelling plant food, gave the lime tree a good dousing over the leaves and in the pot. Spread the wealth to the rosemary, sage, fig tree and lillipilli.
(we now take a break for 1c of fruit salad, and two slices of wholemeal bread for lunch.. urp)
Back to work. Cleaned off the limestone blocks of the spilled potting soil, and plant food staining. Shoveled the sand from the lemongrass transfer pot into the cat's outdoor 'sand box'. Oops, I went and made a clear spot. Had to keep going. Got my gardening gloves, my fly netting for my head, my long handled fork/hoe, a shovel and a broom and went to work pulling weeds out of the ground before they get another foothold.
Right now, I am sipping a nice cold Dr Pepper. Alan or Wing can put the goodly sized pile of weeds into the bin. I am done.
Moved my potted lavender plant into the back yard without a hitch or wince. From there, I transplanted the 5 lemongrass plants mother in law gave me (the pot and sand they were in were just for transporting, not for growing). Transplanted my dill plant too, and I think it sighed with relief. It was rather pot bound. Next, it was topping up the other planters/pots with some more potting mix. Time to mix up the horrible smelling plant food, and give 'em all a good drink. Gave the Jasmine and Honeysuckle vines a good watering. "Rained" or the three orchid pots for good measure.
Mixed up another watering can of vile smelling plant food, gave the lime tree a good dousing over the leaves and in the pot. Spread the wealth to the rosemary, sage, fig tree and lillipilli.
(we now take a break for 1c of fruit salad, and two slices of wholemeal bread for lunch.. urp)
Back to work. Cleaned off the limestone blocks of the spilled potting soil, and plant food staining. Shoveled the sand from the lemongrass transfer pot into the cat's outdoor 'sand box'. Oops, I went and made a clear spot. Had to keep going. Got my gardening gloves, my fly netting for my head, my long handled fork/hoe, a shovel and a broom and went to work pulling weeds out of the ground before they get another foothold.
Right now, I am sipping a nice cold Dr Pepper. Alan or Wing can put the goodly sized pile of weeds into the bin. I am done.
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