tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-108250932024-03-05T00:56:17.688-05:00BonK!Just another 'blog about stuff...BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825093.post-76972461480179931002014-09-19T02:08:00.001-04:002014-09-19T02:08:04.284-04:00Star Trek What If..?<p dir="ltr">What if the original Star Trek had been filmed in widescreen? Nick Acosta has the answer! But, before you click the link, a question... Why is widescreen a 'thing'?</p>
<p dir="ltr">There are many reasons, but the most important reason is "us". Yes, widescreen is a big deal beacause we tend to perceive the world by horizontally scanning our surroundings; it just comes naturally. Also, by widening the screen a director has a much larger canvas in which to add impressions of scope and scale to a film, from insane close-ups to a zombie-mob apocalypse, to the lonliest, or even last person on the planet. These extremes and all the subtleties between make can help create a much more engaging experience. Then again, like anything else, poor use can be made of widescreen. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Also, remember these things: A) there were no widescreen TVs in 1966, when Trek was new; B) at the time, many films still were not made in a widescreen format; & C) the images at the link are fakes "photoshopped" together from actual Star Trek footage.</p>
<p dir="ltr">As wonderful as I still believe original Star Trek to be, these images make me wonder at the awe inspiring tales that might have been. Enjoy!</p>
<p dir="ltr">http://cargocollective.com/nickacosta/Star-Trek-in-Cinerama</p>
BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825093.post-41650774598250050462012-12-12T15:00:00.001-05:002012-12-12T15:00:38.287-05:00Mr. Zuckerberg, Tear Down This Wall | Wired Business | Wired.com<a href="http://www.wired.com/business/2012/12/internet-napoleons/">http://www.wired.com/business/2012/12/internet-napoleons/</a>
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<br>Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerryBonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825093.post-29659572108207101622012-08-23T16:25:00.001-04:002012-08-23T16:25:11.295-04:00Super Guppy!<div style="padding: 0; overflow: hidden; margin: 0; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7846376276/in/set-72157631212219650/" title="Super Guppy Approaching" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8281/7846376276_c305c0ca7e_s.jpg" alt="Super Guppy Approaching" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7846359946/in/set-72157631212219650/" title="National Museum of the United States Air Force" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8295/7846359946_e950f56226_s.jpg" alt="National Museum of the United States Air Force" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7846377234/in/set-72157631212219650/" title="Super Guppy parked" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7115/7846377234_527a3fb282_s.jpg" alt="Super Guppy parked" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7846362248/in/set-72157631212219650/" title="The Amazing Super Guppy!" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7121/7846362248_3c16525335_s.jpg" alt="The Amazing Super Guppy!" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7846363004/in/set-72157631212219650/" title="Massive Super Guppy" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7251/7846363004_fcc8c5e6cf_s.jpg" alt="Massive Super Guppy" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7846364258/in/set-72157631212219650/" title="Super Guppy, Fun for the Whole Family!" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8300/7846364258_f56d047b4b_s.jpg" alt="Super Guppy, Fun for the Whole Family!" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7846364636/in/set-72157631212219650/" title="Shiny Super Guppy" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7112/7846364636_e0c652fa9b_s.jpg" alt="Shiny Super Guppy" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7846365076/in/set-72157631212219650/" title="Like a Zeppelin with Wings!" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7109/7846365076_7a5a287d9a_s.jpg" alt="Like a Zeppelin with Wings!" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7846366326/in/set-72157631212219650/" title="Hiking for a Closer Look" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7116/7846366326_ef20b5768c_s.jpg" alt="Hiking for a Closer Look" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7846367496/in/set-72157631212219650/" title="Super Guppy Enthusiasts" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8282/7846367496_339177209b_s.jpg" alt="Super Guppy Enthusiasts" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7846368988/in/set-72157631212219650/" title="Super Guppy Parking" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8300/7846368988_71b44b6724_s.jpg" alt="Super Guppy Parking" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7846370656/in/set-72157631212219650/" title="Super Guppy Taxis" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8424/7846370656_a3f85c4470_s.jpg" alt="Super Guppy Taxis" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7846361358/in/set-72157631212219650/" title="Super Guppy Lands" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8296/7846361358_1caf353a05_s.jpg" alt="Super Guppy Lands" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7846371938/in/set-72157631212219650/" title="Super Guppy Touchdown" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8439/7846371938_146d425643_s.jpg" alt="Super Guppy Touchdown" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7846373014/in/set-72157631212219650/" title="Super Guppy Closing In" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8281/7846373014_9655531d96_s.jpg" alt="Super Guppy Closing In" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7846374830/in/set-72157631212219650/" title="Super Guppy Descending" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8301/7846374830_369e7018e6_s.jpg" alt="Super Guppy Descending" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><div style="padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/g/images/gallery-empty-icon.gif" style="margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"></div><div style="padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/g/images/gallery-empty-icon.gif" style="margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"></div><br clear="all"/></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px"><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/sets/72157631212219650/">20120822 Super Guppy at WPAFB</a>, a set on Flickr.</p></div><p>OK, this isn't as cool as Bill Bouton's humpback whales off San Luis Obispo, but it's still pretty sweet.<br /><br />See "Super Guppy" on Wikipedia to learn more about this plane and other Guppy aircraft, and search for Bill Bouton Humpback Whale to see some photos I wish I'd shot.<br /><br /><i>Via Flickr:</i><br />NASA's "Super Guppy" [B-377-SGT] lands in Dayton, Ohio to deliver the Space Shuttle program's CCT-1 (Crew Cockpit Trainer) for future display in the National Museum of the United States Air Force (NMUSAF) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) on August 22, 2012</p>BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825093.post-21590522653659655832012-08-13T06:11:00.001-04:002012-08-13T06:11:17.574-04:002012 Englewood Arts Festival Car Show, Ohio<div style="padding: 0; overflow: hidden; margin: 0; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7772333458/in/set-72157631045495010/" title="Entering EAF" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8306/7772333458_451835edc9_s.jpg" alt="Entering EAF" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7772333916/in/set-72157631045495010/" title="Chevy II emblem" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7248/7772333916_29581f32ac_s.jpg" alt="Chevy II emblem" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7772334416/in/set-72157631045495010/" title="Beware the Fireproof Butterfly" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8432/7772334416_7009c8f42e_s.jpg" alt="Beware the Fireproof Butterfly" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7772334682/in/set-72157631045495010/" title="Ford Thunderbird fender baubles" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8287/7772334682_553d92e82e_s.jpg" alt="Ford Thunderbird fender baubles" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7772335322/in/set-72157631045495010/" title="Ford Thunderbird tail" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8285/7772335322_d89bbe8d6f_s.jpg" alt="Ford Thunderbird tail" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7772336048/in/set-72157631045495010/" title="1963 Volkwagen Beetle" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8295/7772336048_90a9cb1d89_s.jpg" alt="1963 Volkwagen Beetle" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7772336786/in/set-72157631045495010/" title="Sweet Engine" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7261/7772336786_75607bd78c_s.jpg" alt="Sweet Engine" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7772337268/in/set-72157631045495010/" title="Buick Riviera front end" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8442/7772337268_b1bfaaa3c4_s.jpg" alt="Buick Riviera front end" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7772337886/in/set-72157631045495010/" title="Mako Edition Corvette" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7256/7772337886_e5bd69e0c0_s.jpg" alt="Mako Edition Corvette" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7772338712/in/set-72157631045495010/" title="Batmobile cockpit" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8287/7772338712_92dc8331db_s.jpg" alt="Batmobile cockpit" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7772339516/in/set-72157631045495010/" title="Batmobile!" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8443/7772339516_d2ebfa958a_s.jpg" alt="Batmobile!" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7772340258/in/set-72157631045495010/" title="The Bat Fire Extinguisher" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8301/7772340258_6850ffff27_s.jpg" alt="The Bat Fire Extinguisher" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7772341120/in/set-72157631045495010/" title="Speedometer and other Batmobile dash accessories" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8287/7772341120_7c7c919e00_s.jpg" alt="Speedometer and other Batmobile dash accessories" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7772341894/in/set-72157631045495010/" title="Batmobile, complete with braking 'chutes!" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8425/7772341894_432a81190f_s.jpg" alt="Batmobile, complete with braking 'chutes!" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7772342500/in/set-72157631045495010/" title="EAF vendors and Centennial fountain" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8445/7772342500_73acedeb08_s.jpg" alt="EAF vendors and Centennial fountain" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><div style="padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/g/images/gallery-empty-icon.gif" style="margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"></div><div style="padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/g/images/gallery-empty-icon.gif" style="margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"></div><div style="padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/g/images/gallery-empty-icon.gif" style="margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"></div><br clear="all"/></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px"><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/sets/72157631045495010/">2012 Englewood Arts Festival Car Show, Ohio</a>, a set on Flickr.</p></div><p>Many amazing cars filled the lots for the 2012 Englewood Arts Festival Car Show. After discovering the '60s Batmobile replica from Carl's Body Shop I didn't save much time to shoot many other cars.</p>BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825093.post-20724464964454391602012-08-13T06:06:00.001-04:002012-08-13T06:06:15.073-04:002012 APBA Training and Testing at Eastwood Lake<div style="padding: 0; overflow: hidden; margin: 0; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7240485184/in/set-72157629828016864/" title="93 Desperado tsunami!" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7241/7240485184_684e8f4bb9_s.jpg" alt="93 Desperado tsunami!" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7240506546/in/set-72157629828016864/" title="NM 27" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7240506546_010ce39624_s.jpg" alt="NM 27" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7240506138/in/set-72157629828016864/" title="51" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7234/7240506138_179324a1bf_s.jpg" alt="51" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7240505662/in/set-72157629828016864/" title="51" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5468/7240505662_6208232d73_s.jpg" alt="51" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7240505368/in/set-72157629828016864/" title="51" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7235/7240505368_793e94020e_s.jpg" alt="51" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7240505098/in/set-72157629828016864/" title="51" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5323/7240505098_61df5f1866_s.jpg" alt="51" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7240504776/in/set-72157629828016864/" title="51" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7218/7240504776_8343d10133_s.jpg" alt="51" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7240504362/in/set-72157629828016864/" title="E8" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5464/7240504362_4cc6be7803_s.jpg" alt="E8" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7240503746/in/set-72157629828016864/" title=""In Flight"" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5311/7240503746_88c038d4da_s.jpg" alt=""In Flight"" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7240503006/in/set-72157629828016864/" title="USAF" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8001/7240503006_ac2f509860_s.jpg" alt="USAF" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7240502220/in/set-72157629828016864/" title="E8" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7105/7240502220_985d000b4f_s.jpg" alt="E8" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7240501934/in/set-72157629828016864/" title="USAF, 51, and E-66" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7218/7240501934_45b26ddbe6_s.jpg" alt="USAF, 51, and E-66" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7240501540/in/set-72157629828016864/" title="Rooster Tail" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8161/7240501540_cec8585d54_s.jpg" alt="Rooster Tail" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7240500946/in/set-72157629828016864/" title="Kathleen Maurer's "Sweet n Sour"" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7240500946_61e104b50e_s.jpg" alt="Kathleen Maurer's "Sweet n Sour"" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7240500316/in/set-72157629828016864/" title="Sweet n Sour" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7081/7240500316_0df1bc8f41_s.jpg" alt="Sweet n Sour" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7240499806/in/set-72157629828016864/" title="Sweet n Sour, USAF, 51, and E-66" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7240499806_5d03efc439_s.jpg" alt="Sweet n Sour, USAF, 51, and E-66" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7240499316/in/set-72157629828016864/" title="USAF" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5322/7240499316_d5c0c64b95_s.jpg" alt="USAF" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7240498772/in/set-72157629828016864/" title="Sweet n Sour, 51, and E-66" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7240498772_088d099818_s.jpg" alt="Sweet n Sour, 51, and E-66" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7240498348/in/set-72157629828016864/" title="51 prepping for run" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7097/7240498348_d3f53634c8_s.jpg" alt="51 prepping for run" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7240497618/in/set-72157629828016864/" title="Sweet n Sour, 51, y2, and E-66" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7217/7240497618_2fe80b739d_s.jpg" alt="Sweet n Sour, 51, y2, and E-66" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7240496868/in/set-72157629828016864/" title="Sweet n Sour, E-66, 51, and y2" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7080/7240496868_4b27d436a0_s.jpg" alt="Sweet n Sour, E-66, 51, and y2" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7240496404/in/set-72157629828016864/" title="E-66 rooster tail" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7229/7240496404_0f1f4d3105_s.jpg" alt="E-66 rooster tail" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7240495906/in/set-72157629828016864/" title="Kathleen Maurer exits Sweet n Sour" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5459/7240495906_805c04833a_s.jpg" alt="Kathleen Maurer exits Sweet n Sour" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7240495318/in/set-72157629828016864/" title="Kathleen Maurer in Sweet n Sour" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7087/7240495318_40f4e1eeb7_s.jpg" alt="Kathleen Maurer in Sweet n Sour" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px"><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/sets/72157629828016864/">2012 APBA Training and Testing at Eastwood Lake</a>, a set on Flickr.</p></div><p>Dayton, Ohio's Eastwood Lake has a long history with power boating. As a kid I never had a chance to visit the big races that were once held here. Fortunately, Eastwood is still a hub for some power boating activity. Check out the American Power Boating Association (APBA) to learn more.</p>BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825093.post-30789469543655105242012-07-31T06:38:00.001-04:002012-07-31T06:38:02.963-04:003 Cicadas in One Shot!<div style="padding: 0; overflow: hidden; margin: 0; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7682438358/in/set-72157630833825320/" title="Different Tails in Profile" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8164/7682438358_2a1104afd5_s.jpg" alt="Different Tails in Profile" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7682438838/in/set-72157630833825320/" title="From Below" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8433/7682438838_a9563bb83e_s.jpg" alt="From Below" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7682439222/in/set-72157630833825320/" title="Different Tails From Below" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7278/7682439222_631a0b2912_s.jpg" alt="Different Tails From Below" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7682439662/in/set-72157630833825320/" title="Triple Threat 2" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8151/7682439662_f68b70ca85_s.jpg" alt="Triple Threat 2" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7682440234/in/set-72157630833825320/" title="Triple Threat 1" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8425/7682440234_fd99d67749_s.jpg" alt="Triple Threat 1" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7682440894/in/set-72157630833825320/" title="Just hangin' out" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7113/7682440894_8ea0be1a42_s.jpg" alt="Just hangin' out" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7682441400/in/set-72157630833825320/" title="Out of Their Shells" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7134/7682441400_08136f8a4c_s.jpg" alt="Out of Their Shells" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/7682442082/in/set-72157630833825320/" title="Dual Cicada Emergence" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7268/7682442082_fb04414875_s.jpg" alt="Dual Cicada Emergence" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><div style="padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/g/images/gallery-empty-icon.gif" style="margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"></div><div style="padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/g/images/gallery-empty-icon.gif" style="margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"></div><div style="padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/g/images/gallery-empty-icon.gif" style="margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"></div><div style="padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/g/images/gallery-empty-icon.gif" style="margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"></div><br clear="all"/></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px"><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/sets/72157630833825320/">20120729 Cicada Triple Threat</a>, a set on Flickr.</p></div><p>There's a particular tree I watch for signs of cicada activity. The bugs have been chittering away since late June in my neighborhood, but my tree had remained cicada free until the beginning of July. <br /><br />In the past they've tended to appear in this tree about mid-July, so I personally considered that first one to be a bit early. After that first one, almost nothing and those that made it above ground seemed injured, flawed, or perhaps simply tired from the hard dig, until now, at the end of July. <br /><br />Cicadas grow up underground and the drought conditions we've had caused me to suspect they'd be late this year, being unable to dig up through the hard, dry soil. The ground is packed rather densely around here. <br /><br />Sure enough, last week brought some much needed rain and here the cicadas are, in abundance! I found a total of 4 on Sunday night, two almost right next to each other and a third on a nearby branch. The number wasn't unusual, but the fact that there were all in about the same stage of emergence was unusual. Also, the initial two were in closer proximity to one another than I've seen in the past.<br /><br />Later the same evening I found the fourth one, on another side of the tree, who hadn't been on the tree at all an hour or so before. <br /><br />I'm curious to learn how fast a healthy cicada can move before it exits it's shell. Those I've seen in action have all been extraordinarily clumsy, unable to stay upright, or right themselves when they tumble. I suspect they were somehow unhealthy or defective, though no signs were obvious except their inability to transport themselves effectively. All 4 from Sunday night seemed quite well.<br /><br />I spotted three new shells on the tree Monday night, one with it's former occupant still nearby. Many more will come soon, I'm sure. </p>BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825093.post-39978455965830864362012-03-18T05:04:00.000-04:002012-03-18T05:04:11.967-04:00St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Dayton, Ohio's historic Oregon District were enthusiastic. I was in the shop most of the time and was unable to adequately document the happenings. I did take some photos for my own purposes; mainly as an attempt to set up my camera, which has been sadly idle in recent months. The bars were closed about 1:30am (bar time, or 1:15am actual time ET). I took a walk down East Fifth Street to see what could be seen. I was stopped by a pair of girls who asked me to take their photograph. I don't recall their names, but I told them I'd post the photo so they could find it. Thanks to them I'm sharing 3 other images which would otherwise have remained in the vault, for obvious reasons. I hope to shoot and share some interesting things soon, if time and life allow me to get out and shoot. Thanks for stopping by my blog, and enjoy the humble photographic offering.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHB6nFr8kEk4cA4V7xTwpLBMeoqPWVa-qhmzwsNn0s-z_0A3pFmoH3FrH1NHjos_2JwqJOebi6jYJsS8nfmzsffMa80qWATTLqo-5V10G7oswd5JblqA4_2-9dxUZhaTb8OklHbQ/s1600/DSCF0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHB6nFr8kEk4cA4V7xTwpLBMeoqPWVa-qhmzwsNn0s-z_0A3pFmoH3FrH1NHjos_2JwqJOebi6jYJsS8nfmzsffMa80qWATTLqo-5V10G7oswd5JblqA4_2-9dxUZhaTb8OklHbQ/s640/DSCF0023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Hoodie & Jean Jacket with Mickey Mouse Shirt</td></tr>
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I hope these girls find their photo. I told them I'd label it so they could find it by searching for what they were wearing. I suppose adding the word Aeropostale might help them track it down. Enjoy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCTWPVnj_eGzP-IeaBPmmvdjfCmA0S_AFQ9fwQSl5ctEh7xOe3ciaYspEDKDiHhr7Z4pNdEfwzEXV323Oar16Xljd_BYjg_m7HnGPOf8U270D5BcFDXEKMfnULweD3W5LI8Pvkw/s1600/DSCF0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCTWPVnj_eGzP-IeaBPmmvdjfCmA0S_AFQ9fwQSl5ctEh7xOe3ciaYspEDKDiHhr7Z4pNdEfwzEXV323Oar16Xljd_BYjg_m7HnGPOf8U270D5BcFDXEKMfnULweD3W5LI8Pvkw/s640/DSCF0018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bicycles - an attempt to fine-tune my night shooting settings, so I could avoid using flash. I couldn't quite get things the way I wanted them. Also, waiting for a break in the passers-by so I could get a clear shot took a while.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGT3Eqmq7SFOXuYjYSOlu55PyI4Y9NVbgonY2eS1bxsfP2R1QHmEBOepKg08UCM9h5HfBu4yUhUAG6mL75N8hzryNZWTDQwEAPVfhAHaLSU-ShWwooTnrwDZoHpSlsEN5xglVG-A/s1600/DSCF0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGT3Eqmq7SFOXuYjYSOlu55PyI4Y9NVbgonY2eS1bxsfP2R1QHmEBOepKg08UCM9h5HfBu4yUhUAG6mL75N8hzryNZWTDQwEAPVfhAHaLSU-ShWwooTnrwDZoHpSlsEN5xglVG-A/s640/DSCF0020.JPG" width="481" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view across the street. While I keep the bookstore open, naturally it's important to stay nearby. There's not a lot to see from my vantage point near the front door, but I took aim across the street. The book store is in a location between bars. During party events like St. Patrick's Day, most folks are simply passing by on their way to the next watering hole, which explains the seemingly sparse crowd. There are plenty of folks East and West of my spot. This was taken about 9:30pm. Later in the night the street became filled with traffic and people even in this between-zone.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDnWe7aiciZ1Upvb8hUEOS1DvQfl1EnIsGPZolGlX6rq2beuoEUz6RWvutv12oE2CvIdTcghyphenhyphengP6ijJomq7LRGG3vUsySzvMLdoDgZ5ygomE917WvFyXqPpyWHkE_6ZHD9qYIoA/s1600/DSCF0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDnWe7aiciZ1Upvb8hUEOS1DvQfl1EnIsGPZolGlX6rq2beuoEUz6RWvutv12oE2CvIdTcghyphenhyphengP6ijJomq7LRGG3vUsySzvMLdoDgZ5ygomE917WvFyXqPpyWHkE_6ZHD9qYIoA/s640/DSCF0022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is simply another of many, many photos I take inside the book store whenever my camera is at the ready and I'm stuck inside. There are hundreds of such photos that I'll never bother to upload.</td></tr>
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As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I hadn't planned to share any of my photos from tonight, but I felt I should share something more than just the two girls who asked me to take their picture. Honestly, sharing these forces me to take consider my lackluster photography knowledge and the clear need for improvement. Feel free to visit my galleries on Picasa (Google+), Flickr, Facebook, Twitter, and anywhere else my images end up. Relevant links can be found in the sidebar. Again, thanks for stopping by, and expect to find better and more interesting things here in the near future.BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0502 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402, USA39.757129435004735 -84.18361902236938539.756366435004736 -84.184853022369381 39.757892435004734 -84.182385022369388tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825093.post-30488032923556009042011-10-10T23:01:00.001-04:002011-10-10T23:01:14.549-04:00Charleston Falls, Tipp City, OH - Autumn 2011<div style="padding: 0; overflow: hidden; margin: 0; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/6229605993/in/set-72157627735504463/" title="Charleston Falls" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6108/6229605993_a3243fca67_s.jpg" alt="Charleston Falls" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/6230117094/in/set-72157627735504463/" title="Charleston Falls Cliff 3-D" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6217/6230117094_979b70354a_s.jpg" alt="Charleston Falls Cliff 3-D" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/6230117626/in/set-72157627735504463/" title="Charleston Falls Woods" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/6230117626_c812ff73fe_s.jpg" alt="Charleston Falls Woods" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/6230118144/in/set-72157627735504463/" title="Roberta Photographing the Falls" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6116/6230118144_afe90028cd_s.jpg" alt="Roberta Photographing the Falls" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/6229601879/in/set-72157627735504463/" title="Charleston Falls Cliff 3-D" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6224/6229601879_d84e75d0da_s.jpg" alt="Charleston Falls Cliff 3-D" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/6229602913/in/set-72157627735504463/" title="Charleston Falls 3-D" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6051/6229602913_ce1c33eedf_s.jpg" alt="Charleston Falls 3-D" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/6229603373/in/set-72157627735504463/" title="Charleston Falls" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6229603373_73101a9141_s.jpg" alt="Charleston Falls" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/6230121088/in/set-72157627735504463/" title="Base of Falls and Ponding Water" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6177/6230121088_69225d6fb2_s.jpg" alt="Base of Falls and Ponding Water" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/6230121558/in/set-72157627735504463/" title="Base of the Falls" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6236/6230121558_c5a41483fb_s.jpg" alt="Base of the Falls" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/6229604695/in/set-72157627735504463/" title="Roberta Photographing the Falls" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6158/6229604695_ebe06b1783_s.jpg" alt="Roberta Photographing the Falls" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/6229605125/in/set-72157627735504463/" title="A Cliff Dwelling Tree" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6116/6229605125_50268a1ca8_s.jpg" alt="A Cliff Dwelling Tree" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/6230122954/in/set-72157627735504463/" title="Charleston Falls" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6053/6230122954_48858f8de0_s.jpg" alt="Charleston Falls" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/6229606429/in/set-72157627735504463/" title="Bridge Crossing below Charleston Falls" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6118/6229606429_e7a0f2954d_s.jpg" alt="Bridge Crossing below Charleston Falls" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/6229607209/in/set-72157627735504463/" title="Tunnel Cave 3-D" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6041/6229607209_e2b4ac9548_s.jpg" alt="Tunnel Cave 3-D" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/6229607629/in/set-72157627735504463/" title="Fall Foliage Path" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6227/6229607629_44f06be713_s.jpg" alt="Fall Foliage Path" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/6229608089/in/set-72157627735504463/" title="Fall Foliage Forest" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6113/6229608089_ac84239fe3_s.jpg" alt="Fall Foliage Forest" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/6230126396/in/set-72157627735504463/" title="Charleston Falls overlook 3-D" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6163/6230126396_fdc29ffff9_s.jpg" alt="Charleston Falls overlook 3-D" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><div style="padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/g/images/gallery-empty-icon.gif" style="margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"></div><br clear="all"/></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px"><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/sets/72157627735504463/">Charleston Falls, Autumn 2011</a>, a set on Flickr.</p></div><p><i>Via Flickr:</i><br />Fall foliage colors were reported to be at their peak in our area this weekend (10/7~9/2011). My wife and I chose to visit Charleston Falls on recommendation from a friend. I tried a few more of my 3-D stereo pair images and am happy with the results. Having grown up in areas to the north of Dayton, OH, I was surprised to learn of this place. I'd never heard of it before! It's a beautiful setting with waterfalls, cliffs, and a lot of hiking paths through forest and field settings. Many of the paths, especially near the falls, are old, narrow, and otherwise rather challenging with rocks and tree roots making for uneven footing. Casual walkers with a fear of heights or claustrophobia may not do well here. Footwear with ankle support is recommended, and be sure to watch your step, as some trails are immediately adjacent to steep slopes. Despite concerns about the trails, it's a beautiful site and worth the bearing of it's challenges. We'll certainly be visiting again and may even take the dog with us for a walk on some of the safer trails. Don't miss this place! </p>BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825093.post-13741332053827687002011-05-15T06:00:00.000-04:002011-05-15T06:00:58.607-04:00Sporangia of Stemonitis splendens (a slime mold)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TVNJks4jDJMNxxJcJhncG4dD6XuRCG-n7_Ko4qT7Y3WSbsMrr8X14sVewWhBaFrbQfZ-xReCEpGtzxOoEWYeW3fkorVO9-NC5-oSFkGEPgJVq1x_j58x5Fbxcpx9lJheuSQP3w/s1600/DSCF0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TVNJks4jDJMNxxJcJhncG4dD6XuRCG-n7_Ko4qT7Y3WSbsMrr8X14sVewWhBaFrbQfZ-xReCEpGtzxOoEWYeW3fkorVO9-NC5-oSFkGEPgJVq1x_j58x5Fbxcpx9lJheuSQP3w/s320/DSCF0002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCx5SihCRP3Rsgi5yjHwaZrjMLpWyJP7P0AoopdDm1UokHk0vKxLYOsfhtmcALxXk_BSXwgymT44Gi_eUSNwdBdhE-LTZxUGSaohP8SlZGfloAQtEfvwdigBuFDgkMjtnYLDoKw/s1600/DSCF0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCx5SihCRP3Rsgi5yjHwaZrjMLpWyJP7P0AoopdDm1UokHk0vKxLYOsfhtmcALxXk_BSXwgymT44Gi_eUSNwdBdhE-LTZxUGSaohP8SlZGfloAQtEfvwdigBuFDgkMjtnYLDoKw/s320/DSCF0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>In the course of discovering what it was I'd shot in these photographs I learned some disturbing facts. My research uncovered details of living things I believed to be fiction; things that, nevertheless, jad haunted my childhood and have, conceivably, dimmed my overall life experience ever so slightly. I'll explain...<br />
<br />
First, I have to point out that Stemonitis splendens (Stemonitis sp.) typically does not appear as in my photos. When it runs out of food, or conditions become otherwise unfavorable, it sprouts super-thin black hairs on which brown spore groups grow. The spores eventually fall off and are spread by wind, and possibly other means. I don't know what this slime mold looks like in its normal thriving state. Perhaps it's not very noticeable when it's normal. It only grows sporangia when it must.<br />
<br />
So, Stemonitis sp. is a type of slime mold. There are different forms of slime molds, but this one is particularly disturbing (to me) because it's basically "The Blob" until it becomes hairy, as in my photos.<br />
<br />
I saw the Steve McQueen version of "The Blob" when I was a little kid. The memory of "The Blob" gave me frights as a child when I'd notice shadows under doors and caused me nightmares for many years. The most recent nightmare was just a few years ago... The dream was one of those commonly experienced 'chase' situations that most people have from time to time, in which someone or some 'thing' is after you. Also, "The Blob" ruined my desire to enjoy puddings and gelatins. I'm over that food problem now and will eat such things, but, if I have a choice between pudding/gelatin and anything else, Else always wins.<br />
<br />
So, slime molds (slime/s), like Stemonitis sp., are large single-celled organisms containing multiple nuclei and lacking cell walls. Such organisms are called 'plasmodia' and are made up of protoplasm, the same stuff inside most single cells. They move by pulsating, though I have no idea how they manage to pulse in the first place.<br />
<br />
Stemonitis sp. are different from other molds and fungi in that they do not grow roots into surfaces. Rooting would hinder their ability to move about in search of food. They creep along, blob-like, enveloping bits and pieces of organic matter and 'consuming' those bits. Unlike "The Blob" they do not subsist on living matter, but may pass over living plants in their search for other organic debris foodstuffs. <br />
<br />
Stemonitis sp. are not edible by humans. Even if they were, they would barely make a decent snack. However, they do provide food for slugs and other creepy crawlies, which will eat just about any debris they find. I often find slugs feasting on the poo residue on scoops we use outside to clean up the yard when our dog has to go #2.<br />
<br />
For the sake of posterity, my first impressions upon seeing the mass of sporing slime were as follows:<br />
I thought that someone had stuck a patch of stringy brown fuzz to the window frame. Why would someone do this? I don't know, but I've seen far more random things than a patch stringy brown fuzz on a windowpane.<br />
<br />
I should mention that, in this sporing state, the slime is not readily visible, perhaps having dried out. I suspect the slime was thriving in our remarkably rainy Spring. Then, the recent day and a half of no rain, plus a wee bit of sunshine, may have dried out the slime enough to cause this batch to go into spore mode.<br />
<br />
The black stems, at first glance, resembled a patch of black velcro to which the stringy brown fuzz was attached. As I leaned in for a closer look I noticed the dusty brown stuff laying on the windowsill beneath and to the side of the fuzz and recognized it as spore dust. Even after discovering that this was a patch of mold I thought it looked like something else. The storefront where this was found had once been home to a dealer of saltwater aquariums, fish, corals, etc. and I considered the sporangia to resemble a sea anemone.<br />
<br />
Spring is a good time for finding many odd things. Later, in the evening of the same day, I found a large Cleopatra moth at a local convenience store. I have photos of it to post as well.<br />
<br />
I hope this information will be of use to someone else in the future.<br />
<br />
Thanks to <a href="http://www.messiah.edu/Oakes/fungi_on_wood/club%20and%20coral/species%20pages/Stemonitis.htm">http://www.messiah.edu/Oakes/fungi_on_wood/club%20and%20coral/species%20pages/Stemonitis.htm</a> for the scientific details concerning my strange find.BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825093.post-37855497165226592602011-05-03T07:58:00.001-04:002011-05-03T07:58:17.226-04:00Hey Dayton!<div style="padding: 0; overflow: hidden; margin: 0; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/5682902855/in/photostream/" title="Uprooted" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5145/5682902855_c5c31f5bee_s.jpg" alt="Uprooted" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/5683468886/in/photostream/" title="Mushrooms" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5029/5683468886_7277693720_s.jpg" alt="Mushrooms" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/5682901515/in/photostream/" title="Fallen Tree" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5065/5682901515_c2c9f1abdc_s.jpg" alt="Fallen Tree" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/5683468128/in/photostream/" title="Stick House" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5147/5683468128_12205dceb5_s.jpg" alt="Stick House" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/5683467642/in/photostream/" title="Stalag Stalac differences" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5189/5683467642_c61b326657_s.jpg" alt="Stalag Stalac differences" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/5682900181/in/photostream/" title="School's In Session" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/5682900181_cc7bc95c0f_s.jpg" alt="School's In Session" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/5683466484/in/photostream/" title="Children's Discovery Zone" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5148/5683466484_e230eab899_s.jpg" alt="Children's Discovery Zone" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/5683465744/in/photostream/" title="Stick Sculpture" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5185/5683465744_e7f67eb7e3_s.jpg" alt="Stick Sculpture" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/5683465364/in/photostream/" title="Woven Wood" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5021/5683465364_3ea286b9fb_s.jpg" alt="Woven Wood" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/5683464782/in/photostream/" title="Strange Landscape" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5225/5683464782_25c3ee05da_s.jpg" alt="Strange Landscape" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/5683464294/in/photostream/" title="Well Trimmed" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5148/5683464294_049319a8b4_s.jpg" alt="Well Trimmed" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/5683463736/in/photostream/" title="Tarnished Arches" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5030/5683463736_a5ec4611c7_s.jpg" alt="Tarnished Arches" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/5682896239/in/photostream/" title="Over and Under" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5021/5682896239_6b06c8660c_s.jpg" alt="Over and Under" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/5682895661/in/photostream/" title="Roberta strolling" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5145/5682895661_b3a3881be7_s.jpg" alt="Roberta strolling" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/5682894935/in/photostream/" title="One of Four" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5070/5682894935_f9de593ac9_s.jpg" alt="One of Four" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/5683461450/in/photostream/" title="Uptight" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5065/5683461450_c2619bd8e3_s.jpg" alt="Uptight" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/5683461252/in/photostream/" title="Reflecting on Reflection" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/5683461252_3ba1617c55_s.jpg" alt="Reflecting on Reflection" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/5683460676/in/photostream/" title="No Painted Lady" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5181/5683460676_ce02679e46_s.jpg" alt="No Painted Lady" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/5682893241/in/photostream/" title="Elven Dwellings" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5682893241_55928af287_s.jpg" alt="Elven Dwellings" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/5682892751/in/photostream/" title="DSCF0021" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5070/5682892751_dbe8cc7689_s.jpg" alt="DSCF0021" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/5683458716/in/photostream/" title="Choose a Side" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5188/5683458716_42bd0962a1_s.jpg" alt="Choose a Side" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/5682891339/in/photostream/" title="Narrow Pass" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5682891339_6179e4db1a_s.jpg" alt="Narrow Pass" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/5683457248/in/photostream/" title="Columns" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5683457248_4258a5a540_s.jpg" alt="Columns" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/5682889929/in/photostream/" title="Inside Outside" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5029/5682889929_aeaf2f6eeb_s.jpg" alt="Inside Outside" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px"><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb_ultra/">kb.ultra's photostream</a> on Flickr.</p></div><p>Patrick Dougherty Woven Wood Scupture!<br />Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark has a new attraction. Photos don't do it, or the park, justice. Go see it for yourself!</p>BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825093.post-89349993896270773872011-05-03T06:47:00.000-04:002011-05-03T06:47:45.565-04:00Limberger PSA - A WarningI love cheese. Not just in the cultural sense, but in the edible sense. I love to try cheeses I've never had before.<br />
<br />
One day, about a year ago, a friendly clerk at the grocery store had samples of Limberger.<br />
I've seen enough cartoon Limberger gags to know that it was probably fairly potent stuff, so I tricked myself into disbelieving Tom & Jerry. I convinced myself that it couldn't be so bad, and that I shouldn't allow cartoons to deprive me of a life experience. As it turned out the cartoons were right.<br />
I was Wile E. Coyote ordering another fine ACME product. My palate paid the price, falling to it's apparent death. And, just like Wile E. Coyote, as my taste buds begin to rise from the impact crater, a boulder of Limberger memory comes crashing down to ruin a good day and add insult to the "injury". The cartoons were right! I'm sure you'd rather not imprint your face in a frying pan; so too, you do not want to try Limberger cheese.<br />
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When it comes to Limberger, I can't stress this enough, <b>DO NOT EAT IT. DO NOT EVEN TASTE IT.</b> I mean that with all my being. It's not a warning, not merely a request, but a Commandment.<br />
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Limberger tastes like the combined scents of month old used cat litter, on a plate of fresh bird droppings, with a severed decaying hobo foot for garnish.<br />
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Limberger will not kill you, but it will haunt your tastebuds for eternity, really. <b>NEVER, EVER PUT LIMBERGER CHEESE ANYWHERE NEAR YOUR MOUTH</b>. And if anyone else tries to tell you it's not all that bad, make them eat it first. They won't. You'll know them for a liar, and you have a duty to punch them square in the face.<br />
<br />
<br />
Limberger really is that bad. FACTS: This is not a matter of personal taste. Limberger cheese is not an acquired taste, like oysters or caviar. It's not a flavor that you will grow to appreciate. I believe Limberger cheese exists only to create a market for gourmet dog poop!<br />
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People get struck by lightning and live, but there ain't a'one of them that'll suggest you try getting struck by lightning for yourself. Limberger is just like that.<br />
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Limberger is the worst thing I've ever experienced that didn't cause me any physical harm, but the random phantom-smells and taste memory of the experience is still with me over a year later. I have Limberger PTSD!<br />
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If you feed a prisoner Limberger cheese, their lawyer will probably get them freed on grounds of cruel and unusual punishment.<br />
<br />
Limberger is really that bad. Like a cobra snake bite, just believe Limberger is bad. Don't find out for yourself.<br />
<br />
Thank YouBonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825093.post-80974720240485330782011-04-07T14:25:00.001-04:002011-04-07T14:25:32.966-04:00Photo Blogging<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZWpmA4GpvaVORtvM96ZWklzQaEuX8UgTvg6VVMeXe0FEG9sRzIa8lKZ0Atp9WLbJwZ4Ux0JHv_bhjcBnZLaTlm49gREKpBQtHmexw7KZXvdLnsFgA-S8TRBN5GDl6jFb1-2JDw/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDAxMjQtMjAxMDEyMjktMTQ1OC5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-732967"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZWpmA4GpvaVORtvM96ZWklzQaEuX8UgTvg6VVMeXe0FEG9sRzIa8lKZ0Atp9WLbJwZ4Ux0JHv_bhjcBnZLaTlm49gREKpBQtHmexw7KZXvdLnsFgA-S8TRBN5GDl6jFb1-2JDw/s400/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDAxMjQtMjAxMDEyMjktMTQ1OC5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-732967" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592909564510696370" /></a></p>Some years ago, maybe more than a handful, there was a very friendly community of people using a site called TextAmerica - TA, for short. Pre-MySpace, TA was a 'first generation' site. It's sole purpose was to do something quite uncommon at the time; place photos and text together online, from your phone! Soon, TA added video and "vlogging" became an option as well. Many photos of pets, brewskis, dinner plates, and local landmarks later, here's a picture of my cat, as this nostalgic reminiscence of newness gone stale comes to an end. It's worth remembering how we got to here and considering the who what when where and why of it all. 'Tis the will of Samson Kitteh.<br>Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerryBonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825093.post-79672020458423814162011-03-09T11:03:00.064-05:002011-03-11T03:40:31.183-05:00Fun with #ChangeLoveToLubeSongsI don't spend a lot of time on Twitter. I like Twitter. I appreciate Twitter. However, short bursts of communication only get us so far. Fortunately, I'm a huge fan of well-done short-form works. Limericks, Haiku, bumper stickers, T-shirts, and Tweets can all be extremely funny, thought provoking, controversial, and even important and/or meaningful forms of word-play. This post, as you might have gathered from the title, is focused primarily on humor. As with many humorous endeavors, there can be found a grain of truth, or a spark for waxing philosophic.<br />
<br />
Tuesday night, while checking in on Twitter, I took a look at the Trending Topics. Hashtag #changelovetolubesongs was at the top of the list. The idea is to change the word Love to the word Lube in song titles. Thus, The Beatles' "All You Need is Love" becomes "All You Need is Lube".<br />
<br />
Seems simple enough, but I found many of these to have layers of meaning waiting to be discovered. Much of it depends on what your mind brings along, much like in Tuesday's episode of Glee; in which the naĆve school counselor chooses the song "Afternoon Delight" as a wholesome tune for the Celibacy Club to perform - because she thought it was about a refreshing snack on a 4th of July afternoon. So you see, "All You Need is Lube" by The Beatles is funny, but might be funnier still if one's mind is "polluted" enough to include masturbation euphemisms derived from the band's name. It was in my neurons! LOL<br />
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OK, so, I LOVE word games and couldn't resist following the hashtag for a bit. A lot of titles are obvious and get repeated often. Other ideas just aren't very good. I wasn't impressed with the majority of posts I found, and at the same time, I had a few of my own ideas, but was unwilling to participate (I was at work, signed in on my work account - one should at least attempt a professional demeanor). On the other hand, I wasn't willing to let this fun find go un-noticed, so I posted a Tweet about #changelovetolubesongs and how funny I thought it was, knowing it would serve as a reminder to me later. And yet, I couldn't wait until later...<br />
<br />
I started scrolling through the song titles on my iPod and found a lot of gems. I also found that I had some duplicate songs as performed by different artists. This led to the realization that the artist/group performing one of these songs could either add or detract from the humor in various ways. Consider any Love/Lube song as performed by The Cars ("Looking for Lube" & "This Could be Lube"). Cars require lubrication. It's not even a dirty joke any more! And, the twist can still put a smile on your face. :-)<br />
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Because of the recent Valentine's Day, and my personal inclination toward the romantic, there happen to be a lot of Love-titled songs on my iPod. Below is the full list of songs actually on my iPod when I found the hashtag. All are funny, some hilarious, a few awkward items, others downright philosophical, and some that might be gross. I now leave my list and the meme in your capable, and possibly slippery, hands:<br />
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All My Lube - Led Zeppelin<br />
All You Need is Lube - The Beatles<br />
Beat Out My Lube - The Cramps<br />
The Book Lubers - Broadcast<br />
Can You Feel the Lube - Candy Flip<br />
Crazy Lube - Van Morrison<br />
Crazy Lube, Vol. II - Paul Simon<br />
Creatures of Lube - The Talking Heads<br />
Crimson & Cluber - Joan Jett & the Blackhearts<br />
Dominated Lube Slave - Green Day<br />
Double Shot (of My Baby's Lube) - The Swingin' Medallions<br />
Exotica/Voodoo Lube - Martin Denny<br />
Forbidden Zone: Lube Theme - Danny Elfman<br />
Genius of Lube - The Tom Tom Club<br />
Get Down, Make Lube - Queen<br />
The Glory of Lube - The Dukes of Dixieland<br />
Good Old-fashioned Luber Boy - Queen<br />
Hello, I Lube You/Touch Me - The Lettermen<br />
Hold on to Your Lube - Neil Young<br />
I'm in the Mood for Lube - Jackie Gleason<br />
I Can't Believe that You're in Lube with Me - The John Buzon Trio<br />
I Lube You (Miss Robot) - The Buggles<br />
I Need Your Lube - NRG<br />
Indian Lube Call - Slim Whitman<br />
Isle of Lube - Martin Denny<br />
It's the Lube - The Tasties<br />
Lay All Your Lube on Me - Information Society<br />
Little Thing Called Lube - Neil Young<br />
The Look of Lube - Billy May<br />
The Look of Lube - Dusty Springfield<br />
The Look of Lube - Susanna Hoffs<br />
Looking for Lube - The Cars<br />
Lube Catalog - Bassomatic<br />
Lube Dance - Les Baxter<br />
Lube Goddess of Venus - The Ventures<br />
Lube is Stronger than Justice (The Munificent Seven) - Sting<br />
Lube on a Farmboy's Wages - XTC<br />
Lube Theme from TRON - Wendy Carlos<br />
Lubefool - The Cardigans<br />
Lubely Head - Goldfrapp<br />
Luber - Richard Marino & his Orchestra<br />
Lust to Lube - The Go-Gos<br />
The Magic Piper (of Lube) - Edwyn Collins<br />
Message of Lube - The Pretenders<br />
Moments in Lube - The Art of Noise<br />
My Lube - Paul McCartney & Wings<br />
Mysteries of Lube - Julee Cruise<br />
Native Lube - The Enchanters<br />
Our Lube is Here to Stay - Dave Grusin<br />
Pool of Lube - Les Baxter<br />
Sea of Lube - The Honeydrippers<br />
So in Lube - K.D. Laing<br />
Space Age Lube Song - A Flock of Seagulls<br />
Talking 'Bout My Lube - James Hunter<br />
This Could be Lube - The Cars<br />
This Guy's in Lube with You - Gene Chandler<br />
What is Lube? - Deee-Lite<br />
What the World Needs Now is Lube - Burt Bacharach/The Posies<br />
When a Man Lubes a Woman - Percy Sledge<br />
When Lube Comes to Town - U2 with B.B. King<br />
Who Do You Lube? - The Woolies<br />
Who Do You Lube? - George Thorogood & the Delaware Destroyers<br />
Wicked Lube - Bassomatic<br />
Xtabay (Lure of the Unknown Lube) - Yma Sumac/Les BaxterBonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825093.post-22475168490244858722010-12-25T22:35:00.001-05:002010-12-25T22:35:44.101-05:00TRON Assault on MCP board game 1981<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbewyYeUaSmeNbPIpKk4vqnZkiEu3ElnW1UEgvO-xkv0HHVZVcnlkIukUpVx-5JYY8MPutSTPhqxIxJLF0Omz4wSx5IU88-Qv04lJ4B6ACj98Z-Fmk8BfB8Si5gkX3yx4azaIkw/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDAxMjItMjAxMDEyMjUtMjIzMS5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-744102"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbewyYeUaSmeNbPIpKk4vqnZkiEu3ElnW1UEgvO-xkv0HHVZVcnlkIukUpVx-5JYY8MPutSTPhqxIxJLF0Omz4wSx5IU88-Qv04lJ4B6ACj98Z-Fmk8BfB8Si5gkX3yx4azaIkw/s400/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDAxMjItMjAxMDEyMjUtMjIzMS5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-744102" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554829577279216898" /></a></p>Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerryBonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825093.post-23832254804406100732010-12-15T17:49:00.002-05:002010-12-18T18:51:12.165-05:00Holiday Season with The Flash<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQX2hNOsPNMsKtsyvfv701uYWoaHENeIwLmC2e-lRNfCSxvPIWqFvkm74NG4tBIEm4nTTLsz8EYzDXGIiH4IToRxWSEebzB_U_h1rYQUegtP_wyU2JxRUrhLkvlXBa_Bw4k3OqOQ/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDAxMDQtMjAxMDEyMTUtMTc0MS5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-785862"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551045028370160786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQX2hNOsPNMsKtsyvfv701uYWoaHENeIwLmC2e-lRNfCSxvPIWqFvkm74NG4tBIEm4nTTLsz8EYzDXGIiH4IToRxWSEebzB_U_h1rYQUegtP_wyU2JxRUrhLkvlXBa_Bw4k3OqOQ/s400/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDAxMDQtMjAxMDEyMTUtMTc0MS5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-785862" /></a></div>Reminding us of the craziness this time of year can bring. Slow down and enjoy time with friends and family.BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825093.post-86193980892681346022010-10-21T22:15:00.000-04:002010-10-21T22:15:37.630-04:00The Ghosts of Hauntfests Past (my Boo-N-Brew photo galleries)The Oregon Historic District/Oregon Arts District in Dayton, Ohio has been host to the famous Hauntfest Halloween Party (formerly known as Boo-N-Brew) on the stretch of East Fifth Street between Patterson Boulevard and Wayne Avenue for many years.<br />
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Late October weather in Dayton is quite fickle. Hauntfest has seen all kinds of weather. We've lingered in the street sporting costumes with short sleeves and we've wished we had on thermal underwear while watching a KISS tribute band perform in the snow. I can't tell what weather will face us this year, or what my costume will be, yet, but I'll be out and about with my camera, once again recording some of the fun and adventure.<br />
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2010 marks the 25th Anniversary of this (in?)famous event. My friends and family have enjoyed many of them, many more than are represented in the photos below.<br />
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If you find yourself in any of these images please let me know in the comments here or in their Picasa galleries. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/khbonnett/2009Hauntfest?feat=directlink">2009</a> - <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/khbonnett/20081025Haunfest?feat=directlink">2008</a> - <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/khbonnett/2007OregonDistrictHauntfest?feat=directlink">2007</a> - <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/khbonnett/2006OregonDistrictHauntfest?feat=directlink">2006</a> - <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/khbonnett/2005_1030Halloween?feat=directlink">2005</a> - <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/khbonnett/BooNBrew2004?feat=directlink">2004</a> - <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/khbonnett/ManyHalloweensAgo?feat=directlink">earlier</a>BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0Oregon, Dayton, OH, USA39.757137682928494 -84.18331861495971739.7561066829285 -84.185142614959716 39.758168682928492 -84.181494614959718tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825093.post-14629509726516699012010-07-31T06:07:00.000-04:002010-07-31T06:07:23.043-04:00Internet DisappointsRecent stories about financial investments by Google and the CIA in a company called Recorded Future have spawned no comparison that I can find, as of this writing, to Hari Seldon's science of psychohistory as described in Isaac Asimov's science fiction novel "Foundation". I'm rather ashamed of you, Internets.BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825093.post-77473814237006434712010-07-18T03:22:00.002-04:002010-07-18T04:09:07.874-04:00Foodies, you may never see your meals the same way again...<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://insideinsides.blogspot.com/">http://insideinsides.blogspot.com/</a></span><br />
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Inside Insides is a small collection fruits and vegetables rendered as black & white <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animated_GIF#Animated_.gif">animated .gif</a> files created from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MRI">Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)</a> scans.<br />
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<br />
<i><b>These images are </b></i><i><b>amazing, beautiful, disturbing, and thought provoking</b></i>. <br />
To me this project seems, in some way, kin to the photographic motion studies of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muybridge">Eadweard Muybridge</a>.<br />
<br />
Together, they could be used as <i><b>a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rorschach_test">Rorschach test</a> for the 21st century! </b></i><br />
The humble tomato becomes nuclear plasma, watermelons are fractal generators, broccoli as migraine optical effects, and more.<br />
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Some are hypnotic. A few appear to have been positioned to achieve some small artistic effect. I only wish they'd been assembled in a way that alleviated the little visual jolt at the beginning/end when each animation loops. Despite any alleged "flaws" I may think I perceive, these things are mind-blowing. Do not hesitate to check them out.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy!!! </span>BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825093.post-65872957070746361222010-06-21T01:00:00.001-04:002010-06-27T23:38:56.142-04:00"The Truth About Ninjas" from Skinny White Chick's BlogI have a handful of <a href="http://www.google.com/alerts/">Google Alerts</a> for a variety of things of personal interest. One alert is for the words "burlesque" and "Dayton" in the hope of finding sexy and humorous events that I might attend in my area.<br />
<br />
Naturally, I have to spend some time separating the the useful alerts out of the lot, but I find it worth the trouble. Good alerts are are always welcome, bad alerts get deleted, but the search often turns up odd little gems like this, <a href="http://www.skinnywhitechick.com/blog.php?Blog_ID=219">"The Truth About Ninjas" from Skinny White Chick - Blog</a><br />
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As always, Enjoy!BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825093.post-82076859769525937492010-05-19T03:31:00.002-04:002010-05-19T03:46:52.737-04:00BonK's Burly-Q Blitzkrieg! A DCA: BotG-G SpecialTOMORROW NIGHT<br />
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As you may have heard <span style="font-size: x-small;">[from me*]</span>, <i>Casino O'Fortune Cookie Productions</i> will bring their NYC Burly-Q show "<b><a href="http://www.burlesqueonthegogo.com/Home.html">Dangerous Curves Ahead: Burlesque on the Go-Go</a></b>" to <b><a href="http://www.gillysjazz.com/">Gilly's Jazz Night Club</a></b> in <b>Dayton, Ohio</b> on <b>May 5th, 2010</b> for the low, low price of <b>$10.00</b>!<br />
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The tour originated in New York City and D-town is the first stop along the way, with the third show in Columbus on Friday night! Check <a href="http://www.burlesqueonthegogo.com/">http://www.burlesqueonthegogo.com</a> for details. Video links below!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.burlesqueonthegogo.com/"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJv-_EPvjHr3Fez4jamE-Z0vvLeCokOVWZeqgT3c-RSrUCEe_0Pdfr-8w7yh_LSKuSWrKPm3pIOf05cFqDw643KSnfeFtDh-KZrMbfueXthi1eAuPS03I437mzYkh3gouGMgCDDg/s640/Dangerous+Curves+cards.JPG" width="603" /></a></div><br />
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One detail you may not have encountered... the crew mentioned in the above image will be joined by Miss Champagne Shock!<br />
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I thought you'd like a hint of what's in store... Here are some clips from thier previous projects:<br />
Returning "Champion" <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Clams+Casino+burlesque&aq=f">Clams Casino</a>, and her Go-Go pals, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Anita+Cookie+burlesque&aq=f">Anita Cookie</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=GiGi+La+Femme+burlesque&aq=f">GiGi La Femme</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Darlinda+Just+Darlinda+burlesque&aq=f">Darlinda Just Darlinda</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Minnie+Tonka+burlesque&aq=f">Minnie Tonka</a>, with their guest <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Champagne+Shock+burlesque&aq=f">Champagne Shock</a>!<br />
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Clams was here last year on the "<a href="http://monstersofburlesque.com/Home.html">Monsters of Burlesque</a>" tour; a short but sweet affair that gave me my first taste of live burlesque. If you'd like to see my photos from that show, check out my <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/khbonnett/MonstersOfBurlesque#">Picasa</a> gallery.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">I hope to see you at Gilly's on Thursday night at 8 PM for the Dayton stop of "</span><b style="color: red;"><i>Dangerous Curves Ahead: Burlesque on the Go-Go!</i></b><span style="color: red;">" Just <i><b>$10.00</b></i>! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Some of my feeds:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Twitter - <a href="http://twitter.com/bonkh">BonKH</a> / <a href="http://twitter.com/bonnettsbooks">BonnettsBooks</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: xx-small;">MySpace - <a href="http://www.myspace.com/mr_bs_ballroom">BonK!</a> / <a href="http://www.myspace.com/bonnetts_books">=[BONNETT'S]=</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/khbonnett">Kevin Bonnett</a> / <a href="http://www.facebook.com/bonnetts">Bonnett's Bookstore</a></span></li>
</ul>BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825093.post-82473820579285860302010-04-02T03:00:00.001-04:002010-04-02T03:02:13.837-04:00Strange but fascinating - Urinal.netWhile watching "<a href="http://www.nbc.com/the-marriage-ref/">The Marriage Ref</a>" with my wife I learned of a man who wanted to install a urinal in his home. His wife, predictably, objected. <br />
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"The Marriage Ref" is a light-hearted and often very funny show executive-produced by Jerry Seinfeld. The show features arguing couples who set their disagreements up before a celebrity panel. The panel briefly discusses the merits of both parties and chooses a side. Sometimes they find a middle ground and tell the couple to compromise. There are usually four couples/arguments per episode.<br />
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This week, Kirstie Alley, Jimmy Fallon, and Sheryl Crow debated the issues. The celebrity panel changes from week to week and is typically made up of people affiliated with NBC. A fifth person, the show's fact-checker, has some background information about the argument and sits with a laptop near the panel, searching the Web for additional information related to the arguments. <br />
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I was surprised when Sheryl and Kirstie thought the guy should get his urinal, but Jimmy and show host Tom Papa disagreed. The host gets the final say, no matter how the voting goes, so the guy didn't get his urinal. However, during the discussion they mentioned he's been shopping around for the perfect pot for many years. The fact-checker provided some sidebar info regarding the wide variety of basic urinal choices available to the world at large.<br />
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The various styles presented on the show reminded me of some odd pissers I'd seen around the Internet in years past. I did a quick search of my own and found <a href="http://www.urinal.net/">Urinal.net</a>. There are some very odd and truly classic urinals in the world. I'm sure we're all familiar with the trough style found in some arenas and bars, <br />
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Once you finish reading this page, <a href="http://www.urinal.net/rothesay/">Rothesay</a> (including a bit of possible, though unlikely, pop music history), just click the Home button at the bottom of the page to see more of the world's greatest pots to piss in.<br />
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Rothesay was found on this list of the Top 10 Most Fascinating Urinals, according to Urinal.net. My personal favorite was their #10 of Number Ones, <a href="http://www.urinal.net/the_felix/">The Felix</a>. The Top 10 list can be found at the following link. It opens in a pop-up window that, in turn, opens it's links back in your browser. Relax and enjoy.<br />
<a href="http://www.urinal.net/topfive.html#">Urinal.net Top 10</a>BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825093.post-13518594970004312342010-03-29T03:21:00.002-04:002010-03-29T03:47:31.206-04:00McFarlane Toys ALIEN 3-D Movie Poster light bulb replacement (How To)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhr4rmPyJOZHxCPTQ7kMJsvAE4Oy4MNb8PNq2l-QFQlSKU8BYkwyjABsXvTO1aGppG8C5DauJIuI9uU3wxyH5V5LJ1dIuS1D141HKrphP4mwqv6UCczIH8A2KBPL9otKvId85WYw/s1600/DSCF0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhr4rmPyJOZHxCPTQ7kMJsvAE4Oy4MNb8PNq2l-QFQlSKU8BYkwyjABsXvTO1aGppG8C5DauJIuI9uU3wxyH5V5LJ1dIuS1D141HKrphP4mwqv6UCczIH8A2KBPL9otKvId85WYw/s400/DSCF0002.JPG" width="398" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've been a fan of the movie ALIEN since <i>before</i> it came out, thanks to fan mags like Starlog back in the 70's. So, A few years ago my son bought me this pretty sweet ALIEN 3-D Movie Poster made by McFarlane Toys.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBrpvvZJ_VjI9yh-A-AQeYzGpDc7clu7n3SxjJ2ayiDKY5OC6JmUWqrkIoyOhsRPy6jQLHECYgMYWMmmO-eJ6ddvNoTDUhyphenhyphenmTuYRju1jq0Qt_MpIM_bB6SF8n2vw4O9WlvZJ3HA/s1600/DSCF0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBrpvvZJ_VjI9yh-A-AQeYzGpDc7clu7n3SxjJ2ayiDKY5OC6JmUWqrkIoyOhsRPy6jQLHECYgMYWMmmO-eJ6ddvNoTDUhyphenhyphenmTuYRju1jq0Qt_MpIM_bB6SF8n2vw4O9WlvZJ3HA/s200/DSCF0002.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><br />
McFarlane has a line of these 3-D items, but I think this is the only one that lights up. There's space behind the white text block at the bottom for two AA batteries that power a lightbulb behind the egg. When the light is on there's a nice eerie glow emanating from the cracks in the ALIEN egg. The switch is a protruding push-button on the lower right side of the frame. <br />
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McFarlane Toys are known for their attention to detail regarding the iconic items they produce. I frequently find nuisance issues with their products, but McFarlane Toys are so good overall that they're worth a little suffering. This is one such tale of temporary despair.<br />
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When my son presented me with this little gem I didn't immediately have a place to display it. I tucked it alongside a shelf near my desk for safekeeping until I could give it proper placement. We had already removed the poster from it's box to get a better look at it and we failed to secure it as it was when purchased, with twist ties running through the back panel. Alas, the poster was stowed in such a manner as to apply sufficient force to the push-button switch that the light was activated. Since the package was facing the side of a shelf the dim green glow was not evident, even in the dark.<br />
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When I was ready to display the poster I found the light wouldn't come on. I changed the batteries. No joy. I tried another set of batteries. Phooey. "It must be the light bulb" I thought, and I turned the thing around to try and find an access point for the bulb. I couldn't find any obvious way in. There are a number of screws on the back panel, which I removed, only to determine that the back panel is glued firmly in place, which in turn caused me to wonder why the product has screws at all. Then I tested the egg.<br />
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Engineers know that egg shapes are surprisingly resistant to pressure from end to end, and I found that to be the case with this soft plastic ALIEN version. The sides would flex but not the point or base. I believed there might be a lip located at the top and bottom of the egg, clipping it to the frame, but no matter how hard I tried I couldn't release those imagined plastic latches. Over the years I've managed to break or ding a few treasures by trying a little <i>too</i> hard to repair them, so I turned to the Internet. After about an hour of searching, which included the McFarlane Toys site, I failed to find any useful information.<br />
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I gave up any repair attempts, fearing I might damage the gift from my son. So, now it was late, I was tired and frustrated, and I decided to put the thing away and go to bed, slightly disappointed that I wouldn't have a working display on his next visit.<br />
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A few weeks later my son called me up and informed me that he had purchased one of these things for himself too! His light had also burned out, but he, being a brash youth, was more willing to apply force, and found that the egg could be removed by simply pulling it away from the panel on which it was mounted. Hurray!<br />
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<br />
Now, even when you know how one of these things is built, their materials and details are easily damaged by carelessness. Use gentle force when attempting this repair. Very often with such detail oriented items, I've found that removeable/replaceable features are not as they should be, primarily due to issues regarding the paints. It seems these toys are assembled before the paint is fully dried, creating joints and parts to stick when they should not, or that the paint creates a layer thick enough to interfere with an items design specs.<br />
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<b>So here's what we found.</b> Three pins hold the egg in place. One pin near the top seems to be fixed to the egg itself. The other two pins are fixed to the back panel and slide into corresponding holes near the bottom of the egg.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDCWdvz_zaQ8wAnfyvfB23PpV_jtfsI1ACR8Co_tjGpI8yAQ1EIW2jLn75vXdgc-lWjzB_DU4GhgMeGQvHUSOidUrWU2iHkNJD-cXIz5lWecwEKrRqcRmILGVqKaxD8IaP8G-AQ/s1600/DSCF0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDCWdvz_zaQ8wAnfyvfB23PpV_jtfsI1ACR8Co_tjGpI8yAQ1EIW2jLn75vXdgc-lWjzB_DU4GhgMeGQvHUSOidUrWU2iHkNJD-cXIz5lWecwEKrRqcRmILGVqKaxD8IaP8G-AQ/s320/DSCF0003.JPG" /></a></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6MaBVkkKT4OsXbYTT4pHW4C76jOilTs_Ml4bZjRZ8vdin5ykXJSzHHdmg2WzF59Ta-iFj0TAPyK-4i2qY05lOrB88ZeqNsIMUh7e7218z2dS4yBEPgBF98ZunyNS4plUBtHkeQ/s1600/DSCF0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6MaBVkkKT4OsXbYTT4pHW4C76jOilTs_Ml4bZjRZ8vdin5ykXJSzHHdmg2WzF59Ta-iFj0TAPyK-4i2qY05lOrB88ZeqNsIMUh7e7218z2dS4yBEPgBF98ZunyNS4plUBtHkeQ/s320/DSCF0004.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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1) Carefully grip the sides of the egg (don't squeeze too much, you might damage the matte finish on the back panel or cause the egg's materials to separate or the paint to flake).<br />
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2) Pull the egg away from the back panel. Some folks may find that a little tiny bit of wiggling helps, but avoid as much side-to-side or top-to-bottom pressure as you can because you might snap one or more of the pins.<br />
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3) Once you've replaced the bulb the egg should simply slide right back into it's secure place.<br />
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NOTES:<br />
a) The protruding side-mounted push-button light switch is a design flaw, but was probably the most cost effective choice for McFarlane Toys. The poster has a single hole in the back for a hanger, meaning that turning the light off and on is liable to cause it to move and require straightening. If this matte black frame rubs too much against a light colored wall, it WILL leave a mark. Consider applying tiny felt sticky pads to the back of the poster near the corners.<br />
b) I've considered replacing the cheap incadescent bulb with an LED, but I don't honestly feel I'm up to the project at this time.<br />
c) Please use rechargeable batteries whenever possible. I've had a set of four Panasonic AA's for my digital camera since Autumn of 2003 and haven't experienced any noticeable decline in performance in those nearly seven years.<br />
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Good luck if you find yourself needing this page. Please let me know if you've found the information useful.<br />
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<div style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image text reproduced here for easier searching:</span></div><div style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">How many fanboys does it take to change a lightbulb? Two. One to burn it out, and the other to put his collectible at risk. Repairing your McFarlane ALIEN 3-D Movie Poster. Pin Hole 2 Pins Light Bulb</span></div>BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825093.post-49348611404222486402010-02-26T04:52:00.001-05:002010-06-27T23:43:56.118-04:00Learning while Building with ToysWhen I was a little kid I wanted to be an architect. At that time, all I knew about architects was that they made cool buildings, and that's what I wanted to do. I always had a thing for places and spaces and I do still, but it goes deeper, because it has to. There's no point in places without We the People to occupy them.<br />
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What's the coolest place? The Batcave, without a doubt, but it's a cave; a space, not a work of architecture. By association, Wayne Manor might then be the coolest place, but no. Wayne Manor is a stuffy old manse built primarily to impress. Even it's primary occupant, Bruce Wayne, remarks on the stodgy and overblown nature of the place, while dining with Vicki Vale in Tim Burton's "Batman". How cool would Batman be if he was a minimum wage employee who's HQ was a basement, garage, or a shed in the back yard? Cool places for cool people; that was my childhood thinking.<br />
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Childlike thoughts or not, I knew that structures are designed to serve human needs. Wayne Manor's design serves the need of vanity; displaying it's owner's wealth as a symbol of success, power, and influence. It's form serves it's function. The Batcave however, is a predetermined space. It's function is a result of it's form; A secret, hidden place, configured by, and to serve the needs of, the Dark Knight.<br />
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But, that's enough of the comic-book geekery. Batman's and other heroes' headquarters are likely largely responsible for my interest in structures and design. However, I always had a tendency to ponder the purpose and layout of more mundane locations, my childhood home in particular. I don't really know where my design-related leanings were spawned, but I do know they were encouraged by my playthings.<br />
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Lego bricks were an endless wonder, but the older versions could be frustrating. They were made of a different stuff than today's Legos, and had a tendency to fit too well for little kid hands to pull apart. I remember using my teeth as clamps often, sometimes causing injury to my gums and/or lips in the process, and very sore fingers in cases when teeth weren't quite required. Oh, also, blood blisters, from getting pinched between bricks. For the record, none of the aforementioned problems seem to exist with today's Lego bricks.<br />
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My brother and I also had Lincoln Logs, Erector Sets, and, while I don't remember owning any, I know we played with Tinkertoys somewhere along the line. Perhaps some of these toys weren't architectural, per se, but they did require some forethought. Re-designs were common upon learning that a certain structure wouldn't serve it's intended purpose. These early engineering experiments gave me a useful grasp of concepts I still use today,* more often than I realize, until I spend time, as I am now, thinking about it.<br />
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The point of all this blather is that I've found a site all about Architectural Toys. The man who runs the site must be some sort of kindred spirit. It's an amazing effort. If you're inclined to check it out, I'm sure you'll find many things you remember and some more that you have forgotten. Enjoy the site!<br />
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Check out <a href="http://www.architoys.net/index.html">Architoys - Jackie Britton's Home Page</a> and look for the <a href="http://www.architoys.net/toys/toylist1.html">A-Z listing</a> of Architectural Toys.<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">*Some of my best engineering and design lessons were learned from a toy line not mentioned on the ArchiToys site, but Hot Wheels aren't architectural in nature. Even so, the building and rebuilding of tracks to achieve faster races, farther jumps, and longer runs was some of the most educational free time I spent as a kid. Bonus: Cool cars!</span>BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825093.post-5053734742264003442010-01-04T01:23:00.000-05:002010-01-04T01:23:48.353-05:00(not actually) A Picture A Day - December 2009Collecting some of my photos from December 2009, featuring Santa Pub Crawl. Enjoy!<br />
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<object width="660" height="525"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/CkAkl84XiIo&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/CkAkl84XiIo&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="660" height="525"></embed></object>BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10825093.post-419525904425417382009-12-24T02:16:00.000-05:002009-12-24T02:16:45.080-05:00All I Want for Christmas (Is to Rock!)MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!<br />
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Click <a href="http://www.nerdist.com/2009/12/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-to-rock/">here</a> to visit Chris' blog to get the free download of this track.<br />
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SNIPER feat. Chris Hardwick<br />
All I Want for Christmas (Is to Rock!)<br />
<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="418" id="VideoPlayerLg43376" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://g4tv.com/lv3/43376" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed src="http://g4tv.com/lv3/43376" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="VideoPlayer" width="480" height="382" allowScriptAccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" /></embed></object><br />
<div style="color: #ff9b00; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0pt; text-align: center; width: 480px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://g4tv.com/" style="color: #ff9b00;" target="_blank">Video Games</a> - <a href="http://g4tv.com/e32010" style="color: #ff9b00;" target="_blank">E3 2010</a> - <a href="http://g4tv.com/attackoftheshow/comedy/index.html" style="color: #ff9b00;" target="_blank">Comedy</a> <br />
</div></div>Video linked from <a href="http://www.g4tv.com">G4TV.com</a>BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0