SparkLog 1524 is a blog of remarkably small proportions. It is a personal space where I can rant, rave, ruminate, revise, review, recall, register, and
otherwise talk about, well, what I want to talk about. Look for everything from conversations about photography to a "day in the life" of me to me
going off on items in the news. You can contact me at airdale_photography@yahoo.com.
otherwise talk about, well, what I want to talk about. Look for everything from conversations about photography to a "day in the life" of me to me
going off on items in the news. You can contact me at airdale_photography@yahoo.com.
26 July 2008
| Senator Obama Overseas |
Been a while since I got on and blogged my little heart out. Moving will do that to you. My building is
going to be renovated, so the land lord is not renewing leases. Good news is I’ll be moving across the street
in the same complex, getting a smaller place and saving about $200.00 in rent. Bad news is I have to move.
But who could possibly miss the opportunity this week to comment on a couple of major cultural and
historical events? I mean, come on, Senator Obama’s speech in Germany and the premier of The Dark
Knight. These are watershed events in the life of every American…and I’m only being mildly sarcastic.
I saw the senator’s speech. Give the man credit where credit is due: he knows how to work a crowd.
Obama has that same “common touch” that Reagan and Clinton did (the Bill model, not the Hillary model).
It was a good speech, and he succeeded in looking Presidential.
My problem is not the senator’s overseas trip. No, my problem is my usual issue with those who believe in
coerced income redistribution (in other words, taxing me to pay someone else an “entitlement”).
According to the IRS, 1% of us Americans pay 40% the taxes. That means that 50% or so of the 300 million
people in this country pay no federal tax at all! And the left wing says the wealthy do not pay enough?
Hello! What planet are they on?
It reminds me of the old joke about the college daughter who comes home for summer from her left-wing
university. She spends the holiday berating her business-owning father for not giving away his money and
supporting all the poor in the city. Finally, late in August, her dad asks her about her GPA and her
roommate’s GPA.
“I’ve got a 4.0,” She proudly announces. “I don’t party or drink or anything. I study and I do my work as an
activist, and that’s all.”
“And your roommate?” Her father asks again.
“She’s only got a 2.0,” The daughter says with haughty contempt. “She parties every weekend and spends
most school nights at the bar playing pool.”
“Well,” The father responds thoughtfully, “In the interest of a fair distribution of GPAs, why don’t you have
the registrar take one point from your GPA and give it to your roommate? That way everyone will have an
even 3.0 and there will be no inequity.”
The daughter looks outraged and sputters, “But I’ve worked hard for my GPA!! I’ve earned it! I’m not
going to give what I’ve worked for away to some twit who doesn’t work as hard as I do!”
The father smiles, looks his daughter in the eye and, with great formality, says, “Welcome to the Republican
Party.”
Ok, ok, if you think I’m being sexist, reverse the genders and make it a son and his mother. The point is the
same. I work hard for what I earn; I have no problem paying taxes to make sure roads are fixed and police
are paid, etc. But I would much prefer to choose what needy people I give my money to than having some
suit in Washington, D.C., tell me who to give to.
Knock off raising my taxes until that other 50% of our population are paying their taxes! If not, then you
seriously risk losing my vote. It’s as simple as that.
…Just my thoughts.
going to be renovated, so the land lord is not renewing leases. Good news is I’ll be moving across the street
in the same complex, getting a smaller place and saving about $200.00 in rent. Bad news is I have to move.
But who could possibly miss the opportunity this week to comment on a couple of major cultural and
historical events? I mean, come on, Senator Obama’s speech in Germany and the premier of The Dark
Knight. These are watershed events in the life of every American…and I’m only being mildly sarcastic.
I saw the senator’s speech. Give the man credit where credit is due: he knows how to work a crowd.
Obama has that same “common touch” that Reagan and Clinton did (the Bill model, not the Hillary model).
It was a good speech, and he succeeded in looking Presidential.
My problem is not the senator’s overseas trip. No, my problem is my usual issue with those who believe in
coerced income redistribution (in other words, taxing me to pay someone else an “entitlement”).
According to the IRS, 1% of us Americans pay 40% the taxes. That means that 50% or so of the 300 million
people in this country pay no federal tax at all! And the left wing says the wealthy do not pay enough?
Hello! What planet are they on?
It reminds me of the old joke about the college daughter who comes home for summer from her left-wing
university. She spends the holiday berating her business-owning father for not giving away his money and
supporting all the poor in the city. Finally, late in August, her dad asks her about her GPA and her
roommate’s GPA.
“I’ve got a 4.0,” She proudly announces. “I don’t party or drink or anything. I study and I do my work as an
activist, and that’s all.”
“And your roommate?” Her father asks again.
“She’s only got a 2.0,” The daughter says with haughty contempt. “She parties every weekend and spends
most school nights at the bar playing pool.”
“Well,” The father responds thoughtfully, “In the interest of a fair distribution of GPAs, why don’t you have
the registrar take one point from your GPA and give it to your roommate? That way everyone will have an
even 3.0 and there will be no inequity.”
The daughter looks outraged and sputters, “But I’ve worked hard for my GPA!! I’ve earned it! I’m not
going to give what I’ve worked for away to some twit who doesn’t work as hard as I do!”
The father smiles, looks his daughter in the eye and, with great formality, says, “Welcome to the Republican
Party.”
Ok, ok, if you think I’m being sexist, reverse the genders and make it a son and his mother. The point is the
same. I work hard for what I earn; I have no problem paying taxes to make sure roads are fixed and police
are paid, etc. But I would much prefer to choose what needy people I give my money to than having some
suit in Washington, D.C., tell me who to give to.
Knock off raising my taxes until that other 50% of our population are paying their taxes! If not, then you
seriously risk losing my vote. It’s as simple as that.
…Just my thoughts.
The Dark Knight is one kick-a#! movie.
Heath Ledger’s Joker can in no way be compared to Jack Nicholson’s
Joker back in 1989. Ledger found as unique an approach to the character
as Nicholson did. Both men’s interpretations were brilliant. However,
while Nicholson’s Joker is more fun to watch in all his psychopathic
splendor, Ledger’s Joker is more…real.
It’s all there, the laugh, the purple suit, the green hair and makeup. It’s the
Joker, but he’s completely different. Ledger’s Joker really makes you
understand how terrifying it would be to have such a psychotic individual
in your city. And, in such a case, how one would be wishing for a Batman
to fight him, because none of us could within the law. Only a Batman
operating outside the law could fight a nut like this who recognizes no law
but anarchy.
Ledger’s death, as with all deaths, was a great tragedy. As an actor, the
man had great potential. This film is a fine coda to his life in film; I can
Heath Ledger’s Joker can in no way be compared to Jack Nicholson’s
Joker back in 1989. Ledger found as unique an approach to the character
as Nicholson did. Both men’s interpretations were brilliant. However,
while Nicholson’s Joker is more fun to watch in all his psychopathic
splendor, Ledger’s Joker is more…real.
It’s all there, the laugh, the purple suit, the green hair and makeup. It’s the
Joker, but he’s completely different. Ledger’s Joker really makes you
understand how terrifying it would be to have such a psychotic individual
in your city. And, in such a case, how one would be wishing for a Batman
to fight him, because none of us could within the law. Only a Batman
operating outside the law could fight a nut like this who recognizes no law
but anarchy.
Ledger’s death, as with all deaths, was a great tragedy. As an actor, the
man had great potential. This film is a fine coda to his life in film; I can
| The Dark Knight Rides Again! |
Image courtesy of and copyrighted to
Warner Bros.
Warner Bros.
only pay him the ultimate compliment I can give to any actor: Ledger was so good in the role that you cannot
see Heath Ledger at all, even in the one scene where the Joker takes his makeup off. Ledger was gone; only
the Joker was on screen.
In the last film Gordon tells Batman his fears about escalation, and this film really shows the escalation of the
war the Batman started. Bruce Wayne must comes to grips with the reality that this thing is going to be bigger
and uglier than he ever thought. Christian Bale really makes you see Bruce Wayne’s struggle as he is forced
to choose between enduring the evil the Joker brings or surrendering the fight to provide an immediate relief
to the killings.
I can’t say right now which is the better film, Batman Begins or The Dark Knight. Christopher Nolan
seamlessly picks up this film where Begins left off. It truly feels as though you are simply in the same story,
that it never left off. In the end the Batman proves himself incorruptible, despite the Joker’s best attempts to
change that. But the price he and Gothm must pay is frighteningly high.
Five stars. Go see it.
see Heath Ledger at all, even in the one scene where the Joker takes his makeup off. Ledger was gone; only
the Joker was on screen.
In the last film Gordon tells Batman his fears about escalation, and this film really shows the escalation of the
war the Batman started. Bruce Wayne must comes to grips with the reality that this thing is going to be bigger
and uglier than he ever thought. Christian Bale really makes you see Bruce Wayne’s struggle as he is forced
to choose between enduring the evil the Joker brings or surrendering the fight to provide an immediate relief
to the killings.
I can’t say right now which is the better film, Batman Begins or The Dark Knight. Christopher Nolan
seamlessly picks up this film where Begins left off. It truly feels as though you are simply in the same story,
that it never left off. In the end the Batman proves himself incorruptible, despite the Joker’s best attempts to
change that. But the price he and Gothm must pay is frighteningly high.
Five stars. Go see it.
6 August 2008
| Pelosi Saves the Planet while Mexico Invades! |
Speaker of the House Pelosi wants to save the planet.
That is what she said when asked why she would not
allow a vote in the House about drilling for oil here in
America. Yay. So we Americans preserve the planet
by not using our state-of-the-art technology to cleanly
drill and pump oil. We just send billions of our
dollars over to nations such as Venezuela, Saudi
Arabia, Iran, etc, to buy oil. We let nations who don’t
have near the concern for the environment drill in their
pristine wilderness so we can leave our pristine
wilderness alone. Can anyone say “hypocritical”?
I feel like that guy from “Back to the Future” who
knocked on Marty McFly’s head saying, “Hello,
McFly? Anyone home? Think, McFly, think!” I mean,
come on. Saudi Arabia does not have near the concern
for preserving the planet that we do. Isn’t it more
responsible for us to drill in our own land since we
know we can do it with very little impact? This is not
the 19th Century anymore. We can drill in ANWR
without bothering the polar bears too much.
Oh, and if we drill in our own land, we won’t be
propping up a regime like Saudi Arabia where women
can be burned for being raped and dishonoring their
family. Of course, the rapist is not the one who
dishonors anyone, it’s that evil woman! Sure, let’s
keep buying from them and not support domestic
industry and domestic jobs. Real smart.
Here’s a news flash, Speaker Pelosi: Humans are not
a cancer on the Earth. We are a part of the planet as
much as the polar bear and we are as natural as the
polar bear. Our gift is that we have learned many
ways to mitigate our impact, yes. But that does not
make us “unclean” creatures preying on a peaceful
That is what she said when asked why she would not
allow a vote in the House about drilling for oil here in
America. Yay. So we Americans preserve the planet
by not using our state-of-the-art technology to cleanly
drill and pump oil. We just send billions of our
dollars over to nations such as Venezuela, Saudi
Arabia, Iran, etc, to buy oil. We let nations who don’t
have near the concern for the environment drill in their
pristine wilderness so we can leave our pristine
wilderness alone. Can anyone say “hypocritical”?
I feel like that guy from “Back to the Future” who
knocked on Marty McFly’s head saying, “Hello,
McFly? Anyone home? Think, McFly, think!” I mean,
come on. Saudi Arabia does not have near the concern
for preserving the planet that we do. Isn’t it more
responsible for us to drill in our own land since we
know we can do it with very little impact? This is not
the 19th Century anymore. We can drill in ANWR
without bothering the polar bears too much.
Oh, and if we drill in our own land, we won’t be
propping up a regime like Saudi Arabia where women
can be burned for being raped and dishonoring their
family. Of course, the rapist is not the one who
dishonors anyone, it’s that evil woman! Sure, let’s
keep buying from them and not support domestic
industry and domestic jobs. Real smart.
Here’s a news flash, Speaker Pelosi: Humans are not
a cancer on the Earth. We are a part of the planet as
much as the polar bear and we are as natural as the
polar bear. Our gift is that we have learned many
ways to mitigate our impact, yes. But that does not
make us “unclean” creatures preying on a peaceful
planet. If you think nature is peaceful, go watch a
couple of killer whales play with a seal by batting it
around like a soccer ball before they eat it. Ma’am,
your logic is specious and your reasoning will hold as
much water as “dear Liza’s” bucket (you know, the one
with the hole in it).
Moving on, did you know that Mexico invaded the
United States this week? According to the August 6
edition of the “The Washington Times,” Mexican
soldiers crossed the border into Arizona. These
uniformed soldiers then held a U.S. border guard at
gunpoint until our guy’s backup arrived. This was
reported by Jerry Seper in the article (titled
appropriately enough) “Border patrol agent held at
gunpoint.” These are not drug runners or mercenaries,
but uniformed soldiers of a sovereign nation.
According to Seper’s article, there is a long history of
this type of thing happening over the last decade. If we
did these types of things inside Mexican or Canadian
territory, you can bet it would be all over the news.
But it took me running across a single story that I saw
linked from the “Drudge Report” to learn about this. I’
m used to hearing about our guys having to fight drug
runners and coyotes smuggling illegal immigrants, but
not the Mexican army.
Message to the Presidential candidates and my
congressman and Senator from Florida: I will vote for
no one who does not secure that border. Period.
America is my country. I go to other countries in
accordance to their laws; others will enter my country
according to our laws.
Just my thoughts.
couple of killer whales play with a seal by batting it
around like a soccer ball before they eat it. Ma’am,
your logic is specious and your reasoning will hold as
much water as “dear Liza’s” bucket (you know, the one
with the hole in it).
Moving on, did you know that Mexico invaded the
United States this week? According to the August 6
edition of the “The Washington Times,” Mexican
soldiers crossed the border into Arizona. These
uniformed soldiers then held a U.S. border guard at
gunpoint until our guy’s backup arrived. This was
reported by Jerry Seper in the article (titled
appropriately enough) “Border patrol agent held at
gunpoint.” These are not drug runners or mercenaries,
but uniformed soldiers of a sovereign nation.
According to Seper’s article, there is a long history of
this type of thing happening over the last decade. If we
did these types of things inside Mexican or Canadian
territory, you can bet it would be all over the news.
But it took me running across a single story that I saw
linked from the “Drudge Report” to learn about this. I’
m used to hearing about our guys having to fight drug
runners and coyotes smuggling illegal immigrants, but
not the Mexican army.
Message to the Presidential candidates and my
congressman and Senator from Florida: I will vote for
no one who does not secure that border. Period.
America is my country. I go to other countries in
accordance to their laws; others will enter my country
according to our laws.
Just my thoughts.
8 August 2008
Above: The Black-eyed Susan, Maryland's State
flower. Left: A zebra swallowtail, Tennessee's
state butterfly, visits Maryland. Fran Uhler
Patuxent River Wildlife Research Refuge,
Bowie, MD. July 2008.
flower. Left: A zebra swallowtail, Tennessee's
state butterfly, visits Maryland. Fran Uhler
Patuxent River Wildlife Research Refuge,
Bowie, MD. July 2008.
A bumblebee collects pollen on a hot July afternoon. Fran Uhler Patuxent River Wildlife
Research Refuge. July 2008.
Research Refuge. July 2008.
| Maryland A few photos |
| Fran Uhler Patuxent River Wildlife Research Refuge and Patapsco Valley State Park. |
Cascade Falls has a world of coves,
rocks, and falls to explore. Patapsco
River Valley State Park. July 2008.
rocks, and falls to explore. Patapsco
River Valley State Park. July 2008.
| It took me several hours of stalking to finally get this one, clear exposure of the rare and elusive Shutterbuggus Americanus, better known as the Adventurous American Photographer. EPA officials do not know if this fascinating creature is endangered or not because it is so hard to track them down. I've been hunting one for...well, years now, and it took me several hours this day to FINALLY get this one image. Notice the sure-footed way the creature plants his bare feet on the wet, slippery rocks? Excellent adaptation for the rough terrain he inhabits. If the Adventurous American Photographer has one vulnerability, it's his tendency to become so focused on his activities that the occaisonal predator can slip up behind him. However, this incredible creature is more than capable of defending himself. The innovative use of his tools as clubbing weapons can leave a nasty dent in the skull of any preadtor attempting to get a bite. Patapsco River Valley State Park, July 2008. |
| A Rare Find! |
19 August 2008
| Speaker Pelosi (again), Russia, and Illegal Immigrants' Rights?! |
Apparently Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has
"caved" on the issue of allowing a vote on domestic
oil drilling.
Don't be fooled into thinking she's seen the light.
She and those who share the school of thought she
comes from never will. It'll be a straw vote around
(I'll predict) a bill that is written so badly as to
force the Republicans and Independents (all one or
two of them) to vote against it.
In her intellectual world it makes more sense to pay
billions of $$ to hostile foreign countries that
oppress women and other minorities than to let our
nation be independent. In the name of the planet, of
course.
No, we can't drill our way out of the energy crisis.
But drilling in America for America could be the
bridge we need to be energy independent while we
develop new, renewable sources of energy. And we
wouldn't be propping up regimes like the Saudis
(whose support for the Wahabi sect of Islam gave us
modern day terrorism), or the Russians.
Ah, the Russians. To paraphrase the move
"Poltergeist,", I'll say (in a creepy voice), "They're
baaaack!" I like President Bush personally, but one
of his greatest foreign policy blunders was his
response when asked why he thought he could trust
the KGB reborn (that is, Vladamir Putin). He said
he looked into Putin's eyes and saw his soul.
I got a look at Putin's soul myself, every time I saw
him on the news. What I saw was a man devoted to
the cause of restoring Russia to superpower status.
Russia's invasion of Georgia should be a wake-up
call to the world. Russian intends on becoming a
dominant power again. However, unlike the Cold
War (Cold War 1, perhaps?), this time they have
Western Europe over a barrel, an oil barrel. They
supply so much of Europe's energy that they can
easily crippled the European Union's economy.
Cold War 2 may be in our near future.
"caved" on the issue of allowing a vote on domestic
oil drilling.
Don't be fooled into thinking she's seen the light.
She and those who share the school of thought she
comes from never will. It'll be a straw vote around
(I'll predict) a bill that is written so badly as to
force the Republicans and Independents (all one or
two of them) to vote against it.
In her intellectual world it makes more sense to pay
billions of $$ to hostile foreign countries that
oppress women and other minorities than to let our
nation be independent. In the name of the planet, of
course.
No, we can't drill our way out of the energy crisis.
But drilling in America for America could be the
bridge we need to be energy independent while we
develop new, renewable sources of energy. And we
wouldn't be propping up regimes like the Saudis
(whose support for the Wahabi sect of Islam gave us
modern day terrorism), or the Russians.
Ah, the Russians. To paraphrase the move
"Poltergeist,", I'll say (in a creepy voice), "They're
baaaack!" I like President Bush personally, but one
of his greatest foreign policy blunders was his
response when asked why he thought he could trust
the KGB reborn (that is, Vladamir Putin). He said
he looked into Putin's eyes and saw his soul.
I got a look at Putin's soul myself, every time I saw
him on the news. What I saw was a man devoted to
the cause of restoring Russia to superpower status.
Russia's invasion of Georgia should be a wake-up
call to the world. Russian intends on becoming a
dominant power again. However, unlike the Cold
War (Cold War 1, perhaps?), this time they have
Western Europe over a barrel, an oil barrel. They
supply so much of Europe's energy that they can
easily crippled the European Union's economy.
Cold War 2 may be in our near future.
Our Secretary of State and other foreign leaders are
talking about how Russia is isolating herself by this
domination of Georgia. Problem is, Russia doesn't
really care if we like her or not, or if we "ostracize"
her from the community of nations. What she cares
about is power. If she has the power to dominate,
then it won't matter that we Westerners kick her out
of the G8 or whatever. Who cares? She'll control
us through our energy needs.
Putin is also smart. Very smart. Look at his timing.
We (the United States) are fighting world-wide
terrorism for, well, pretty much the whole world.
President Bush is a lame-duck as we head toward
the election. There is no coincidence here. Putin
knows we can't afford another conflict, and
whatever policy President Bush enacts here could
very easily be changed by the 44th President. Mark
my words, this is only going to get worse. You think
Iran is scary? They are, but next to Russia's
potential, Iran is a bush leaguer.
Last note--the great Gavin Newsome of San
Francisco is in trouble with his left-wing base. Due
to the public outcry over the deteriorating
conditions, he has decided that San Fran will no
longer be a "sanctuary city" for illegal immigrants
who are felons. Well, a local immigrants' rights
commission is loudly excoriating him for that, and
demanding that illegal immigrants who are felons be
shielded from federal prosecution.
Rights are enumerated by a constitution. Beyond the
right to live and be free that we believe our Creator
endowed all humans with, the rest (free association,
free press, etc) belong to American citizens. But the
right to live and be free does not mean a "right" to
enter the U.S. at will by disregarding the law.
Illegal immigrants are law breakers. I don't work
hard, pay my taxes, and play by the rules to
subsidize and shield human leeches who've broken
my country's laws.
...Just my thoughts.
talking about how Russia is isolating herself by this
domination of Georgia. Problem is, Russia doesn't
really care if we like her or not, or if we "ostracize"
her from the community of nations. What she cares
about is power. If she has the power to dominate,
then it won't matter that we Westerners kick her out
of the G8 or whatever. Who cares? She'll control
us through our energy needs.
Putin is also smart. Very smart. Look at his timing.
We (the United States) are fighting world-wide
terrorism for, well, pretty much the whole world.
President Bush is a lame-duck as we head toward
the election. There is no coincidence here. Putin
knows we can't afford another conflict, and
whatever policy President Bush enacts here could
very easily be changed by the 44th President. Mark
my words, this is only going to get worse. You think
Iran is scary? They are, but next to Russia's
potential, Iran is a bush leaguer.
Last note--the great Gavin Newsome of San
Francisco is in trouble with his left-wing base. Due
to the public outcry over the deteriorating
conditions, he has decided that San Fran will no
longer be a "sanctuary city" for illegal immigrants
who are felons. Well, a local immigrants' rights
commission is loudly excoriating him for that, and
demanding that illegal immigrants who are felons be
shielded from federal prosecution.
Rights are enumerated by a constitution. Beyond the
right to live and be free that we believe our Creator
endowed all humans with, the rest (free association,
free press, etc) belong to American citizens. But the
right to live and be free does not mean a "right" to
enter the U.S. at will by disregarding the law.
Illegal immigrants are law breakers. I don't work
hard, pay my taxes, and play by the rules to
subsidize and shield human leeches who've broken
my country's laws.
...Just my thoughts.
| Washington, D. C. at Night Despite the political yahoos here, this is still one of my favorite cities. These images were shot over the past weekend (17-18 August). |
The great Washington
Monument
Monument
The World War II Memorial
| The Korean War Memorial |
Anchoring opposite ends of the National Mall are the
United States Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial.
United States Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial.
There will be more to see in this
great city...
If you want to look at more
images from this shoot, and
learn how these were shot, then
link over to:
www.flickr.com/photos/20829562
@N02/
great city...
If you want to look at more
images from this shoot, and
learn how these were shot, then
link over to:
www.flickr.com/photos/20829562
@N02/
24 August 2008
| Mrs. Josephine Maria Miller Munos |
Upon coming home from work Josephine’s father, a New
England man, would call out for his little “kiki,” forever
mispronouncing the word “keiki.” Soon everyone began
calling her “Kiki,” and as the years passed, family and
godchildren addressed her as “Aunty Kiki.”
Kiki was the oldest of eight children born in Hawaii to
William Victor Miller and Maria Guerrero Miller
(originally from Cadiz, Spain). When her brother, Henry,
brought home his buddy she met her future husband.
August 30, 1936, Kiki and Antone C. Munos were
married and they shared a deep and abiding love which
was apparent to all who knew them. Little Anthony
Robert Munos (“Junior”) arrived in March 1938,
followed a few years later by the sweet Josephine Anita
Munos (“Josie”) in 1945.
England man, would call out for his little “kiki,” forever
mispronouncing the word “keiki.” Soon everyone began
calling her “Kiki,” and as the years passed, family and
godchildren addressed her as “Aunty Kiki.”
Kiki was the oldest of eight children born in Hawaii to
William Victor Miller and Maria Guerrero Miller
(originally from Cadiz, Spain). When her brother, Henry,
brought home his buddy she met her future husband.
August 30, 1936, Kiki and Antone C. Munos were
married and they shared a deep and abiding love which
was apparent to all who knew them. Little Anthony
Robert Munos (“Junior”) arrived in March 1938,
followed a few years later by the sweet Josephine Anita
Munos (“Josie”) in 1945.
Family was the cornerstone of Kiki’s life. She gladly shared her time and wisdom, and there was
always room for one more at her table. She was an avid reader keeping up with both politics and
sports. Through the years she enjoyed crafting, and she was proud of being a charter member of the
UE Club.
Survivors include her son, Anthony, a multitude of nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces,
sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and godchildren.
always room for one more at her table. She was an avid reader keeping up with both politics and
sports. Through the years she enjoyed crafting, and she was proud of being a charter member of the
UE Club.
Survivors include her son, Anthony, a multitude of nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces,
sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and godchildren.
The last time I got to see Aunty Kiki--Jan. 12, 2002. Her
87th birthday. I was on the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70),
and we had pulled into Pearl Harbor. My dad (at right)
flew out to meet the ship. We were in port for about a week,
before pulling out for San Diego where my Air Wing
disembarked and I flew back to my squadron's home port of
NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, VA. She was my Great
Aunt, my Dad's Aunt and often second mother.
87th birthday. I was on the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70),
and we had pulled into Pearl Harbor. My dad (at right)
flew out to meet the ship. We were in port for about a week,
before pulling out for San Diego where my Air Wing
disembarked and I flew back to my squadron's home port of
NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, VA. She was my Great
Aunt, my Dad's Aunt and often second mother.
| We'll miss you, Aunty. You were mother, surrogate mother, friend, companion, fount of wisdom, and dear Great Aunt to four generations of the Miller/Munos clan. |
| A Grand Island Lady |
| 1915 - 2008 |
by Mrs. Gloria Miller
29 August 2008
| VEEPS & Legal Thuggery |
Well, well, well, we have our "VEEP" candidates.
Senator Obama named Senator Joe Biden to run with
him on the Democratic ticket. Not an hour ago
Senator McCain officially announced dark-horse
Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska, as his VEEP pick.
Interesting reversal. The Dems went with a
newcomer for their Presidential pick, and he backed
himself up with a well-known Washington name. The
Republicans went with a well-known Washington
name for their Presidential pick, and he backed
himself up with an true unknown.
Nice!
No matter what happens, the United States is at a
historic crossroads, the kind Martin Luther King, Jr.
dreamed of. We will either have a black President, or
a female Vice President. Give Hillary Clinton some
serious credit here: her efforts did a lot to get the idea
of a woman in the White House into the American
psyche. I disagree with most of Senator Clinton's
policies, but her work had led the way for Palin's very
viable candidacy. Thank you, Senator Clinton!
Now this will start to get (finally) interesting. Palin is
known as a true party maverick, going after corruption
in the Alaskan Republican Party. Palin is also from
an energy state, which is a nice touch. She answers
the issue of his age. And she's an unknown, a true
Washington outsider. Helps McCain's own maverick
image.
Now, the issue: she has only had two years as
governor. Will that derail any good McCain derived
by naming her? After all, "inexperience" is one of the
charges against Obama. I think this could be
answered by saying she's running for VP, and while
she is ready since she comes from an executive
background, she will be "in training" all the time in
case something happens to McCain.
Senator Obama named Senator Joe Biden to run with
him on the Democratic ticket. Not an hour ago
Senator McCain officially announced dark-horse
Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska, as his VEEP pick.
Interesting reversal. The Dems went with a
newcomer for their Presidential pick, and he backed
himself up with a well-known Washington name. The
Republicans went with a well-known Washington
name for their Presidential pick, and he backed
himself up with an true unknown.
Nice!
No matter what happens, the United States is at a
historic crossroads, the kind Martin Luther King, Jr.
dreamed of. We will either have a black President, or
a female Vice President. Give Hillary Clinton some
serious credit here: her efforts did a lot to get the idea
of a woman in the White House into the American
psyche. I disagree with most of Senator Clinton's
policies, but her work had led the way for Palin's very
viable candidacy. Thank you, Senator Clinton!
Now this will start to get (finally) interesting. Palin is
known as a true party maverick, going after corruption
in the Alaskan Republican Party. Palin is also from
an energy state, which is a nice touch. She answers
the issue of his age. And she's an unknown, a true
Washington outsider. Helps McCain's own maverick
image.
Now, the issue: she has only had two years as
governor. Will that derail any good McCain derived
by naming her? After all, "inexperience" is one of the
charges against Obama. I think this could be
answered by saying she's running for VP, and while
she is ready since she comes from an executive
background, she will be "in training" all the time in
case something happens to McCain.
Moving on to a story I find offensive and revealing. I
speak, of course, of the Obama campaign's attempt to
use legal means to stop an add that talks about
Obama's friend, the terrorist William Ayers. Ayers
ran the Weather Underground, declared war on
America, and bombed targets that included the Capitol
building. He encouraged young people to (and this is
a direct quote), "Kill your parents." Ayers has never
refuted these beliefs. He is proud of them, and proud
he never went to jail due to using some legal
technicalities.
FOR THE RECORD: I do NOT believe Senator
Obama advocates patricide. NOT AT ALL.
However, he calls Ayers a good friend. You can
measure a man or woman's beliefs by the friends
theykeep. Ayers and his whacked-out-extreme
left-wing terrorist friends believed in a communist
revolution. They called the Weather Underground
America's "Red Army." Oh, and they spelled
America as "Amerikkka." Ayers teaches at the
University of Illinois now. The only way he and
Senator Obama could be friends is if they agree on
certain substantial points. Since Senator Obama does
NOT advocate murder and terrorism, I can only
conclude they share a socialist idealogy.
But for the Obama campaign to use legal means to
stop this ad...only fascists use intimidation to silence
opposing viewpoints. Well, fascists and communists.
For a party of "diversity", the Democratic machine is
sure acting like a totalitarian power. Why not face the
ad head-on and address it? Trying to use the legal
system to subvert the 1st Amendement only makes
them look...suspiscous. Like there is something to
hide there.
Answer the ad directly, Senator. Don't try to bury it.
...Just my thoughts.
speak, of course, of the Obama campaign's attempt to
use legal means to stop an add that talks about
Obama's friend, the terrorist William Ayers. Ayers
ran the Weather Underground, declared war on
America, and bombed targets that included the Capitol
building. He encouraged young people to (and this is
a direct quote), "Kill your parents." Ayers has never
refuted these beliefs. He is proud of them, and proud
he never went to jail due to using some legal
technicalities.
FOR THE RECORD: I do NOT believe Senator
Obama advocates patricide. NOT AT ALL.
However, he calls Ayers a good friend. You can
measure a man or woman's beliefs by the friends
theykeep. Ayers and his whacked-out-extreme
left-wing terrorist friends believed in a communist
revolution. They called the Weather Underground
America's "Red Army." Oh, and they spelled
America as "Amerikkka." Ayers teaches at the
University of Illinois now. The only way he and
Senator Obama could be friends is if they agree on
certain substantial points. Since Senator Obama does
NOT advocate murder and terrorism, I can only
conclude they share a socialist idealogy.
But for the Obama campaign to use legal means to
stop this ad...only fascists use intimidation to silence
opposing viewpoints. Well, fascists and communists.
For a party of "diversity", the Democratic machine is
sure acting like a totalitarian power. Why not face the
ad head-on and address it? Trying to use the legal
system to subvert the 1st Amendement only makes
them look...suspiscous. Like there is something to
hide there.
Answer the ad directly, Senator. Don't try to bury it.
...Just my thoughts.
We'll have a little fun first, then get to the "serious" stuff!
| Confessions of an F/Stop Overlooker |
I have a confession to make. This is very hard for
me. As a professional photographer, I take a lot of
pride in making use of all my tools to render an
outstanding image. But...I haven't. *sniff*
I have realized of late I have been forgetting to
utilize my F/Stop to its fullest potential. I finally got
the proverbial light going off over my head when I
was out shooting with a buddy at night in
Washington, D.C. He is an outstanding photog who,
unlike me, is completely self-taught. I've been
trained by they Navy. He read, sought out people
and photo clubs, and just went out and shot. A lot.
Anyway, we do a lot of long exposures. Waterfalls,
sunsets, night shots, etc. For months his work had a
sharpness I could not duplicate. *Sigh* Then it hit
me.
My primary experience is as a reporter. I am used
to being very mobile for both the Navy and the local
paper I freelance for. As such, I usually just keep
my camera on "Shutter Priority" for speed. I only to
go to Manual mode only for artistic-type shots.
me. As a professional photographer, I take a lot of
pride in making use of all my tools to render an
outstanding image. But...I haven't. *sniff*
I have realized of late I have been forgetting to
utilize my F/Stop to its fullest potential. I finally got
the proverbial light going off over my head when I
was out shooting with a buddy at night in
Washington, D.C. He is an outstanding photog who,
unlike me, is completely self-taught. I've been
trained by they Navy. He read, sought out people
and photo clubs, and just went out and shot. A lot.
Anyway, we do a lot of long exposures. Waterfalls,
sunsets, night shots, etc. For months his work had a
sharpness I could not duplicate. *Sigh* Then it hit
me.
My primary experience is as a reporter. I am used
to being very mobile for both the Navy and the local
paper I freelance for. As such, I usually just keep
my camera on "Shutter Priority" for speed. I only to
go to Manual mode only for artistic-type shots.
The camera's iris, a
graphic of which is
shown here,
controls the
quantity, or amount,
of light that enters
the camera.
Now, without
getting too deep into
graphic of which is
shown here,
controls the
quantity, or amount,
of light that enters
the camera.
Now, without
getting too deep into
the weeds of physics here, your SLR's iris can also
be used to tweak the focus a bit. You know how
people who wear glasses squint when they don't
have their spectacles on? We squint because a
narrow opening helps to straighten light rays...in
other words, a small, narrow opening helps to focus
the light.
At night, if you use an F/Stop of F/16 or lower, you
will find your center of interest is a bit sharper.
Next time you're shooting long exposures, don't be
afraid to stop down a lot. You'll have to slow the
shutter down considerably, of course. But you'll get
that last bit of polish on your exposure.
be used to tweak the focus a bit. You know how
people who wear glasses squint when they don't
have their spectacles on? We squint because a
narrow opening helps to straighten light rays...in
other words, a small, narrow opening helps to focus
the light.
At night, if you use an F/Stop of F/16 or lower, you
will find your center of interest is a bit sharper.
Next time you're shooting long exposures, don't be
afraid to stop down a lot. You'll have to slow the
shutter down considerably, of course. But you'll get
that last bit of polish on your exposure.
| ** ** ** |
Sidebar: I modified the world-
famous Airdale 1524 logo. It
seemed to me to be a bit too
busy, so I removed the "A" that
was sandwiched between the
"1524" and the iris.
The old version is still valid...
mainly because I'm not going
back over hundreds of images
and replacing it!
famous Airdale 1524 logo. It
seemed to me to be a bit too
busy, so I removed the "A" that
was sandwiched between the
"1524" and the iris.
The old version is still valid...
mainly because I'm not going
back over hundreds of images
and replacing it!
1 September 2008
| Ok, This Is Just Plain Evil |
I'm calling this one like I see it. This is just plain evil.
I know of no other word to describe the level to which
two public figures have sunk in the Hurricane Gustav.
First off, there's Democratic National Committee
Chairman Don Fowler. He was taped on a plane by a
(as he described it) "right-wing nut case" saying that
Gustav's timing in hitting New Orleans proved that
God was on the Democrat's side and that "Everything's
cool." Oh, and he was laughing.
Of course he apologized, and demonstrated the
integrity of a dead eel by saying he was intending to
satirize Jerry Falwell's ridiculous remarks after 9/11
(that God was punishing America for allowing
homosexuals). Fowler then said he's a free-speech
supporter, but finds it sad that a private conversation
can be taped by "a right-wing nut case."
Well, sir, you are a public figure in a public place
talking about a catastrophe that is affecting the public.
You showed your true colors--you are more concerned
with defeating a politician than with human life. Sick.
Depraved. Disgusting. Evil. Sort out your priorities.
Oh, and trying to say you were satirizing someone
from, what seven years ago, by behaving in an
inhumane way? I've seen two-year-olds come up with
better excuses for how a lamp got broke when they
were rough housing around.
And then there is that bastion of American philosophy,
compassion, critical thinking, and civic virtue, the
great Michael Moore. (Oh, in case anyone missed it, I
was being just a tad sarcastic there).
Speaking with Keith Olbermann on MSNBC's
"Countdown," Moore said (and I quote from the
video), "I was just thinking this Gustav is proof that
there is a God in heaven." Moore laughed as he said
the timing couldn't be better, for Gustav to slam into
the Gulf states right at the start of the GOP convention.
I know of no other word to describe the level to which
two public figures have sunk in the Hurricane Gustav.
First off, there's Democratic National Committee
Chairman Don Fowler. He was taped on a plane by a
(as he described it) "right-wing nut case" saying that
Gustav's timing in hitting New Orleans proved that
God was on the Democrat's side and that "Everything's
cool." Oh, and he was laughing.
Of course he apologized, and demonstrated the
integrity of a dead eel by saying he was intending to
satirize Jerry Falwell's ridiculous remarks after 9/11
(that God was punishing America for allowing
homosexuals). Fowler then said he's a free-speech
supporter, but finds it sad that a private conversation
can be taped by "a right-wing nut case."
Well, sir, you are a public figure in a public place
talking about a catastrophe that is affecting the public.
You showed your true colors--you are more concerned
with defeating a politician than with human life. Sick.
Depraved. Disgusting. Evil. Sort out your priorities.
Oh, and trying to say you were satirizing someone
from, what seven years ago, by behaving in an
inhumane way? I've seen two-year-olds come up with
better excuses for how a lamp got broke when they
were rough housing around.
And then there is that bastion of American philosophy,
compassion, critical thinking, and civic virtue, the
great Michael Moore. (Oh, in case anyone missed it, I
was being just a tad sarcastic there).
Speaking with Keith Olbermann on MSNBC's
"Countdown," Moore said (and I quote from the
video), "I was just thinking this Gustav is proof that
there is a God in heaven." Moore laughed as he said
the timing couldn't be better, for Gustav to slam into
the Gulf states right at the start of the GOP convention.
Of course, Mr. Moore then did the usual bit of saying
he "hopes" no one is hurt. But, again, true colors show
through. This is evil. Pure and simple. These men
have put hatred of a political party above human life.
After blasting the Federal Government for not handling
Hurricane Katrina as they believe it should have, they
are now happy that another massive storm has
disrupted hundreds of thousands of lives and might
destroy an entire city just so President Bush and
Senator John McCain will be embarrassed.
What makes this more revolting is that Gustav has
killed people in the islands it's already whacked. But
those people must not count in Fowler and Moore's
worlds. They are on cloud nine (pardon the pun) over
this storm because they see it only as an election
weapon. My family is in northwest Florida, and had to
prepare in case Gustav turned north. We got lucky.
Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas didn't
(again, to say nothing of those in the Caribbean who
were killed). I'm so happy our potential suffering, and
the real suffering of my fellow Americans, gives them
cause to laugh (yes, more sarcasm there).
Sick. Depraved. Disgusting. Evil.
These men are fellow Americans. But, for the first
time in my adult life, I find myself ashamed enough of
calling someone a fellow citizen of the United States to
mention in public. Neither of them deserve the largess
that the American Dream has showered on them, nor
the freedoms our fellow citizens have died to give
them. These men represent the worst America offers.
And yet, I'll bet scores of those people who are now
displaced in our South would bend over backwards to
help Fowler and Moore if their home states were
struck by disaster.
Men of integrity? Most certainly not.
...Just my (very angry and revolted) thoughts.
he "hopes" no one is hurt. But, again, true colors show
through. This is evil. Pure and simple. These men
have put hatred of a political party above human life.
After blasting the Federal Government for not handling
Hurricane Katrina as they believe it should have, they
are now happy that another massive storm has
disrupted hundreds of thousands of lives and might
destroy an entire city just so President Bush and
Senator John McCain will be embarrassed.
What makes this more revolting is that Gustav has
killed people in the islands it's already whacked. But
those people must not count in Fowler and Moore's
worlds. They are on cloud nine (pardon the pun) over
this storm because they see it only as an election
weapon. My family is in northwest Florida, and had to
prepare in case Gustav turned north. We got lucky.
Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas didn't
(again, to say nothing of those in the Caribbean who
were killed). I'm so happy our potential suffering, and
the real suffering of my fellow Americans, gives them
cause to laugh (yes, more sarcasm there).
Sick. Depraved. Disgusting. Evil.
These men are fellow Americans. But, for the first
time in my adult life, I find myself ashamed enough of
calling someone a fellow citizen of the United States to
mention in public. Neither of them deserve the largess
that the American Dream has showered on them, nor
the freedoms our fellow citizens have died to give
them. These men represent the worst America offers.
And yet, I'll bet scores of those people who are now
displaced in our South would bend over backwards to
help Fowler and Moore if their home states were
struck by disaster.
Men of integrity? Most certainly not.
...Just my (very angry and revolted) thoughts.
| ** ** ** |
| Camp Out! |
Spent the Labor Day weekend camping down at the Naval
Recreation Facility Patuxent in Solomons, MD with the Grace
Lutheran Church of Bowie's Youth Group. It was a blast.
Good weather (we prayed for the hurricane victims) and good
bonding time. And some neat wildlife.
Recreation Facility Patuxent in Solomons, MD with the Grace
Lutheran Church of Bowie's Youth Group. It was a blast.
Good weather (we prayed for the hurricane victims) and good
bonding time. And some neat wildlife.
| I almost clobbered this orb weaver with my truck ("Herbie") as we pulled in to our site. He (She?) was just building his (her?)web. Once camp was set up and we were relaxing, I took the camera over and spent a couple of hours photographing him (her?). It was really cool to watch later when he (she?) snared a bug, scuttled over the web to grab it, wrapped it in silk, and then ate it. |
Great Blue Herons wade, watching
for fish while Ospreys soar above,
looking for prey. There are birds
galore at this place!
for fish while Ospreys soar above,
looking for prey. There are birds
galore at this place!
I thought some low clouds were going to ruin any hope of sunset shots. But...a photo-
grapher's got to shoot what the photographer's got to shoot, and I wanted a sunset.
So used the clouds and trees to get a bit artistic...and then got lucky when one lone
bird flew across the sun's disc.
grapher's got to shoot what the photographer's got to shoot, and I wanted a sunset.
So used the clouds and trees to get a bit artistic...and then got lucky when one lone
bird flew across the sun's disc.
| We finished out the last night with the required camp fire and "smores" and endless |
chatter about the weekend's adventures. I had fun with long exposures shooting the camp fire. I think the one on
the right was about a 3-second exposure. We all held a pose for the 1-second exposure above using ambient
light only. I'm sitting in the red shirt and hat to the right. Great time, great kids! If you want to look at more
images from this shoot, and learn how these were shot, go to: www.flickr.com/photos/20829562@N02/
the right was about a 3-second exposure. We all held a pose for the 1-second exposure above using ambient
light only. I'm sitting in the red shirt and hat to the right. Great time, great kids! If you want to look at more
images from this shoot, and learn how these were shot, go to: www.flickr.com/photos/20829562@N02/