misterx

my pocket parafoil, playing in the wind

meesterx@gmail.com — Tue, 06 May 2008 18:57:43 GMT

They sell these little parafoils at Walmart for about $10 now. They come with the kite itself (nylon sewn construction), a spool of string, a nylon drawstring bag to keep it in, and cheapo plastic streamer tails (the only part I didn't like).

Well worth the $ if you like kites, and they fly well. Less frustrating for kids too, because they stay aloft better than a standard diamond or delta shaped kite.

The Robert E. Lee

meesterx@gmail.com — Tue, 06 May 2008 18:50:30 GMT

I was driving south on Route 11 between Abingdon and Bristol VA. Within a mile, I passed a brilliant field of yellow flowers (mustard?), a dilapidated mom and pop style motel (single story L-shape), and this, the Robert E. Lee Motel. I turned around and stopped to photograph the R.E.L. first.

It was starting to rain when I stopped, and I only managed to get a few photos before the skies opened up. Sans-umbrella, I had to pack it up. The field and the other motel will have to wait until another day.

Storm with friend

meesterx@gmail.com — Tue, 06 May 2008 18:39:27 GMT

Ron Paul's Manifesto

meesterx@gmail.com — Thu, 01 May 2008 19:02:48 GMT

I don't know if anyone else here is concerned with the constant erosion of our freedoms, by this administration or others, but for me it is a huge, major issue. "Who best protects my rights" is how I tend to decide who gets my vote at election time.

Anyway, as the only politician who really seems to give a damn about the constitution and preserving it, Ron Paul's new book is probably a worthwhile read. You may not agree with his politics in general, but for the constitutional issues alone it is worth a shot. I'm ordering mine as soon as I get paid.

Amazon link: The Revolution: A Manifesto

Can we please have a planet for just us sane people?

meesterx@gmail.com — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:01:07 GMT

Ben Stein has made a movie decrying "big science's" oppression of the "smart new idea" of intelligent design. Unfortunately, he isn't trying to be a comedian this time.

http://expelledthemovie.com/

Folks, if you're going to float a theory that a big man in the sky made it happen, here is the test I will apply to your arguments. I will substitute the phrase "my hairdryer" for the phrase "the big man in the sky". If the evidence supports the fact that my hairdryer may have created the universe, I will listen. If it doesn't, you need to get over your fascination with the imaginary sky man.

I want to point out the "no intelligence allowed" tagline is extremely ironic.

The price of milk, holy crap...

meesterx@gmail.com — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:59:35 GMT

The price of milk keeps going up and up and up. It's crazy... it's just shy of $6 a gallon for "name brand".

The price of Guinness, however, remains stable.

You can probably see where I'm heading with this.

Stress reliever for girls

meesterx@gmail.com — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:28:54 GMT

for ages 5 and up (see photo)
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.10546

Last weekend, Lorelei and I took the Blue Ridge Parkway to Mount Mitchell

meesterx@gmail.com — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 19:41:20 GMT

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.
There is no image number 7.

Lithargic Legacy

meesterx@gmail.com — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 03:54:36 GMT

Litharge or lead oxide is a toxic yellow substance, formula PbO, created by heating lead in air. It can also be formed by heating lead nitrate (Pb(NO3)2. It is used in the manufacture of paints and in glass, as well as in vulcanization.

Do I know that is lead oxide in the picture? No, I do not. But it LOOKS toxic, and it made me think of lead compounds, thus the name.

Hippies

meesterx@gmail.com — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 03:26:10 GMT

What is Cheney smiling at? The reflection in his glasses might give you a hint.

meesterx@gmail.com — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:07:06 GMT

http://www.whitehouse.gov/vicepresident/photoessays/outdoors/06.html

Lets just hope the VP doesn't decide to sell any teapots on Ebay.

I'm doing it again, aren't I

meesterx@gmail.com — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:31:13 GMT

Falling behind on the posting, that is. I've been fighting with my brain somewhat, which tends to make me hide in dark corners and shun the light. Really not enjoying this, it gets old after a while. At least I know what is going on these days. But, on the plus side, it's birthday month for nearly everyone in my family, so there are lots of joyous parties and tidings to attend to. Much business abounds.

Anyway, I am getting a backlog of photos to post again, I must have a mental block. Any suggestions on what to do when this happens? What do you do?

Melanie

meesterx@gmail.com — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:16:18 GMT

As in, melanie

More SPAM?!?

meesterx@gmail.com — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:18:53 GMT

Seriously, I figured after the ridiculing I gave them last time, they would have been so ashamed they'd quit. Guess not. They are still sending them, and the subject lines are stupid, as usual.

Grow your monster now
Just add water? Is this the new Chia Monster™ I've heard about?

Bigger is almost always better
Especially when it comes to eyebrows. I just love a gal with a healthy pelt above her peepers.

Only Wanna Be With You
What is this, "Make up a Bryan Adam's Song Title" day?

Your fantastic device makes her shake
It's called a blender, and it also makes smoothies and margaritas. It's not rocket science. Glad you like it though.

Make her notice your manliness
Burp in her face? Leave the seat up?

Your gf is lonely! Y w8?
Idk, my bff Jill?

Your are strong
Your are english badly

very CheapPrice Bacheelor, MasteerMBA, and Doctoraate dip1omas
And quality ones too, I see.

DISCOUNT-PRICE Pharmacy offers FREE SHIPPING to all countries qmucug ryasly p1kmvx2v0g
"qmucug ryasly p1kmvx2v0g"? is that the sound of a spammer's computer short circuiting? I hope so.

re: jobs in Tennessee
hahahahahahaha!!!! bwaaahahahaha!! oh! ow! the laughing, it hurts. hahaha! ho.... whew. *sniff*

What IS OEM Software And Why DO You Care?
I'm sorry, I don't. You have me confused with someone else.

Huge tool to please your lassie
LEAVE... THE DOG... ALONE !

Leave no weak spots in your life
For only the strong spots survive. (Darwin's survival of the fittest spot theory)

think about your cucumber size
Just think about it. Shouldn't you be cutting back?

You must be The Real Man with huge dignity
Is that your dignity in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?

Make a giant out of your dwarv!
In Russia, you no make giant out of dwarv. Dwarv make giant out of you. Meet Vlad, my dwarv. He'll be your trainer today.

Love tools deserving of a titan!
"Tools?" Uh, just how many are you proposing here? Let's not get crazy.

yeah.

United States dark with Pearl

meesterx@gmail.com — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 02:24:32 GMT

Grrr

meesterx@gmail.com — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:41:21 GMT

A server gets hacked, we are asked to help. The FBI tells us that a piece of software on the server has a vulnerability, but won't say what it is. I find a unique phrase that identifies installations of this software, and Google the phrase. Close to three million matches. The number of actual installations will be smaller than that, the phrase appears on multiple pages in an installation, but there are still a hell of a lot of people running this popular piece of open source software.

I'm pretty annoyed, because if we knew what the hole was, we could probably patch it. As it is, we're going to take the software off the server until a resolution is found. Meanwhile, I've contacted the software's authors to see if they are aware of the vuln and to see if they have a patch forthcoming. If they do, I won't say anything. If they are not helpful or are not responsive, I'm publishing what I know to the 'net at large, so people can protect themselves.

How about some jogging shoes too?

meesterx@gmail.com — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:16:35 GMT

Is it just me, or is it really pitiful to give a bunch of legless guys new "running suits"?

"The Marine Corps officially unveiled its new running suit to Marines assigned to the Wounded Warrior Regiment" ... complete with pic of guy who will probably never run again.

http://www.emilitary.org/article.php?aid=13295

I hear they are also giving them some salt for their wounds.

ack

meesterx@gmail.com — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 20:18:58 GMT

Doctor! The controls have stopped responding!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23833830/

Rotographing decay over time

meesterx@gmail.com — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:02:57 GMT

Nowhere 2

meesterx@gmail.com — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:55:42 GMT

1. In monochrome

2.

My Equipment

meesterx@gmail.com — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 15:52:55 GMT

I made this for my website, I figured I'd publish it here as well. It's not complete but it's a good start.

My Camera: the Canon 5d

When I purchased the 5d, I had previously owned three film cameras and four digital cameras. My previous camera had been the excellent Canon 20d, but I was wanting the improved low-light abilities of the 5d, along with the greater variation in ISO selection and numerosu other small improvements.

The Canon 5d has exceed all my expectations, I must say am thrilled with it. It feels wonderul in my hand, with a comfortable heft that is just right. The battery life is exceptional, the viewfinder bright, the controls instinctive. I never feel the camera is getting in my way, which is what has caused me to upgrade every time in the past. At the point where I feel I am fighting against the limitations of my equipment, it is time to upgrade. So far, the 5d has been a willing and capable partner in all my photographic endeavors. And the quality is bloody outsanding. Top notch. I HIGHLY recommend this camera.

Canon EOS 5D 12.8 MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
Canon EOS 5D 12.8 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens

Wide Angle Lens: the Canon 17-40mm F/4.0 L

I read a lot of reviews before purchasing this lens, and for the price it can't be beat. Excellent color satuation, tack sharp, you can't go wrong with this lens. I used this as my general purpose lens when I had the Canon 20d (it's 1.6x crop factor made this lens more like a 28-64mm), but on the 5d it's a true wide-angle. I love using this lens for shooting interiors and landscapes. I find it particularly suited for landscapes, as I seldom want a shallow depth of field. It was also my first L lens, and it's spoiled me rotten.

Canon 17-40mm f/4.0 L Wide Angle Zoom

Telephoto Zoom Lens: the Canon 70-200mm F/2.8 L IS

Wow, what a lens this is. As I write this I have only had it a couple months, but I am constantly impressed with the results I can get from this high-end glass. The bokeh is silky smooth, the color is true and saturated, and between the 2.8 speed and the image stabilization, it is VERY versatile. There are lots of positive reviews on the net of this lens, but I want to point out something I have not seen others talk about. This lens is an incredibly kind lens when it comes to photographing people. I say it's kind because for a given subject, the image coming out of this lens is more flattering than one from a similar lens. As good as you look, it will make you look better. I haven't been able to pinpoint what technological factors are at work here, but I can see why people rave about this lens for portraits and weddings, this baby was MADE to shoot people.

It was a difficult decision deciding between this and the excellent Canon 70-200mm F/4.0L, but in the end a few factors finally recommended this lens to me. One, I like to shoot in low light, and I knew that I would definitely take advantage of having a faster lens (2.8 vs. 4.0). Second, the image stabilization would further enhance my ability to work in low light, and reduce the need for a tripod. Third, the 2.8 f-stop makes it well suited for portraiture, something I am focusing upon more and more. You just can't get that amazing background blur with a 4.0.

This lens is a healthy chunk of change, no doubt, but in my opinion it is worth it.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom

Selective Focus Lens: the Lensbaby 3G

The Lensbaby 3G is a unique product. At the center of this lens is a bellows that allows you to twist and bend where the lens is aiming. Moving the focal point of the lens off-center creates a lovely blur effect moving away from the area of focus. Examples can be seen here, here, and here. When I get stuck in a rut, this is the lens I break out to shake the neurons loose. It also makes a great portrait lens, with its soft-focus effect.

Lensbaby 3G Canon EF mount SLR Camera Lens (LB3GC)

Accessories

Opteka Remote Release Cord for Canon EOS 5D

A remote release is essential for working in low light situations. Even with your camera on a tripod, manually pressing the shutter button to take a photo shakes the camera and leads to reduced sharpness and blur. Using a remote release, you can trigger the camera without touching it, for much sharper photos.

Canon Spare Battery - BP511A 1390mAh Lithium

Everybody needs a spare battery. You do too.

77mm Circular Polarizer

Use a Circular Polarizer to control reflections when shooting outdoors. Cancel out reflections on glass and water, deepen the color of vegetation, add contrast and depth to skies. A must if you are shooting outdoors.

Nowhere 1

meesterx@gmail.com — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:36:40 GMT

"Is the antichrist"

meesterx@gmail.com — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:32:57 GMT

On a variation of my last post, I thought I might try typing "is the antichrist" (with quotes) into google instead. Upon typing, I noted that the only two suggestions for completing my query were:
"is the antichrist muslim"
and
"is the antichrist a muslim"

Must be a burning question (no pun intended) among some segments of society, to rank as the only suggestions.

Who is the next antichrist?

meesterx@gmail.com — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:29:03 GMT

I was curious, so I asked google. I typed the phrase, with quotes: "is the next antichrist" ... then looked at the results to see who was being discussed.

Here is the tally (only 3 pages of results):

              
Barack Obama       |||||||||  
Hannah Montana     |
movie character    |||
neighbor           |
Rudy Guliani       ||
unknown/ambiguous  |||
Raffi              |
Bill Gates         |
dog fighters       |
McDonald's         |

I am really embarrassed by my fellow humans sometimes.

Note: this was brought on my an email forwarded to me by one of my clients, which said, in part:

According to The Book of Revelations the anti-christ is:

The anti-christ will be a man, in his 40s, of MUSLIM descent, who will deceive the nations with persuasive language, and have a MASSIVE Christ-like appeal....the prophecy says that people will flock to him and he will promise false hope and world peace, and when he is in power, will destroy everything. Is it OBAMA??

I STRONGLY URGE each one of you to repost this as many times as you can! Each opportunity that you have to send it to a friend or media outlet...do it!

If you think I am crazy..Im sorry but I refuse to take a chance on the "unknown" candidate

Things I did today

meesterx@gmail.com — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 02:02:16 GMT

I wore shorts
I laid on my back in the grass
I flew kites
I got a sunburn

YEAH!