The region between 6400 South and 90th South along the Jordan River in Salt Lake is seeing rapid development after years of neglect. Even in the midst of this construction I find beauty along the pathways near my home. It's all in perspective if you ask me. What's not scene here is the construction of a new office park hidden by the bull rush grass and willows.
There is still open areas for deer to roam and ducks to land. In the field behind me in this picture I've seen a small herd of deer on the occasional basis. One day I keep saying to myself I'll get a good picture of the Jordan River Deer Herd.
The years of neglect along the River brought caught the attention of the EPA. Not far from this site is the sight of the old Midvale Smelter. Now encased by tons of clean fill and monitored for ground water contamination it's a stark reminder that we need to pay attention to our rivers nation wide. Our Rivers are our life stream.
30 years ago the river had a stench today it's a refreshing breeze. I am glad to see the Jordan River is regaining some of the prestige it had when settlers first came to the Valley. There are numerous projects under way to restore natural habitat to remaining wet lands and for cleaning up environmental disasters. There are also many areas where parks have sprung up. A path way of sorts now weaves its way from Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Nov 13 Jordan River
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Grease Monkeying Around
Open source goes beyond just software it delves into making even pay for use software more usable by customizations. One of the best way to customize everything is via Grease Monkey Scripts (GM). GM itself may not be open source (the info I've looked at for this article is not clear on it) but the customizations that can be implemented by GM are endless and open.
From the Greasespot Blog (http://www.greasespot.net/2009/09/who-uses-greasemonkey-part-2.html#links) 91.5% of GM scripts are Window Users. Hum, does that tell Microsoft something? It should & they do take it into consideration.
A quick Google search for GM scripts produced more then a hundred pages of scripts many of the articles begin with "The Best GM Scripts to Use..." It's an easy fill in the blank. I'll highlight just a few of those pages for productivity, deviantArt, and for crossovers like myself Flickr.
For the most up to date info on Grease Monkey and the GM Scripts visit:
the Wiki
http://wiki.greasespot.net/Main_Page
the Blog Greasespot
http://www.greasespot.net/
For deviantArt we can thank a few of our own who highlight specifically what GM is and does.
In the news, from Sathoro
http://news.deviantart.com/article/68563/
In journals, from Philho
http://philho.deviantart.com/journal/15970524/
http://kabukikatze.deviantart.com/journal/24602932/
In miscellaneous regions
http://swik.net/lightbox+Greasemonkey
From UserScripts.org
http://userscripts.org/scripts/search?q=deviantart&x=0&y=0
That was a fast search that pulled 177 different scripts. I haven't looked at more then a page full of these & I will say, interesting. Some of these I may use others I'll disregard.
For crossover users on Flickr check out:
Slick Affiliate
http://slickaffiliate.com/best-of-greasemonkey-scripts-firefox/
Flickr Hacks
http://www.flickr.com/groups/flickrhacks/
For productivity which does include vast manipulations of G-mail and other big G services. These links produce a mixed bag of what can be done.
From Y! Tech
http://tech.yahoo.com/gd/17-greasemonkey-scripts-to-turbocharge-your-browser/209049
Irony strikes with this article for it highlights how to control a few G-mail features while only touching on one Y! owned web page.
From Lifehacker
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/top-10-greasemonkey-scripts-to-improve-your-productivity.html
Another mis-labeled article on how to control G-mail but then again how integrated is the Big G in not only our surfing lives but now into our un-virtual lives as well?
What then are my favorite GM scripts? To many, I've got more then a megabyte of saved scripts. Most of these scripts are to manipulate Flick. dA does a great job of handling their own services in a user friendly way I have little use of manipulating it.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Fire Prevention
The last several weeks have not been tops for one of the nation's refinery of oil. They suffered several set backs in regards to fires. Thankfully, few if anyone were injured in the fires which were quickly contained & controlled. The most recent fire damaged some homes in a Woodscross neighborhood which were damaged due to being within an unknown blast zone.
I'd hate to think about the fire damage done had teams not been on location. I know when I hear the local fire units roll out, they heading out for damage control. Seldom do the brigades arrive in time to stop the spread of immediate damage.
The day of the Woodscross fire the Wasatch Camera Club had the opportunity to experience the training that went to use earlier that day at another facility. The above image is taken at the training facility.
Before going out to the location one of the firemen (a club member) briefed us. He said the local fire brigades will not enter the facility under their chief's command, they will take up defensive positions outside the property, and follow instructions as directed by the facility's team if their help is requested in the facility. He went on to say the company's fire brigade is staffed by employee volunteers who train regularly and who are on a rotating on call duty roster. They have teams on scene literally within seconds verses minutes if they relied on an outside source.
As I set up my camera gear in the designated viewer area I thought back to my own fire fighting training with Mercy Ships. It was train, train, and train some more. Review the materials list, know the lay out of the ship/facility, know the gear, concentrate on the task at hand, etc.
Not only do I remember the physical aspect of it I also remember the preparation of it. The best way to put out a fire is not to let it start. Most of our would be fires were because of an over loaded power transformer 220v stepped down to 110v. These transformers would overheat, sizzle producing acidic smoke, and blow a circuit breaker. We'd keep our eyes and noses on the look out for overloaded transformers.
The designer's of the m.v. Africa Mercy took the lessons learned, the safety requirements, and implemented them. I haven't been to the m.v. Africa Mercy but I have seen her design, talked with the engineers, and those involved in the project. I know that our old ship issues were addressed. I'd say she's a very safe ship from that aspect.
As we head into this year's holiday season, as we pull out our decorations, as we pull out the memories of years gone by, please remember fire safety is more then not playing with matches. Fire safety begins by inspecting electrical cords and connections. Fire safety includes resisting the temptation to overload a circuit. Fire safety includes making sure flammables are away from the flames and heat source when a flame is lit or a heat source turned on. Fire safety begins with common sense.
I live in a multifamily community, not a rack and stack as some apartments are but, still I share a common wall with 2 other families. I'd hate to loose out because of a simple over sight by one of my neighbors. Even more so I'd hate for them to loose out because of me.
As we head into a season of lights, jolly, and good times please remember...
Fire safety begins with prevention.
Prevention means using common sense.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Patrick A. Dwire
A young life taken too soon. He valiantly served Our Country right out of high school and did not complain about helping or serving others.
I knew him through the coffee shop we hung out at. A Veteran of several conflicts, he talked stories but revealed nothing. Tormented at times by his injuries sustained in combat, he never let them get in the way of conversation. His introduction to most people would include something about going sky diving, his fading hearing, and his daughter.
After the services on Monday, the group of regulars hung sipping coffee with a chilly wind blowing. Stories of how he'd drop everything to help a friend out floated away on tears. Each tear a leaf of the fading fall.
Today a light snow falls, covering the fresh grave site. Grave and fresh I know do not go together. They shouldn't. I talked to the funeral director after the services, himself a Vet. Irony, we bury our young men often before we bury our old. Young lives taken before their time.
I present to the family my deepest condolences. I knew him enough to be honored by his friendship. He helped me come to terms with my own death of my departed sister.
May the images I share be honoring to you.
Monday, October 26, 2009
calibration
Either way I needed to calibrate for wedding pictures. I shot Jon & Ann Marie's wedding on Saturday. A wonderful couple I met at the coffee shop about 6 months ago. She immediately swooped in and looked at my images when I mentioned I like to shoot as a hobby. I've got most of the images sorted now. Next just a little more redefining and posting some where private for them. I'll post one or five here for show and tell. Critiques are always welcomed.
Right now I've got a sad shoot to do. I found out a day before the wedding one of the guys we hung with passed away. A First Gulf War Vet, he was plagued by injury sustained in combat. I talked with his roommate about taking a few pictures but, I still didn't feel right so I called the mortuary. They called the family and I have permission. Not fun, sad really, Patrick was a cool cat to listen to tell stories.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Jon and Ann Marie
Ann Marie asked me, what seems like ages ago, to be at her wedding. This wonderful couple I met at a coffee shop had seen just a small sample of my images. Now more of my images they will see soon enough. Thank you for the opportunity to attend.
I always like to post an image or two of important events within 24 hours. So to the Bride, Groom, and family, congratulations.
Weddings are always hard work, fun, and more hard work. I've got over 1500 images to sort an decide which they will see. These two currently on flickr are what I like to say as defining representative moments.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Photojournalists photographing a launch rollout
The world of photojournalism is dog eat dog. Sometimes it takes more then a little perseverance in finding the right contacts to get to some cool places.
This image of expedition 21 didn't come to just any joe like myself who could buy a ticket to watch some racing at a local track. These guys paid their dues to get there by forging relationships with editors, contact leads, and possible years of shooting the mundane other things.
I can dream, can't I, that one day I'll travel over to the Cosmodrome to to view a launch...
Monday, October 05, 2009
the garden
A former supervisor tossed an insult my way or was it awake up call or was it simply an observation, anyways it doesn't matter he simply commented that I only talk about two things: hiking and photography. I just returned from a photography club meeting. The club president seems to digress to one subject, stock photography. I hung on her words for a while on how stock photography can provide fulfillment among other things. I came to the conclusion with these two encounters, what's in our gardens?
What's in our gardens? The proverbial onion's been cut to pieces, besides there's more to chop from the garden then the onion. The onion is good to use in many cases because it has layers one can peal away. It's bad to use for when the layers are all removed you don't have anything left but a pile of peeled away layers.
The garden has so much to offer. Currently my garden is but two planter boxes under a south facing window outside. This year I grew a few tomatoes, some basil, sunflowers, and lettuce. This garden is small yes, but it's a start for me. I've never grown anything before and yet I have this year, my first year, something to show for it.
Be a garden of topics, one subject or a few, each topic does contain many aspects. Each plant I grew I quickly found out has different light and water requirements. One can snarl at photography and say so what. Funny thing is the snarling beast may not realize how much of his life is influenced by photographers.
Photography is more then an image or a process, to a photographer it's a lifestyle. Each photographer lives and breathes in their style. It's in the fore front of their minds driving down the road, talking to others on the phone, looking through the lens. A photograph is a concept yet developed and yet nearing completion. From the seed sown to the image on a magazine cover, the photograph is. It is the only aspect of life nearing the majority of a photographer's attention, time, and conversation.
I shoot landscapes. Landscapes go hand in hand with hiking. I desire to give validity to my stories so I take pictures. These pictures are now evolving into an art. I'll hike 2, 3, 6, and many more miles to climb up a ridge line to a peak or down into a valley so deep light seldom sees. I'll traverse snow fields, wade through ice cold creeks, and put up with swarms of mosquitoes just to see something others may never see. Why, the challenge of doing and because I can. That's why, I can.
I also like journalistic styles. I love a good story. I also enjoy seeing a story unfold with out words. Remember the picture books you had when you were a child? How many of those stories had words you needed to read in order to know what the story was about?
To night I shared an image from one of my photo essays. Alone this image is par. It's technically correct with exposure, focus, and the rule of division, etc. What the image lacked is continuity. Why was this image selected for a competition? What is the purpose/message? Truthfully, it met the requirement of the competition subject matter. I pulled it out of context for tonight. This image adds support to the essay.
An onion is seldom used alone. Sure one can eat an onion but, what is the true purpose of the onion? It's purpose is to support the other items grown in the garden. It enhances the flavor of the stew, the k-bob, the salad.
Sure my supervisor made an observation, a wake up call, an insult. Call his comment what every you want. I call it one question shy of looking deeper into the garden of my life.
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Peak Baggin' Shadow Monsters
This is our second attempt with in a year to hike Lone Peak UT. Our first attempt made last November turned into the story of stories as we post holed through deep snow and turned around as we got into the crique (basin) below the cliffs. This time, under clear sky and on fresh snow all of 2 - 6 inches deep, our legs and lungs churned the vertical feet into miles gained.
This is the most aggressive hike I have ever done. It's been low on my list of things to do in Utah and it is now not only marked off but, is high on the list of things to do again in Utah. The peak is only 6 miles from the trail head yet is nearly a mile gain in elevation. In the first third of the hike 2/3's of the elevation is over conquered. The majority of the last 1/3 is mostly at the summit.
The summit itself is on the far side (a short hike) across a basin doted with rock and lush meadows. The trail up is over and around boulders making up a near knife edge of cliffs. We followed mountain goats across and for the most part also followed them up the summit. Typically out door's men would say this is foolish, this time I'd say the goats had it right, their path easy and safe to follow in the snow.
Leading upwards I made sure of each step, as the snow melted it formed a sheen of glass like ice. In no danger of falling anywhere, I suppressed my fear of heights. Why do I climb then, oh yeah, to over come that fear. Nearing the top, I kept checking each boulder for that little brass plug known as a US Geological Survey Marker. A rather whimsy sigh of relief echoed out as I found it. Looking ahead I was more relieved to know we didn't have to journey up & down yet another bit of precipice.
I didn't make the summit, my hiking partner in climb did. I was her 'guide.' I just happened to be on the lead at that moment. I doubt I'd climbed it myself. I must give a warm thanks to her for saying, 'Lets do it, lets go this week.'
Our journey up took roughly 5 hours from the trail head to the peak. We ate a small lunch and took many a picture. We found 3 brass markers about 20 feet apart, can we claim we summited three times?
20 years ago another friend and I had made an attempt. 20 years ago we got lost on the lower elevations. As I looked out at the valleys below wishing we'd made a second attempt with someone who knew the way. Pictures of mine from far below show a far different city. These pictures show valleys of ever increasing suburbia. What will the pictures in 20 years look like?
Our decent took us roughly along the same path ways. We took notes on where we made minor wrong turns and where approximately time should be at each location. We also had 'remember then moments.' Finally, hit the chute of Jacob's Ladder Trail Sign just at sunset. In the next mile down we enjoyed the warm color of fall and fading light but still bright enough to see the trail.
I highly recommend this trail with caution. Don't go if you are freakishly afraid of heights or steep inclines. Don't go if you are out of shape. Don't go if you have poor route finding skills - there are sections where the trail disappears.
Do go if you are into awe inspiring views. Do go if you want a measure of your stamina and dedication to the task - the climb up from the trail head isn't fun. That's where 2/3's the elevation gain takes place. Do go if you are passionate about hiking.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Mnt Raymond
Mnt Raymond UT
Yes, you may see a few images of Mnt Raymond in my files. It's an awesome place many can see it, few actually go there. It's a 2 hour one way hike in just to the Baker Pass between Gobler's Knob to the east and Mnt Raymond to the west along the spine of Big Cottonwood & Millcreek Canyons. The place I took this image is just near the trail that leads to the pass.
I could not take in all the color. I imaged the following days would have more color and I was right. The following day I drove to Guardsman's Pass above Brighton Ski Resort. The tiny parking lot there was packed & several cars parked on the edge of a parking nightmare. The view of mountain colors from there - absolutely worth while. I parked - I was one of those edger's.
Jogging down a ski lift access road I came to the place that let me frame up another picture of Mnt Raymond. The colors of the upper Mill A Basin boomed all yellow. I doubt a touch of green resided any where except for the pines. I also grabbed a few images of the aspens around me, all bursting with color.
On the horizon this week is our first snow storm. I doubt I'll get back to Mill A Basin before the colors collapse. I will however try to double my efforts to get to Sundial Peak to see if I can recreate a very popular picture. If I can't I'll just enjoy the 12 mile hike knowing it'll be 6 months before I venture that high up into that particular basin. The trail to Sundial Peak crosses several active avalanche paths.
I'll make my first winter safety plug here. Get Educated! Be Aware of your surroundings! If in doubt don't go! The website Avalanche(dot)org http://avalanche.org is the best resource for winter travel in the back country.
As this hiking season transitions into winter wonderland; play, stay safe, get out, and take your cameras (or sketch pad).
Later
B
PS
Thanks to all who've fav'd both the mnt Raymond Sept 2009 & Sundial Peak pictures. You're letting me know what you want to see.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Utah State Fair
Utahan's the State Fair is in full swing. I can't say full glory for the Rodeo is over but we'll get the rodeos back next spring. So I say don't miss the fun, the excitement, all the over priced fried foods your mother won't let you eat and head on out to the Fair Grounds.
Swing on by my flickr site I just posted a few rodeo pictures. Yes, they are a bit grainy and out of focus but hey they work. I so desire a faster lens for the Nikon. The lens I want though is about half of what I owe on my car presently
see
Utahstatefair(dot)com for more info on the fair.
Monday, September 14, 2009
It's gona be close...
The Deseret Classic, held this past weekend at the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns UT, brought in new fastest ice times & speed skaters from around the globe. Though not a sanctioned event this event still qualifies the skaters in the bid for their national team's Olympic Team. The races were as fast & furious as the sanctioned events I've attended.
Alerted by an email from one the the US Speed Skaters I know, let me know they were in town. Having the day off, I took charge & went out there. I cranked up the ISO concentrated on getting clean sharp images, I fore went the stylistic panning shots I am known for with other racing images.
For more information about the US National Speed Skating Team please visit their website at USSpeedSkating(dot)org (http://www.usspeedskating.org/)
You can see more of my images at flickr(dot)com/preyingjaws
Later
B
Friday, August 21, 2009
Pursued by a Bear Players
I have added and updated the Pursued by a Bear Player's photo album and show. I do encourage you to stop by and check out this page. I also encourage you to stop by Proletariat Theatre and let Mr Luckau know how you like his production.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Rain
Despite the threat of rain, I chose to head out the high Uinta Mountains this past week to an area I've read about. South of Ft Bridger Wyo is an area called Red Castle Mntn. I hear it's shimmering red colored rock is awe inspiring in the evening. It is. I managed to get to the lower lake in time to see the color show of the evening. That nigh I enjoyed a full moon rise just to the north and a gentle swing in the hammock for a peaceful night sleep - some where in the same valley I know some Tenderfoot Boy Scout was getting introduced to the fine art of sleeping on strategically placed rocks. I'd seen more then a handful of Boy Scouts enroute to this basin.
The following morning, color of the sky out shining the red rock of the night before I hunkered down expecting rain for the day but not letting it hamper my activity. After a lazy morning of drinking a cup of mountain grounds & packing, I headed up past the Scouts to the upper lake and back. I grabbed the ruck & then went on to the East Fork of the Smith River drainage also known as East Basin of Red Castle. Because of wind & time limitations I chose not to go to Smith's Pass. It's better to plan aggressive, hike with intent & err on the side of caution then to be on the evening news.
A couple of miles down the trail about mid afternoon the rains came. This is the first image of me in the rain. I pressed on to Hessie Lake. Where fortunately I was able to find an uncrowed camping area. Except for a couple of Moose, I was alone. The rain broke long enough for me to find a camping site, string my hammock & tarp before returning. I then ducked in & out of the tarp several times while doing camp chores like fetching water & cleaning myself up - I hate sleeping dirty. Tarping is better then tenting in this situation for one can cook under the corner of the tarp where as in a tent one must expose oneself to the elements.
I spent the night with rain titer tatting on the shelter and for a while being woken by the full moon. In the morning more of the same dodge balling the rain. By mid morning the rains had cleared and a new set of trekers were enroute to the mountain. I passed many a group bound for Red Castle. Ah the story I can now share. I ponder did it rain on them too?
Monday, August 03, 2009
Proletriat Theatre
Pursued By A Bear Players by Proletariat Theatre Co
Catch the drama, foul ups, & all the action when a group of theater students put on the opening night of the Home Ec teacher's play.
See http://proletariat-theatre.com/ for more info.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
three passions
Last weekend I turned far short of my intended goal. All the preparation, the planning, & the drive to get out there just could not be over come by one limitation. After 5 miles in with a little rain, an ice cold swift creek crossing (2x) a few leaches too, I turned back. I turned back not for the lack of mosquito repellent (which I had) but, for the physical discomfort of walking. Carrying a 40lb pack up hill stressed my knee out. I know the trail I chose was well with in my limits but, limping it wasn't. I don't know if it was for the lack of physical conditioning or the lack of a warm up after a 3 1/2 hours drive but, not knowing why my knee stressed out gave great concern to me. I wanted so much to keep pushing on. During the past week I did get to a physical therapist, his simple reply - I'm getting old. What a relief for a moment I though I was getting younger.
NO!~! I'm a sprite 24 + 14. Look at those numbers & that's how I like to play. I do play it safe but, I'm not old'n bound, when that day comes put me in my rocking chair on the cabin porch. I've got my rocking chair already, I'm still looking for my cabin.
My three passions are photography, hiking, & GOD.
I'm not into religion but, I am into the relationship with the Maker. Yes, I am a God fearing Christian. I was burned by the but,'church' earlier this year I am not burned by God, Himself.
I'm into photography. I am part of the carry your camera every where club. Even though I don't shoot it all the time I do have at least the point & shoot within reasonable reach of the knapsack. I save the dSLR for the times I need the high quality. Of which I need to push out my rehearsal pictures this weekend the follow up with my hiking pictures, too.
Finally, I'm into hiking. The trail gives me breath to make it through the week. It also cools me off from the valley heat. SL UT is bound for the triple's later this week. AC does not cut it very well nor does the swamp cooler. Utah is funny like that, to dry for AC & just an edge to moist for cooling vis evaporation. My workmates & family ask why I hike. Simple I can. What's the point of looking at the mountains if you can't explore them. At one time, because I could not get out into the mountains, these mountains became my prison. I worked & went to school full time which left me with no time to explore. Hiking is about exploring for me. Does not everyone have some form of desire to explore, to learn, to achieve?
Though my passions ensue me I also pursue them. Despite the hardship the rewards are exponentially greater.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
First Light
A solo trek into the Uinta Mountians east of SLC/Kamas Utah put me at a mountain pass above Naturalist Basin late Tuesday night. I hoped for a couple of trees to sling my hammock between but so what I was to tired to attempt the lakes at east side of the pass about 1/2 a mile away and 500 feet below. So I lay my 40lb pack down pulled out my camp stove, fought the wind for a flame before I used my soaking wet boots as wind break & pulled out my down sleeping bag.
In the morning I awoke a the chill of predawn noticing the stars beginning to fade I rummaged my sleeping bag for the point & shoot & waited dozing off again a few times for the sun to rise. When I awoke next it was first light & the glimmer of dawn just about to happen, I reached up took a few snaps & rolled back over.
My trek that day would not let me over the ridge. I determined it was a bit to steep to attempt with all the snow still remaining so I turned back & headed towards Rainbow Lake on over to Pinto Lake and down towards the Duchesne River where I stayed the next night before trekking back to Mirror Lake where I parked.
The only time my boots were dry was this chilly mountain morning the wind had dried them out. I learned a few things. 1) wear boots that fit good even when wet, I have my share of blisters 2) carry a sleeping pad however small it is, it may be extra weight but it's worth a great night's sleep, oh them rocks. & 3) however heavy it is a candle lantern is worth its weight for warmth, comfort & convince over any little fire.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
One Descriptive Image
Mr Luckau of Proletariat Theatre asked me to come by and shoot one of the beginning rehearsals for his production of Pursued by a Bear, a play about a play.
I did. Under less then ideal lighting of this old Mormon Church, I meet up with Mr Luckau for the first time since shooting his wedding 2 years ago. It was a pleasure to see how this creative man with an abiding enthusiasm for the arts pumped up the high school kids as they went over and over 2 or 3 scenes.
I chose this one image to represent the evening.
If you are interested in seeing more of the images please email me.
If you are interested in finding out more about Proletariat Theatre please see the connected link.
http://proletariat-theatre.com/
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Introducing the Wet Birds...
With less then ideal conditions a friend & I braved the weather to go to the Thunder Birds' Airshow at Hill AFB in Ogden UT. The day before was perfect, but we both were tied into working. Still, wrapping the camera in a bread bag I shot with rain dripping of my hat while 'trespassing' in flight line puddles near ankle deep. Got'a love days like that they make for great stories.
The weather did break about 1pm allowing for the Air Boss to make the decision to let the show go on. Hours late and with a very modified low show the T-Birds were in the air after a series of other fly by's that included F-22 Raptors. Even during the T-Bird's performance the weather went south with a rain squall moving rapidly through the area.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
How far a head of the other racers?
I'm always fascinated with 'odds' in racing. They give a dynamic to sports that I don't think can be captured by any other number. Here I have a lone rider heading for the Kink while three others are coming of Bad Attitude at Miller Motor Sports Park.
This set is part of the Super Bike event held there over May 29-31'st. I noticed almost double the amount of people there this year then last year. This by far is the most exciting event held in Utah.
For the danger of motor cycle racing this track is aggressive yet every wipe out I witnessed or heard of the riders walked away from it. Please visit my flickr page for a series of images of one rider taking a spill on Bad Attitude.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Mistakes
Mistakes happen all the time. It's like I have an addiction to sticking my foot in my mouth. This time though it's not about me. It's about an aggressive track known as MillerMotorSportsPark. Yes, I'm providing free advertising for the Larry H Miller Group solely because I like Motor Sports. Motor sports in Utah hasn't yet taken off like it has with NASCAR in the South. So I want to let you know that Utah does have Motor Sports.
The mistakes I'm focusing on are almost victories. The track is a driver's track. If the driver isn't on top of his/her game then the course will drive the driver.
Here are a few of the 2500 shots I took last weekend at the Utah Grand Prix. The first image I didn't catch until I chimped after watching him drive into the pits. The second is at the 'Kink' an almost straight a way. The third is near 'Club House Bend' I don't know why he got turned around.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Map n Compass
The sign at the trail head asks, "Are you beeping?"
That isn't a bad thing. It's a great thing. I heard, saw, or witnessed over 5 avalanches today. The beep is in reference to the beacon. I stopped here. The fields around me were sliding. I chose to stop here. I don't have a beacon and I was solo.
I carry a map and compass with me on every trail I do, even those I know very well. This is White Pine Lake up Little Cottonwood Canyon, a very popular destination in the summer.
It may look like I'm holding the map wrong but I'm not north is always to the top of the map, I'm facing south. I thought I'd give this image a try.
As I put the gear away. The zipper thermometer on the pack read 60's. Yeah a bit warm, no wonder everything was sliding.
If your out in the back country this spring, use your head. A beacon is only useful if someone can find you and dig you out.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Three Posts
Days off and in a daze I headed out to a local good for a sunset regardless of the time of year. I wasn't up for a hike nor a long time out. this image is up for sale at deviantArt.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
FIBT World Cup Bobsled & Skeleton
An echo across the canyon alerted me to some event going on at the UT Olympic Sports Park. Deep in snow I wouldn't be able to hit the venue that night. I made mental plans to check Olyparks.com and head there the following day.
Prepared for the cold, I was surprised with how warm it was. That was until the sun moved behind the clouds & later on out of view. I checked my pack's thermometer - damn cold (-5C). I welcomed the extra layers I came with.
I shot & kept shooting. Cursing Pentax's slow focusing mechanisms I did not do. I pre-focused every shot. Knowing I'd have two points of interest in focus if I panned every shot. Hundreds of images later I have a few that came out clear.
The events on Feb 12, were Men's Skeleton (which was to early for me), Women's Skeleton, and 2 Man Bobsled.
Three things I learned that day.
1) Photography is about problem resolution.
2) Know thy track, course, or event layout. It wasn't until after the event I saw a few areas of the course I wanted to be at.
3) Stay hydrated. I had a wrecking head ache later on. The winter dry will suck water out of one's body faster then a hot summer day.
Stick around. I may post one or two more images at flicker dot com slash preyingjaws
Later.
Monday, January 19, 2009
What is the role of women in the church?
This question is open for all, christian & non christian. anesthetist are welcomed as well & you may substitute church for any organization you belong to.
what is the role of women in the church?
please answer in the comments. you may talk of the early & modern church.
this is originally written on a mobile and re-posted here.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
What if...
What if you took the electric personalities out of the Rock Church leadership, how long would the church last?
Please answer in the comments.
These responses are from FaceBook, the last names are removed for their personal security however when and where appropriate
I have included a tile for the ethos of their message.
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Robin (a pastor) at 8:20am January 14
for many churches, they would croak! Consumeristic culture has dictated the dna of local churches in that they build themselves around consumable commodities (eg personalities and Christian celebrity)...consumers are fickle! If one leaves, they will go to another "church" to find another celebrity.
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Nersha (a Rock Church Member) at 9:02am January 14
I think if the Rock has a strong enough foundation, it will still stand...... it maybe the people in the church that make the church a church however....God is Good, and he's the reason there's a church :) hehee From my personal experience : How many times have I left in the years to pass, along with so many others ...... But for some reason ( God.....) I keep getting pulled back; though the core of the church have come and gone. Good question B I think about that a lot!!
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Denise (a former student under Robin) at 11:26am January 14
I don't know how long the church, itself, would last, but I know I'd be happier if I could find a church that didn't have all that stuff! I go to worship, not be entertained...and I would rather not have the whole projector thing. It's part of the reason I really miss the congregation we were part of in PA: just a small, regular ELCA church like we all grew up in. No glitz, no frills, just humble origins that remain.
(In other words: Robin said it well)
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Travis (a pastor & former student under Robin) at 12:11pm January 14
Food for thought...None of the congregations that we read about in the Bible are still around, but the Church itself has never ceased. I think both good and bad congregations die, and if they don't die they certainly change drastically. As for the Rock, who knows what it's founded on, but I find that it's too easy to throw stones. Denise if you ever move to North Carolina, my church is pretty simple ELCA, and you'd be welcome here! :)
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Dale (a fromer student under Robin) at 1:31pm January 14
Our church is going through a self-examination that falls along these lines in some regards. I think we're at a turning point and it is so exciting to be in on the ground floor with changes like this. For example, our 8am service is made up of people who have been attending it for decades. As you can imagine, the numbers are slowly decreasing; however, families attending seem to be increasing! Lots and lots to think about! -We're currently reading "Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry" by Doug Fields and it is transformative reading!
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Vivian (a missionary) at 2:01pm January 14
Just started reading "life after church" by Brian Sanders. Friends who are passionate about Jesus but can't find their nich [sic]in "church" as we know it now...I'm not far enough to form an opinion yet, but it resonates with my ponderings [sic] at Christmastime of if there is anything authentic about Christmas services. I've attended probably more than 150 Christmas services, heard at least that many christmas [sic] sermons and am left wondering if there is anything I've not already heard before. Same as the churches who continue to only teach basics and nothing more leaving those passioinate [sic] disciples of JEsus [sic]hard put to find a place to be nurtured. As I said I'm not far in the book, but it seems one solution is a home church style.
The antithesis of the mega church that seems to be the trend at present. Interesting ponderings [sic]!
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Tony (a deacon at the Rock) at 10:39pm January 14
First off, your question isn’t by means looking for an end, but a question of the foundation, what kind of Christians have been built by these electric personalities. Are they true Christians or Cultural Christians? If we take leadership out, like we have seen in the past, nothing really changes. That is because we are not the authority to appoint leaders, only God is.
So to answer your question, the result would come down to who true followers of Christ really are, are they going to die to their flesh, pick up their cross and follow Jesus? Are they going to believe the best about their leaders? Or are they going to find fault and any excuse to leave the church? The question is not about the leadership, but the people who call themselves Christians in the church and how they respond to trials
Tony (continues) at 10:55pm January 14
Vivian I am intrigued by your response...
Same as the churches who continue to only teach basics and nothing more leaving those passioinate [sic] disciples of JEsus [sic] hard put to find a place to be nurtured. As I said I'm not far in the book, but it seems one solution is a home church style. The antithesis of the mega church that seems to be the trend at present.
Do you think that it is a Christians responsibility to want to be feed by someone else like an infant or learn to feed themselves like a grown adult? I have heard the Gospel preached from stage over 1000 times, I have seen many salivations. I don't see spiritual growth by going to church, I see it when people decide that living for Christ is not just words but a life style change. Home churches are great and I am a part of one, I also attend a church that has about 300 people. The growth I have seen are the people who take it upon themselves to learn.
Tony (concludes) at 10:56pm January 14
We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. - Hebrews 5:11-14
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Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Bowman Fork Avalanche
I readjusted my bindings again. Kicked down once or twice to ensure the tails were secure. Behind me my prints being covered. The tracks in front of me were quickly disappearing under the maze of falling snow. My attention crept into excitement. AVALANCHE!!!
I looked up into the sky. I couldn't. Snow fell into my eyes. I looked around again. I know this path. I know this track. Summer, winter, night. Now, storm. Visibility, less then a foot ball field wide. May be these tracks aren't yesterdays.
I punched my jacket, shaking the snow off my beanie. My camel pack line began to freeze. I pushed out into the storm again from the safety of the fir.
Marching into the bend. I could see the other side of the side canyon I was in. I could see my turn around point ahead. Just beyond the grove of aspens I saw the slide. Fresh, fresh like the snow I kicked down the slope I traversed. Except this zone is of no mans land of scoured hillside and up churned brush floating frozen in peril. A riptide caught locked in time.
I hollered out. I cried out another greeting. Three times I yelled. Three times I waited. I encroached slowly. Always cautious of the slope I was on. Wooded no long meant holding.
In the ravine a head 5 yards wide by hundreds of yards long, the slide I heard. I honestly dared not approach fearing I'd set a slide off where I stood. This slope isn't the most stable either. I grabbed a few clicks with film. The visibility improved slightly. Where I stood 3 feet above the ground - the trees told me so.
The tracks I noticed went up. Up. I know that up. It goes to a knoll may be a quarter mile away. Tracks? Now covered with snow. I ponder and still ponder were these from last night or were they fresh. Did this person go around on the trail on up to the summit or kick left & go to the knoll.
I would not venture further. I'll let my conscious play on. The safety of one. The safety of ME. The zone into the slide, steep, barren, near empty. The zone of thunder a few hundred yards away. The zone between me an there a gap in eternity. It can stay that way 'til summer or until I venture out this way again.
I sucked on my camel pack - nothing. I felt the crunch of ice in the bite valve. I remembered the pack temp minus eight Celsius aka minus butt crack cold. No wonder I didn't have any clear juice. I kicked steeped around. I retraced my approach for the pictures.
I felt the snow upon my face. My tracks covered already. Will my conscious play? The tracks of skis go up not across. They go up, I repeated. No one goes across during winter alone. Alone that is me.
I continued on. Around the bend, the down hill began. I paused to shake of the tails. The clouds began to break. The snow now just coming off the trees. I was alone. I alone witness this avalanche. Wow.
What can I say? This I can say, had I not paused under a big tree to ponder the storm, to ponder the trek a head, to put on the tails. I can say - this journal would not be written.
No, it would be.
My turn around in winter for Bowman Fork is just before the slide zone. I see the evidence there all the time of a path of scour and rage, of mountain & vegetation fighting gravity & snow. I know better. Better to call short then to not call in.
What I heard didn't sound like a freight train like many say an avalanche sound like. It's more like a big turbine. This local slides & slides often though not often reported. If you hike Bowman Fork be careful as you approach the upper sections. You know the area. You've seen the debris in the summer. Cut high to the knoll or traverse one at a time.
-n-
PS
If you are reading & wondering what I mean by tails on the snowshoes. MSR brand of snowshoes are designed to accommodate extensions known as tails. These tails come in 4,6, & 8 inches. They attach to the back of the snowshoe to provided additional float in deep snow. Float is the ability to stay on top of the snow.
Photos to be added later
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Christmas Time in the City
It's Christmas time in the city. The lights are all strung out. Neighborhoods share their cheer. Neighbors don't know who their neighbors are. Everyone seems to be going some place & yet no one is going any where.
After shooting this scene from a great vantage point that's easy to get to, I drove through this neighborhood. I like this shot better. It captures the feeling of disjunction in which see in the American way of life these days.
Once upon a time 'I love lucy' & 'Leave it to beaver' were the norms where it was 'a wonderful life.' Today, 'I m home alone.'
Saturday, December 06, 2008
RednGreen with a Pipin Santa
A few Holiday Tips
(I'm also posting this here in case he doesn't email me for the image)
1) Charge your batteries & clean your lens.
Long exposures show dirt.
Batteries fade in the cold.
Carry the extra set inside your front trouser pocket to keep them warm.
2) Get a pocket full of $1's & $5'rs - tip the street's well.
No less then a buck if you stand around for a few.
No less then a 5'r if you take a few pixs.
I'm guilty. I didn't know I was heading downtown until the last minute. I didn't have green backs with me.
3) Use your tripod.
There is no excuse for a blurry picture if you leave your's in the car or at home...
4) Know thy camera settings with out looking for them.
Use the short timer setting to clear camera shake of the shutter before the exposure begins.
Use rear curtain flash. That's why you see sparkles in this guy's pocket. He step'd into the frame during the exposure just before my flash fired. The picture works.
Use aperture priority settings for the dSLR or nite if you have a P&S
5) Limit your gear.
No one likes a gear head when everyone's out enjoying the evening. This is true if you're solo or with a group, esp'ly if you're with a group.
I had all my gear in my pockets. What didn't fit was in the sack which I used to haul to & from location.
6) Practice hospitality
aka Be Nice.
Don't be a space hog, step out of the way and don't extend you're tripod legs out to their max triangular distances.
Finally, offer to take someone else's picture for them. A family man was out trying to get a picture of his family in front of the temple. I shot Pentax. His camera is Pentax. I lent him my flash for his family pix. In the chimp, the temple was perfectly exposed & so is his family.
More images coming.
More images being posted at
Flickr.com/PreyingJaws
PreyingJaws.deviantArt.com/store
Later
Jaws
Friday, December 05, 2008
Lone Peak UT
Please surf over to flickr to read the description on this image.
Years ago a Scouting buddy & I headed towards Lone Peak. We never made it. Heck, we didn't even find the right trail. After an hour or so of punching brush we turned around & came back.
It's been 20 years. The trail head changed. It's now marked. The trail is marked too!
A new friend called me up & said I want to do this hike. I replied let's. So we did. We made it to the base of the summit trail, well almost before we turned back. The last hour or so for us on the trail were in the dark.
It's the most brutal hike I've done in the Wasatch. It's the hike with the greatest rewards. If you want to venture into mountaineering & want to test yourself first. Hit Lone Peak UT.
Now that I've tasted the trail & I've seen it. I'm goin' back in the spring when the trial is open & the wild flowers are in bloom. I've got summit lust for this peak & it's mine, all mine. But I'll wait until spring to get there.
The Moon & Moroni
I was out & about yesterday afternoon with nothing to do so I grabbed my kit and went downtown for the evening to scout. I want to get down there when there's lots of people so I can get some ghost images. This one I saw. It took a few moments to figure out just the right angles.
I am not LDS. Please don't send a missionary my way. I like the downtown area & the way the organization sets up the lights during the holiday.
Friday, October 31, 2008
dreaming of winter
I decided to do a little hiking in an area I've not trekked to this summer. I headed out to Desolation Lake and beyond. Desolation Lake is a few miles in from Big Cottonwood Canyon and is also accessed by going out of bounds at the Canyon's Ski Resort in Park City. I went beyond by hiking up to the ridge and along the Wasatch Crest Trail. The image posted here is of Upper Bear Trap Fork, the back side of Desolation Lake.
Many open slopes draw skiers to the back country. However without proper training or a good head on the shoulders the back country can become the last country - aka resulting in death by burial in snow or demise if recovered in time. The slope surrounding Upper Bear Trap and Desolation Lake slide often in January and February.
I chose to re-familiarize myself with these slopes so that when snow does begin to fall, I will remember what is or isn't holding the snow to the slope.
For more information on Avalanche Dangers or forecasting see:
Avalanche.org
Saturday, October 25, 2008
about a but
I've titled this about a but. A mentor, a Scout Leader, a buckskin wearing mountain man, all that was spoken of him did not include the but. There were no 'he was but...' or 'his but...' If there was a but on the other side of but was not a negative. There was a positive. There were many an example of how this gentleman treated others - always better then himself. There were examples of how he sacrificed so he could be with his beloved. There were examples of how he went without so others could be comfortable. There were pages of Scouting Lore that would be different had he not been there. The story of his family of his giving, giving, and giving. He lived the example all should follow.
There could have been a but. That but also most came to be... This but almost happened. BUT he died not knowing Christ - that is the but one does not want to hear. Of all the buts that could have been & are in life this is the but that changes everything. I am so glad his family loved him so much that thou they had the living example of Christ in their lives they stilled shared Christ with him. I am so glad that he accepted Christ. Thou not living a religious life, he exemplified the life to live - that of selflessness. No mater how 'good' one is there is no life perfect enough to gain access to heaven without having the life of Christ living inside. I am so glad the but ends 'but after all this good he did he accepted Christ and is alive though not with us.'
I know for this family, this time is hard, many traveled great distances just to be at his side. I know that the stories told are treasured. I know that the best condolences one can offer is a story or a listening ear. A book of pictures may not say much (troop history). A post card from a far - may not say anything. Faces unknown and yet touched, give not a clue. When all is strung together the thread of love revealed the but of not knowing Christ would shatter it all. The thread of life that ran is his life is the exemplary life, a finger print of Christ in everything he did, yet not recognized by him until the end. With all the threads in life end and the last needle of the tapestry pulled through, the finally picture seen without Christ it all unravels. I am so glad this family man, this Scout Leader, this selfless one finished his days with us knowing Christ.
I must pose this to those who read this entry: Is there a 'but' in your life? Is there stuff that would change the story told about you? I know not how to phrase the next. Do I dare say is a life lived for good and accepting Christ better then a life accepting Christ and then lived? Do I dare when does one accept Christ, after the party is over or before it begins? Do I dare ask, what's holding you back from accepting Christ? Will others one day say of you - he accepted Christ but (the blank) or will they say of you - he knew Christ and lived out his walk.
For the one who showed me how to live at peace in the outdoors (even a night without a sleeping bag or fire), for the one who taught me how to respect the outdoors, for the one who showed me what selflessness is. I thank his family for sharing Christ so that we may say and he knew Christ in the end and now lives.
*family & names purposely with held
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Morning Mist Elk
This is the kind of image everyone needs to get of elk or other wild life in Yellowstone. For me it was the cold that got me up and being up I decided to go for a walk down by the Madison River. This is as close to these animals as I wanted to be while we were on the same side of the river.
hoofs and antlers
This is one of those pictures that you don't want to take on your trip to Yellowstone NP. The Park Rangers warn many a person daily to keep away from the wild life. The Park's literature too tells one to keep a safe distance of no less then 25 yards for most large animals and 100 at least for bears. It also says to give plenty of space to Elk during the Rut (mating season).
I did.
My story goes... one crisp morning before I started my coffee while camping at the Madison Junction Campground I chose to go for a walk along the river's side. I saw a few fly fishermen and pondered if they'd seen the elk herd in the area. As I came around the crest of a river bend I saw them in the field across the way, on the other side of the river. I took a few frames and walked over to a couple of photographers near by. We chatted a moment and moved up the river to get a better shot.
One of the cows (female elk) went rogue and crossed the river about a hundred yards from the bridge. I moved up river to get a picture of the elk fording the water. Still plenty of room for safety, 300 yards or so. The bull (male elk) forded the river to chase her back into his harem. Again, I had plenty of space though the photographers maybe one or three near where they crossed backed up 25 yard or plenty more.
She turned down river. My way. While she trotted, I ran (ran!) along with several others up hill to the trees. Three of us hid behind a big tree as she passed. He came after her. He paused long enough to look at us and shake his head. That big old tree became like a twig & I sucked up to it.
He charged on bent on getting his girl back. This is the image I caught shooting from the hip as he came around but a few yards (I don't recall exactly how far, the EXIF reveals I shot at 80mm zoom). Those two to three hundred yards of safety were eaten up mighty fast in those few seconds of chase.
The next images, after I button hooked it around that twig of a big tree is of the photographer 25 yards behind me with a nervous look on his face. He abandoned his camera on a tripod a moment later. It'd be half an hour before he could retrieve his gear.
The moral of this image.
1) Any distant distance is not safe during the rut.
2) I don't exactly have a point and shoot as many tourist do. If you do and you want a picture of what you see - ask some one with one of those big lens'd cameras on a tripod if they'd send you an image or two. The will if you're cool about it.
3) keep shooting regardless the focus.
If you were there that morning please send me an image or two of the treed three.
Mom, if you read this. This is my only encounter with wild life of this kind - ever! I stay out of and keep out of any harms way. Trust me. Just 'cus an image shows up like this doesn't mean I seek 'em. I'm a story teller & this one is illustrated.
Old Faithful at night under the stars
Many a year ago when I was but a youthful young man, I worked in the far fetched land of Yellowstone National Park. I longed to hike and to relax in the beauty of this rare and wonder filled landscape of exotic and toxic beauty though scared by the wild fires of 88 a scant 2 years before. I spent many a night laying on my back after a day of work or play on the board walk surrounding the geyser known as Old Faithful.
This image though it needs digital noise washing shows the geyser as I'd seen it many a time. I chose this one for you can see the Big Dipper Consolation ready to catch the water cast upwards into the sky. This is towards the end of this geyser's cycle and is lighted by a long exposure and a few flashes of those who do not realize night pixs don't work to well with flashes...
Saturday, September 27, 2008
17
This time 17 is coming up as I head to Yellowstone NP. It's been 17 years since I last visited The Park. For me, I was on my own for the first time. It was a time of trial and error. It was a time that I learned and established my own rules. It was a time of vision that eventually took me across the USA and eventually over and on the Seas with Mercy Ships. I worked with the concession company at the Old Faithful Inn for two summers. I shared many a day with some awesome people, one or two I've caught up with in recent days. If you stumble upon this and were in Yellowstone 90 or 91 drop a line my way.
This time I heading back just for a few days. The trip will be fast & furious. I'll have the camera(s). I'll revisit a few of the old hikes & try to capture a few of the images that were forever captured on film (now buried in a trunk of memories). Ironically looking at the calendar it will be near 17 years to the day I left. I do hope it won't be another 17 years before I return the next time.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Willow Lake Moose
Out cruising the woods in Big Cottonwood Canyon looking at fall foliage, my hiking partner pointed out this bull.
The leaves of the fall are brightening up all around Salt Lake City. If you haven't gotten out yet there is still plenty of time. This year is one of the best years to be out checking out the leaves in Utah. Last year we had a cold snap that took the leave right off. The year before it was dry & everything browned out before time. This year is amazing. The oaks and maples are soon to peak. The aspens as each grove changes is perking up. I've seen different groves change this year before other groves have. The mountains are a patch work of colors.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
JDRF
For the most part, this is the crew I hang with, a rowdy bunch, with a batch of interesting personalities & interests.
As for the event that we attended, it is an annual event the company helps sponsor. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation holds many fund/awareness events around the country. JDRF is set out to find a cure for Diabetes.
Friday, July 25, 2008
quick n dirty thoughts
Nothin': What it means...
My place, if you come over by invitation then take it seriously. I seldom let others into my door. If you are invited, come in & know I consider you as one of my own.
Beer, it's my choice of social cold drinks
Coffee: I drink it when it's a hundred and ten degrees & I'll drink it when boiling water freezes.
WTF (yes. that is...) Why is he wearing a sweat shirt in 100 weather? The sweatshirt is actually thread bare & hides my skin from the sun keeping me cooler...
I have no game & I know it.
Is it possible to be twisted (confused) about a friend. What if she finds out about it? Typically being twisted lasts only a few days or so then I'm back to cool friend thoughts & just hangin'. What if she reads this?
Best morning activity: Watching the little brown birds at the bird feeder while drinking coffee & reading the BOOK
Prayer & what it hasn't done for me, a satirical look at my current prayer life & unanswered prayers
Salted in shell peanuts versus pretzels.
The ever changing world of friendships. These things aught to be called friend shifts. I've noticed the gang I hang with now it's the gang I hung with...
Perfection in relationships is finding the qualities that will make one a better person...
Why is it the best ideas I want to write about happens at work? So back to work I go...
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Relay for Life Pictures
Laziness saved the pictures, rather I should say my desire not to do anything rash saved 'em. Yes, I am upset with the mis-representation towards the memory of my sister by the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. I, however, know that I was also at the event for other reasons. The reasons would include to hang out with co-workers & to take pictures for the company I work for. Here therefore are a few of the images from that day.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Relay for Life
It sucked!
That's the easiest way to put it, a huge let down.
I've planned on going to this event for months. I had my department manager even swing the schedule for me (thanks). However it is a big let down.
It was cool, great day beautiful weather (140 in your car) 80 else where. Clear sky just the kind you want to picnic under all day & night. It was held in a big city park, where at the same time was 2 baseball games & 2 practices going on. So where do I park??? Next when I found where to park, where were the vendor booths & where were the meeting areas. These weren't exactly well defined, thankfully the vendors were able to get themselves organized. The bathrooms - ah the pavilion, by the time I last relived myself I thought going redneck would be more sanitary in the parking lot. The route - if you missed the announcement early on in the event you had to guess where it was at - aka unmarked along the park's sidewalks. The announcement also included that they (the organizer's) did not want anyone walking a lone. Ah - safety but is that not why the event was at the park next to the city/county buildings and local police dept??? The stage events seemed to be a hodge podge of music & what not. I never did figure it out, sometimes there was a dance group cavorting on stage other times some music. For the opening ceremony they hired the CIA to do their goods to a cat, I mean they had some awful singer belt out the national anthem. Irony strikes, I'm drinking a beer. The tune to the US national anthem is a drinking song - a lousy one at that of the day. The words are a poem about a battle we lost to the British. My British friends never let me live that one down... My question for this part of the even is where is the flag? I didn't see one flying near by - the city had taken their's down for the weekend. There weren't any on stage, nor any Boy Scouts to present 'the colors.' This was all minor to what was to come.
What came as the night grew on. The luminaries were set out.
The bags prepared by loved ones who lost their's to cancer & of survivors, decorated; were filled with a handful of sand & a flickering light set inside. These were set up along the walking path. I watched & took pictures. People came up to me & asked what organization I shoot for. This is always cool & refreshing. I tell them it is a hobby & I take a few images for the company I work for. I followed along & took pictures of the one's I recognized, my DM's family, a co-worker's, others of interest.
I saw one with my sister's name on it. I thought cool - someone else is here who knows & remembers my sister, I hope to run into them. That though however would not be the case -that was (not) my luminary. I continued on. I didn't see the luminary I brought & gave to one of the volunteers who where to set these things out. I walked the route 3 more times, may be I missed it. I went back to the luminary I saw. I took out the light & placed it in another bag, shook out the sand & folded it up. I am disappointed. The cap stone just cracked. I could put up
with all the other stuff of this evening. This I cannot. I cursed under my breath walking away in the dark. The path dimly lit by the lights in the bag.
Some ladies where talking about the event & how well it was going as I left. They had volunteer shirts on. I asked if I could give a few words. Choking back the tears I told them I've walked this time & time again I have not found the luminary I made. I found a hand scrawled one with my sister's name on it. I also said I saw others with the same hand writing, just names with 'In memory of ...' I cursed the event as I walked away from them. This event had dishonored my memory of my sister...
Then it occurred to me why the volunteer I gave my luminary to asked if I had paid my money... This isn't an event to remember lost ones or to honor surviors. It' about the money. Not about the show & tell of how this organization is promoting finding a cure to cancer. It's about the money. What a cold hearted thing. (This is my opinion as I reflect on tonight). The word's this volunteer & those I passed leaving, just cold hearted. Cold.
She was beautiful. She was unique. She played an instrument few dare play & to my understanding she played it beautifully. She was my best friend growing up. She was the one person I knew from preschool. There isn't a day when I don't thing about her or look at a picture of her.
This event, the one I've looked forward to for so long in which I can set a memento next to other memento's of others who died of cancer crushes me. I utterly hate this evening. I I I can't say it enough. It sucked.
I got a 12 pack on my way home. At least I can cry into my beer.
If you are reading this & wondering where the pictures are of this event that I took. They are in a vice. The flash cards are so close to being destroyed. The one thing that will let you see them is a letter of apology from this event organizer on organization letterhead on why 'our' luminaries where not displayed. We paid our money. Please let us honor our dead.
All I am asking is let me honor my dead.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Sample Weekend Pixs
First I went to Wheeler Farm to participate with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Walk
Next I headed out to Rocky Mountain Race Way to watch what I thought was drag racing but turned out to be super oval. Either way I had fun & I've never been to any kind of motor racing, so it was a great experience.
On Sunday I headed out to Miller Sports Park to watch the Utah Grand Prix. This event rocked my ear plugs out with image opportunities...