# 7194
Last night I saw the weirdest car I’ve ever seen (short of the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile) and I wanted to post it because I knew everyone would be as excited to see it as me. I’s a Viper Starfighter from Battlestar Galactica and it deserves it’s own post. A sign on the back says “Matter of fact, I am a rocket scientist”. I had to stake this car out for 20 minutes to get this unobstructed view.
# 7053
Recently Adobe announced that Photoshop would be included in their Creative Cloud service for a monthly charge as opposed to selling it outright and upgrades were no longer available to purchase for owners of existing versions of Photoshop. Though I could see the attraction this holds for professionals who rely on the software, I was not thrilled. Now, a few months after Adobe’s announcement, I’m not at all concerned about the decision. I still have CS5 and Bridge, which are excellent choices for editing and productivity. Lightroom is a very creativ toold for editing and has been my main editor for almost two years, capable of performing 90% of the edits. A version of the shot above, a fountain at Sonnenberg Gardens, was posted earlier. Originally, the water was a yellow/brown mess and was very unattractive. In lightroom, I use the adjustment brush to add some blue to match the sky. It was easy and didn’t require much time or special technique. My guess is that future versions of Lightroom will have features that Photoshop has now, like layers, blend modes and layer styles and all non-destructive. I also think a program like Elements would make a nice companion in the meantime. I’ve used Elements (v5) for years before I started Photoshop and found it very easy and comprehensive. Currently they are up to version 11 so they probably have even more functionality that my old version 5 and it’s only $63. The shot below was made in Elements 5 long before I started with Lightroom or PS.
EMO/tut
# 7152
I went to CVS, a major drug store chain in the US, for a greeting card. After paying for it I got a receipt that measured 32 inches long. I guess they figured I needed the attached coupons for skin care products, nail polish, deodorant (which I resent) and cookies. Last month I purchased 2 cans of deck stain at Lowe’s and got a receipt that was 28 inches long. I returned one can a week later and got another receipt that measured 26 inches long. I’m trying to think up ways to use these receipts. It seems every store I go to has a receipt at least as long as my arm. Maybe, after a few more receipt like these, I can roll them up tightly and use them for fireplace logs.
Emo/Pop Sci c 2005
Though there was a mention of the Flux Capacitor in an obscure ’80’s science fiction movie, and here, the invention is actually credited to Emo, who received the coveted “Inventor of the Year” award form Popular Science magazine. Here is a shot of the June, 2005 cover.
# 5770
Never let it be said that the world’s largest retailer doesn’t have a sense of humor. Please follow this link and read the reviews. I’ve ordered 6 of these for myself and 6 more for holiday gifts. It’s the least I can do.
Here is another link you may enjoy. I wanted to order the Uranium Ore (for my Flux Capacitor) but it’s not Amazon Prime.
Still awake??? Check this out!!!
# 7047
Sonnenberg mansion dates back to 1887 and was the former summer home to Frederick Ferris and Mary Clark Thompson. (I have a summer home too, but it’s also my winter, spring and fall home.) The mansion and surrounding gardens is now open to the public. We visited last Saturday and had a great time. The weather was sunny and in the upper 70’s (F) with barely a breeze. I was hoping for a little more overcast to cut the shadows but, except for a few clouds, the sun was shining all day. That may account for the postcard look of the top photo. But I love postcards and when we vacation I always look for the more interesting ones.
In one of the interior shots you’ll notice what looks like a child’s bathtub. It’s the only one I’ve seen like it. Click on any image to enter the gallery.
# 5927-B
St. Joseph’s Church, in downtown Rochester, was completed in 1846 but was destroyed by fire in 1974. It’s been designated a City Landmark and the stone shell has been a park since 1980. It’s still a wonderful piece of architecture and the shell appears to be in relatively good shape. Prior to the fire, the Church had a 4 AM service for the numerous bakers in Rochester because they had to start work very early. I don’t know from experience, but they say it was well attended.
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# 6813
I made the mistake of wearing sneakers instead of Gore-Tex boots today. It’s raining so hard I have to take a shower in order to dry off. The best thing to eat on a day like today: WATERMELON!!! Yeah, I know, my bucket’s got a hole in it.
Fellow blogger, great photographer and all around nice guy John Linn managed to get a very good shot of the blimp that is in town for the PGA tournament this week. I have seen it in the air but I was in the car and not able to get a shot myself. At least that’s what I thought! Earlier this week I took this photo near the Port of Rochester and, although I had no intention of posting it, after I started working on it I noticed a small dot above the trees. The dot turned out to be the blimp. This is a crop from the photo above:
# 6813
# 6990
I stopped at the Lamberton Conservatory yesterday and there was very few people there. That’s good for me because I like to take my time and I hate to be a bother to other patrons. I thought it was a good day to go because rain was predicted and it did look like it was about to rain all morning, but we never got a drop. No matter, the light is usually very nice and even inside and I got a few shots I may not have been able to get if it were crowded. Although I shot some interesting flowers, I tended to focus more on leaves of various plants.
The requirement to post a photo of Emo is hereby fulfilled. If you feel compelled to comment, please mention him as his ego needs stroking every so often.
# 6732
I don’t get a chance to use the 70-300 Nikkor VR lens very often (sometimes I take it out of my pack to lighten the load) but it is a very nice, sharp lens and fairly lightweight for it’s size. On enlargement, I can read the writing on the side (US Customs and Border Protection) and even see the pilot’s face. Webster (Where Life is Worth Living) and Rochester border Lake Ontario, so there are Customs offices here and it’s not unusual to see their presence every now and then.
Bonus:
# 2359
Can anyone tell me what this is? First one that comes up with the correct answer wins a free dinner for one at a restaurant of my choice! Hint: it’s not a prop from the Star Trek TV show.
2clicksaway 