Astrophotography

If you are fascinated in Astrophotography and how they do it, wired.com has a great article of how Rogelio Bernal Andreo does his Astrophotography. He walks you a quick tutorial of how it's done and the equipment that he uses to make his fantastic images of the stars. Here is the link to Wired.com article "The Making of a Mind-Blowing Space Photo".

My attempts have never show the results that Andreo has produced. The closest celestial body to earth is the only thing I can get a good image from in space.

Schmap Destination Guide: Photo Inclusion

Pumpkin Pile
Originally uploaded by Kirk Howard

One of my photographs has been selected to be included for the Schmap Destination Guide.

I have personally never used this guide before, but I checked them out to make sure it was on the up and up. It seems to be directed to the mobile phone market specifically the iPhone.

I have included the letters that were sent to me via Flickr mail.

************************************************************************

From: Emma J. Williams
Subject: Schmap: San Francisco Photo Short-list


Hi Kirk,

I am writing to let you know that one of your photos has been short-listed for inclusion in the sixth edition of our Schmap San Francisco Guide, to be published mid-March 2009.

www.schmap.com/shortlist/p=66304943N00/c=SJ20012965

Clicking this link will take you to a page where you can:
i) See which of your photos has been short-listed.
ii) Submit or withdraw your photo from our final selection phase.
iii) Learn how we credit photos in our Schmap Guides.
iv) Browse online or download the fifth edition of our Schmap San Francisco Guide.

While we offer no payment for publication, many photographers are pleased to submit their photos, as Schmap Guides give their work recognition and wide exposure, and are free of charge to readers. Photos are published at a maximum width of 150 pixels, are clearly attributed, and link to high-resolution originals at Flickr.

Our submission deadline is Tuesday, February 24. If you happen to be reading this message after this date, please still click on the link above (our Schmap Guides are updated frequently - photos submitted after this deadline will be considered for later releases).

Best regards,

Emma Williams,
Managing Editor, Schmap Guides
www.schmap.me/emma.williams

***************************************************************************

From: Emma J. Williams
Subject: Schmap San Francisco Sixth Edition: Photo Inclusion


Hi Kirk,

I am delighted to let you know that your submitted photo has been selected for inclusion in the newly released sixth edition of our Schmap San Francisco Guide:

Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival
www.schmap.com/sanfrancisco/events_outandabout/p=20581/i=20581_4.jpg

If you use an iPhone or iPod touch, then this same link will take you directly to your photo in the iPhone version of our guide. On a desktop computer, you can still see exactly how your photo is displayed and credited in the iPhone version of our guide at:

Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival
www.schmap.com/?m=iphone#uid=sanfrancisco&sid=events_outandabout&p=20581&i=20581_4

Finally, if you have a blog, you might also like to check out the customizable widgetized version of our Schmap San Francisco Guide, complete with your published photo:

www.schmap.com/guidewidgets/p=66304943N00/c=SJ20012191

Thanks so much for letting us include your photo - please enjoy the guide!

Best regards,

Emma Williams,
Managing Editor, Schmap Guides
www.schmap.me/emma.williams

JPG has been revived...

For all those who were not aware. JPG magazine or (8020 Media) had sent out a blast email at the end of the year stating that the Magazine and Online site no-longer had the capital to continue doing business.

They explained how they had exhausted all possibilities of finding backers. So on January 5th, 2009 they were officially done.

However today I received an email stating that with the help and support of the readers and on-line friends they may have struck and deal for continued life of the magazine and website.

I enclose the actual letter for your review.

REF:
A Future for JPG
1 message
________________________________________
8020 Media Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 12:40 AM
To: Kirk Howard
We couldn't ask for a better community. In the week or so since our last email, the outpour of support has exceeded our wildest expectations. Your efforts, such as starting savejpg.com, writing blog posts, commenting on Twitter and Flickr, and generally making your voices heard, have provided exciting new opportunities for us.

We're thrilled to say that because of you, we have multiple credible buyers interested in giving JPG a home. We will be keeping the site up after all, and hope to have a final update in the next week or so on who the acquirer will be. Thank you for making all of this possible.

Laura Brunow Miner
Editor in Chief

You Blinked...

Just when you thought it was all over for 2008, Nikon goes and pulls a rabbit out of the hat. Will it ever end?

____________________________________________________________

Nikon Officially Unleashes 24.5-Megapixel D3X
Nikon's update to last year's D3 is an $8,000 flagship aimed at the working professional.
By Stan Horaczek · Nikon
December 1, 2008


The full press release is below, but here are some highlights.

FX-format, 24.5-megapixel (6048 x 4032) CMOS sensor
Five FPS at full resolution
12 and 14-bit capability
Dual card slots (CompactFlash)
5:4 Crop Mode for 8 x 10 shooting
7 FPS using DX-format lenses at 10.5 megapixels
ISO 100-1,600, expandable to 50 and 6,400
.12 seconds start-up time
3D Color Matrix Metering II
Multi-CAM 3500FX focus module, with 51 AF points
Up to nine available customizable presets
Tested to exceed 300,000 cycles for maximum durability and longevity
Viewfinder offers 100 percent coverage with 0.7x magnification
Up to 4400* shots per single charge of the camera’s Lithium ion battery
Shoots tethered or using the WT-4a wireless transmitter to eschew writing to cards
Available right now for $7,995

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Nov. 30, 2008) – Nikon Inc. today announced the D3X, an FX-format digital SLR featuring extreme 24.5-megapixel resolution and superb low-noise capabilities, which provides professional photographers with commercial-quality image performance in a familiar and extraordinarily versatile D-SLR form factor. In conjunction with the groundbreaking Nikon FX-format D3, the D3X tops off a collection of flagship level, rugged, professional caliber digital single lens reflex cameras engineered to excel in all types of professional photographic disciplines from photojournalism and sideline sports, to commercial in-studio applications.

The foundation of the enhanced performance of the D3X is its FX-format, 24.5-megapixel (6048 x 4032) CMOS sensor providing commercial, high fashion, fine art and landscape photographers with the extreme resolution, dynamic range, color depth, detail and sharpness that clients demand. Whether creating catalogs, magazine covers, billboards or gallery prints, the large 5.49-micron pixel size and high signal to noise ratio produces vibrant images with breathtaking image fidelity while reducing lost highlights and shadows, and ensuring smoother tone reproduction with minimized noise. With full resolution shooting speeds of up to five frames-per-second (fps), and 14-bit files, that when processed are approximately 138 MB, the D3X offers today's photographic artists an extreme level of performance and versatility ready for demanding assignments in the studio or on location.

“In 2007, the 12.1-megapixel FX-format D3 delivered groundbreaking digital SLR image quality, coupled with incomparable high ISO, low noise performance and high-speed handling. In doing so, the D3 broke photographic barriers, enabling photographers to work in ways never before possible,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. “Now, the new 24.5-megapixel FX-format D3X D-SLR provides the extreme resolution and high dynamic range capabilities needed to meet the extraordinary needs of photographic disciplines such as high fashion, commercial advertising and fine art. The D3X delivers this remarkable capability while fitting seamlessly within the Nikon system, taking full advantage of Nikon’s world-renowned collection of NIKKOR lenses and Speedlights.”

Image Quality Takes Center Stage
To re-emphasize the importance of image quality above all else, the D3X delivers an incredible level of digital SLR performance to provide photographers with extremely high resolution, exceptional dynamic range, phenomenal total gradation and outstanding color reproduction. Image files can be recorded as TIFF, JPEG or NEF (RAW) formats in either 12- or 14-bit compressed or uncompressed formats, and recorded to UDMA compatible CompactFlash™ cards for optimum speed. Photographers can save image files directly to the dual card slots as overflow, backup, or as separate file formats to different cards. Building on the D3X's flexibility, users have the creative option to shoot in the 5:4 crop mode with 20.4-megapixel resolution, the ideal format for creating 8 x 10-inch portraits. While using DX-format lenses, faster continuous shooting of up to seven frames per second can be achieved at a resolution of 10.5 megapixels.

The exceptionally low noise of the D3X is essential to any professional commercial application, and it provides photographers with an ISO range of 100 to 1600, expandable to 50 (Lo-1) and 6400 (Hi-2). The ultra smooth tones and lack of grain at ISO 1600 as well as at low sensitivity settings result in smooth, natural skin tones and exacting detail that, before the D3X, required larger and far costlier studio-bound camera systems.

Advanced Technologies, Meticulously Executed
In a commercial setting or on location, imaging professionals need high performance in both speed and processing. The Nikon D3X can shoot at up to five fps at full resolution or up to seven fps in DX crop mode, allowing photographers to catch the split-second difference in a model’s expression or capture all of the action in a sequence. Just like the D3, the D3X achieves a start-up time of a mere 0.12 seconds and a shutter release time lag of 0.04 seconds.

The D3X’s speed, as well as high levels of performance, leverages Nikon core technologies including a newly enhanced EXPEED™ Image Processing System, specially designed for the D3X to provide superior image quality, faster processing speeds and lower power consumption. This advanced system is able to achieve extremely precise color reproduction for a broad spectrum of hues, in addition to vivid saturation and smooth gradation. What’s more, Nikon’s advanced noise processing function is engineered to minimize noise at all sensitivities and operate seamlessly without interfering with other image color parameters.

The D3X also features Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System, which continuously analyzes information from the 1,005-pixel RGB light sensor, to further refine auto exposure, auto white balance and autofocus calculations. This results in flattering portraits and awe-inspiring landscapes that portray accurate color and fine details. Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II helps ensure accurate exposures, even in the most challenging lighting conditions. Instantly evaluating each scene before capture, input data from the system's sensor is automatically referenced against an internal database of more than 30,000 images derived from actual photographs to calculate correct exposure values. Active D-Lighting, used in combination with 3D Matrix Metering II, helps to determines proper exposure, and creates realistic contrast while compensating for lost shadows and highlights. Prior to shooting, users can choose from Extra High, High, Normal, Low or Off settings, as well as an Auto mode.

Additionally, the D3X features Nikon’s exclusive Multi-CAM 3500FX focus module, with 51 AF points, 15 cross type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors that easily track and lock onto moving subjects, delivering the same fast and accurate AF performance that helped make the D3 immediately successful. Users can select any of the AF points, making it easy to consistently attain accurate focus right on a subject’s eyes, frame after frame. Additionally, three AF-area modes – Single point, Dynamic-area AF and Auto-area AF – are available to maximize the use of the 51 focus points by selecting the most suitable one to match subject conditions. AF is also available in one of two Live View modes optimized for the studio, including a phase detection handheld mode and a tripod mode. This feature allows the user to zoom in up to 27x on the LCD screen to ensure critical focus. While in Live View, the graphic indication of a virtual horizon is also available, making it easier than ever to confirm camera orientation.

To further ensure each photographer's ability to balance their personal style, Nikon’s Picture Control System enables users to adjust their images to pre-set parameters such as Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome that apply tweaks to image sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, overall tone and saturation. Photographers have creative control over these image parameters with the use of up to nine available customizable presets.

Synchronizing Both Form and Function
Engineered for real-world functionality, the D3X retains a rugged shell with moisture, dust and shock resistance that has become a hallmark of flagship Nikon D-SLRs, while preserving the usability and ergonomics that allow the camera to remain an extension of the photographer’s vision. Attention to detail goes so far as to include a self-diagnostic shutter system that is tested to exceed 300,000 cycles for maximum durability and longevity. The camera’s body also maintains the resilient magnesium alloy construction and form factor of the D3, promoting consistent Nikon system synergy.

A bright and accurate viewfinder offers 100 percent coverage with 0.7x magnification. The body also houses Nikon’s acclaimed 3.0-inch super density LCD screen, now relied upon by so many photographers. The high-resolution 920,000-dot screen is viewable at wide angles up to 170 degrees, and will allow photographers to quickly zoom in to confirm critical focus. Users can also output the video signal to an external display via HDMI to allow client viewing. Thanks to incredibly efficient internal circuitry, the D3X can capture up to 4400* shots per single charge of the camera’s Lithium ion battery.

System Strength Withstands the Test of Time
The D3X is fully compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System (CLS) to give photographers a mobile lighting solution that is easy to manage. To further enhance mobility, the D3X is compatible with Nikon’s GP-1 GPS receiver to gather information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and date of shooting. Photographers can easily shoot tethered via USB, or use the WT-4a wireless transmitter to send images wirelessly when speed and mobility are essential. D3X users will also enjoy the system strength of more than 50 genuine NIKKOR lenses that provide outstanding sharpness and high resolution across a broad range of focal lengths.

Price and Availability
The Nikon D3X will be available at Nikon Authorized Professional Dealers starting December 2008, and will be available for an estimated selling price of $7999.95.**

BLACK FRIDAY…

I dreaded the holiday shopping season as a retail employee. In celebration of “Black Friday”, and that I haven’t worked retail for over 150 full moons, here are some shopping ideas for the photographer in your life.

1. Books are always a good idea. How to’s: for better technique. Amazon.com com has a great selection of photography books. Some great authors are Scott Kelby, Joe McNally, and Annie Leibovitz. Also, some other books are the Photo Workshop series.

2. Magazines are another gift that keeps giving for at least 12 months. There are a plethora of Photography or Photoshop magazines. Most of these can be purchased or ordered from the websites directly. Popular Photography (PopPhoto) is a great general magazine.

More specific are magazines like Photoshop User or Layers magazines. National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) puts out these magazines. NAPP also has a membership that will not only get all the Photoshop User issues for the year you also get discounts to buy gear and on-line tools and training.

2. Glass Blow Ornaments are always a good stocking stuffer. Here are some VINTAGE CAMERA ORNAMENTS.

Another great gift resource comes from the guys at NAPP and Layers Magazine. It’s the Gonzo Holiday Gear Guide. You will have to navigate to different pages to see the entire gift guild, but it worth the looks. This is the 2007 Gonzo Holiday Gear Guide. The 2008 Gonzo Holiday Gear Guide version has been released, but you will need to purchase the Layers magazine to see this years toys. Stay tuned for an update.

Now if you haven’t noticed already, everything I posted can be had over the internet. I try to do most of my shopping this way. I hate having to deal with holiday shoppers and the nastiness it brings out in the average Joe.

If you know what you are looking for and have a good idea what retail is for items, you can score some good deals on-line. Warning, be smart and wise and make sure the product and company is reputable.

That’s if for me. I will be braving the crowds at the Apple Store today. Apple usually has a one day sale on “Black Friday”. Apple is notorious for never selling anything under MSRP, except for “Black Friday”.


Good Luck and may the shopping be with you…

Hologram...

No matter how you vote last night or your political affiliation you have to admit technology is advancing and here to stay.

Last night as I watched election results on many of the major TV networks FOX, ABC, CBS, NBC, CNBC and CNN, I came across something amazing. CNNs Wolf Blitzer was talking to another reporter. At first I thought the reporter looked a little short, then I realized it was a projected image. Not only a projected image, but a hologram.

Take a look at the video clip it’s really cool.

Blue Diamond

Blue Diamond, originally uploaded by Kirk Howard.

Fleet Week is over and all the planes have gone. I walked to Pier 41 on Friday. Not the best vantage point to shoot the air show, but it was better then nothing. I took photographs from the Marina Green last year. Pier 41 gave me a different look at the planes.

Sunday was the fun day. I got up early and got to my secret spot by 11:15 AM. At 2:30 PM my secret spot wasn't very secret anymore. This spot puts me right under center stage and in front of the crowds.

The above image was taken on Friday October 10, 2008 at Pier 41. This was media day and practice for the Air show. Blue Angels flights 1 thru 4, however flight 4 has been replaced by flight 7. Blue Angel #7 is the two seater F/A-18. If you look carefully you will notice someone in the RIO position (Radar-Intercept Officer). This seat is usually set aside for media or dignitaries that get the rare privilege to fly with these amazing machines.

I only have one question. When’s my turn?

The Blue Angels from Joe Bloggs on Vimeo.

Half-on, Half-off... My install is Half Done.

Start - 4:00 PM September 23, 2008
Finish – To Be Determined

After spending a few hours backing-up and doing an “install and erase”, will say “it was a success we have ignition.

As I left my house this morning at 4:30AM the 1 terabyte external HD was still going through its MAC OS Extended Journaled rewrite. When I checked on the process as I walked out the door, it still had three hours left… Whoa!

My only hiccup has been I cannot find my iLife 08’. I checked the Leopard install, I also checked the separate MAC OS install bundle disks.

Once I get the iLife 08 figured out I will finish the migration and software install.

Update to follow…

Intellectual property...

cartoon furnished by Clay Bennett @ http://www.claybennett.com/
Creative rights infringed? Well according to an article and blog post at Your Photo Tips by Damien Franco the mega giant corporation of 3M has blatantly violated Intellectual property (IP) of Scott, a photographer and Flickr enthusiast.

Social media is such in important part of today’s photographer (hello Flickr) that even big media companies like 3M want to get involved. Only they really screwed a photographer on this one. You have to read this article on how a big budget campaign wouldn’t even pay a photographer a fraction of their marketing campaign money for creative license. It’s absolutely disgusting.

Thanks to Damien Franco for pointing this story out. If you get a chance take a look a Damien Franco’s Flickr page.


Click… here, to read the rest of the story.

NFL Network...

For those of you who didn't catch tonight's game, the NFL has a new toy on NFL.com. The NFL has a new feature streaming live game coverage. The NFL will now allowed us Internet types to watch games over the net for free. The new feature is really cool. It allows you to watch five different camera angles, by clicking on the one you want to watch and that will be superimposed as the main screen.

The audio is a little delayed, and the image quality will get better in time. I think this is a very cool way to watch an NFL Football game. Below is a screen capture of tonight's game. Let me know what you think.

FX vs. DX compairason

Back to more interesting stuff. Since I have been a slacker, I am going to borrow a little tid-bit from the Digital Photography School blog. If you haven’t been to this site or blog make a must see on your daily surf trip. I have picked up quite a few tips. I even find myself checking the site out and searcher out techniques and how to’s.

DX, full-frame, APS-C, FX, crop factor, 24×36, image circle. Confused yet? Good. With the new Nikon D700 hitting store shelves and the Canon 5D MkII imminent, now is a good time to clear the air on the whole sensor size thing.

Back in the film days, the rectangle that captured the image on a standard SLR (the film) was one size: 24mm x 36mm. That was all there was to it, and nobody really gave it a second thought.

Every camera manufacturer is slightly different; models from the same manufacturer are even different. People usually refer to a sensor’s size by its “crop factor.” That’s the number you use to find the 35mm equivalent of a given lens. It’s just like taking the middle of an image and throwing away the outside edges. If a sensor is 24mm x 36mm, then there is no crop factor, since it covers the same area as 35mm film.

Nikon has two different sensor sizes: full frame (FX) and 1.5x (DX). Click... to read more.

Forgiveness...

Forgive me bloggers for I have sinned. It has been sixteen days since my last blog entry. I have ha really good excuse. This time frame corresponds to the time that I buckled down and seriously studying for my NASD/FINRA General Securities Principal Exam (S-24). For all Firm Managers and Firm Principals’ it is a SEC mandated test. I am neither a manager nor a principal, but the “Firm” wanted me to take the exam. I took it, I passed it, now what? I guess, I sit and wait for something to happen. Only time will tell.

Last Saturday after my Exam I took the SF MUNI to Powell St. From there I took the Bus 27B and headed into the Mission Dist. of San Francisco. I was dropped off at Bryant and 18th. The corner where Calumet Photographic store is located. I walked in looking for inexpensive studio/portrait lighting. (Blog for another day) While I was there they had one of the new Nikon D700 out for buys to play with. It was the first D700 they had taken possession of, and everyone drooling over it, including the staff.

Back in October I blogged about Nikons Double D’s. Here is the rundown. The D3 is the top of the spear for Nikon. A full frame (FX) sensor for professionals. The D300 is Nikon’s next greatest camera second only to Nikon’s D3. The D300 is not a full frame sensor, but is the DX sensor with a conversion factor of 1.5x to achieve the 35mm equivalent.

Thump… did your hear that? It was the other shoe dropping. Nikon at the end of July, to the unexpected surprise of the photographic community released the D700. It has everything the D3 has but in the D300 body. That’s right! It’s a full frame (FX) sensor in the smaller lighter weight body of the D300. The D700 even offers features that the D3 doesn’t have like the self cleaning sensor. If you have ever had a dirty dusty filter… What a pain in the patoot.

The biggest difference between the D3 and the D700 is the price tag. The D3 is an astronomical $4,999.99; the D700 is a Mountainous $2,999.99 not bad for a full frame camera. Then their is the D300. I think you can pick up a D300 for a mere $1,649.99 (body only).
Here is a list to Click… for reviews of the D700:
Click… here
1. The Nikonians
2. dpreview

3. Nikon USA
4. Scott Kelby

Next… Click… for the (FX) full frame vs. (DX) crop sensors.

Where's Matt...?

While Magellan (wife) was going through my blog she clicked the link on the front which took her to another random blog. On this blog where some very interesting items. One of which was a video that she shared with me that was called "Where in the Hell is Matt?" It was a You Tube video that had over 11 million views. Here is the latest work by Matt. As Magellan said "It makes me smile" The video and the link to Matt's page are below. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did...

To visit Matt's web page Click... Here.

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

Lightroom® Too...

As everyone knows in the photography community Tuesday was the big release of Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 2. I have spent the last few days poking, prodding and testing the new software. I still haven’t completed my under-the-hood check-out, but so far I like what I see.

One of the things that stand out is the layout. In the develop module is where I have seen the biggest layout change. Most of the tools i.e. crop, red eye adjustments are now in the left menu bar. Before they were positioned under the image workspace.

Also, a major new item is the ability to make adjustments to localized areas of a photograph vs. the entire photo. You can also burn a dodge your images. Previous this was not a feature of Lightroom® I, only in Adobe® Photoshop®.

Side Bar…

Tuesday, I spoke to Thomas Hawk (Flickr) of the infamous Thomas Hawk’s Digital Connection. We discussed the new Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 2. Thomas has been a big user of Adobe® Bridge®. Over the year he has a developed a great workflow in Bridge® that has work very well for him. In a previous conversation month back, I asked if he was using Lightroom® I? He had said he tested the software, and that Bridge was a better fit for his workflow.

However, Tuesday produced a different response from Thomas Hawk. He said he really liked the new Lightroom® 2, and was going to start using this Photo management software, now instead of Adobe® Bridge®.

Thomas Hawk has put up his own review of the new software which you can read it here. Click… Here. I will check back with him at a later date to see how he still feels about Lightroom® 2 or find out if he has gone back to Adobe® Bridge®. “The Proof is in the Pudding”.

That’s it for me. Have a nice weekend. Keep you focus sharp and you lens clean.

Lightroom 2

Today Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 2 software released. It has been a highly anticipated release of a very popular photo management and editing software.

In April 2008 Adobe Labs released the BETA for Lightroom 2. According to the information released by Adobe over 130,000 copies were downloaded.

I did not download the BETA version, so do not have any fist hand experience on the software. However, I am an avid user of the first version of Lightroom. I think it is a great tool. Most of my images posted to this blog and others have been adjusted with only the Adobe Lightroom software. For photography work flow and management, I don’t think there is better software out on the market. For features of Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 2 Click… Here.

Check out the upgrade comparison chart Lightroom 1 vs. Lightroom 2. Click… Here
Check out Matt Kloskowski blog, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Killer Tips for additional information and news. Click… Here.

Morning Quickie...

Good Morning,

Just a quick post today. I am tired and don’t feel like putting much effort into this post today.

However I did run into a funny mock portrait photo shoot online. It is an ad campaign for the Subaru Forester. If you get a chance check it out. Link: Photo Shoot. If that link doesn’t work try this link, Click… Here, you may have to root around the web site for the gallery.

That’s it for me today, short and sweet. Have a great weekend; keep your lens clean and your focus sharp.

Happy 4th of July...

"Pig" Would like to wish everyone a "Safe & Sane" Happy Independence day.

This photo was taken at the Alameda County Fair on Monday. Magellan and I had a great time talking with the students in the 4-H Live Stock area.

The students were of all ages and very eager to share their knowledge with us. Some of these kids were barely 80 pounds dripping wet and their "Pets" were six to nine months old and out weighed them by several hundreds of pounds.

They we're all busy cleaning, feeding and practicing for the show and auction. It was told to Magellan, by a very energetic young man (that reminded her of a Nephew), that a pig went for several thousands of dollars in last years auction. Whoa, that's an expensive piece of bacon.

We went camping. See you when we get back. Have a great holiday.

North Pole...

If you stand at the North Pole, what way does your compass point?...

A few weeks ago while driving to or from Yosemite I had mentioned to Magellan some of the things I would like to do before I die. One of the things I would like to do before I die is go to the North Pole.

This was after I read an article either on-line or in a National Geographic Traveler magazine about paid excursions to the North Pole. It’s typically a 12~14 day trip starting in Moscow Russia. You board one of Russia’s nuclear powered ice breakers and head to Santa’s home. This trip is during the summer months when the Artic polar ice is weakest.

Unfortunately I read today it may be too late. According to a report in LiveScince.com that this year could be the first time in Human History that the North Pole could be ice free. I may never get a chance to stand on polar ice at the North Pole. Since no land mass actually exists, we will have to float a boat on the North Pole. This is not what I actually had in mind.

I need to start working on my bucket list, before my list disappears.

Cruises to the North Pole

Watch the video explaining what is happening to the North Pole today: Video: Melting Sea Ice Seen From Orbit

Moon Illusion

See a Huge Moon Illusion Wednesday

Robert Roy Britt
Senior Science Writer
SPACE.com

As the full moon rises this Wednesday evening, June 18, many people will be tricked into thinking it's unusually large.

The moon illusion, as it's known, is a trick in our minds that makes the moon seem bigger when it's near the horizon. The effect is most pronounced at full moon. Many people swear it's real, suggesting that perhaps Earth's atmosphere magnifies the moon. But it really is all in our minds. The moon is not bigger at the horizon than when overhead.

The illusion will be particularly noticeable at this "solstice moon," coming just two days before summer starts in the Northern Hemisphere. The reason, according to NASA, lies in lunar mechanics: The sun and full moon are like kids on a see-saw; when one is high, the other is low. This week's high solstice sun gives us a low, horizon-hugging moon and a strong, long-lasting version of the illusion.

If it's any consolation, space station astronauts report the same effect.
Here's how it works: Your mind believes things on the horizon are farther away than things overhead, because you are used to seeing clouds just a few miles above, but the clouds on the horizon can indeed be hundreds of miles away. So if we think something (such as the moon) is farther away, and it's not, then it seems larger.

If you remain doubtful, test the idea yourself. Go out at moonrise with a small object, perhaps a pencil eraser. Hold it at arm's length as the moon rises and compare the sizes of the moon and the eraser, then repeat the experiment an hour or two later when the moon is high in the sky. A rolled up tube of paper works well, too.

Moonrise times vary by location. On Wednesday, it will come up at these local times at these locations, according to NASA: New York City, 8:58 p.m.; Miami, 8:35 p.m.; Seattle, 9:51 p.m.
The moon rises about 50 minutes earlier Tuesday night, when the effect will also be noticeable because the moon will be nearly full. Oh, and that raises another fallacy: There's no such thing as a full moon.

Additional moonrise times for your location are available from the U.S. Naval Observatory Web site.

Banned...

In the past few weeks I have heard talk about security in the Nations Capitol cracking down on public photography. It has been rumored that security guards are not allowing tourist or professionals to take pictures of public building inside and out.

Washington D.C. seems to have joined many major cities in the widespread ban of photography in public places. New York requires a city permit and sometimes requires insurance to photograph in public places. Also in 2007 Silver Spring, Maryland had banned photography on some of its “Private” down town streets. Read more.

One of the hotbeds of photographic controversy lately has been the D.C. Union Station. The interiors design of the station makes it one of the most photographed buildings in the D.C. area. However people have been asked to turn their cameras off and to put them away.

The Local Fox News Station doing a report on this topic at Union Station, were asked by a security guard to stop filming and put the camera away, while they were interviewing an Amtrak spokesman stating that there is no such policy issued by Amtrak. Check it out here.

If you are aware of any city bans of public photography, please put location and times and a brief description the comments section. I.e. Monterey Bay Aquarium doesn’t ban photography, but they do ban the use of monopods and tripods.

Update:
I ran across this web page explaining the rights of photographers. To view and download the guild click here.