I have obviously been busy this weekend. So, I will introduce why......Allie is our newest addition to the family. A 9week old boxer pup.
We did a lot of research into which breed we thought would fit best into the family and what will be required of us. We spent a great deal of time picking her specifically from her litter, too. She was one of the calmest, most submissive puppies of the litter. And, when we narrowed them down to two, Allie picked Matthew.....and stole our hearts.
Now, for the training and housebreaking. It's been awhile since we've had a new baby (dog or human), so there will be an adjustment period. But, we are excited.....and ready!
Be prepared for updates, and lots of pictures of my newest supermodel.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Exploring the Unknown..
The fog gave me a much better opportunity to shoot some fun stuff today. I went downtown and poked around the bridges and the Arch. Here are several of the better results...
There are plenty more on my Flickr pages.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chipnjo_99/page1/
There are plenty more on my Flickr pages.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chipnjo_99/page1/
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Pea Soup..
Ahhhhhh, the dreaded commute. This view is looking east on interstate 270 from the Sappington Road overpass at about 845am. We have had some fog for several days now, and not just in mornings, pretty much all day long.
The lack of wind, and any vertical lift in the atmosphere, has left very stagnant air in the St. Louis area. Not stagnant in the same way as you would think of pollution, but just in the way of no "mixing" of the air to dissipate the fog.
It is rare that we get fog that doesn't burn off, and that sticks around day after day for this length of time. I have been waiting for it to thicken up a bit more to make taking a picture of it easier. Today was that day.
The lack of wind, and any vertical lift in the atmosphere, has left very stagnant air in the St. Louis area. Not stagnant in the same way as you would think of pollution, but just in the way of no "mixing" of the air to dissipate the fog.
It is rare that we get fog that doesn't burn off, and that sticks around day after day for this length of time. I have been waiting for it to thicken up a bit more to make taking a picture of it easier. Today was that day.
Dinner time..
All three of my kids line up on the couch to watch tv during dinner. It isn't often they all sit on the same couch. In fact, this is the first time I remember seeing it.
The coolest part was: Our middle son has autism and usually prefers to watch his DVD movies in his bedroom. He rarely cares to sit around his brother and sister for any length of time, but loves to come and go as he pleases. Last night, however, he wanted to eat out there with them. And, to my surprise, they invited him to sit down before he even asked. I thought that was a sweet gesture and started setting him up with his tray on the other couch. He kind of looked at me confusingly, and, again, before he could say anything the other two said, "Sit with us. Right here on our couch."
My wife and I almost teared up. To see him WANT to be included and to see the others WANT to include him was truly a "kodak moment" for us. And, hence, it lands right in the blog.
Awesome!
The coolest part was: Our middle son has autism and usually prefers to watch his DVD movies in his bedroom. He rarely cares to sit around his brother and sister for any length of time, but loves to come and go as he pleases. Last night, however, he wanted to eat out there with them. And, to my surprise, they invited him to sit down before he even asked. I thought that was a sweet gesture and started setting him up with his tray on the other couch. He kind of looked at me confusingly, and, again, before he could say anything the other two said, "Sit with us. Right here on our couch."
My wife and I almost teared up. To see him WANT to be included and to see the others WANT to include him was truly a "kodak moment" for us. And, hence, it lands right in the blog.
Awesome!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Your Turn
Put a lot more time into today's shot. I was playing Sorry with my youngest son, and saw the opportunity to take some neat shots with my long lens. The longer lens really shortens my depth of field and allows me to blur backgrounds and foregrounds with little effort. This was shot with a very slow shutter speed (can't remember, but i was anywhere between 1/5 and 4 seconds while playing around.) Those speeds are way too slow to keep a steady hand, so I had the camera on the floor since I was too lazy to get out the tripod. Besides, the extremely low angle gives this a better feel than a simple shot angled downward on the gameboard.
I just wanted a shot of my son's finger on the game piece, but while playing with the software in the computer, I came across this while pushing the contrast. I liked it so much I decided to make it the photo of the day. Below is the original photo before any doctoring.
I just wanted a shot of my son's finger on the game piece, but while playing with the software in the computer, I came across this while pushing the contrast. I liked it so much I decided to make it the photo of the day. Below is the original photo before any doctoring.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Punk Funk..
This was a shot of a "face" that isn't human. I love the commercial depicting these, and they seem easy enough to find. However, they aren't easy to find. They seem to require a "vision" we don't normally use when looking at everyday things.....sort of like how a comedian comes up with his material. Either you see it or you don't. Sometimes the vision can be learned, which is what I am trying to do with these "faces."
Anyway, I am going to add some other stuff to the blog as we go along, too. As I said in the intro, I am a pretty big poker enthusiast, and I have discovered a new game to play.....and, a pretty easy one at that. The hyper-turbo tourney. These are filled with action....and fish. And, that is what good poker players look for.....fish. Those people that don't care about getting better, or that think poker is just for the lucky with little skill involved. Those people are the fish. And, over time, they literally buy houses for the pros. For me, they pay my taxes. And, I love them!
I mostly play fixed limit Texas Hold'Em. I used to play a lot of no-limit hold'em, but I feel the fixed limit games contain more fish. So, about a year and a half ago, I started studying the fundamentals of fixed limit games. The differences are subtle, like softball and baseball, but they are important to know.
However, last year, I got a little stagnant with the limit games and found a batch of tournaments called Double-or-Nothing Sit-N-Gos. Those babies were a gold mine for me. The tournament sits 10 players and when the field gets whittled down to 5, the game stops. The 5 "winners" split the "losers" cash. If you can finish in the top half of tourneys most of the time, these are like printing money. Well, at first, these games were full of fish. Eventually, all the sharks found them, and the fish busted out....or got bored. So, the games dried up a bit. I went back to my limit games.
But, the other day, I did a google search for some strategy articles, and found an interesting article on these Hyper-turbos. Shazaam! Crappy players LOVE action, and the structure of these tourneys lends to just that. So, I read up a little more, and dabbled last night.
I found them to be as advertised....full of fish....but, I couldn't seem to get to the winner's circle often enough. I wasn't losing much, and the sample was very small, but I wasn't seeing the results like I thought I would.
But, today was a little different story. I played in 26 of them in about 2 hours, total. And, banked just over $24 by playing the $3.80 tourney level. That comes to about $12/hr. I think $8/hr is sustainable, so we'll see.
I will post more on these as I test them out. But, for now, they seem like a great way for a player to earn some money fairly quickly while sitting around watching some TV. Who doesn't want to get paid to watch TV?
Anyway, I am going to add some other stuff to the blog as we go along, too. As I said in the intro, I am a pretty big poker enthusiast, and I have discovered a new game to play.....and, a pretty easy one at that. The hyper-turbo tourney. These are filled with action....and fish. And, that is what good poker players look for.....fish. Those people that don't care about getting better, or that think poker is just for the lucky with little skill involved. Those people are the fish. And, over time, they literally buy houses for the pros. For me, they pay my taxes. And, I love them!
I mostly play fixed limit Texas Hold'Em. I used to play a lot of no-limit hold'em, but I feel the fixed limit games contain more fish. So, about a year and a half ago, I started studying the fundamentals of fixed limit games. The differences are subtle, like softball and baseball, but they are important to know.
However, last year, I got a little stagnant with the limit games and found a batch of tournaments called Double-or-Nothing Sit-N-Gos. Those babies were a gold mine for me. The tournament sits 10 players and when the field gets whittled down to 5, the game stops. The 5 "winners" split the "losers" cash. If you can finish in the top half of tourneys most of the time, these are like printing money. Well, at first, these games were full of fish. Eventually, all the sharks found them, and the fish busted out....or got bored. So, the games dried up a bit. I went back to my limit games.
But, the other day, I did a google search for some strategy articles, and found an interesting article on these Hyper-turbos. Shazaam! Crappy players LOVE action, and the structure of these tourneys lends to just that. So, I read up a little more, and dabbled last night.
I found them to be as advertised....full of fish....but, I couldn't seem to get to the winner's circle often enough. I wasn't losing much, and the sample was very small, but I wasn't seeing the results like I thought I would.
But, today was a little different story. I played in 26 of them in about 2 hours, total. And, banked just over $24 by playing the $3.80 tourney level. That comes to about $12/hr. I think $8/hr is sustainable, so we'll see.
I will post more on these as I test them out. But, for now, they seem like a great way for a player to earn some money fairly quickly while sitting around watching some TV. Who doesn't want to get paid to watch TV?
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Boom Go the Water Mains..
With the thaw in St. Louis right now, the water mains are breaking left and right. 49 broke on Tuesday (close to a record according to news sources), another 23 on Wednesday, and more should go today, Thursday, January 14th. This one was relatively close to my house, so I drove by for a quick snap. This was already the third one reported for today at 8:02am.
Temps are on the rebound, and look like they will hold a little above normal for the next week. I may get out and get some work done now. It actually feels rather tropical outside compared to what we had the past few weeks.
Temps are on the rebound, and look like they will hold a little above normal for the next week. I may get out and get some work done now. It actually feels rather tropical outside compared to what we had the past few weeks.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Victory!
Good ole Christopher. That boy will climb anything and everything he sees. This was a 25 foot high mound of dirt we found as we went walking through our local park this afternoon. There is a project inside the park that has been suspended due to the cold weather, and Chris took full advantage. He climbed each and every mound of dirt in the park....about 15 of them.
We turned a corner, and he saw this one off in the distance. He asked me if we could try that one, and off we went. It was pretty neat to watch because he has never attempted something remotely difficult. This hill was muddy from some melting snow, and he slipped more than a few times. However, he stayed the course and made the summit. It's pretty neat to watch your kids do things they have never done.
Hmm, maybe that's what it's all about?
Good job, buddy.
We turned a corner, and he saw this one off in the distance. He asked me if we could try that one, and off we went. It was pretty neat to watch because he has never attempted something remotely difficult. This hill was muddy from some melting snow, and he slipped more than a few times. However, he stayed the course and made the summit. It's pretty neat to watch your kids do things they have never done.
Hmm, maybe that's what it's all about?
Good job, buddy.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Cold Water..
Finally got down to the riverfront today and, to my surprise, the river wasn't nearly as full of ice as I was anticipating. Imagine that, the local media exaggerating?
Anyway, the weather here has been much colder than average, as with the rest of the eastern half of the US this month. We have been threatening temperatures below zero the past couple nights, but haven't "officially" gone that low. Daytime highs are only hitting the teens and twenties, so we are rubbing against some streaks, climatologically speaking.
Here are the ones we are watching....taken from a local meteorologist's blog:
How Does this Cold Snap Compare to Historical Outbreaks?
BELOW ARE LISTS OF THE TOP 5 LONGEST CONSECUTIVE STREAKS OF
DAYS WITH DAYTIME HIGHS AT OR BELOW 32...25...20 OR 15
RESPECTIVELY. THE DATE SHOWN IS THE LAST DAY OF THE STREAK.
ST. LOUIS...PERIOD OF RECORD: 1874 TO CURRENT
32 DEGREES
1) 30...2/23/1978
2) 26...1/23/1977
3) 22...2/16/1895
4) 17...1/22/1918
5) 16...12/30/1983
5) 16...1/15/1979
5) 16...1/16/1912
5) 16...2/13/1899
25 DEGREES
1) 13...12/30/1983
1) 13...2/13/1895
3) 11...12/24/1989
3) 11...1/11/1979
3) 11...1/27/1940
3) 11...2/2/1936
20 DEGREES
1) 10...2/13/1899
2) 9...1/31/1936
3) 7...12/20/1901
4) 6...12/23/1963
4) 6...2/12/1895
We are ready for a warm-up here, but it is fun to watch when we start talking about historical things starting to happen.
Anyway, the weather here has been much colder than average, as with the rest of the eastern half of the US this month. We have been threatening temperatures below zero the past couple nights, but haven't "officially" gone that low. Daytime highs are only hitting the teens and twenties, so we are rubbing against some streaks, climatologically speaking.
Here are the ones we are watching....taken from a local meteorologist's blog:
How Does this Cold Snap Compare to Historical Outbreaks?
BELOW ARE LISTS OF THE TOP 5 LONGEST CONSECUTIVE STREAKS OF
DAYS WITH DAYTIME HIGHS AT OR BELOW 32...25...20 OR 15
RESPECTIVELY. THE DATE SHOWN IS THE LAST DAY OF THE STREAK.
ST. LOUIS...PERIOD OF RECORD: 1874 TO CURRENT
32 DEGREES
1) 30...2/23/1978
2) 26...1/23/1977
3) 22...2/16/1895
4) 17...1/22/1918
5) 16...12/30/1983
5) 16...1/15/1979
5) 16...1/16/1912
5) 16...2/13/1899
25 DEGREES
1) 13...12/30/1983
1) 13...2/13/1895
3) 11...12/24/1989
3) 11...1/11/1979
3) 11...1/27/1940
3) 11...2/2/1936
20 DEGREES
1) 10...2/13/1899
2) 9...1/31/1936
3) 7...12/20/1901
4) 6...12/23/1963
4) 6...2/12/1895
We are ready for a warm-up here, but it is fun to watch when we start talking about historical things starting to happen.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Winterized..
Mother Nature has forced the lawn equipment into hibernation yet again. This time of year is better for the snow plow, but once the snow melts, the "odd jobs" begin. Several projects still need to get done before we get rolling for 2010.
It's good to have projects to do, but there is usually a lull between plowing and melting. So, anytime it wants to warm up a little is ok with me.
We have our regular Spades Night for this month with our friends. This time.....NO KIDS!!! Generally, about 6-8 couples show up leading to some really gooooood times.
Still trying to get down to see the river. Maybe tomorrow??
It's good to have projects to do, but there is usually a lull between plowing and melting. So, anytime it wants to warm up a little is ok with me.
We have our regular Spades Night for this month with our friends. This time.....NO KIDS!!! Generally, about 6-8 couples show up leading to some really gooooood times.
Still trying to get down to see the river. Maybe tomorrow??
Friday, January 8, 2010
BBQ Shutdown..
3 inches of snow and 35mph winds have temporarily delayed any barbecuing. Wind chills are reaching -10F today. I went outside to take a few shots of the snow.
And, a photo for a contest titled "Animal Portraits." Some times I just can't resist being a Smartass..
And, a photo for a contest titled "Animal Portraits." Some times I just can't resist being a Smartass..
Hmmmm..
The ice here in St. Louis is getting thick. The Mississippi River is about to freeze completely over, and I think it may actually do it. The question becomes: When was the last time it was walked across?
The answer: 1900 (according to the local news this morning). Apparently, people drove horse-drawn carriages across the river without problems. I have also seen a picture from 1900, a couple of years ago in the paper, of a man walking across the river to work. I have been thinking about this since the river almost froze over in that year where the paper ran the picture.
How cool is that?! To say you WALKED across the Mississippi River? I am reminded of a story from my Dad that I will never forget. (Hell, he may not even remember that he told me.)
He and his family used to go up north in the summers to fish. My Dad told me, when I was about 6 or 8, that he once jumped across the Mississippi River! I had already seen the river in St. Louis because my grandparents (on my Mom's side) lived here. In fact, they often took us down to look at the river. Once we "washed our hands" in it during a flood. But, I digress. I remember MY image of the river, and my Dad's story of jumping it. And, I remember vividly thinking my father must be freaking Superman to pull that off. (You know how kids think, especially of their daddies and mommies) Of course, it was years later that either I figured it out, or Dad told me........it was up in Minnesota near the headwaters where the river is only several feet across. LOL. Nonetheless, I would like to try something along these lines for myself.
Of course, there would be pictures. I think this could be a "once in a lifetime" type of opportunity presenting itself. I also think I am just dumb enough to try it....after some precautions have been met first.
There are a couple of things to consider, though. 1) Will local commerce be so diligent as to keep the river open for barge traffic? And, I don't know the answer as of yet. I think they may try, but will eventually stop if it proves to be too difficult. That would make the ice out in the channel thinner than the rest....something to pay attention to. And, 2) The water flowing UNDER the ice. That river won't stop moving because there is ice on top. And, I can only imagine that if one falls through, one is definitely gone until his body shoots out the mouth in New Orleans. And, I can't hold my breath that long....lol. So, my concern is finding proof that it is safe to cross. I can only think to watch the news because surely I can count on some other idiots to try this first. I am a "calculated risk" kind of guy....not a complete nutbag like some people out there. And, I assume when it is deemed "safe enough" that the news will even send someone of there own to either cover it OR walk across it themselves.
Anyway, the daily pic, and more on this story to come........
The answer: 1900 (according to the local news this morning). Apparently, people drove horse-drawn carriages across the river without problems. I have also seen a picture from 1900, a couple of years ago in the paper, of a man walking across the river to work. I have been thinking about this since the river almost froze over in that year where the paper ran the picture.
How cool is that?! To say you WALKED across the Mississippi River? I am reminded of a story from my Dad that I will never forget. (Hell, he may not even remember that he told me.)
He and his family used to go up north in the summers to fish. My Dad told me, when I was about 6 or 8, that he once jumped across the Mississippi River! I had already seen the river in St. Louis because my grandparents (on my Mom's side) lived here. In fact, they often took us down to look at the river. Once we "washed our hands" in it during a flood. But, I digress. I remember MY image of the river, and my Dad's story of jumping it. And, I remember vividly thinking my father must be freaking Superman to pull that off. (You know how kids think, especially of their daddies and mommies) Of course, it was years later that either I figured it out, or Dad told me........it was up in Minnesota near the headwaters where the river is only several feet across. LOL. Nonetheless, I would like to try something along these lines for myself.
Of course, there would be pictures. I think this could be a "once in a lifetime" type of opportunity presenting itself. I also think I am just dumb enough to try it....after some precautions have been met first.
There are a couple of things to consider, though. 1) Will local commerce be so diligent as to keep the river open for barge traffic? And, I don't know the answer as of yet. I think they may try, but will eventually stop if it proves to be too difficult. That would make the ice out in the channel thinner than the rest....something to pay attention to. And, 2) The water flowing UNDER the ice. That river won't stop moving because there is ice on top. And, I can only imagine that if one falls through, one is definitely gone until his body shoots out the mouth in New Orleans. And, I can't hold my breath that long....lol. So, my concern is finding proof that it is safe to cross. I can only think to watch the news because surely I can count on some other idiots to try this first. I am a "calculated risk" kind of guy....not a complete nutbag like some people out there. And, I assume when it is deemed "safe enough" that the news will even send someone of there own to either cover it OR walk across it themselves.
Anyway, the daily pic, and more on this story to come........
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Lazy meals..
After plowing snow for 14 hours today, I decided to treat the family to a fancy schmancy night out on the town.....starting with a Happy Meal and a soda.
I am way too tired to do any thinking today. Time to catch some Z's.
I am way too tired to do any thinking today. Time to catch some Z's.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Footprints..
Starting to snow here now. We are expecting several inches. I just had to go for a test stroll.
Dead Battery..
Brutal cold here in St. Louis this week. At the time I was changing my car battery (God rest it's soul), the thermometer read about 6F (15C). Normal highs are in the mid to upper 30sF around here this time of year.
But, I had to get that battery repaired so I could get the kiddos to school (well, picked up anyway as it was too late to drop them off), and I also needed to get ready for the impending snowfall over the next couple of days.
So, there is yesterday's pic. Better late than never. Check back for what I hope will be some cool snow photos soon....
But, I had to get that battery repaired so I could get the kiddos to school (well, picked up anyway as it was too late to drop them off), and I also needed to get ready for the impending snowfall over the next couple of days.
So, there is yesterday's pic. Better late than never. Check back for what I hope will be some cool snow photos soon....
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
Frozen Falls..
I love icicles. And, in the winter, icicles are one of the few things I look forward to. I especially love to see these frozen waterfalls when driving. Our ground in St. Louis is still so saturated (my sump pump has been running for weeks) that the water is still flowing underground where it is warmer. However, once the water drips out from the cracks in the bluffs along the sides of highways, it instantly freezes in the weather we are having (high of 14F forecast today). This creates my frozen falls. They aren't too terribly common, but aren't rare, either. I just like them.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
The Last Branch..
Another holiday season is gone, and the last branch of the tree went rather quietly this year.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year!!
Well, a new year is upon us. Hmmm, what to do with resolutions, thoughts, hobbies, among other things? I have decided to attempt a year-long photo blog, along with some anecdotal randomness that impresses me as well.
I am very much an amateur photog....with no aspirations of becoming legendary. I am also a poker enthusiast, father of three, husband, ex-golfer, lawn jockey, business owner, and "jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none".....not in order of importance.
My goal is to challenge myself in putting 1-2, sometimes more, pictures on the blog per day. Also, to write some articles (who knows where that will lead if I get on one of my rants) when I get fired up.
Blogs are funny. I am not one of those that thinks he is reaching out to the world. I don't think I have anything particularly inspirational, or interesting, to say. Blogs are some of the most self-centered, narcissistic things in existence, imo, and part of me can't believe I am going to give this a shot.
This blog is purely for me. If anyone takes interest, I appreciate it, but I won't lose sleep if this never gets a single "hit." This is to commit me to photography and to see if I can post a shot per day for the year.....and to see how creative I can get along the way. I just know myself and won't be able to "Keep It Simple, Stupid" for long.
There you have your little introduction. I will be back later with the first pic for the new year. Hope you all have a happy, prosperous one.....and enjoy the ride!
-Chip
I am very much an amateur photog....with no aspirations of becoming legendary. I am also a poker enthusiast, father of three, husband, ex-golfer, lawn jockey, business owner, and "jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none".....not in order of importance.
My goal is to challenge myself in putting 1-2, sometimes more, pictures on the blog per day. Also, to write some articles (who knows where that will lead if I get on one of my rants) when I get fired up.
Blogs are funny. I am not one of those that thinks he is reaching out to the world. I don't think I have anything particularly inspirational, or interesting, to say. Blogs are some of the most self-centered, narcissistic things in existence, imo, and part of me can't believe I am going to give this a shot.
This blog is purely for me. If anyone takes interest, I appreciate it, but I won't lose sleep if this never gets a single "hit." This is to commit me to photography and to see if I can post a shot per day for the year.....and to see how creative I can get along the way. I just know myself and won't be able to "Keep It Simple, Stupid" for long.
There you have your little introduction. I will be back later with the first pic for the new year. Hope you all have a happy, prosperous one.....and enjoy the ride!
-Chip
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