Happenings and Goings On

Not too many happenings actually, but there has been constant wind at the lake for the past couple weeks. Unfortunately, it's been an even 0.2-1.6 mph wind that comes consistently from any direction it pleases. None the less, I've gotten practice launching, sailing and drifting around TTL with a minimum of wind. Coming up this weekend is the regatta in Santa Barbara, where we will probably not face this kind of light air that we've been used to drifting through. So, between studying for that and trying to Blogger's layout tool to work not much has happened today.

EDIT:

Well, I've been trying to upload this to the interwebs, but that's just not happening. Meh.

Update

Just a quickie, to explain the new little thing in the sidebar. I won a free annual membership through ASU to use the zipcar service, and referring people gets credit for both myself and whoever joins in. Now, one must have zipcar in your area in order to use the service. It's like a second car, but cheaper, and you don't have to pay for gas or insurance. Plus, they've got cool cars in the fleet.

So, yeah, good stuff.

A thought…

I just did a google search for Omnipotent Panda Cult, and I found that no one has much of relevance there. So now, by saying the phrase Omnipotent Panda Cult again, i'll help my google ranking for that search.

Update!

Update, and Computer Repair!

Yeah, I've been busy. My computer broke, but things worked out well in the end.

Ok, now I can brag about how nice Apple is to me. I had a hinge crack and get really loose on me a few days ago, so I too my Air to the technical repair shop on campus. I turns out that the hinges on this computer are an integrated part of the display and that the display unit would have to be replaced. Estimated Cost: $800. My warranty expired six months ago so no coverage, or so I thought. The repair guy told me to call Apple and ask to talk to a customer service rep. So I explained that the problem was not caused be abuse but just heavy, normal use, and that I needed the computer for school because I'm a starving college student. The lady decided to give me a warranty exception and have Apple cover the repair as if I were still under warranty. So, I had my computer repaired at no cost to me. How awesome is that?

Bonus!

I don't know why, but this group in my ads just made me smile, so I snapped it just to put into a post.

One more for the critiques

Yes, uno mas! Two in one day! I'm going post crazy! I'm using exclamation points like nobody's business! Sweet!

Ok, so normal, indoor voices now. I've been shooting just as much if not more than usual, but it's been pretty heavily film, and I have no means of digitizing the awesomeness that can come from full manual 35 mm printing. And, since I don't even have enough chemistry to develop my films from the 4x5, I have absolutely no idea how that's working out. I have done some digital stuff, even with the speedlight now and then, and some of that will get here in time. In time for what, I'm not sure yet.

Writing: I've been doing lots of it, but again, it's in an analog format. No software is anywhere near powerful enough to break my cacography into text. I am pouring all kinds of thinking and thought into my Molskine, but now I have to break it out into the 0 and 1 world. Oh boy.

IDM 194 photomontage

This is what I get to do for class. Isn't CS4 awesome?

Cello

Cello, originally uploaded by Gerald5970.

I got a speedlight!

I got a speedlight!, originally uploaded by Gerald5970.

And the tree is lit during an early morning sunrise at ASU, near the Art Museum and Galvin Playhouse. I used one SB-900 and built in flash on my D-90. Man, this strobe stuff is fun!

Time to scare parents

Self Portrait, originally uploaded by Gerald5970.

Time to update teh blog, scare parents,mention devious schemes, debate debauchery and write about writing.

So general overview: Life goes on, I've been doing homework, coffee drinks and food, with some class, lab and sleep thrown in for a healthy mixed salad. Photography's been a blast, and I'm also working through English, math, art history and digital media.

The biggest stress is actually coming from ASU's financial department. Due to our familial work(less) situation and extra burdens from extended family (Hint: the Old Soldier), I'm due to receive a fair amount of aid (I hope anyway). But, so far ASU has decided to not decide how much I am to receive.

I've bee going for bike rides around town with a camera and tripod. It's a cool way to explore more of what this town has to offer. I've gotten to meet new people and see some pretty cool stuff.

In my neighborhood there's a coffee place that's got awesome coffee. The Cartel Coffee Lab buys organic and roasts it on site. Saying that they take coffee seriously would be understatement.

Warning: Rebellion Section!

Friday's events lead to Living Canvas Tattoos on Mill Ave in Tempe. It was a clean quiet place. http://www.livingcanvastattoos.com/ They'd just moved into a new, larger location a couple buildings down the street from the previous one. The procedure was pretty quick, it took longer to scrub the area to be pierced and to unwrap all of the surgical equipment, the needle and the barbell. The piercing was pretty straightforward, and apparently there aren't so many nerve endings in the eyebrow. Everything went well and I'm in the clear as long as I practice good hygiene and keep it clean.

I am really happy with the piercing and I've had no issues with it so far.

Saturday was our first sailing practice. Attendance was great and even though wind was light, we had a good time with all of our fleet in the water, both FJs, the Coronado 15, the Hobie and teh Martin.

Sunday we raced in the AYC series. My biggest adventure was a capsize, but I kept all but my ankles dry by hopping onto the daggerboard as the boat rolled under and hopping back once it started coming up.

I think it's gonna be a good week.

White River Canyon

White River Canyon, originally uploaded by Gerald5970.

This is where "Oh my beautiful, that's God," happened.

HDR from the plane

HDR from the plane, originally uploaded by Gerald5970.

Last one from the Eclipse trip, I guess now I have to go back to shooting new stuff. Actually, I have fresh shots waiting in the wings.

Wooden dippers

Wooden dippers, originally uploaded by Gerald5970.

Hey, look!

Hey, look!, originally uploaded by Gerald5970.

Lumir

Lumir, originally uploaded by Gerald5970.

And one more, since it may be a while until internet comes my way again.