Sneaker Scam

Last year I got back into serious running.  At Christmas I purchased these sneakers for $19.99 at a discount store and threw in a set of Dr Scholl's inserts for an additional $11.  I started using them on January 1st of this year.  If you look up how far you should use a pair of running sneakers the "experts" will say 300-500 miles.  However, the experts are elite runners, sneaker/apparel company reps, and writers for running/fitness magazines.  They all have one thing in common - they make their living either directly or indirectly from sneaker/apparel companies who want all of us to buy shoes as frequently as possible.  This year I ran 1,223 miles in these Avia sneakers - all on pavement.  They are still going strong, are comfortable and I have suffered no foot injuries.  A good reminder not to take recommendations from those with conflicts of interest too seriously.  Oh, I did change the laces a few months back.

Rain Gear

All Abride

Grand Central Station

Housecat Fantasy

The New Normal

3 Some

13 Days Of Sandy

30 Minutes into the 13th day, my power and heat were restored.  This wasn't even the coldest morning.  That clocked in at 43.  Funny that it says heat because there wasn't any.

Even the cat was feeling it.

A Lack Of Leadership

Politicians are usually good at pandering for votes, but very rarely exhibit true leadership.  This was evident in the wake of "Superstorm Sandy" that hit the NY & NJ coasts.  In the wake of flooding and major power outages, refineries were offline and a gasoline shortage ensued.  Instead of limiting the number of gallons per visit - which would have ensured everyone got some fuel (Sorry Escalade & Tahoe Drivers), and forstalling panic, they did nothing and caused people to act and feel like refugees in a third world country.

Par for the course.

Playing Hurt

Still on the job despite a major injury.

Tipsy

Leaner

Where are the real skateboarders?

Buoy Bush

False Advertising

TV Stars

Look Sherman, we're on TV!

Lucky Phil

Phil must be getting it.

1% Parking

Who's Been Eating Spiders Again?

Busted

Nobody I Know

Amen

Butt Out

Snail Mail

Supervisor

One cat watching another.

Gonzales

So speedy, even the birds can't keep up.

Rage Against The Machine

Illegal Sign Posting

Never

Security By Larry, Moe & Curly

End Of An Era

It was bound to happen.  In September 2003 I purchased a Pentax Optio 550.  It was my first digital camera.  Compared to film point and shoot cameras it was tiny - so small that it fit in my pocket.  For the previous almost 9 years it's been with me more often than not.  While most of my photography is done with DSLR 's, this camera was with me many times when the DSLR's were home - and it came through in spades.  It was only 5 megapixels and useless above 200 ISO, but it took great photos as long as you stayed within its limits.  Recently the battery wasn't holding such a great charge and one of the two clips that held the battery/memory card door shut broke off (nevermind the dents in it's metal body that it wore so proudly).  It also wasn't metering right in some modes all the time anymore.

So I woke up one morning to a great deal being offered for 1 day by a major camera retailer on Canon's top of the line pocket camera the S100, and I jumped on it.  Above is it's replacement - the last shot taken by my Pentax.  I don't know exactly how many it's taken - I would guess about 5,000 - a pittance by DSLR standards, but it had quite a journey.  Thank you my trusty friend.

So this is the first picture taken with the new camera - a tribute to it's predecessor.  It has big shoes to fill.

And to anyone who believes that a cellphone takes photos as good as a point and shoot camera just look above.  The top photo was taken by my brand new 8MP Android Cellphone.  Not even close to the image quality of either P&S Camera.

Agent 99

This is a friend's grandmother.  She is 99, which makes her the 2nd oldest person I have ever photographed.

Very Old?

I recently did a promo shoot for a pianist and in the facility was a grand piano that seemed quite old.  I took a peek inside and the corner of the plate had this cast into it.  I wonder if this was actually cast in 1866.  The body did not seem to be quite that old, but perhaps quality plates can be rehoused.

5 Star Crash Rating*****

*****That would only apply in collisions with pedestrians in crosswalks.

Caution: Falling Workmen

Setting A Bad Example

Standing in the mud (with improper footwear), Hat on Backwards and shooting with a Nikon.  With examples like these, it's a wonder I turned out as good as I did.  Thanks Mom.

Self Portrait

Me taking a picture of myself on the jumbotron.

Bird Strike

This was one crazy bird.

I Guess That's Fun

NYC's infamous Naked Cowboy
Is it me, or does this woman look like Fran Drescher ("The Nanny") with blonde hair.?

Make Up Your Mind

Uncle Fester's Cafe

Zoom Creep

It's amazing how much things grow sometimes.  The small camera is a Canon AE-1 SLR (circa 1980ish) with a Kalimar 80-205 zoom lens.  The large one is a Canon 1D III DSLR (circa 2009) with a Canon 70-200 zoom lens.  The difference in size is stunning.  It's easy to see the allure of the new crop of smaller "EVIL" cameras that are rapidly gaining popularity.

Hanging Out With Gramps

I spotted a BMW 2002 parked next to a late model 3 series - which is the successor to the 2002 which ceased production in 1974.  For the record I'm not a BMW fan (I find them to be overpriced and overhyped not to mention way too expensive to maintain and repair), but if you like cars this was a nice contrast - especially 20 feet in the air.  I wonder if anyone who built the older one 37+ years ago is still there building the new ones?

No Trespassing

Third Tree To The Left

Exactly what is a "+" bathroom?  It either has a commode or it doesn't.

Beautiful People

I hope when my time comes, someone writes something nice about me and puts it on a bench... 

...and only the beautiful people sit on me.

Tinted Windows

Very Naughty