Great name...

For a Beer Keg

Free Frosty...

Strauss

Reaching for the Ring...

Got to first pass the bar

Old and New...

What once was old is new again.  Love it or hate it.  Brilliant idea.  What a dumb idea.  These words are being used in various ways to describe the new Nikon DF.  Although tempting to jump into the chatter of opinions that are all over the place about the DF... all I will say is "try it and come to your own conclusions".

The Ol' Gal...

Ever had something from years ago that you wished you never let go?
This ol' gal gave me 7 years and 225,000 miles of fun.  Believe it or not, 26 years later she's still on the road in Colorado.

G

Aloha Sunset...

When Tenderness Strikes...

Although the frenzy of the season is upon us... everyone rushing around and focused on that conditioned behavior of "shopping", these two people seemed more focused on each other.
Perhaps there is hope that the meaning of Christmas hasn't totally been sold out to commercialism.

Dragon Head...

This ain't work...

One of the many volunteers who help keep the old trains running in Sacramento.

Take a plain wall...

 

A Second look..

Posted this image earlier in the week.  Took another look and saw that this poor bird has only one leg.

Nicknack store...

or gambling outlet for the California Lottery?

Don't mind me...

Just doing some shopping.

Bird In Charge...

Standing tall and on watch.

Oh my...

 

 

Photographic tools is just that... tools. 
Photography requires not only the tools but a lot of things human in order to create an image. 

While at a great photographer's store and hang out, CameraWest in Walnut Creek, California, a fellow tech industry and kindred spirit named Ron Harris came in.

He has been lucky enough to have his hands on one of the latest lenses that have been a buzz in the photography world for many months.  The Carl Zeiss Outus 55mm f/1.4 lens.

Initially, my thought was... it's going to be good, it's gong to be nice, it'll be nice to have but I can do ok without.

I've been really lucky to have had my hands on and used some of the finest photographic tools in the world.  I've been spoiled.

Ron, being an outstanding soul, handed me the lens to try. 

My 1st shot was of my Zeiss 50mm lens sitting on the counter.

My 1st words... "Oh my god, holly _____", followed by a lot of primal grunts, grins and unintelligible words.

Santa.... I know what I want for Christmas.  Stop off at CameraWest with a box from Zeiss to me.

Here's some low res quick shots taken...

 

 

 

Doll...

Subliminal Message...

Friend or Foe ???

COMMENTARY TIME (and concern for my viewers)

Once upon a time, gaining a few extra pounds wasn't much of an issue.  Just a bit of extra exercise and some watching of what you eat... it's all taken care of.   That is until you get older and your metabolism slows down.  Avoid the battle and start exercising more and watch what you eat.  You don't want to look at this scale and scream "Liar!"

Elegant Pond...

Our Country today...

I think this photo says it all.... if you care about our country. 
Full disclaimer here.... As much as I wish that I took the photo, this one is from J Scott Applewhite of the AP for Time/Life

Channel of Water...

Why is everyone sleeping ?

When the curtain falls...

When San Francisco's Silverman isn't brining smiles and laughter to the visitors… the concerns of daily life comes home.

Starbucks No.1...

Where it all began.  

When the founders of Starbucks finished their learning of the coffee business from Pete's Coffee in the San Francisco Bay Area... they opened store numeral uno.

Another View...

Simple...

Simple things such as looking at a flower is all too often overlooked because we are just so consumed with living in "a civilized" world.  Do yourself a favor and take time to just enjoy.  Time is short.

Helping Hands...

It Won't Bite...

Fish Catching 101 more joy

On a busy corner...

View from a rocker...

Walls of...

 Postings and Street Art

Gum

Touchdown...

...and you thought it only applied to football!

No one is immune to having a fish thrown at...

Even US Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker

Just a conversation...

But by the looks of it, sure looks more like a heated conversation.

Mom, I'm scared...

Fish catching 101...

But it looks like snow...

Eating Right...

Who says you can't eat right at the airport.

I Wish They Come Back Soon...

At least this pet owner was smart enough to leave the windows open, parked in the shade and had someone in the vehicle... although doing the typical kid thing... fixated at an electronic do-dad.

ENOUGH !!!

In a few weeks, the month of August will be upon us.  Unless there is an agreement with the BART Management and the Employees Union, the entire Bay Area will once again be held hostage.  400,000 people will be impacted.  All for what.... GREED.  I have no sympathy for those making close to or over $100,000 a year complaining about not getting their 21% raise (over a 3-4 year period). $98 full family health care and having to contribute money towards their retirement.

Millions of people are in dire straights who would jump at the chance of getting a job that pays that well.

The BART Management had the public on their side until their hired $350,000 negotiator decided, two weeks before another strike, to go on vacation.

ENOUGH ALREADY.

BART.... understand this....
NO MORE TAX INCREASES.

NO MORE EXPANSION OF THE SYSTEM.
Do you know the phrase... fool me once, shame on you?
We're not going to allow you to hold a million people hostage if you get to expand the system.

For those of you who see no harm in giving the employees what they want... wake up.... who do you think is going to pay for it?
Are you ready to pay $1-$2 more for each trip?
Like paying the additional 1/4 percent extra sales tax?

BART BOARD....
Don't even think of running for another term or for some other public office.

People... unless you speak up, we're all going to get screwed all over again.

Gun Emplacements...

Walking up the Marin Headlands, you will encounter several gun emplacements that were designed to protect the West Coast.  The word "Cold War" comes to mind as the winds and fog enters the Golden Gate

Imagine the View...

Can you imagine the view of the Golden Gate from this building?

Arch Bridge...