Title

You would be aghast if I were to tell you about my password system.
Ok - I'll give...
I have one.
I sometimes have to add an * on the end or capitalize the first letter. I've been using it off and one since the early 80's.
so far so good/if it ain't broke don't fix it.
for extra security - I cross my fingers sometimes

Do you know what the oldest existing third party in the US is ?

Do you know what the oldest existing third party in the US is ?

Q- Why did the cows return to the marijuana field?
A- It was the pot calling the cattle back.
http://www.prohibitionparty.org/

#wordlessonwednesday

#wordlessonwednesday

Remember That One Time Where Your Vote Really Did Count ?

Remember That One Time Where Your Vote Really Did Count ?
Remember When ? THEODORE KELLY · TUESDAY , JULY 26, 2016 I'm anxious about a Trump presidency but resigned to it. We'll probably be able to survive it and I hope his lasting legacy via the SCOTUS appointments will put us back only fifty years and not a hund...

Dear Fellow Projectors

Dear Fellow Projectors
I just want to say thanks to everyone here. I don't usually thank you for your pluses and comments and I feel guilty sometimes. I do like the feedback and even the pluses are both nice, and a pretty good indicator of how good (or not) my pictures are. So thanks and feel free to critique, or criticise at will.
Thanks too of course to the peep adminning. This place is one of those "special" places where everything is in a "sweet spot". I feel like Goldilocks when she get to the "just right" parts when I'm here.. Even when I'm shooting or editing a WPP picture I'm glad that I'm here. What I guess I mean is that I'm glad you're here.
So anyway - thanks to everyone. I'll try to be better on replies and stuff.
Theo

It's a fairly long blog post but worth a look regardless of your political persuasion. I actually knew all of this going in and still had what I call a Readers Digest moment.

It's a fairly long blog post but worth a look regardless of your political persuasion. I actually knew all of this going in and still had what I call a Readers Digest moment.
You remember them, right ?
Heck no, I'm not crying . Just a little something in my eye, that's all.

Hope you're #circleshapesmonday was as fun as mine.

Hope you're #circleshapesmonday  was as fun as mine.
Circle Shapes Monday

Hey Brooke ! Wanna do some modelling for me?

Hey Brooke ! Wanna do some modelling for me?
I don't know - it's too hot to go outside.
I just want to get a few shots in at the splash fountain at Dogwood Park.
Okay ! Let's go...
(whooosh)

Originally shared by ted kelly

The trick is to have a little patience. When the ice-cream truck shows up you can get your shot.
WPP2016 - Week 30 - Wet or dry

+Ken Fowkes, Alen Ianni , Tim Kennedy , Robyn King , Rob Masters , Bernhard Rembold , Byron S , Francesco Scaglioni , Alicia Smith , Grandma Snyder , Navin Upendran and Mary Wardell

#WPP2016
#WPP2016-Wk-30-Wet-or-dry

The trick is to have a little patience. When the ice-cream truck shows up you can get your shot.

The trick is to have a little patience. When the ice-cream truck shows up you can get your shot.
WPP2016 - Week 30 - Wet or dry

+Ken Fowkes, Alen Ianni , Tim Kennedy , Robyn King , Rob Masters , Bernhard Rembold , Byron S , Francesco Scaglioni , Alicia Smith , Grandma Snyder , Navin Upendran and Mary Wardell

#WPP2016
#WPP2016-Wk-30-Wet-or-dry

This is just me waving back at someone.

This is just me waving back at someone.

I'm a fan. When I got into computers it wasn't all about mega-corporations and market share. It wasn't about who had the most expensive newest hardware or software. It was about (to me anyway) at it's best, elegance. You learned how to "code" and use a soldering iron. What you could do was more important than what you could buy.

I'm a fan. When I got into computers it wasn't all about mega-corporations and market share. It wasn't about who had the most expensive newest hardware or software. It was about (to me anyway) at it's best, elegance. You learned how to "code" and use a soldering iron. What you could do was more important than what you could buy.
I started shooting pictures with the same attitude. What could I add to the field. Could I make a difference. I don't feel the need to be popular or profitable. I just want to be better than I am - not better than anybody else.

Okay - that's at least to some extent, a load of hooey. At the heart of it, I'm cheap. (poor too, but that's all relative isn't it) So I love and use and promote open source software. It's great stuff, exciting in a better sort of way and the price is exactly right.

Bottom line - check this out !
https://opensource.com/life/16/7/pixlus

Remember the hashtagged themes ? Back in the good old days, before communities and collections and who knows what, the peeps used to "own" the circleverse. We didn't just jump through google hoops - we whooped up our own hoops.

Remember the hashtagged themes ? Back in the good old days, before communities and collections and who knows what, the peeps used to "own" the circleverse. We didn't just jump through google hoops - we whooped up our own hoops.
Sure, we still have caturday and wordlessonwednesday and some others but we even lost sketchgurusaturday and darn it, I was right in the middle of that myself.
So I'm going to start a new one. Maybe it will take off and maybe it won't but I think it's time to maketheplusgreatagain !
Therefor I give you - #allwivesmatter  
Give us photos, blogs, songs or even write some poetry for your wives and feel free to tag me (or not) Let's show the world what is really important to us.

#wordlessonwednesday

#wordlessonwednesday

I have decided to refrain from picking on Mrs Trump.

I have decided to refrain from picking on Mrs Trump.
1. I believe it's proper for married people to support their spouses. I also think families should be off limits too. Not the grown ones who are actively involved with the campaign but the two young ones should be left alone.
2. I have a hard time describing my feelings about how Mrs Obama has been treated. I don't think that gives anyone else permission to treat Mrs Trump the same way. After all - if all the disgusting, pathetic, RWNJ's were to jump off a bridge would...
Wow - I like that thought so much I think I'll just stop right there.

If it's #circleshapesmonday then here's a Venn Diagram to mark the occasion. Circle Shapes Monday

If it's #circleshapesmonday  then here's a Venn Diagram to mark the occasion. Circle Shapes Monday

Sometimes I need to take a little break from all the politics and other drama and ugliness in the world. This made me stop - if only for a second or two - but stop and think about something else.

Sometimes I need to take a little break from all the politics and other drama and ugliness in the world. This made me stop - if only for a second or two - but stop and think about something else.

comparison LZ to XnView

comparison LZ to XnView

The "project" this week is to shoot a picture in color and convert it to black and white.

The "project" this week is to shoot a picture in color and convert it to black and white.

Originally shared by ted kelly

I ended up using XnView to do my conversion. LightZone just kept crashing. I think a new computer may be in order.

WPP2016 - Week 29 - B&W conversion

+Ken Fowkes, Alen Ianni , Tim Kennedy , Robyn King , Rob Masters , Bernhard Rembold , Byron S , Francesco Scaglioni , Alicia Smith , Grandma Snyder , Navin Upendran and Mary Wardell

#WPP2016
#WPP2016-Wk-29-B&W-conversion

I ended up using XnView to do my conversion. LightZone just kept crashing. I think a new computer may be in order.

I ended up using XnView to do my conversion. LightZone just kept crashing. I think a new computer may be in order.

WPP2016 - Week 29 - B&W conversion

+Ken Fowkes, Alen Ianni , Tim Kennedy , Robyn King , Rob Masters , Bernhard Rembold , Byron S , Francesco Scaglioni , Alicia Smith , Grandma Snyder , Navin Upendran and Mary Wardell

#WPP2016
#WPP2016-Wk-29-B&W-conversion

#wordlessonwednesday

#wordlessonwednesday

I'll probably use LightZone for my project entry for B&W Conversion this week. It's one of my favorite "free" photo editors and works completely differently from any of the others. You could sweat over this image for hours or just use a couple of clicks and maybe push a slider or two. It's both very powerful or super easy, whatever you choose.

For the GIMP users out there - a tutorial on different "conversion" techniques, and an example of why you might want to choose one (or more), over another or others. Seriously simple - seriously !_ It's a two to five minute "quicky"...

For the GIMP users out there - a tutorial on different "conversion" techniques, and an example of why you might want to choose one (or more), over another or others. Seriously simple - seriously !_ It's a two to five minute "quicky"...

the “standard” grayscale conversion operation.
the desaturate operation.
decomposing to RGB and using any one of the channels.
decomposing to HSV and using the Value (V) channel.
decomposing to LAB and using the Lightness (L) channel.
using the Channel Mixer filter.
https://www.gimp.org/tutorials/Color2BW/

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An example of the Brenizer Method.
The Brenizer Method, sometimes referred to as Bokeh Panorama or Bokehrama, is a photographic technique characterized by the creation of a digital image exhibiting a shallow depth of field in tandem with a wide angle of view. The combination of these characteristics enables a photographer to mimic the look of large format film photography with a digital camera.

A New Technique - Brenizer Method or Bokehrama

A New Technique - Brenizer Method or Bokehrama
Wikipedia link below but briefly, an attempt to mimic a large format look without a large format camera.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brenizer_Method
*WPP2016 - Week 28 - Try A New Technique*

+Ken Fowkes, Alen Ianni , Tim Kennedy , Robyn King , Rob Masters , Bernhard Rembold , Byron S , Francesco Scaglioni , Alicia Smith , Grandma Snyder , Navin Upendran and Mary Wardell

#WPP2016
#WPP2016-Wk-28-Try-A-New-Technique

#circleshapesmonday Circle Shapes Monday

#circleshapesmonday  Circle Shapes Monday 
Because You Only Turn Ninety Once !

What Lives Matter ?

What Lives Matter ?
Who's Lives Matter ? The BLM has a phrase they use. Black Lives Matter. Do they ? And to whom and how so ? I mean the actual declaration itself. Not the wide range of associated meanings and inferences that get bundled up with the phrase in conversation. Do...

We all need some..

We all need some..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT7NiFpJmvI

Thanks Nancy Levan - I hadn't seen the new version yet.

Thanks Nancy Levan - I hadn't seen the new version yet.

Originally shared by The Maaurovingian

Relevant.
http://chainsawsuit.com/comic/2016/07/07/all-houses-matter-the-extended-cut/

#wordlessonwednesday #accidentallyawesome

#wordlessonwednesday   #accidentallyawesome

Who's ready for next week ?

Who's ready for next week ?
If you don't have a "new technique" picked out yet - this will give you 181 possible ideas.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Photographic_techniques

Hi

Hi
Elizabeth Childs asked me for my "take" on this matter.
I'll take a shot at it but also would like to share it around to see if some other (smarter) folks I know could offer some input it I may ?
The process of making a jpg file does, in my understanding, compress the file is such a way that some of the information gets lost. I believe there are ways to share images that are less destructive. I'd suggest you try perhaps TIFF or maybe GIF ?
Anyways - let me know if it's okay to reshare this publically and maybe "tag in" a friend or two. Also - you might consider, when asking a question like this, to allow comments. It would be simpler for folks to answer directly on the post.

Originally shared by Lon W.

Am noticing that the conversion from RAW to jpg degrades the quality of the image. Is this "me" or is it the actual case? Cannot post the RAW image alongside the jpg to show this loss.
If this is the case about converting from RAW to jpg... am thinking to exaggerate the processing of RAW images, so that when the jpg conversion is complete... the jpg will actually appear the correct way. Does this make sense?

I dare you to read/watch this.

I dare you to read/watch this.

Originally shared by Nancy Levan

Hey, the video probably caught your attention during your scrolling but please read my post. I know this is a little long and I appreciate you taking the time to read it. A friend made an excellent point that I want to share and expand it with my own comments.

There was a bombing yesterday in the city of Medina, Saudi Arabia. (http://goo.gl/6q5tTx)

1. Medina is one of the holiest cities in Islam.
2. It's a major pilgrimage site for Muslims who visit the Prophet's Mosque and where the Prophet Muhammad is buried.
3. This attack happened during Ramadan, one of the holiest times of the year in Islam.

As my friend said to me, "It isn't logical to bomb the city of Islam in the name of Islam." Can we please now stop saying that ISIS is an Islamic extremist group? ISIS is not Islamic. They are a terrorist group obsessed with power who have co-opted the name of a religion and corrupted its teachings to diffuse our attention to all Muslims. They are a very minute few hiding among millions of innocents.

They could just have easily claimed themselves to be Christian but then they wouldn't have gotten our attention, would they? They triggered our xenophobia to get a response. They use our "war on terror" to arm and fund themselves when our weapons shipments are stolen and put on the black market. (http://goo.gl/Jj7r7x)

We play into hands of isis (ugh, I don't even want to give them the credit of capitalizing it anymore) every single time we throw an innocent person to the ground and arrest them for wearing traditional dress and speaking Arabic (http://goo.gl/znf2Vt) or escort them off a plane for looking Arabic and doing math (https://goo.gl/AoOx09) in fear that they are a terrorist.

Every time we send weapons and money that can be diverted and used to further their agenda.

Every time our media spends 48 hours straight reporting on an attack and the focus is on isis while the victims are simply casualty numbers used to make the story more sensational.

Every time our media prioritizes news stories happening in Europe or North America over anywhere else (read: non-white majority population).

Every time the prominent figures of our country call for a ban on Muslims, or "rounding them up" and creating internment camps. (Hello? World War 2 lessons, anyone? Anyone?) Also, every lie or misinformation they spread to fan the flames of our fear and further their political agendas.

Every time we react with fear and suspicion of anyone with brown skin, different clothing, different language, and even different hair styles, isis wins because our children are watching and they are learning to be afraid of people who are different from them. Our children will grow up and carry on the war because of us and there will never be peace.

I know this is long and I thank you for reading this far. Now I ask you to please help me to stop this insanity.

Please understand that isis is not representative of Islam just as the kkk isn't representative of Christianity. The majority of Muslims aren't even Arabic, they are Asian, so our fear of Muslims and Islam based on an Arabic image isn't even accurate.

Please, don't rely on a single news source or even just a few. Read international websites. Talk to your international friends about what is happening where they are (the social part of social media) and try to understand it from a local perspective.

Please set aside unwarranted, irrational fear and reach out to people who are different from you, offer them a peaceful handshake, speak with them respectfully. Most would be glad to answer your questions when approached this way. I will bet that you'll learn something new and dispel some things you "know". You might even make a friend.

If after all of this you have 9 more minutes to spare, here's a video I thought was good. It's worth watching.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHFtU89R2Do

Oh and if you have another 2 seconds free, can you please share this post? Thank you!

#educationnotfear   #Islam   #Muslim   #worldpeaceispossible  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHFtU89R2Do

I was "challenged" to post the "as originally written" Pledge of Allegiance with a picture of a flag today. They posted the Francis Bellamy version that didn't include the (added much later) "under God" part.

I was "challenged" to post the "as originally written" Pledge of Allegiance with a picture of a flag today. They posted the Francis Bellamy version that didn't include the (added much later) "under God" part.
To be honest, I agree with their sentiments. When the government tries to ignore the separation clause it offends me. As a "believer" I think the government should stay out of my religion. As a citizen I feel just as strongly that the church should keep their hands off of my government.
Oddly enough, the Bellamy "original" version actually took God out of the pledge. Bellamy BTW was a Baptist minister. I think it's funny how people get mad at religions when more often than not it's the religion getting used and abused and twisted up.
In any case - the main purpose of the pledge seems to be working out well. It was meant as a way to sell more flags and by gosh I think it's working.
(not to mention the fireworks, country music and lapel pins)

It sort of stopped raining and I kept my equipment sort of dry. Luckily, my homemade styrofoam coffee cup lens hood was working perfectly.

It sort of stopped raining and I kept my equipment sort of dry. Luckily, my homemade styrofoam coffee cup lens hood was working perfectly.

Four and a half

Four and a half
A panno from horizon to horizon (minus most of me upside down)
with a layer of "vector painting" in GIMP

There might not be any fireworks tonight. So here's a selfie and a song for

There might not be any fireworks tonight. So here's a selfie and a song for
Stormy Monday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gDhR1R3S0s

Celebrate the Fourth with #circleshapesmonday Circle Shapes Monday ☀

Celebrate the Fourth with #circleshapesmonday  Circle Shapes Monday ☀

I figured I should get in some practice for the fourth.

I figured I should get in some practice for the fourth.

Now these folks know how to #goaturday !

Now these folks know how to #goaturday  !

Originally shared by ted kelly

Happy #goaturday  !
http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2016/07/01/484306190/there-she-is-probably-the-most-beautiful-goat-in-lithuania

Happy #goaturday !

Happy #goaturday  !
http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2016/07/01/484306190/there-she-is-probably-the-most-beautiful-goat-in-lithuania

Well, I passed the course.

Well, I passed the course.
I have circled everyone in the community so maybe we can keep in touch ? If anybody is interested in other G+ photo activities hit me up.
I'm in two different weekly theme groups and an artsy one where we use apps and programs to turn photos into sketches and paintings and artsy sort of things. I'm also in the GIMP and XnSketch group and one where we invite critiques from other photographers and get to comment freely on their pictures.
The Chrysta Rae Scavenger Hunt is a sort of big deal too. Four times a year about 500 people submit up to ten pictures related to a list of ten words. Adobe sponsored the last round and the peeps (some of them) fly in from all over for a get together once a year. (or so) Last one was in Las Vegas. I've never won anything yet but I keep getting better and it's loads of fun.
Anyhow - it's been interesting to almost get to work with you guys. Please consider keeping in touch.
Theo

Hi - I saw this on face-boo. Figured I should pass it on.

Hi - I saw this on face-boo. Figured I should pass it on.

FRIDAY'S LAUGH OF THE DAY!
Qantas Airlines: Repair Division
Remember, it takes a college degree to fly a plane but only a high school diploma to fix one.
After every flight, Qantas pilots fill out a form, called a 'Gripe Sheet' which tells mechanics about problems with the aircraft.
The mechanics correct the problems; document their repairs on the form, and then pilots review the Gripe Sheets before the next flight.
Never let it be said that ground crews lack a sense of humour.
Here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by Qantas' pilots (marked with a P) and the solutions recorded (marked with an S) by maintenance engineers.
By the way, Qantas is the only major airline that has never, ever, had an accident.

P: Left inside main tyre almost needs replacement.
S: Almost replaced left inside main tyre.
P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.
P: Something loose in cockpit.
S: Something tightened in cockpit.
P: Dead bugs on windshield.
S: Live bugs on back-order.
P: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent.
S: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.
P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
S: Evidence removed.
P: DME volume unbelievably loud.
S: DME volume set to more believable level.
P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
S: That's what friction locks are for.
P: IFF inoperative in OFF mode.
S: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.
P: Suspected crack in windshield.
S: Suspect you're right.
P: Number 3 engine missing.
S: Engine found on right wing after brief search.
P: Aircraft handles funny............ (I love this one!)
S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right, and be serious.
P: Target radar hums.
S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.
P: Mouse in cockpit.
S: Cat installed.
And the best one for last..................
P: Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a midget pounding on something with a hammer.
S: Took hammer away from midget.

Originally shared by ted kelly

Originally shared by ted kelly

Heartbroken
WPP2016 - Week 27 - Broken

+Ken Fowkes, Alen Ianni , Tim Kennedy , Robyn King , Rob Masters , Bernhard Rembold , Byron S , Francesco Scaglioni , Alicia Smith , Grandma Snyder , Navin Upendran and Mary Wardell

#WPP2016
#WPP2016-Wk-27-Broken

Heartbroken

Heartbroken
WPP2016 - Week 27 - Broken

+Ken Fowkes, Alen Ianni , Tim Kennedy , Robyn King , Rob Masters , Bernhard Rembold , Byron S , Francesco Scaglioni , Alicia Smith , Grandma Snyder , Navin Upendran and Mary Wardell

#WPP2016
#WPP2016-Wk-27-Broken