This picture was taken with a Nikon D300 and an 18-200mm lens.  Zooming in on the subject probably helped with the possible reflections that could’ve taken place in the photo without zooming. 

Here are a few other links concerning taking photos through windows/glass:

1- Taking Photos Through Windows, Photocritic.org

2- Taking Photos Through Windows, PhotoHacker.blogspot.com

3- Photos Throug Glass, HomePhotog.com

So don’t worry too much about window/glass interferrance with your picture taking.   With a couple of easy tips from the links above such as, whether or not to use a flash due to the possible reflection, or manual verses auto focusing, you’ll find it’s not that difficult to take a good picture through glass… Besides, it’s better just to take the shot and see what happens, instead of missing the opportunity all together…

I went and saw the movie, “Green Zone,” starring Matt Damon last night at 9pm with a couple of “battle buddies” that I am attending some training with here at Fort Benning, Georgia.   All of us enjoyed the movie and were particularly surprised at how well the Army dialougue/lingo was portrayed.  Of course, other movies had it down as well, such as, Black Hawk down; but, again, it’s nice to see a movie that makes an attempt at ‘making it real.’  When I speak of the lingo, I mean words like: “Hooah, Sarnt (instead of Sergeant), SITREP (instead of Situation Report), etc. …  Only people / Soldiers in the Army (Military) would catch those minor things in a movie. 

The reason for the not-so-great picture of the Saddam International Airport / Baghdad Int’l Airport (BIAP)  above is to point out another of what ‘I’ thought was a key “attention-to-detail” element of the movie.  That was that they even made sure to include a brief shot of a destroyed Iraqi airliner while Chief Milller (Matt D.) was visiting the airport.  When I arrived at the BIAP myself back in March 2003, there were two destroyed Iraqi airliners on the runway (this is the only picture I could find – taken while in the gunner’s hatch of a M1097 HMMWV).  It’s a small Army, because later, after returning to the States I wound up working with the Officer who was responsible for their destruction…go figure…  This mess of metal had to have been cleaned up prior to the making of “Green Zone;” however, someone insured that it “came back to life” in the theatre… very nicely done…

Of course, throughout the movie, the three of us (one a Chemical Soldier, one a Mechanic, and the other a Supply Specialist) were trying to pick out places we had been during our deployments to Iraq.   Places like the Cross Sabers (used as a vehicle staging area for going back to Kuwait) and the Pool (though I never got to go swimming)…  It feels kind of strange watching those places, and others, on the big screen.

I had intended to read the book written by, Rajiv Chandrasekaran in 2006, prior to watching the movie; however, my friends were wanting to go see it and so off we went.  I will, of course, still snatch it off the shelf of some book store very soon though…  There’s always plenty left out of the movie.  I’m really regretting now that I did not follow everything that was happening in the Middle East as a whole as much as I should have.  I guess I got tired of hearing about it, seeing it on the news, etc. … But I feel now that, having been involved in the conflict personally, that it’s my duty to try and grasp a better understanding of the War and all of the events leading up to it. 

Realizing that we never found weapons of mass destruction, or WMD’s, and that ‘that’ was the reason for our going to war with Iraq, does put some doubt in my mind about our governments real intentions (always has).  All I can say is that, I’m an American Citizen, an American Soldier that volunteered to serve my country, to follow the orders of the Officers appointed over me.  I might not agree with the reasons, the how’s, the why’s… but as a Soldier, I still must fullfill my end of the agreement/contract and simply do what little bit of good I can along the way.  I certainly did not take any pleasure in witnessing some of the events that took place during my time in Iraq (2003 & 2005), but I’ve always hoped and prayed that some lives were spared and changed for the better due to our (U.S.’s) involvement…

, originally uploaded by LJ..

“LJ’s” photographs are without a doubt some of the best captures of people living on the streets. He captures the moment perfectly everytime. Any processing that may, or may not, have taken place afterwards simply adds to the photograph.

There are plenty of testimonials that have been written about him by other flikr.com memembers that testify to his talent.  If you find the time, you really should check out his flikr page…

Another good way to get more involved on Flikr is to participate in groups.  Just find a group that pertains to the subject of your photo(s) and submit them.  Take some time to view some of the other people’s photos, comment on them, etc. …

Don’t be afraid to add someone as a contact either.  The other person gets notified, and who knows, maybe they’ll return the favor.  If you really like someone’s work, adding that person as a contact is a good way to keep up with their most recent work.  …

Bottom line on getting more views/comments for your photos is that you have to be as active as possible… I’m not as active as I’d like to be on Flikr, but I’ve made some good contacts and have seen many wonderful photos…

I guess, it would be up to the individual reader, researcher, to make up his, or her on mind in regards to what is, or what is not, true in this matter.  I certainly make no claims either way; just simply posted what had been discussed between a few colleagues at work…

First Article is below….

“The Willie Lynch Letter… Origin of the ‘N’ Word & ‘lynching’ …”

The United States Army is an organization, like many others, that tries it’s best to implement an equal opportunity program in-order-to make for a less hostile work environment for it’s troops. Of course, it does not solve each and every problem, but at least, there’s an attempt…

Each unit in the Army is required to have what is called an “Equal Opportunity Representative.” This Soldier is sent to a two week course where he/she learns the basic ins and outs of the concept of equal opportunity as it applies to Soldiers in the Army. At higher levels within the Army there is what’s called an Equal Opportunity Advisor. This Soldier is sent to a 4-month long course in-order-to handle full blown equal opportunity complaints upon graduation. This becomes their full-time job once they graduate.

The equal opportunity ‘representative’ is required to train it’s unit on matters of equal opportunity throughout the year. There are quarterly requirements and anual requirements. There are lecture formats and /or discussion settings as well.

This past week, our unit had a discussion about “disparaging terms.” One of the most well known derogatory, or degrading, terms that comes to mind is the “N” word (I’m not even going to spell it.) When it came to this particular word during the discussion, one of the African American Soldiers gave us a brief history lesson about the origin of that word, and the origin of “lynching” used for hanging someone. He talked about the ‘Willie Lynch Letter’ and shared some of it’s contents with us. This discussion suddenly got very interesting to say the least… I had either forgotten, or never knew, about this man and his infamous (terrible) letter. …

Willie Lynch had called himself the master of a ‘modest plantation.’ He was summoned from the British West Indies to speak to the local slave owners on the James River in Virginia in 1712about the problems they were having managing their slaves. The methods he discribed/advised were some of the most brutal physical, and psychological, methods imaginable. Basically, he advised the slave owners to stop hanging, or ‘lynching’ their troublesome slaves, and instead, start the process of breaking them down. Break them down to the point where all they know to do anymore is work themselves to death for you…

Part of the psychological degredation process was using the “N” word. A word coined by Willie Lynch. A word that, to this day, is still one of the most terrible words ever uttered…

The bottom-line of our discussion about disparaging terms was to be much more aware of what you are saying to others, because your words could have a larger impact than you realize…

More Reading:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Lynch_speech
• http://www.africanamericanimages.com/aai/willie%20lynch.htm
• http://www.openeyesprod.com/calendar_of_events

Image Usage: (about page) – from: dreamstime.com

Angel Oak Tree -14, originally uploaded by Stephen B. Ruppe.

The Angel Oak Tree, located in/on John’s Island in South Carolina, is estimated at being 1500+ years old.   According to it’s website, AngelOakTree.org, it is the oldest living thing east of the Mississippi.  It is perhaps, the oldest living oak tree in the world, according to some … Man, oh man, if this tree could talk…

It looks like something out of a movie…

I had first heard about this tree from my grandparents.  My Grandfather on my Father’s side had mentioned it in conversation when I mentioned that my brother and I were headed to Folley Beach, SC to bring in the New Year 2010.   My grandmother on my Mother’s side was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina and had some relatives that lived on the neighboring John’s Island.  I asked her about the tree and she went on about how it’s limbs look like they want to grab you and swallow you up; about how old it is, etc. …

Surprisingly, this old tree is not very tall, only about 65 feet actually; however, it’s wide spread canopy is quite a sight.  Some of it’s limbs grow up, then back down into the earth, and back out again.  The first thing that pops into your mind when you see this tree is an image from the James Cameron film, AVATAR, or perhaps, a scene from that Harry Potter movie where that tree is trying to eat the flying car.  It’s amazing and FREAKY all at the same time…

No Carving or Climbing Please…

It’s free to come see the tree.  All they ask is that you refrain from carving your initials into the tree and that you please try to resist the temptation to pretend that you are ‘Jake Sully’ and swing from it’s limbs.  There were roughly about 20 people there when my brother and I went to see the tree.  People of all ages were present.  Of course, all equipped with cameras. 

At the gift shop, you can purchase framed pictures of the tree and / or leave a donation to help with the maintenance of the tree (I left a small donation myself).  It’s a small place to visit.  I mean it’s just the tree and the gift shop, that’s it.  It’s a little bit difficult to find.  When you first pull off the main road onto ‘Angel Oak Road,’ you are greeted by a closed gate with a sign that says, “Private,” on it.  So, your first impression is that the place is closed.  But there’s a smaller dirt road off to the left that takes you about 1/2 a mile further to the tree site.  It’s a very bumpy, unkept road so be careful if you plan to visit the site…

You can check out more of my Angel Oak Tree photos @ my Flikr Site …

Visit The Set @ Flikr.com …

• Grandfather’s  Backyard @ Flikr.com

For more information about the Nikon D300 & Nikon 50mm Lense, you can check out the following links:

• Nikon D300s 12MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera
• Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

I Don’t Usually Do This…

I’m home visiting family for the holidays and realized that no one has seen the new amazing 3D movie, Avatar.  Well, I was certainly impressed by James Cameron’s latest master piece, despite some of it’s predictability which I’ll mention later…so…I insured that we set some time aside to go see this feature film, because there’s just no point in waiting until it’s out on DVD – I’m sure those that have seen it can agree with me…  I don’t usually go to a movie twice while it’s still out at the theatres, but not an issue here – it was still quite good…

How It’s Done…

For starters, this is only the second 3D motion picture that I’ve ever seen, A Christmas Carol (Jim Carey) being the first.  After A Christmas Carol, I knew I would be going to as many 3D films as I could.  It’s just simply amazing how those movie mechanics can do what they do.  Watching Avatar, I discovered I had a new found fear of heights, was swatting at insects that weren’t actually there, brushing vegetation out of my way, you name it.  3D films are created by using two different specially equipped cameras that shoot each scene of the movie from a different perspective, requiring you to wear those highly fashionable wayfarers…  For some more research intohow 3D motion pictures are made, check out the following links:

• Wikipedia 3D Info
• Obsessable – How are 3D Movies Made?
• Mind Spring – 3D Movies

Predictable Yes, But Still worth the $11.00…

OK, so the story line has a few very predictable parts; however, these parts didn’t ruin the movie at all for me.  For example, it was pretty obvious that when Neytiri mentioned to ‘Jake” that only five riders have been chosen to ride that giant red and orange bird, that he would soon be swooping down to greet them.  Also, when Sigourney Weaver was given the chance to cross over through the eye of Eywa, that Jake would be doing the same; however, the film was still incredibly done. …

Hidden Agendas, Racial Connotations, American History…

It’s also pretty obvious that the story line follows a very similar time in American History.  A time when White America wished for, and took by force, the land of the Native Americans.  Hopefully, no one today is proud of that particular moment in our (Americans’) past.  It was definately a terrible time.  Also, one can argue that America still engages in such activity today: Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. … It’s up to everyone to make up their own minds on such matters.  Just realize that if you have a complaint, in most cases it is received much better if it is followed by a solution.  I would have to say that for myself,  I can agree with good and the bad thoughts/feelings on American greed/agression and still and simply try to do what I know is right individually and hope that others will follow.

Here are a couple of links talking about Avatar:

• NPR: Avatar, Cameron’s Dizzying, Immersive, Parable
• io9.com: When Will White People Stop Making Movies Like Avatar

Back to the movie itself… It is after all a MOVIE ment to entertain and provide an escape from the day-to-day grind.  For me it provided a Great Escape!…  Awesome Indeed! Follow the links below for some further Avatar reading, Avatar the movie & Avatar in general:

• Cast of Avatar
• Avatar Movie
• Wikipedia – Avatar Computing

GRAVATAR…

Also don’t forget to get your own “gravatar” for when you are commenting on blogs.  You can upload a picture of yourself that will follow your email address around from blog to blog as you leave comments…

• gravatar.com

Here’s a random list (no particular order really) of 10 interesting black & white photography websites.  Or, at least, each site has a section dedicated to black & white…

1. Smashing Magazine & Smashing Magazine 2 - Smashing Magazine was founded in 2006 and is primarily dedicated to helping out designers and developers by providing them the latest trend information in web development/design.
2. Paul Politis – Paul Politis is a photographer born in Montreal, Canada now based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.  His photographic subjects include: Architecture, objects, people, urban, nights, nude, Cuba, New York City, abandoned places, Graffiti, Colour.
3. Dave Beckerman – Dave Beckerman has dealt specifically with black and white photography throughout the years.  He was born and raised in the Bronx.  The link provided has primarily B&W photos of New York City.
4. Philip Pankov – Philip Pankov was born in the Soviet Union and, like most professional photographers, learned his craft starting at a very young age.  He has since moved to Dublin, Ireland; now living on the west coast of the United States. 
5. Lynn Radeka – Lynn Radeka, an American photographer, has photographed the American Landscape extinsively, since the 1960’s.  He has focused primarily on the west and south west.
6. MAANDREW Photography – M. A. Andrew is from Oldham, England and studied at Manchester University.  You will find images from Hong Kong, Paris, Venice, Istanbul, Madrid, London, Singapore and more…
7. Hongkiat – Hongkiat.com comes out of Malaysia.  Primarily a designer/pro-blogger.  This particular link provides some outstanding B&W potrait shots.
8. Roy V. Harrington – Roy Harrington is a photographer from the western United States, which is what most of his B&W photography subjects consist of.  He primarily shoots with a 4 x 5 view camera for his B&W shots.
9. Clyde Butcher – Clyde Butcher deals primarily with nature photography and has been appreciated by many for providing others with a greater understanding of the importance of the environment.
10. Dapixara – Dapixara contributes to some well known organizations, such as: CNN, National Geographic, and The Travel Channel…

Le Marqui’s Lounge – A Ghost Town(1 & 3), originally uploaded by Stephen B. Ruppe.

Happy Viewing!

Want to learn more? You can try:

[Black & White Film Photography - 3 Digitally Remastered Fred Picker Videos on 1 DVD - offer from amazon.com]

     I was cruising the internet the other day and found some old (really old)  reviews of a song that I had uploaded to garageband.com several years ago.  I had forgotten all about this song.  …

The song:  All In Due Time

     It was an attempt at a professional recording; however, I knew, even at that time, that it was nowhere close to sounding pro.  I never really take the time to perfect any of my recordings.  I always think that I’ll go back and fix them later, but never do.  It was fun to make though.  Also, and more importantly, this was a song that I had written so many years back that it wasn’t the greatest example of my song writing / singing capabilities.  But, I was lazy and just wanted to hurry up and get a song uploaded.  I was in the process of re-recording all of my old tunes, in-order-to get the hang of my new recording equipment (an ADAT machine at the time). …

     So, I uploaded the song and listened to some other songs by other artist.  Wrote some reviews on their songs; and finally started getting some reviews on my song.  Before I stopped keeping track of my song on garageband.com, I had only received about 2 or 3 reviews.  I think the garageband.com website went down for quite some time, if I remember correctly.  Now, several years later, I see that my song is still there and several more reviews have been added (last one being in 2004 – song was uploaded in 2001).  Some were good, some OK, some needs work, and some down right terrrible…

You’ve Got To Have Thick Skin / If The Shoe Fits, Well, Just Put It On And Walk Away…

     I know I have fairly decent ideas/concepts when it comes to writing and recording music; however, reading some of the negative reviews on this particular song, I must say that I agree with most of them.  Yes, there are some good reviews, but nowadays, I can agree more with the bad ones.  It’s just not that great a tune.  There are some good ideas thoughout, but not the greatest of songs as a whole.  The singing on most of my stuff will always get a bad rating due-to-the-fact that I never really “sing.”  I’m either in my bedroom, in a bathroom, or something holding back my full voice.  Also, earlier in my years, I never really understood the importance of a good vocal track.  My head was still in the early R.E.M. way of doing things, where lyrics are just kind of muttered, and sometimes, monotone.  I was simply more into the guitar sound than anything else…

I Did Fool A Few However…

     There are a couple of reviews in there that state some good drum playing.  Well, I had to laugh, because there is no drum playing on this version of the song.  Instead, I used a Roland DR-5 drum machine.  I have been told by many that my drum programming (sound type and pattern layouts) do sound like there’s a drummer playing…  So, I guess I kinda thought those particular reviews mentioning the drum playing were interesting and funny at the same time…

Maybe One Day I’ll Start Writing Again…

     I didn’t know if I should post my findings since some of the reviews are so bad, but I guess found them kind of fun to read overall.  Besides, my understanding and feel for music has greatly evolved over the years.  I just hope that sooner or later I can prove it my settling down and writing some more material…