Perception

To become conscious of our surroundings. Our environment. The people and things around us. That is part of the photographic art. I have recently been thinking about perception because I'm finding that how I intend things is not always how they are perceived. In my pursuit of photography I have found that the things that I equate with a photograph that I have put thought and effort into and hold dear in my heart are not always the ones that strike a resonance with people who are complete strangers to me. These complete strangers bring their own perceptions to the viewing process. Let's try that again. These people bring their own preconceptions, life experience, taste, and emotional experiences to the viewing process. They take all of these things and then imprint it on the work that I have shared with them. It's as if I have only given them an excuse to acknowledge that emotional response in themselves. So that leads me to the question of whether it's my intent that is lacking or if this is something that can be overcome. Can I have an impact on the viewer that transcends what they bring to the process.
I think I will continue to think about this for some time. Maybe I'll post more on it later.

Iraqi Elections

Today I watched Iraqi expatriots vote for the "continental" congress of their nation. Some having driven from as far as New York and Boston. It was a big deal for them. Travelling 8 hours or so each way to register and then again to vote. How many of us would do the same? Many were afraid of reprisals on the ones they left behind. And worried that they might not be able to do the same for fear of personal violence in their homeland. Think about freedom and choice and rights and responsibilities. We're just onlookers who forced these choices on these people. All births involve pain and bloodshed. It's how you raise the resulting child that counts most, and that's entirely in the hands of the parents themselves. I wish them luck.

ok, so i'm not a prolific writer

but this is rather a forum for venting and engaging in verbal discourse with myself, if no one else. The post election let down has hit and I haven't really been focusing on any particular goal. I like to float. No agenda, no plan, no timeclock. It freaks people out, totally. "You're a natural leader!" , "I can't believe that you haven't bought a house yet!" "I've got someone I want you to meet!"
Problem is, I live on Irie time. As things happen you deal. Sometimes you look up and sort of focus on the middle distance for the short term goal. You make some sort of plan to take care of your long term business. After that? Why, look around you. Talk to your friends. Take a nap or a walk. What will pursuit of material things gain me in the long run? Who are YOU trying to impress? Who are your stake holders, and how well do they know you? I like my way of life. It just irritates a lot of people who crave structure and have a deep desire to absolutely know what to expect out of life. How boring and uneventful can that be? I get in ruts enough as it is without having to plan myself into one.

The Coronation of George III

No, I wasn't invited to the lunch either. But I got to freeze my butt off watching the 55th inauguration of our current president from a snowy, muddy field on the west side of the Capitol. It wasn't really all that spectacular. They tried to do it fancy with the Sargeant at Arms acting as herald. The Marine Corps Band played all sorts of majestic music (very well and with good arrangements), but you know, it was a man who wants to be our religious leader and I'm just not too much on theocracies.

Your Government and You.

"Shake off all the fears of servile prejudices, under which weak minds are servilely crouched. Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call on her tribunal for every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear."

Thomas Jefferson


Fear. That tightening of the belly, the ragged breath catching in your throat. The way your heart races while you look for escape routes. That's the fear we think of when someone mentions it. You've just been told you have cancer kind of fear. The sight of your child lying on a sidewalk, very still. The fear of a stranger walking down your street at night. The fear that makes a man go against his conscience and his judgement in order to keep his job. The fear that you may not have enough at the first of the month to cover your rent and feed your child more than a meal a day. The fear that the money that the government has withheld from your paycheck over the course of your 10, 20, 30 years of hard, mind numbing labor (the money that was supposed to be your safety net) will not be there when you need it. That's the fear that makes you angry. The kind of anger that wants to strike out, lash out, at what's causing the fear. Or to run. Hide from the thing that causes you to feel that way. And if someone's willing to show you how you can escape that fear? Maybe you should just follow their advice. After all, they're someone you can trust. They've been educated at the best schools, but they don't act like they've grown up with a silver spoon in their mouth. Just plain folks. They had the leisure time to think these matters through, though. They've talked to all those smart people in those think tanks and academia. They've talked to the best minds in business. They're just trying to make things better. After all, wouldn't you rather control your own money rather than have the government dip into it everytime they're a little short of money for the budget? Of course, you'd have to give it over to someone who actually knows all about that kind of thing. How to make investments and where to make them. You know, some middle of the road account manager in an investment firm. And she might even talk to you once a year at a shareholder's meeting. Or you can make an appointment to see him in person sometime. When you have time off of work. Or can afford to go to New York to see them. Well, maybe a phone call would be better. You know, like calling in to the cable company to talk to the person that can help you with a problem with your bill? But you can be sure that if they make the wrong decision that they'll be held accountable for it. You know, a little Martha Stewart time. You wouldn't want folks like that to go to a real prison. They could come into contact with real criminals. You know, that stranger who hurt somebody.
I think all I'm really trying to say is this. On Thursday George W. Bush will be sworn in for a second term as president. As he gives his inaugural address, listen to your fear. It's the right thing to do.

Finished The Group

Finished uploading all the decent shots (not that there were indecent ones mind you) to flickr. Now that they've moved their servers to a larger space they're planning on adding 30 more high speed servers. Get over there and check it out if you're a photobuff, or a just someone that wants to share pics with friends and family. Also set up really well for people who want a server for the pics they post to their blogs (ahem). They're still in Beta, and offering a discount if you actually want to join. But you can post for free as well. Best thing since sliced bread. Homebaked of course.

WashingtonDC International Bike Show

Ok, 2 posts in one day, what can I say, I'm just a social butterfly this week. This weekend is the Washington DC International Bike Show. Although smaller than in years past, they're keeping the faith by having all the major manufacturers there. Honda had the biggest booth. Harley, of course, had a presence. But they had Motoguzzi, Triumph, BMW, and Victory to name a few of the others that had corporate booths. Fun time. Click on the pic to see some more.

Ok, That didn't happen

Got too busy and really have a hard time just spouting off about work. So here's the next iteration. I've been posting on Flickr for a couple of months now. My hobby's taking pictures of anything and everything that catches my eye. I'll try and post one a day here and then add some text. It may be work related or just general musings. I can't see who'd be interested in reading this thing, but we'll see how it goes.



This is a photoshopped sign found on Rt 17 in VA right outside Fredericksburg, VA. It's a good halfway point to stop and rest and get a coffee (which is almost always fresh) and a snack. This was actually taken on the way back from Mom's house where I spent a day and a half setting up my old computer for her to use to not check her aol account. She's really technophobic and she can't seem to double click very easily. I changed it so she could do just one click and we'll see if she actually want's to see pics of my nephews as they're released, as opposed to when they actually get printed up and sent as snail mail.

I guess I may post pics, or links to some of my favorite flickrers as well, but let's not be too ambitious.