Wanted: One Time Machine
I just got done watching Deadwood season one and have decided that I need a time machine. I either need to go back in time to live out season two (and to meet Alma Garret) or I need to spring ahead a few weeks to when season two comes out on dvd. I can't wait!
SuperDuper!
This past weekend I finally got sick of trying to keep track of backing up my computer manually and started looking for some software to help out. I found SuperDuper!. It's a nice, simple, and focused application. I picked up a new Lacie d2 hard drive to dedicate to full system backups and can now rest peacefully knowing that everything is safe.
Magnum In Motion
Magnum Photos is a co-operative of some of the best photographers in the world. Recently, I stumbled across an amazing collection of interactive photo essays (22 of them!) and video podcasts at Magnum In Motion that feature audio commentary by the photographers.
This is an amazing resource for photographers and anyone curious about the world around us. The essay "Chernobyl Legacy" should not be missed. It's a bit painful to watch, but what photographer Paul Fusco was able to capture is truly incredible.
Who Wants To Be A Superhero?
Sweet! Stan Lee is producing a new reality show for the Sci Fi channel. Who Wants To Be A Superhero? I do!
Update: The show airs in July.
28mm Lens and Developing My Own Film
I've been keeping an eye on some of the used camera sites (mainly KEH) for a 28mm lens for my Olympus OM-1. When I bought that camera all it came with was a 50mm, which I don't feel comfortable with and makes me think that I need to use the 50mm exclusively for a month or two to train my eyes to see photos at that focal length. Anyway, what I'm trying to get to is that I finally found a 28mm lens at National Camera. It's in perfect condition and at $79 (compared to the $150+ online prices) it was a bargain. I also picked up a B+W UV filter, which is the first thing I do anytime I buy a lens.
I went out shooting last night around 6:30pm when the sun was giving nice, warm light and shot almost a full roll of b/w film. Now I just need to develop it and scan it in. I've missed not being in school for the last month because I don't have free access to a darkroom. From what I've found, local prices for b/w film are about $15. I've got 4 or 5 rolls to develop and the thought of paying $75 for film processing seems crazy.
I remembered that IFP and the Minnesota Center for Photography both have darkrooms available and went to check them out to decide which place I want to use.
For what I want, which is to develop film and to have the option of printing an image or two, both darkrooms looked good. IFP has a much larger facility, but MCP is a bit more conveniently located. It's really close to my new job in NE Minneapolis and would be easy to stop at on my way to or from work.
The only other consideration I have is cost. To use either darkroom you have to be a member. IFP's annual membership cost is $105, MCP is $50. Both have an additional fee for darkroom use, which is about $10/day. That's not too bad, since I figure I can realistically develop four rolls of film at a time.
And the winner is...MCP. The only thing is that their member darkroom doesn't open for a few more weeks. I may have to bite the bullet and bring my film somewhere to be processed. I'm not sure that I can wait that long to see the results of my new lens.
The Photoblog
I haven't quite decided what's to become of my photoblog. It hasn't been updated it in over a month, and even then it was with a photo that was two months old. What I'm thinking is that I'll keep it up (with a possible redesign) as an archive and start fresh with a new photo site. I have an idea for what I want to do and already have a new domain up and running. My next question is what's to become of my Flickr account? I'm thinking that I might just use it to post all of my graffiti shots.
Whatever I decide to do, I need to shoot more. I'm starting a new job tomorrow in Northeast Minneapolis, which is much more visually stimulating than the location of my last job. My route to work will be a lot more interesting as well. I'll be close to the city and can easily take photo trips before and after work. Plus, I know there are at least a couple of good photographers at the new job that will probably be a good source of inspiration.
The other good thing about the new job is that it means I'll stop doing freelance web work, which will give me more time for creative endeavors. I'm really looking forward to that.
Hospital Food
Since my brother got brain cancer last year I've spent more than my fair share of time in hospitals. Before I go any further, I should say that he's doing fine and is undergoing his final treatment this week.
After eating more than a few meals in hostpital cafeterias, the thing that still blows me away is how terrible the food is. It's the most disgusting and unhealthy food I've encountered. I'm sure there are many exceptions and I will say that the Tucson Medical Center had great food, even offering vegetarian options, but for the most part it's garbage. Some hospitals even go as far as to have a McDonald's in lieu of a "regular" cafeteria.
I really don't know how they can get away with it or feel remotely good about what they are offering. I know I'm not the only one noticing this and am glad that the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) agrees. They recently conducted a study and put out a news release saying as much.
Taking A Break
The new job has me feeling a bit fried by the end of the day. It's going really well and I'm learning A LOT. I'm getting a crash course in Linux (they set me up with an Ubuntu box) and Vim, something I've never used seriously.
Other than that, I have a photography project (shooting some jewelry) to finish up this week, so I'm going to take a break from posting for a few days. It's nothing new for me to not post for days or weeks at a time, but what is different this time is that I'm warning you.
Pillow Fight!
In Minneapolis? Want to rumble? See you Saturday at the pillow fight!
Twenty Three Dollars?!
I stopped into Linhoff Photo after work to check their prices for b/w film processing. $23....per roll! That seems crazy, especially after learning how to do it myself. I'm more convinced than ever that developing my own film makes sense, even if it does take a little more time.
MySpace / Flickr
I finally signed up for a MySpace account (still haven't decided if I'm going to link to my profile). So far, my favorite "feature" is logging in and getting the error "You Must Be Logged-In to do That!". I doubt this happens for every user, but it happens every single time for me. Whoops.
Oh, and the office was all abuzz today about Flickr's site upgrade. My initial reaction was not good. I felt disoriented and confused, but after using it for a little while I think I'm diggin' it.
Dolla Dolla Bill Y'all
I usually rip up junk mail without much worry, but there's always a small part of me that thinks I might be unknowingly tearing up a bajillion dollar bill and my ticket to eternal happiness. Well, after today I have every reason to continue that worry.
I got a Volkswagen survey from JD Power and Associates with an actual dollar bill inside! That's a pretty good marketing ploy. It's only a dollar, but now I feel compelled to fill out the survey for them. At the very least, I'm going to feel extra guilty when throwing it away after it sits on my desk for the next two months.
School's Out
I was going take a graphic design class at MCAD this summer, but I went to register for it tonight and it's full. Grrr. I guess I'll just wait until fall. It's gearing up to be a pretty busy summer.
48 Hours
The 48 Hour Film Festival is a week from tomorrow. Somehow I talked my team into letting me do the music.
Panicked.
