DSC00677: Mig-17

DSC00677: Mig-17, originally uploaded by RMStringer.

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17
First Russian Jet with Afterburner. Used during the Vietnam War. His "Afterburners" are on during this photo.

Exposure: 1/2500 sec
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 280 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Mack: Don't Worry; New Orleans is Safe

I feel exactly as you do on this one Mac.  Thank you for letting me post this to my Blog.

 

 

 

Don't Worry; New Orleans is Safe

 

This is my audition script for a job with National Public Radio:

 

After weeks of brewing at sea, mighty Hurricane Ike, bearing Mother Nature's wrath and reflecting the global warming caused by greedy Americans driving cars and working at jobs, thundered ashore on a dark and stormy night, making landfall while wreaking havoc on women and minorities because of an evil CIA plot.  Snapping trees like matchsticks, and matchsticks like trees, because people are always snapping matchsticks and saying "See, that sounds just like a pine tree!", the hurricane, an iconic symbol of America's loss of innocence, a storm that defined a generation, left devastation in its wake in places we in Washington never heard of and don't care about, thankfully sparing our most European city and center of culture, New Orleans (cue the saxophones).

 

Evil, wicked oil companies cruelly pre-left oil production facilities in the path of Hurricane Ike in their pre-abysmal pre-failure to pre-plan the pre-needs of, like, y'know, harp seals 'n' stuff.  A select congressional delegation will fly to Las Vegas in taxpayer-funded jets for a week-long investigation into corruption by Big Oil, and to participate in budgeting workshops to consider raising taxes in order to give more money to New Orleans, which was so ravaged by Hurricane Katrina.  Leave no child behind.  Unless you're Mayor Nagin (cue the sloshing water).

 

Images of devastation in Galveston, Texas can only suggest to imaginative people a little of what Hurricane Katrina must have been like in New Orleans when President Bush's levees failed (cue the harmonicas).

 

Learning that every building in Bridge City, Texas, was flooded by the storm surge, with many of them completely destroyed and with whole families' livelihoods destroyed, makes one want to take up a collection for the suffering of New Orleans caused by Hurricane Katrina (cue the zydeco).

 

Hearing that Bolivar Peninsula is no longer a peninsula but three islands and that the loss of life there is not yet determined makes one feel sorry for those in New Orleans who suffer post-traumatic stress syndrome from Hurricane Katrina (cue loud sniffles).

 

Pictures of the flooded homes in Beaumont and Orange, sleepy little towns in Texas, make one weep for the tragedies in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina (cue more loud sniffles).

 

Considering that the homes, businesses, and families of Winnie, High Island, Rollover Pass, Crystal Beach, and other quaint little places occupied by the sort of people who cling to guns and religion will never be the same, with some people having lost everything they ever worked for, leads this reporter to take the front in leading a national day of our-thoughts-and-hearts-go-out-to-you for the people of New Orleans who lost so much more during Hurricane Katrina (cue some vaguely church-like sounds).

 

-30-

 

 

 

An institute run with such knavish imbecility that if it were not the work of God it would not last a fortnight.

-- Hilaire Belloc (speaking of the Church)

DSC01358: F-18

DSC01358: F-18, originally uploaded by RMStringer.

F-18
I was at the Air Power Over The Midwest Air Show today at Scott Air Force Base. I took this today, it is a 1 in a Million photo! I cannot believe that I got this photo.

High speed pass over the viewing area. We had a very humid day and i was able to get this photo of the "Vapor Cone" around the plane.

Exposure: 1/4000 sec
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal Length: 140 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Air Power Over the Midwest!

Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

September 20, 2008 9am to 5 pm

 

I went a little crazy today and i really gave my a200 a good workout!! I took close to 2000 photos using my Minolta 35-105mm and my Quantaray 70-300mm lenses. The a200 preformed like a champ!! I did not have any misfires or issues. I started out with 2 fully charged batteries. I switched to bat 2 at 29% for the Thunderbirds. We had an F-15, F-18 and the F-16 Thunderbirds at the show plus various other aircraft that flew as well as numerous other jets on the ground. I hope to have some of the photos posted by tomorrow as I have many to go through.

 

RMStringer

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"Your life is the sum of a remainder of an unbalanced

equation inherent to the programming of the matrix.

You are the eventuality of an anomaly, which despite

my sincerest efforts I have been unable to eliminate

from what is otherwise a harmony of mathematical precision.

While it remains a burden assiduously avoided, it is not

unexpected, and thus not beyond a measure of control.

Which has led you, inexorably, here." - The Architect, The Matrix Reloaded

 

Forest Park Balloon Glow 2008

Forest Park Balloon Glow 2008, originally uploaded by RMStringer.

It was really my first big exposure with using Manual Mode on my camera. A little blurry but i like it.

Exposure: 0.25 sec (1/4)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 35 mm
ISO Speed: 200

DSC09853: The Arch!

DSC09853: The Arch!, originally uploaded by RMStringer.

Taken using the Minolta 35-105mm lens looking North while driving across the Mississippi River on I64 West.

Exposure: 0.005 sec (1/200)
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal Length: 35 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Minolta 35-105

Minolta 35-105, originally uploaded by RMStringer.

My newest lens. f/3.5-4.5 35.105mm Minolta Lens.

Here is a link to the set of photos that were taken with this lens.
http://flickr.com/photos/rmstringer/sets/72157607187781212/

Sunrise...

Taken with my LGVX8600 1.3Megapixel phone.
From RMStringer

SIUE Trailhead.

Taken with my LGVX8600 1.3Megapixel phone. WWW.GORC.COM
From RMStringer

Cutting 2.

Taken with my LGVX8600 1.3Megapixel phone.
From RMStringer

Cutting!

Taken with my LGVX8600 1.3Megapixel phone.
From RMStringer

This Weekend!!! September 20-21 2008

DATES, TIMES & COST
Air Show Dates: September 20-21 2008
Air Show Times: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Air Show Flying Times: To Be Determined
Shiloh & Belleville Gates: Open at 9:00 AM
Cost: FREE
Parking: FREE
DIRECTIONS TO SCOTT AFB
Scott AFB is located by Shiloh, Illinois and is approximately 19 miles east of St. Louis By Auto: From Interstate 64 take exit 19 towards Shiloh and follow the signs to enter through the Shiloh Gate. From Illinois Route 161 the base is located between Belleville and Mascoutah where you can enter through the Belleville Gate. By Metro Link (highly recommended): You can take the Metrolink to the Shiloh-Scott station where buses will take you to the Air Show area of the base. Normal Metrolink and bus fees apply.
FLIGHTLINE MAP DOWNLOAD
Flightline layout showing where most of the aircraft are located (subject to change).
Current as of: 17 Sept 08
PDF	PowerPoint	JPG
HANGAR-1 MAP DOWNLOAD
Hangar-1 layout showing where most of the displays are located (subject to change).
Current as of: 15 Sept 08
PDF		PowerPoint
OFFICIAL AIR SHOW POSTER
	SELECT FORMAT:
JPEG: 533x800	JPEG: 800x1200	JPEG: 1067x1600
PowerPoint Slide	PDF	Word Document
PROHIBITED ITEMS
No backpacks (backpacks specifically made for cameras are okay, but will be searched) No coolers No knives No weapons No contraband No helium balloons No pets No tents, awnings or beach umbrellas No cooking equipment No bikes, roller blades, scooters or skateboards
NOTE: ALL CARRY-IN ITEMS AND PERSONS ARE SUBJECT TO SEARCH
RECOMMENDED ITEMS
Comfortable shoes Lawn chairs Ear plugs Sunscreen Cameras Diaper bags Pen for autographs Water bottles
SAFETY ITEMS
For the safety of all visitors and aircraft there is NO SMOKING on the flightline.
Do not cross the crowd fencing and ropes - this could result in the show being stopped!
AIRCRAFT:
Do not touch or climb on any aircraft unless you're invited to do so by the aircrew. Remember that trash can be sucked up into the aircraft engines, damaging the aircraft and endangering the pilot's life. Please keep the flightline litter-free by using the trash receptacles provided for your convenience. Trip hazards are everywhere. Watch for tent ropes and aircraft tie-down chains. Observe all signs, including the ones that say "do not touch."
FIRST AID:
Drink plenty of fluids, especially if the day is a sunny, warm, summer day. Apply sunscreen often, especially to small children. Temperatures on the flightline typically are higher than normal. Bring a hat to protect the top of your head. Take time out to rest during the day. With the heat and excitement, you could become fatigued. A first aid tent will be set up inside our maintenance building. If you are on the flightline and looking at the air show entrance it is the building to the right. Look for the Red Cross.
LOST AND FOUND:
A lost and found/information booth will be set up by the main entrance to report lost children. Announcements will be made over the public address system. Bring found items or report lost items to the lost and found/information tent.
MOTORCYCLES:
All riders operating a motorcycle on base are required to wear required safety gear to include:
Helmets Long sleeve shirts Gloves Long pants Face shields
YOUR COOPERATION AND PATIENCE IS APPRECIATED!

Technorati Tags: ScottAF Base, Air Show, Air Force, Thunderbirds

DSC09667: Mushrooms

DSC09667: Mushrooms, originally uploaded by RMStringer.

Four in a row. I love the white against the green grass. It is really a contrasting photograph. As i was standing in my kitchen looking out yesterday evening, i saw a squirrel eating a mushroom like theses. He had it in his hands and ate the top off and then tossed the stem aside.

Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal Length: 60 mm
ISO Speed: 100

Mobile.

Taken with my LGVX8600 1.3Megapixel phone.
From RMStringer

We can dream!

Taken with my LGVX8600 1.3Megapixel phone.
From RMStringer

Blurry Photography on Flickr!

1.alphamale_31


2.goanga


3.jaypearson15


Three photos taken from the Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 group on Flickr. 
We had a "Blurry Photo" contest and i selected the top 3 pics that
entered to be showcased on my blog. 
Please enjoy!!

If you use a Sony A200, please join Flickr and our group!!

Technorati Tags: Sony, A200, DSLR, 10.2Megapixel, Flickr, Photography

Mack's Favorite After-the-Hurricane Things

 

 

 

Thanks to Mack Hall for letting me publish that.  He lives in Deep South East Texas where Hurricane Ike came through on late Friday/Early Saturday morning.   He is now going through the cleanup process like my family is having to do. Our prayers go out to all the victims of Hurricane Ike.

 

Favorite After-the-Hurricane Things
(apologies to Rodgers and Hammerstein)
Dedicated to Jasper-Newton Electric Co-Operative

 

Sweet smelling armpits and hot-water showers
Plugged-in electric clocks that tell us the hours
No more MREs in pink plastic wrappings
These are a few of my favorite things
 
Co-Op bucket trucks working on my street
Clean socks and clean shorts and non-smelly feet
Linemen who make electricity sing –
Definitely some of my favorite things!

 

The generator stored once more in the shed
Children asleep in their own little beds
Thankful for cold winds that autumn will bring
These are a few of my favorite things

 

In the gas line
In the ice line
When I'm FEMA sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad!

 

 

Just to be alive is a grand thing.

-- Agatha Christie

DSC09767: Optical Illusion 1.1

DSC09767: Optical Illusion 1.1, originally uploaded by RMStringer.

Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal Length: 90 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Flash: Flash fired

Pink Floyd Member Rick Wright Dead at 65

I have been a big fan of Pink Floyd since i can remember.  I was able and fortunate enough to see them in 1994 at Rice Stadium in Houston Texas.  It was an incredible show!   He will be missed in the rock community.

From Rolling Stone Website:

Rick Wright, keyboardist and a founding member of Pink Floyd, died today after a battle with cancer. He was 65. “The family of Richard Wright, founder member of Pink Floyd, announce with great sadness that Richard died today after a short struggle with cancer,” Wright’s spokesman said. “The family have asked that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.” Wright, along with Syd Barrett, Roger Waters and drummer Nick Mason, laid the foundation for Pink Floyd, with Wright’s organ work one of the trademarks of the band’s debut album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. With the addition of David Gilmour and the subtraction of Syd Barrett, Wright’s responsibilities with Floyd expanded, writing and singing on two songs on the band’s second album A Saucer Full of Secrets. Among Wright’s most well-known works as a member of Pink Floyd are co-writing credits on “Us & Them,” “The Great Gig in the Sky” and the Atom Heart Mother gem “Summer ‘68.” In a sidebar to a feature last year, David Fricke said of “Us & Them,” “Rick Wright composed the floating-chord piano figure at the heart of this song during the sessions for Zabriskie Point. Director Michelangelo Antonioni rejected it, allowing Wright to resurrect the theme for this Dark Side highlight.” Wright remained a member of Pink Floyd until a rift with Roger Waters resulted in his exit after The Wall. Wright later rejoined the band when David Gilmour took over the reins after Waters left the band. Wright was also on hand when the band reunited in 2005 for the Live 8 concert in London. Recently, Wright had joined David Gilmour’s solo tour. Check out the playlist of key Richard Wright songs below.

Technorati Tags: Pink Floyd, Rock and Roll,

Hurrican Ike Mid-West Effects.

We felt Hurricane Ike' s presence in the St Louis Metro area late Saturday night/Early Sunday morning with wind over 53mph and 3+ inches of rain. We have stream and river flooding in the Metro area. The effects really caught the region by surprise! We are supposed to have beautiful weather all week long as Ike was coupled with a cool front coming through the area as well.

I took these photos during some rain squalls yesterday morning.





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DSC09797: Contrast 1.2

DSC09797: Contrast 1.2, originally uploaded by RMStringer.

The dark and light tones created by the ambient light are nice. I took this in B/W to show the contrast around the window.

Exposure: 0.333 sec (1/3)
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 35 mm
ISO Speed: 200

DSC09731: 9.33pm=All Digital

DSC09731: 9.33pm=All Digital, originally uploaded by RMStringer.

Digital Time Caught In A Digital Moment...

Exposure: 0.25 sec (1/4)
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal Length: 105 mm
ISO Speed: 800

Strange Sunset Cloud.

Taken with my LGVX8600 1.3Megapixel phone.
From RMStringer

Power Trio...

Taken with my LGVX8600 1.3Megapixel phone.
From RMStringer

Storm cloud.

Taken with my LGVX8600 1.3Megapixel phone.
From RMStringer

DSC09600: Blue

DSC09600: Blue, originally uploaded by RMStringer.

Our Kitchen phone. I live the Blue lights on it. This made an interesting photo IMO. All you really see is the buttons, LCD screen and bottom light.

Exposure: 0.167 sec (1/6)
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal Length: 80 mm
ISO Speed: 200

DSC09584: 9.11.2008

DSC09584: 9.11.2008, originally uploaded by RMStringer.

9/11: Let us all remember and never forget!

I saw the flag on our neighbor's house just hanging and gently moving in the light breeze. It instilled what a great country we still live in and that we can make it better if we all try. It is an overcast and slightly rainy day. The humidity is very high due to all the rain that is approaching our area.

Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/8
Focal Length: 105 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Picture 381

Picture 381, originally uploaded by RMStringer.

This was part of the inside of the main welcome center of Anheuser-Busch located in St Louis. I thought that it was really neat with all the flags and mirrors. I wanted to get as much of it without getting any of the wall or as little as i could.

Exposure: 0.02 sec (1/50)
Aperture: f/5
Focal Length: 28 mm
ISO Speed: 400

Picture 411

Picture 411, originally uploaded by RMStringer.

I had just gotten the camera about a week before i took this photograph. We had traveled to St Louis to look for housing and we decided to tour the A-B Factory. It was a cool damp day when we did the tour.

Exposure: 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture: f/10
Focal Length: 18 mm
ISO Speed: 100

Newest Ike Satllite photos

IR Photo


Projected Path...
Technorati Tags: Hurricane Ike, Storm, Weather

Colts starting DT arrested on drug charge

Here is another THUG playing football.  He is just another great example of an idol for our children to look up to...
 
Hey, then we like that in our society where children idolize and dress like convicts and gangsters without even knowing why they dress like that.  They think that it is cool...


INDIANAPOLIS - Indianapolis Colts starting defensive tackle Ed Johnson was arrested early Wednesday on a drug possession charge.

Colts president Bill Polian said the team was still gathering facts about the case before determining how it will discipline Johnson, but Johnson will not play Sunday at Minnesota.

"He will not play this week, for sure,'' coach Tony Dungy said.

Polian said Johnson was stopped for speeding between midnight and 1 a.m. on Interstate 465 just north of Indianapolis. Police also charged him with marijuana possession.

He later was released on bond from the Hamilton County Jail.

Johnson was temporarily expelled from Penn State in 2005 for violating the school policy on sexual misconduct and confining another student against the student's will. He was reinstated in 2006, but later suspended for the Outback Bowl for violating team rules.

Technorati Tags: Foot Ball, Thug, Colts, Rant, Rave,

Hurrican Ike Taking aim at Texas

My family will have to evac out again from the southeastern coast of Texas once again.  Please keep them in your prayers.

Hadron Collider Getting Ready to Run...

Scientists turn on biggest ‘Big Bang Machine’

Chapter 3: After 14 years of work, atom-smasher comes to life amid hoopla

Maximilien Brice / CERN

The eight torodial magnets can be seen on the huge ATLAS detector with the calorimeter before it is moved into the middle of the detector. This calorimeter will measure the energies of particles produced when protons collide in the center of the detector.

Will it work or blow up the Earth?  We will soon find out!

Lets hope for the best!

Technorati Tags: Science, Technology, Hedron Collider

DSC09490: Blury

DSC09490: Blury, originally uploaded by RMStringer.

I love this photo even it is blurry! We were driving down the road and i turned around to get the shot. I will go back soon and do a nice long exposure.

Exposure: 1 sec (1)
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal Length: 60 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Yesterdays Storm Clouds.

Taken with my LGVX8600 1.3Megapixel phone.
From RMStringer

Street Dogs!!

Oct 7 2008 6:30P

Bluebird

St Louis, Missouri

They are playing in St Louis






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Morning Sun...

Taken with my LGVX8600 1.3Megapixel phone.
From RMStringer

DSC09407: Pine Tree

DSC09407, originally uploaded by RMStringer.

All were taken with the Minolta 35-105mm F 3.5-4.5 Lens. Pine Tree This was just a little DOF trial with the new lens.

Exposure: 0.1 sec (1/10)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 45 mm
ISO Speed: 200

DSC09539: At Night...

DSC09539: At Night..., originally uploaded by RMStringer.

This was taken with the Minolta 35-105mm F 3.5-4.5 Lens. I was trying to see how it did at night doing timed exposures and traffic trails. I have the Sky A-1 filter on the lens as well. It is a very crisp lens.

Exposure: 5 sec (5)
Aperture: f/11
Focal Length: 35 mm
ISO Speed: 200