Happy Halloween!

This is one of my first long exposure photos, from way back in 2002. This old farm house in Odenton, Maryland was knocked down a few weeks after I took this photo. The yellow sky is from artificial lights [streetlights and such] reflecting off the clouds. The shutter was open, and I stood in front of the camera popping off flashes. A little over-exposed right in front of me, but not a bad shot.

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I'll be working tonight, so no trick or treating for me. However, you can check out Kim's site [warning: some artistic nudity] for some spooky artwork. And Bruce at mASS Backwards has some rules for trick-or-treaters, as does Phelps.

I really don't know how much trick-or-treating goes on here in Anchorage. We got an inch or so of snow this weekend, and although nothing would have discouraged my candy seeking initiative as a kid, I can't imagine parents being thrilled about heading out into cold. And it is cold; between 5° and 15°F [-15° to -9°C for the metric-types]. The 10-20 mph winds don't help.

In a somewhat unrelated note, I'm watching a fellow in a mask put on a scary performance on TV right now. Since the game is on OLN, I'm not sure if fans in NY can even watch the game. That'd be a shame.

This photo would be much better if I could have centered it correctly. I was so focused on getting the exposure right that I didn't pay attention to the composition.

Can anyone guess what it is?

Continue reading "Sparks"

"Each of us answered the call to serve for different reasons. Many of us who choose to stay in the military do so for one reason -- the people."

-- Lt. Col. Paul Wade

Those are the words [as closely as I could remember them] of my commander at the memorial service for my friend and fellow NCO on Friday. I've belonged to many organizations over the years, from volunteer fire departments to churches to Boy Scout troops to high school sports teams. You bond with individuals in any group you belong to, but the closest bonds by far have been with those I've worked with in the Air Force. I'm devastated right now.

My buddy died from a gun shot wound, apparently self-inflicted. Without knowing what the investigators know, it's hard to image that he took his own life just a few hours after our last shift together. However, I understand that with any suicide comes the inevitable bouts of disbelief and denial. I don't know what happened the other night, and it's possible I never will.

Right now, it just kind of hurts.

I found out this morning that a friend from work died. I don't have many details, and I'll refrain from commenting on anything until the investigators have done their thing, relatives have been notified, etc...

I'm very sad. I enjoyed working with him. He had me doubled over laughing several times yesterday at work. He and his fiancee were married less than two weeks ago.

If it turns out he was murdered, I hope justice is swift.

It's snowing here in Anchorage. Winter is here.

Trooper Joe and I headed down to Seward yesterday.

Continue reading "A tale of two cameras"

Some links for you.

Remember, National Ammo Day is coming up on November 19th.

Weekly Check on the Bias at Alphecca. Take a look at how the media portrays the Second Ammedment.

Some dialogue about gun rights and concealed carry laws at mASS Backwards.

And the Insta-dude chronicles National People's Public Radio's inadvertant role in driving citizens to purchase firearms. I took notice of the Insta-dudes puppy comment. Hmmmm... maybe Frank J. is on to something?

My brother, Trooper Joe, is still out here visiting in Anchorage.

Continue reading "Trooper Joe's visit continues"

My brother Joe is in town this weekend. He had nothing positive to say about the Northwest Airlines flight that arrived last night.

We'll be hitting the shooting range later today. He brought his Kimber .45 ACP along with him. Hopefully we'll be joined by some guys from work.

Tomorrow we'll probably find some place to watch some football.

Monday thru Wednesday we'll do some sightseeing, weather permitting. There's a little bit of the white stuff in the forecast.

Everyone gets bored at work sometimes. Looks like someone got into a quick game of tic-tac-toe on the wheel of this Catepillar 777, out near the Kluane National Park in the Yukon Territories.

Fortunately, my job has been much more fulfilling lately. There are few things as frustrating in life as clocking in day after day at a job you don't enjoy. Having people the people who work for you that are dissatisfied with the job as well, and the problem compounds exponentially.

I think we've turned a corner at work. One particular night last weekend we seemed to really be firing on all cylinders; everyone fed off each other, and we accomplished a weeks worth or work in one 12 hour shift. If I only knew the exact catalyst(s)...

It sure beat paper airplanes and tic-tac-toe. Now if I can just figure out how to zap the bureaucracy and paperwork...

On the big 2003 road trip with Darf, we cross the state of North Dakota along I-94. Between the communities of Gladstone and Regent you'll find the Enchanted Highway -- a half dozen or so gigantic metal sculptures. My favorite, was the fifty foot statue of Teddy Roosevelt, pictured above.

Click on over and read about the interesting history behind the Enchanted Highway.

A trip around the blogosphere -- click on the extended entry.

Continue reading "Around the Blogosphere"

This is a photo of the stairs to my old apartment in Crownsville, Maryland.

Continue reading "Frigid"

Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers on the Second Amendment; some added insight at Alphecca's Weekly Review of the Media on Guns.

The Smallest Minority has a story that should brighten your day. Way to go, Gunny.