Friday, January 30, 2009
Today's Happy Thing
Today, my friend Chris forwarded an e-mail he got from his mom. It contained my Dribbleglass.com billboards, which she'd received from a friend of hers. That's today's happy thing.
Rates Starting at WHAT?!
Let me get this straight. It's a "seductive" and "sexy" offer. And rates start at what again?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Finally
Finally, some hard proof that sharing promotes commerce.
Now, all you dopey companies, stop being such jerks when people post a 30-second clip of your TV show or movie or whatever. Don't live in a world of scarcity. Live in a world of abundance! (Or you could end up like many of the short-sighted record companies have. Ahem.)
Now, all you dopey companies, stop being such jerks when people post a 30-second clip of your TV show or movie or whatever. Don't live in a world of scarcity. Live in a world of abundance! (Or you could end up like many of the short-sighted record companies have. Ahem.)
Yikes, Bigtime
Yikes. If people are being sued for creating funny photos, I expect to spend the next 30 years of my life on the lam.
Yes, Chris, I said "lam." Not "lamb." Just leave well enough alone this time.
Yes, Chris, I said "lam." Not "lamb." Just leave well enough alone this time.
The Dilemma
Today, I got an interesting e-mail in regard to Dribbleglass.com. It said:
"great site!! did ya ever think about changing something ever so slightly just to see if anyone really checks to see if you really dont change anything?"
Setting aside this person's broken cap key, they have a valid point. I don't update Dribbleglass.com too much these days. Just seem to be into other things at the moment.
I started this site about nine years ago. That's nearly a decade-long hobby. At it's peak, the site got a million unique visitors a month. There are corporations that would kill for that kind of traffic, especially when it comes not from paid ads, but from word of mouth, or viral content.
But getting that traffic, and keeping it, consumed my life. I loved it, but after nine years, I'm not sure I'm all that into it any more.
Which leads to an even greater dilemma, if one would call it that. Namely, I'm not entirely sure how I define myself at the moment. For a long time, I was the actor guy. Then, I was the writer guy. And the Writers Guild guy. After that, I was always the Dribbleglass guy. Now, I'm more of the photography guy. I guess.
I don't act much anymore. I don't write much. So, I guess I'm not that anymore. Am I photographer? I enjoy it, but I'm not sure that's how I define myself. I kind of feel like anyone can be a photographer, but not everyone can write like I write, or do a site like Dribbleglass.com, so I'm reluctant to set those things aside.
This dilemma extends to this blog, as you may have noticed. I write about personal things, sometimes, but mostly I post images. But it's not a photography blog, per se. I don't know what it is, I guess because I'm not sure what I am at the moment.
Maybe we don't have to define ourselves along strict lines. I'm a guy who likes photography, and I have a humor site I don't update much. I'll soon be undertaking a project to provide portraits to the homeless, as well as abused women and children. I volunteer with a children's literacy group.
Oh, gawd. Maybe the most surprising thing has happened. I've accidentally become complex. I'll have to do something about that.
So, how do you define yourself? By your job? By your hobbies? By being a parent? Or not? Do you feel the need to define yourself "in the simplest terms and the most convenient definitions"? (Bonus points if you know where that's from.)
When people think of you, what's the first thing they think of? "He's the comedian"? "She's the artist"? "He's the political one"? "She's the computer whiz"?
They say that life isn't about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself. What you have you created?
"great site!! did ya ever think about changing something ever so slightly just to see if anyone really checks to see if you really dont change anything?"
Setting aside this person's broken cap key, they have a valid point. I don't update Dribbleglass.com too much these days. Just seem to be into other things at the moment.
I started this site about nine years ago. That's nearly a decade-long hobby. At it's peak, the site got a million unique visitors a month. There are corporations that would kill for that kind of traffic, especially when it comes not from paid ads, but from word of mouth, or viral content.
But getting that traffic, and keeping it, consumed my life. I loved it, but after nine years, I'm not sure I'm all that into it any more.
Which leads to an even greater dilemma, if one would call it that. Namely, I'm not entirely sure how I define myself at the moment. For a long time, I was the actor guy. Then, I was the writer guy. And the Writers Guild guy. After that, I was always the Dribbleglass guy. Now, I'm more of the photography guy. I guess.
I don't act much anymore. I don't write much. So, I guess I'm not that anymore. Am I photographer? I enjoy it, but I'm not sure that's how I define myself. I kind of feel like anyone can be a photographer, but not everyone can write like I write, or do a site like Dribbleglass.com, so I'm reluctant to set those things aside.
This dilemma extends to this blog, as you may have noticed. I write about personal things, sometimes, but mostly I post images. But it's not a photography blog, per se. I don't know what it is, I guess because I'm not sure what I am at the moment.
Maybe we don't have to define ourselves along strict lines. I'm a guy who likes photography, and I have a humor site I don't update much. I'll soon be undertaking a project to provide portraits to the homeless, as well as abused women and children. I volunteer with a children's literacy group.
Oh, gawd. Maybe the most surprising thing has happened. I've accidentally become complex. I'll have to do something about that.
So, how do you define yourself? By your job? By your hobbies? By being a parent? Or not? Do you feel the need to define yourself "in the simplest terms and the most convenient definitions"? (Bonus points if you know where that's from.)
When people think of you, what's the first thing they think of? "He's the comedian"? "She's the artist"? "He's the political one"? "She's the computer whiz"?
They say that life isn't about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself. What you have you created?
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Further Brilliance
Further brilliance from my good friend Brandon, who, if he ever makes it big, will then become my super good friend Brandon.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Today's OPK
Today's OPK (Other People's Kid) gave me a run for my money. I have no idea how to shoot babies. People that do it well deserve the big bucks they get...
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Today's Photo of a Building
It's the Palazzo. And I'm not mentioning it just because I'll get tons of traffic when people search for Palazzo (or "Las Vegas") in Google. Promise.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
It's All About Word Choice
As a professional copywriter, I appreciate the importance of choosing just the right word to say what you're trying to say. I suspect, now that this video is making the rounds, so, too, can this newscaster.
And, yeah, I probably used too many commas in that last sentence. I didn't say I was a good copywriter. I just said I'm a professional copywriter.
And, yeah, I probably used too many commas in that last sentence. I didn't say I was a good copywriter. I just said I'm a professional copywriter.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Change We Can Believe In
Here's the change I believe in. It's time to change the practice of saying there's a separation of church and state, then kicking off a Presidential inauguration with an Invocation that includes the Lord's Prayer. All of it.
Here's another change I believe in. I believe that someday, soon, people will stop believing that everything happens because it's part of "God's plan." Because if that's the case, we really need to think about finding a God with a much, much better plan. Because sometimes, this one truly sucks.
In fact, when people die in a church roof collapse, couldn't that be interpreted as a clear sign from God that people might be barking up the wrong flipping tree when it comes to religion? If not, then what, in the name of God, is it a sign of?
I'm just saying.
Here's another change I believe in. I believe that someday, soon, people will stop believing that everything happens because it's part of "God's plan." Because if that's the case, we really need to think about finding a God with a much, much better plan. Because sometimes, this one truly sucks.
In fact, when people die in a church roof collapse, couldn't that be interpreted as a clear sign from God that people might be barking up the wrong flipping tree when it comes to religion? If not, then what, in the name of God, is it a sign of?
I'm just saying.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Now, That's Kind of Sweet
Babies ain't the easiest subject to shoot, that's for sure. You can't bribe 'em. You can't cajole, badger or pester. But sometimes you get lucky.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Cat and Its Human
I like how this shot turned out. For you photographers, it may be interesting to note that the cat itself was used* as a reflector on this image...keeping the human's face from being in total darkness due to the somewhat harsh backlighting.
*Note: "Used" seems to imply intention, but this result was a happy accident. I'll take it!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Look HERE for Answers
My friend Jon recently posted an amazing essay about gender in his blog.
Highly recommended, not only for its insights into gender and sexism, but also because he is genius enough to use the dribbleglass to illustrate several of his points.
A great read from a great stay-at-home dad.
Highly recommended, not only for its insights into gender and sexism, but also because he is genius enough to use the dribbleglass to illustrate several of his points.
A great read from a great stay-at-home dad.
Ah, Crap
Our dear friend Kevin's cat passed away. Stop by his blog and let him know how colossally that sucks.
Hang in there, pal. That heartbroken feeling does go away. In, oh, never.
I've had entire uncles and grandparents and friends pass away, and I didn't shed a tear. But when I think about Lucy the Wonderdog going, well, that's a surefire way to get the faucets going.
Probably best if you don't watch this, Kevin. Not now, anyway.
Hang in there, pal. That heartbroken feeling does go away. In, oh, never.
I've had entire uncles and grandparents and friends pass away, and I didn't shed a tear. But when I think about Lucy the Wonderdog going, well, that's a surefire way to get the faucets going.
Probably best if you don't watch this, Kevin. Not now, anyway.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
E-Mail of the Day
I got this e-mail today:
"Hi! I hope this email finds you well. I work with Tony Robbins and awhile back you had a GREAT spoof about a postcard becoming a billboard after getting Tony's tapes. (Brilliant!) We would like to use that joke on a billboard in New York for an upcoming event he is doing. I would like to get your permission to use this joke. I also wanted to talk to you about other spoofs you might have regarding Tony."
Yeah, that Tony Robbins. And this billboard.
I always kind of liked that guy.
"Hi! I hope this email finds you well. I work with Tony Robbins and awhile back you had a GREAT spoof about a postcard becoming a billboard after getting Tony's tapes. (Brilliant!) We would like to use that joke on a billboard in New York for an upcoming event he is doing. I would like to get your permission to use this joke. I also wanted to talk to you about other spoofs you might have regarding Tony."
Yeah, that Tony Robbins. And this billboard.
I always kind of liked that guy.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Ambigram
Yay, I learned a new word. An ambigram is something that reads the same right side up or upside down.
Check out the new DVD artwork for the 20th anniversary of "The Princess Bride."
Awesome movie, now with an even awesomer ambigram.
Check out the new DVD artwork for the 20th anniversary of "The Princess Bride."
Awesome movie, now with an even awesomer ambigram.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Today's OPK Shots
It was a big weekend for randomly wandering around Aliante Park here in Vegas, brazenly walking up to strangers and asking if I could shoot their kids. (This process is SO much easier with women along. Kind of mitigates the "creepy middle aged guy with a camera taking pictures of kids" factor.)
This young lady is the friend of a friend. I got exactly four shots of her before they had to go. Let's just say I mentioned I'd do a free shoot for she and her family anytime.
This is Riley. Taking a photo of Riley was akin to getting a sharp photo of a sewing machine needle while the machine is running.
Photos like Riley's are interesting in that they really don't show how impossible the capture was. It looks like Riley's just a sweet, cooperative subject, beaming with youthful optimism and charm. Little would a viewer know that Riley was bent on NEVER smiling, never even looking at the camera and bolting away every time I raised the camera to my eye. Doing the impossible makes photography fun. Exhausting, but fun.
And, yes...there's even a black and white portrait. In your honor, Kevin!
This young lady is the friend of a friend. I got exactly four shots of her before they had to go. Let's just say I mentioned I'd do a free shoot for she and her family anytime.
This is Riley. Taking a photo of Riley was akin to getting a sharp photo of a sewing machine needle while the machine is running.
Photos like Riley's are interesting in that they really don't show how impossible the capture was. It looks like Riley's just a sweet, cooperative subject, beaming with youthful optimism and charm. Little would a viewer know that Riley was bent on NEVER smiling, never even looking at the camera and bolting away every time I raised the camera to my eye. Doing the impossible makes photography fun. Exhausting, but fun.
And, yes...there's even a black and white portrait. In your honor, Kevin!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Shouldn't "Victim" Go in Quotation Marks?
Very interesting, and I suppose to some, sad story.
Excerpts from this story:
>>The boy, who is now 16, told police that over the next 18 months he and McCallum had intercourse every other day for a total of "approximately 300 times," according to a police report filed today in Brockton District Court.
>>"We truly believe that this person was a predator," said Chief David Majenski of the Abington Police Department, speaking at a press conference. "I would hope there are no other victims, but I certainly wouldn't rule it out."
Uh, not to be insensitive to the plight of this young man, but again, I think we're using the term "victim" a little loosely here.
Excerpts from this story:
>>The boy, who is now 16, told police that over the next 18 months he and McCallum had intercourse every other day for a total of "approximately 300 times," according to a police report filed today in Brockton District Court.
>>"We truly believe that this person was a predator," said Chief David Majenski of the Abington Police Department, speaking at a press conference. "I would hope there are no other victims, but I certainly wouldn't rule it out."
Uh, not to be insensitive to the plight of this young man, but again, I think we're using the term "victim" a little loosely here.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Is FDIC an Acronym? Uh, No!
I listen to NPR quite a bit. I know, that's dangerous close to READING, which I avoid like the plague.
However, a day or two ago, I heard something on NPR that I found interesting, especially given my profession (that of corporate drone/copywriter).
I heard FDIC isn't an acronym. "What?" you ask. Yeah, I guess if the letters make up a word, as in SCUBA (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus), it's an acronym. But if not, it's an initialism. FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) is an initialism because it doesn't form a word, it's just an abbreviation made up of the first letters of the term/phrase/company name it represents.
Here's some information on this wildly fascinating distinction.
However, a day or two ago, I heard something on NPR that I found interesting, especially given my profession (that of corporate drone/copywriter).
I heard FDIC isn't an acronym. "What?" you ask. Yeah, I guess if the letters make up a word, as in SCUBA (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus), it's an acronym. But if not, it's an initialism. FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) is an initialism because it doesn't form a word, it's just an abbreviation made up of the first letters of the term/phrase/company name it represents.
Here's some information on this wildly fascinating distinction.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
The Difference
As I was taking a shower today, I looked down at the edge of the tub, and it occurred to me...
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Today's Photo of a Kid
Also, today's photography lesson: Sometimes, the ones you like the most are the ones you least suspect will be the ones you like the most.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Bullies Can Bite It
I hate bullies.
And I like when they get what's coming to them.
Every time they get what's coming to them.
In high school, I rode the bus for awhile, and every day, this same jerk would sit behind me and flick my ear. Every. Day. Over and over again.
He found this wildly amusing.
I didn't have the strength or the wherewithal to bash his head repeatedly into a desk or wall or handrail or cement bench or anvil. But the thought did occur to me.
I'm in my 40s now, and that guy still makes me fume. He once punched me in the stomach so hard that I nearly blacked out.
Honestly, I'm not sure what I'd tell a kid who was being bullied. Fighting back would just seem to encourage the behavior. But I knew at the time...standing my ground would not only be dangerous, it would make me a target for every other bully. And there were a lot. Standing your ground only works in the movies, unless you win.
I kind of got into martial arts after those rides on the bus. Once I started feeling like I could defend myself, the bullies kind of went away.
But bullies are always around. They prey on the weak, and they get off on the humiliation of others. I can't wait to see "Gran Torino," because I suspect the bullies get what's coming to them.
Where was Clint when I needed him?
And I like when they get what's coming to them.
Every time they get what's coming to them.
In high school, I rode the bus for awhile, and every day, this same jerk would sit behind me and flick my ear. Every. Day. Over and over again.
He found this wildly amusing.
I didn't have the strength or the wherewithal to bash his head repeatedly into a desk or wall or handrail or cement bench or anvil. But the thought did occur to me.
I'm in my 40s now, and that guy still makes me fume. He once punched me in the stomach so hard that I nearly blacked out.
Honestly, I'm not sure what I'd tell a kid who was being bullied. Fighting back would just seem to encourage the behavior. But I knew at the time...standing my ground would not only be dangerous, it would make me a target for every other bully. And there were a lot. Standing your ground only works in the movies, unless you win.
I kind of got into martial arts after those rides on the bus. Once I started feeling like I could defend myself, the bullies kind of went away.
But bullies are always around. They prey on the weak, and they get off on the humiliation of others. I can't wait to see "Gran Torino," because I suspect the bullies get what's coming to them.
Where was Clint when I needed him?
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Moo, and You?
I'm loving my Moo Minicards.
I got free 10 for having a Flickr Pro account. (Get your 10 freebies here.) They're about half the width of regular business cards, and you can easily order them with your Flickr photos on them.
The back side has text and a thumbnail.
I've been getting great feedback about these, so I went and ordered 100. I love that they're pint-sized, I love that you get a mix of 10 designs/images, I love how easy they are to order, I love that they're distinctive. Just like me. (Pint-sized, I mean.)
Yeah, Moo!
I got free 10 for having a Flickr Pro account. (Get your 10 freebies here.) They're about half the width of regular business cards, and you can easily order them with your Flickr photos on them.
The back side has text and a thumbnail.
I've been getting great feedback about these, so I went and ordered 100. I love that they're pint-sized, I love that you get a mix of 10 designs/images, I love how easy they are to order, I love that they're distinctive. Just like me. (Pint-sized, I mean.)
Yeah, Moo!
Just Move Over, Already
Finally, the hating of the left lane drivers is going mainstream.
"Slowpokes" seems to kind a word. "Future strangulation victims" seems more appropriate.
The good news is that sometimes, when you encounter a frustration in life, it's great to know that there are others suffering with you.
And ya gotta love it when people come together to actually DO something about an issue that drives so many people crazy. Literally. I gotta get me one of those decals.
Curious about the left hand lane driving laws in your state? Here's a good list. Our laws here in Nevada don't seem to have much teeth, but at least it's addressed in some way.
Bottom line: MOVE OVER.
"Slowpokes" seems to kind a word. "Future strangulation victims" seems more appropriate.
The good news is that sometimes, when you encounter a frustration in life, it's great to know that there are others suffering with you.
And ya gotta love it when people come together to actually DO something about an issue that drives so many people crazy. Literally. I gotta get me one of those decals.
Curious about the left hand lane driving laws in your state? Here's a good list. Our laws here in Nevada don't seem to have much teeth, but at least it's addressed in some way.
Bottom line: MOVE OVER.
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