Red-Ringed Tupperware Party with (ineffective) Tin Foil Hats

[Lightstream]

hmm....back and nobody noticed? geez....that is a bad day.. first I'm going to lose my entire site, now this....

Seems like problems are neverending.

[wu_wei0]

Tammy is the 28-75.
A lot of what I like to do is soft and abstractish anyway but when I want to focus, I want to focus, darn it!

I tried AF/adjust withthe 50 but didn't do so well with the AF part.
Was gonna try my flas tonight. Light comes on, it test fires, but only once did it fire when I wanted it to. I just need to play.

On the other hand, I did look at a decent display to view the pics posted last night and felt there was a bit of promise.
two from tonight reduced and saved for web (I cannot wait for my MAC!!) . soft but ok with that

130765

130766

[Permagrin]

hmm....back and nobody noticed? geez....that is a bad day.. first I'm going to lose my entire site, now this....

Seems like problems are neverending.

HI YODA! I've been really busy today...sorry! VERY glad you are home safe!!! Why are you losing your site? Did I miss that?

[wu_wei0]

two more and then I will spare you. :)

130769

130770

I do really wish I had my 100mm still. I can see how I would enjoy this. maybe there will be some things to do to perk them up once I PP. I did shoot both RAW and Jpg just in case I could salvage anything some way.

[saravrose]

I like the last one.. great shots all around Wu.. you've found something to keep you busy.. I'm bored. really bored.. but I just got some movies in the mail from Netflix so as soon as I go home I'm going to plop down on my sofa make up some popcorn or open up some peaches and watch movies..

sari

[Permagrin]

Wow Wu, those are lovely. How can you say you can't see? You did really well on those. Is that with the 50 and the tubes? Or just the 50.

[Lightstream]

morning PG, Claire..

[Permagrin]

morning PG, Claire..

Did you go look at the 70-200 f4 IS?

[wu_wei0]

Thanks Sari, and all.

Permie, these are 50 and tubes. those are wit all three. these are with the 12 and 28 or whatever that I left off with last night. (I know I said no more, but I lied) More "normal" shots.

130780

130781

Thanks for being my guinnea pigs. :) Critique would help. I get them up and I see where comp is all wrong so hints to make better would be welcome, or if you can see a better crop etc, you guys have the right to play with any of them.

time for a sensor cleaning!

[Lightstream]

Not yet. headed out later today, after I solve the bloody problems waiting for me....

[wu_wei0]

Howdy Yoda! Nice to see you around. What's this about losing your site?

[Permagrin]

Not yet. headed out later today, after I solve the bloody problems waiting for me....

Sorry about your probs Yo.
(I just ordered my 70-200 F4IS so I was wondering....)

[puddlepirate44]

OK Wu, you want critique, here you go.

I love them. Really. You've captured the color, and the texture of the rose. It's a beautiful subject, and you nailed it. One of the shots was a little soft, but overall, I found myself looking at them over and over again. At first, I was trying to use the "critical Macro eye", but in the end, I was looking because they captivated me. I like how you lined up on the flower, and how you composed the shot with the light in the background being non-intrusive.

There. I said it. I feel better now.

[Lightstream]

Wu: Hosting provider changed admin passwords without our knowledge or consent, and asks us to use the "recover passwords" tool to get the password emailed to us, to the address they have on file.

Problem is, I do not have the old address any more (which is the whole point I switched to them!!), so..... now chicken and egg problem.

Support requires you to file a request through the admin account, which of course without the password, and no means of recovering it, I cannot get to. So support won't talk to me.

Bloody smart, they are.....

PG: Congratulations on the 724ISL. I'll see what I discover when I head out later today...

Also, for fellow Eudora users, 'fast search indexing' is a tool of the Devil... it locks up Eudora hard and makes it eat a gig (literally) of memory on startup when rebuilding their stupid indexes, causing your entire system to become unresponsive. Hopeless.. this is one new innovation I as a long term user can do without. Eudora worked just fine for a decade till this crap came along. Disable it while you can..

[wu_wei0]

Sorry about your probs Yo.
(I just ordered my 70-200 F4IS so I was wondering....)
Hooray!! new toy! When does it arrive?

OK Wu, you want critique, here you go.

I love them. Really. You've captured the color, and the texture of the rose. It's a beautiful subject, and you nailed it. One of the shots was a little soft, but overall, I found myself looking at them over and over again. At first, I was trying to use the "critical Macro eye", but in the end, I was looking because they captivated me. I like how you lined up on the flower, and how you composed the shot with the light in the background being non-intrusive.

There. I said it. I feel better now.

Thanks, Dan. I'm glad they could draw you in - and that you got that off your chest:)

I'll have fun practicing and hope to find some lighting more versatile than my little desk lamp. I haven't even gotten out the glycerin yet. hmmm tea lights. . . I took a whole (very extensive) series of shots lit only with tealights. I need to build something to help put the flower in the position I want it and that will give me better working space for the tripod. I wish school was over so I could convince my friend to let me come over and use his studio space. I won't even ask to use the mamiya!

[Permagrin]

Hooray!! new toy! When does it arrive?



Thanks, Dan. I'm glad they could draw you in - and that you got that off your chest:)

I'll have fun practicing and hope to find some lighting more versatile than my little desk lamp. I haven't even gotten out the glycerin yet. hmmm tea lights. . . I took a whole (very extensive) series of shots lit only with tealights. I need to build something to help put the flower in the position I want it and that will give me better working space for the tripod. I wish school was over so I could convince my friend to let me come over and use his studio space. I won't even ask to use the mamiya!

Saturday I think. I paid for 2 day air, so if they get it out tomorrow it should be her by Sat. If not, then Monday for sure.

[puddlepirate44]

I'll have fun practicing and hope to find some lighting more versatile than my little desk lamp. I haven't even gotten out the glycerin yet. hmmm tea lights. . . I took a whole (very extensive) series of shots lit only with tealights. I need to build something to help put the flower in the position I want it and that will give me better working space for the tripod. I wish school was over so I could convince my friend to let me come over and use his studio space. I won't even ask to use the mamiya!

I'd like to do a series with candles with and without other subjects. Sounds like a good rainy day project....

[saravrose]

okay y'all i'm finally gonna ask.. somebody tell me about their extension tubes...

[T.D.]

Sari,

Do you want to know about extension tubes or teleconverters?

[Permagrin]

okay y'all i'm finally gonna ask.. somebody tell me about their extension tubes...

don't feel bad...I had to ask Wu yesterday what they were...(though she'll explain it better so I'm going to leave it to her)...just wanted you to know you weren't alone in wondering! ;)

[puddlepirate44]

okay y'all i'm finally gonna ask.. somebody tell me about their extension tubes...

I had mine installed three months ago. My arms now reach the floor so that my knuckles can drag properly.

[wu_wei0]

I'd like to do a series with candles with and without other subjects. Sounds like a good rainy day project....

Did I ever show you guys the orb shots? I'll see if I can find some.
forgive the compositions but this is all I can locate right now.
this is a tealight below and the 20watt high on a shelf above
http://static.flickr.com/40/125028510_d6efaed0b4.jpg

[saravrose]

Sari,

Do you want to know about extension tubes or teleconverters?

the general stuff.. how's focus with them? what do they look like? what can they be used with?.. do they maintain I.Q. how much are they? and how often do you find them useful? and are they a good alternative to a macro lens or something to play with until you have a macro lens...

I had mine installed three months ago. My arms now reach the floor so that my knuckles can drag properly.

hmmm... great visual there... sort of... :confused:

[puddlepirate44]

Did I ever show you guys the orb shots? I'll see if I can find some.
forgive the compositions but this is all I can locate right now.
this is a tealight below and the 20watt high on a shelf above


That's really cool. Maybe after the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I'll experiment. You've inspired me, Wu!! :)

[T.D.]

the general stuff.. how's focus with them? what do they look like? what can they be used with?.. do they maintain I.Q. how much are they? and how often do you find them useful? and are they a good alternative to a macro lens or something to play with until you have a macro lens...


Got it.

I have a set. Haven't used them a bunch. As for IQ, yes. There is no glass in them. They basically just take your lense out away from the camera and allow you to shoot much more closer than you'd otherwise be able to.

Very amateurish info, but, hey, I'm an amateur!

[Permagrin]

Got it.

I have a set. Haven't used them a bunch. As for IQ, yes. There is no glass in them. They basically just take your lense out away from the camera and allow you to shoot much more closer than you'd otherwise be able to.

Very amateurish info, but, hey, I'm an amateur!

Hey, do you have any photos from Eastern. O? (or have you posted them somewhere yet?)

[T.D.]

Hey Perm,

I made it out to Smith Rock today as well as the bridge over the Crooked River. Thanks so much for the tip. It was fantastic. Unfortunately, I only had a couple of hours and the light was crappy, but I made the best of it.

I think I got some decent shots. Like a dumba$$, I forgot my cable at home so I can't upload any until I get home.

Hey Perma, I'm trying to not take it personal that you are totally ignoring me! ;-)

I'm home now (made it over the pass before the nasty wind hit). Haven't processed any pictures yet. I'm hesitant to start with the fluttering power we're having.

[Permagrin]

Hey Perma, I'm trying to not take it personal that you are totally ignoring me! ;-)

I'm home now (made it over the pass before the nasty wind hit). Haven't processed any pictures yet. I'm hesitant to start with the fluttering power we're having.

I just asked you a question...how can I be ignoring you :lol: :lol:

[T.D.]

Hey, do you have any photos from Eastern. O? (or have you posted them somewhere yet?)

LOL! Great minds think alike. I was just posting at the same time you posted yours!

[puddlepirate44]

Hey Perma, I'm trying to not take it personal that you are totally ignoring me! ;-)

I'm home now (made it over the pass before the nasty wind hit). Haven't processed any pictures yet. I'm hesitant to start with the fluttering power we're having.

Ours is starting to flutter, too. It'll hit you before it hits us... barely.... :shock: It's suppose to hit around midnight, but it's "warming up" now...

[Lightstream]

the general stuff.. how's focus with them? what do they look like? what can they be used with?.. do they maintain I.Q. how much are they? and how often do you find them useful? and are they a good alternative to a macro lens or something to play with until you have a macro lens...


Canon EF series tubes, $100+. Third party generics, $20.

Difference: Canons have full electronics. AF and aperture and stabilizer (if applicable) are retained because the tubes have the circuitry to send power to the lens. Generics often do not. Some do, but they are also in the similar price range.

AF works but MF is advised because the camera will miss often. You lose infinity focus, ie. while the tubes are mounted you can only focus at extremely short range.

No glass inside so IQ is maximum.

Had a Canon EF25, I put it on the 50/1.8. Quality is surprisingly good.

Alternatively you could try the 500D diopter filter as someone else did on their 724ISL.. very impressive quality I must say, much higher than I ever expected possible. This is a screw-on filter. Never tried it myself.

[Permagrin]

LOL! Great minds think alike. I was just posting at the same time you posted yours!

I am looking forward to seeing the shots. Glad I could help!

[saravrose]

To demonstrate how bored I am.. here ya go.. 'Restaurant lingo 101'

In the weeds- to busy to focus, organize yourself or save your tips from being trashed.
Stiffed- being tipped anything less than 10%.
Skunked- no money made. at all no customers selling nothing..
Slammed- Similar as in the weeds slightly different slammed suggests a rush coming all at once.
Downed- this is a table. any table
Top/ covers- the amount of folks at your down.
Rush- the busy times of the day.. Generally from 8-10 in the morning 11 to 2 in the afternoon and six to eight'ish in teh evening..
Cut- taken off the floor out of the bar. the change of shifts..

right now i'm being skunked watching folks down the resort get slammed and really can't wait to be cut... I hate nights like this..

sari

[T.D.]

Ours is starting to flutter, too. It'll hit you before it hits us... barely.... :shock: It's suppose to hit around midnight, but it's "warming up" now...

We're getting hit really hard right now. Winds are howling. Sounds like a freight train running down the street!

The power has been flickering a bunch. I know it's significant when this happens as I live in a neighborhood with all underground utilities. The outtages must be on major lines.

[wu_wei0]

That's really cool. Maybe after the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I'll experiment. You've inspired me, Wu!! :)
:)

That was a fun night but I want to reshoot and make sure there is no computer in the room, although there are some interesting reflections in some of the shots. There are some nice shots in the series but I need better composition. I was working in the middle of the night with only the computer light, the halogen and the tea lights so I wasn't going for anything other than centered.
I shot nearly 500 frames of a blue and a pink orb with slight adjustments in the lighting or the position of the hand intending to convert the stills to a short video piece. will still do it. just need time and that darned mac!

[wu_wei0]

Canon EF series tubes, $100+. Third party generics, $20.

Difference: Canons have full electronics. AF and aperture and stabilizer (if applicable) are retained because the tubes have the circuitry to send power to the lens. Generics often do not. Some do, but they are also in the similar price range.

AF works but MF is advised because the camera will miss often. You lose infinity focus, ie. while the tubes are mounted you can only focus at extremely short range.

No glass inside so IQ is maximum.

Had a Canon EF25, I put it on the 50/1.8. Quality is surprisingly good.

Alternatively you could try the 500D diopter filter as someone else did on their 724ISL.. very impressive quality I must say, much higher than I ever expected possible. This is a screw-on filter. Never tried it myself.

b&H has the one 25mm tube for $129. Here's their stock of tubes for canon. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home;jsessionid=FCLRnbjVzh!-249546888!1166149649668?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=product.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&shs=canon+extension+tubes&image.x=0&image.y=0
I got the Kenkos from a Hong Kong outfit I have ordered from often. $103 for the set of three. AF works with them fine.
I'm enjoying them.

[saravrose]

b&H has the one 25mm tube for $129. Here's their stock of tubes for canon. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home;jsessionid=FCLRnbjVzh!-249546888!1166149649668?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=product.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&shs=canon+extension+tubes&image.x=0&image.y=0
I got the Kenkos from a Hong Kong outfit I have ordered from often. $103 for the set of three. AF works with them fine.
I'm enjoying them.

good info i'll look them all up when i get home.. I'm not much of a macro shooter.. but, considering my weather and that these can be shot indoors i'm getting tempted..

[Permagrin]

We're getting hit really hard right now. Winds are howling. Sounds like a freight train running down the street!

The power has been flickering a bunch. I know it's significant when this happens as I live in a neighborhood with all underground utilities. The outtages must be on major lines.

Yeah, things are flickering pretty bad here too....and my bones are aching beyond belief! This weather is just killing me!


:)

That was a fun night but I want to reshoot and make sure there is no computer in the room, although there are some interesting reflections in some of the shots. There are some nice shots in the series but I need better composition. I was working in the middle of the night with only the computer light, the halogen and the tea lights so I wasn't going for anything other than centered.
I shot nearly 500 frames of a blue and a pink orb with slight adjustments in the lighting or the position of the hand intending to convert the stills to a short video piece. will still do it. just need time and that darned mac!

Wu, puddle says to tell you he just shut down the mac because of the wind but he'll pull out his laptop after he eats something.

Oh, he says he's not going to be able to go to Sari's winter festival with you, though he's sure that you deserve a better date than a married man! :lol: :lol:

[Lightstream]

good info i'll look them all up when i get home.. I'm not much of a macro shooter.. but, considering my weather and that these can be shot indoors i'm getting tempted..

Old pic of my setup:

http://pix.lightrefineries.org/albums/misc350d/abd.sized.jpg

The tube is a full EF mount so you can put anything on it. Difference between the EF25 and EF25 II (mine was not a II) is that II accepts EF-S mounts as well as EF.

One could drill out the center of an EF25 if they are bored....

Difference between EF12 and EF25 is the amount of magnification they provide. I recommend the 25. You can stack tubes as well for even more magnification.


The EOS FD Macro project (search for it) was basically glueing a FD 50/1.8 (which will not mount on a EF platform) to a generic $20 EF extender tube, all for the price of $40 ;)

I even have stop down aperture.. well as 'stop down' as blue tack will let me jam the aperture lever ;)

[wu_wei0]

Wu, puddle says to tell you he just shut down the mac because of the wind but he'll pull out his laptop after he eats something.

Oh, he says he's not going to be able to go to Sari's winter festival with you, though he's sure that you deserve a better date than a married man! :lol: :lol:

Oh well. A girl can dream. :) Actually, I am not much of one for married men. I had one. for 29 years, til our divorce finally came through. ROFL

Can I take a married woman? ;) A sister, of course.

[Permagrin]

Oh well. A girl can dream. :) Actually, I am not much of one for married men. I had one. for 29 years, til our divorce finally came through. ROFL

Can I take a married woman? ;) A sister, of course.

sure...sisters travel pretty well together...(for the most part anyway :lol: )

[T.D.]

The tube is a full EF mount so you can put anything on it. Difference between the EF25 and EF25 II (mine was not a II) is that II accepts EF-S mounts as well as EF.



I didn't understand this when I bought my first set (Kenko). So I bought a Canon to mount directly to the 30D and I can add the kenkos on top of it.

[saravrose]

Oh well. A girl can dream. :) Actually, I am not much of one for married men. I had one. for 29 years, til our divorce finally came through. ROFL

Can I take a married woman? ;) A sister, of course.

I have a strict policy against married men.. Somday I plan on having one myself and there is the whole Kharma thing to consider.. ;) .. you can however take a sister.. handy things to have around sisters. I have a couple myself and they would definately be more fun than some other womans married man... ;) :cool:

[Permagrin]

I have a strict policy against married men.. Somday I plan on having one myself and there is the whole Kharma thing to consider.. ;) .. you can however take a sister.. handy things to have around sisters. I have a couple myself and they would definately be more fun than some other womans married man... ;) :cool:

agreed, frankly I've sworn off married men too :lol: :lol:
(wait...except for my own, that is...)

[Belmondo]

agreed, frankly I've sworn off married men too :lol: :lol:
(wait...except for my own, that is...) I never had a problem with married men either.:confused:

[T.D.]

agreed, frankly I've sworn off married men too :lol: :lol:
(wait...except for my own, that is...)

Sworn off or sworn at?

I'm remembering the whole ladder and christmas light situation....!

;)

[wu_wei0]

I have a strict policy against married men.. Somday I plan on having one myself and there is the whole Kharma thing to consider.. ;) .. you can however take a sister.. handy things to have around sisters. I have a couple myself and they would definately be more fun than some other womans married man... ;) :cool:

agreed, frankly I've sworn off married men too :lol: :lol:
(wait...except for my own, that is...)

yeah, if I ever take on a married man, it will be my own. But that is very unlikely to happen. :)

[Permagrin]

I never had a problem with married men either.:confused:

Gee Tom, I'm sure it's not because they haven't admired you...some guys are just shy. Plus the moderator machismo could daunt some guys...

Sworn off or sworn at?

I'm remembering the whole ladder and christmas light situation....!

;)

I NEVER swore....and he bought me coffee afterwards so it wasn't a bad exchange.

[Lightstream]

I didn't understand this when I bought my first set (Kenko). So I bought a Canon to mount directly to the 30D and I can add the kenkos on top of it.

Yup.. you can stack, mix and match. I think the Kenkos have full electronics as well. If any of the parts in the stack don't, then of course, you won't be able to use all the lens features.

I seldom stack.....that is a WHOLELOTTA magnification :D

[Lightstream]

Gee Tom, I'm sure it's not because they haven't admired you...some guys are just shy. Plus the moderator machismo could daunt some guys...



I NEVER swore....and he bought me coffee afterwards so it wasn't a bad exchange.


Sellout ;)

[T.D.]

Yup.. you can stack, mix and match. I think the Kenkos have full electronics as well. If any of the parts in the stack don't, then of course, you won't be able to use all the lens features.

I seldom stack.....that is a WHOLELOTTA magnification :D

That's why I bought the canon 12. Just wanted it for the mount.

[wu_wei0]

Yup.. you can stack, mix and match. I think the Kenkos have full electronics as well. If any of the parts in the stack don't, then of course, you won't be able to use all the lens features.

I seldom stack.....that is a WHOLELOTTA magnification :D
Kenkos have all the lovely little pins so everything functions well and they work great on my 30D. Been wanting another set for a long time and am glad I finallytook the plunge. had tubes back in the old days - I was even a bug shooter then. Not my fav subject anymore. :)

[Lightstream]

Kenkos have all the lovely little pins so everything functions well and they work great on my 30D. Been wanting another set for a long time and am glad I finallytook the plunge

Excellent.. you do some fine work with macro.. :)

Sorry I haven't had the time to sit down and look through your images in detail, I have been too busy firefighting.. gotta clear the 'in tray' (should rename that one "Incoming Fire tray") before I get down to enjoying my vacation. From what I've seen they look good though!

[Permagrin]

holy cow..the wind has totally picked up....

[wu_wei0]

Excellent.. you do some fine work with macro.. :)

Sorry I haven't had the time to sit down and look through your images in detail, I have been too busy firefighting.. gotta clear the 'in tray' (should rename that one "Incoming Fire tray") before I get down to enjoying my vacation. From what I've seen they look good though!
Hey, thanks. :) any critique will be welcome when you get the chance.

I hope your fire extinguisher is fully charged!

[puddlepirate44]

wind... too much... must... hold on to... camera bag...

[wu_wei0]

wind... too much... must... hold on to... camera bag...
Might want to hold on to my sister, as well! I won't be happy if you let her blow away.

[Lightstream]

Thanks :)

I already dumped a bucketload onto one... that one will take some time to extinguish. I hope their excuse for 'customer service' gets back to me soon. "24 hours".. yeah, more like "takes 24 hours x 7 days to get a reply".

Am off to hunt a 724ISL now :D

As weight goes, when you are slinging a 15 pound pack on one shoulder with a stiff neck around on a 12 hour journey, I've discovered a couple of things:

1. I really want the pack to be lighter.
2. I might really want to consider a backpack. Problem is the Computrekker ironically holds LESS than my Domke due to the padding, and the straps are really hard. Or does it need some breaking in?
3. Surprise: When the pack is 15 pounds and your shoulder hurts that much, an extra pound of 70-200/2.8 ISL isn't noticeable. I 'simulated' the extra pound by resting my arm on the bag (actually a lot more than a pound), I didn't notice...

[puddlepirate44]

Might want to hold on to my sister, as well! I won't be happy if you let her blow away.

Her camera bag's heavier than mine. As long as she holds onto it, she'll be fine... The thing's an anchor...

[T.D.]

holy cow..the wind has totally picked up....

It's still going here as well, plus we've got the added bonus of torrential rain all of a sudden.

We ought to do what they do in the east and south...give this puppy a name and call it a hurricane!

[Permagrin]

Her camera bag's heavier than mine. As long as she holds onto it, she'll be fine... The thing's an anchor...

he's compassionate! :rolleyes:

Okay, Yoda, I'll be waiting for a report!

[Lightstream]

PG....will definitely update you. :)

[Permagrin]

It's still going here as well, plus we've got the added bonus of torrential rain all of a sudden.

We ought to do what they do in the east and south...give this puppy a name and call it a hurricane!

yeah...this is scary.

[puddlepirate44]

It's still going here as well, plus we've got the added bonus of torrential rain all of a sudden.

We ought to do what they do in the east and south...give this puppy a name and call it a hurricane!

That's funny... When I was in Florida, someone was going on and on about some storm that they had. Huge winds, high surf, property damage, heavy rains. They called it some hurricane. I told them that in Oregon we had the same thing, but we called it November. :)

[saravrose]

we're storming too... or we will be shortly.. y'all get rain we get snow...!! I like snow I do.. it's pretty.. but good grief there's a lot of it.. I don't really need more than two feet for my photos.. nope. any more than two feet and it's just extra and annoying..

sari

[wu_wei0]

I guess we are lucking out. We have highs in the mid 60s through sat with winds at 15-25 mph. Tomorrow night the low wwill only be 48 or so, they say. I will do my neighborhood lights then. should be a good night for a walk.

Just heard from the kids. I'll have them here from only the 22 through morning of the 25th. Wish it could be longer. Maybe I can find something fun to do after all are gone.

[T.D.]

That's funny... When I was in Florida, someone was going on and on about some storm that they had. Huge winds, high surf, property damage, heavy rains. They called it some hurricane. I told them that in Oregon we had the same thing, but we called it November. :)

That's just too funny! ...and true!!

[Permagrin]

I guess we are lucking out. We have highs in the mid 60s through sat with winds at 15-25 mph. Tomorrow night the low wwill only be 48 or so, they say. I will do my neighborhood lights then. should be a good night for a walk.

Just heard from the kids. I'll have them here from only the 22 through morning of the 25th. Wish it could be longer. Maybe I can find something fun to do after all are gone.

Sorry Wu, wish it could be longer...got any ideas for travel fun?


(and I'm not a brave little toaster here in this weather.....I'm a scared little toaster...)

[wu_wei0]

No ideas for travel fun. I may be allowed to go on a video shoot if the details get worked out in the next couple days. I'd shoot stills of the production and be there for support, I guess as this is a very personal and painful story for the artist who is a close friend. We'll see what happens. I would like to go. It was discussed briefly a couple nights ago, but no plans were determined.

[Digital_Duck]

Man...I am off to Florida for a couple of days to take care of some family matters. Hope I can find this place when I get back....not sure that I will have any internet available while I am on the road, but will take my laptop...just in case.

Google WiFi and what ever town you'll be in ... around here there are Panera's (a place to get coffee) and Italian Pie and Car dealer service centers that have wireless connections!

[liza]

I think I'm going to get the 70-200 F4 IS first...then the prime when I can afford it. Just out of curiosity, do you like your non-IS version of that lens? Someone just said it was heavy on the thread I posted about it. I'd never heard that before....

No, I don't like it. It's too slow for me. I've been using the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 from work and like it much better. I'll probably never purchase another lens slower than f/2.8 again, given my shooting habits.

the general stuff.. how's focus with them? what do they look like? what can they be used with?.. do they maintain I.Q. how much are they? and how often do you find them useful? and are they a good alternative to a macro lens or something to play with until you have a macro lens...


I've seen some great work with tubes. However, I really love my dedicated macro lens. The image quality is simply out of this world!


I guess we are lucking out. We have highs in the mid 60s through sat with winds at 15-25 mph. Tomorrow night the low wwill only be 48 or so, they say. I will do my neighborhood lights then. should be a good night for a walk.


Our weather here is about the same. A lot of the kids at school have been wearing shorts and flip flops. :)

[Digital_Duck]

.... cripes!
WHERE is winter??
They are talking 70's early next week!

[saravrose]

.... cripes!
WHERE is winter??
They are talking 70's early next week!

I have everybody's winter.. out here.. ;) ;)

[Lightstream]

*ping*

Old saying: it will rain as soon as you get a new lens.

It's raining, and I love the rain.

[Lightstream]

I saw a Leica Digilux3 today as well...didn't like it.

First thing I do with any new camera is bring it up to eye level and look through the VF. Could swear my 350D has looked brighter than that.. and it had their fast f/2.8-3.5 lens on it. I am a sucker for viewfinder performance because that is what I ALL I see of the camera... well most of the time that is.

Focus-by-wire is definitely not my cup of tea(coffee too) either.

Leica's got good stuff, but this is probably not it, at least IMO.

[Lightstream]

http://pix.lightrefineries.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1713&g2_serialNumber=1

You can even see the hair between the two 00's.. now the hair is on the box and I never realized it till I shot it, peeped it and saw the hair. Wow.

http://pix.lightrefineries.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1716&g2_serialNumber=2

http://pix.lightrefineries.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1719&g2_serialNumber=2

Small white indeed.... (shown with 3rd party collar)

[theflyingkiwi]

nothing wrong with a bit of rain. I am sure OZ would love some of that right about now.

well I got my camera back today. I can say that the 28-135 now works at it should, yay. I have take some shots with it, at the work xmas event and some of them have come out ok. They even look ok.

tomorrow I will check it out and see if the camera has been fixed.

[Lightstream]

Excellent to hear that your 28-135 is back in business :)

Uh oh: Hope PG and Puddle are OK:

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WEATHER/12/15/northwest.storm.ap/index.html

PORTLAND, Oregon (AP) -- A powerful storm socked the Pacific Northwest with heavy rain and wind gusts close to 100 mph late Thursday, flooding streets, toppling trees and cutting power to thousands. Three deaths were blamed on the storm.

More than 350,000 customers lost electricity in Oregon, utilities reported. Washington's largest utility, Puget Sound Energy, said tens of thousands lacked power, and Snohomish County Public Utility District, which reported as many as 60,000 customers without power, said 35,000 of them remained in the dark late Thursday. Seattle City Light reported about 15,000 outages.

[Tareq]

http://pix.lightrefineries.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1713&g2_serialNumber=1

You can even see the hair between the two 00's.. now the hair is on the box and I never realized it till I shot it, peeped it and saw the hair. Wow.

http://pix.lightrefineries.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1716&g2_serialNumber=2

http://pix.lightrefineries.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1719&g2_serialNumber=2

Small white indeed.... (shown with 3rd party collar)

Time to change your avatar;)

[Lightstream]

Yes indeed, once I get a better photo of the red rim ;)

[Digital_Duck]

I have everybody's winter.. out here.. ;) ;)
{{{Takes a LONG DEEP WIFF}}} ... and remembers the sweet smell of pine scented breeze as it dances over the newly fallen snow on the mountains high above ....

{SNIFF} {SNIFF} ... who let the dog? :confused:

{SNIFF} {SNIFF} ... Big Foot? :rolleyes:

[Lightstream]

BTW fellow RRTP (Red-Ringed Tupperware Party) Macro shooters:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=search&Q=&b=8&a=321_2643&mnp=0.0&mxp=0.0&cmpsrch=&cltp=&clsgr=&shs=&ci=3018&ac=&Submit.x=6&Submit.y=5&Submit=Go

B&H has a 50 Compact Macro for $179 condition 9. I would buy it.... it's just that I love the higher end macros. Optical quality should be very decent, but does not offer true 1:1 ( you get 1:2) magnification. You can always crop, and not everybody ends up like me taking pictures of equipment that is the size of a rice grain, literally. I put a grain of rice in the frame for comparison when I took that shot :shock:

Whip out the CC now or forever hold your peace ;) (till it comes round next time that is)

[Permagrin]

We are not one of the 3 or more who died from the storm. Our power just came back on. It was one &%@* of a ride....don't think I slept for more than 1hr total last night...

LS do you have any photos with the lens? (Thus far, I'm quite pleased with your review from my inbox ;))!

[Lightstream]

We are not one of the 3 or more who died from the storm. Our power just came back on. It was one &%@* of a ride....don't think I slept for more than 1hr total last night...

LS do you have any photos with the lens? (Thus far, I'm quite pleased with your review from my inbox ;))!

Great to hear you're ok! Time to break out the generators? :p

With the lens.. it has been nice and rainy so no, I didn't take any other than the pixel peeping box shots, which are standard fare. Hmm.. actually I should take some.

[Permagrin]

Great to hear you're ok! Time to break out the generators? :p

With the lens.. it has been nice and rainy so no, I didn't take any other than the pixel peeping box shots, which are standard fare. Hmm.. actually I should take some.

oh come on...take a photo of a figurine or something...:lol: :lol: :lol: I'm drooling over here. Yesterday I called my local camera store and they said that they had it for $600, and I said no way (it's $1059 here in the states) and they assured me they did...it was the non-IS version...of course one would expect the camera stores to actually KNOW what they are selling....

[Lightstream]

It reminds me of the 70-300 IS conversation I had. The observant will note that there are two versions, the DO and the non-DO.

Salesman: "Certainly we have the 70-300 IS, $1200"
Me: "No, I meant the non-DO version, without the green ring.
Him: "Well, it's $1200."
Me: "Are you sure? It's a new release and it's cheaper" (giving him the benefit of the doubt)
Him: "I TOLD YOU the price is $1200 and there is no other lens!"

Well fine, if you want to charge me $1200 for the non DO you are welcome to keep your damn lens.... this is why I stick to my TRUSTED dealers....

As for test shots.....ok ok :p

[Lightstream]

OK PG.. test shots sent. I am absolutely BLOWN AWAY by the resolving power of this lens!

[Permagrin]

OK PG.. test shots sent. I am absolutely BLOWN AWAY by the resolving power of this lens!

I just saw! And of course, I sent you another request :lol: :lol:

[T.D.]

oh come on...take a photo of a figurine or something...:lol: :lol: :lol: I'm drooling over here. Yesterday I called my local camera store and they said that they had it for $600, and I said no way (it's $1059 here in the states) and they assured me they did...it was the non-IS version...of course one would expect the camera stores to actually KNOW what they are selling....

Perm, The Shutterbug will pricematch B&H. Just take the printout from the internet with you. I've done it 3 times.

They'll match any authorized canon reseller (ie B&H, Amazon, but not Newegg).

Glad to hear you made it through the wind. I managed to go all night without losing power. Yippee!

[Permagrin]

Perm, The Shutterbug will pricematch B&H. Just take the printout from the internet with you. I've done it 3 times.

They'll match any authorized canon reseller (ie B&H, Amazon, but not Newegg).

Glad to hear you made it through the wind. I managed to go all night without losing power. Yippee!

Wow, I'm totally shocked you kept your power...it was out all over the place around here...frightening storm..we've got some giant trees right behind our house and I can tell you I hardly slept at all...

Shutterbug (here) didn't have the lens in stock. I called Oregon camera and they were the ones who "confused" the two lenses (and also didn't have it in stock). When I asked Shutterbug to price match the 5D, they wouldn't even come close...though Oregon Camera did...guess you have to just be willing to call around. I just ordered from B&H...I think that I won't get it until Monday...they consider 2 day, starting today...sigh.

[puddlepirate44]

Perm, The Shutterbug will pricematch B&H. Just take the printout from the internet with you. I've done it 3 times.

They'll match any authorized canon reseller (ie B&H, Amazon, but not Newegg).

Glad to hear you made it through the wind. I managed to go all night without losing power. Yippee!

Glad you're OK, mate. I wondered. It's good that you didn't lose power, that's such a pain. There are other NWters on this forum, hope they faired well...

[wu_wei0]

Glad to hear you guys are ok! Talk soon. be safe.

[Lightstream]

PG/puddle: good to see you all back :)

PM's replied..

[puddlepirate44]

We just came back from the standard "Post-Heckuva-Storm-Breakfast" breakfast. It's the true way to celebrate not having a tree land on your house. I think it's just a NW thing.

[saravrose]

good morning everybody... the snowplows showed up this morning I think I might be able to get my car out of the parking lot now... I'm gonna try it later...

[puddlepirate44]

good morning everybody... the snowplows showed up this morning I think I might be able to get my car out of the parking lot now... I'm gonna try it later...

That's right, Sari! Just slam that thing into 4x4 and take off!! WOOHOO! Plow through some snowdrifts, do donuts in the parking lot, race through people's yards to get to the pasture land! Yay!!

Oh. Wait. You have a small car. Forgot. You drive safe now, OK?

[saravrose]

That's right, Sari! Just slam that thing into 4x4 and take off!! WOOHOO! Plow through some snowdrifts, do donuts in the parking lot, race through people's yards to get to the pasture land! Yay!!

Oh. Wait. You have a small car. Forgot. You drive safe now, OK?

I'd kill myself.. my poor neighbor had to give his phone number and insurance information to some folks down the road when he drove into their yard.. :o :o ..

[puddlepirate44]

*CHIRP, CHIRP*
stomp, stomp.
*CHIRP*

Sound of a two ton cricket, alone in a deserted thread. Those guys can get down right scary. :shock:

[saravrose]

*CHIRP, CHIRP*
stomp, stomp.
*CHIRP*

Sound of a two ton cricket, alone in a deserted thread. Those guys can get down right scary. :shock:

i'm around.. for now. Until I have to go to work..

[puddlepirate44]

i'm around.. for now. Until I have to go to work..

Good to hear from you! Of course, now I've gotta go do some errands around town. You have fun in the snow, I'm off to drive around the fallen trees and see the damage from last night's blow!

[wu_wei0]

Hi Honey(s)- I'm home.

[Belmondo]

Hi Honey(s)- I'm home.How do I explain that to my wife?

[Tareq]

How do I explain that to my wife?

No problem if it is came from "Male" instead of "Female". not jealous from wives if husbands got greetings from another husbands or "Male" friends.

[wu_wei0]

How do I explain that to my wife?
Dear Mrs. Belmondo, your hubby is not my honey. yet. :)
j/k No married men for me.
No problem if it is came from "Male" instead of "Female". not jealous from wives if husbands got greetings from another husbands or "Male" friends.
I am most assuredly a female. :D

[Belmondo]

I am most assuredly a female. :D Whew, what a relief. If I'm going to be accused of infidelity, I at least want it to be with the appropriate gender.

[Tareq]

I am lucky that my wife don't know or don't care what i am playing in here.
All my family are sleeping now as it is so late, i think i have to go to sleep now as well.

GoodN8 all.:D

[wu_wei0]

Good night, Tareq.

[Belmondo]

I am lucky that my wife don't know or don't care what i am playing in here.
All my family are sleeping now as it is so late, i think i have to go to sleep now as well.

GoodN8 all.:D

Nighty night, Tareq. Pleasant dreams.

[Lightstream]

*CHIRP, CHIRP*
stomp, stomp.
*CHIRP*

Sound of a two ton cricket, alone in a deserted thread. Those guys can get down right scary. :shock:

Hmm, is the cricket marching imperially around the deserted thread too? ;)

[puddlepirate44]

Hmm, is the cricket marching imperially around the deserted thread too? ;)

Ah, yes. There's nothing that sounds quite like freedom than the sounds of two ton crickets marching imperially through an abandoned forum's chat space.

[Woolburr]

Damn imperially marching crickets! What's up with that?

[wu_wei0]

See what happens when you are away?

[Woolburr]

I guess...greetings from rainy...but warm Orlando...

[Belmondo]

:rolleyes:----and the mess they leave after they've passed.:rolleyes:

[Woolburr]

I hear a D-8 Cat does a fine job of moving the debris.

[Permagrin]

Luuuuuucy, I'm home!

;)

[Belmondo]

Luuuuuucy, I'm home!

;)Please, Ricky. I want to be in the show.

[wu_wei0]

Hey, sis! still baking cookies?

[Permagrin]

Please, Ricky. I want to be in the show.

non, I tel you, you stay at home...look after leettle Ricky and leave de glamour to me!

Hey, sis! still baking cookies?

No...cleaned house today. Top to bottom. Son is going to be home tomorrow and with the power outages yesterday, I was WAY behind. Being a good mum, I want to make sure and have freshed baked goods when he arrives...so I thought I'd work today and bake tomorrow ;)

[Lightstream]

Welcome back!!

PG: So how.. lusting over your 724ISL now? How's the creamy bokeh?

[Permagrin]

um...don't let me chase you all away!!!

I've been working all day...MUST HAVE SOME FUN NOW!

[wu_wei0]

ok. you start.

[puddlepirate44]

Damn imperially marching crickets! What's up with that?

You know, those imperially marching crickets are so darn cute when they're babies and so small. Then they grow up, get all sorts of independent then start marching imperially all over the countryside, destroying small cities. *sigh* You give and you give and you give, and this is what you get in return. Crickets these days. Ingrates. What can you do?

[Permagrin]

ok. you start.

Well, actually, today I thought of something I wanted to PM you...and I thought, NNoooo, I'll ask her later when I'm done working....now here I am and I can't remember for the life of me what it was that I wanted to ask you! :lol: :lol:

[Belmondo]

Hey, guys. I gotta' ask. What's a 724ISL? It sounds like some kind of BMW or something.

[puddlepirate44]

Hey, guys. I gotta' ask. What's a 724ISL? It sounds like some kind of BMW or something.

air filter for the 1996 Harley Fatboy. Really. Trust me.

[wu_wei0]

Y Then they grow up, get all sorts of independent then start marching imperially all over the countryside, destroying small cities. *sigh* You give and you give and you give, and this is what you get in return. Crickets these days. Ingrates. What can you do?

Where's Godzilla when you need him? One good bite and. . . problem solved!

[wu_wei0]

Well, actually, today I thought of something I wanted to PM you...and I thought, NNoooo, I'll ask her later when I'm done working....now here I am and I can't remember for the life of me what it was that I wanted to ask you! :lol: :lol:

Putting off a PM at our age is an risky proposition. ;)

[Permagrin]

Hey, guys. I gotta' ask. What's a 724ISL? It sounds like some kind of BMW or something.

current slang for the 70-200 f4 IS L

[Belmondo]

current slang for the 70-200 f4 IS L Thanks for clearing that up. I'm glad nobody's lusting over a stupid air filter.

[puddlepirate44]

Where's Godzilla when you need him? One good bite and. . . problem solved!

Mothra always gets my vote. Godzilla, or, more accurately, Godzeerra, is highly over-rated, and has lost my respect since he's gone mainstream. It used to be that you could go up to the big G back in the day and he'd talk to you like you were old friends, but now, ever since he's gone global, he's just "Talk to my agent", and then the quick blast of radioactive breath. I miss the old G. That's why I've moved over to the Mothra camp.

[Permagrin]

Putting off a PM at our age is an risky proposition. ;)

I KNOW!! It was important too...I'll think of it. Maybe next year but I'll think of it! OHOHOH, I remember....
If you get a mac, then you will have ichat, correct? (because that's a heck of a lot easier at times than PM's...)

[Lightstream]

You know, those imperially marching crickets are so darn cute when they're babies and so small. Then they grow up, get all sorts of independent then start marching imperially all over the countryside, destroying small cities. *sigh* You give and you give and you give, and this is what you get in return. Crickets these days. Ingrates. What can you do?

Aren't they all like that? :p

Hey, guys. I gotta' ask. What's a 724ISL? It sounds like some kind of BMW or something.

http://pix.lightrefineries.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1719&g2_serialNumber=2


Yeah you're right it does sound like that ;)

We got tired of typing out the full name during discussions, and found it difficult to abbreviate since there are so many 70-200's of varying apertures and capabilities around, so.. 7 = 70mm, 2 = 200mm, 4 = f/4, IS and L, we economize on the space ;)

[Permagrin]

Thanks for clearing that up. I'm glad nobody's lusting over a stupid air filter.

well, Puddle may very well be....
(but he doesn't have a BEEMER so, it would be an odd lust...)

[puddlepirate44]

Thanks for clearing that up. I'm glad nobody's lusting over a stupid air filter.

Stupid? Hey Belmondo, it's a Harley Fatboy.

[wu_wei0]

Mothra always gets my vote. Godzilla, or, more accurately, Godzeerra, is highly over-rated, and has lost my respect since he's gone mainstream. It used to be that you could go up to the big G back in the day and he'd talk to you like you were old friends, but now, ever since he's gone global, he's just "Talk to my agent", and then the quick blast of radioactive breath. I miss the old G. That's why I've moved over to the Mothra camp.

IT happens to the best of them.
I kinda dig Rodan, myself. Good ol' working-class sculptor turned pteranadon. He doesn't forget his roots.

I KNOW!! It was important too...I'll think of it. Maybe next year but I'll think of it! OHOHOH, I remember....
If you get a mac, then you will have ichat, correct? (because that's a heck of a lot easier at times than PM's...)

I have a MAC at work. Never used Ichat, but could. IT certainly is easier and you don't have to mess with those blasted PM feries making life hard by directing our traffic!!

Ordered my baby today via web. when I went back 15 min later to check my status I got
Thank you for shopping at the Apple Online Store

Apple's Online and phone Order Status services are temporarily unavailable due to a scheduled upgrade to our systems.

We apologize for any inconvenience.


and that's all it has said since. I don't even know if the order went through.

[puddlepirate44]

IT happens to the best of them.
I kinda dig Rodan, myself. Good ol' working-class sculptor turned pteranadon. He doesn't forget his roots.

Rodan's cool in my book. Then there's always Ultra-man to help out.

[Belmondo]

Stupid? Hey Belmondo, it's a Harley Fatboy.Well, EXCUUUUUSE MEEE.

Gues I'll have to surrender my autographed family portrait of the Teutuls that's hanging in my office.

[Permagrin]

IT happens to the best of them.
I kinda dig Rodan, myself. Good ol' working-class sculptor turned pteranadon. He doesn't forget his roots.



I have a MAC at work. Never used Ichat, but could. IT certainly is easier and you don't have to mess with those blasted PM feries making life hard by directing our traffic!!

Ordered my baby today via web. when I went back 15 min later to check my status I got
Thank you for shopping at the Apple Online Store

Apple's Online and phone Order Status services are temporarily unavailable due to a scheduled upgrade to our systems.

We apologize for any inconvenience.


and that's all it has said since. I don't even know if the order went through.

You've got to watch "Attack All Monsters"...it's got 'em all, and they're ALL good guys! :lol: :lol:

Can you call them and check on the order? How frustrating!

I've never used ichat...don't even know how but it can't be that hard :lol: :lol: I just had to empty my PM box because I had 99 msgs...I just bulk deleted so I hope there was nothing important in there.

[wu_wei0]

Seen that movie. Kids and I always loved that stuff. I think Mike owns every one of those japanese monster mocies ever mad, too. They are big into Anime, as well and I serve as judge for some of the competitions our Anime/Obssession org throws. Loads of fun.

I could call but then I'd have to wade through voice prompts and then talk to a real person. blech. I'm a sociologist. I don't do people well. :lol:

Haven't had to empty my inbox for a few days. Maybe should check it. oh- I already use yahoo. you?

[Maureen Souza]

Glad to hear you North Westerners survived the winds and storm. We are in for it tonight...cold, blasting winds have begun and ice and rain are arriving later tonight.

[Lightstream]

I recommend Skype.. iChat is mac-proprietary... ;) (skype is open - all platforms)
www.skype.com

Actually I recommend IRC - instead of someone having to initiate chats all the time, the "channel" is always open, and it really behaves like a moving version of this thread, no kidding...

[puddlepirate44]

Well, EXCUUUUUSE MEEE.

Gues I'll have to surrender my autographed family portrait of the Teutuls that's hanging in my office.

Yeah, well, OK then. You can keep the Teutuls up on you wall, I guess. Sorry, I just get a little worked up over the Fatboy. It was named after me, you know. It was that or the "Harley Dang Your Face Is Dog Ugly" motorcycle. The Fatboy name printed better on the fender.

[Permagrin]

Seen that movie. Kids and I always loved that stuff. I think Mike owns every one of those japanese monster mocies ever mad, too. They are big into Anime, as well and I serve as judge for some of the competitions our Anime/Obssession org throws. Loads of fun.

I could call but then I'd have to wade through voice prompts and then talk to a real person. blech. I'm a sociologist. I don't do people well. :lol:

Haven't had to empty my inbox for a few days. Maybe should check it. oh- I already use yahoo. you?

I love Godzirrra! I don't own any though...the smog monster one used to scare the pants of me when I was a kid! To this day, I hate smog! :lol: :lol:

I've never used anything but msn chat (which I don't use now that I don't use windows). Would I have to download something? I could look into it...

[Permagrin]

Glad to hear you North Westerners survived the winds and storm. We are in for it tonight...cold, blasting winds have begun and ice and rain are arriving later tonight.

Yeah, we survived but a lot of the surrounding area still does not have power. Our temp is going down too...we should have snow flurries starting tomorrow but they dont' expect it to stick...still it's tough on people when they have no power. You guys take care...drive carefully and all that!

[wu_wei0]

I love Godzirrra! I don't own any though...the smog monster one used to scare the pants of me when I was a kid! To this day, I hate smog! :lol: :lol:

I've never used anything but msn chat (which I don't use now that I don't use windows). Would I have to download something? I could look into it...
There's a Mac version of Yahoo--http://messenger.yahoo.com/mac.php

Used to use IRC but haven't in ages and ages.
With Yahoo I can keep up with the kids even when they use MSN. Don't really chat with anyone lately. spent a lot of time last winter talking with a friend in Iraq

[Woolburr]

Just a quick pic. Spent the day shooting my nephew's wrestling tourney.
http://www.pbase.com/woolburr/image/71713126.jpg
Horrid lighting...

[Lightstream]

There's a Mac version of Yahoo--http://messenger.yahoo.com/mac.php

Used to use IRC but haven't in ages and ages.
With Yahoo I can keep up with the kids even when they use MSN. Don't really chat with anyone lately. spent a lot of time last winter talking with a friend in Iraq

IRC rules. I've been an IRC'er since time immemorial.... and went cold turkey half a decade ago.

Maybe it is time to take the turkey out of deep freeze.. I can host servers :D (ircd-hybrid6 during my time.. now hybrid7.. but this old bird ain't dead yet)

Nice part about IRC is that you can use whatever clients you want to..

[Permagrin]

There's a Mac version of Yahoo--http://messenger.yahoo.com/mac.php

Used to use IRC but haven't in ages and ages.
With Yahoo I can keep up with the kids even when they use MSN. Don't really chat with anyone lately. spent a lot of time last winter talking with a friend in Iraq

Well, I'm not normally a "chatter" (though I'm sure someone will make a comment on that) but I'm checking this out...now. I'll pm you if it works :lol: :lol: (then you can empty the pm out of your box and say you "HAD" to empty it!) :lol:

LS, I've never used skype either...I hate it that these chat formats aren't interchangeable...so that one could use yahoo or aol or mac or....whatever w/o downloading every other one.

[puddlepirate44]

Just a quick pic. Spent the day shooting my nephew's wrestling tourney.

Horrid lighting...

It was nice of the Ref to take time off of his busy WWF schedule to mediate this match... :) Good shot... how'd the nephew do?