Off The Rails

The Rapture - Chapter I

2011-05-10T17:13:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 23, 2011

Well, I guess they were right. About 144,000 Christians vanished into the sky Saturday.

Unfortunately, that wasn't enough to make a significant difference in my commute. I suspect had I lived in the Bible Belt there would have been. The liberal West Coast was not fertile ground, I suppose.

One of my supervisors, a truly annoying one, did not report to work this morning and has not yet been heard from. So far, the reported departures have proven to be individuals leaving behind rejoicing spouses, children, co-workers and a few governments.

Coming To The End

2011-01-29T21:10:00.000-08:00

Hal Foster

My father is dying. Last Christmas he said he expected it would be his last.

He's had cancer for some time. Last year he announced he would not seek any further treatment to stop it.

His attitude is quite unexpected, for me, anyway: he jokes about heading for medical school (he and Mom both are donating their bodies for teaching or research). He seems to me to be sufficiently satisfied with his life that there is no need to treat it's end as anything more than the end of a decent novel. He told me a few years ago that he would have no problem with the Orthodox Jewish doctrine that there is no life after death. He has been taking advantage of the opportunity to enjoy all the bad foods that he likes - he's not worried about salt or cholesterol. What he enjoys most are the visits from his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I have been reading to him from cross-county bicycling journals.

If there is anything difficult for him, it seems it's the mundane concerns of physical comfort and the amount of work other people go through to help him be comfortable. He accepts that he needs the help and doesn't seem much dismayed that he's not his remembered hale and hearty younger self.

To us his decline seems rapid, but that's only in contrast to his extraordinary good health, brought about by what must be a million miles of bicycling. Because of his level of activity he enjoyed a longer span of life and higher level of health than most.

This Morning, Waking Early

2010-10-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

This morning, waking early, at the time
you often do, I remembered that first
touch, your hand in mine; I reached out for you,
but remembered you are far away. Your
absence is a taste of life without you.

You did extract a promise that I live
longer than you, not to leave you alone,
I am to be the one alone in our bed
waking at two in the morning, thinking
you had just slipped out to the bathroom, I
make room for you to climb over me when
you return.

Haiku II

2010-10-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

Rain wakes me, standing
At the door I inhale, sweet
Air calls to delight

Haiku I

2010-10-18T20:28:00.000-07:00

My unicorns run
To play with a new wind
On another beach.

1972, 2010

My Last Will And Testament

2010-10-15T23:12:00.000-07:00

When I die don't waste
your time missing me; just remember
how much fun I had.

When I die I want my
Earthly Remains
to provide gainful employ
for bacteria, maggots, sexton beetles,
vultures and jackals. Just drop
my corpse into the forest
somewhere around Mount Shasta.

When I die I want the last frame
in my camera published
in my obituary (wait, not that one
- I must have squeezed the shutter
when my heart stopped - use the other one).

When I die I want all of you to come to my house
and eat up all the food and drink up all the booze
(I recommend the single malt scotch);
if more is needed there is cash in the cannister
behind the toaster. Then play all the music
really loud;
take off your clothes and dance
all around the place, scandalizing
the neighbors and forgetting the rules
of decorous behavior. I'm telling you this now
so I can enjoy imagining it while
I see your faces. And, ladies, sashay
your gloriously revealed bodies
up to the the big portrait of me
in the front room, kiss me and wave
your asses, your tits and your lovely pussies
at my unseeing image, knowing I love you more
for just having the nerve to ask such a thing of you.

And perhaps you will wake up next morning entwined
around each other, slightly hung over, having satisfied
some instinctive desire to remember your own mortality
by dipping, with abandon, into that pool
of touch, scent and sight
of each other which makes
life the delight it is.

Gary, Concord, CA

2010-01-17T16:36:00.001-08:00

Gary, Concord, CA (11/365), originally uploaded by Stephen Foster.

Daily portrait number 11. January 11, 2010.

Gary is a neighbor. I think he found this amusing; but he is gracious.

This was shot on film while the digital camera is in the shop. By the time I got it posted here the digital was back, but I want ahead and loaded another roll of film - it still looks good to my eye.

Grand Canyon

2010-01-11T20:53:00.001-08:00

Grand Canyon, originally uploaded by Stephen Foster.

A break in the portrait series - the digital camera is in the shop, the portraits are analog for a while.

This is from the Wayback Machine. We took a vacation to the Grand Canyon in April 2009.

This, and it's companions (click on the photo) are victims of pixel punishing, PhotoShop manipulation extraordinaire. Color originals were converted to black and white through various shenanigans with the saturation, clarity, exposure and contrast controls.

Love, and broken pixels,
Stephen

Lisa

2010-01-10T20:58:00.001-08:00

Lisa, originally uploaded by Stephen Foster.

A very nice lady who cheerfuly takes care of my elderly aunt's nails.

I begin each day in a state of mild anxiety; what will I have to do to get the required portrait today? Somehow it keeps working, but it is only January.

Day 10 of 365

Love, and pixels,
Stephen

Suchira

2010-01-09T21:29:00.001-08:00

Suchira, originally uploaded by Stephen Foster.

Our middle daughter. Mother of the Incomparable Grandchild

I'm running low on family members in my own house as subjects

Day 9 of 365

The Natural

2010-01-08T21:25:00.000-08:00

The Natural, originally uploaded by Stephen Foster.

Day 8 of 365. The Incomparable Grandchild.

When I ask her to portray an emotion or attitude she willingly complies, for half a minute, before she breaks up with laughter or highjinks.

Today I did not walk about looking for subjects. In the afternoon she was home from school so I took the easy way

Demetreanna

2010-01-07T19:14:00.001-08:00

Demetreanna, originally uploaded by Stephen Foster.

This young woman knows what she wants. This time I was asked to take the photo. When I said "yes", she was a bit surprised, but recovered gracefully.

Up to now, I haven't photographed a woman I didn't already know; I'm shy - fearing I would be thought on the make. I wonder if this makes the next time easier or not. We will see.

Ashley and Tommy

2010-01-07T09:36:00.001-08:00

Ashley and Tommy, originally uploaded by Stephen Foster.

I got a second set yesterday. These two were so nice together, I had to bother them for some shots.

Ali

2010-01-07T09:33:00.001-08:00

Ali, originally uploaded by Stephen Foster.

The first of the day. From yesterday.

Willing Complicity

2010-01-05T22:25:00.000-08:00

A. M., a co-worker. I'm lobbying her to do a session of her with her mother, whom I've never met.

Yesterday, while reading blogs on photography, I came across The Visual Science Lab by Kirk Tuck. In a comment response he says, "The images that really hit you are the ones where there is some sort of collaboration or willing complicity between the photographer and the subject."

Day 4 - Talking to Strangers

2010-01-04T20:48:00.000-08:00

I accosted this gentleman, Mr. S. during my afternoon walk. I'm shy about asking strangers If I may photograph them. Just a major point of this exercise.

Day 3 - Our Youngest

2010-01-04T20:42:00.000-08:00

She's resistant to being photographed; self-conscious, I guess. I had to work fast.

The Portrait Project, Day 2.

2010-01-02T21:19:00.000-08:00

Our eldest child, TJ. She sat for a moment in the midst of a busy hair salon.

This was shot with a cell phone camera and converted to B&W in Photoshop.

Madam

2010-01-01T13:29:00.001-08:00

Madam, originally uploaded by Stephen Foster.

The first of the daily portraits.

Where to go with my camera from here

2009-12-27T15:23:00.000-08:00

From Christmas Day at my parent's home.

The photo above is one of the best I've done. Out of a hundred frames, if I get one this good, I'm happy. But, it's time to up my game.

Last week I read something on a blog, suggesting a project of daily photographs on a particular theme, subject or concept. After some dithering, I've chosen portraits. One portrait photograph taken each day, of a person not previously seen in the project, and published on Flickr and here, starting January 1st.

Yours,

Stephen

Thanksgiving Morning

2009-11-26T09:44:00.001-08:00

Bird and dressing.

I added mushrooms, green onions, celery and a touch of ginger to Mrs. Cubbison's Cube Stuffing, Herb Seasoned. Just got the bird into the oven. In about 4 hours it will be time to eat.

I am thankfull for all the things we usually cite. In this country there are few who are not. I am also thankfull I was born in a democratic republic where that is more than just a false label. I am thankfull that my parents made sure I knew I was loved and shared their faith with me, but didn't force-feed it to me. I am thankfull I was able to receive a good education that opened my mind instead of closing it.

I'm thinking of, and thankfull for, all of the people I have met in my life; you have all had a part in shaping who I am. I am thankfull for who I am.

Love and gratitude,
Stephen

It jist growed that way.

2009-11-10T17:39:00.001-08:00

I thought I would pare down the virtual San Joaquin Railway to a
"diminutive elegance", as I declared to my model railroading friends,
recently. Now, three iterations hence, the plan has gotten just as big
as it had been before. The time has come to bow to the inevetable -
it's going to be a big, and, somewhat, complicated operation.
Completely impractical, of course, since it looks to take a month to
cycle through all the operations; my interchange partners may get a
bit impatient.

I'm sure I can explain all of this. Well, probably not. I have so many
industries that I delight in that I could not leave them out. As a
result the SJRY still has Port Costa Brick, Orangekatz Metals, Mother
Mavis' Marvelous Munchies and the Chrono-Synclastic Corporation, to
name only a few. I still have the means to amuse my friends while I
dream up improbable commodities and destinations.

Love, and "Look for the Train",

Stephen

--
Stephen,
The Archeoferroequinologist
(parse that one out, if you dare)
http://twitter.com/StephenHFoster
http://offtherails-shf.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shf/

Oakland Morning

2009-11-08T21:39:00.001-08:00

Oakland Morning, originally uploaded by Stephen Foster.

Morning light is magical. The best reason to rise before the sun is to be here when he rises.

Remembering Loma Prieta

2009-10-17T10:30:00.001-07:00

Twenty years ago, this afternoon, I was stopped at a red light when I thought I had been hit from behind by another motorist. The car behind was too far away to be the culprit. At the same time the signal went into flashing mode and my radio station went off the air. Within the next mile I saw two more flashing signals and a broken water main.

I was commuting home through Orinda to Richmond along Camino Pablo and San Pablo Dam Road. I may have learned on the way that it had been an earthquake, in which case I would have fearing what I might see as I came near San Pablo Dam. Otherwise, I did not suspect anything until I came around the ridge into Richmond and saw smoke rising from San Francisco. I spent the rest of the evening glued to the TV and checking in with family and friends.

For most of us in the Bay Area the disaster never rose above the level of inconvenience. I had a day or two off work and never missed out on groceries. My electricity never failed. Perhaps we who have it so easy fail to appreciate the potential severity of such an event. Living in a society with good building codes and emergency services has shielded us from the level of suffering endured by so much of the world in disasters. For perspective; the death and destruction in New Orleans from Hurricane Katrina is probably worth more than 50 years of seismic activity in all of California.

Here's hoping you take time to prepare for what is likely coming your way.

The Thin Blue Line

2009-10-13T07:58:00.001-07:00

I am currently working on a utility construction project in Oakland, California. Police officers are assigned to the worksites for security and traffic control. I have time to talk with them, frequently at length. This is not about the police, but about human nature.

People working in law enforcement are constantly forced into close proximity with the worst of human nature. The natural conclusion one would make, serving in such capacity, would be that these are the worst humans. It is easy to conclude that some people are just incapable of civilized behavior. This conclusion is born out by the frequent use of excretory metaphors by police officers when referring to micreants.

I would like to suggest, instead, the we are, all of us, fully capable of uncivilized behavior. Under the manners and consideration, we are all still savages. Psychological profiles of Hitler's henchmen did not reveal monsters, but men who were quite normal. Any society is capable of committing a holocaust. In Nazi Germany the social permission for the Holocaust was created by the unrelenting anti-semitic rhetoric of the propaganda machine and the expectation by the perpetrators that there would be no accounting.

The evolution of cultural institutions has been, generally, in the direction of peace and stability. That evolution, however, is in the web of habits and obligations of the way we deal with each other, not in the fundimental structures of who we are. It is learned behavior that we are all able to unlearn under the wrong conditions.

Love, and consideration,
Stephen

Playing at Playing Trains

2009-10-01T20:13:00.000-07:00

This roughly drawn plan is where I indulge my penchant for model railroading. It is a base image used by Train Player, software for animating a line drawing of a track plan.

I expect to never actually build a model railroad; I have so many things I tell myself I want to do - I have to actually pick one as the overriding commitment. I picked photography.

Feet of Clay

2009-06-06T19:22:00.001-07:00

I suspect that our disappointments with those we elect to high office stems, in part, from our expectation that they should be better people than ourselves. We use "feet of clay" as a perjorative. Perhaps it is merely acknowledgement of our commonality.

In the biblical book of Genesis, some pretty low people end up as the instruments of God's will. Jacob cheats his brother out of his inheritance, for example, yet goes on to be a patriarch.

We are all to be encouraged by this - we have the example that, as unworthy as we know ourselves to be, we are capable of doing what must be done. In a democracy we hope our leaders do indeed have feet of clay.

Little Colorado River

2009-05-18T22:51:00.000-07:00

Vermillion Cliffs, Arizona

2009-05-17T21:19:00.000-07:00

North of Perkinsville, Arizona

2009-04-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

Dover School Trial

2009-04-28T20:22:00.001-07:00

I'm watching NOVA, on PBS, about the case of teaching "Intellegent Design" as biology. I'm having trouble listening to some of the Dover School Board members with any semblence of serenety. It's going to be a long century.

Day 2: North Hollywood to Barstow

2009-04-26T16:40:00.000-07:00

We got to Thai Town before anything was open. Breakfast at Denny's Restaurant at Sunset and Van Ness then to Food 4 Less, just down the street.

Somrak was captured by a bookstore right away. All it takes is her native language to keep her captive as much as I by shelves full of books.

Something I noticed.

Now she's content.

Mormon Rocks, Cajon Pass

2009-04-21T22:15:00.001-07:00

Mormon Rocks, Cajon Pass, originally uploaded by Stephen Foster.

At some point on the trip to Grand Canyon, I do take the camera out. From Hwy 138, west of Cajon, at I-15.

Snow in AZ

2009-04-21T12:47:00.001-07:00

A few shots from the cell phone camera, taken last Thursday.

Frame 724 was out the lodge room window.

2009-04-19T22:31:00.000-07:00

If you ever get the opportunity to drive US 89A, in Arizona, between Bitter Springs and Fredonia, do not deny yourself the pleasure. It crosses the Kaibab Plateau with dramatic cliffs at each end.

We drove north (west) past Echo Cliffs, Marble Canyon at Navajo Bridge over the Colorado, Vermilion Cliffs and up the East Kaibab Monocline to the plateau.

On Our Way Back Home

2009-04-18T21:07:00.001-07:00

The Stage Station Motel, Glendale, NV, is a single row of one storey
and looks about 50 plus years old. The room is clean and
well-appointed, what any modern motorist would expect. Glendale
appears to be only about 100 yards long; consisting of the motel, a
mini-mart (also the motel office) and a gas station. We looked in
Mesquite, just inside Nevada, but, fortunately for us, there were no
vacancies. I dislike Casinos and I dislike Casino towns - something
about close proximity to some of the most pathetic behavior in the
human catalogue.

Coming soon, depending on when I conk out, a discussion of geology and
roadside beauty.

--
Stephen,
The Archeoferroequinologist
(parse that one out, if you dare)
http://twitter.com/StephenHFoster
http://offtherails-shf.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shf/

Saying Goodby to Grand Canyon

2009-04-17T19:25:00.001-07:00

It has been a wonderful time here at Grand Canyon. The vista just
keeps getting better. The photos will be surfacing slowly as editing
vies for time with accounting and housework.

We're worn out, though. The tree-day meander through Utah and Nevada
is being shelved for a direct return via Barstow and Bakersfield. It
can be done in a single day's driving, for someone of greater
fortitude than myself; two days should do just fine. If I'm smart we
won't spend the night in Mojave or Tehachapi; places where the
railroad dominates the town.

For those of you, dear readers, living in our vicinity, we will see you soon.

--
Stephen,
The Archeoferroequinologist
(parse that one out, if you dare)
http://twitter.com/StephenHFoster
http://offtherails-shf.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shf/

My time, at last.

2009-04-16T19:53:00.001-07:00

This afternoon I made it to the rim with the Mamiya C220. Somrak
napped in the room while I followed my own pace. I shot a roll of Fuji
color transparency then part of a roll of Ilford B&W. The last shots
were of rain moving over Bright Angel Canyon with a touch of light on
the nearer rock faces. I may have taken my holday card shot.

--
Stephen,
The Archeoferroequinologist
(parse that one out, if you dare)
http://twitter.com/StephenHFoster
http://offtherails-shf.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shf/

A Find

2009-04-16T15:40:00.001-07:00

I found the book I had been seeking since crossing the Colorado River,
"Roadside Geology of Arizona". Also got a lovely geologic map of
eastern GC. Unknowingly, we had climbed the Mogollon Rim into the
Central Highlands province. When we return home I will be making
extensive use of Google Earth. Look at the blog for upcoming postings
of route maps, GEarth photos and our photographs of the trip.

--
Stephen,
The Archeoferroequinologist
(parse that one out, if you dare)
http://twitter.com/StephenHFoster
http://offtherails-shf.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shf/

Still at the Big Gully

2009-04-16T06:04:00.001-07:00

This space has been quiet for a while, due to recalcitrant electronics.

Wednesday we drove to Jerome and Meteor Crater.

I risked the wrath of She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed by driving the back roads
from Williams to Jerome. Not her cup of tea traveling the middle of
nowhere. I would do it again on the least provocation. Jerome was as
tourist-ridden as Virginia City and nearly as steep. The State
Historic Park was closed so we did not bother to stop.

To mollify my beloved, we made our way to Meteor Crater by freeway
(I'll save the other back-road for another day) and we arrived just an
hour before closing, which proved to be enough time. For Her, the
claim of having been there suits just fine.

Today is her lazy day. I will take care of laundry, then hang out at
Yavapai Point, lurking in wait of That Special Light.

--
Stephen,
The Archeoferroequinologist
(parse that one out, if you dare)
http://twitter.com/StephenHFoster
http://offtherails-shf.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shf/

Beginning Vacation Blues.

2009-04-13T16:33:00.001-07:00

Ever get somewhere special only to be such bad shape from getting there that it's not particularly enjoyable? We did several miles of walking today, but I was miserable for most of it. Part of my problem is a coffee jones that's been building since Barstow - Starbucks may not be as ubiquitous as I thought. Too much coffee early on and a tendency not to drink much water on long drives and I'm dehydrated. As it was, I was feeling dry hand making a lot of pit stops all day. Of course, I still want a cup of good coffee. Now to a bath.

Looking Down Through Time

2009-04-13T07:59:00.001-07:00

Mather Point, Grand Canyon: We got out early and walked to the rim. I was not stunned by the view. I expect to take it in more slowly - the details will grow on me. The cameras stayed in the room, except for Somrak's. This time my photography was on demand. After breakfast, water and some rest we'll be out exploring some more.

Grand Canyon

2009-04-12T20:21:00.001-07:00

We're here. We got here too late for sightseeing. A glimpse on the way in was already startling. I'm feeling the altitude - I will be walking slowly, but I will be walking.

National Trails Highway

2009-04-11T21:19:00.001-07:00

California Inn, Barstow. Old
Route 66 is now the National Trails Highway. From San Bernardino, Cajon Blvd is cut by I-15. A way around is through Devore. Formerly four lanes, one side is closed, to save on maintenance. The road is discontinuous. A short hop in the freeway to Summit Valley Road, then to Hesperia.

Victorville. Oro Grande. Helendale. Lenwood. Barstow. I don't think those names are in the song about the California Trip. We took our time, including wandering through the twists and turns of a housing subdivision. Still not much photography - I still want to see before I shoot.

I am particularly fond of the desert. I think it is the openness that appeals to me. Perhaps it is the geologist in me that delights in seeing the underlying structure of the land.

Starting up Cajon Pass

2009-04-11T13:38:00.001-07:00

We're in San Bernardino filling up the gas tank. We got off the San Bernardino Freeway (I-10) at Mt. Vernon Ave., old Route 66. We will get our kicks, as much as possible in the freeway age, to the Colorado River.

Crack of Dawn

2009-04-11T09:13:00.001-07:00

Denny's Restaurant at Sunset and Van Ness, Hollywood, CA.

Well, not the crack of dawn, it's 9 am. After yesterdays rush, I'm glad for a little slowdown. The shops in Thai Town, just a few blocks away open at 10. Food Max is also on the itinerary for some produce.

Jacuzzi in the Bedroom

2009-04-10T22:07:00.001-07:00

Super 8 Motel, North Hollywood.

There is a jacuzzi in the bedroom. I chose the room because it was the only non-smoking room still available.

We are a dilatory pair. I was so tired last night that I elected to "worry about it tomorrow". As things typically work out with us an intended 9 am departure was nearly noon. Obviously, Big Sur will have to wait for another time. Hotels and campsites at the coast are scarce or pricey this weekend. Just to be sure we reserved in LA.

This time of year the Coast Route is deserving of a liesurely transit. Hillsides are covered with blooming mustard, poppies and lupine, often in close proximity. And where they are absent, the grass an almost luminous green.

On this leg we made only necessity stops. I knew the camera would stay out of sight. Because I knew I would not be making any photos I looked at everything differently. Sometimes I get so caught up in the idea that I'm a photographer that I think I have to get everything I see. Then I forget to see the thing for getting the photo. Sometimes one must put the camera down and just look; even if it's at 65mph.

Today was all freeway. Tomorrow I expect to go much slower. After Thai Town and a temple we'll head east to San Bernardino. After we get off at Cajon Blvd I hope to stay off untill time to cross the Colorado River into Arizona. Saturday will be, I hope, a day punctuated with numerous stops to look closely.

Good night all. Tune in tomorrow for more.

Stephen

Disorganized Departure

2009-04-09T19:14:00.001-07:00

Work is done. All the timesheets and expense reports are submitted - it's all our time, now. OK, what's next?

Empty truck of work tools and supplies. Load camping gear. How many changes of jeans do I need? How many changes of underwear? What bills need to be paid before we leave. Do we go grocery shopping tonight or tomorrow. Do I transport the view camera in it's big box or the photo-backpack? Remember to pack long underwear. Do I leave the 35mm cameras at home? How about the laptop? Books. Shampoo? Dental floss. Am I going to forget my toothbrush again? I think I've had to buy a new toothbrush everytime we've left home. Charging plugs for two cell phones and two digital cameras, well, that's not so bad. Did I already mention shampoo? Gas bottles, small ones, this time. Fruit. Shaver charging plug (that makes 5). Video camera plug (6). Eton emergency radio. Aspirin. Check the first-aid kit. Fire extinguisher....

...Oh, Lord....

More; on Less

2009-04-08T05:16:00.001-07:00

Sometimes, perhaps lacking the influence of coffee, the train of thought ends up in the wrong terminal. In the previous post the point missed is that most of the entries here are made frome my cell phone. Perhaps the title should have been "Tiny Keyboard is the Soul of Wit.

I'm sure I qualify for brevity, but the wit may not always make it to the page.

Arthritis as The Soul of Wit

2009-04-08T04:45:00.001-07:00

I've always been more concise on the page than in the air; just ask my mother or wife. The real task has been to say something worthwhile bofore I tired of writing. Now that arthritis has taken hold of my hands I'm more inclined to brevity.

Into the Empty Quarter

2009-04-07T20:35:00.001-07:00

One of the places my wife and I disagree is tourism. The biggest conflict comes over the population of where we happen to be.

Somrak is from Thailand; a place sufficiently packed with humanity to make some parts of California's urban interstices seem like wilderness. She grew up in the "country", but had lived most of her life, by the time I met her, in Bangkok; as tightly populated a town as seems possible. As a result, I think, she has a very different take on crowds.

A few years ago we drove to San Diego County by way of the back side of the Sierras. We went through Panamint Valley, where we saw only one other vehicle. She turned to me and said, "there are no trees and no people; are you crazy?" She is nervous when there are no other people around. This could be a problem exploring the American Southwest.

I, however, find the press of humanity sometimes disturbing. I'm the one who revels in empty country. I hope to return from our trip to Grand Canyon by way of Utah and US Hwy 50. I suppose I may have to relent and expect to return by way of Las Vegas on the freeway.

Love, and perigrination,
Stephen

When Will Vacation Get Here?

2009-04-06T14:27:00.001-07:00

I may be acting like a short-timer. Our departure for Grand Canyon is only four days away and I'm having trouble concentrating on work.

Let us consider this the beginning of the travelogue.

The big concern is how much to take. I've answered the personaly most important version of the question: how much photographic equipment? The DSLR is going, along with all the compatable lenses; the medium-format film camera with mostly color film; and the 4x5 view camera with B&W film.

We will be staying at one of the lodges at the Village but will carry camping gear for drives to and from. The tent will likely stay home because it's large, and slow to erect and strike - we'l sleep in the cab of the truck.

Clothing and bedding is always an interesting matter for us. Madam believes in packing big. On my own I might bring a few changes of underwear and wash them out in the tub and drip dry. On my own, of course, I might only bring cameras and food.

Tomorrow: the issue with unpopulated country.

Round-about to the Grand Canyon

2009-04-01T17:08:00.001-07:00

I have been obsessing, discreetly, about the pending trip to Grand Canyon. I'm planning all kinds of back-road meanders - I hope Madam has the patience for it.

A preliminary itinerary for the three days towards GC:
San Francisco to LA via Hwy 1, especially Big Sur (I have never been there).
Thai-Town, North Hollywood and a Buddhist temple, or two.
Get our kicks on route 66 - Cajon Pass and National Trails Highway to about Needles.
More 66, in fragments, to Flagstaff then north to the big gully.

I hope to avoid freeways as much as possible. A slow three days with lots of photo opportunities.

Loading for Bear

2009-03-30T12:41:00.001-07:00

Madam and I will be heading to Grand Canyon in less than two weeks, in celebration of out 15th anniversary. I, of course, am probably grossly over-packed with cameras. The D200 is going, certainly, but I was in a quandry about how much of my analog equipment would also be along. I seem to have decided - I've ordered 4x5 and 120 film for the Crown Graphic and the Mamiya C220. This all begs the question why I would be going in so many directions at once. The answer may be next year in coming.

A Metaphor for Politics

2009-03-08T10:36:00.001-07:00

Some people are afraid to take the car out of tha garage.

Some people want to drive it off the cliff.

Some people think we should push the other cars off the road.

Those folks are a few percent of us. Most of us want to use the car to get the kids to school, take care of the neccessities of life and an occasional vacation. We want to keep it well-tuned and running efficiently, making sure the tires and brakes are in good order. Where we differ is in which version of the owner's manual is correct.

Cleaning out the Stuff with eBay

2009-03-07T20:52:00.000-08:00

I have a mess in my office (actually, my livingroom). The bookshelf is overflowing onto the second computer desk and onto the floor. Quite a lot of what I have is railroad related and I've decided to trim a lot of it down. At the same time I'm drooling over some lovely cameras and lenses on eBay. I've got to support the old camera habit somehow, so I'm selling a lot of the railroad stuff.

Go here for a look.

So far, it's no big bucks, but looks like I'll be covering expenses. It's also rather suspenseful watching the process; better than buying lottery tickets.

Love,
and shameless commerce,
Stephen

2009-02-14T16:25:00.000-08:00

I am the speed of Heaven's breath,
The joy of the headlong pursuit;
I will leap your barriers;
Rush across your boundaries.
Call me not to return;
The birds have not yet been scattered.

False Snow

2009-02-08T20:43:00.001-08:00

False Snow, originally uploaded by Stephen Foster.

This is a bit of a departure for me. I wrenched this one pretty far from it's original form. It was shot on B&W film, but turned out bland - overcast day. I should have shot in color, perhaps, although one can get too much green.

Reclaimed Brick, Pleasanton, California

2009-02-07T13:34:00.000-08:00

Where does the energy go?

2009-01-17T11:14:00.001-08:00

This is a question for all and sundry, but mostly for NPR's Science Friday talk show.

Has anyone performed comprehensive "wellhead-to-pavement" energy and carbon audits for automobiles in conventional, PHEV and straight EV modes? How do they stck up for coal generated electricity and natural gas generated electricity?

I have an impression that a Toyota Rav4 EV powered by the dirtiest coal plant in the US is still cleaner than the same vehicle of conventional gasoline power. Am I anywhere near the mark on this?

Also, what is the impact, per mile, of battery manufacture?

Love and curiosity,
Stephen

Comment to California Air Resources Board

2009-01-16T20:26:00.000-08:00

I posted the following comment on the
California Air Resources
Board web site (links below):

Comment 15 for phev09 (45 Day).

CONTACT INFORMATION:
First Name: Stephen
Last Name: Foster
Email: stephenhfoster@hotmail.com
Phone:
Affiliation:
File (i.e., Attachment):

Subject: Limit Regulation of PHEV Aftermarket Industry
Comment:
I ask that the Air Resources Board limit
regulation of the PHEV Aftermarket industry
to protect the spirit of innovation currently
in flower.

I drive much more than average for my work
in construction. For one, such as myself,
to have access to clean transportation would
be of great benefit to the effort to reduce
pollution by green-house gasses. I am very
interested in the development of PHEV
technology for light truck applications.

I am concerned that this nascent industry may
be adversely impacted by injudicious regulation.
We need as many new ideas to have a chance to
face the test of the real world as can be
imagined. Ill effects from poor design or
process will be limited due to the small number
of units made. Time for stricter regulation
for test procedures and parts certification
would be more appropriate later, when a few
designs are beginning to dominate the
market.

I urge the Air Resources Board to exercise
restraint in its efforts; the benefits to
society from these emerging technologies
is of great value to society; and the
impacts to a young industry may be to our
detriment.

Thank you,
Stephen H. Foster
Concord, California

CalCars article on ARB hearing
Air Resources Board Agenda

Scroll to Day 2. Comments can be made
from the agenda page.

How I use the light meter

2009-01-02T12:54:00.000-08:00

My default setting for automatic cameras is "A-Auto" for aperture preferred automatic exposure. That permits rapid response to unfolding opportunities. When I'm taking my time, however, I use manual exposure and spot-metering.

My Nikon D200 has a 2 degree spot meter setting. For this image (the first of the new year) I metered two locations, as shown by the two circles. The subject was low contrast because of cloud cover. I wanted to place the contrast at the trike about midway between the high and low lights. The darker shadow to the right was to fall where it might. Alternately pointing the meter spot at the two locations, I adjusted the shutter speed (aperture was wide open for that lens to keep ISO low) so that the exposure bar, in the viewfinder, indicated the same distance above and below the midpoint.

This is my simplified version of the Zone System, developed by Ansel Adams and Fred Archer.

For further study, I will be looking into a reputed 12 stop dynamic range for film; compared to the ZS's use of a 10 stop range. Pentax's 1 degree Spot Meter uses 12 stops marked on the dial.

Reading list

2009-01-02T08:02:00.001-08:00

I just finished reading Jay Winik's April 1865, the month that saved America. Harper Collins, 2001.

Among other things, Winik conveys a view of the fragility that was our republic before the Civil War. He sees us as having become a nation, instead of a political construct, in that conflict.

Next up is George B. Dyson, Darwin among the machines, the evolution of global intelligence. 1997, Perseus Books.

Love and lines of words,
Stephen

Today's best reads

2008-12-30T11:56:00.000-08:00

Skepchick 10 best Skeptics. First look. Love it. Now on my Google Reader list.

Zbig Smacks Down Mornin' Joe On Talking Points Memo. Already on my Reader list.

Pharyngula - one of my regulars

Why do people laugh at Creationists YouTube video playlist.

Now, I'm off to do a little shopping.

Pavement 9

2008-12-29T19:27:00.001-08:00

Pavement 9, originally uploaded by Stephen Foster.

One of a series.

I have been working on a photo project merely for the purpose of forcing myself to look carefully at whatever is before me. I gave myself the assignment to photograph pavements. I try to get some every time I go out with a camera.

Pavements are so mundane that a strong image relies entirely on composition - there is little of inherent interest in the scene. I hope I'm getting images upon which someone (other than myself) will spend a minute.

Follow the photo link to the rest of the series.

Love and monochrome,
Stephen

Lunch

2008-12-28T12:16:00.001-08:00

At Wat Buddhanusorn.

Wat Buddhanusorn

2008-12-28T11:34:00.001-08:00

Chants and prayers.

Madam, destroying a crab

2008-12-25T15:30:00.001-08:00

She is CRAZY about crab.

Me? Clam chowder will do.

Back to School

2008-12-23T07:15:00.001-08:00

I applied to iStockPhoto the other day. This was one of my submissions - perhaps the better of the three.

I got rejected! *SOB!* OK, just kidding.

After reading some of the material they pointed out to me, I have to agree with them. So, I'm thinking about what to do for the next shoot.

Composition And Impact

Are You Taking Snapshots?

Love and persistence,
Stephen

A new addition to my Google Reader list

2008-12-22T13:41:00.000-08:00

XKCD Web Comics

Why I love the internet

2008-12-18T06:16:00.000-08:00

Pharngula - Here we go again...

My response:

Of course (and it has probably been pointed out already) the uneducated character of the negative response could be further evidence for evolution - after all, it is a somewhat sloppy process and leaves behind a multitude of structures for which atrophy is a good solution.

Yers, wandering in the Forest of Probabilities,
SHF

Webography for 2008-12-18

2008-12-18T05:02:00.000-08:00

1.0 From Calcars
1.1 Electric-car race could strain lithium battery supply
1.1.1 Interesting article. Has some links I hope to follow in more detail.
1.2 Thomas Friedman

Our holiday letter

2008-12-17T13:59:00.000-08:00

Dear family and friends,

I hope this finds you in good health and good spirit.

It’s been a good year for us. We are well and reasonably prosperous.

Jenna (the incomparable grandchild) started kindergarten this September. She is an enthusiastic student because, I think, she is a very socially oriented person. She is also well endowed with chutzpah. Her teacher reports a talent for leadership. Somrak has the most interesting conversations with her; I hear about them in the evening. The child can think circles around any two of her adult relatives.

Supaporn, “Nam Som” is busy at Cal State University East Bay (formerly Hayward State) majoring in Psychology. She is on the fence between pursuing an MD or PhD after graduation. She is the academic power player of the family.

Suchira, “Nam Peung” is trying to keep up with Jenna. She plans to return to school at Diablo Valley College next term for either Pediatric Nursing or Early Childhood Education, it seems to change weekly. She does have a special ability to relate to young children.

David is also planning to return to DVC this next term for computer science. He is living in Pleasant Hill. He works in retail, for now; I’m waiting for his help in retro-fitting my pick-up to plug-in-hybrid electric.

Jitladda, “Nam Wan” is currently working full time in our hair salon. She looks likely to take over the business in the future when we retire. She completed her AA at Diablo Valley College this spring, in business. She and some friends bought a house last year in San Leandro – so far they seem to be doing pretty well.

Somrak is enjoying a hemi-semi (1/4) retirement. She spends some time at the salon, but mostly answers the phone and pushes the customers towards the daughters. She frequently has her driver (yours truly) take her on tour around to various scenic spots of the Bay Area. We are planning to visit the Grand Canyon in April, next year, for our 15^th anniversary.

I am keeping busy watching construction work for Kleinfelder, Inc. I just completed a project for PG&E in San Francisco. I’ve been busy with my cameras, mostly landscape photography. I’m looking for weekend work photographing weddings and events. I’m also starting a project making portraits of people at their work.

We ask for blessings of joy and prosperity for all of you for the next year.

Stephen

Photon Addicted

2008-12-17T10:11:00.000-08:00

There is just something about light. It's a kind of magic whose meaning I can sometimes almost grasp. My full understanding will, probably, come with my last breath. Until such time, I hope someone will get what I'm seeing, even if I don't.

My best way to die would be in my own bed, surrounded by the people I love. Second best would be with my finger pushing the shutter release.

Scott Bourne on the intangibles of photography

Love and light,
Stephen

A Failure, in Principle

2008-12-13T12:06:00.001-08:00

Moss, originally uploaded by Stephen Foster.

Many years ago, while in the halls of Academe, I was taught a technique for photography that I only occasionally remember: "start close then work outwards". In this case I failed to do so. I got this shot, which I like, but I am unsatisfied with the rest. I spent about 30 minutes at this one tree.

This was shot in Tassajara Ridge Regional Wilderness, near San Ramon, California.

Love, and exposure,
Stephen

Cat Logic

2008-12-12T21:18:00.000-08:00

Void CatLogic()
{
100; // marker
GET XItem;
IF XItem = food EAT()
ELSEIF XItem = toy PLAY()
ELSEIF XItem = comfy NAP()
ELSE BATHE();
GOTO 100;
} // CatLogic

Love and felinaphilia
Stephen

Today's model

2008-12-12T19:41:00.001-08:00

After work, while there is still light, I'm in Las Trampas Regional Wilderness (not very wild at this corner). I've spent some time with this tree. So far, just digital frames.

Love and pixels,
Stephen

Am I as serious about this as I thnk?

2008-12-10T08:04:00.001-08:00

This morning I drove past an opportunity to make a great photograph. I came over a hill, on my normal commute, to a ravine vanishing downward into the fog. In my mind, the little voice was saying "stop, stop" but I did not heed the call.

I hope that the opportunity returns, but I fear that Fate has a harsher lesson for me.

All is not lost, however, I did take the opportunity to photograph Raymond Jacobsons's 1934 Dodge Coupe on Monday afternoon. That almost got away but for some last second haste on my part.

Love and regret,
Stephen

Monitor Calibration

2008-12-07T13:51:00.001-08:00

I guess I can make a small claim to be moving into the ranks of serious digital photo editors. This is a "Spyder" and it is the hardware component of a monitor calibration sysem. I'm going to see what I've been missing.

Love and chroma,
Stephen

Thanksgiving food

2008-12-01T07:37:00.003-08:00

Thai Pumpkin Soup and Turkey Mansaman.

Yum.

Love and abundance,
Stephen

Thanksgiving at our house.

2008-12-01T07:37:00.001-08:00

Not this year, either. Our place is too small, too cluttered, in need of new appliances.

Someday. We keep promising ourselves.

Love and peregrination,
Stephen

2008-11-24T07:32:00.000-08:00

Here is an interesting place to go...

Museum of Retro-Technology

I got there by way of StumbleUpon.

Vacation - Day One.

2008-11-22T12:12:00.001-08:00

A walk in the park with Madam. I get more exercise on days off than during the work week - especially the dark part of the year. I hope to make a long walk Friday while the rest of the country goes shopping.

Love and paces.
Stephen

Nearing the end of the commute.

2008-11-20T12:11:00.001-08:00

I've been driving to San Francisco daily since April. The project is just about done. I'll be glad to get a change of scenery and stop spending so much on tolls. I would prefer to not drive to work, but the project is 5 miles long.

Love and fatigue,
Stephen

Wat Buddhadhammadharo

2008-11-16T10:53:00.001-08:00

Worshipers at the Theraveda Buddhist Temple in Concord, CA. Madam is near the left of the frame.

Love and reverence,
Stephen

Plug In Hybrid Pickup Truck

2008-11-15T21:04:00.000-08:00

The following is an extract from a tweeting with my son about Hybridizing a pickup truck.

StephenHFoster Beamish boy and I are planning to hybridize my Toyota Tundra. May take a few years.

See www.Calcars.org for some of the seeds of this idea.

Retro-fitting pickups, vans and SUV's would have a greater impact on reduction of FF (fossil fuel) use than the new, small hybrids.

DavidJHFoster I suggested pulling out the back seat of the cab (calling it a seat is GENEROUS) and replacing it with a battery farm.

StephenHFoster Large vehicles = plenty of space for the battery farm (how do you like that term).

DavidJHFoster This way he can run the truck while on the job site without even starting the gas engine.

StephenHFoster The IC (internal combustion) engine can operate at it's "sweet spot" the one speed with optimum efficiency.

DavidJHFoster Also Solar cells on the roof to charge said battery farm, the truck does spend a lot of time parked in the sun.

StephenHFoster The target group of vehicles typically has a higher total miles demand for an average day, so a hefty battery farm is called for

DavidJHFoster The rear seat could easily house 8-12 standard car batteries, though we should probably mount non standard battery packs

Probably a good idea to use the same thing standard hybrids do, only more of them.

StephenHFoster For important, in-depth background on PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle)'s go here: http://tinyurl.com/56vvp9.

Battery technology is changing pretty fast.

DavidJHFoster Reading something about the use of regenerative braking systems in pure electric cars, might be worth looking into.

An additional advantage of the solar cells on teh truck would make it possible to plug the truck into the house.

Pumping power into the house when the truck sits unused for extended periods. Also great for power if it was used to go camping.

Saves money even when not being used!

StephenHFoster The use of PHEV's for electrical surge capacity has been discussed on CalCars. PG&E is exploring an economic model to do that.

Regenerative braking would be standard. Railroads have been using it for decades

The Day Job

2008-11-12T10:56:00.000-08:00

I am a construction critic; I watch other people work then say things about the result.

Behind me is excavation for an underground high-voltage power line in San Francisco.

Love and industry,
Stephen

The Sky Is Falling

2008-11-04T21:48:00.000-08:00

Well, no.

I am disappointed that Prop 8 seems to be passing. I really do not want the law to have that kind of authority in my life. Perhaps in a year or so it will be time to counter with another proposition:

"The State shall have no authority to limit participation in marriage except to limit it to adults."

Of course this opens the door to marriages of more than two people. Ok, no problem, we are talking about adults here; it them becomes the concern of contract law.

Love and opening the flood gates,
Stephen

End of the Race 2

2008-11-04T21:40:00.001-08:00

"If my daughters should be so fortunate to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what changes will they see; what progress will we have created?"

I think we hit a home run this time.

Love and halleluia,
Stephen

End of the Race

2008-11-04T20:33:00.001-08:00

"Nothing became him in this campaign as well as the leaving of it."

McCain just gave the most gracious concession speech I've ever heard. The guy really is a stand up dude. Now let's see how well the president elect does.

Love and amazement,
Stephen

Apres Vote

2008-11-04T17:37:00.001-08:00

Madam downs chips and salsa at Taqueria Los Chivos, right across the street from our polling place.

Love and democracy,
Stephen

The Lincoln Highway

2008-11-02T19:33:00.000-08:00

I was channel surfing when I came across a show about the Lincoln Highway on one of our PBS stations. A little nosing around netted some of the following websites:
Lincoln Highway Association
James Lin - Lincoln Highway

My challenges will be finding a year or two to spend on a trip and convincing Madam that she would survive a trip through desolate Nevada and Utah.

Love and wandering
Stephen

Bradley Effect

2008-11-02T15:03:00.000-08:00

I recommend the following....

Berkeleyan - Bradley Effect

SHF

Infrared Film

2008-11-02T13:54:00.000-08:00

I have two rolls of Kodak High-Speed Infrared film (HIE) in my refrigerator; they expired in 2007 so I guess I should not wait any longer to use them.

I ran an exposure comparison test using the D200 and got an approximate 9-stop adjustment for the R72 (infrared) filter. The image came out black because the digital sensor is not sensitive to infrared.

Normal black and white film is slightly sensitive to infrared, and I've had some interesting effects show up when using the R2 (red) contrast filter. I had shot a test roll of HIE last year with the F3 starting at an assumed ISO=12, I think. I'm not sure I got usable results - though some frames came out.

Tonight, when it's dark, I'll lock myself in the bathroom with the house lights off and load another roll into the F3. I'll post here again when results are up on Flickr.

See also: Wikipedia-Infrared

Love and exposure,
Stephen

Buddhist Thought

2008-11-02T11:05:00.001-08:00

"Your external home isn't your real home.
It's your supposed home, your home in the world.
As for your real home, that's peace.
The Buddha has us build our own home
by letting go till we reach peace."

-Venerable Ajahn Chan

Photo taken by cell phone at Wat Buddhanusorn, Fremont, California.

In the middle of...

2008-11-01T10:57:00.000-07:00

... reading Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie, translated from the French Balzac et la Petit Tailleuse Chinoise. Translation by Ina Rilke.

Set in China during the early 1970's. A sweet and funny story.

I'm a Skeptic

2008-10-31T16:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a link I got to through a Scientific American podcast.

I'm Published

2008-10-30T21:41:00.000-07:00

One of my photos is published on Schmap.

Also installed at bottom of the page. My photo is in the listing for the Napa Wine Train

Time?

2008-10-30T07:03:00.000-07:00

I'm burning the candle at three ends. This is last night's post.

...

shf

Presidential Ambition

2008-10-28T20:22:00.000-07:00

At one time I was wont to say that the desire to be president should be considered a disqualifying trait. Arthur C. Clarke had an interesting idea in his novel Imperial Earth. Go read the novel - get the idea from the original.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_Earth

I also likened the US capitol to a quarantine facility; as would be state capitols, and on down to the school board.

Under present circumstances I've reason to modify my thinking. Any one without powerful ambition would decline the job with all the crises popping up by the minute. So all the politicos grasping for power don't worry me quite as much - somebody's got to do the job.

Love and kisses,
Stephen

PS. I'm putting my mark next to Obama's name.