Loading for Bear

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

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

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

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

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

Where does the energy go?

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