I've never been much for celebrating Halloween, but this little monster pumpkin did look remarkably as if Nancy Pelosi had put on one of her phony little smiles and then borrowed one of Rosa DeLauro's outlandish outfits to announce a new "Cash for Former Clunkers Program".
This photo of course was actually taken a week before Halloween, and ever since I've been wondering if "Huck" might be Pelosi's nickname for Barry. And, would "Huck" be short for Huckster? If so, its too bad, I think Mike Huckabee might have already copyrighted that nickname.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Auto Art 10-Red & Chrome (gimpified)
This is a G'MIC(Pencil Drawing) treatment of a "Little Deuce Coupe" seen at the AZ KOOL FM Classic Car Show. This particular effort was actually the first in this series that I worked on. However, I've been holding it back before Flickring it or blogging it, because I've been trying to come up with a clever way of tying it into Clint "Deuce" Dempsey, who, some of you will undoubtedly know is the Yank from Nacogdoces, Texas who plays football for Fulham FC in London.
Well, the shape of the shield/grille is similar enough. And, the red color (colour) of the car and the red FFC in the Fulham shield kinda fits. But, in the end my usual "cleverness" in these things has failed me, so I've decided to just send it out into cyberspace as is.
Well, the shape of the shield/grille is similar enough. And, the red color (colour) of the car and the red FFC in the Fulham shield kinda fits. But, in the end my usual "cleverness" in these things has failed me, so I've decided to just send it out into cyberspace as is.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Taking a Gambel's (gimpified)
I've been spending some time today organizing the photos on my hard drive.This exercise has led me to do a bit of gimping around on some of my older shots. This one, is about a year and a half old, and a different version of this Gambel's Quail can be found elsewhere in my Flickr photostream.
By the way, in other news, today has also seen the release of the final version of Ubuntu's 9.10, codenamed the Karmic Koala. So, already I'm looking forward to a version 12.10 in October 2012, which I am hoping will be codenamed the Querulous Quail. That is, of course, if the world doesn't come to an end earlier in that year.
By the way, in other news, today has also seen the release of the final version of Ubuntu's 9.10, codenamed the Karmic Koala. So, already I'm looking forward to a version 12.10 in October 2012, which I am hoping will be codenamed the Querulous Quail. That is, of course, if the world doesn't come to an end earlier in that year.
Overtime (gimpified)
For those of you out there who have been wondering what ever happened to overtime, another pic from AZ KOOL FM's Classic Car/Hot-Rod Show last weekend.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Auto Art 8-Pontiac (gimpified)
The third one of my Classic Car Show photos posted today.
I was only going to do two of these today, but after I posted the first two, I started playing around with my "problem Pontiac" picture. During this little session I reverted to playing with the Colors>Curves tool, which happens to be the first Gimp trick I learned when I started this whole thing a couple of years ago. And, lo and behold, the "problem Pontiac" has turned out to be my personal favorite of the whole bunch.
I hope you all like it.
I was only going to do two of these today, but after I posted the first two, I started playing around with my "problem Pontiac" picture. During this little session I reverted to playing with the Colors>Curves tool, which happens to be the first Gimp trick I learned when I started this whole thing a couple of years ago. And, lo and behold, the "problem Pontiac" has turned out to be my personal favorite of the whole bunch.
I hope you all like it.
Auto Art 7-Oldsmobile Lines (gimpified)
A classic 1957 Olds, which turned itself into a nice little abstract design.
And, there will be still a few more coming. Gimping cars is too much fun, there's probably a law against it somewhere.
And, there will be still a few more coming. Gimping cars is too much fun, there's probably a law against it somewhere.
I coulda had a V-8, i'f I'd bought a few thousand dollars along!
And, the classic cars keep on coming.
This photo uses the new (stable) G'MIC plug-ins (pencil sketch).
I suspect there will be more of these forthcoming in the days ahead.
This photo uses the new (stable) G'MIC plug-ins (pencil sketch).
I suspect there will be more of these forthcoming in the days ahead.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Dwight is thinking Green on his Birthday!
Thinking, that a nice green classic car grill would be a great present to send out to my dozens of Flickr fans.
Hoping, that one of my footballing heroes, Paul Mariner, is hugely successful in his new career as head-coach of Plymouth Argyle FC (the Green Machine).
And, thinking and hoping that if dozens of my fans were to click on the AdSense ads on this blog, the pennies I earn would turn into one greenback dollar. What a nice birthday present that would be!
Hoping, that one of my footballing heroes, Paul Mariner, is hugely successful in his new career as head-coach of Plymouth Argyle FC (the Green Machine).
And, thinking and hoping that if dozens of my fans were to click on the AdSense ads on this blog, the pennies I earn would turn into one greenback dollar. What a nice birthday present that would be!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Auto Art 1--Studebaker (gimpified)
The second installment on my series of photos taken at AZ KOOL FM's Classic Car/Hot-Rod Show in Glendale this weekend.
I do love the colors on this particular production, although, because of certain childhood experiences which have stayed with me all these years, I hate Studebakers!
I do love the colors on this particular production, although, because of certain childhood experiences which have stayed with me all these years, I hate Studebakers!
Fixer Upper (gimpified)
This truck, which also made an appearance at the AZ KOOL FM's classic car/hot rod show in Glendale this weekend.
I've paired this with the Edsel picture, because, it too, with a little imagination, may remind some of Barack Obama and the state of the country after 10 months of his "showmanship".
I've paired this with the Edsel picture, because, it too, with a little imagination, may remind some of Barack Obama and the state of the country after 10 months of his "showmanship".
Whoops! (gimpified)
This was one of the hundreds of classic cars and hot rods which put in an appearance at AZ KOOL FM's show this weekend near Glendale, Arizona's stadium complex Westgate Plaza.
For those of you too young to remember, the Edsel became the Ford Motor Company's big commercial failure back in the 50's.
If the design of this car should remind anyone of a certain White House resident with a big mouth and funny ears, well, you wouldn't be the only one. But, watch out, you may be forced to buy one of these when if or when Nancy Pelosi decides that Edsel ownership is a "right" not a privilege.
For those of you too young to remember, the Edsel became the Ford Motor Company's big commercial failure back in the 50's.
If the design of this car should remind anyone of a certain White House resident with a big mouth and funny ears, well, you wouldn't be the only one. But, watch out, you may be forced to buy one of these when if or when Nancy Pelosi decides that Edsel ownership is a "right" not a privilege.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Sparrow on lions paw (gimpified)
A trip to the Classic Car/Hot Rod Show in the Westgate Development of Glendale AZ, led to lots of car pictures, of course, but more of that later. It also led to this little "throwaway" shot of a sparrow sitting on the paw of a lion statue which resides in the little park just north of the Jobing.Com Arena.
This is my second experiment with the Pencil Drawing filter in the newly released G'MIC plugin toolbox.
This is my second experiment with the Pencil Drawing filter in the newly released G'MIC plugin toolbox.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Perfection II (gimpified)
"Perfection" was the title of one of my earlier efforts, which can be seen at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_dwight_beers/2234111841/
"Perfection II" was taken during yesterday's session in Sun Village's Memorial Rose Garden. Another perfect rose, some pretty perfect processing and a bit of gimping. Result--one of my most "perfect" pieces of work.
I hope, it will break all of my previous records for viewership on Flickr.com. Because, this rose deserves it, this picture, I think deserves it, and I deserve it!!!
Whoops!--I seem to be getting an Obama complex--are, there any elementary school students out their singing songs about me yet?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_dwight_beers/2234111841/
"Perfection II" was taken during yesterday's session in Sun Village's Memorial Rose Garden. Another perfect rose, some pretty perfect processing and a bit of gimping. Result--one of my most "perfect" pieces of work.
I hope, it will break all of my previous records for viewership on Flickr.com. Because, this rose deserves it, this picture, I think deserves it, and I deserve it!!!
Whoops!--I seem to be getting an Obama complex--are, there any elementary school students out their singing songs about me yet?
Mexican Bird of Paradise (gimpified)
These flowers have been the biggest challenge, photographically speaking, since I moved to Arizona. They are all over the place, but for a variety of reasons I seem to have trouble taking good pictures of them.
Finally,, in my own occasionally humble opinion, I've done a good one--of course, my friend the Gimp was heavily involved again.
Finally,, in my own occasionally humble opinion, I've done a good one--of course, my friend the Gimp was heavily involved again.
Yellow Rose Drawing (gimpified)
A new set of GIMP plug-ins arrived on the scene yesterday at
http://gmic.sourceforge.net/gimp.shtml
and, I've been playing around with some of the filters contained in this new (for me) toolbox. This is the first result. The filter used was the pencil drawing tool.
Again, it's from among the roses in Sun Village's Memorial Garden. They are quite in their glory at the moment.
http://gmic.sourceforge.net/gimp.shtml
and, I've been playing around with some of the filters contained in this new (for me) toolbox. This is the first result. The filter used was the pencil drawing tool.
Again, it's from among the roses in Sun Village's Memorial Garden. They are quite in their glory at the moment.
Friday, October 23, 2009
A bit of fun with a yellow bug (gimpified)
This little yellow VW bug was parked in the parking lot outside the Rec Center. I thought it might be fun to let The Gimp have a go at it. This is the result.
As Rush Limbaugh likes to say--having more fun than a human being should be allowed to have.
As Rush Limbaugh likes to say--having more fun than a human being should be allowed to have.
A Star among the roses (slightly gimpified)
Adjacent to the Sun Village Rec Center building here in Surprise AZ, we have a small rose garden, which serves as a memorial garden dedicated to the memory of residents who have passed away.
The garden has been a wonderful source of photo-ops for me ever since my arrival in the village about 2 1/2 years ago. Although, I've blogged a couple of these since my blog began back in August, most of the best of these photos can be found on my Flickr.com photostream at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_dwight_beers/
The present effort, which I took on my way over to the Rec Center this morning, is I think--one of the best I've ever done.
Here's hoping you all like it so much that you will click on all my AdSense ads and make me a few pennies.
The garden has been a wonderful source of photo-ops for me ever since my arrival in the village about 2 1/2 years ago. Although, I've blogged a couple of these since my blog began back in August, most of the best of these photos can be found on my Flickr.com photostream at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_dwight_beers/
The present effort, which I took on my way over to the Rec Center this morning, is I think--one of the best I've ever done.
Here's hoping you all like it so much that you will click on all my AdSense ads and make me a few pennies.
A Green Sunburst (gimpified)
Another of the house decorations, which a number of the residents of Sun Village have installed on the sides of their homes. These decorations provide, intentionally or not, much amusement to the other residents. Especially, it seems, those of us who own digital cameras, computers and some kind of photo-manipulation software. My friend, The Gimp, loves these things and usually can't wait 'til I get home from one of my little photo jaunts around the Village so he can play with them.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
It's 8:00 AM (in Surprise Arizona)--Do you know where your children are?
I've been sitting here this morning and pondering. Will the elementary school children of America be spirited away from their Obama worship sessions this morning for the purpose of taking "field trips" to such places as "Best Buy", "Staples", "Office Max", etc., in order that they may continue to worship at the feet of their newest idol--Windows 7?
I wonder, how many of these little tots know that on this very day the release candidate for Ubuntu 9.10 the Karmic Koala is also due for release. Have these kiddies been told that this little goody will cost their mommies and daddys absolutely nothing? Have these children been told that a cute little Australian critter is involved?
Concerned parents of America need to know these things!
I wonder, how many of these little tots know that on this very day the release candidate for Ubuntu 9.10 the Karmic Koala is also due for release. Have these kiddies been told that this little goody will cost their mommies and daddys absolutely nothing? Have these children been told that a cute little Australian critter is involved?
Concerned parents of America need to know these things!
Rec Center Side Entry (gimpified)
This is a remake of one of my earliest gimping efforts. This entry way is one of the few available, at the moment, because of an extensive re-decorating job being undertaken in the main part of the building.
For this effort, I've reverted to one of my earlier Gimp toys--the Colors>Curves tool. This particular building seems perfectly suited to this particular toy.
For this effort, I've reverted to one of my earlier Gimp toys--the Colors>Curves tool. This particular building seems perfectly suited to this particular toy.
Two ways of looking for Wallace Stevens in Tempe, Arizona (gimpified)
Two ways of looking for Wallace Stevens in Tempe, Arizona (gimpified)
Originally uploaded by h_dwight_beers
I did come away, though, without succumbing to a strange urge I had that day to buy a Hartford insurance policy
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Est-1863 (gimpified)
Yet another effort coming forth from that trip down the rocky road to Stanton on Sunday.
Though its highly unlikely that Jenny Lind ever made it to Stanton, Arizona, its just possible that one or more of Nashville's Grand Old Opry stars have flown over the town at some time during their careers.
I did my absolute best for the place though. I took this photo of the sign, whilst humming a few bars of "La ci darem la mano". Neither, Cesare Seipi or any of the gang at Arizona Highways will have much to worry about from this quarter though.
Though its highly unlikely that Jenny Lind ever made it to Stanton, Arizona, its just possible that one or more of Nashville's Grand Old Opry stars have flown over the town at some time during their careers.
I did my absolute best for the place though. I took this photo of the sign, whilst humming a few bars of "La ci darem la mano". Neither, Cesare Seipi or any of the gang at Arizona Highways will have much to worry about from this quarter though.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
A subject (photographic) that I nearly murdered!
This will probably be the last of the photos I took in Stanton last Sunday.
I found this little flower on the side of a small hill which led up to the "Lost Dutchman" sign (see below). I took the photo on the way up the hill--and nearly stepped on this little blossom on my way down. Life must be tough enough for these little flowers, having to live in a severe desert environment and then having to dodge tourist feet even in a place like Stanton.
And, since I haven't identified this particular flower, I've been wondering ever since Sunday how close I might have come to a violation of the endangered species act.
I found this little flower on the side of a small hill which led up to the "Lost Dutchman" sign (see below). I took the photo on the way up the hill--and nearly stepped on this little blossom on my way down. Life must be tough enough for these little flowers, having to live in a severe desert environment and then having to dodge tourist feet even in a place like Stanton.
And, since I haven't identified this particular flower, I've been wondering ever since Sunday how close I might have come to a violation of the endangered species act.
Monday, October 19, 2009
How many cheerleading coaches have been saved?
Report: Federal aid created or saved 250,000 education jobs - washingtonpost.com
What if a school district somewhere in America had decided late last year to save its taxpayers a bit of money over the next year by ridding itself of some of the more useless members of its "educational" establishment. And, if the sudden appearance of billions in "Obamamoney" last January had induced that same school district to change its mind, would this constitute an education job "saved" ?
What if a school district somewhere in America had decided late last year to save its taxpayers a bit of money over the next year by ridding itself of some of the more useless members of its "educational" establishment. And, if the sudden appearance of billions in "Obamamoney" last January had induced that same school district to change its mind, would this constitute an education job "saved" ?
Cartoon of a Cartoon (gimpified)
The third effort resulting from the bumpy ride to Stanton yesterday.
In this case it's the Script-Fu>Photo-Effects>Artistic>Cartoon filter that was used. The cartoon original was on a little plateau overlooking the rest of Stanton--the path leading up to it was called "The Path".
In this case it's the Script-Fu>Photo-Effects>Artistic>Cartoon filter that was used. The cartoon original was on a little plateau overlooking the rest of Stanton--the path leading up to it was called "The Path".
Broken-Shingles (gimpified)
A broken shingle, a little gimping and I have still more photographic evidence that I have paid a visit to Stanton AZ.
And, this photo like most of my Flickr.com photos is geo-tagged just in case anyone needs to know where exactly Stanton is.
And, this photo like most of my Flickr.com photos is geo-tagged just in case anyone needs to know where exactly Stanton is.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
A retired tintinabulator (gimpified)
Stanton Arizona is an RV center, its a ghost town and it has been a mining center. Its located somewhere in suburban Congress, Arizona at about the middle of a long, bumpy and sometimes scary dirt road. I can as of today, assert with complete truthfulness that I have actually been there, and I herewith present some photographic evidence of this assertion.
And, there will probably be a couple more bits of evidence forthcoming over the next day or so.
This one was pre-processed with Digikam before it was gimpified.
And, there will probably be a couple more bits of evidence forthcoming over the next day or so.
This one was pre-processed with Digikam before it was gimpified.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Why Rush Limbaugh shouldn't want to own an NFL team!
To begin, I should confess that I myself have not followed the NFL since the Super Bowl in 1977, which was the last NFL game I ever watched. I have, however, been an ardent follower of the English Football League(thats Association football or soccer, of course) since the 2nd broadcast of ABC's Wide World of Sports, which broadcast "Live from Wembley Stadium by satellite" the English FA Cup Final match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City in June 1961. For a number of years thereafter Wide World continued its FA Cup broadcasts every year and these later broadcasts usually included as commentator the late, great Danny Blanchflower (who had been a player in the 1961 Cup Final). And, it was around about that time when I became hooked on the "beautiful game".
It was also about this time when I first began to see myself as being a conservative. And it seemed to me, even then, that my two new passions were connected in a number of ways.
First, the "democratic" organization of the FA Cup, was for me, one of the its great beauties. Any group of 11 players who could come up with the entry fee (about 50 pounds, if I recall) could enter a team and make a run for the Cup--and, if they were good enough could progress all the way to the final at Wembley. This still, it seems to me, makes the FA Cup a far more exciting competition than the Super Bowl, where a committee of the club owners meet in a room (smoke-filled?) and decide first, which teams can play, where each team can play, and which players and owners (or potential owners) can join the "Club".
The English League itself, also, is organized along "democratic" lines with the promotion/relegation system determining which teams play each other every year with such decisions being made--where they should be made--on the playing field.
English football, it seems to me then, is a much better advertisement for several conservative principles such as free market economics, de-centralized government, etc., than the oligarchic structure of the NFL, and the other American professional sports organizations (including, regrettably MLS) which mimic it. And, the best indicator of the success of the English organizational scheme, is that it has been copied, with success, in well over a hundred countries, something the English National Health scheme cannot claim--with a straight face anyway.
To conclude, my humble advice to El Rushbo:
1. get in touch with the powers that be in MLS
2. get in touch with Drew Carey and David Beckham
3. organize a real football team in St Louis (which probably deserves one more than any other American city)
4. use whatever power and influence you may have to bring promotion/relegation (and, therefore true democracy) to American sports.
It was also about this time when I first began to see myself as being a conservative. And it seemed to me, even then, that my two new passions were connected in a number of ways.
First, the "democratic" organization of the FA Cup, was for me, one of the its great beauties. Any group of 11 players who could come up with the entry fee (about 50 pounds, if I recall) could enter a team and make a run for the Cup--and, if they were good enough could progress all the way to the final at Wembley. This still, it seems to me, makes the FA Cup a far more exciting competition than the Super Bowl, where a committee of the club owners meet in a room (smoke-filled?) and decide first, which teams can play, where each team can play, and which players and owners (or potential owners) can join the "Club".
The English League itself, also, is organized along "democratic" lines with the promotion/relegation system determining which teams play each other every year with such decisions being made--where they should be made--on the playing field.
English football, it seems to me then, is a much better advertisement for several conservative principles such as free market economics, de-centralized government, etc., than the oligarchic structure of the NFL, and the other American professional sports organizations (including, regrettably MLS) which mimic it. And, the best indicator of the success of the English organizational scheme, is that it has been copied, with success, in well over a hundred countries, something the English National Health scheme cannot claim--with a straight face anyway.
To conclude, my humble advice to El Rushbo:
1. get in touch with the powers that be in MLS
2. get in touch with Drew Carey and David Beckham
3. organize a real football team in St Louis (which probably deserves one more than any other American city)
4. use whatever power and influence you may have to bring promotion/relegation (and, therefore true democracy) to American sports.
Honeysuckle reaching for the moon (gimpified)
Woke up this morning, with my mind set on gimping, and this is the result.
My question of the day for those of you who like to ponder:
Is the American health care system good enough to get Charlie and Gooch back on the pitch before next June?
My own hope is truly audacious!
My question of the day for those of you who like to ponder:
Is the American health care system good enough to get Charlie and Gooch back on the pitch before next June?
My own hope is truly audacious!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
#3,214 on Obama's little list..
of things he needs to render an American apoligize for:
Milan Want Damages From U.S. For Onyewu Injury - NYTimes.com
Perhaps, he could include this in the one phone call to Berlusconi during which he is scheduled to apologize for Anzio, the theft of and imprisonment of Ezra Pound, as well as the FBI's long running mistreatment of those Italian community organizers we call the M.A.F.I.A.
Milan Want Damages From U.S. For Onyewu Injury - NYTimes.com
Perhaps, he could include this in the one phone call to Berlusconi during which he is scheduled to apologize for Anzio, the theft of and imprisonment of Ezra Pound, as well as the FBI's long running mistreatment of those Italian community organizers we call the M.A.F.I.A.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
I've been scooped by the Spoof!
I was holding back on this story for a slow news day here on Arizona Yank.
However:
http://www.thespoof.com/news/spoof.cfm?headline=s2i61094
sometimes, my sources just can't keep their traps shut and your intrepid reporter gets scooped.
However:
http://www.thespoof.com/news/spoof.cfm?headline=s2i61094
sometimes, my sources just can't keep their traps shut and your intrepid reporter gets scooped.
Pima Lake scene
Another effort from my little Sun Village jaunt on Monday. This time I did the pre-processing with Digikam, applied the Oil Painting filter, and then finished up with The Gimp--and, of course--added my new style border.
The scene is taken from the Eastern Shore of what we here in the Village like to call Lake Pima, looking Northwest. As I have explained before on another forum, we call this body of water a lake--because of the numerous ex-residents of Minnesota living in the village--it is in fact little more than a large wading pool.
The scene is taken from the Eastern Shore of what we here in the Village like to call Lake Pima, looking Northwest. As I have explained before on another forum, we call this body of water a lake--because of the numerous ex-residents of Minnesota living in the village--it is in fact little more than a large wading pool.
Sun Village with puffy clouds (gimpified)
A relaxing view of Sun Village taken on my little photo jaunt on Monday. After yesterdays events (and Saturday's events down in Honduras) I needed to at least think I was relaxed for a few moments.
I'm sort of looking forward to tonight's match against the Ticos. We American supporters can't really lose this one. If the Ticos win, we get our revenge against Honduras, for what they did to screw the American TV viewers. And, if we win, we get a spot of revenge against the Ticos for making us play on that god awful pitch in Costa Rica, and of course, we win the group--and consequently have a prayer of a chance for a seed once we get to South Africa.
Still thinking of ya Charlie D.
I'm sort of looking forward to tonight's match against the Ticos. We American supporters can't really lose this one. If the Ticos win, we get our revenge against Honduras, for what they did to screw the American TV viewers. And, if we win, we get a spot of revenge against the Ticos for making us play on that god awful pitch in Costa Rica, and of course, we win the group--and consequently have a prayer of a chance for a seed once we get to South Africa.
Still thinking of ya Charlie D.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
In Memorium: Ashley Roberta
http://www.facebook.com/people/Ashley-Roberta/9417379
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local-beat/One-Dead-Road-Blocked-in-GW-Parkway-Accident-64073357.html
A very sad day.
To CharlieD: You'll Never Walk Alone!
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local-beat/One-Dead-Road-Blocked-in-GW-Parkway-Accident-64073357.html
A very sad day.
To CharlieD: You'll Never Walk Alone!
Dumping Snowe into Casco Bay!
Apparently, it's Olympia Snowe's turn to vote with the Democrats in the US Senate today (she takes turns with Susan Collins)--and so, I would think it's about time for Maine's tea party folks to dump a pile of Snowe into Casco Bay. I regret that my current residence denies me the opportunity to join that party.
However, I still have a number of relatives up in "the County" should it become necessary to dump "the Collins" into the Aroostook River at any time in the near future.
However, I still have a number of relatives up in "the County" should it become necessary to dump "the Collins" into the Aroostook River at any time in the near future.
Flowers on the Wall (gimpified)
Another, gimpified effort from yesterday's little jaunt around the village.
And, yet another house decoration that looks with a bit of imagination like something with 2 eyes, a nose and a mouth watching over me.
Is it my imagination? Or am I just getting paranoid in my old age?
And, yet another house decoration that looks with a bit of imagination like something with 2 eyes, a nose and a mouth watching over me.
Is it my imagination? Or am I just getting paranoid in my old age?
Monday, October 12, 2009
Quail House Decoration with Lamp (gimpified)
The third (and my favorite) of the pictures taken on this afternoons photo jaunt. The wrought iron quail, the bottom of the lamp, and the textured surface seemed to compose itself. I sharpened it a bit and used just a wee bit of the Cartoon filter.
Organ Pipe Cactus Blossom (gimpified)
This is the second photo from this afternoon's jaunt, which I have treated in the same way as the first. This branch seemed to stick out from the rest solely for the purpose of composing itself into a nice picture.
Pinapple Palm (gimpified)
I took a little jaunt around the village today, just to grab a little bit more material to work The Gimp magic on. The first of these, uses FX-Foundary's Landscape Illustrator filter, which I think gives a nice textured look to this rather amazing looking tree.
Monday Morning (2) gimpified
This is me on the Monday morning after Honduras 2-USA 3.
The Obama ears, acquired from over exertion resulting from trying to follow the game on Spanish Language RADIO!! while simultaneously watching for Score Alerts on ESPN (with the mute button on).
The groggy look is purely authentic--I still have a bit of a wobble in my step.
Of course, the reality is, this is another of the Hopi Kachina dolls from the Barry Goldwater Collection in the Heard Museum in Phoenix.
The Obama ears, acquired from over exertion resulting from trying to follow the game on Spanish Language RADIO!! while simultaneously watching for Score Alerts on ESPN (with the mute button on).
The groggy look is purely authentic--I still have a bit of a wobble in my step.
Of course, the reality is, this is another of the Hopi Kachina dolls from the Barry Goldwater Collection in the Heard Museum in Phoenix.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Obama says "Thank God it wasn't me!"
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE59A0YW20091011
The rest of the announcement from the White House Press Office:
"The President, has been spending much of his time in the last 48 hours arranging for the mass celebration we have scheduled for the first anniversary of his inauguration, and he hasn't had a lot of time to reflect on what the Nobel Prize means to him. In fact, his reaction when our boss Robert Gibbs, woke him up this morning to tell him about the canonizing of Damien, was "Thank God it wasn't me!"
The rest of the announcement from the White House Press Office:
"The President, has been spending much of his time in the last 48 hours arranging for the mass celebration we have scheduled for the first anniversary of his inauguration, and he hasn't had a lot of time to reflect on what the Nobel Prize means to him. In fact, his reaction when our boss Robert Gibbs, woke him up this morning to tell him about the canonizing of Damien, was "Thank God it wasn't me!"
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Where's the poop?
In my earlier blog "If Lil' Bo poops on the way to Oslo" I engaged in a bit of speculation about future pooping from Lil' Bo. But, if the initial story is true, an even more pressing question is what happened to the poop on the way to Copenhagen?
Did Air Force One take a low level flight over the Little Mermaid--for photographic purposes, of course--and drop it on her head?
Did it get dropped into the Atlantic, further polluting it?
Did it somehow wind up in the Olympic Committee's meeting room on Michelle's lap perhaps?
Future historians will want to know the answers to these questions
Did Air Force One take a low level flight over the Little Mermaid--for photographic purposes, of course--and drop it on her head?
Did it get dropped into the Atlantic, further polluting it?
Did it somehow wind up in the Olympic Committee's meeting room on Michelle's lap perhaps?
Future historians will want to know the answers to these questions
Indian carving (gimpified)
Another of the photos taken at the Heard Museum in downtown Phoenix last Friday. Unfortunately, I didn't catch any of the labels, so I don't know anything about it.
But, again, I'm seeing lots of Ubuntu brown--I wonder if Picasso had a Ubuntu period?
But, again, I'm seeing lots of Ubuntu brown--I wonder if Picasso had a Ubuntu period?
Friday, October 9, 2009
If Little Bo Poops on the way to Oslo...
Did the First Dog Leave a Number Two on Air Force One? - Washington Wire - WSJ
1. Lil' Barry will be able to give the Nobel committee an outstanding return gift (in keeping with his family tradition of giving fine gifts to important people).
2. Any methane produced can be recycled immediately in time for the return flight.
3.And, the housebreaking Czar can be shoved out the hatch, thereby saving the taxpayers a few pennies.
1. Lil' Barry will be able to give the Nobel committee an outstanding return gift (in keeping with his family tradition of giving fine gifts to important people).
2. Any methane produced can be recycled immediately in time for the return flight.
3.And, the housebreaking Czar can be shoved out the hatch, thereby saving the taxpayers a few pennies.
Another Rock--this one I think looks a lot like Barry M Goldwater (gimpified)
Another Rock--this one looks a lot like Barry M Goldwater (gimpified)
Originally uploaded by h_dwight_beers
Queries re: April Fools Day in October?
After all the hard work I have been putting in lately in order to turn Thomas Granger Day into a national holiday someone has apparently been able to turn October 9 into a kind of second April Fools Day without anyone noticing. How did this happen? Is this now a national holiday? Did the Pelosi gang manage to get a new holiday declared without C-Span watching--or did I just miss it? Have we abandoned Columbus Day, or are we supposed to just combine the two? Is someone implying that Columbus was a fool? Why not make it fall on a Monday, rather than interfere with all of the "casual" Fridays across the country?
But, wait a minute--If Al Gore can do it...
But, wait a minute--If Al Gore can do it...
Obama's Nobel Acceptance Speech already written!
Ahhh, make no mistake about it. Ahhh, Michelle and I want to thank, ahhh the Nobel Committee for this ahhhmazing honor and to thank the wonderful people in ahhhhh Norway for their warm welcome to me and my family. The ahhh Obama family has been using Mr Nobel's wonderful invention to ahhh clear out weeds from our ahhh gardens both back in Chicago and at the ahhh "White" house. And, ahhh today I am ahhhnnouncing that I have ahhhhuthorized our wonderful ahhhhhh Department of Defense, led very ably by my wonderful Defense Czar, Mr Bill Gates to bring even more of Mr. Nobel's wonderful invention into AhhhhhFghanistan with the ahhhhditional 40,000 AhhhhhMerican troops I have today ahhhhuthorized for ahhh deployment to that wonderful ahhh country.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Indian bowl (gimpified)
Probably the last of the series of photos I took on our little trip to downtown Phoenix last Friday. This is just a gimpified portrayal of a section of a clay Indian bowl. The lighting in the Heard can be pretty bad in photography terms, since you are not allowed to use flash. But, again The Gimp saved the day and turned nothing into something.
And, once again, and probably not entirely by coincidence there seems to be a lot of Ubuntu brown in the final product.
And, once again, and probably not entirely by coincidence there seems to be a lot of Ubuntu brown in the final product.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Queries: If Michael Moore's next movie were an exercise video...
1 Would he lose enough weight to qualify for an afternoon talk show (perhaps on MSNBC)?
2. Would Jane Fonda volunteer as a technical consultant in solidarity with her fellow socialist?
3. Would he donate any of the food he failed to consume to ACORN for distribution to poor "capitalist victims"--perhaps in Havana?
4. If he failed to achieve sufficient weight loss by exercising, would he be able to get a free lap band procedure done in Havana?
2. Would Jane Fonda volunteer as a technical consultant in solidarity with her fellow socialist?
3. Would he donate any of the food he failed to consume to ACORN for distribution to poor "capitalist victims"--perhaps in Havana?
4. If he failed to achieve sufficient weight loss by exercising, would he be able to get a free lap band procedure done in Havana?
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Waterfall (gimpified)
This little waterfall looks so friendly and peaceful and after a day of flame wars on the Usenet (prompted by my last picture "A Rock"), I've decided to blog this one too.
Between the Heard Museum and the Japanese garden, it turned out to be a pretty productive day photographically speaking, as well as in AdSense terms.
On another front though, it's beginning to look like Congress won't have enough time to implement my earlier suggestions about Granger Day and Thanksgiving. Well, there's always next year.
Between the Heard Museum and the Japanese garden, it turned out to be a pretty productive day photographically speaking, as well as in AdSense terms.
On another front though, it's beginning to look like Congress won't have enough time to implement my earlier suggestions about Granger Day and Thanksgiving. Well, there's always next year.
A Rock (gimpified)
Apparently sometime last night someone, somewhere, looked at this picture and recorded my 50,000th view since I began to post photos on Flickr.com some 27 months ago. The beauty of it is, some of them must have taken a peek at Arizona Yank as well, because enough people clicked on my AdSense adds yesterday that I made $3.31 on the day.
Enough, it seems to toast all of my Flickr and Blogspot viewers/readers the next time I get to Starbucks.
ROCK ON!!!!
Enough, it seems to toast all of my Flickr and Blogspot viewers/readers the next time I get to Starbucks.
ROCK ON!!!!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Monday Morning (gimpified)
This photo and it's treatment could well become an iconic representation of Monday morning for people all over the world. I myself can honestly state that I have never looked quite this bad, or felt quite this wobbly. A few more years though...
Actually, this little mask can be found in the Heard Museum in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. Not recommended though, for young children or those with weak tickers.
Actually, this little mask can be found in the Heard Museum in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. Not recommended though, for young children or those with weak tickers.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
A vision for tomorrow (2016)!
http://michellemalkin.com/2009/10/02/quote-of-the-day-the-first-ladys-tall-olympic-tale/
Am I the only one whose suddenly starting to have visions of Ex-President Barack Obama's 20 year old daughter sitting on his lap, watching the Brazilian Olympics?
Another proud moment for the Obama's coming in a few years to a TV near you!
Am I the only one whose suddenly starting to have visions of Ex-President Barack Obama's 20 year old daughter sitting on his lap, watching the Brazilian Olympics?
Another proud moment for the Obama's coming in a few years to a TV near you!
Lantern on the point (gimpified)
Windows into the Heard (gimpified)
This turns out to be one of my favorite pictures from Friday's little expedition to downtown Phoenix, which has turned out to be one of my most productive photo jaunts to date. By productive, I mean that I've taken lots of shots that I consider to be worthy of being uploaded to Flickr.com.
I particularly like about this shot, that the reflection of the blue sky just makes into a segment of the window on the right. And, of course, the fact that it sort of suggests a human face is neat as well!
I particularly like about this shot, that the reflection of the blue sky just makes into a segment of the window on the right. And, of course, the fact that it sort of suggests a human face is neat as well!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Mushroom (gimpified)
Probably the best of the pictures I took yesterday on a little trip we took into Downtown Phoenix (The Heard Museum and the Japanese-American Friendship Garden). My sister very ably assisted in this effort by holding this little mushroom up against the wall surrounding the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Miner's Cabin (regimped)
This picture, has always been one of my all time favorites.
A simple idea--nicely composed and well executed in my own humble opinion. It's been used as my desktop wallpaper on occasion (and even got to Flickr.com in this mode) and I've played around with a number of gimp tricks on it. On today's effort, I've also tried out a new framing technique.
A simple idea--nicely composed and well executed in my own humble opinion. It's been used as my desktop wallpaper on occasion (and even got to Flickr.com in this mode) and I've played around with a number of gimp tricks on it. On today's effort, I've also tried out a new framing technique.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
If your "domestic partner" is a turkey should you be concerned?
One of my previous blogs which concerned my proposed national holiday--Thomas Granger Day, has raised a couple of questions with regard to the currently raging debate on health care reform.
See: http://arizonayank.blogspot.com/2009/09/thomas-granger-day-is-one-week-away.html
1.Would national recognition of all varieties of sexual perversion make it necessary for "universal health care" to cover veterinary medicine for those Americans whose "domestic partners" happen to be turkeys?
2. If the answer to the first question is yes, could a "death panel" ever make "assisted suicide" mandatory for sick turkeys--as a cost cutting measure, of course? Say, around Thanksgiving each year?
3. And, this second question raises yet another issue. If we add Granger Day to our national holiday schedule, should we simultaneously eliminate Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving after all has always generated questions about the separation of Church and State, and of course it was introduced initially by one of those discredited Republican Ex-Presidents.
It seems to me that we still have time before Thanksgiving of this year to do all of the above; make Granger Day a reality for next year, eliminate Thanksgiving this year, eliminate any possibility of "death panels" or "assisted suicide" from all pending health care reform bills, and ADD veterinary care. If we accomplish all of this in a timely fashion, Roman Polanski could probably make it to the White House signing ceremony, although I do think he would be a poor substitute for Michael Jackson.
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