Saturday, December 21, 2013
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
winter
A mis-set point & shoot shot makes funky winter art. My Canon G15 was set for SCN hand-held night time shooting. On my way to work I noticed the woman walking in front of me dressed in a classy vintage style. I tried to quickly capture her. While some shots technically worked, this one seemed more interesting.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Experiment : Shutter Speed / Capturing Action
This is a super simple lesson on how shutter speed works and how to capture movement in your photos. First, I’ll cover some basic shutter speed terminology, and then get into a couple easy step-by-step experiments you can do on your own. At the end are suggested links to places to shoot action.
For the experiments you will need:
o a
camera that has a shutter speed priority setting (either TV or S). Check your camera manual if you're not sure where the shutter speed setting is on your camera.
o your favorite lens.
o a
constant light source
o a
moving object
[optional: tripod]
[optional: tripod]
Shutter Speed
“Shutter speed” refers to how fast an aperture shutter opens
and closes and is measured in seconds. (See Experiment : Aperture and Depth of Field to learn about aperture.)
A camera’s preset shutter speed can range from as fast as one eight thousandth of a second (1/8000) to as slow as 30 seconds. You can go even slower when you use your camera's B or Bulb setting.
Setting your camera to shutter speed priority allows you to change the shutter speed to whatever you like. The camera will automatically decide the best aperture and ISO.
A camera’s preset shutter speed can range from as fast as one eight thousandth of a second (1/8000) to as slow as 30 seconds. You can go even slower when you use your camera's B or Bulb setting.
Setting your camera to shutter speed priority allows you to change the shutter speed to whatever you like. The camera will automatically decide the best aperture and ISO.
How does shutter speed work?
It’s all
about letting in light. When you set
the shutter speed on your camera, you control how long you let light hit your camera’s sensor (or film).
Getting Creative - Capturing Movement
Besides controlling how fast light hits your sensor, you
can use shutter speed to stop the action in your photos. The speed of the shutter opening and closing decides how much action is stopped.
Fast Action
The faster the shutter speed the more likely you are to "freeze" the action. Shutter speeds higher than 250 are best when you want no blurring in your photos.
Blurred Action
The slower the shutter speed the greater the action blur.
If you wanted to capture action, but you want to show movement you would set your shutter speed to something slow. How slow depends on how much blur you want.
Fast Action
The faster the shutter speed the more likely you are to "freeze" the action. Shutter speeds higher than 250 are best when you want no blurring in your photos.
The slower the shutter speed the greater the action blur.
If you wanted to capture action, but you want to show movement you would set your shutter speed to something slow. How slow depends on how much blur you want.
The slower the shutter speed the more blurred the action. A tripod that allows you to move your camera from side to side is really handy, especially if you choose really slow shutter speeds.
Unless you are made of iron or don't breath, the slow shutter speed will also show camera shake.
Points to Ponder
Angle
Angle
The angle that you shoot from plays a part in
how your action photos turn out.
It's easier to capture objects that are moving
directly towards or straight away from you.
Objects moving from side to side in front of you are a little more
difficult to capture. For objects moving
from side to side, you might want to try panning.
Panning
Panning is when you follow your moving subject with your camera.
To show how it's done, here's a quick One Minute with Willy video by photographer Willy Foo.
Panning
Panning is when you follow your moving subject with your camera.
To show how it's done, here's a quick One Minute with Willy video by photographer Willy Foo.
__________
Experiments
The following experiments will illustrate what happens when
you change shutter speed.
Set up:
- Set your camera to shutter speed priority – TV or S. The camera should automatically select the proper ISO and aperture setting. Your camera settings might blink if the shutter speed you have selected exceeds what the settings the camera thinks it can handle. (Think deer in the headlights.) Unless you make adjustments, your photos might be extremely over or under exposed.
- Find or create a moving object. Examples: a running pet, a jumping friend, a waterfall or water fountain, rolling pool table balls.
- A consistent light source.
Experiment 1
Question: What
happens when you focus on a moving object at various shutter speed setting?
- Set your camera’s shutter speed to as fast (e.g. 1/4000) as your camera will go.
- Shoot your moving subject.
What do you see? What
aperture did your camera choose? How
sharp is the action in your photo?
- Reset your shutter speed to 1/125.
- Shoot your moving subject.
What do you see? What
aperture did your camera choose? Is
there any blurring in your photo?
- Reset your shutter speed to as low as your camera will go.
- Shoot your moving subject.
What do you see? What
aperture did your camera choose? How
much blurring is in your photo?
Experiment 2
Question: What
happens when you focus on a moving object at various shutter speed settings,
shooting from different angles?
- Have your subject move towards or away from you.
- Repeat the steps from Experiment #1.
What do you notice?
Is it easier or harder to focus on your subject?
- Have your subject cross in front of you and try panning.
- Repeat the steps from Experiment #1.
What do you notice?
______________
Suggested places to shoot action:
______________
Suggested places to shoot action:
For more shutter speed information have a look at the Allversity Moments and Motion lecture.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Junetta Jamerson
Junetta Jamerson belting out Koko Taylor's "I am a Woman" at the Calgary Public Library's One Book One Calgary launch, last night at the downtown Central branch. Junetta's band included her husband Rick Jamerson on bass. [Yeah, I was thinking maybe his name might be James... like the Funk Brothers' James Jamerson. I wonder if they might be related; even distantly.]
The Library's program publications said a gospel singer was going to perform. I'm not a big fan of the gospel. But because I'm a photo-slut I committed to taking photos for the Library before checking the performer lineup. What a surprise, though. I thought I'd explode with joy when I heard the first blues riff. Then Junetta sang... the joy went nuclear!
But the night was about a book... the One Book, One Calgary selection as a matter of fact. This year, OBOC celebrates Lawrence Hill's "The Book of Negroes," a fictional account of an 1700s African woman kidnapped and sold into slavery who spends her life trying get back home to Africa. Although the book is fiction it is based on fact; including something never mentioned in history books -- black slavery in Canada. Lawrence Hill puts a human face to historical events. I understand they're going to film a series.
Lawrence, or Larry as he prefers to be called, was a shyly wry speaker. I especially liked his story of why he chose to become a writer. It involved Larry wanting a kitten at age 6 and his father tasking him to write a paragraph explaining why, who would feed it, and how to keep it from having kittens in the closet. Larry got the biggest laugh when he asked if we would mind trading mayors. He's from Toronto.
What was also cool was a huge wall map of the world on the main floor. Using strings and pins people were invited to show the route they took to get to Calgary from their home country. At one point I got too close and a couple people handed me their cameras, wanting me to take photos of them tagging the map. One guy gave me his iPhone, something I have got to learn how to use some day. Give me a DSLR or point and shoot camera and I can eventually figure out how it works. But iPhones... such a thin little thing with buttons all over the place... I feel like I'm all thumbs. I hope I gave him at least one good photo.
Links:
The Library's program publications said a gospel singer was going to perform. I'm not a big fan of the gospel. But because I'm a photo-slut I committed to taking photos for the Library before checking the performer lineup. What a surprise, though. I thought I'd explode with joy when I heard the first blues riff. Then Junetta sang... the joy went nuclear!
But the night was about a book... the One Book, One Calgary selection as a matter of fact. This year, OBOC celebrates Lawrence Hill's "The Book of Negroes," a fictional account of an 1700s African woman kidnapped and sold into slavery who spends her life trying get back home to Africa. Although the book is fiction it is based on fact; including something never mentioned in history books -- black slavery in Canada. Lawrence Hill puts a human face to historical events. I understand they're going to film a series.
Lawrence, or Larry as he prefers to be called, was a shyly wry speaker. I especially liked his story of why he chose to become a writer. It involved Larry wanting a kitten at age 6 and his father tasking him to write a paragraph explaining why, who would feed it, and how to keep it from having kittens in the closet. Larry got the biggest laugh when he asked if we would mind trading mayors. He's from Toronto.
What was also cool was a huge wall map of the world on the main floor. Using strings and pins people were invited to show the route they took to get to Calgary from their home country. At one point I got too close and a couple people handed me their cameras, wanting me to take photos of them tagging the map. One guy gave me his iPhone, something I have got to learn how to use some day. Give me a DSLR or point and shoot camera and I can eventually figure out how it works. But iPhones... such a thin little thing with buttons all over the place... I feel like I'm all thumbs. I hope I gave him at least one good photo.
Links:
- "The Book of Negroes" by Lawrence Hill
- Calgary Public Library One Book, One Calgary 2013 - month long event guide
- Junetta Jamerson
- "I am a Woman" by Koko Taylor
- James Jamerson bass track to "I Can't Get Next to You"
Friday, November 1, 2013
Haunted Hollywood
Hallowe'en night a few die-hard classic movie buffs took part in the National Music Centre's Haunted Hollywood tour. This lady, dressed as the Bride of Frankenstein, was waiting for the tour to begin.
The evening started off with the tour guide playing this theatre organ, accompanying a brief showing of the movie Nosferatu (1922 version).
Shot with the Pentax k-5, 18-135mm lens; edited with Photoshop CS5 and added Corel Paintshop Photo Pro X3's Time Machine effect.
Links:
The evening started off with the tour guide playing this theatre organ, accompanying a brief showing of the movie Nosferatu (1922 version).
Shot with the Pentax k-5, 18-135mm lens; edited with Photoshop CS5 and added Corel Paintshop Photo Pro X3's Time Machine effect.
Links:
- National Music Centre
- Nosferatu - full 1922 movie on YouTube
- Bride of Frankenstein - the monster meets his bride - YouTube clip
Friday, October 18, 2013
Solidarity Rally for Mi'Kmaq Protest Against Fracking in New Brunswick - updated
Treaty 7 INM -- RALLY in UNITY & SOLIDARITY with MI'KMAQ WARRIORS
Friday, October 18, 2013 at 6:00 PM
Olympic Plaza (228 - 8 Avenue SE)
Calgary, Alberta, CA
Presented by Idle No More Treaty 7.
 |  |
This evening local activists gathered together in Olympic Plaza to support New Brunswick anti-fracking protestors; particularly the Mi'kmaq activists whose protest ended with the fire-bombing of police vehicles, gun fire and arrests. At tonight's demonstration we were told that the Mi'kmaq had been peacefully protesting for almost a month against shale drilling in their area.
This is not just a New Brunswick issue. Rural land owners across Canada who have land targeted for shale extraction are faced with the possibility that their ground water will be contaminated by the fracking process. A woman who lives near Rosebud, AB is attempting to sue all parties responsible for her flammable tap water. (See story below.)
The Harper government is doing an environment impact study on shale drilling, but when it comes to making decisions about sustaining the environment, the government seems to side with big business and damn the environmental consequences. (Just my two bits worth.)
Below are some links that I hope will put this week's events in context.
Links:
- Blog Postings about Fracking in New Brunswick - Conservation Council of New Brunswick
- Fracking - The Council of Canadians
- News:
- Peter MacKay calls for end to confrontations after Molotov cocktails, torched police cars at N.B. protest - National Post
- Justice minister calls for calm after violent shale gas protest in New Brunswick - Macleans
- Several N.B. shale gas protesters now charged after clash - CBC
- "Alberta woman loses round in anti-fracking lawsuit - CBC News Calgary -- "It is worrying that citizens are unable to hold the energy regulator accountable for failing to protect citizens from the harmful impacts of fracking."
- The Pros and Cons of Shale Gas - How Stuff Works
- How Hydraulic Fracking Works - How Stuff Works
- Industry News - Shale Oil & Gas Symposium
- Harnessing Science and Technology to Understand the Environmental Impacts of Shale Gas Extraction - Council of Canadian Academies
Sunday, October 13, 2013
waiting for a bus
A nice quiet, peaceful scene captured on my way home after an afternoon of running with zombies. BTW, this lady is not a zombie. As far as I know. : )
The scene reminded me of something I saw in a ACAD fine arts photography class I took. Can't remember the name of the photographer, though.
The scene reminded me of something I saw in a ACAD fine arts photography class I took. Can't remember the name of the photographer, though.
Zombie Walk 2013 - last laugh
Urrgh! Arrgh! The zombies walk!
Last, but not least, I finished Saturday off with the annual Zombie Walk. Shooting zombies every year is a blast. What the walkers lack in melodrama, they make up in... undeadness ... and the unsatisfied search for brains.
The zombies walked from Olympic Plaza to Thomson Park and then ended at Shaw Millennium Park. This year there was no Food Bank truck collecting donations, nor prizes for best zombie. When the organizer announced this the crowd was quiet. Then the head zombie yelled into his megaphone, "But there will be a zombie walk!"
The zombie hordes cheered which quickly turned into really loud moans and groans of appreciation.
Links:
Last, but not least, I finished Saturday off with the annual Zombie Walk. Shooting zombies every year is a blast. What the walkers lack in melodrama, they make up in... undeadness ... and the unsatisfied search for brains.
The zombies walked from Olympic Plaza to Thomson Park and then ended at Shaw Millennium Park. This year there was no Food Bank truck collecting donations, nor prizes for best zombie. When the organizer announced this the crowd was quiet. Then the head zombie yelled into his megaphone, "But there will be a zombie walk!"
The zombie hordes cheered which quickly turned into really loud moans and groans of appreciation.
Links:
- Zombie Walk 2013 - Flickr set
- More Zombie Walk Flickr photos (Flickr search)
March Against Monsanto 2013 - Monsanto nature's enemy
A group of local activists met at City Hall Plaza to protest against Monsanto, an agricultural company that specializes in producing genetically modified seeds.
This is the second protest walk against Monsanto in Calgary this year, that I know of -- one took place in May.
Links:
This is the second protest walk against Monsanto in Calgary this year, that I know of -- one took place in May.
Links:
- March Against Monsanto - October 2013 - Flickr set
- March Against Monsanto - Monsanto Kills - May 2013 blog posting, with more links explaining the stand against Monsanto
Blessing of the Animals - for the love of Dog
The St Martin's Anglican Church's blessing of the animals was held Saturday, October 12, at the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer. I was moved by the love as people lined up to have their pet cat or dog blessed by one of three Reverends. Was even more amazed when an old City of Calgary police horse and a reluctant donkey were led to the alter for blessings.
This was the first time I photographed this. I almost went to the wrong church. A friend from work told me he was taking his dog to be blessed and I thought he was going to the St. Francis RC church, right behind the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer. I'd seen news stories about the pet blessings that packed the tiny St Francis church. Because St Francis is so small, I sat myself across the street, ready to take photos of people taking their pets inside. Then I noticed some women walking two or three dogs at a time towards 7th Avenue. When I followed them I found a donkey on the front lawn and people and dogs greeting each other at the entrance.
Normally I don't go into churches except for weddings and funerals, but this was too irresistible. I asked a church usher for permission to take photos and had a blast.
I tried out the TAv setting on my Pentax. TAv allows me to set the aperture or shutter speed or ISO on the fly. Whatever I change, the camera adjusts the other two settings automatically. I got the shots I wanted, but unfortunately the auto ISO settings were really high. The noise pretty much washed out any details in shadows or black. So my photos of the horse and any black dogs (and there were a lot of them) didn't quite work out.
The love in this one was too good to discard, so I used the in-camera Pastel digital filter to make it look like a drawing and then lightened the mid-tones in Photoshop.
Links:
This was the first time I photographed this. I almost went to the wrong church. A friend from work told me he was taking his dog to be blessed and I thought he was going to the St. Francis RC church, right behind the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer. I'd seen news stories about the pet blessings that packed the tiny St Francis church. Because St Francis is so small, I sat myself across the street, ready to take photos of people taking their pets inside. Then I noticed some women walking two or three dogs at a time towards 7th Avenue. When I followed them I found a donkey on the front lawn and people and dogs greeting each other at the entrance.
Normally I don't go into churches except for weddings and funerals, but this was too irresistible. I asked a church usher for permission to take photos and had a blast.
I tried out the TAv setting on my Pentax. TAv allows me to set the aperture or shutter speed or ISO on the fly. Whatever I change, the camera adjusts the other two settings automatically. I got the shots I wanted, but unfortunately the auto ISO settings were really high. The noise pretty much washed out any details in shadows or black. So my photos of the horse and any black dogs (and there were a lot of them) didn't quite work out.
The love in this one was too good to discard, so I used the in-camera Pastel digital filter to make it look like a drawing and then lightened the mid-tones in Photoshop.
Links:
- Cathedral Church of the Redeemer
- St Francis of Assisi Blessing of Animals
- Blessing of the Animals - Flickr set
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Ascension & artists
Ascension is a pair of tripod statues in front of the Avatamsaka Monastery (Buddhist) near 10th Street bridge. During the tour the sculpting team, INCIPIO MODO (composed of two sculptors, Danira Miralda and Edward Beltran), were there to discuss their work.
I asked Danira if she or her partner had ever seen H.G. Well's War of the Worlds. The answer was a blank stare and "no." I got a few snickers from tour participants, though. I wasn't trying to be funny. I really wanted to know.
When I first saw the statues (which are supposed to be spiders), looming next to the monastery, my first thought was that they were the invading tripods from the War of the Worlds. Then I wondered why they put something so sharp, so violent, and kinda phallic in front of a Buddhist monastery. A friend of a friend who prays at the monastery told her that it took quite a bit of convincing to get the monks to accept the piece and that some still don't like it.
Part of a free ArtBus tour held Sunday, September 29, 2013. All part of Alberta Culture Days.
Links:
I asked Danira if she or her partner had ever seen H.G. Well's War of the Worlds. The answer was a blank stare and "no." I got a few snickers from tour participants, though. I wasn't trying to be funny. I really wanted to know.
When I first saw the statues (which are supposed to be spiders), looming next to the monastery, my first thought was that they were the invading tripods from the War of the Worlds. Then I wondered why they put something so sharp, so violent, and kinda phallic in front of a Buddhist monastery. A friend of a friend who prays at the monastery told her that it took quite a bit of convincing to get the monks to accept the piece and that some still don't like it.
Part of a free ArtBus tour held Sunday, September 29, 2013. All part of Alberta Culture Days.
Links:
- Ascension - City of Calgary
- Avatamsaka Monastery
- shown during the ArtBus tour
- Alberta Culture Days
- ArtBus - a few more tour photos posted on Flickr
nailing the song
This is a shot from my very first volunteer gig at the National Music Centre. I was covering the NMC Guitar School. The final event of the term.
Here is a similar shot used in a Alberta Teacher's Association article.
Seeing my stuff published never gets old. : )
Here is a similar shot used in a Alberta Teacher's Association article.
Seeing my stuff published never gets old. : )
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Steven Skyrie
A student of photography learns much from the photographers they hang out with.
November 2010, I joined a group called Start to Photograph through the Meetup.com website. Soon after joining I met Steven Skyrie, one of the organizers, a musician, and really nice guy. After every meetup, where we'd go out and shoot stuff, STPers would post their photos to the STP website for critiques. Everyone had kind comments, but Steven's honest observations were always appreciated.
Steven collapsed in 2011 while walking his Great Danes on Nosehill Park. A tumor. Brain.
As much as Steven tried to remain a presence in our group, doing the 366 project in 2012 (where everyday he'd shoot a photo and post it to the STP site), and even teaching one of our Eau Claire classes, eventually it was all too much and he had to bow out.
A memorial service for Steven Skyrie was held on Tuesday October 1st, 2013 at Word of Life Center Calgary. Work kept me from attending, but I wanted to contribute something to his memory.
Somewhere there's a Nikon set to infinity. Rest in peace, Steven.
Links:
- Steven Skyrie on Flickr
Saturday, September 28, 2013
What is Photography?
Very cool basic video on What is Photography... More findings while trolling the Net for free courses.
A Quick History of Photography
Spent the day trolling the Internet for free online courses and found a bunch of interesting basic lessons on YouTube's Creative Commons. This is the first one... A Quick History of Photography.
Much of this I've already learned in courses I've taken at ACAD and SAIT. So, in essence, I've just saved you hundreds of dollars. : )
Much of this I've already learned in courses I've taken at ACAD and SAIT. So, in essence, I've just saved you hundreds of dollars. : )
Alberta Culture Days 2013 - Kick Off Party
Alberta Culture Days 2013, a set on Flickr.
Alberta Culture Days -- Communities all over Alberta are celebrating local art and culture. Calgary held a small but energetic kick off party in Olympic Plaza Saturday night (Sept 27, 2013).
A dancer in the crowd was invited onstage by Makeshift Innocence's lead singer (much to Securities disapproval). Love how he is totally in love for the dance.
A scarf performer hanging out at the entrance way to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
The Sidney York Band.
Champion hoop dancer, Dallas Arcand (Dancing Buffalo Man).
Alberta Culture Days
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Olympic Plaza seagull
Yesterday a bunch of us in the Calgary Public Library Photography Club program wandered around downtown shooting whatever struck our interests. Some of us regulars helped newbies with all kinds of camera questions and gave pointers on how to use aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to get what you want in a photo. From what I saw that was shared, there are going to be some awesome photos presented at the next CPL photo program meeting in October.
This morning I found a link on my Facebook page to a 123 Clicks article about Free Street Photography e-Books that I wish I had seen before yesterday's outing. So far I've only scanned through a couple, but I really like the 31 Days to Overcome Your Fear of Shooting Street Photography.
Links:
This morning I found a link on my Facebook page to a 123 Clicks article about Free Street Photography e-Books that I wish I had seen before yesterday's outing. So far I've only scanned through a couple, but I really like the 31 Days to Overcome Your Fear of Shooting Street Photography.
Links:
- Free Street Photography e-Books to Download
- 31 Days to Overcome Your Fear of Shooting Street Photography
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
burning @ The Bow
East downtown air quality took a nosedive at noon today from what appears to be something burning inside The Bow. North air vents spewed blue smoke and a burning petroleum smell could be detected from as far away as the main floor of the Central Library.
UPDATE: CTV Calgary News : Diesel odor prompts evacuation of downtown building
Published Wednesday, September 18, 2013 2:08PM MDT
UPDATE: CTV Calgary News : Diesel odor prompts evacuation of downtown building
Ryan White, CTV Calgary
Published Wednesday, September 18, 2013 2:08PM MDT
More than 200 employees were displaced from a four-storey building in
the downtown core Wednesday afternoon after several occupants detected
the smell of diesel and began to feel ill.
Shortly after noon, members of the Calgary Fire Department were deployed to the North-West Travellers Building in the 500 block of 1 St. S.E. following reports of noxious fumes by employees on the lower floors.
Firefighters checked air quality and carbon monoxide levels throughout the building and determined the source of the fumes to be the testing of a back-up generator in a neighbouring building.
Carbon monoxide has not been detected within the building.
The CFD Hazardous Materials team will remain on scene until air quality is deemed safe. Employees are expected to be permitted to return to the building within the hour.
Shortly after noon, members of the Calgary Fire Department were deployed to the North-West Travellers Building in the 500 block of 1 St. S.E. following reports of noxious fumes by employees on the lower floors.
Firefighters checked air quality and carbon monoxide levels throughout the building and determined the source of the fumes to be the testing of a back-up generator in a neighbouring building.
Carbon monoxide has not been detected within the building.
The CFD Hazardous Materials team will remain on scene until air quality is deemed safe. Employees are expected to be permitted to return to the building within the hour.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Monday, September 2, 2013
Pride Calgary 2013 Parade We are all born to be loved-
Calgary Pride was huge as Calgary’s LGBTQA community partied hardy Sunday, September 1. The parade seemed three times the size of last year's with more banks, politicians, athletes, police (marching), local media, churches, non-profit organizations, and furries in attendance.
What I love about Pride is the positive vibe. It's like a big a Love Fest. Plus, you meet some interesting people. One fellow I spoke with before the parade started was working on a film documentary on k. d. lang. He was hoping she would make an appearance. I was hoping for George Takei. Unfortunately neither showed, but there were other famous people.
Mayor Nenshi, several aldermen including John Mar and Druh Farrell, Premier Redford, Liberal Leader Raj Sherman, and MLA Kent Hehr (with Elvis impersonator father) were there. Nenshi reverted to teacher-mode and made a speech that was inspiring. Redford said something mostly forgettable. Sherman didn't make any speech, but during the parade he commented in passing on the "beautiful baby" the lady standing beside me was holding.
Olympic athletes and celebrities from CBC were also in the parade.
There seemed to be more businesses, especially banks, this year. Was disappointed that my workplace did nothing officially, even though I saw at least three co-workers in the parade.
Traditionally, the Unitarian Church rainbow flag notes the end of the parade. This year was different with a ton of other entrees following.
Another difference was how low key the marchers were this year. Meaning no nudity and no kinky. Definitely a family parade. While there were a few people dressed in just their undies, the festival at Shaw Millennium Park was also mostly tame in comparison to past events. Although I did overhear two police officers comment on someone "crossing the line."
Everyone seemed to be having a great time... kids, parents, seniors, and furries!
Links:
* Flickr Set
* Huffpost Alberta
* Calgary Herald
* FFWD
* CBC
* Global TV Calgary
What I love about Pride is the positive vibe. It's like a big a Love Fest. Plus, you meet some interesting people. One fellow I spoke with before the parade started was working on a film documentary on k. d. lang. He was hoping she would make an appearance. I was hoping for George Takei. Unfortunately neither showed, but there were other famous people.
Mayor Nenshi, several aldermen including John Mar and Druh Farrell, Premier Redford, Liberal Leader Raj Sherman, and MLA Kent Hehr (with Elvis impersonator father) were there. Nenshi reverted to teacher-mode and made a speech that was inspiring. Redford said something mostly forgettable. Sherman didn't make any speech, but during the parade he commented in passing on the "beautiful baby" the lady standing beside me was holding.
Olympic athletes and celebrities from CBC were also in the parade.
There seemed to be more businesses, especially banks, this year. Was disappointed that my workplace did nothing officially, even though I saw at least three co-workers in the parade.
Traditionally, the Unitarian Church rainbow flag notes the end of the parade. This year was different with a ton of other entrees following.
Another difference was how low key the marchers were this year. Meaning no nudity and no kinky. Definitely a family parade. While there were a few people dressed in just their undies, the festival at Shaw Millennium Park was also mostly tame in comparison to past events. Although I did overhear two police officers comment on someone "crossing the line."
Everyone seemed to be having a great time... kids, parents, seniors, and furries!
Links:
* Flickr Set
* Huffpost Alberta
* Calgary Herald
* FFWD
* CBC
* Global TV Calgary
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Black Pearl
Last Sunday I found the Black Pearl (with plugins) docked near the Simmons Building in East Village. Opera in the Village was putting on performances of The Pirates of Penzance.
Sour Toe Ritual in Dawson City
There's a rite in Dawson City where people pay $10 to drink strong liquor with a frozen human toe dropped in it. Jack Daniels is the drink of choice for men. Women choose Grande Marnier with their toe. The toe has to touch your lips for the rite to count. I watched one guy gulp his drink down, toe and all, then slowly pull the toe out of his mouth. Ewww.
CBC Radio recently ran a radio interview with one of the bartenders that supervised a Sour Toe ritual that went very wrong. Listen to the broadcast... it's hilarious. : )
Link:
CBC Radio recently ran a radio interview with one of the bartenders that supervised a Sour Toe ritual that went very wrong. Listen to the broadcast... it's hilarious. : )
Link:
- CBC As It Happens - Bar patron in Dawson City swallows the Sourtoe (yes, a human toe!)
Friday, August 23, 2013
Corporal Alfred Aspinall of the Northwest Mounted Police
Corporal Alfred Aspinall of the Northwest Mounted Police in his buffalo coat. My great grandfather.
Photo was probably taken in the late 1800s while stationed in Calgary. Found through the Glenbow Museum Archives.
Alfred came to Canada from England around the mid-1800s to ranch with his cousin William Campbell in the Bowden/Innisfail area. William Campbell kept a diary and in it are several entries of Alfred trying to make a go of it. At one point Alfred traded his "opera glasses" for a horse harness.
Alfred joined the Northwest Mounted Police for five years, while attempting to ranch at the same time. Unfortunately, it didn't always work out. I found letters where Alfred asked for leave to help round up cattle. Permission was denied.
During his time as a Mountie, Alfred volunteered to fight in the Boer War in South Africa as part of a mounted rifle battalion. He was discharged within a few months after being shot at eight times (judging by the holes in his coat) and hit three. After the war he had a brief posting in the Yukon where he was returned to Calgary seriously ill with typhoid fever. Most of his five year contract was spent stationed in the Calgary and Banff areas.
When Alfred's contract with the Mounties ended he did many things on the side while still trying to make a go of ranching. For a time he worked in Murphy's General Store in Mayton (now a ghost town) where he met his future wife, Carolina Murphy. Eventually, Alfred sold his land and they moved to Innisfail where they had three daughters. Alfred did many jobs to support his family, including real estate and Justice of the Peace.
In 1948, the year before he died, Alfred sent a scathing letter to the RCMP regarding the conduct of their officers. The gist of it was that during his time of service Mounties were more honourable and not condescending to the people they served. A proud and honourable Mountie, with or without the buffalo coat.
Photo was probably taken in the late 1800s while stationed in Calgary. Found through the Glenbow Museum Archives.
Alfred came to Canada from England around the mid-1800s to ranch with his cousin William Campbell in the Bowden/Innisfail area. William Campbell kept a diary and in it are several entries of Alfred trying to make a go of it. At one point Alfred traded his "opera glasses" for a horse harness.
Alfred joined the Northwest Mounted Police for five years, while attempting to ranch at the same time. Unfortunately, it didn't always work out. I found letters where Alfred asked for leave to help round up cattle. Permission was denied.
During his time as a Mountie, Alfred volunteered to fight in the Boer War in South Africa as part of a mounted rifle battalion. He was discharged within a few months after being shot at eight times (judging by the holes in his coat) and hit three. After the war he had a brief posting in the Yukon where he was returned to Calgary seriously ill with typhoid fever. Most of his five year contract was spent stationed in the Calgary and Banff areas.
When Alfred's contract with the Mounties ended he did many things on the side while still trying to make a go of ranching. For a time he worked in Murphy's General Store in Mayton (now a ghost town) where he met his future wife, Carolina Murphy. Eventually, Alfred sold his land and they moved to Innisfail where they had three daughters. Alfred did many jobs to support his family, including real estate and Justice of the Peace.
In 1948, the year before he died, Alfred sent a scathing letter to the RCMP regarding the conduct of their officers. The gist of it was that during his time of service Mounties were more honourable and not condescending to the people they served. A proud and honourable Mountie, with or without the buffalo coat.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Ancestors and Sunflowers
Yesterday, a friend and I got lost in the Bowden SunMaze which just opened August 6th. Actually, we got lost in their corn maze. The sunflowers, dwarfed by a June hail storm, were mostly buds and a little over five feet tall. It might be worth going back to in September when it's not so hot. I think it was 26 Celsius, but it felt like 30. I didn't take a whole lot of photos, but I did discover that even an extreme f-stop of f40 will not bring a red barn in focus when it's several miles away.
Since neither I nor my friend are great with heat, we wound up not completing the corn maze hike and explored the Bowden Museum instead. Like most small town museums, the collection is reliant on what families donate. Someone in Bowden really loved Avon products. We had a few what-the-heck-is-that moments in the kitchen goods area. Just before we left, we found some information about my great grandfather who ranched in the area. It sparked the desire to hit more museums along HWY 2a, but it was almost three o-clock. We were short on time and getting hungry.
The museum volunteer recommended Jack's Kitchen, but it was closed for a golf tournament. Told that the Starlite Diner was pretty expensive, we headed to Olds and had a late lunch at the Chinese restaurant; the one (according to historical information framed on the restaurant wall) that used to be the Public Lunch cafe in 1918. The food was large in quantity and yummy. I asked our waitress if she was related to the original owner. She said her family used to be their neighbors in a village in China.
Highway 2a has always been one of my favorite roads to road-trip, but even so on the way back, after such a large meal and feeling nappy, my mind wandered. In it's wandering I thought of a way to remember all the places along the 2a between Airdrie and Red Deer. First I came up with the super easy to remember Harry Potterish "DOBI"; for Didsbury, Olds, Bowden, and Innisfail. Then I added Cross-Car for Crossfield and Carstairs. Run it together, Cross-Car-DOBI, add guttural tones, and it almost sounds Klingon.
Today, when I checked Google Maps, I realized I forgot Penhold. Hmmm. Cross-Car-DOBIP? Nah. Cross-Car-DOBI-Pen? M-m-m-maybe.
Links:
Since neither I nor my friend are great with heat, we wound up not completing the corn maze hike and explored the Bowden Museum instead. Like most small town museums, the collection is reliant on what families donate. Someone in Bowden really loved Avon products. We had a few what-the-heck-is-that moments in the kitchen goods area. Just before we left, we found some information about my great grandfather who ranched in the area. It sparked the desire to hit more museums along HWY 2a, but it was almost three o-clock. We were short on time and getting hungry.
The museum volunteer recommended Jack's Kitchen, but it was closed for a golf tournament. Told that the Starlite Diner was pretty expensive, we headed to Olds and had a late lunch at the Chinese restaurant; the one (according to historical information framed on the restaurant wall) that used to be the Public Lunch cafe in 1918. The food was large in quantity and yummy. I asked our waitress if she was related to the original owner. She said her family used to be their neighbors in a village in China.
Highway 2a has always been one of my favorite roads to road-trip, but even so on the way back, after such a large meal and feeling nappy, my mind wandered. In it's wandering I thought of a way to remember all the places along the 2a between Airdrie and Red Deer. First I came up with the super easy to remember Harry Potterish "DOBI"; for Didsbury, Olds, Bowden, and Innisfail. Then I added Cross-Car for Crossfield and Carstairs. Run it together, Cross-Car-DOBI, add guttural tones, and it almost sounds Klingon.
Today, when I checked Google Maps, I realized I forgot Penhold. Hmmm. Cross-Car-DOBIP? Nah. Cross-Car-DOBI-Pen? M-m-m-maybe.
Links:
- Bowden SunMaze
- Bowden Pioneer Museum
- Town of Bowden
- Town of Olds
- Unlock the Past
- Roadtrip - Bowden, Alberta - Flickr photos
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