Fwd: Steven Brust Unplugged (CopperCon 28)

CopperCon 28: Photo Report. The Con took place over the weekend of Aug 29th - 31st. Today is Dead dog Sunday, but I have to work, so I was only able to attend Friday & Sat. I was there taking photos of the convention as a Staff Member for the Con and hitting the events of interest to me to capture the experience as best as I could...
So...last night I was sitting in the audience to watch my favorite author, Steven Brust, performing at his concert. I have my Canon 40D camera with me and I have been using it to take stills all convention long, including from this very performance, when it occurs to me that my phone shoots video, and wouldn't it be cool to have something more than just still photos. This clip represents 100% of the footage I captured at his concert.

Go Figure.

===Wilgar===>>

Wanna read something Really Cool?

Microsoft comic book 'The Lost Ones' better off not found | NetworkWorld.com Community

My sister Julie asked me to review the new on line graphic novel "The Lost Ones" published on the Zune Arts website. So I read the story and gave her my impression. And wouldn't ya know it, she posted it! I feel like Steve Martin in the movie "The Jerk". I want to run around yelling "My review is on line! My review is on line! My name in "print"! I'm SOMEBODY!" But that might be overstating things a bit.

I would take it as a great favor if you all would read the review and leave your feedback about it there! It would certainly mean a lot to me, and to my sister Julie as well!

Thank you in advance!!

===Steven===>>

I guess I was hacked!

Sorry everyone! I just learned that my Blog was hacked and a bogus phishing scheme post was sent to you all. I have made the necessary corrections and hope that you all will accept my apologies for the spam!

However if you still want to help Miss Kala, I would be willing to get your personal account information to her for you.

Trust me.


===Steven===>>

Disappointments Abound

So...I have had a few Disappointments this past week. I am trying not to focus on them because that gives them too much power over me. But I want to get them off my chest and here is as good a place as any to do it.

First of all, this week marks the 18th anniversary of my fathers passing (July 3rd, 1990) and I always get a bit melancholy about that. I miss my father very much. There are so many things I want to talk about with him and questions I want to ask and stories I want to hear! I realize that this is the natural order of life, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.

The Fourth of July was actually a really good day for me! I spent the majority of it at home working on projects intended to aid me in my photography and that just feels good! Then I continued a tradition that was started several years ago by The Dark Ones and that is to view the Glendale Community College fireworks display from Sahuaro Ranch Park! It was really hot but that's to be expected in Phoenix AZ in July! But then we had a bit of a Monsoon storm come thru. The clouds covered the sun and the wind gusted strong for a few hours to aid in cooling things down a bit, but that wind was a bit of a hindrance to any attempt to enjoy all the BB-Q goodness that was available! I was really afraid that the show would be canceled because of it as well, but the wind calmed down in time for the show to take place. It was a very nice display of pretty lights and colors! (I got some good shots too! Including a really cool lightning picture! Woot!)
The next day (yesterday) was, again, a combination of fun and disappointment. I had a scheduled photo shoot with a model who was coming up from Tucson for the weekend. So I spent more time cleaning and setting up the "Studio". The disappointment came as I was still tweaking the lighting. I snapped 25 images...and as she sat on the stool she was posing on, said she wanted to reschedule because she was feeling sick. She had told me on the phone earlier that she had eaten something on the 4th that had made her ill. She thought she was over it, but then it kinda snuck up on her all of the sudden. So, hours of work to prepare...and 25 images to show for it.
But the silver lining here is that it allowed me to attend a birthday/pool party at Jeff and Nola's that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to go to! I have to say that I had a really wonderful time. It was relaxing and fun. There were about 35-40 people there splashing in the pool and having more BB-Q goodness! I hadn't been swimming like that for such a long time I almost forgot what it was like!

Then, today as I was getting ready to work on the photos from yesterday's abbreviated photo shoot, the RAW files up and disappeared! I mean POOF! Gone! And I didn't delete them either! What happened was this: I was using picasa to view the pics. Picasa has a "rotate" function and I utilized it to get the correct orientation of the RAW images. Well...long story a little shorter, the RAW files were "poofed" before my eyes! I mean GONE! They weren't in the Deleted Items folder...nor in a "hidden" folder...they were just GONE!
I had only one option to get them back and that was to pay $40 for a piece of software to recover them from my CF card which I had already re-formated! Man what a royal pain! But it was a successful venture and now I have something to use if this ever pops up again.

But here is the main thing that has disappointed me: I had a model cancel a shoot scheduled later this week for "Personal Reasons". Frankly that has really eaten away at my self confidence. I mean, I understand completely when life throws a curve ball and things don't go as planned. I think I demonstrated that when my model asked to reschedule during a shoot! But what gets me here is this: I feel that I did everything correctly and professionally with this other girl. We met to discuss creative ideas. I bought her lunch and we brainstormed and I thought came upon a really great concept that I was really excited about! We even planned to meet a week before the shoot to shop for things we would need for the shoot that likely I would have paid for and she would have kept. But she no-showed me that day. Didn't return my calls on that day asking what happened...and then today when I called her again and left a message asking about the status of the shoot all I got was a text message saying she had to cancel for "personal reasons". Not that she had to reschedule...but cancel.
So, what happened? I mean if she doesn't want to shoot with me, I can't change that, but I really want to know why...! I was professional, friendly and genuinely excited to work with her and on this themed shoot... Now I sit and languish with the thought that somehow I did or said something to make her feel uncomfortable. But honestly I don't know what it could have been! And the bit that gets me the most is that I likely never will! Even if she did tell me what it was, all it would do to me is make me more upset because I guarantee it would be something she misinterpreted or misconstrued and no amount me saying "no, that's not the case..." would change things.

Well I could go on and on about this stuff. And who knows, I may come back and visit this topic, but for now, I am tired.

Good night.

Myst Nightclub Lingerie Show

Here are the first three images from the Lingerie Show event at the Myst Nightclub in Scottsdale AZ. The event took place on April 9th, 2008.

I shot over 750 images...so there is a lot of work yet to be done!

Rush: Snakes & Arrows

The Rush tour came to Phoenix on the first. John got us tickets which was really cool of him. Then, he won a contest and we got to MEET THE BAND!!

So...here's me and John...with these silly grins on our faces standing next to two Rock & Roll LEGENDS: Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson... This was the best day I have had in a looooong time! As soon as I can get the pics & Vids off my phone I will post some here!

At the Gates of Heaven

As you know St.Peter guards the gates of heaven.
One day he needed to pee and asked Jesus to guard the gates for him for a little while.
Jesus, being a very kind and willing man said that he would.

Soon after, an old man with a beard appeared and started to walk towards Jesus. When the man got to the gates Jesus thought he looked familiar.

Jesus stopped the man and said, "I don't mean to be nosey sir, but did you have any children?"

"Yes" replied the old man in a sad voice. "One son, but he died. Then he had nails put through him."

Then Jesus asked the old man what type of work he did on earth.

"I was a carpenter"

"Father?"asked Jesus.

"Pinocchio?" asked the man...

Baby Girl Born With Two Faces and Four Eyes, Worshipped as a God : Environmental News Blog | Environmental Graffiti

I can't really think of anything else to say here...

OK...that's not true. I have many comments I COULD make, but I would prefer to know YOUR thoughts. Please leave your comments on the blog rather than reply to me directly.

Thanks!

Baby Girl Born With Two Faces and Four Eyes, Worshipped as a God : Environmental News Blog | Environmental Graffiti

Rough time part II

In the distant past I was posting a few very personal thoughts in an attempt to help clear my head. For whatever reason, I stopped. Or at least held back on the personal stuff because sometimes it's not something I wanted the Internet to know.
But tonight will be a bit of the old style. A look at my inner thoughts.
It won't be overly long, but it will be "potent".

So...It's been over a year since my mother passed away and I am still missing her. It's a hard feeling to admit to because I spent so much energy resenting her presence in my home. But as time passes, and the emptiness gets larger, I have to say that the time she spent living with me was good for us both.

I have a roommate now, who is a very nice guy and I am very fortunate to have found such a trustworthy person to share my home, but it's not the same as being able to go into her room and know that I could unload all of my problems and come out of there feeling better than when I went in.

I recently found an old video tape from one of the first Deadman's Parties I ever had here. There is a very brief moment with mom in it. At first when I saw it, I kept thinking that she looks drunk or medicated. But now I just want to watch it to feel closer to her and see her alive again. That is one of my regrets: That I don't have more video footage. Ah well...live and learn.

===Steven===>>

Rough time

These past two days have been kinda rough. I've been in a daze, and I still feel that way as I type this rare blog post about my personal life. Today is my mother's birthday. It was one year and 2 days ago that she died. Should I tell you what I did on the one year anniversary of her passing? I worked. But before I worked, I did something really stoopit...I fell victim to a lame fishing scheme that put my bank account in the hands of thieves for a day. Yeah...Me...the guy who is always telling other people not to fall for those emails that promise the world if you will just give them your bank account number so they can deposit it in there for you.
I won't get into great detail about that suffice it to say I had to spend a couple of hours at the bank filling out all the paperwork to fix the problem. So, I didn't have much time to think about anything else...and the day passed without my remembering Mom.
It wasn't until much later in the day that I realized what significance of the day was...And now, today, her birthday...what did I do? Worked. Walked the dogs. Felt depressed. Blogged.

Photo's of the Gig

I guess there was a photographer at the show...and it wasn't me! Well, technically since I was there, and I am a photographer...oh, nevermind..

Click this link to go to the PhotoBucket site holding our pics!

Reminder: Violet Wing Concert This Saturday 1/12/07 @ 7pm

Hi again Groovy Guys and Gals!

This is just a friendly reminder that "The Violet Wing A Go Go And Psychedelic Music Experience" is happening THIS SATURDAY, January 12th, 2008 @ 7pm.

The Violet Wing is a Real Honest to Goodness band from the 60's! Three of the members performing started playing together as young adults, and the incredible music of that generation has stayed with them thru the years! Then they asked me to join them, so here I am! Back in the Spotlight and banging the skins!

The Wing will be playing a TON of the most popular Rock songs from the 60's, as well as a few other surprises. We have a couple of special musical guests, and the prettiest Go Go Girls set to be dancing in golden cages to get you up and out of your chairs!

Take a look to see what I mean:

Tickets are just $10 in advance and $15 at the door. If you can tell me how many you need by THIS THURSDAY Jan 10^th, I will be sure to get you the discounted rate.

Once again:
Date: Saturday January 12, 2008
Time: 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Location: Women's Club of Mesa
200 N. MacDonald Mesa AZ 85201

Click here for a Google Map

Come on out for a great night of Music and Fun!

===Wilgar===>>

Hot Wookie Walking

A new version of a Walking Carpet

If you get the reference, you should appreciate this image! (Warning! This is NOT "Work Safe"...but it's not "Porn" either!)

Here's a Neat Little Somethng...

Models and Snakes

I was just cruisin' the 'net and happened across these images and I just had to share them!
Maybe, someday I will do a shoot like this!

The Violet Wing in Concert!

Coming Soon to the Woman's Club of Mesa: The Violet Wing In Concert!

Saturday, January 12th, 2008! Follow this link for more details: http://thevioletwing.com/html/play_dates.html

Notice that the admission is $15.00. But I have a little pull with the band and can get you in for only $10!

Contact me through MySpace and I will take care of it for ya!

BTW: If you haven't already seen the promo pics of some of the AMAZINGLY gorgeous girls who will be our Go Go Dancers...why not!! http://www.flickr.com/photos/keyholeprod/sets/72157603158382560/

Peace!

===Wilgar===>>

Proud to Present: Keyhole Productions Photography

It is Done! A new place for me to post my pictures and talk about my photography! There isn't much there at the moment, but that will change! Come take a look! Leave some comment...Show some Love!!


===Steven===>>

ModelMayhem.com

Ok...Look. If you know me at all, you know I am a photographer and a drummer and even a gamer. I have always thought that was an interesting and even slightly unusual, dare I say unique combination of interests.
Now, follow this link and read this man's profile. If you laugh as hard as I did (in a good way!) then let me know!
ModelMayhem.com

This guy is a PHENOMENAL photographer! But I have to warn you his portfolio is not "work safe" as he has some "Artistic Nudes" posted.

So, wait until you go home, then check it out and tell me what you think!!

Post your comments here for all to see...It'll be Fun!!

"Keyhole Productions Photography" blog?

So...I am considering starting a Blog to highlight my photography. I am thinking I would post some of my favorite pics and try to give a little backstory on the image, as well as whatever technical information I can remember about how I made the image. You know, the "EXIF" data as well as any photoshop techniques I used. That kind of thing.
This is not by any means a "groundbreaking" idea as there are MANY photography blogs to be found. But I am thinking it would be good to have a "Conversation", even if it's just with myself about my passion. Hopefully I will entertain my friends, and if possible even make some new ones.

What do you all think? Leave me your comments!

Oh...in case you didn't already have them, these are the links to the places on the net that I regularly post my photos:

"Keyhole Productions" on Flickr

"Wilgar" on Flickr

"Keyhole Productions" on My Space

"Wilgar" on My Space

"Wilgar" on Tribe.net

Sometimes I post duplicate pictures and sometimes I don't. But I am always interested in your opinions!

Thanks everyone!

===Steven===>>

Steampunk Flat-Panel LCD Mod

This is one of the most AMAZING computer mods I have ever seen and it would be a shame if more people didn't see it too! Thanks to Amberwolf for turning me on to this amazing site!

Steampunk Flat-Panel LCD Mod

Oshiah, You are the main reason I am blogging this site.

A funny thing happened to me...

...Well, different is more appropriate than "funny". I went to the gym. I wasn't planning on it, it just sorta happened. Have you ever lent a book, or a movie to a friend, and then had an overwhelming urge to read that book, or watch that movie? Well, ever since I got home from the hospital and was healing from the procedure, knowing that I wasn't able to go swimming, all I have wanted to do was swim. Knowing that my gym has a pool, and is open 24hrs during the week has only made the desire more intense.
As I have been out and about, the thought keeps coming to me that I want to be in the pool...but it never happens when I can actually GO to the gym. But tonight as I sat in front of the computer, it occured to me that I could. I had already walked the dogs thru the park earlier and there was nothing stopping me. So I pack my gear and head out. Then, on the way to my usual gym, I remember that a brand new facility opened not too far away at Loop 101 / Union Hills.
I walk in and realize just how run down my old club looks. But then that's to be expected with any new building. I also realize that I don't know where anything is here! But it's not hard to find the locker room, and from the the pool area.
So, after changing out, I head through the showers and find myself in the chlorine soaked room of water. The pool and jacuzzi are here and as a reward for getting this far, I hit the jacuzzi first.
There are a couple of people there already, guy and girl who are talking as if they know each other, and they completely ignore me. Well, that's not unusual. After a few minutes they leave, and I decide to swim for real. The temperature difference between the jacuzzi and the pool is amazing, but it's not long before I am acclimated to it. And off I go!
One lap, taken at a nice easy pace. I get to the end of the lane and just...relax. This is nice! Time for more. The second lap is still slow and pleasant. With a break at the end...just because. On the Third lap I realize I am not kicking my feet enough and make an adjustment. Big Mistake! The extra energy requires more oxygen and that's harder to come by when your mouth is in the water...I make it to the end, panting and weak and realize I need a longer break.
This isn't the first time I have had this experience, but it's the first time in a long time. Finally, I do one more painful lap and head, once more to the jacuzzi. There are differnt people in it this time, but one of them actually strikes up a conversation with me. That made the whole thing worth doing. It's nice to know I am not incapable of talking to folks I don't know. Somehow, it's a validation for me and I needed it more than I knew. In fact, I didn't realize that until just this moment as I typed it. hhhmmm...funny 'bout that.