Letters from Travelin' Miles: The Sin City Chronicles

A Day, A Photo: 365 2011 Completed

2012-01-01T18:48:00.000-08:00

I've completed my photo a day project, and I can barely believe that I actually did it. It started out strong. I wanted to work on improving some of my skills as a still photographer. I wanted to try new out new techniques. Somewhere along the way, I just wanted to finish the damn project.

As the project is now over, it is time to look back at what I have accomplished. I must have shot over thousands of photos this year. Posting 366. (more on that later) Now I am going to take you on a journey throughout the year, through each month. Discussing what I was thinking as the year passed along. Let's begin.

January

I started this project as a suggestion from a friend to help me build on my ever growing photography skills. I had dreams of practicing depth of field, portraits, lighting, colors, time value, yada, yada, yada. In January, you can see how I much I really tried to accomplished this.

February

I soon discovered that coming up with ideas for photographs was a lot harder than first thought, and it was only month two. I also had a problem with my work schedule. I was on the nightside shift, not giving me a lot of time with daylight. So I tried my best to take advantage of nighttime photography

March

I think I really found my stride in March. I was cruising along with low light photos, and Las Vegas provides a lot of neon lighted opportunities. Also I started to attempting a simple photography trick, levitation. The trick is in deed very simple, but lighting needs to be nearly perfect for it to work.

April

As Spring approached, I was able to take advantage of the increasing daylight. Hence I also was participating in more outdoor (non work related) events, including to a trip to Atlanta, Georgia.

May

I had a lot of great ideas to do still life or product shots this month. Most days it didn't work out so I had to scramble to make the photo a day deadline. This month had a lot of of days devoted to the Sahara Hotel Casino closing.

June

I think as June came along, I was struggling to find anything interesting to photograph. Pretty much all of these photos are just something I saw that day. It is a good thing I own cats. You may have noticed there are a few cat photos throughout the year.

July

Summer arrived so one would think there would be tons of photos ideas. Not here. The first part of the month was rough. I tried to capture lightning, and fireworks with poor execution. In the middle of the month, I started looking for light art opportunities, and I was looking forward to a vacation back home. There would definitely be photos to take in Montana.

August

Montana was spectacular! No problems finding photographs for that week. It was harder to decide which one would make the cut. I also wanted to document the extreme heat Las Vegans had to experience.

September

I think a got a second wind after I purchased my new Mac Book Pro this month. I started to really work on textures and lighting.

October

This month seemed to flyby. Good photos were everywhere I went. Monsoon season provided great weather with flooding, clouds and lighting. Then there was football games, flag football season, fighter jets, holidays.... it was a plethora of photography.

November

Even though there are some good photos in this month, I think I was getting to the point were I just wanted this project to be finished. I believe there was a lot of "fauxtography" within this month.

December

I got one final burst of endurance as I saw the finish line ahead. I was excited for the holiday season because I could rely on holiday photos being great ideas. As the final week approached, it got increasing more clear that I would finish this project. Shooting those last few photos was very easy.

Conclusion

I am glad I attempted this project. I am definitely proud of myself that I actually completed it. There are so many things that I will start and despite my best efforts I never finish them.

Friends suggested that I continue going, but I remember the mid year frustration and I think I will take a year off. Maybe I will make another attempt in 2013. If you want to check out all the photos from 2011 go to my Flickr site.

I would like to thank all my cats for always being there when I needed a photo idea. Maybe I will start a Cat Photo of the Day website. I am now more obsessed with taking my camera everywhere I go, that is for sure. I may not take a photo every day, but at least I will be ready.

Oh yeah... I almost forgot. I have a total of 366 photos for 365 days in the past year. Way back in January, I had an idea that for special events throughout the year I would occasionally post more than one photo a day. I did it only one time. Ooops!

Happy 2012!!!!

Went to the Moon!!

2011-10-23T15:01:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I was lucky enough to meet three NASA astronauts whom all went to the Moon.

Now a lot of people forget that NASA sent multiple missions to the Moon. Skeptics like to spin conspiracy theories concerning the first Moon landing, suggesting that historic moment never happen and was in fact faked. So let's just give them a inch on that and look at it as there was a conspiracy. If the first Moon landing was faked then all the other Moon landings/walks would also be faked. That would also mean that not only were the first crew, but all the crews that went to the Moon are in on the conspiracy. That is hundreds of people involved in these NASA programs over the course of two decades. After meeting three official NASA astronauts, now in their elderly years, I find that very hard to believe.

These three men had amazing detailed stories about their experiences going to the Moon. Their stories were not scripted. They came from emotional memories. Not only did these men have stories about their Moon missions; they also talked about how the Space Program paved the way of our modern day life. Everyday we neglect to recognize all the products that NASA created for the space voyages that we use commonly today. The Astronauts told how velcro was invented to hold objects in place while in zero gravity. Would we have cellphones if there wasn't a need to stay in contact with a spacecraft that was landing on the Moon? Scratch proof plastic was used for astronauts helmets, and we use it for eyeglasses. Each smartphone in a person pocket has more computing power than the first spacecraft. Would laptops, smartphones, or tablets even exist without the need for spacecrafts to jam electronics in the smallest area possible?

Think what you wish about the Moon landings. Is it is conspiracy? I don't believe so. There are too many loose ends to tighten up to make the conspiracy real. The three astronauts I meet would not be doing appearances decades later. Surely someone would slip up by now. Regardless, the stories and documentation these astronauts had was spectacular, and I bet you wished you had the same opportunity I had.

Sorry, you didn't!

PJ20 Kicks and More..

2011-09-29T20:00:00.000-07:00

I finally ordered my new pair of PJ20 Vans.

I really like the Flannel sides. Takes me back to the 90's when I used to run home from Catholic High School to throw on my worn out flannel shirts...even on the hottest of days.

I can't wait for the PJ20 Blu ray to be delivered. No viewing in LV! Hopefully Pearl Jam goes on tour in the U.S. within the next year, so I can wear them to the concerts.

I also started to workout hardcore for the first time in my life. So naturally I had to purchase some BEEFCAKE!!

I am totally getting yoked!!

So go check out some more of my pics on Flickr

I would write more, but I'm in the middle of trying to figure out how Google Music Beta works. So I am leaving you with....BEEFCAKE!!!

I Hate the Heat!!

2011-08-26T20:01:00.000-07:00

This week has been awful! The temperature has risen well over 100 degrees all week long. One day it reached up to 115 degrees! I didn't want to go outside let alone shoot any photographs. Sure I could have taken the easy way out and stayed inside, taking photos of A/C units of something stupid like that.

Nah! I wanted to do something related to the heat and the sun. I wanted to you to feel my pain. Only problem is that it is damn hard to photograph heat. So here are my photos of HEAT WEEK!!! (catchphrase pending)

Also go check out more of my photos posted on my Flickr site. There are a lot of great Yellowstone photos to view!!

Yellowstone Trip and Such

2011-08-23T22:45:00.000-07:00

Man, I posted my photos were up pretty much everywhere else, and almost forgot about posting right here. I know, I know...you say I ALWAYS forget, but I am going to really try and change that very soon.

In the mean time check out a few photos from my trip to Montana and Yellowstone right now. To see more click on a post and browse around, or go here

It's been too long

2011-07-28T23:16:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't posted anything in a long time. I can't help it that I am always busy. The one thing I have been keeping up with is my photo a day project. I haven't missed a day this entire year....so far. I may have not been posting the pictures here, but I have been posting them all on my Flickr site.

Here is a recent addition.

So as you look through all my photos in the following days, you may notice that the posting are not being updated. I assure you that I will not be missing any of these dates. I am just on vacation and I should have plenty of photos to share once I return.

Check back in after August 8th to see some exciting new Photos a Days!!

The Rapture and such

2011-05-23T13:07:00.000-07:00

Doomsday prophet, followers ‘flabbergasted’ world didn’t end - Yahoo! News

So here is an article about how "The Predictor" of the end of the world has no words for him and his 200 millions followers now that the Rapture didn't come on this past Saturday. This is ridiculous. Some of these "true believers" wasted their money and racked up credit card bills hoping the Rapture will wipe it all away.

How stupid are these idiots?!

They are actually disappointed that nothing happened. Why is it that people are so damn eager to meet up with God? Maybe God doesn't want to meet you! Ever think of that?

I don't believe nor practice in any religion. I grew up Catholic and all I really got out of it was that we as people better obey God or else. Or else what? Exactly!

So the Rapture didn't come. Big deal. I'll tell you what really did happen. All the "true believers" made such a grand spectacle out of this that we all laughed at you. Now we are laughing even harder, because you wasted you one shot at being credible.

I may not follow any one religion, but I do believe that there is a greater power that caused life to start. Is is God? I doubt it. The Universe is too massive for us humans to be the only existing life. Why do we want to feel special and be the center of the Universe? Isn't it just ok to live life at best you can without worrying about braking any of "God's rules"?

So to all those Rapture "true believers", there is only a 2% difference between humans and chimpanzees, and right now I think the chimpanzees look smarter than you.

Enjoy you credit debt!

Lazy Sunday

2011-05-23T12:33:00.000-07:00

5.22 - Lazy Sunday | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

New photo of the Day

Also I'm testing the Blog This extension on Google Chrome

Five Years....Already?!

2011-05-09T01:32:00.000-07:00

"A little bit of this town goes a very long way. After five days in Vegas you feel like you've been here for five years." - Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

If that is so, then what does five years feel like? By doing a simple correlation the answer would be five decades, but I think Vegas has a plateau. I'm sure if anyone came to Vegas with the mindset to attempt the recreation Dr. Thompson's experience that they would feel this city hit them back hard on the chin. Excess is everywhere in this town. It is the force that drives it. You come to Vegas intending on consuming as much of the excess as possible, and you expect to be leaving in worst condition. The town doesn't want visitors to stay long. If you stay too long eventually you become what is known as a local.

local - n: a person who lives in a tourism driven town or city knowing all about the activities offered to tourists but rarely part-takes in these activities themselves.

I will admit when I first moved to Las Vegas I part-took in all that this city has to offer. For the first two years I discovered how to get around all the tourist traps to gain entrance to all the high demand events and clubs that only can be glorified in Hollywood movies. I discovered a network of lounges that would have roaming open bars everyday of the week. I found out that a silver tongue and determination can gain you front of the line status and access to any popular club on the Strip. I learned how to make friends with the DJ's and entertainers so that I didn't have to pay cover charges. I discovered that a professional camera and the line, "I'm here to shoot the band" will get you into exclusive pool parties with free rock concerts. I've been thrown (literally) out of strip clubs. More people know my name than I can count, yet I can't recall who they are. I've seen the sunrise from an all nighter way too many times (sometimes multiple days of the week.). Finally, I grew tired of it all.

I indulged in all the excess that this city gives out for free, and I learned that there is a limit. There is indeed a plateau. Soon all the events and parties start becoming the same old shit with the same shitty people. I began going out less and less until I stopped all together. All these tricks and tips that I learned can't be accomplished on a weekend gateway to Vegas. Only a someone who lives here can learn them, thus continually be transformed into a local. Now I see the city for what it really is. The curtain has been lifted. The glass has shattered. I dislike going to the Strip. I dislike the tourists. The only reason I would ever what to go the iconic Las Vegas Strip is to see the final days of a closing legendary casino/hotel.

Although this all seems very negative, there is a shimmer in the darkness. I see now what Las Vegas means to me. There is more to this place than casinos and partying. There's friends and neighbors. Plenty of activities to do other than gambling including lots of outdoor recreation. It is official. This place has become my home.

Here are some stories and tidbits that I picked up over the years about how living in Las Vegas is much much different from any other place. You may be surprise to know a few of these.

It may be hard for you to believe that Las Vegas has more weather conditions than hot and sunny. We get rain and snow on occasion. It is in fact raining today. Plus it is windy a lot of the time. For some reason it is always the windiest during live shots. I hate it.

Yes it is true this is a 24 hour town. Everything and anything is accessible at any time of the day. Tell me of any other place you can go bowling or to a new movie release at 3 a.m.

You'd be amazed how many times we are meeting people at a local bar in the middle of the day to do an interview for the news. My favorite was when we were knocking on doors in one reasonably nice neighborhood asking if anyone knew a certain elderly man whom has just found dead. These kids ran up to us and told us that their mother knew the man. She would definitely talk to us if we drove over the bar she was at hanging with some friends. It was 6 p.m. Oh, of course we drove over there to get the interview.

Most likely either you know yourself or know someone who knows a stripper.

Casino losses is a bad thing while casino implosions are a good thing.

Flying out of Vegas is great. Flights are non-stop to pretty much everywhere. Flying back to Vegas sucks. Mainly because everyone the flight wants to get sloppy drunk before they start their vacation while you have to return to work tomorrow. I get it you are excited, but please wait until we land so I don't have to hear your slurring demands to the flight attendants.

Mormonism is arguably the most popular religion. No joke

On the other hand you could also meet someone and they introduced themselves like this, "Hi, nice to meet you. This is my wife and these are my children. Oh, and this is my girlfriend." and no one thinks anything strange about this.

Oh Yeah "it's only a dry heat." Well I suggest to go over to your oven turn it on to 120 degrees and stand directly in front of it for 30 minutes.

3.30 - Metal Bird

2011-04-01T22:47:00.001-07:00

The clouds at sunset sure do help the airport landing area tolerable

Earth Hour and Such

2011-03-27T22:46:00.000-07:00

3.26 - Earth Hour

It was Earth Hour, and Las Vegas decided to turn all the lights out on the world famous LV Strip for entire hour. It was eerily dark. Even the Fabulous LV sign was turned off. It was all done to promote conservation or something....hrmm

3.27 - Flores de La Primavera

Also spring is here so that means flowers are in the photographic season

Supermoon

2011-03-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

3.19 Supermoon cometh.

All over the world it was prophesied to wreaked havoc everywhere all in one night. In the desert, as sunset was emanate, the sky was blanketed with clouds blocking all the evilness that awaited the night. The chaos built as the night began. Up was Down. High tide was Low. Cats were sleeping with dogs. Then it all stopped. Supermoon arose. It split the clouds apart and showed us all its real power. The power of Good. All chaos was reversed. All was well within the world. Thank You Supermoon

Sickness Recap

2011-03-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

I've been sick the past few days, yet I was able to take at least a photo a day. I was at home all day for two out of three and no I didn't want to move even to upload these photos. Enjoy

3.16 - Illness Diet

3.17 - St. Patrick's Day

3.18 - Sobriety Checkpoint
I tried to go back to work on Friday. I was well enough, no longer contagious, but I should have stayed home. I was very lethargic.

Too Many Stories

2011-03-13T19:48:00.000-07:00

A Day, A Photo

3.13 - Tires

I had to buy a set of new tires for my car. They were almost ready to tear apart.

3.12 - The Strokes

I got tickets to see The Strokes, a band I have been a fan for ten years or so. I may not be the biggest fan, but a fan none the least. Now the seats I got were the worst possible you could get. I didn't even bother to take a photo of those shitty seats, but I was not going to be denied. My friend Keng and I found a way to sneak down to the floor, and we never looked back. Sometimes you have to take risks to really live life.

3.11 - Going Dark

This May the world historic Sahara casino will be closing its doors and this famous sign will be turned off.

3.10 - Looking Thru

Leaving the door open means a photojournalist can see straight through your house from the sidewalk. BAM!! 1st Amendment!!

Levitation

2011-03-07T23:48:00.000-08:00

3.7 - A Day, A Photo

Glitz & Glam

2011-02-24T13:48:00.000-08:00

2.24 - A Day, A Photo

Come and see the glitz and glam of the Fabulous Las Vegas = translation - blinking lights

More Pics of the Days

2011-02-23T02:52:00.000-08:00

A Day, A Photo

2.22 - Lab Fieldtrip

I was granted access to LVMPD forensic lab for a story about new ways to detect illegal drugs. Super cool!!

2.21 - Within the Box

TV can be fun....sometimes

2.20 - Spring Arrives....early

Spring is already here in the L.V.

Backlog

2011-02-20T18:29:00.000-08:00

2.19 - A Day, A Photo

So I have a giant pile of unread comics that seems like I can't make even a small dent into the lot. The harder I try the larger it gets. I guess that is what makes a collection

Another 4 day Catch-up

2011-02-19T01:15:00.000-08:00

New A Day, A Photo X 4

2.18 - Friends with Words

Board games are Dead!

2.17 - Pot Bust

Huge Pot Bust accomplished by Las Vegas Metro Police. Check out all this pot making junk.

Metro found and removed 40 pounds of illegally grown Marijuana

2.16 - Windy Night

I noticed I shoot a lot of pictures at night

2.15 - Moonlight Live

Simple yet cool

Photo Time Catch-up

2011-02-15T01:25:00.000-08:00

I've been slacking. So here is A Week, A Photos!!

2.14 - Ice - Yup, that's about it. Ice

2.13 - New Bike - Look at my new obsession. Bike riding!!

2.12 - iFamily - Look close at this one. What can you tell me about it?

2.11 - Rugby - USA Sevens returns to L.V. I only saw this prep match, didn't make it out to the international matches. Bummer!!

2.10 - Light Speed - Sometimes you just need to keep that shutter open

Slider Truck Windowlove

2011-02-09T23:59:00.000-08:00

2.9 - A Day, A Photo

Food trucks are not new by any means, but Slidin' Thru started a new wave of food trucks that operate in the L.V.

They serve gourmet burger and pork sliders, and they used social media to spread the word about their food and where they would be posted. Over the past few months other trucks like Slidin' Thru have begun driving around serving more gourmet food. It is the newest craze.

Come get Some!!! Windowlove!!

Workspace

2011-02-07T12:14:00.000-08:00

2.7 - A Day, A Photo

Howard

2011-02-06T12:13:00.000-08:00

2.6 - A Day, A Photo

3 Day Catch-up

2011-02-05T19:34:00.000-08:00

2.5 - Sunfire Fixed

I just got my car back from the body shop

It was hit by another car two weeks ago while it was parked in a grocery store parking lot.

At first I wasn't too pissed about it. I was just a minor dent and some scraped paint. Then I started to think about it as I a paying my $500 deductible. Some Asshole hit my car while it was parked and they bloody well knew it. Then the Shithead decided to run off without leave any contact information. Bullshit!!

2.4 - Take Off

Chopper 8 takes off from the Helo pad at the station.

2.3 - Friendly?

Drivers in the L.V. are not even close to friendly nor courteous. See above article

What to you see? What do you say?

Red Hood

2011-02-02T11:52:00.000-08:00

2.2 A Day, A Photo

Toy Flock

2011-02-01T23:48:00.000-08:00

2.1 A Day, A Photo

The Toy Flock protects all the cubicles from evil deadly computer viruses!

Bridge Demolition

2011-01-31T23:31:00.000-08:00

1.31 - A Day, A Photo

Star Bright

2011-01-30T23:46:00.000-08:00

1.30 - A Day, A Photo

Pasty

2011-01-29T13:49:00.000-08:00

1.29 - A Day, A Photo

I successfully made my first batch of Butte Pasties. They were very delicious!!

Interconnected

2011-01-29T00:53:00.000-08:00

1.28 - A Day, A Photo

Somerset

2011-01-28T00:54:00.000-08:00

1.27 - A Day, A Photo

Mechanic Premiere

2011-01-26T23:55:00.000-08:00

1.26 - A Day, A Photo

Tonight I had to cover a red carpet premiere of Jason Statham's new film The Mechanic. It was like most red carpets. A lot of self proclaimed celebrities who've never heard of posing for cameras. Too many public relation reps running around asking if you would like to talk to their clients. Also with the usual lineup of cameras not caring about D-list stars just waiting for the real stars to appear. I must also include that Jason Statham performed a stunt as his entrance to the premiere. By stunt I mean he drove a car onto the sidewalk at Planet Hollywood and waved to the crowd.

So I had that going tonight

William Abbott

2011-01-25T23:42:00.000-08:00

1.25 - A Day, A Photo

Lines of Power

2011-01-24T23:54:00.000-08:00

1.24 A Day, A Photo

Snowboard Safety

2011-01-23T12:51:00.000-08:00

1.23 - A Day, A Photo

I went snowboarding this past Sunday. I was a bit rusty. When you first start snowboarding there is a degree of fear you have to overcome. As you cut back and forth riding the your edges, there is a split second on each turn were you fear that you may not make the cut and fall possibly hurting yourself. You have to overcome the fear of falling and kick your back leg, let go, and allow your body take control.

So after that you are snowboarding. I also learned that each time you begin a season on your first run you have to lose your fear again. On Sunday, I forgot that. I fell on my first run. I feel hard. Ending up spraining my wrist and hurting my shoulder. I couldn't done worst it I wasn't wearing my helmet. I guess my mother was right

Spider-Man Attacked

2011-01-22T22:32:00.000-08:00

1.22 - A Day, A Photo

The Blair House

2011-01-21T21:43:00.000-08:00

1.21 - A Day, A Photo

There's this extended stay motel near my work, and at night it looks like a creepy horror movie set. The lighting is always multiple colors and flickering. Plus the people staying there are shady looking slightly known as prostitutes, and derelicts.

TRON J.P.

2011-01-20T23:16:00.000-08:00

1.20 A Day, A Photo

PJ20 Begins

2011-01-19T12:14:00.000-08:00

1.19 - A Day, A Photo

Today's post gets two photos

I just received in the mail the first part of Pearl Jam's twentieth anniversary year, known as PJ20.
This is an album of 18 songs collected from live performances between 2003-2010 called Live On Ten Legs.

Just to think that it was 20 years ago that my uncle and I went to the local record store to buy Pearl Jam's Ten on cassette. I still have that tape. It is the only one I've keep from my old cassette collection.

The Ten Club has stated there are to be more releases and surprises throughout the year. I can't wait!!

J.P.

2011-01-18T23:05:00.000-08:00

1.18 - A Day, A Photo

File Vault

2011-01-17T21:45:00.000-08:00

1.17 - A Day, A Photo

This is only a partial view of our massive file footage archive. This vault contains beta tapes, XD discs, and old film converted onto DVDs. I rarely go into this room these days, but sometimes I go in and wonder, "What happens when the server crashes?"

You see, the station no longer archives a hard copy. This is a growing trend in the media industry, and I would hate to see the day any station loses all its digital archive. I'm not going to knock the server based archive. It is much easier to search and find file footage than this older system. I only fear that one day it may all disappear

Palm Tree Sunset

2011-01-16T21:20:00.000-08:00

1.16 - A Day, A Photo

Sometimes there are great sunsets in the desert. One of the perks of living in the L.V.

Maybe it is .... ?

2011-01-15T21:12:00.000-08:00

1.15 - A Day, A Photo

What is this? Take your best guess

New Hat

2011-01-14T20:39:00.000-08:00

1.14 - A Day, A Photo

Gun Store

2011-01-13T15:08:00.000-08:00

1.13 A Day, A Photo

Hurry America! Run out and get your guns! Flex those 2nd Amendment rights

Stormtrooper

2011-01-12T23:09:00.000-08:00

Jan 12 - A Day, A Photo

So lately on the Las Vegas Strip, there are street performers walking around on the sidewalks asking for money from tourist for picture taking. Good thing I'm a photojournalist and I don't have to pay. I am going to try to capture more images as the year goes on.

NIght House

2011-01-11T12:54:00.000-08:00

Jan 11 - A Day, A Photo

Finishing a live shot from a marijuana pot bust in NW Las Vegas, I saw the moon hanging over the front door of a house

Dead On Top

2011-01-10T18:46:00.000-08:00

A Day, A Photo - Jan 10

It was a great day at Red Springs which is like the Lite version of Red Rock near Las Vegas

Sinking Cat

2011-01-09T12:50:00.000-08:00

A Day, A Photo - Jan 09

My cat Cincy is a very charismatic, photogenic, adventurous troublemaker, and he also enjoys laying in the sink. Go figure

Liquido Azul

2011-01-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

A Day, A Photo - Jan 08

Sleepy Kitty

2011-01-07T12:58:00.000-08:00

A Day, A Photo Jan 07

A Day, A Photo - Jan 06

2011-01-06T23:57:00.000-08:00

Camera!

A Day, A Photo - Jan 05

2011-01-05T23:12:00.000-08:00

Unfortunate

A Day, A Photo - Jan 04

2011-01-04T23:42:00.000-08:00

Light Control

A Day, A Photo - Jan 03

2011-01-03T12:33:00.000-08:00

Summerlin Snow

A Day, A Photo - Jan 02

2011-01-02T18:06:00.000-08:00

Mindless Shopping

A Day, A Photo - Jan 01

2011-01-01T17:43:00.000-08:00

I am starting a photo a day project this year.

Each day I will take at least one photograph and I will try to post that photograph everyday. I am sure I will fail, but I am all down with trying. Here is the first photo.

Also you can follow more of the process on facebook

Limit That Speed

2010-04-27T20:56:00.000-07:00

Don't you dare drive 12 mph!!!

Is this really necessary?

This sign is in a neighborhood in the L.V. My question is how does one calculate going 1/2 mph? Plus I would like to see someone receive a ticket for going 12-15 mph. Ha!!

New Adventures Await

2010-03-03T01:48:00.000-08:00

So I got a call from my sister a few days back. Her birthday is coming up and she always wants to come visit me around this time of year. It is great when she comes to visit, but I hate taking days off from work just to hang around the L.V. If I wanted to do that I would call in sick!!

So instead of putting myself through multiple days of agonizingly "trying" to keep her entertained by finding interesting fun things to do in the desert, I decided to suggest an alternative. I simply ask, "Hey, how about instead of visiting each other in our respected locations, we go on a trip domestic or abroad together?" She was thrilled by this idea!!

So now we have to decide where we'd like to go. After making our own favorite lists, we've are looking at two possibilities.

1. New Zealand
2. Ireland, specifically Cashel, Ireland

So what do you think? Comments?? Where should we go?

30th

2009-12-11T12:56:00.000-08:00

Today is my 30th Birthday....what?...yea, yea, I know, I promised you stories about Australia. Well does anyone even read this?! I've been busy, alright! Plus I haven't heard any complaints or whispers of excitement over lack of new blogs. So Stuff You!!!

Anyways, today is my 30th Birthday. It is weird to think that I've been alive for three decades. Back when I was a teenager this mark seemed so far away and unreachable. I am no more adult-like today than I was back then. Yeah, I have bills and responsibilities, but nothing major. I have friends who are married and are starting families. They have mortgages and college investment plans. They have family vans and car seats. I see soccer practices, first days of school, and graduations in their future. And I. I have no plan. I am not a planner. I am free. I'm a doer. I just do things. My future is wide open.

Which brings me to my point. I am finally at the point in my life where I can do whatever I want. I have a great job. I make excellent money. Plus I have nothing tying me down. Going to Australia alone this pass year has opened up my eyes to a whole world of new possible adventures. I just have to do it, and you know I will. So as the next year of my life starts, I know you won't be surprised when you hear about my new adventures. I don't know what will happen just yet, but I know it will always make my life feel interesting.

As for the Australia stories, I will trying to get the ball rolling on that again, but I promise nothing!

Happy Birthday to me!!

The Travelin Begins

2009-09-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I promised many of you that I would post stories from my trip to Australia. I had no idea that I would be so busy when I returned. I believe I am finally caught up. LET'S BEGIN! (probably only one person will remotely get that reference)

Now, I've decided to tell you all about the highlights of my trip but not necessarily in chronological order. Also as the stories are posted, feel free to look at more photos on my flickr site.

Where to begin?

How about Sydney?!?!

Sydney was where my plane landed. As for the 14 hour flight, it wasn't that bad. On the way there that is. You see I left LAX at 10:30 p.m. Friday, and landed in Sydney 6:00 a.m. Sunday. Australia is in the future. I think because I felt like it was night time I was able to sleep almost nine hours of the flight going there. Not so much on the flight back, but more on that later on.

Since I never traveled overseas before I didn't really know what to expect from the flight. I got to say I enjoyed it. There was a touch screen monitor on the seat in front of me that played On Demand movies, tv shows, and also video games. I didn't know it was free to use for almost two hours into the flight. The credit card swipe for use of the phone and internet usage confused me at first. I heard people complain about the food on flights before, but clearly they have never flown U.S. domestic flights where they give you NO food. I loved the food. They gave you a choice of your meal and feed you twice with snacks in between. Also I was able to walk around the plane which was huge. They even allow you to go to back and grab your own free drinks (water, soda, etc).

Once I landed, passed through customs, and got to the taxi line, I was just thrilled about the idea that I was in a different country. Hell I was in a different hemisphere! I had the biggest smile on my face as I rode the taxi to my hotel. I reserved a hotel room for the first two nights so I could have a base camp until I figured out what I would do. I wanted the trip to be an adventure so I decided to not plan anything in advance. I wanted to discover my way through the country. It was much easier than expected. As for the hotel I picked, it was in the best location. Near a very large city park called Hyde Park and the main downtown area of Sydney known as the CBD (I think it stands for Central Business District????). Also to my surprise there was a fun run that morning with the starting line at Hyde Park. More on that in another post.

Sydney is awesome! There is a fun hip vibe within the city and it does hurt that the scenery is beautiful.

The Sydney Opera House is amazing of course. It is hard to describe seeing one of the world's most recognizable buildings. It is a lot bigger than I thought it would be. The roof looks like a fan blades. There were a ton of tourists around taking pictures of that famous roof, but I think I was the only one taking pictures of the windows.

That is the reflection of the Harbour Bridge. There is a bridge climb on it that I wanted to do but just ran out of time. I later found out that they don't let you take your camera to the top. What is up with that?

I believe that I walked more around that city my first day than I ever thought I could walk.

In the next post I will tell you more about some of the cool Sydney sites. As of now I am quite tired just like my first day in Australia. I walked around all day and was in bed fast asleep by 7:00 p.m. I leave you with a few more pictures of the Circular Quay.

Remember to look for more photos on flickr

G'day Mates!

2009-08-11T01:03:00.000-07:00

I know you all are eager to hear and see all the cool adventures I've been doing, but I can only promise to blog and post photos once I return. For those who haven't been following my random tweets or facebook posts, Australia is awesome! I really haven't been here that long and I feel like I have a lifetime of experiences. Sydney is an amazing city! I feel like I've only seen a small portion of it. My first two days I walked more than I ever believed I would. My legs are sore and tired. I saw all the tourist sites on my first day, and yesterday I went to the zoo. It was the coolest zoo I've ever been to. They let you roam free and even touch some of the in-famous Aussie wildlife. I touched a wallaby and took my picture with a koala and her joey. That was the best part of my trip so far.

Tomorrow I head north to Cairns for some snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef and some more exciting stuff too. Be on the look out for more experiences!

Bat in the Newsroom

2009-07-30T02:58:00.000-07:00

A very small bat was on the loose in our newsroom. All the women were freaking out, and that's when I stepped into action. The first thing was not to catch it, but rather get video of it.

Then we chased it around until we cornered it in a bathroom. Now it is trapped!!! We left it alone for the animal control to deal

All These Things That I've Done....

2009-06-17T01:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, so a lot has being going on, but like you would know any of that. Where have you been?
I know where I've been. Watching the Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, that's where.

First, the other day I got my visitor's visa for my trip to Australia. This is quite exciting! I can hardly wait to go. I also found out something really cool about the visa. It is good for a year, and within that year I can go to Australia multiple times, each time I'm able to stay there for three months. So I believe that I will attempt to return to Australia a few times this year. That is of course if I don't just decide to stay there.

Second, for all YouTwitFaces out there, I've finally joined Twitter. Yes, yes, I'm one of those people now. I didn't really want to do it. I already have Myspace and Facebook. I don't even check the Myspace that often anymore. Do I really need another social networking website? I think NO. BUT..... a friend of mine has been trying to convince me to sign up and go tweet crazy. He kept saying that I am funny and I have entertaining observations. I kept telling him that I am only funny when I'm not trying to be. I can't be funny when I actually try. In the end I caved. So now you can look to your right and see a few of my tweets. Follow me....I guess. I don't see how my stupid remarks can be interesting. Who is going to read my Twitter? No one ever reads this shit! The rest of you, Go nuts!!!

That said, I've found out that my station views this as the future of media coverage. They are encouraging every employee to start their own YouTwitFace sites. They are even considering buying the all field crews new iPhones to do so. In the future we all will have to upload videos, pics, and tweets about all the breaking news. Hey, free iPhone! That's cool with me!

Third, in an effort to save as much money possible for my trip, I have been working a lot. It seems like between working all day, being on call, picking up still photography jobs, and watching the new Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien (DVR'd everynight), I never have any spare time. No hanging with friends. No baseball games. No bar stops. No working on the music. I haven't played with the "band" in a few months. So to curb this fun slump, I've been playing games at work, and I think my craziness is infecting others. Today my friend and KLAS reporter Amanda invented a brand new news based game. Lately we been having a lot of weird breaking news topics, and with only one nightside crew (due to personnel issues) to cover the topics, we needed a way to decide which topic to pick. So we invented what we've coined Weather, Government, Dead Baby.

It is much like Rock, Paper, Scissors, and I think this can be applied to every news market. It is well stated that most people tune into the news for the weather, so when unusual weather occurs it becomes the top story. This is unless there is a good political scandal (i.e. Senator's affair), people love to bitch about the failures of their elected officials. Then what trumps it all... a dead baby found in a dumpster. This can result in weeks and weeks of follow-up stories. Of course this can all be forgotten once a good hurricane or other natural disaster comes down the road. Best two out of three wins, and the cycle continues.

Damnit, I'm missing some of Conan being funny, and my cereal is soggy. I blame you!

Friday Night Live

2009-06-06T13:24:00.001-07:00

Summer in the L.V. is full of entertainment. Every Friday night throughout the summer there is a free concert and an open bar at the Hard Rock pool. The acts are very hit and miss. The last time I went to one of these performances was almost two years ago. My work schedule conflicts with the concerts.

This week Nico Vega as on stage.

They absolutely rocked the water out of the pool. Aja, the lead singer, was awesome! She is super hot too. I think I've found my future ex-wife. She had so much energy, and her voice was so explosive. It was amazing how they had so much range with a guitar, drums and her voice. If you haven't heard them, pick up the album today!

Oh yeah, Gavin Rossdale was the main act

At first, Gavin sucked it up. He came out and drained all the energy Nico Vega had created. I was not impressed, until.......

He played some Bush songs! Machinehead was like the fourth or fifth song in the set, and after that the concert kicked ass. Then in the middle he did a version of Landslide, Fucking great!!!
He played some more Bush favorites. Everything Zen, The Chemicals Between Us, Glycerine, Comedown.....all awesome!! He played Glycerine solo, and closed the night with Comedown. I felt like I was 15 and in high school all over again. I remember back then how much I wanted to be just like him. I practiced Glycerine for hours and hours. Now I look back at how easy that song is to play. I guess that's practice for you?!?!

It was a wonderful night! Gavin played for almost two hours, and Nico Vega was kick ass. I am glad I had their album before I saw them. It made the concert much more enjoyable. All for free too. "You can't beet that!"

Flight of the Conchords

2009-05-23T22:13:00.000-07:00

"We are so Hard Rock right now. Do you know how I can tell we are so Hard Rock? It is 51 minutes to midnight." - Jemaine Clement

My seats were better than the picture shows. Damn shitty zoom on the phone.

They were funny as shit. One of the best moments was the Freebird Freestyle. Someone in the crowd yelled out "FREEEEEBIRD!". Bret made a comment about not being that kind of band and then they started playing their own version of Freebird. It was awesome!!

They also were great about interacting with the audience. The on going joke for the night was 'how hard rock 'n roll they were being' at the Joint in the Hard Rock casino.

Also the opening comedian Arj Barker was great too. He had a great joke about Kellogg's cereal and Micheal Phelps.

Dios Mio! Hace Caliente!

2009-05-07T14:31:00.000-07:00

It is way too early in the year for it to be this hot. Signs point to a very miserable summer

Goodbye History

2009-05-06T16:37:00.001-07:00

Today the historic Moulin Rouge Hotel and Casino caught on fire for the second or third time in its fifty year lifespan. For the past few decades or so the building has been empty and not used for anything more than a place for squatters. Hopeful owners wanted to revamp the old West Las Vegas landmark bringing new life to a torn down area. Well that all fell apart today. Firefighters battled the blaze for almost six hours, along the way deciding the best way to prevent more fire outbreak was to tear it down.

I love watching things being destroyed. The crunching noise of the wood. Things flying apart. Glass exploding from the windows. I wonder if the backhoe operator enjoys that part of his/her job. All that is left of the Moulin Rouge now is a pile of burnt, wet rumble.

How convenient that its historic sign was removed last week. Hmmmmm????

Summer Arrives

2009-05-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

Free Baseball game on Free Comic Book Day! What are the odds?

The KILLERS

2009-04-17T21:33:00.001-07:00

I got soul but I'm not a soldier

The Killers blew the roof off the new Joint. What a way to open the doors. This concert was the one to see of the summer. Every song was filled intensity, and Brandon Flowers was all over the place. He stole the show. Then they brought the noise! The final song had fire balls shoot from the back of the stage and sparks rained down over the crowd. It was totally tits!

Complete set list
1. Spaceman
2. This is Your Life
3. Somebody Told Me
4. For Reasons Unknown
5. I Can't Stay
6. Joyride
7. Bling (Confession Of A King)
8. Shadowplay
9. Losing Touch
10. Smile Like You Mean It
11. Human
12. A Dustland Fairytale
13. Sam’s Town
14. Read My Mind
15. Mr. Brightside
16. All These Things That I've Done
*encore*
17. Bones
18. Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine
19. When You Were Young

The New Joint

2009-04-17T19:39:00.001-07:00

Ready to see the Killers at the new Joint

Rocket to the Moon

2009-04-11T23:33:00.000-07:00

Mike Graves Trio - Excellent Rockabilly band

My friend Mike Graves has this great rockabilly band that plays old tunes like Hound Dog, Rock around the clock and many others.

The three of them even can play a version of Mustang Sally. I think that is pretty impressive using only three instruments.

Media Day

2009-04-07T18:48:00.000-07:00

New team comes to town.

The Triple A baseball team in the LV has changed affiliation this year. So now the 51's are part of the Toronto Blue Jays organization. New players means new hopes. Alot of people want the team to be winners. Although for me, all I care about is summer days and cold beers. Welcome Thirsty Thursdays!!

Australia!!

2009-04-01T11:30:00.000-07:00

I'm going Travelin'!

I just purchased a myself a ticket to Sydney, Australia! I'm going this August for almost two weeks. I did it on the spur of the moment. Flights were at an unbelievable prices so I had to just do it.

Now comes all the hard part. I have to get everything ready. Not sure what I've gotten myself into, but it should be a lot of fun. At least the next few months I will have something to blog about. This is so exciting!!!!

Earth Hour

2009-03-29T01:27:00.000-07:00

The lights on the Las Vegas Strip were turned off for a hour last night. All the major casinos took part in Eath Hour. It was very eerie seeing no lights on the Strip.

Usually the Strip is so bright that it burns out your retinas. As you can see, all the major casinos just don't look the same without their neon glow.

Where is the green of MGM Grand?

And the bright skyline of the New York New York?

I'm unsure what amount of good came from Earth Hour. I personally did not see any significant change to the Strip other than it being darker. I did see a one hippie gathering which I haven't seen since my days in Oregon.

You can see a few more Earth Hour photos on my flickr

Electric Future

2009-03-22T21:08:00.000-07:00

One day I saw this car parked outside my favorite coffee house.

It looks very European with only three wheels.

It can be charged by its solar panel or it can be pugged into the wall outlet

This is the first registered electric car in Nevada. Soon a company is planning on installing charging parking spots for those who have electric cars. The future is happening now. It won't be long until everyone has an electric car. Then Mr. Fusion will be created.

Holy HDTV!!

2009-02-19T02:50:00.000-08:00

I am addicted! I can't help myself. Ever since I got a HD television, I can't stop watching the HDTV. Anything on HD is amazing. I find myself watching shows that I never would have watched if it wasn't in HD. The shows on the History Channel, Animal Planet are so cool I will be up all night watching anything that's on those type of channels. Even my favorite shows like Heroes and 24 are so much better. The picture is so clear that you feel like your part of the show.

Although there is a down side to HDTV, you get addicted to shows that are so bad and stupid that they are awfully awesome!

Like this show. Exterminators on A&E is so pointless, but I find myself glued to it. The main characters are great to laugh at, not to mention the situations they get the themselves in and the clients they meet.

Cereal Economy

2009-02-10T01:08:00.001-08:00

Anyone who knows me also knows that I love cereal. I can eat it at anytime. There are so many different brands and flavors. The cereal aisle is no doubt my favorite.

So I was in that aisle tonight, just buying some cereal when I noticed something was just not right. You see, my bachelor lifestyle in this recessing economy hasn't really been effected. In fact it actually looks like I am gaining more money these days. Which I'm not. I'm only doing the same thing I have always done, and everyone else is cutting back for many different reasons. It wasn't until tonight that I felt the tighten of the money straps.

When did cereal start costing so much?!? $2.59 for a box of Cocoa Pebbles?! $3 Fruit Loops?!? Lucky Charms $3.20?!? Not to mention that I'm currently on a health kick so I try damn hard not to buy those highly sugar charged cereals. My cereal tonight cost $4!!!! Cereal wasn't that expensive even back last year when gas prices were skyrocketing. And why is skim milk the most expensive?!? What was once something that could be a under $5 treat (including milk), has now been yet another victim of the poor economy.

Ok, I know it really isn't that big of a deal. What is a few more bucks? Well I eat alot of cereal and that could add up. Also I might go back to those sugary cereals if it gets worst, which I guess wouldn't be that bad.

In the end, I'm just sad to see the days of cheap cereal disappear. I guess I could always go to Costco and get giant boxes of cereal, but they are not open at 1 a.m. Oh Well.....

Thunderbirds Hanger!!

2009-02-04T01:17:00.000-08:00

This past Monday night I was allowed to go inside the Thunderbirds hanger on Nellis A.F.B.

I was there to cover an Army Reserves Unit returning home from Iraq. I've done that tons of times, but I never thought I'd be in the hanger of the Thunderbirds. I was able to go right up to one of the jets and look at it....but not touch!!!

Not many people are allowed to be in this highly secured air force hanger. I'm surprised they had the return ceremony in it. I've been to Aviation Nation twice and they don't even allow people to go inside the hanger on those days.

You see that cool emblem on the floor. No one is allowed to touch it (except Thunderbird personnel). It is hand waxed twice a day. That's why the velvet ropes are around it. Well that didn't stop a little three year old girl running across it......twice! She was as bored as the rest of us.

The Army unit was suppose to land on base at around 7 p.m. Well they actually didn't show up until about 9:30. It doesn't matter how cool of a place you're located, standing around for two or more hours gets boring fast.

It wasn't all that bad though. They allowed us to go outside of the hanger for a little while to watch all the jets take off for night exercises. Four jets would take off at once right after each other. I'm talking seconds apart. And they would land just as quick. They were super loud too. With the afterburners glowing in the dark, the planes would streak across the runway, jump into the air and disappear out of sight in the matter of seconds.

A few months back a reporter at my station was allowed to go on a ride along with the Thunderbirds. He was able to pull 9 G's! He claimed he had to use two barf bags during the trip. I was extremely envious. I betting I can take 9 G's no problem!

Taster's Choice

2009-01-31T17:39:00.001-08:00

Yet another reason to just love living in the L.V.

Lee's Discount Liquor is like the Wal-mart of liquor stores. You can find anything (alcoholic) that you can imagine in this store. Fine wines, rare mircobrews, unique distills.....I'm telling you anything.

Also there is a greatest thing that you can have at any store, the tasting station!!! If you go into a Lee's mid afternoon on a weekend night, you can get FREE samples of new unique alcohols. Tonight was one such night. We walked straight up, were offered free samples, and enjoyed the delicious beverages. Also we were never asked to show I.D., yet at the checkout they make sure to card you.

Now I am plenty old enough to purchase alcohol, so there is no worries there. I just thought it was cool to be able to taste before I buy the beverages. Best idea ever!

Tonight's samples.....new premixed vodkas in mojito and pomegranate flavors, also the new Obsello absinthe (yes, it is now legal to have in the U.S.). I was guaranteed by the cute absinthe serving girl that this brand is the real deal with the real wormwood ingredient. It tasted great...sorta like black licorice.

Busted

2009-01-24T20:31:00.001-08:00

The streak is over!

Everyone knows I like to brag about myself. I believe I have many abilities that I feel others do not possess. One of them being that I am a perfect driver. I always point and laugh at those of my friends who get speeding tickets and other traffic violations. "Ha ha ha, you moron you can't obey the rules of the road you deserve your punishment" Well....... I will no more.

Recently I was pulled over for making an illegal U-turn. What?! In all my years of driving , which spans more than a decade, I've never received a ticket of any kind. Now I'm going to watch my streak be destroyed?!

Also with all the near "illegal" shit that I can partake here in the desert, you're telling me that I'm going to get nicked by a U-turn?!

So at first I was just going to pay the $170 violation and have it disappear from my life, but then I thought about you....my readers.....all three of you. It might be a fun adventure to go to traffic court and see what happens. If it is anything like that old show Night Court, then I'm sure to be in for some laughs.

Stay tuned. I need to get this blog some more traffic! HA!

The Port of Sub Challenge

2009-01-06T01:31:00.001-08:00

Ok, so I frequent this sandwich shop know as Port of Subs. I've been going to their many locations around the desert valley for more than two years, and ever time I order the same sandwich. The #5, smoked ham, and turkey with smokey chedder, it is delicious! I order this sandwich so much that at the location nearest to my home, I don't even have to order. The sandwich makers already know what I want. Then one day I thought 'this is no way to live'. I should try all the sandwiches. Nay! I should try the entire menu!

So I devised a plan to tryout every single item on the menu. Whether it be a sandwich or wrap... a hot soup, or zesty salad, I'm trying it all. Another thing I decided to do was blog about all of it.

At first I was going to go with making a new post for every sandwich, but then I thought that may get a bit boring after awhile. Instead I decided to periodically blog about highlights and disappointments (if any) I have with the choices. There is another thing. I've already started. I've eaten three different subs. I just going right down the menu starting with #1.

So far here is the assessment:

#1 Ham-Salami-Capicolla-Pepperoni-Provolone (pictured above): I liked it. The capicolla and pepperoni gives the sandwich a kick. It goes great with the Cracked Pepper Port of Subs potato chips. (I'm going to try all their chip flavors also)

#2 Ham-Turkey-Provolone : Sorta plain jane. Not much to talk about, maybe if there was a different cheese added. The barbeque chips were not bad though.

#3 Salami-Turkey-Provolone : I ate this sandwich today. Also sorta plain. The salami makes the sandwich better, but I think there needs to be a change at the cheese level. A lot of their sandwiches have provolone. Man, this is going to be rough. Advisory: Did not like the Tangy Dill flavored chips. Bleack!!!

I hope that this little experiment will yield a grater variety when I visit the sub store. Sometimes they have speical sandwiches that I will brake in to tryout. LIke right now they are serving the Pilgram. I've tried it before, but it holds nothing to "the Bobbie" over at Capriotti's

Different sandwich shop.....different mission. Stay tuned!

New Years

2008-12-31T20:54:00.001-08:00

on the Fremont Street

End of Days

2008-12-17T22:52:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it. Two days of snow in the desert.
Today was the worst. The storm hit us hard.Our valley didn't know to do. There were road closures. The airport was shut down. Schools will be closed. And I was snowed in.
I had to alert the public of the interstate to California being closed, and that means I get to spend the night in Jean. Yay! with live shots for the morning show. Double yay!

Amazing!!!

2008-12-15T13:07:00.000-08:00

It is actually snowing....in the desert. I never thought I would witness this. Just another birthday miracle. I wonder what other miraculous things I will see today?

A Very Happy Birthday

2008-12-11T21:02:00.000-08:00

Today was a great day! Normally I can't imagine any of my birthdays getting any better than the last, but they always surprise me. Not only did I receive awesome gifts from all my friends, I was giving the keys to a brand new work vehicle. It is sweet!

The weekend has just begun. Stay on the lookout for the full report very soon.

A Festivus for the Rest of Us!

2008-12-06T18:30:00.000-08:00

I've been talking about it for years, and I believe that with the current state of our economy now is the time for me to make the transition.

From this day forward I will no longer succumb to the pressures of the Christmas holiday. I no longer want to feel the need to purchase items for people who will most likely never use what I gave them. As if it means I do not like/care/love you enough if I don't get you the best possible gift. I do not want to go into crowded stores looking for those gifts that have been sold out for weeks. I hate Black Friday! Did you see someone was trampled in New York state? Someone died! Over a $200 piece of shit laptop! It has to stop! I am done! I'm out!

Bring on Festivus!!

Check out my Festivus pole. No more cutting down trees for me. This is much better. Durable....reusable....aluminum!

This is my renouncement of Christmas forever. I am celebrating Festivus for the foreseeable future. As we were growing up, we learned that Christmas was a time for caring and giving. A time for forgetting our worries and enjoying just being alive with friends and family. Every single Christmas movie plays up this theme. Yet no one ever does what we are told or what is seen in movies. Right now, somewhere in America, there are two parents wrestling over the newest must-have toy of the year. They are most likely yelling, calling each other names and being very non-Christmas like. All so little Billy or Sally can have the meaningless toy that will be broken the week after Christmas. There has to be a better way!

Festivus will fix all of this. The need to buy gifts for every single person you know will no longer be required. Instead you can choose who you want to buy gifts for, if any. No multiple gifts either. One is enough for anyone. If someone gives you something, you have absolutely no obligation to get them something in return.

Along with Festivus comes the "airing of grievances and the "feats of strength". I promise there will be both. The "airing of grievances" allows you to tell anyone what you really think of them, and they can't get mad at you. The "feats of strength" will challenge your physical and mental abilities along as dare you to step out of your shell. You will do things that you may have never dreamed possible.

Let's get this straight though, this is not about being cheap. It is about restoring the true meaning of the Holiday Season. Think back....when was the last Christmas that you didn't feel rushed and pressured to beat an imaginary clock to make your friends and family happy? For you there is

A Festivus for the Rest of Us!

Miles of Bad Luck

2008-11-19T20:13:00.000-08:00

The last two weeks has been hell for me. It all started the day after election day. That was the day I was in a traffic accident while at work. You remember that, right? Because of the accident I was given a few days off and was told to get myself checked out by a doctor. I went ahead and did that. It wasn't too bad. I was told that I had minor muscle sprains and I would heal naturally with rest and limited activity at work. Ok I can deal with that. Just take it easy at work. No problem. We'll get back to that in a minute.

At that time, I thought everything was going great for me. I get an extended weekend to relax and rest up. This is going to be great. Aviation Nation was that weekend; I love fighter jets and giant airplanes. Plus I could go to First Friday with my friends. (First Friday is an art fesitival held every first friday of each month. It is at night and I work nights. I hope you get it by now) Well if you read my blog about the accident you should remember I started it out talking about my sore throat. I thought I was ok. I get sore throats at least once a year, and they cause no problem. I suffer a few days, drink alot of hot tea, and then it is gone. I'm normal again. So I went to First Friday still having a sore throat, and for the most part I had a fun time. I had to go home early though. I was going to Avaiation Nation the next day, and the gates open early. But to my surpise I awoke the next morning with my throat swollen to the point that I could barely breathe. It was super sore. I felt miserable. I had to go to the doctor. I hate going to the doctor. They always make me feel inferior to their knowings of medical knowledge like I should know what they are talking about. Hey I didn't go to med school. Just fix me and shut up!

I was told that I had strep throat. Yipee! I was given a prescription and told to stay home for three to four days. So my four day weekend turned into a five day sick weekend. I stayed quaranteed to my room for most of it so I wouldn't infect my roommate.

It is not like I didn't get anything accomplished while I was at home alone for I had my Wii helping me recover.

I finally Defeated Ganon in the Legend of Zelda. I slightly remember this being a much bigger deal when I was a kid. This time......quite unsatisfying.

What the hell is this Second Quest crap?!

I also discovered a new comic.

Kick ass is totally kick ass! If you like to read comics, you must pick this one up. It is about a teen who decides he wants to be a superhero, so he tries it one day and totally gets his ass handed to him. Along with other things this comic rocks!! Go get it now!

So back to our story. I returned to work after five days at home. I had to return to work being on light duty. Light duty as a photojournalist sucks! I did alot of this.

Notice the lack of shaving. I didn't care. Sitting around at the tv station for 8 or so hour a day for a week really makes one chipper. I don't know what is worst. Doing nothing at home or doing nothing at work? Correction I did have few things to do at work.

Stop all the accident paperwork!! You know it is really hard to take a photo of paperwork frustration. Try it! I dare you!

Ok I getting close to finishing this. Everything brings us up to date....present tense. So at first this week looked promising. I was feeling better, and I hoping to get back to normal work duty soon. Well....there was a bit of a set back. It turns out the doctor I went to for my traffic accident isn't exactly covered by my company's workman's comp. So I was told to stop seeing that docotor, get all the paperwork from that doctor, and wait until they figured out the next step. Ok simple enough. But wait I tick. On Tuesday night I started to feel strange. I broke out with a full body rash. My face and ears felt like they were on fire. I was itching so much it must have looked like I had some sort of version of Tourrette's Syndrome.

So I had to leave work again. It turns out I was having an allergic reaction to the medication I was taking for the strep throat. Well that sucks! I just finished all of that prescription the day before. This couldn't have been discovered sooner? I was told by the doctor that it probably took a few days for work itself through my system. I was giving two painful shots in the ass (I hate needles!) and sent home with a note to take another day off.

Now I have more prescriptions to take. What if these cause new reactions? I wouldn't know I rarely ever have to take prescription drugs. Maybe it is because my birthday is coming signaling to me that my aging clock is striking. Or maybe it is all just a string of bad luck.

To end on an upper. I didn't waste the full day at home. I went to yet another doctor, but this one has cleared me to get going back to work. Horray for me!!!

Light up the night

2008-11-12T01:26:00.001-08:00

First day back from my little traffic accident and all I do is cover an opening of yet another local casino. Yay!

This message was sent using the Picture and Video Messaging service from Verizon Wireless

The True Meaning

2008-11-09T10:24:00.000-08:00

So the glorious holiday of halloween has just passed, and I never understood why everyone dresses up in the first place. I know it is fun to pretend to be an astronaut or a pirate, and getting free candy is always a good thing.

But why is it such a big deal? Where did these ideas of wearing costumes come from?

Well, I did some research, and maybe this video will insight you as much as it has opened my eyes.

Has Halloween Become Overcommercialized?

Shaken not Stirred

2008-11-05T23:20:00.000-08:00

Today was awful! First I woke up having a sore throat which can only mean that I am getting sick. I hate being sick!

Second I was in a traffic accident around 3:30 p.m.

That really ruined my day. I was just driving to work. Minding my own business. When a few cars ahead of me abruptly stopped . I jammed on my brakes! My truck skidded to a stop just barely missing the truck in front of me. When BAM!

A white van smashed into the back of my truck pushing it into the truck in front of me. Do know how scary it is to look back and see that?!

The truck in front of me received minor damage. A few scratches on the bumper. My truck has its back hatch smashed in, and the window was shattered. The the good thing though, my news camera was protected inside its metal black case. Yay!

So I had to file a police report. A plus note, no one was injured. Yes, yes I'm ok. Maybe a bit sore, I'll find out more in the morning.

Then I had to wait for the tow truck to come and pull the two vehicles apart so that we could try to pry the camera out of its case and save it from anymore trama. I'm glad to report that we succeeded. Then I had to take a drug screening test for my company's insurance. It is a good thing I had to pee, but let me tell if you bring the wrong form you may have to wait almost a hour. That is a long time holding it.

Then after that I was handed alot of paperwork to fill out, and I was sent home. But wait! I don't have a car. I need a ride. Good thing my supervisor lives near my general direction.

Maybe tomorrow will be a better day. Hmmmm......how am I going to get to work?

UPDATE 11-6-08

So today as I was driving to work I felt a slight.....spasm (isn't the right word but is the first that comes to mind) in my lower back. I told my supervisors went I got to work about my discomfort and I was told to go to the doctor and go home for the day.

So I call up my doctor who refers me to another doctor that specializes in traffic accidents. Long story short, I may have minor back muscle and ligament sprains. I get a doctor's note for yet another day off, and recommended for some therapy sessions. What in the world am I going to do with all this time off?

Fashion Forward

2008-11-02T15:44:00.001-08:00

I recently had an excellent fashion photo shoot.

It was a lot of fun. I like to take pictures of people, and I found out that in the right atmosphere with the right people makes all the difference.

This model's name is Cassie. She was great! Most people just want to get the shoot over as soon as possible, but not her. She has a great natural look. She was patient and had a very positive attitude. She wasn't afraid to get a little dirty either

One of the best parts of this shoot was its creative energy. My friend Courtney was the source of all that energy. She had all the clothes and wanted unique looks for each. We would talk about ideas and try multiple things out. I can't recall the last time when I felt like my photo shoot was like goofing around instead of working.

I wouldn't mind doing this as my permanent job. The only thing is I would need to surround myself with people who will make me want to reach for that extra bit of creativity. Who knows maybe my friends in this shoot will want to try to start our own fashion photography buisness.

Pointless Crap

2008-09-22T00:12:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I've returned from my trip to Portland, Oregon, and I had a great time. I was able to see all my friends that I miss hanging out with. Although that there seemed not to be enough time in the week to do everything I wanted to do, I believe had a great taste of the Oregon life.

I have a lot of stories and plenty of pictures to show, but that will have to wait. I'm tired from my trip and I need to get back into the work mode.....BLAH!!!

There is one thing I wanted to share first. You know how when you want to get to your destination it sometimes seems like the flight is taking forever. On my way to Portland the flight was so damn long, but on the way back the time flew by. I hate that. Get me there already.

So on the flight to Portland I seemed extra bored. I read my book. Listened to my ipod. None of it seemed to plast the time any quicker. That was until I picked up the latest issue of SkyMall. This magazine is filled with pointless crap, and the sadest part about it that people actually by this shit. It did provided me with some much needed enertainment.

Look at this stupid product

I just don't get it. Why would any respective guitarist EVER by this product? Ooooh look here I can play the guitar now! It claims to help you learn to play "all" your favorite songs with one finger. This thing is stupid it only allows you to play four chords, and four of the easiest ones to learn at that.

If you really want to learn to play the same songs that this contraption can play, I suggest you learn how to actually learn the REAL chords. Well if you don't believe me, you might want to ask Herbert

Returning Home??

2008-09-14T18:34:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a trip. I need to get away from the desert for a little while.

So I'm going home....in a way. I'll always consider Oregon as my second home.

I love everything about Oregon. I coast....the moutains....Portland. This is a older picture from the coast in Oregon. Hopefully I'll have lots more when I come back along with more stories to tell.

Stay tuned.

To Be Interupted....

2008-08-23T03:30:00.000-07:00

What is the point?! I know I never finished my story of the previous blog. Maybe I'll get to to it later. Who is reading this shit anyways?!

I'm tired of all of it. I need a break! I don't want any of it to continue....but we all know it has to. Today is like a bad ending to the first episode of a two-parter. You've watched the whole show...hoping for a resolution, but NO you get the damn "to be continued" font at the end.

So now I have to wait. Wait for the exciting conclusion of my madness. Why can't people just be happy? It seems simple enough.

Look at this guy!

I met this man tonight. He is happy. He is building his own damn plane in his garage for Christ sake! Only thing he wants is to be able to build an airplane that will fly him and his to unknown destinations.

He has a purpose! He knows where the next few years of his life are heading. I don't know where the next few weeks are going.

I want to so much tell you all what the hell is going on with me, but for the protection of a few I continually resist. Would it really be that bad if I told? I think I could live with myself. I'm selfish as it is. What is destroying this one more thing?

Everyone should be happy! So how come we are all miserable. Look at it like this. You know the things that make you happy, and you know the things and make you unhappy. Is it really that hard? Why do we all continue to pick the unhappy things?!!!!!

Go write your novel! Go play/sing your song! Go build your plane!

That's it!. I have to do it. I have to tell the world. There is no other option.

This is what is happening.

I am...............................................................

Moronic Duties Part 1

2008-07-22T00:52:00.000-07:00

So whenever I meet someone new, and they find out my profession. I usually get the same response. They think my job is interesting, amazing, exciting, fascinating, and even cool. They wish they had a job like mine. While my job can be all of those things. Yes I get to ride in helicopters. Yes I get to travel to new places. Yes I get to meet new interesting people daily. Yes I get to see things that most people will never get to see. That said, sometimes my job sucks just like everyone else's does. There are times when I have to do things that I don't want to do, and most of those things seem very pointless.

Take for instance last week. Now I don't know why, but it seemed like each day I was asked to do something more idiotic than I did the previous day. So I decided to document all this stupid shit to tell you all about it. Now some of you already know my pain, but there are a few of you who read this and you have no idea. At least not yet.

Monday

I hate Mondays. No matter how much fun I have during the weekend I always feel like Monday ruins it for me. So I get to work around my usually late time. It was raining all weekend, and everyone goes freaking nuts when it rains here. (more on that later) I walk into my newsroom. Talk to a few people. Say hi to some other people. Then my assignment desk manager asks me to go outside to shoot rain video. Thinking I was just outside and I didn't see it raining, but I go out there to do it anyways.

Once I get out there I see that it did rain, but not much. I'm talking like 1/36 of an inch. I call back inside to tell them that it isn't raining, and there is no need to shoot anything. He goes on to tell that our Executive Producer just left the buliding and saw it raining and told him to get someone to shoot it for the news. So he asks me to just do it anyways so he doesn't get in trouble later.

This is completely ridiculous! They're wasting my time on this nonsense. Yet I still have to do it. So I decide to give them what they want.

I shoot rain.......droplets

It is not raining, but I have prove that it did somewhere, sometime in the past. Or I maybe someone recently used a hose.

Tuesday

Sometimes I'm asked to do something so boring, so oscitant that I wonder why in the hell are they paying me to do this stupid shit.

As soon as I get to work on Tuesday, I was told to go stakeout the county dentention center (jail). Oooh, a stakeout....that sounds exciting. Well it is not! Instead it sucks. I have to stand outside a building that has many entrances, waiting for a highway patrol trooper that is believed to be turning himself into authorities. (information wasn't completely confirmed)

Here is the catch. I have no clue what he looks like. HA!

But they give me a discription. He's a somewhat tall white male. Great! Thanks!

Plus I get help

My "lookout" says that he claims to know what the man looks like, but then again he keeps jumping to attention whenever some person he "thinks" is the tropper walks by, but it never turns out to be the tropper. So we spend the next five hours or so moving from one side of the building to the other, and scooping out any fancy car that pulls up to the sidewalk. My reporter buddy believes that any second a lawyer in a fancy car will pull up with the suspect inside, ready to walk right into our direction.

It turns out that the highway patrol trooper turned himself in to authorities at his lawyer's office and he was transported (by police vehicle) to the detention center before we even go to the building. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!

Oh you want to know why he is so omportant. Well a few weeks back the tropper was off duty and was involved in an automobile accident. He crashed into another car killing the driver of that car. At the time it was said that he had a diabetic seizure. It was later proven that he had marijuana in his system. Ooops!

That was just the start of the week for me. It gets even better as the week goes on. Tune in for the exciting continuation. Same blog time. Same blog channel

Awards?? I guess

2008-07-06T13:01:00.000-07:00

So I've been doing my line of work for about six or seven years now. I've never thought anything I ever created was good enough to win any type of award. I am more critical of myself than anyone. But I still enter my work into contests not hoping for much.

In fact at work I'm in charge of gathering up all the other photographers' work and submitting it into the NPPA quarterly clip contest. Sometimes I feel like a that one teacher in high school who tries to get to kids to work harder and try new things because he knows they can achieve something more. No one wants to enter anything. They all think it is a waste of time. Why wouldn't they? The only names you ever see on the winner's list are people who do special projects that are given days to work on stories. But I still keep telling everyone to enter because you never know, anyone could win.

Well now I can back that up. Both of my enteries for the first quarter have placed. This is the first time that I even placed.

Apartment Fire! Get Out! has won 2nd place in the Spot News category

Henderson CSI has won 3rd place in the General News category

Check them out tell me what you think

JR JR

2008-06-16T12:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Cousin Gobo,

Being an artist is very tough. You need determination to succeed, and patience through the rough times when you don't succeed.

I've always tried to be an artist myself in my own unique way. I use photography as my art form. I may not be the very best at it, but I consider myself to always be growing. I'm always learning. Most of us have to learn. We are not all born to be artists.

Then there are some who are born to be artists.

I met John Romita Jr. this past weekend. You ask, who is that? Well that is the thing. You wouldn't know about him unless you knew alittle about what he does. He's a famous artist. He's is more than that. He is part of a Legacy. JR JR is the son of John Romita Sr., who along with Stan Lee (and some other great artists) co-created Spider-man and other great Marvel comic characters.

JR JR has drawing comics in his blood. He is truely gifted. Over the years, JR JR has created many infamous characters and stories in the world of comics. He has done Spider-man, Daredevil, Punisher, Captain America, Wolverine, Iron Man, and the Hulk to just name a few.

He recently created World War Hulk, which he signed my copies for me. Within the next few months he will be returning to Spider-man!

He was really nice. He even made me a quick sketch of my favorite character. You can all guess who it could be.

So as you go see your favorite Super-hero movie this summer, remember that there are true artist behind all these great stories. Be on the lookout for the stories of the future.

Ciao

El Backpacko

2008-06-07T11:52:00.001-07:00

You've seen the production shots. Now watch the movie that is taking the nation by storm.

Holy Stunts!!!

2008-06-01T22:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Cousin Gobo,

This past weekend I traveled out to a very isolated dry lake bed hidden far within the Nevada desert.

I went out there, searching for a natural fossils and artifacts. Some water would have been nice too. But I didn't find any of that, instead I discovered something much more intriguing.

I found a movie set. I was great! There were directors, cameras, and actors scattered all over the dry lake bed. The Director yelled into his bullhorn, "Quiet on set" and "Cut-o Cut-o". I think he was foreign.

They were participating in the L.V. 48 Hour Film Festival. It is a contest where you try to make a short film within two days. You're given a line of dialogue and a prop that you must use, and then your team also draws the type of genre for the movie. They drew western.

I was asked to help them out and even play a role in the film.

I played a mean gunslinging hombre named Dirty Sanchez. I had very cool western wardrobe and a fake mustche. In my big scene I was facing off in a shoot out with another actor for the prop that had to be in the movie. We finished shooting the scene and then the film switched gears. That is when I really found out what the movie was all about

STUNTS!

We were shooting a stunt movie within a western movie, and we had alot of stunts. Basicly the movie was about one big oaf causing accidents all over the movie set.

We had a stuntman being air ramped into the side of a grip truck. Super cool to watch someone being catapulted through the air and then slamming against a large truck.

We also lit a guy on fire!

This was so damn cool. Have you ever seen a guy running around in a ball of flames? The stuntman's name was R.J. He said that this was the hottest burn he has ever done. The whole thing lasted about 10 seconds. It seemed much longer than that.

We also lit a girls arms on fire.

You can see her arms are wrapped with ice chilled bandages. This helps protect her from the flames. Also we shot blood on her face. She was very hot and I am not talking about the heat from the flames or sun

Speaking of blood. Here is a bloody dead guy. In the movie his head gets blown off. We cooked up batch of good ol' Bruce Campbell blood made of corn syrup and food coloring.

One of the most painful looking stunts had to be the "Drag". I don't think I ever want to be pull across the desert by a car. That stuntman had so much padding and the drag ripped it all off. Ouch!

We had other stunts as well. Fights, falls, and lots more air ramps.

The whole day was a blast. And we had the best crew.

This was a great movie making experience. I can't wait to try it again. It is a good thing I got all of their business cards. I always wanted to be a film maker. Let's begin!

Things I learned:

Movie sets are fun!

Air ramps are very dangerous, even more so when they don't work

Even with plenty of 60+ spf sunscreen you will still get sunburnt in the desert

Stuntees are tough!

The thing used to shoot blood at someone is called a guacamole gun

Fake blood is sticky and doesn't come off very easy

Lather your body with hair conditioner before lighting yourself on fire

Grips are lazy!

Clothes can be ripped off instantly

There is more than one way to pronounce "backpack"