The Staff Christmas Party

It is that time of year again... yes the dreaded Office / Christmas / Holiday party. Ours at the clinic are actually not terrible and quite fun really. I just found out that in 20hrs I will be doing a skit again this year, if you really want to see what it's based on, click here or for a guy version here, but I do caution you before hand. So I may have video to show later, I hope not, but may have.

A few things to mention.....


(Previous Post)
""photofocus - I recently sent in a question to Scott Bourne's podcast, and he will be reading it on the 59th episode set to air Dec. 5th, 2010! Scott's online magazine and podcast have answered allot of questions I've have about photography. He's also teamed up with Skip Cohen to bring you 'GOINGPRO 2010' If your going to make the jump or just getting all the info you can before you do, this is the podcast / blog to keep an eye on.""

As you may have figured out the question was not read on the show... Awwww.....  It may have been a time issue so I'm hoping for the next episode which should air on the 15th of Dec.



The Professional Wedding & Studio Photographers International (PWAPI) is a professional association of photog's.

"The goal of this group is to educate both it's membership and their clients regarding both the benefits and the value of professional photography created by craftsmen and women who are absolutely devoted to the notion that photographers have a sacred duty to protect memories with their cameras."

Not real sure about the wedding biz for myself. Now that Janet is using her camera more, it may be a way to go. Passion, or lack of it will show in your work, so for me, it will be a long road. I can always be Janet's 2nd shooter!!

'Help-Portrait' in Saskatoon was a fantastic success for all of the people involved this year. I have heard nothing but great reviews from both sides of the camera. I wish I could have done more, however, something is better than nothing. I know that Krystian and all the volunteers put a great deal of effort into making this event a memorable one for all.
Next years event is already being talked about. I understand the date will be the 3rd of Dec, 2011. Mark your calenders now and join the FB page and the Saskatoon group on the 'Help-Portrait' site. As well there may be more events through out the year, I will try and keep them linked here too.  Good Karma my friends, it will come back.

A few weeks left to catch the mall display. It's actually generating a few calls, no sales yet :(  



Janet and I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! This time of year can get crazy and stupid, but a deep breath will go along way to help.

Look around and be thankful for everything you have, I have been lucky to be blessed with fantastic friends and family. I bet you have too.

This shot just in.....

I cautioned you!!!!

Clinic Staff Party 2010

Video:

Janet:  http://bit.ly/hR9s6I

Bruce:  http://bit.ly/ekwgvo

Everyone:   http://bit.ly/hVtFa7

Crazy Times

The mall display is looking good, we only had one problem frame that did not want to stay on the wall, replaced, and all is well. Funny that the frame has been hanging on our wall at home for the last 8 months and as soon as it was moved the wire let go...weird. It also fell on some old Brownie cameras, but nothing was damaged.

The viewmaster display is working better now that I have them aligned and closer to the window. I wish I would have had more time to get some other shots around town, but the Vimy Memorial is all I had time for. Still cool for people to look through. I have one set up at a kids height and one for adults.

Some other cool stuff: 'Help-Portrait' is a way for photogs to give pictures instead of just taking pictures. The Saskatoon version of this is put together by my friend Krystian Olszanski. I'm going to try and make it out to 'help', but I may have a conflict on the 4th, so, well see. If you can help in anyway, time, hair, nails, make-up or a cash donation to help with the printing, give Krystian a shout or tweet. Good to see this get off the ground, I tried last year and was going to this year, but got side tracked. 'Pat on the back' for Krystian and all his helpers!!

*** For whatever reason, the question is NOT read on the podcast, must have been a time issue ***   

photofocus  -  I recently sent in a question to Scott Bourne's podcast, and he will be reading it on the 59th episode set to air Dec. 5th, 2010! Scott's online magazine and podcast have answered alot of questions I've have about photography. He's also teamed up with Skip Cohen to bring you 'GOINGPRO 2010'  If your going to make the jump or just getting all the info you can before you do, this is the podcast / blog to keep an eye on.

So check out the mall display and order your prints before the Christmas rush!

One other quick note: The last class for the 'Saskatoon Community Police Academy - 12' has just wrapped up and grad is next week (plastic guns & badges??) I will be talking about the course in my next blog. I highly recommend going through the academy when they offer it again next year. There is also a youth academy for grades 11 or 12.



Just a reminder, with the Christmas season on us and all the party's to attend, don't drink and drive -  cab, bus or call a friend please.

Center Mall

Hi everyone  -   Janet and I have a display going up at the Center Mall in Saskatoon starting Sunday Nov, 21 until Jan 4, 2011. There was just so much stuff to choose from it was crazy. We took a little of everything to display. We will have several cameras on display including a 'Viewmaster Stereo Camera'. You may remember these from when you were a kid. 8 very small images on a disk which you put into a viewer and pressed a lever on the side to see the next picture. I have a working camera model and took some shots downtown, if it all work's out well, you will be able to see them at the display.

The other standout crazy item I found I have, is a 'Keystone 8mm Movie Camera' This same model was used at the JFK assassination in 1963. They reviewed the film which caught the 6th floor window, but never really said much about it after that. Very, very interesting fact.

If you make it by, please let Janet and I know what you think. Comments are always welcome and are treated with the attention they deserve, now back to our regularly scheduled blogs.

Bruce

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As winter sets in

Well the time has come for winter in Saskatchewan. The temperature has fallen and the little rain we're getting is going to turn to the "S" word in the next few days. I've winterized the bike and placed it under it's tarp in the garage for another long nap, kind of like a fair weather friend I guess.

I've never been much of of winter person, and yes, I did pick the WRONG place to live. I should move back to the coast where it's much warmer, or at least the Okanagan valley somewhere. Janet could make her own wine and I could search for 'Ogopogo' for the next 50 years.  You just never know what life will bring..

Image Making -  We're ready for the WDM show & sale on Nov. 13 & 14th in Saskatoon. Make sure you get out to see all the artist's work that's for sale. The show is a great way to get some new pieces for your collection and to support the Boys & Girls Club in Saskatoon.

We've finalized the shots we're putting on display in 'The Center' mall starting on the 22nd of Nov. We selected more than we really wanted because you never know what will fit and what will look out of place. We plan on keeping it on the smaller side and only having about 6 items each plus a main piece.

Janet had to cut her first list down from 30 images and I had over a 100 to weed out, not easy when you love them all. As I try to shoot everyday, there was more stuff that I wanted to add just from my Sunday evening walk that did not make the cut....this time! (click or see bottom of blog for Flickr feed)

Remember, comments are always welcome. If you see something you don't like, tell me and when you see something you do like, tell me that as well.

Enough about Janet & I, some photog stuff...

Here is a site that I have used in the past when I have come across a problem and was unsure of how to take the shot or make the camera see what I see.
"Digital Photography School" has over 525,000 subscribers and once you sign up (free) you can plow through the forms and have just about every photo question answered. If you what to send in some shots to have critique, you can do that has well. I receive weekly "Digital Photography Assignments"  and "How I took it" emails, these really help if you are feeling uninspired.
I have not tried everything on the site, but my experience so far is fantastic and I highly recommend joining.


Have a great week folks,

Bruce

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Retail Pt 2

As you read earlier, I used to work in retail for many years. If you've worked in that industry you'll know what I'm talking about. In my current employment situation, the same thing's happen, but no where near as crazy.
The Head / Home office visit!

So the district / regional / area manager or some other type of 'suit' is coming to your store to check it out.  I never got excited about this very much and here is why..

Store cleanliness -  The people that pay the bill's are the people that come in everyday or so, the regulars as it were. Is your place clean and welcoming? It should be because those are the people that really count. Your establishment should be clean for them, not the guy that stops by once a year. If you feel it's good enough for your everyday customers, then it should be good enough for the 'suit'.
It always drove me bonkers the managers that would bring in extra staff and run around cleaning every nook & cranny just for this person. Suits don't pay the bills!!

My retail rant, next time 'Customers'  hahahaha

Image Making - The Boys & Girls Club of Saskatoon are holding their 32ND Annual Sask. artists show and sale on November 13 & 14th.   This will be held at the Western Development Museum in Saskatoon. The show is open 10:30AM -8:00PM on the 13th and 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on the 14th, located in the Saskatchewan Hall. I will have 3 images for sale and the club gets 50% of the sale price of my prints. Its a great cause and I hope to raise some money for them, please stop by to see some fantastic artists work.

Janet and I will also have a display @ The Center Mall , Jade Gallery from Nov. 23rd to Jan 2. I hope you can all stop and have a look and even order a print for Christmas. (Toys cost money!!)

Other stuff -  Each time I write, I'm going to try and include a site, podcast or blog that I have come across that I enjoy and think that you may too. Whether it has to do with photography, Halloween or the matting rituals of Pheasants, if it's interesting, I'll pass it along.


I got an email form a co-worker telling me to check Clark's site out. WOW, WOW and then I said WOW 40 more times. It always amazes me what lengths photogs will go to get that shot. (I know, I (with Henry James) have put myself in some crazy places) These are fantastic, take some time and watch the video as well.

http://bit.ly/bsv6EC

So that's all for now, have a great few days and remember comments are always welcome. Don't forget to check out my 'flickr' feed at the bottom of the blog as well.

Thanks

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I don't miss the set-up

Nov. 2, 2010.
I worked in retail for more years than I care to count. Most of the time was with Woolco - Wal-Mart and then some smaller chains. As usual, several thing's amazed me, which I will try to explain to you now...
No order, they all seemed to be #1 at some point.

Christmas set-up.

Up until the 2000's it was November 1st, this never changed, you knew this was the day, the lights went up, the decorations were hung and the dreaded songs on the PA system would start. I remember the first Xmas I worked on the sales floor in sporting goods @ Woolco. I was so excited, Angela had just figured out the big fat man in red brings cool stuff to play with. It was fun to sit on Santa's knee with her, I was so into Christmas!! 
50 days later I could have killed the next jerk that wished me a "Merry f'in Christmas". The week before the big day, I was not a happy elf. Between the music ALL day long, the 'happy and resonable' customer's and the ad's that broke a week before the stock arrived, I could have been 'Santa the serial Slayer'.  That was a big lesson in the world of retail, the store is 2 months, at least, ahead of reality...   Just because you put out the bikini's and tents today, does not change the fact that you still have to walk across a snowy and frozen parking lot with your 10lb jacket and toque.

Seems to be now, some of the stores are trying to start even earlier than Nov. 1st. The chase for the buck is alive and well, which really, is good for all of us.........

I will have another in the next few days  (The Head office visit!)


Image Making -
I hope everyone is getting out to shoot some of the great fall colours, Janet and I did get out a bit and were happy with the trips we took. Were looking at the new Nikon D7000 (OK, not really looking, buying as soon as I can crunch the numbers so Janet will not crunch me  LOL) it has some very cool features that I think will take our photography up a notch. I have yet to touch one and the Saskatoon price my be a bit high, here is a great site for camera gear price comparision.

The next 'clinic' at the SCC is 'junked' My first thought is along the car or house kind of thing, I have a 2nd thought that would work very well but very hard to shoot ... damm. Any ideas for 'junked', please pass them along.

Have a great after Halloween week, DONT LISTEN TO THE CHRISTMAS MUSIC  (yet) and all will be good,

Bruce

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Halloween 2010

Another Halloween is in the books. We had allot more kids out and the weather was great. I hope everyone had a safe and happy Halloween!!

Janet, after helping all day, bailed out to see the musical 'Momma Mia' with Marcus and Angela. The all had a great time. Janet made it home just after everything was put away, timing........hmmmmmmm

It's getting harder and harder to set this up in a day or so, we may have to move to a three day set-up event.

Have a great day folks,

Bruce

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Fun & Cool & Very Interesting Part 2

OK, where was I... everyone get a pop / coffee / potty break?? Let's start part 2...

The 'that don't look right' moment...

First some background.....

I grew up in Collage Park area, Janet and I bought my parents place so we know the area very well. I've always taken pride in Saskatoon as a whole and the Collage Park neighbourhood especially. Our area has back alley's and I use them allot for walking the dog, this lets him run free and I don't have to be worried about cars or other people walking by. Oreo, on occasion, will run up to other dogs & people so walking in the back lanes stops this. Up until 2009 we had the large garbage bins in our lanes, the one's that are set up for 4 houses to use and every punk with spray paint can use as their own canvas.  An old friend told me of his dad walking and spraying over all the graffiti, sounded good to me, so that's what we did every time we took the dog out. It did not take long and the cans were back to one colour. It did not take much time for the punks to figure out it was me doing it either, so they tagged the Mister Tasty ice cream truck we owned. It all washed off, no big deal. Over the course of 3 years, the graffiti came to a stop, with very little new stuff  appearing in the 4 block radius of the house.

(That's the background bit)

The Ride-Along, part 2.
So I asked my 'partner' to run my name through the system....Page 1, not biggie, just a note saying the last time they 'contacted' me was in 1985, for a speeding ticket, they keep everything. On to page two........this is how the list appeared:
(date)   -   mischief
(date)   -   cocaine poss
(date)   -   poss child porn
(date)   -   ?????????

My eyes stopped by the third one and that's all I remember about the list. Once he explained that this list is all the times I called the police, then I felt much better. So here is the story's behind each one...

Mischief -  when the truck got graffiti, I called to report it.

Cocaine Possession - (remember the background) Alan and I were out walking the dog and came across two cars in on of the lanes parked nose to nose. As we waked by, one kid was rummaging through a bag in the back seat of one car and two kids were in the other. After passing they I was thinking how odd it was that they weren't out talking to each other, just looked odd to me. So I called the boys in blue (black) and they said they would send a car to check it out.

The outcome was this:
70.6 grams of coke, 1.5 lbs pot, methamphetamine, Ecstasy pills and some cash found between the two cars, 14 charges total including 'intent to sell'.  This was the 'that don't look right' moment and I called the police. So, if you see something that looks odd and out of the ordinary, make that call you never know what the out come will be. Your city and neighbourhood will be much better off. The 'Ride-Along' was the first time I had heard the results of that call, very cool. One of my favorite quotes:
"Bad people get away with bad things, because good people do nothing"

(I know you've been waiting for this one...)
Possession of child porn  -  While I was working at a Shopper's drug mart photo lab, a customer had dropped off some film that was filled with images of two girls (8 -12years old) in various states of dress and different posses, until the last few shots, where they were naked. We called the police and gave them the customers name and info plus a copy of the shots. I forgot to look at the file on Tuesday night to see the outcome of that file, oops.

All in all, even thought it was quiet night, I had a fantastic time. If you ever get a chance, I would highly recommend this class and or signing up for a 'Ride-Along' at the least.

Thanks to SPS for having this class, it's very fascinating.

Image Making - Here is a short article about 'shooting' no mater what.

Have a great and scary weekend folks,

Bruce

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Sorry, no post today

Not feeling well, will have part 2 up on Friday
f/16  (hahaha)

Bruce

Fun & Cool & Very Interesting "Warning: Long Post"

Wed, Oct. 27, 2010 -
Tuesday Oct 26, 2010 was an intense day to say the least. The Saskatoon and most of Saskatchewan area was hit with it's first snowstorm of the 2010/11 season. Rain which turned to sleet which turned to ice on the roads, made driving very changeling.

So the 'Fun & Cool & Interesting part..... As you know by reading past posts I'm involved with the Saskatoon Community Police Acadamy'. One part of the class includes a 'Ride-Along'. (Fun part). You meet up with an officer at the station at 7pm and if all is well, you should finish around 11pm. The officers double up in the cars after that time, safety issue.

I was worried that it was going to be canceled at one point because of the weather. I figured that they would be so busy attending accidents that it would not be feasible for them to have me along, a safety issue. I'm so glad it worked out.

As you can imagine, with the chilly weather the 'no-good-niks' & 'scofflaws' were few and far between. We did two traffic stops and only gave warnings, one for tailgating, and the other for texting. A total of three semi truck / trailer units ended up stuck on Circle Dr. south bound, one near 108th St, and two trying to make the hill at Collage Dr. Well that really messed up traffic for over two hours.  I believe the trucks put chains on and made it up the hill. They were blocking both lanes, so the far right shoulder was all that they could send traffic through on, it made for slow going. We avoided that area, as we did not want to get caught up in directing traffic for two hours in the chilly weather.

We headed over to the west side to 'look for trouble' and got another call for a MVA near Wal-Mart. Police can really help you if you tell them where you are, east side Wal-Mart is not real helpful, Preston Ave or Clarence Ave would help so much more. Nothing was found near either east side location as the caller put it. So, back to the west side we go.

We helped on a 'domestic' call, she just wanted her drunk ex-husband out of the house, no violence. When we contacted the complainant she had indicted he had left and was going back to his place and that he was just drunk. After running his name through the system, we found he had a warrant outstanding, so all 4 of us went to his place. We arrived and the other two officers had him in custody, when we go around the corner, the drunk stared calling us 'sweethearts' and how good looking we were. Happy & funny drunk.

Still on the west side of Saskatoon, he asked if I had ever seen the 'Hell Angels' club house. I surprised him with a yes and that I've been inside too.!! Back in the 80's I worked for an arcade company and we supplied pool tables, pinball's and video games. I installed a pool table and two table top games in the club house, that was the one and only time I was ever there, but sill a good story.


OK, that's part one. The second part I will write Thursday and you will be amazed at what a simple 'that don't look right' moment can do.

Have a great day, and thanks for stopping by.

Bruce
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Thanks:

Thanks to those who answered the questions, some very good remarks for sure.

I also what to thank a friend of mine for some enlightening news, sometimes it's hard to say things even though you are friends. It's one of those time's in life that I would really like to make some phone calls, send some email's that would just be generally nasty and rude, but fun to write! They would solve nothing, but still fun to write.

I'm really way past the school age crap that some people want to do. There are two ways things work, in my world anyway.
1. If I'm really, really pissed at you, I'll try and be nice, but still tell you. If we can recover from it, great, if not, that works too.
2. I'd expect the same in return.

The old saying that "I can't fix it, if I don't know it's broke" is a perfect example. If I'm being a jerk, tell me and I will return the favor if need be.

Image Making: The plan to see Joe McNally in Calgary have developed a big hole in it, so I won't make it out after all. To all that are or are still thinking about it, go, from what I've heard, it's well worth the money. The biggest issue is a new camera body, do I go to the workshop, or grab the D7000. After weighing all the issue's, for me and my shooting style, (landscape / night) I'll put the money into the new equipment.

I posted some new stuff on flickr from the weekend. I had gone to catch the sunrise and got sidetracked by some geese and ducks and ducks and geese and a muskrat!!

------------

As an old acquaintance used to say...

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Friday, Oct 22, 2010

How is every ones week?
Another busy week with floor hockey on Mondays, Saskatoon Camera Club on Tuesdays and Community Police Academy on Wednesdays, I really really like Thursdays for a 'rest' day. It turns into a catch up on photo editing and cataloging day, clean the camera room day and try to figure out what else I can get into trouble with. Which, next to shooting, is always a great day.

I wanted to put little tid-bits in this blog every week about the 'cop school' as I call it. 'Community Police Academy' brings back memories of all the 7 'Police Academy' movies. Now don't misunderstand, in no way shape or form am I going to be an officer, this is just for the public to get a better understanding of the SPS. Sort of becoming a cheerleader for them, if you will.

This week we had an 'Ident Officer' and 'Firearms Trainer' come and have a chat. It's funny how I look at some of the presenters each week and think, OK it's going to be dull.... and to date, it never has been.
The Ident officer talked about finger / toe prints and really what they can and can't pull these off of. One B&E they went to, the home owner wanted them to dust the discarded chicken bones that the thief had left after stealing $20,000 of stuff and eating their left overs. Ya, can't really dust them bones.

So the SPS's Ident officer is just like a CSI you see on T.V. except they don't drive Hummers, don't have multi-million dollar labs just waiting, don't use shiny tool box's and generally don't have time for a love interest every week or so. I guess their really nothing like the T.V. CSI really.

A Note... The turn around time on most DNA for major crimes (ie: murder / assault etc) is about 30 days right now and 60-90 days for lesser crimes (ie: B&E, etc) And unlike T.V., it take about two and a half days to run it through the system.


FIREARMS!! This officer was WELL trained in the care and use of these items. An Afghan vet and trainer. He really got the class involved with a discussion about whether we should all be armed (U.S.A. type) or having it the way it is now in Canada. I would love to have a gun, but again, it's that married thing, I like that better.

So I have a little survey for all of you (post in comments)

1. Should everyone be allowed to own a gun?
2. Should you be able to carry a gun at all times?  2a. Concealed or not concealed?
3. Should all guns be registered?

I look forward to hearing from all of you in the comment section and will post the results in a week.

Image Making - Joe McNally is going to be in Calgary Nov 13 & 14, 2010. I'm going to head out to this, still trying to decide if I'm going to drive or fly. I'm hoping that a few friends and I can make a road trip out of it, either way it will be a great time (Fantastic if the Flames were in town too, but no such luck) If you are going, please let me know.


Long, sorry about that. Thanks for those reading and for those sending comments. Have a great week and watch for a post early this week. I have a "Ride-along" with the SPS on Tuesday.... Very Very interesting...

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The Time has come!

OK, the Halloween 2010 edition will go ahead. (Past Years)Still not crazy about it, but what the hell, you live once! I'll keep you posted as to the happenings.

The clinic where I work has it's 'Grand Opening' of the 20th St. location on Tuesday, the 19th. I have been doing the last second cleaning to get the place looking a bit better. It is what it is - a clinic in one of Saskatoon's core neighbourhoods (re: Hood). You will always have a few that don't respect the place or what the clinic is trying to do for them, so they beat the place up, and I patch it back together as best I can.

Image Making - A novel idea sent to me by my friend Henry James. I could see lots of uses for this item besides photography, and the price I thought was completely reasonable. Would love to order the two sizes, however, I like to stay married too . . some other time I thinks.

Scott Bourne has another contest out, you could win a Nikon D7000 + a set of Nikon Pocket Wizards, here is the link Follow the instructions and it may be yours!! Free generally works into every one's budget.

I was playing around with some water on Sunday. The Saskatoon Camera Club has a clinic this month called 'water'. As with all nature shots "No evidence of man" must be in the shot. I was doing well, not really getting the shot I wanted, but, no 'man' presence....at least I thought. After looking at the shots on the computer, there is a small piece of metal right in the middle of each and every shot :( Could not believe I did not see it earlier, oh well, I will try again on Tuesday...maybe. As it's the SCC clinic, and I've put a few hours into shooting already, I may just pass on the this one. Will post if I do enter.

Janet and I went on a "photo outing" on Saturday. ( Have to find a cooler name for these) We combined some Geo-caching and photography together and made for a great day. I will be posting some images on flickr site in the next few days. We did not get allot of 'outstanding' shots, but it was fun to get out and get lost on the back roads of Saskatchewan We found, after some time, the 'Crooked Trees' that are northwest of Hafford, SK. Smaller area that I would have thought, however, I think it needs to be explored a little more and will be going back in the spring for sure. We saw a bit of wildlife, most of which were showing me the south end as they were heading north!!! Janet got a few really good shots of an Elk and I will post those later as well. The best wildlife photographer I know is Henry James (see link above), the stories that go with most of his animal shots are nuts. I'll let him tell them....

Holloween 2010

Oct 12, 2010. So it's down to the wire for the annual Halloween make over. Has in the past few years I have not been so crazy about the set-up and am starting to think it's really not worth all the time, effort and MONEY.

Alan wants this to go ahead no matter what, I'm so on the fence this year. I'll make my decision by Friday and then go crazy for two weeks getting it all together.( Sounds like I already made up my mind ...hmmmmmm.) I find it hard coming up with new ideas every year that have a low cost / time / scare ratio. We'll keep you posted.

Image Making - So one of the point's to this blog was to talk about photography. So after several months, here we go. My plan is to have this area in each blog post.

What I listing to - "Going Pro 2010" Great blog and podcast by Scott Bourne and Skip Cohen. If your thinking about taking the leap to 'pro', this is a must read / listen area.

Scott Bourne puts out so much stuff it's amazing, and although it looks overwhelming to suck up all that info, it's not. Bite off what you can chew and leave the rest for later. Just keep him bookmarked.
If you do a search on iTunes you will find a few dozen pod casts on photography, some good, some bad and some just plain ugly.... but you'll fine a few to listen to on the way to work. ( Much better than the same old songs / political bashing on the radio)

Janet and I have been trying to get out and grab some of the fall colours, but have had so many other obligations, it's made shooting days few and far between. Still hoping to get out some before the dreaded "S" word starts to fly.

Off to the Saskatoon Camera Club meeting, Scott Prokop is giving a chat tonight on making some cash on your images. Should be interesting, and we'll keep you posted.

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Hi All,

It's Friday, Oct 8Th, 2010. I hope everyone had a great week and are looking forward to the long weekend here in Canada.
The work week was a usual course of 'it's not my job / fault / area... etc. Oh the joys of the union. Don't get me wrong, I be believe the union has a place and can be run very well...most of the time. It's when the attitude sets in that it's "Not my ..... " that problems start.

Anyway, that's work. Now to talk about ME... MRI this week, I hope I passed, because, as usual I did not study !!! Everything, on my end went fine and Janet was there to hold my hand and listen to me babel, which I did well after the Atavan kicked in. Took about an hour and was all done. I will hear in the next few days if all is well.


Out with Alex for dinner tonight in Warman. He's an reservist in the CAF and could not be more proud to call him my Friend. He did date Angela for a bit, which did not work out but that's OK, he's still a great guy.


I would love to get out shooting with some of the guys this weekend, I've sent emails out to several but have yet to hear. I have a feeling that somewhere I pissed them ALL off. I'm curious has to why, but really, does it matter? If you want to be friends then YOU make the effort too.

We'll have some images for sale at the WDM in mid November and Janet and I will have a display in the Circle Center Mall Nov 28Th to Jan 4Th. Come and check out either, the first event sells the images and 40% goes to the Boys and Girls club.

The weekend should be great, I'm going to head out early on Sat and get a sunrise, I think I will go northeast @ 4 am, put some miles between me and toontown.

26 people over for dinner on Sunday... oh joy....

Will keep thing posted over the weekend....

f\16

Time flies

Sorry folks, keeping up on writing every week is tough, I have to give allot of credit to those that can do this every few days, let alone every day.

So last weekend (Sept. 25,2010) we had what may be our last fire pit of the year, I hope we still have one more yet. A great time was had by all including Marcus, who had to make sure everyone had at least one smories.

On Sunday the the 26Th I played in the 12 annual "LOFT" (You figure out what the letters stand for) tournament. My friends, Gord, Doug & Dale, and I are the only ones that play for this fantastic trophy.
We play a skins / stroke game, meaning that there could be two winners of the trophy. Well I don't know what happened, but I won both sides!! Woo Hooo!! I now, after 12 years, have my name engraved on the back, TWICE. And of course this week my game goes back in the shitter :(

Boring week until Thursday. Janet went to a 'Passion Party'. Like a Tupperware party but with sex toys and stuff. I was told to come along, but am glad I didn't. From the stories I got told after WOW, stuff you did not need to know...hahaha (and YOU know who YOU are =:)) ) Janet had a blast and an order........

Janet went to the 'Bay City Rollers' in Regina on Friday, she had a fantastic time, took some great pictures as well. Got allot done and ended up crashing early, so it was a good day.

Saturday should have been somewhat quiet, we had plans for supper at Mulberry's in Market Mall with her parents and have some drinks at the Cork & Bottle after, simple... yea right.. then I read about this...

A friend on FB posted about this small get-together of people called the "Decentralized Dance Party", the Saskatoon FB page is here
A fantastic idea, a great time and, since alcohol was a no-no, not very many idiots. Check out all the pictures and go to FB / YouTube to see the videos. Like I said, this was a great time with very little problems you think would be associated with a party like this, so hats off, well done Tom & Gary!

The police also did a fantastic job as well. The let the kids party until after 11:30 when this old man had to go. I understand they did shut it down later, but we have to remember that even though your on the river, its still a residential area. So hats off to them as well for letting it happen and helping to make sure it did not get out of hand.

The week ahead looks busy again as well, Monday - floor hockey, Tuesday - Charity thank-you party (and the day a win a new house LOL) Wed- cop school, Thursday - relax, Friday - MRI and then the weekend..again

Have a great week folks and we'll chat soon.

The weekend..

The weekend went by so fast. Managed to get out with Henry & Jim to shoot (photograph) the central part of Saskatchewan. We made it from Saskatoon to St. Louis, P.A. , La Colle Falls hydroelectric power project, the meeting of the North & South Saskatchewan rivers, back south to St. Louis and home through Aberdeen.

It all we used three ferry crossings which is a record for me. I'm amazed how similar all the approaches are. Got to see some wildlife in the form of a skunk, coyote and three Beavers. We also saw some bear tracks, but unfortunately, no Bear.

Some cool shots (847) which I will cut down and put up on Flickr very soon.

It was great to get out with the guys again, I miss the 'BS'ing and our continuing plans and ideas on how the world should work.

I was to play two golf games on Sunday, however, one had to be moved to a later time and I was unable to make it. I did golf out at Greenbryre Golf Club with Mark, Marc and Mike. We came in third I believe. A little too many drinks before hand, so my game was a lot off the mark, but we survived and had fun.

We're editing this at 3AM because I can't really sleep for some reason. I'm going to go to work very soon and leave by 7ish, feel like crap so we may as well get it done.

Cop school's first class was last Wed. and it went well. I've learned allot about the service already. Like they have a quite a few washrooms in that building. My ride-along is booked for Oct 26Th from 7-11pm, that should be a blast, can't wait. The sit-along I have yet to book, they would like it if you stayed the whole 12 hour shift... we'll see. Very excited to be a part of this and I will report back on how things are going.

Off to work and then crash when I get home, Janet's first day back after the Victoria trip, though she doesn't say it in so many words, I know she's glad to go back...Hahaha

Later folks
Bruce

Police Academy 12 and stuff

Yep, I'm in! "Saskatoon Community Police Academy, class 12" Sounds like a bad movie, but no, it real. The "Community Police Academy' started some years ago, the history and idea can be found here It's every Wednesday 7-10pm, your only allowed to miss two or you don't graduate.

Floor hockey started last week as well, Mondays and Wednesdays, won't make Wednesdays until Dec 12 (see above)

I have a golf game and a tournament on Sunday with a staff BBQ, don't think I'll make the BBQ. I'm also missing a trip up north with the Saskatoon Camera Club to shoot the "The La Colle Falls Dam project" Very interesting part of our history. So many things to shoot, not enough time.

Happy shooting,

Bruce

Wow, over a month!!

I can't believe it been over a month since I last posted, time flies so fast around here. Well, I have a few things to talk about so here go's....

Just got home from a fantastic trip to Victoria, BC (not Texas). Janet and I spent 5 days there instead of heading to Winnipeg to watch the Riders loose. Our original plan was for Winnipeg, but the tour company messed up and did not inform us until mid August that they we're not offering a package this year. By the time we tried to make other arrangements, everything was full. So we went west, and very glad we did.

I have a few comments about Victoria, BC, Canada.
Very beautiful place to see, but at least half of the people we ran into had that lazy island attitude. Which, for the most part was adequate.

We went to the Travelodge on Gorge Rd. to watch the Rider game on Sunday.
The 'Upper Deck' sports bar advertises all sorts of sports and whacks of screens to watch your favorite game on. OK, the reality of this is they have 12+ screens, but only show what the bartender likes to watch. Even though there were only 6 guys (friends) in the place, it all had to be NFL... "How about the screen in the corner, down the little hall, with no one around, can we watch it there?" "Nope, not on the first day of the NFL season" he says.

Great, we look for somewhere else to watch and end up back at our hotel. In the basement is a nightclub, again ALL the screens were NFL, I asked if he could change just one to the Rider game? No problem he says, We'll put you over here and turn up the volume as well. WOW, great service, food and drinks. Did not get the name of the barkeep and the waitress but was treated very well. Hecklers in the Ramada, we recommend highly.

Now the Ramada on Gorge Rd, Victoria..... OK, but not great. Cleaning staff were friendly enough, the reception not so much. Our room cards failed everyday we were there. Everyday we had to get them reprogrammed on the way to the room. "Did you have them near you cell phone, did you go into any shops that had security bars? was the standard questions. On the forth day we asked for a list of stores "without" security bars, so we would know where to shop, yea, did they did not really like that question. I thought it would be easier than listing all the shops that do have them :) Don't really recommend staying there, was OK but not worth the money.

Drivers were FANTASTIC!!, never had a problem merging or getting around at all and drivers did what they were suposed to do. Very easy to drive to all the area's we wanted to see.

That's it for this trip, I'll make some other posts to bring you up to speed on the rest of the mumblings later today.

The End?

I had a brain fart awhile back and thought it would be a "good" idea to spend a day with Marcus (grandson). Well that day has come...... So a full day is planed, caching(he calls it treasure hunting), walk through River Landing, horse racing @ Marquis Downs followed by fire pit and sleeping in a tent in the backyard.

Should be fun...

More on Monday.

New sets on Flickr as well, Fringe 2010 and McNab Park. Check them out.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruceajohnson/sets/

Congrat's to Don & Charlotte + Family BBQ

What a busy weekend and it all passed so quickly.
First off I want to say Congratulations to Don & Charlotte on Fifty years of marriage. These people are great friends (even if Don has a piece of Alberta plotted out) :) Janet and I had a great time at the farm and then to the hall, can't beat that small town family stuff. Thanks guys for letting us be a part of it.

Second, The Family BBQ.
"A grand time was had by all", according to Janet, the oldest daughter of the Hayes clan. "There are so many grand, great grand, nephew & niece's now, it's hard to keep track" she uttered.

Bruce & Janet we're doing their best to photograph all the shenanigans that the youngsters and most of the adults had gotten up to. Good food and drink was served with much splendor as a paper plate & plastic cup's can have! With Union Jack's & the 'Red Hand" flying high above the yard, a little piece of N. Ireland was staked out for the day and into the wee hours of the morn.

After dinner a group photo was taken and the true nature of the Hayes clan came to light, none could stand still for a moment. More drink and a monstrous bonfire led to the lighting of fireworks (2) which brought and end to the day's festivities.


That was the weekend folks and was fun to write about. Now a short work week and we can lite the fire again.... WoooHooo

Have a great week and we'll talk soon.

Bruce.


BBQ pic's can bee seen on facebook

Fantastic Week

Wow what a great week, I hope yours was fantastic as well.
First, went down to the Taste of Saskatchewan for lunch with a few people from work. This is the first year I've really been going to any of these festival's since I parked / sold the truck. Always kind of felt out of place just being one of the crowd, after owning and running Mister Tasty for ten years and having been on the inside of most events. However, life is always changing and, as most things in my life, I would not change a thing. (Well, maybe seeing Alan eat Ketchup covered ice cream, said he would, but am still waiting)

Lead the "3rd Annual Scott Kelby World Wide Photo Walk" in Saskatoon. What a blast!! Could not have done it without the help of Janet, so my hat is off to her. 1111 Photo walks, 33,483 walkers world wide, ave 125 shots each (so far reported) 4.18 million images created on ONE day, WOW !!!!!
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone that came out, it's because of you that I had so much fun, thanks again and we'll see you next year.

Went back to Taste of Saskatchewan on Sat. night. The Riders lost. Janet and I along with some great friends tried about 10 different places and was generally impressed by all. So good job people. Got some weird ass (yes ass) pictures. Really people... I'm no 'looker' by any stretch, but did you LOOK in a Mirror?????? 'cause the size 2 pants and the size 8 ass don't really work....for anyone!!

Janet and I entered our shots for the Ex this year, got some damn good stuff, so we won't win anything :))(Murphy's Law) There is a 'peoples choice' so if you go, ummm fill it out, PLEASE!!!

We are going to be more consistent on this blog as well, ounce a week, come hell or power outages!!!!

May have some great news in the next week or so.. will keep you posted.

Later,Bruce

World Wide Photo Walk

The World Wide Photo Walk (WWPH) is just over a week away and thing are coming together quickly. I've gotten a few more prizes from such great places as Foxy's in Sutherland, thanks Pam & Darrin. Somewhere Else Pub in Avalon Shopping center on Broadway also came through with some goodies, Niss & Darwin will take grat care of you there. Please stop by both these fantastic places for a drink and some great food.
http://worldwidephotowalk.com/walk/saskatoon-sk-canada/

We're still looking for more prizes, if you have anything to donate, please email me and I'll make an arrangement to pick it up, thank-you.

What did they expect? and other stuff.

It should be a fantastic weekend out there, so remember the camera and bug spray. BIG bug spray. There's lots of stuff to shoot and if you can't seem to think of anything read this:
http://photofocus.com/2010/06/12/seven-things-to-freshen-up-your-photographic-eye/ or do a search for other ideas on this site. Another plan is to go for a road trip if possible, just getting out of town for a bit can inspire you. We may try to get here this weekend: http://www.honeywood-lilies.ca/introduction.php Whatever your plans, have the camera ready, you may get the 'shot of the year'

WOW and more WOW

My great friend Henry James got off his butt and went storm chasing on Thursday night, June 24, 2010. For whatever reason I ignored my "Rule #2" and sat on my arse and did nothing. Which is what I have to work with, nothing.

Yes, I'm beating myself up for not going out and it will not happen again. Here is a link to his amazing shots. There are too many here to just pick one as a favorite, I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.
Thanks for sharing Henry!

http://www.henryswebsite.com/Stuff/Lightning/June24_2010/index.html
(for some reason, I can't make the link highlight, so please copy and paste)
(The problem is between the chair & keyboard for sure)

Have a great weekend everyone and enjoy your short work week.!

Another rumor crushed

Some time ago I was told that you are 'not allowed' to set up a camera tripod / light stand etc. in Saskatoon parks and that several well known photog's have been shut down by, I'll assume here, the police.

Bruce being the inquisitive bum he is, decided to ask the very people in charge. Below is the letter I received from the city . . Very, Very Interesting :

"" Dear Mr. Johnson,

I am the Open Space Consultant for the City of Saskatoon, I am the person that chairs the committee that approves all special events in our City Parks.


There is no bylaw in the City of Saskatoon that would limit you or others from taking family photos or even wedding photos in our City Parks. We would encourage all residents to get out and enjoy the beautiful parks that we have.


If you have any other questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Thank you,

Roxane Melnyk

Open Space Consultant, Community Services

City of Saskatoon

Ph: (306-975-3342) Fx: (306)975-3185

e-mail: roxane.melnyk@saskatoon.ca

____________________________________________________________________________________

From: Cope, Jill (CC - Communications)
Sent: June 14, 2010 3:13 PM
To: Melnyk, Roxane (CY - Leisure Services)
Cc: Brooks, Yvonne (City Manager's Office)
Subject: FW: photography in parks

Hi Roxane

Can you please reply to this citizen? I’ve never heard of this rule, have you? Can you let me and Yvonne know your answer for future reference?

Thx!
J
___________________________________________________________________________

From: Web Master Mailbox
Sent: June 14, 2010 2:21 PM
To: Cope, Jill (CC - Communications)
Subject: FW: photography in parks

Hi Jill,

Have you ever heard of anything such as the email below?


Yvonne

_____________________________________________________________________________

From: redmax1@shaw.ca [mailto:redmax1@shaw.ca]
Sent: June 13, 2010 8:07 PM
To: Web Master Mailbox
Subject: photography in parks

I would like to photograph a friends 80th birthday in a downtown park. I would like to use at least one light stand as well as a tripod for the camera. Someone informed me that I can't use any such equipment in the park.

1. Is this true?


2. Which bylaw does this come under?


3. Can I get a license to do this?


Thanks for all your help,

Bruce A. Johnson ""

Ya may want to print this out for reference in case your asked to remove your equipment.

Have a fantastic day and to whoever is practicing their 'Rain' dance, please STOP already!!

Scott Kelby's Worldwide Photo Walk - Saskatoon

The walk is filling up, so get in now before all the spots are taken!!



You can be a part of this fantastic experience by going to the link below and joining the 2010 walk in Saskatoon. The site explains all the details. If you need more info, please email me asap.

The date will be July 24, 2010. If your SURE you can make it, please sign up. As I understand it, it can be difficult to remove a walker after they sign up.. so be sure please.

Last year Janet, Henry and I took part and overall it was a great time. I volunteered to lead this year.

Now, just so you know, this is NOT a workshop. If you have questions ask away, there will be several photog's there with a ton of knowledge to help you out. Remember, their there to have some fun, meet other photographers and maybe get some new ideas and inspiration. It should be a fun experience for everyone.


There will be a "Best of Saskatoon" award from Scott Kelby and we are working on some other goodies for all the walkers as well. If your coming along or know of someone that can donate something for a door prize, please email me.

That's it, go to the site and sign up, it will be a great time.

'There are no strangers at this walk, only photographers you have yet to meet'


http://worldwidephotowalk.com/walk/saskatoon-sk-canada/

Cool stuff

If your a photog or just own a camera, watch this blog. In the next day or two we will anounce some cool stuff for you to get involved with.

Stay tuned..........

Real Mumblings

OK, so the whole point of this blog was to pass on some of my thoughts and 'Mumblings' (Janet & Henry both say a mumble - lots, hence, the name)

So here are some thoughts that have been going on in the old melon for the last few weeks.

After a close encounter of the dead kind a few weeks ago (all seams good for now) I was starting to think of my own mortality. I am under no illusions that I or anyone else I know is going to make it out of this game alive.

So what is normal after an event like this? Am I supposed to find 'God', go on a walkabout, go 'find' myself or all of the above?

After chatting with a nice lady at lunch time, she thought I was handling it quite well and that a walkabout, although good for the soul, is not really required.

So that's good to know. However, if I do start talking about the big guy upstairs too much, let me know.

My friend M.P. always says life is a 'Gong Show', well folks, get busy living before the big guy rings that gong, you never know when that will be.

Thanks for reading and don't forget, YOU can make comments, that I may read .. or not, but you can still make them.


f/16 (look it up)

The 'Brick' in Saskatoon Sucks

Hey everyone, enjoy and I promise I'll have better stuff to talk about....soon.

I emailed this letter on the 13th of May, to date we have received NO response. Not an apology, an 'Oops, we screwed up.... nothing.

So I think, after a reasonable amount of time, you can say what you want to say. Having them not respond sure says allot about 'The Brick'.
Another story about 'The Brick' . . . You can read for yourself, shows you what kind of people own and run this company. (http://www.financialpost.com/small-business/story.html?id=3036304)

After our experience, I would HIGHLY recommend shopping ANYWHERE else for you furniture.
Again, the above, is just my opinion!


Hello;

We're writing this letter to inform you of the very sad experience we had AFTER giving you the cash for our
purchase. (Rec.# 050801H**** / 050801H103**** / 08-May-2010 / 16:47:56) Salesperson: Randy King

On Saturday May 8th, 2010 we stopped at your 1st Ave. N. store in Saskatoon. As my wife had been there before looking for a new couch / love seat and we did have the possibilities down to 3 selections. After picking the one we liked, we approached Randy King to purchase the item.
Randy King informed us that the product was in an Edmonton warehouse and that it could be in the store by Tuesday, May 11, 2010 and that it could be delivered later that day. We informed Randy King that would be acceptable and that we would have someone pick the items up Wed. May 12, 2010 in the morning very soon after your store opens, about 9:00 AM. "That would be fine and all they need for the pick-up is your phone number to receive the items" Paid cash in full for the items here.

Wednesday May 12, 2010 we send our truck driver and helper to pick-up the items purchased. After first being informed that the items were purchased at the other Saskatoon location and they would have to go to that location, our driver pointed out this stores address at the top of the invoice. After the clerk wasted more time, they returned and informed the driver that the 'truck' did not leave Edmonton until later than planed and that the item would be late.

We were told the item would be delivered to the Saskatoon store on Tuesday for Wednesday pick-up.That was not the case, we were informed that the items were never scheduled to leave Edmonton until Wednesday, May 12, 2010. I now had to rearrange my and my drivers time because YOU lied. After discussing this with your store manager we were refunded the amount it cost us to arrange a driver ($25.00 / 051201H0904) Acceptable.

Returning to the 1st Ave N. store at 6:30 PM on Wednesday May the 12, 2010 to try and pick-up the items. The store manager on duty at the time gladly refunded the $25.00 for the inconvenience you had caused, to our debit card according to your policy. Acceptable.

We presented the receipt to retrieve the items and load the truck. This is when we were informed that 'Photo I.D." is required to pick-up items. We were told by Randy King on May 8th, that all we / driver needed was a phone number, and after looking over ALL of the documentation that we received with our purchase, no where does it state that 'Photo I.D." is required. The ONLY place I did find it was buried on your web site. Your assumption that everyone in Canada has Internet access is very naive.

After explaining that she did not bring 'Photo I.D.', (because we were not informed of it's requirement) and that she did have the paid invoice, was informed that was still not acceptable as per YOUR store policy and that the item would not be released. When we inquired if Randy King was in the building and that he could vouch for us, we were told that he was, but it was against company policy for the salesperson to do that.

This is also where the manager decided to inform us that under the 'Saskatchewan Traffic Act', that you must carry 'Photo I.D.' while driving in the province. WOW - - We were shocked to discover that not only is he a 'Brick' store manager, he is representing a peace officer in the province of Saskatchewan or at the very least a trained lawyer, why else would he explain the law to us. It really was no difference to him that she did not drive. I'm sure the Law Society of Saskatchewan would be interested in talking to someone who hands out unsolicited legal advice, all while representing YOUR company.

After pointing out that he had already refunded $25.00 to her bank card, how could he now not believe she was who she said she was. Seems kind of foolish to just hand money out to anyone with a bank card, a receipt and a complaint.

Having enough of this fiasco, she requested that all of the money be returned and that we would gladly go anywhere else to make a purchase, the manager, reluctantly, agreed to release the items. ONLY after the stock people had both the driver and my wife sign for the items and record the license plate and description of the truck.

It cost's a lot of money to get a person into a store, and almost nothing to make it so unpleasant that they never return and then relate their experience to at least 10 people, which in turn, relate it to 10 more people and so on and so on. (and of course, it get worse every step of the way)

I would think that you would want every story to be a very positive one, not only for the paid advertising that got us into your establishment, but also for the unpaid word-of-mouth advertising, which you can't put a price on.

Looking forward to your response,

Bruce & Janet Johnson

Chasing Geese

I was in Rotary park in Saskatoon on Thursday and witnessed this 'gentleman' chasing the geese off the river. I guess the river's not big enough for both of them. So the jerk wins.