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Thursday, July 22, 2010

True History from Victory Heights

Curious whether the people and events you read about in Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington, were real historical facts or just stuff we made up? I'll be posting "True Historical Facts about Love Finds You in Victory Heights" here on my blog. Check it out frequently, because I'll be adding more as the blog tour gets rolling! Enjoy! (Spoiler Alert: You may not want to peek until you've read the book.)

True History from Victory Heights

Victory Square: Chapter 1 of Victory Heights opens with Rosalie racing through Victory Square in downtown Seattle.

With one end modeled after the Washington monument and the other after Thomas Jefferson's house, Montecello, Victory Square was a focal point for Seattle’s World War II homefront. They'd have rallies, bond drives, and live entertainment. It was located on University Street, between 4th and 5th avenues in front of the Olympic Hotel, the monument also listed the names of Washington state citizens who lost their lives during the war.

Photo from

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Book Club Discussion Questions for Love Finds You in Victory Heights

Are you in a book club? Love Finds You in Victory Heights offers lots of discussion possibilities. I've created a list of questions to help get the the dialog hopping.

Love Finds You in Victory Heights, WA
Book Club Discussion Questions

1. Would you be willing to leave your “normal” life and take on a factory job? What would be the challenges and benefits?

2. What are some sacrifices the folks on the home front made during World War II as depicted in the book? What challenges did they face? How do you think today’s society would respond if asked to make similar sacrifices?

3. Morale in World War II was propelled by propaganda. Can you come up with any examples of this? Do you think this was a proper way to rally support for the war effort? How would our culture respond to such propaganda today?

4. What did you learn about American history?

5. Throughout the book, tragedies of war invade the characters’ lives: Vic’s death, Kenny’s father’s injury, etc. Which of these glimpses most brought home to you war’s painful reality and why?

6. How did individuals from that era deal with their grief? How do we handle pain today? What are the similarities and/or differences?

7. The book displays many snapshots of life in the 1940s. Which scene most vividly depicts this for you? What aspects do you like best? Which are you glad we’ve moved past?

8. What are some acts of Christian friendship shown by Rosalie and Birdie?

9. Tilly becomes Rosalie’s Christian mentor in the book. Describe a mentoring relationship you have, either as mentor or student.

10. Both Rosalie and Kenny struggled with striving to “earn” approval from others and ultimately God. Can you think of examples of this from the book?

11. Have you ever struggled to earn acceptance rather than rest in unconditional love?

12. How did Rosalie and Kenny finally resolve this?

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Love Finds You in Victory Heights, WA THE DAY HAS COME!

To mark this exciting day, I'm returning to Rosie the Riveter. Our character Rosalie is a riveter for Boeing in Seattle making B-17 bombers. I dedicated my part of the book to all the Rosies:

"To the Rosie the Riveters of World War II who left the comfort of their homes to brave strenuous and unfamiliar jobs in the national pursuit of victory. Your strong arms played a mighty role in preserving the freedom we now enjoy."

The Rosies signed a Victory Pledge.

"Realizing my importance as a Victory worker to my country and its cause, I solemnly pledge that to the utmost of my ability I will: Allow nothing to keep me from my job; Make the fullest productive use of time, tools, material; Use my ingenuity to develop shortcuts speeding vital output; Guard my own health and safety and that of my fellow workers; Co-operate with our Employee-Management war production drive committee to aid my departmet and my plant in producing on time and in plenty the weapons of Victory."

Pretty awesome. What else can I say?

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Love Finds You in Victory Heights, WA COUNTDOWN 1 More Day!!!!

Letters were a huge part of life in the War years. Just imagine the thrill of tearing open that letter from your loved one stationed abroad, knowing he's okay, learning about his life and thoughts. For a soldier, one sweet letter from his girl would remind him why he's fighting, bring a glimmer of joy. No wonder they called it V-mail. Victory Mail.

Here's an excerpt from a letter (shown above) written from a husband to his wife and new baby. Very poetic language.

1 Nov 45

My Precious Darlings;

Yes, my Darling I see you now like a far away beacon which I must reach in order to survive - so total in my eyes and mind like blindness and insanity. When we are together again we will have fun - drink and laugh - see a beautiful movie and let it take us away completely - we will joke and laugh and enjoy ourselves proper; but our dreams will once again come true, I will live within you and you within me. Our love will be rapturous and serene and you will be so beautiful to me -beauty untouched by worldly things. Only you, my beloved, in all this whole magnificent world.

News hasn't reached me yet concerning discharge or shipment. Perhaps next week, pray god. I love you both so very much.

My Love and Kisses
Herb xxo Daddy xxo

Here's the link to a hundreds of war letters. Many are more down-to-earth than this one! (And be careful, some of the ads are questionable.)

Finally, don't forget our soldiers serving today need letters too.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Love Finds You in Victory Heights, WA COUNTDOWN 2 More Days!

O History! 1940s slang always makes me chuckle. Here's one. "Keep company." Know what it means??? Dating or going steady. "That G.I.'s keeping company with Betty." They also used to say, "Are you rationed?" Can you guess the meaning? A soldier might say it to a girl, asking if she was attached or taken. Sort of a 1940s pick-up line. Love how it hones in on a big thing going on at the time--rationing!

Monday, June 28, 2010

Love Finds You in Victory Heights, WA COUNTDOWN 3 More Days!

Family movie night might be the staple for our generation, but during the War years, radio was the big ticket! Imagine gathering in the living room sitting in front of the big wooden box and bonding over Abbot and Costello or Dick Tracy. Sounds like fun to me!

One of my favorites from this time is the classic Abbott and Costello's "Who's on First?" So funny! Click the link to watch a video version.

I love the old radio shows simply because they allow you to use your own imagination to visualize the scenario. Those comics, actors, writers, and producers were extremely clever.

Here's a link to an awesome Web site with lots of shows you can listen to. Do yourself a favor and instead of movie night, gather round the computer and listen to a few. Your family will love it! Radio Lovers.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Love Finds You in Victory Heights, WA COUNTDOWN 4 More Days!

"These were very sad times--also thrilling! On the Base watching the airmen marching--tears emerged freely as well as a lump forming in the throat. These were OUR boys--eventually going to war! ... How many would return?" Quote from a memoir of the time. I'm constantly impressed with the courage and strength of those WWII folks--both those who went to war and those who stayed home. So much we can learn from them.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Love Finds You in Victory Heights, WA COUNTDOWN! 7 More Days!

"You call this a happy family? Why do we have to have all these kids?" This quote from It's a Wonderful Life cracks me up. We remember Jimmy Stewart for his movie roles, but did you know he was a decorated bomber pilot in WWII as well? He flew 20 combat missions, won 3 silver stars, and was ultimately promoted to Brigadier General! Who knew?

When he signed up, he was five pounds under the weight requirement, so he rushed home and ate everything fattening he could find, then went back and was allowed to sign up. It was just in time, because he almost missed the cut-off for flight school.

What I love even more is that on his missions Jimmy Stewart carried a copy of Psalm 91 given to him by his father. He said, "What a promise for an airman. I placed in His Hands the squadron I would be leading. And, as the psalmist promised, I felt myself borne up."

I found lots of cool old pictures of Jimmy Stewart on this site. Good info. too.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Love Finds You in Victory Heights, WA COUNTDOWN! 9 More Days!

Newsflash! GOVERNMENT FREEZES ALL SALES OF COFFEE! Gasp! Can you imagine? This really happened in October of 1942. Coffee addicts were hoarding their grounds, so the gov put a stop to it! Then the rationing began--1 lb. per person every 5 weeks. Oh, it was a dark time.

So what was a person to do if they couldn't get their coffee? The Black Market! Yup, organized crime began counterfeiting ration books and coupons. I suppose folks REALLY needed their coffee (I can kinda sympathize!). Another option if you NEEDED coffee was the delicious re-brewing idea. Save those grinds, you could use them for tomorrow's java. (Bluck!) Also, those who were getting married or having birthdays could always request coffee coupons for their gifts.

Hmm...I'm off to Starbucks. All this coffee talk is making me thirsty.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Love Finds You in Victory Heights, WA COUNTDOWN! 10 More Days!

"He's the bee's knees!" In the 1940s and earlier this (and even more bizarre phrases like it) meant "the best, most excellent." I've mostly seen these quirky terms squealed in old movies by silly girls about boys they think are cute--or bellowed by fellows: "Why, that girl's the cat's pajamas." Ha ha! I love it. Maybe we should revive these quaint old sayings. They're so much more clever than, "he's hot" or "you da man."

However, the other ones I found with the same meaning might not catch on today:

Cat's Whiskers
Flea's Knees
Cat's Meow
Eel's Ankle
Elephant's Instep
Snake's Hip
Kipper's Nippers
Sardine's Whiskers

Can't imagine calling someone, the eel's ankle. Maybe I'll stick with the bee's knees.

See you tomorrow!

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Love Finds You in Victory Heights, WA COUNTDOWN! 11 More Days!

In honor of our July 1 book release, I'm posting a World War II fact every day.

With Father’s Day tomorrow, I thought I’d talk about my dad, Jim Howard. He passed away back in 2002, receiving a veteran’s funeral for his service in WWII and the Korean War. My dad was in the Navy during WWII serving on a fuel supply ship. According to him, he was with the American fleet on the way to invade Japan when they got word that the War was over. He said there was lots of drinking and celebrating, as you can imagine. Dad wasn’t overly proud of his service, didn't talk about it much. But it was pretty awesome when the elderly soldier saluted his casket and handed my brother—also a veteran—the flag.

I sometimes think about how blessed my dad was to make it home safe from his tours of duty, so many dads didn’t. I imagine the kids who spent Father’s Days without their daddies. And how many are today?

Let’s remember those fathers who’ve sacrificed their lives for our freedom, and also the one’s serving in the hot desert while we barbecue and enjoy our families.

One way to remember our troops is to pray for them. I start by praying for those I know personally or who have relatives I know. Then I say a general prayer for all the troops. And, especially today, I'll pray for the families as well.

Another way to support the troops is to write to them. Here's a SUPER easy and free way. It literally takes less than two minutes. It's a Web site called, Let's Say Thanks

Friday, June 18, 2010

Love Finds You in Victory Heights, WA COUNTDOWN 12 More Days!

One last Rosie the Riveter tidbit. A famous picture of Rosie by Norman Rockwell appeared on the Saturday Evening Post. Big arms, rivet gun--her foot even rests on Hitler's Mein Kampf. After this, Rosie became popular as an icon, and more women worked in the factories. Over 40,000 B-17 bombers were built. The "Army at Home" (what they called the war workforce) really did their job!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Love Finds You in Victory Heights, WA, COUNTDOWN! 13 Days to Go!

More about Rosie the Riveter. She's just so awesome I had to share more! Did you know Rosie the Riveter wasn't a real person? It all started with a song, "Rosie the Riveter." Listen to this and watch the video. It's short and has some great footage or those awesome Rosies building airplanes, tanks, and ships! More about how she became an icon tomorrow. Yea for Rosie the Riveter(and Rosalie Matthews in Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington!).

Oh, and if you have any Rosie stories--about grandmas or friends--PLEASE share!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Love Finds You in Victory Heights, WA COUNTDOWN!

To honor Tricia Goyer and my upcoming release (July 1!), each day I'm going to post a fun World War II fact.

Rosie the Riveter. What a woman! She left her normal, comfortable life to work in loud, dirty, smelly factories. Some built airplanes, others worked in shipyards, or even doing other "men's" jobs like being a plumber, welder, or even car parts deliverer. They worked long hours, but made good money, and were proud of their work.


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Representative introduces tort reform bill to cap attorney fees

Whether a lawmaker has a conflict of interest concerning legislation over lawsuit reform might hinge on how the word “competitor” is defined. It might also come down to whether anyone is willing to pursue a complaint.

Rep. Dan Sullivan, R-Tulsa, is the main conduit for the tort reform effort in the Legislature this session. He has introduced several bills dealing with changes in the legal system that could have a dramatic effect on the courts, lawyers and plaintiffs.

The state House approved Sullivan’s House Bill 1602 and moved it on to the Senate, where the debate is sure to be heated, just as it was in the House.

While a potential conflict of interest was not debated in the Legislature, that topic has arisen outside the chamber. HB 1602 calls for a referendum on capping the fees of trial attorneys. The measure places a 33 percent cap on what attorneys could collect on the first $1 million a plaintiff is awarded from either a court judgment or settlement. The cap goes down to 20 percent for any amount that exceeds $1 million.

Sullivan’s bill caps the income of attorneys that sit across from him in the courtroom. When he is not debating and voting on bills at the state Capitol, Sullivan is one of the state’s top attorneys for defending hospitals and doctors who have been sued.

Sullivan said although he did not check with the state Ethics Commission, he believes there is no conflict of interest.

“I can tell you for one reason it’s against my financial interest to offer these bills,” Sullivan said. “If lawsuits go down, so do the cases that I defend physicians in. It’s not in my financial interest, but I think it’s good policy for the state of Oklahoma.”

There are specific clauses in the state ethics manual on the topic of conflicts of interest. The first states no legislator shall introduce or vote on bills of monetary interest or that he or she would gain benefit from. However, another clause exempts lawmakers who are members of large professional organizations ” like lawyers ” where voting on bills of interest would be unavoidable ” as long as the bill does not have a greater impact to others in the profession.

Included in the definition of a “reasonably foreseeable benefit” is “detriment to a business competitor to the legislator,” according to the ethics manual. In a business sense, a competitor could be someone competing for the same dollars as the legislator.

In the courtroom, Sullivan is not paid by the same person who is suing the doctor or hospital. But, he is competing with the plaintiff attorney over who wins and loses, which could have monetary consequences for the loser.

Sullivan does not hide the fact the aim of his bill is to reduce the number of lawsuits filed against businesses.

“I do not consider that a conflict of interest,” Sullivan said. “My attorney fees have been capped for a long time on an hourly basis. There are people that look over my shoulder all the time when I’m defending a physician to make sure I’m not spending more time than necessary, but that I do the job that is necessary to make sure the case is defended.”

Sullivan practices with the Pierce Couch Hendrickson Baysinger & Green law firm in Tulsa. On his profile page, where he is listed “of counsel,” Sullivan lists medical malpractice and professional negligent defense as his areas of practice. He lists Physicians Liability Insurance Company (PLICO) as one of his clients. PLICO is the largest insurer of doctors in Oklahoma.

Democrat Leader Rep. Danny Morgan, D-Prague, said Sullivan’s possible conflict of interest has been discussed within the Democratic Caucus.

“There has been some real concern by some of our members that he is going after a very specific group of people, and those people are on the other side of most of the issues that he’s talking about,” Morgan said. “It has raised questions by some of us lay members. We haven’t really discussed it with the attorneys, but you always have to do that when it looks like one group is being preyed upon by another.”

Morgan said the issue of filing an ethics complaint has also been discussed, but downplayed any attempt at it.

Marilyn Hughes, executive director of the state Ethics Commission, said, while many complaints are filed, only a few get investigated.

“We have said in our House FY-10 budget request hearing that approximately 60 percent of the (complaints) are against legislators,” Hughes said. “Having said that, there (are) very rarely signed, verified (complaints) filed.”

A signed complaint is a notarized document for which a majority of the members of the commission can approve opening an investigation. An unsigned complaint requires a unanimous vote of the commission to open an investigation. “Scott Cooper

Scott Cooper

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Electric Six transform the Opolis into ‘Gay Bar, Part 2′

Electric Six has been described as possibly the least sincere band in current rock ‘n’ roll ” fighting words in an industry not particularly known for earnestness.

The sextet’s genre-bending blend of disco, post-punk and hair metal has framed a sonic canvas for lead singer-songwriter, Dick Valentine ” real name Tyler Spencer ” to serve up a wickedly funny array of lyrical concerns ranging from Taco Bell to lesbian witches.

The Detroit-based group erupted on the alt-rock scene in 2003 with “Fire,” an album that yielded an unlikely hit with the infectious “Gay Bar,” in which Valentine roars, “I wanna take you to a gay bar! Gay bar! Gay bar!” By then, however, most of the members had already quit, forcing Valentine to spend recent years to rifling through an ever-changing lineup of players. The current roster throws the switch 9 p.m. Tuesday, turning on Opolis audiences in Norman.

Electric Six’s latest effort, “Flashy,” is only the act’s second album in a row to boast the same member lineup. More important, the release is a return to gloriously warped form. Highlights include “Gay Bar, Part 2″ (which, by the way, has nothing to do with “Gay Bar”) and a hip-shaking ode to cleaning spray Formula 409.

Q: What sort of difference did it make to finally have stability in the band lineup?

A: A big difference.

Q: What prompted the title “Gay Bar, Part 2,” since it’s obviously not a sequel?

A: When we were recording our second album, a lot of UK journalists would ask us what it was going to be called. For a joke, we would say “Gay Bar, Part 2.” It was funny and also sad to see how excited they got by that. Since then, we always knew we had to do it for real.

Q: You’ve said before that at least 80 percent of your songs are “about nothing.” Does that mean you don’t want people to take your songs seriously?

A: I think Jackson Pollock’s artwork is “about nothing.” People seem to take him seriously.

Q: Why “Formula 409″?

A: I wrote the song as I walked home from the bar drunk. I don’t know what any of it means other than that.

Q: Do you see yourself as a satirist or a rock musician who happens to have a sense of humor?

A: I see myself as a human being.

Q: Who is your core audience?

A: Mostly guys. Guys who think we like to party as much as them and then usually end up being extremely disappointed by us. Sometimes they even get angry and violent because they can’t understand that we don’t really party. I was once put in a sleeper hold by a guy because I tried to break free of him after he put me in a bear hug and jumped up and down over and over again, saying, “Dance Commander!”

Q: How are your European shows or different from those in the U.S.?

A: In Europe, they don’t have to worry about health care, so they dive headfirst off the stage. In America, nobody can afford health insurance, so they throw beer at me instead. “Phil Bacharach

Phil Bacharach

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If you want to reduce your monthly mortgage payment, there are actually a couple things you can do. The first, is you can refinance your mortgage. Whether or not you should refinance depends on two factors: the age of your loan and the difference between your current and potential new interest rate. Home loans amortize, which means you pay mostly interest towards the beginning of the loan term and mostly principal towards the end of the term. As a result, interest rate is most important towards the start of a term. The interest rate makes less of an impact towards the end of the term, when your payments are predominantly principal. The newer the mortgage, the stronger the argument that you should consider refinancing.

Another thing you can do is re-evaluate your private mortgage insurance. If you bought your home with a down payment that’s less than 20%, you might be paying PMI, which is adding a decent chunk to your mortgage each year. The good news is that you won’t be stuck paying PMI forever. First, repay enough of the mortgage that you’ve gained 20% equity in the house. Then contact your lender to inquire about the process of dropping your PMI. Lenders won’t drop the PMI automatically, you’ll have to request it. Many lenders will send an appraiser to determine the home value before the lender verifies that you own a 20 percent equity stake.

Another option, is to extend your mortgage into a conventional 30-year term in order to cut your monthly payment. However, your interest rate will rise. But, you can still choose to make additional payments on the mortgage, as if you were paying a 15-to-20-year loan. These extra payments will help you satisfy the loan more quickly, without obligating you to make massive payments. See: 12 Ways to Reduce Your Mortgage Payment.

Lastly, another alternative, yet uncommon way to lower your monthly home payment, and that is to fight the tax assessment. A conventional mortgage payment consists of your principal payment, your interest payment, and your monthly payment that the lender puts towards your property taxes and homeowners insurance. If you default on your property tax bill, the county can put a lien on your house. The governments lien will take priority over the lenders lien.

As a result, the lender collects your property taxes each month in order to protect its interest in your home. This payment sits in escrow until the yearly property tax bill is due. Sometimes assessments are also too high if the area has been re-zoned, the new zoning has caused home prices to decline, and the declined prices aren’t reflected in the assessment. Homeowners can protest the assessment by filing a protest with the county or requesting a hearing with the state Board of Equalization. To learn more about the third option, read What Is Private Mortgage Insurance? (PMI).

1 Comment

  1. John

    I like this article, it discusses a lot. I don’t know that I would reduce my mortgage payment. I suppose it would have a lot to do with when it started, and when exactly its going to end. I do think its somewhat unfair that you need to obtain PMI if you don’t have the down payment…but i do get it, i suppose.

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Link to Home Page

Records of Patients - Naval Hospital, Washington City

Log og "Hospital Tickets and Case Papers - 1868 to 1869"

Entry for Bernard Coyne (page 1 of 13) in the log Hospital Tickets and Case Papers - Naval Hospital - Washington, D.C. - 1868-69

NOTE: These are digitized copies of the original records of the patients admitted and treated at the Naval Hospital, Washington City, from 1866 to 1906, held by the National Archives in "Record Group 52, logs of hospitals, 1861-1875 (11W3 3-29-D)"

This site is sponsored by the Friends of the Old Naval Hospital

Last updated September 15, 2008


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Types of camera lenses

Types of camera lenses

Types of camera lenses

Types of camera lenses – Introduction

I mostly cover here the lenses for Full frame Dslr cameras like Canon 5d, 6d or Nikon d600,d700 d800, d3, d4 or Aps-C sensor sized Dslr cameras like Canon rebels, Canon 20d,30d,60d,70d or Nikon d3000,d3100,d5100 d5200, d7000, d7100 cameras. Pentax, Sony, and Fuji cameras are usually have Aps-C sensors, although some Sony cameras has Full frame sensors. The usual size of the Full frame sensors are 36*24mm while the Aps-C or Dx(same meaning) for Nikon are usually has a sensor size of 22.5*15mm. Micro 4/3 cameras (Panasonic, Olympus) has a sensor size of 17*13mm. The are also bigger sensor cameras called medium format cameras like Mamiya (usually 44*33mm sensor).

Types of camera lenses – Prime or zoom lenses

Prime lenses are single focal length lenses. This lenses cannot be zoomed always has a same perspective. These lenses usually go from 8mm to 800mm. The smaller number is wider the bigger show longer lenses. They can have different angle of view though. These can be very wide to very long. Zoom lenses are varifocal lenses, we can change the perspective using the same lenses. There are mid-range zooms, ultazooms, and lenses with little zoom range. The usual lens has a zoom range of 18-55mm. It has an angle of view of approximately 20-70 degree. The ultrazooms can go from 18-300mm. Some wide angle zooms only have a range of 11-16mm. Some telephoto zooms are 70-200 or 100-400 or 200-400mm. There are 50-500mm or 150-600 zooms are also exist. For general photography the wider range is the most usable from 15-50mm.

Same lens for different sensor sized cameras:

Sometimes this issue is confusing for some people. Here I explain a bit, to avoid later confusion. Let’s say we have a fixed lens. This lens is not zooming, always have the same perspective. Below pictures show the perspective of a Full frame and Aps-C sensor camera.
types of camera lenses
Full frame picture
types of lenses2
Picture with Aps-c sensored camera with the same lens.

If we would use a Micro Four Thirds camera with even smaller sensor, the picture would be even narrower. To explain it different if we put the FF lens on the Aps or DX camera the smaller sensor camera will cut the center part of the lens image. It is good for several reasons. First here is the lens is the least sharp, has bigger distortion and chromatic aberration. To assume bigger sensored cameras has wider angle pictures with the same lens, better to make wide landscapes. Or other way smaller sensored cameras makes narrower pictures, better for telephoto, such as birds or wildlife, because they have longer reach.
For this the lens must be a Full frame lens, because
Aps-C lenses doesn’t fill the frame, and it causes dark corners on the FF camera.

Focal lengths and field of view of different lenses

Below pictures shows the perspective of different lenses. The pictures made from the same place.

16mm focal length (24mm on Full frame cameras)

types uf camera lenses 16mm

50mm focal length (75 mm on Full frame cameras)

types of camera lenses 50mm

85mm focal length (127,5 mm on Full frame cameras)

types of camera lenses 85mm

200mm focal length (320 mm on Full frame cameras)

types of camera lenses

560mm focal length (896mm on Full frame cameras)

types of camera lenses 560mm

The 560mm on Aps-C cameras is quite in the super telephoto range already.

Fisheye lenses

samyang 10mmf2.8
Fisheye lenses has 100 to 180 degrees field of view on Full frame cameras. On a smaller sensor size the field of view is much narrower. The 8mm(widest existing) lens gives 112.6 degree angle of view on an Aps-C camera. To achieve this extremely wide perspective, this lenses has huge bended front elements, and makes funny looking distorted images. This lenses are useful in photographing rooms, or making interesting looking images, with wide perspective. But if we see these lenses on absolute scale these are not the most useful lenses, many people don’t like distorted images. I won’t advice to get a fisheye lens for huge money as your first lens. Cameras usually can create fisheye effect for fun, and probably you won’t use this lenses as much as you think. If you go out to makes photos in summer there is lots of flare and vignetting problems can occur with these lenses. But if you have several lenses, and has a budget for this, can be a great fun. According to me the Samyang 8mm f/3.5 (or other wider Samy) is perhaps the most reasonable option if you don’t want to rob the bank, and want decent quality.

Ultra wide angle lenses

Tokina 11 16mm review
Ultra wide angle lenses have little more narrower view than fisheye lenses, sometimes the same but has more than 73.7 degree angle of view and has not got so pronounced distortion. Some of them are very wide, but doesn’t has the distortion the fisheye lenses have. One important thing with these lenses though. If you want to go deep in landscape photography, you perhaps interested in one of these. There are two groups of these lenses, with one group you can use filters with, but with some of these lenses you cannot use photographic filters, and for landscape photography it is a serious drawback. For example for the class leading Nikon 14-24 f/2.8 lens or for the also excellent much cheaper the Samyang 14 f/2.8 lens you cannot use filters, or at least not an easy way.

Wide angle lenses

Wide angle lenses has an angle of view of 40-73.7 degree. Perhaps these lenses are the most useful in photography.

General purpose lenses

Nikon 16 85 vs 18 105
General purpose lenses are usually zooms with an angle of view starting from 64-73 degree (wide angle) to 4-23 degree.(telephoto) General purpose lenses are the do it everything or most things in one lenses.

Normal lenses

Canon 1.4 50mm

Canon 1.4 50mm

Normal lenses has an angle of view of 40 degree. The popular 50mm lenses for Canon and Nikon and other systems are the normal lens for a Full frame camera. It is important to understand that on Aps-C the field of view is narrower, more in the portrait range. In the past photographers use this lenses exlusively for all kinds of photography, partly because this lenses are light, bright has very good optical qualities. On Film cameras the sensor size is 36*24mm like now in Full frame. This lenses has good optical quality relatively cheap, and has good brightness which helps in dark situations. For smaller sensor cameras has not so much use, unless you have a small kid or likes to make lots of portraits.

Portrait lenses

Portrait lenses has an angle of view of 6.4-40 degree. There are two options:
1. The favorite 70-200 zooms usually f2.8 or f4 brightness
2. Fixed lenses usually 85,100,135,mm. 85mm f1.8 usually with better brightness, than the 70-200 zoooms. The primes are usually sharper with better background blur, which makes portraits more artistic.

Telephoto lenses

Telephoto lenses has an angle of view of 5-40 degree. They usually used for portaits or sports or makes pictures of distant things. Some telephoto lens is specialized to macro, but not all of them has good magnification for macro. The magnification is mostly depend on focal length and close focus distance. If the lens focuses closer, the lens has higher magnification desired for macro.

Super telephoto lenses

Super telephoto lenses are like telescopes with an angle of view of 5 degree or smaller. These lenses are usually the most expensive lenses of any manufacturer. The best of this lenses are very good optically, can make very nice sharp images for distant objects such as birds, animals or close pictures of sport players.

Macro lenses

Macro lenses is specialized to make magnified pictures of small creatures or objects, such as insects or jewellery. Macro lenses usually have the angle of view of 6.4-40 degree. The specialized “true” macro lenses usually have 1:1 magnification. Some macro lenses has 1:2 magnification. If we don’t want to put the lens to close to the subject the longer lenses are preferred. If we carefully check the range we find out that the range is usually same as for portraits. This lenses usually can be used for portraits as well.

Tilt swift lenses

Tilt swift lenses are specialized lenses for architecture and landscape photography. This lenses allow to lens to move in an angle or paralel with the image plane of the camera this way helps to keep anything in focus. Canon lenses can tilt and swift separately, Nikon lenses only together, and Samyang also has one. These lenses are not in the cheap category at all.

Types of camera lenses-Mirror lenses

Mirror lenses are usually cheaper lenses with lower optical quality. The out-of-focus highlights can be nervous ugly looking.

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Cinestyle: Minnie and Moskowitz

Minnie and Moskowitz, what a gem of a neurotic love story. The unlikely paring of a hot-blooded parking lot attendant (Seymour Cassel) and an emotionally fragile museum curator (Gina Rowlands) make for drama in excess, awkward funny moments and a frank look at what love can be when you let your guard down.

Oh, and crazy huge sunnies (which become something of a character themselves), sleek dresses, amazingly bad dates, iconic 70s Los Angeles (Pinks Hot Dogs, C.C. Brown's Ice Cream Parlor, LACMA), Minnie's killer apartment and Moskowitz's mustache really make this Cassavetes classic worth a watch.

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Monday, December 6, 2010

JPG 4: What Are You Obsessed With?

I am obsessed with Christmas. Ever since I was a little girl, I have always loved the Christmas holiday. I love the decorations, the festivites, the lights, and of course, the presents! My favorite part of Christmas; however, is realizing how important family really is. Every Christmas, I become so appreciative of the people and things in my life.

1 comment:

  1. good theme , picture ideas are a little predictable. Yoy could explore this idea furture by shooting close ups of your decorations as still life or a better idea would be to document the whole family process of just what each person does to prepare. If you were to see your home through the eyes of a visiting anthropologist what would you discover? Tree hunting, baking, buying,giving, the aftermath.


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Monalisa Chinda Coker looking exquisite in new photo

Nollywood actress and talk show host, Monalisa Chinda Coker is all shade of gorgeous in her new photo. She shared this photo via Instagram and we are loving this pretty mama!

See photo after cut:

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We believe in big ideas, thoughtful design & the beautiful intersection of the two

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When not bringing our own ideas to life, we work with brands and organisations both large and small to help grow and direct their new ideas, or to strengthen and improve their existing ones.

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don’t look now, but I’m shrinking

I have big thoughts about the idea of getting one’s “body back” after having a baby. The conversation that surrounds post-baby-bodies frames it as though nothing but damage occurs during pregnancy and birth; that it is solely something from which to recover. It’s reminiscent of getting in a car accident and taking your vehicle into the body shop: a damage and repair equation.

If that doesn’t short-change the empowering experience of pregnancy and birth, I don’t know what does. It wasn’t until I gave birth to my oldest that I truly realized just how much my body is capable of doing. My birth experience was what made me ask the question: If it can do THAT, what else can my body do that I don’t think it can?

8 miler crop

So I began running. Not to recover my body from damage, but to discover my body’s potential. That girl up there? She just finished running 8 miles on a treadmill and is kinda giddy about that accomplishment. I began to see that having a healthy, strong, and fit body was not only within my ability, it was such a gift to myself and my family. This wasn’t at all like going to the auto body shop, wincing at the estimate and begrudgingly forking over a couple grand in order to take care of the damage. After each workout I felt good. After starting Medifast and watching the pounds fall off I felt good. After finishing each half marathon I felt amazing (and sore). It was all good, not just the result. Learning portion control. Breaking through the proverbial running wall. Having mental space to think. This isn’t to say that there weren’t times that I wanted to eat my way to the bottom of a brownie pan, or times that I would have rather stayed home in my jammies than go to weight lifting class. I was careful not to say “It was all easy”, but I did say that it was all good.

I am eager to keep those benefits coming, to keep discovering (and being surprised by) my own abilities, but I am not going to treat any fitness journey I am on as ‘fixing my damaged body’.

Thanks for listening to my preamble. Now I can get to the real thing I wanted to share:

I have started following the Medifast Nursing Mothers Plan and have lost 20lbs since New Years.

To be honest, I’m feeling a little sheepish about the actual numbers, but well, I guess I’ll just out with it. Last time I started my weight loss with Medifast at 187lbs. This time I started at 202lbs. To be fair to myself, I was much more recently postpartum than I was last time; OBrother was 7 months old when I began the Nursing Mother’s Plan and ODear was 2 months old. Also, strangely, I feel like I look better than I did at the start of my journey last time. This could be because I have more muscle mass under all that extra padding, I’m not sure. I did continue to run a few miles a week until I was 36 weeks pregnant, so maybe?

On the Medifast Nursing Mother’s Plan I can eat unlimited fruits and veggies and am never ever hungry. Here is a pdf of the plan.  I also  know that my milk supply is doing well; I was happily surprised by the amount I got in an evening pumping session last week. I am so excited to be back on this journey with Medifast not to ‘repair’ my body but to challenge it further, and I’m glad to have you along for the ride!

My Journey to Health:

March 3, 2014: 182lbs

February 28, 2014: 183bs

January 30, 2014: 192lbs

December 30, 2013: 202 lbs

20 lbs lost!

:: :: :: :: :: ::

How am I losing that weight, you ask? Medifast!!

Medifast has some deals for you! If you use my code, OFAMILY56, and sign up for Medifast Advantage when you order $250+, you’ll receive 56 free Medifast Meals and free shipping! You’ll receive 28 free meals with your first Medifast Advantage order and ANOTHER 28 free meals with your next order! This offer is only valid if you enroll in Medifast Advantage, and it’s limited to one per customer. It’s not valid with prior purchases, any other promotions or discounts, or for Medifast Ready-to-Drink Shakes.

Not ready to enroll in Medifast Advantage? You can use code OFAMILY28 to receive 28 free meals with your purchase of over $250. Limit one per customer. This offer is limited to new customers only and not valid with prior purchases, Medifast Advantage, or any other promotions or discounts. Both codes expire on 12/31/2012. See website for complete details on program and discounts.

And, obvs: consult your physician before beginning a weight-loss program.

17 Responses to “don’t look now, but I’m shrinking”

  1. Samantha

    I’m really proud of you!! Losing weight and especially exercising like you are is tough work, and it is inspiring to me what you are doing so shortly after adding a third little one.

    On the “body back” post baby thing… I don’t think many people do – even if you get to a lower weight or smaller size, there is still evidence there forever. A goal I prefer is feeling strong and confident in your skin after baby.

  2. molly

    This is so great. I mean, you sound really happy about what you’re doing instead of just – ugh, I have to work out. I want to feel like that too. Now that I had a epi-free birth I pretty much know that any other pain my body is in doesn’t even come close to what my body did the day I gave birth to my daughter. I can push myself. I’m so ready to get the go ahead from my OB so I can get started on my fitness journey. This is not about being skinny or having a perfect body. This is about me becoming strong!

  3. Sara Miles

    WOW! congrats on all the progress, Allison! I know it’s such hard work! Thanks for sharing and being so inspiring to all of us who are also trying to lose the baby weight!

  4. abby

    my friend Allison is AMAZING. do you know her? look in the mirror at that mother-running BEAST! i can’t wait to race with you again!

  5. Karey

    You got this, girl. You’ve been inspiring us getting-fit-Mamas for a few years now and I love your attitude about the whole thing! When my last baby (our fourth) was 6 weeks old I stepped on the scale to see that I had lost ZERO pounds from the day he was born (I was 196 lbs then). NONE. So I cried for a half hour and then decided to *do something*. I exercise. I track what I eat. Some days I RUN like it’s the only way to heaven. I’m enjoying my life and not living for the scale anymore. That being said, I’m under 140 lbs. now (a weight/fitness level I never would have thought I’d see! EVER.). My baby (toddler ::tears::) is almost 2 and I feel healthier than ever. Our bodies CAN do amazing things! You rock. Can’t wait to continue on this journey and watch while you do, too!

    Thanks for being so inspiring!

  6. Jessica

    So impressed – when I start having kids, I am going to start reading your blog all over again back-to-front for inspiration and encouragement :) Keep up the great, healthy, work!

  7. Jamie

    I’ve been a silent follower for about a year. Am one week postpartum with my first baby and have had difficulties getting my son to latch in a way that is not painful to me. We’ve made huge progress in the last day, but it’s moms like you who nurse wherever they can that make me push through and try to make nursing an enjoyable experience for both of us. Keep it up Allison! You rock!

  8. Hollie

    AMEN!! To your preamble! This is exactly how I feel too! In awe of what my body has accomplished and excited and inspired to see what it’s still capable of! You have always been such a inspiration to me and I love how openly you share about your weight loss journey. The victories and then struggles! Keep “gettin’ it girl!!” Next time you come out to Oregon, let’s run a 5k together and become friends IRL :) (I’m @minimillermama on Instagram and always love your comments!)

  9. Esther Plaster

    oh mama!! i am so proud of you!! i started reading your blog last spring (it was part of my inspiration!!!!) and played around with Medifast for 2 months, then gave up. well i am happy to announce that i have lost alost 50 lbs since i went whole-heartedly on the Medifast plan in October 2013. I have 7 more lbs to get back to my pre-wedding, pre-4 kids in 5 years, pre-military moves for 11 years!!! i feel so amazing. i am almost to a healthy BMI, which was my goal in the beginning. not a size, but truly a healthy spot for me being 36 and a little over 5 foot. i never want to go back. i never will. now i am slowly adding working out. i am also reading lots of books, anticipating my maintenance. The Four Hour Body by Timothy Ferris, Naturally Thin by Bethenny Frankel, French Women Don’t Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano, and Trim Healthy Mama by Serene Allison and Pearl Barrett. so thank you for sharing your journey because it is part of my journey!!!

  10. Megan

    You are looking fabulous! It is HARD WORK getting back into shape, especially after having a baby. Good for you! Do you like Medifast? I’m looking into starting a weightloss plan (again.).

  11. Jenna

    I so appreciate your reframing of the typical “needing to get your body back/fixing a damaged body” to “discovering your body’s potential” post baby. I love this and find this so refreshing. I so need that self-kindness and healthy and positive thinking. This has been so helpful to me right now as I’m struggling to lose my baby weight (from my 2nd baby 3 years ago…)
    I love reading your blog. So glad you are back to posting regularly!

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