This is one I wrote to myself, "Buddy Boy" but maybe some of you can relate to it.

OnTheInside comments on Feb 28, 2020:

Another good one, you are quite the wordsmith, nice guitar too.

fishline79 replies on Feb 28, 2020:

Yes, that McPherson was a sweetheart but I couldn't keep it in good conscience, so I sold it. It was made by a Fundamentalist Christian luthier who routinely presents guitars to "Christian" bands. I replaced it with a Martin "D 28 authentic 1931" which rivals it in tone but doesn't play as well. Doesn't it sound sweet?

I am not a psychologist and never studied philosophy.

OnTheInside comments on Feb 28, 2020:

Thank you, extremely good writing. You seem to do that A very wise mother. I've always felt music is the best way to get across what you feel, people are more likely to wait till you're done to start speaking their opinions.

fishline79 replies on Feb 28, 2020:

I couldn't agree with you more.

It has become abundantly clear that people are insanely preoccupied with definitions down to trivial...

MissKathleen comments on Feb 27, 2020:

I haven’t ever fit in with any group, so no reason to expect I ever will.

fishline79 replies on Feb 28, 2020:

@MissKathleen I have been there. Did she ever visit Efteling? It's a theme park based on the illustrations of Anton Piek. I think it is in St'Hogenbosch. It's charming.

It has become abundantly clear that people are insanely preoccupied with definitions down to trivial...

DenoPenno comments on Feb 27, 2020:

Ants are good engineers. As for atheists who have lived before you need to show me a little proof.

fishline79 replies on Feb 28, 2020:

@DenoPenno You too?!

It has become abundantly clear that people are insanely preoccupied with definitions down to trivial...

MissKathleen comments on Feb 27, 2020:

I haven’t ever fit in with any group, so no reason to expect I ever will.

fishline79 replies on Feb 28, 2020:

@MissKathleen I used to live in Amsterdam, back when it was a good place to live.

It has become abundantly clear that people are insanely preoccupied with definitions down to trivial...

fishline79 comments on Feb 27, 2020:

Rene Descartes walks into a bar, sits down and orders a drink. When he finishes the bartender asks if he would like another. Descartes replies, "I think not" and POOF, he disappears!

fishline79 replies on Feb 28, 2020:

@MissKathleen Most people don't get it, but then, most people don't get anything!

It has become abundantly clear that people are insanely preoccupied with definitions down to trivial...

MissKathleen comments on Feb 27, 2020:

I haven’t ever fit in with any group, so no reason to expect I ever will.

fishline79 replies on Feb 28, 2020:

@MissKathleen Just a joke, but Donovan had a song in the 60s called "I love my shirt".

It has become abundantly clear that people are insanely preoccupied with definitions down to trivial...

DenoPenno comments on Feb 27, 2020:

Ants are good engineers. As for atheists who have lived before you need to show me a little proof.

fishline79 replies on Feb 28, 2020:

@MissKathleen Not famous but I've recorded a lot. That was the title song to my second album, in 1979. I don't have an I Phone and don't want one. I use a laptop because I like to see the whole picture! I Phones are a trap, addicting, and dangerous on the highway.

It has become abundantly clear that people are insanely preoccupied with definitions down to trivial...

MissKathleen comments on Feb 27, 2020:

I haven’t ever fit in with any group, so no reason to expect I ever will.

fishline79 replies on Feb 27, 2020:

@MissKathleen I first went to Spain in 1971 and have been in love with the people, food, freedom and lifestyle ever since. If you ever want to visit, see info on davidfishel.net/menorcanhouse

It has become abundantly clear that people are insanely preoccupied with definitions down to trivial...

DenoPenno comments on Feb 27, 2020:

Ants are good engineers. As for atheists who have lived before you need to show me a little proof.

fishline79 replies on Feb 27, 2020:

@MissKathleen https://youtu.be/j1Cw2pKnATk

It has become abundantly clear that people are insanely preoccupied with definitions down to trivial...

DenoPenno comments on Feb 27, 2020:

Ants are good engineers. As for atheists who have lived before you need to show me a little proof.

fishline79 replies on Feb 27, 2020:

@MissKathleen davidfishel.net, LOL

It has become abundantly clear that people are insanely preoccupied with definitions down to trivial...

MissKathleen comments on Feb 27, 2020:

I haven’t ever fit in with any group, so no reason to expect I ever will.

fishline79 replies on Feb 27, 2020:

It's OK. I can't even fit into my favorite jeans anymore. Seriously, I'm 73 years old and I haven't found any place where I fit, except maybe in my second home, Menorca, Spain. Your problem may be that like Carlos Castenyeda, you haven't found your spot! Nobody with a soul could fit into this country anymore.

It has become abundantly clear that people are insanely preoccupied with definitions down to trivial...

fishline79 comments on Feb 27, 2020:

Rene Descartes walks into a bar, sits down and orders a drink. When he finishes the bartender asks if he would like another. Descartes replies, "I think not" and POOF, he disappears!

fishline79 replies on Feb 27, 2020:

@MissKathleen I cant claim it as my own but it's one of my favorites.

It has become abundantly clear that people are insanely preoccupied with definitions down to trivial...

DenoPenno comments on Feb 27, 2020:

Ants are good engineers. As for atheists who have lived before you need to show me a little proof.

fishline79 replies on Feb 27, 2020:

@MissKathleen I knew you knew too!

It has become abundantly clear that people are insanely preoccupied with definitions down to trivial...

DenoPenno comments on Feb 27, 2020:

Ants are good engineers. As for atheists who have lived before you need to show me a little proof.

fishline79 replies on Feb 27, 2020:

Funny, I was thinking about ants also, as I read "Novelty"s post. Maybe it was telepathy. Is telepathy a proven scientific force, and has anybody ever calculated it's limits? My dogs use it so I believe it is real. But I digress.

Isn't this clever! It's a bit of a "stretch" but I think they really "nailed" it.

JeffMesser comments on Feb 26, 2020:

Tying her up with duck tape and nailing her 3x works miracles also.

fishline79 replies on Feb 27, 2020:

OMG Don't say that in public!

[youtu.be]

FearlessFly comments on Feb 25, 2020:

A musical written by Barnsley-born poet Ian McMillan based on Thackray's songs and their characters, Sister Josephine Kicks the Habit, premiered in 2005 and toured the north of England. A rewrite by Alan Plater was due to tour the UK in 2007, but was put on hold following the death of executive ...

fishline79 replies on Feb 26, 2020:

I rate Jake right up there with Sir William Gilbert as a lyricist! https://youtu.be/kCBxI9yKLgw

[youtu.be]

FearlessFly comments on Feb 25, 2020:

A musical written by Barnsley-born poet Ian McMillan based on Thackray's songs and their characters, Sister Josephine Kicks the Habit, premiered in 2005 and toured the north of England. A rewrite by Alan Plater was due to tour the UK in 2007, but was put on hold following the death of executive ...

fishline79 replies on Feb 26, 2020:

Veeeery interesting.

Part 3 More from La Etendre, Ecuador.

Cutiebeauty comments on Feb 24, 2020:

Very colorful and a bit cartoony 😊

fishline79 replies on Feb 26, 2020:

I wish I had a photo of the one I saw in Madrid. It was almost photographic! I believe they were contracted to do it. Then some yobbo comes along and scribbles his "handle" all over it.

[youtu.be]

Marionville comments on Feb 25, 2020:

Never heard of them...maybe they didn’t catch on over here in the U.K.

fishline79 replies on Feb 25, 2020:

Amazon has "Bargainville". Get it. You'll be amazed. I'll bet you never heard "Crash Test Dummies" either.

I miss church.

DavidDuhon comments on Feb 25, 2020:

not quite the same, but there are Rise Up singing groups all over--they tend to be nice groups of folks, who use the same two books to pick and sing songs. Sometimes we have to get what we need in pieces.

fishline79 replies on Feb 25, 2020:

@DavidDuhon First thing next Tuesday.

[youtu.be]

FearlessFly comments on Feb 25, 2020:

The song was first recorded for their self-titled independent cassette in 1992. It was re-recorded in 1993 for their debut album, Bargainville, with a few changes to the lyrics, including the replacement of some authors with others. This second version is the one best known to fans, and also the one...

fishline79 replies on Feb 25, 2020:

You forgot to mention that the group disbanded after the lead ( a media journalist) was embroiled in a sex scandal.

I miss church.

DavidDuhon comments on Feb 25, 2020:

not quite the same, but there are Rise Up singing groups all over--they tend to be nice groups of folks, who use the same two books to pick and sing songs. Sometimes we have to get what we need in pieces.

fishline79 replies on Feb 25, 2020:

"Rise Up Singing"?! O.M.G. I think I was right. You are not an Agnostic. I understand Jim and Tammy Baker are back!

SHIP CLOCK AT THE BRITISH MUSEUM.

Cast1es comments on Feb 23, 2020:

And the wood looks brand new .

fishline79 replies on Feb 24, 2020:

@Allamanda I think she was kidding.

Perhaps someone can explain something to us "Lefties".

Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:

What's in it for them? Money, power, and the satisfaction they are doing the Lord's work. AND giving the red guy with the pitchfork a beat down. What do you think?

fishline79 replies on Feb 24, 2020:

@Storm1752 Ooooh, THAT Jagger!

Random photos from last July taken with a Nikon P900.

fishline79 comments on Feb 22, 2020:

Very nice. I like the stump in the pond. It's real clean. did you shine a flashlight at the last (Lady Slipper?) ? #6 should not have that stick in it.

fishline79 replies on Feb 24, 2020:

@flower_nut Maybe in my next life!

SHIP CLOCK AT THE BRITISH MUSEUM.

JackPedigo comments on Feb 23, 2020:

Great model. However, looks top heavy and a real ship may not float upright. It reminds me of a famous ship *"asa or Wasa (Swedish pronunciation: [ˈvɑ̂ːsa] ) is a Swedish warship built between 1626 and 1628. The ship foundered after sailing about 1,300 m (1,400 yd) into her maiden voyage on 10 ...

fishline79 replies on Feb 24, 2020:

Yeah, and it wasn't even made of gold!

SHIP CLOCK AT THE BRITISH MUSEUM.

fishline79 comments on Feb 24, 2020:

I guess you didn't shoot the side with the clock. Wait...Is that it on the poop deck? Really small for 16th Century! Were there "pocket watches" that long ago?

fishline79 replies on Feb 24, 2020:

@Merseyman1 I'll give you an A+!

Random photos from last July taken with a Nikon P900.

fishline79 comments on Feb 22, 2020:

Very nice. I like the stump in the pond. It's real clean. did you shine a flashlight at the last (Lady Slipper?) ? #6 should not have that stick in it.

fishline79 replies on Feb 24, 2020:

@flower_nut There is a hell of a lot to learn about it. I guess the camera came with a DVD. You have to study it but I recommend getting a "Magic Lantern Guide" for your camera. They are really well written and will explain it better than the DVD, and it's user friendly.I hate having to look something up on your computer. Just pick up the manual, the old fashioned way. You can find one on E-Bay

Perhaps someone can explain something to us "Lefties".

Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:

What's in it for them? Money, power, and the satisfaction they are doing the Lord's work. AND giving the red guy with the pitchfork a beat down. What do you think?

fishline79 replies on Feb 24, 2020:

@Storm1752 So is the song serious or sarcasm?

Perhaps someone can explain something to us "Lefties".

Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:

What's in it for them? Money, power, and the satisfaction they are doing the Lord's work. AND giving the red guy with the pitchfork a beat down. What do you think?

fishline79 replies on Feb 23, 2020:

@Storm1752 Is that a quotation? "(Stones)" I'm not sure I follow . What is the Bakersfield connection?

Random photos from last July taken with a Nikon P900.

fishline79 comments on Feb 22, 2020:

Very nice. I like the stump in the pond. It's real clean. did you shine a flashlight at the last (Lady Slipper?) ? #6 should not have that stick in it.

fishline79 replies on Feb 23, 2020:

@flower_nut I think it is a mistake to let the camera focus, especially in low light. Not having used a DSLR, I don't know if focusing is controlled manual by the lens' focus ring, but I don't why it wouldn't be. I also assume that what you see through the view-finder (if not on the viewing screen) is the actual subject. An actual SLR has a mirror and a focal plane shutter. As for FX and DX. I don't even know what that means!

Perhaps someone can explain something to us "Lefties".

Sticks48 comments on Feb 22, 2020:

Stupidity and or greed.

fishline79 replies on Feb 23, 2020:

@Sticks48 I always thought Oaklahoma was the proverbial "buckle" on the Bible belt. Anyway that part of the country certainly commands a clear lead in the "nut case" sects, ie. Penticostal, 7th day Adventists, snake handlers, holy rollers etc. See "Religilous" by Bill Maher.

Perhaps someone can explain something to us "Lefties".

Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:

What's in it for them? Money, power, and the satisfaction they are doing the Lord's work. AND giving the red guy with the pitchfork a beat down. What do you think?

fishline79 replies on Feb 23, 2020:

Do those two-toothed yobbos at Trump's rallies wearing red caps really have money and power?

Random photos from last July taken with a Nikon P900.

fishline79 comments on Feb 22, 2020:

Very nice. I like the stump in the pond. It's real clean. did you shine a flashlight at the last (Lady Slipper?) ? #6 should not have that stick in it.

fishline79 replies on Feb 23, 2020:

@flower_nut Yeah, I've never had a digital SLR (can't afford one) but I wonder if any digital camera can really work manually. I miss real cameras. You can do what you want to do, not what the camera (computer) decides to do for you.

There IS light at the end of the tunnel, but it's not Springtime there, either......

fishline79 comments on Feb 22, 2020:

Wide angle, eh! Back when I was in college I rented a Nikon Fish Eye lens to play with. Even then 1967, they cost $500.00! It was fun but also very limiting. But a little distortion every now and then never hurts. Your sense of composition is refreshing.

fishline79 replies on Feb 22, 2020:

@jasen I hear you. Photos aren't reality, anyway, so make your own.

Perhaps someone can explain something to us "Lefties".

Sticks48 comments on Feb 22, 2020:

Stupidity and or greed.

fishline79 replies on Feb 22, 2020:

@Sticks48 I won't ask if that means you agree with the statement.

Today' s sunset

fishline79 comments on Feb 22, 2020:

Beautiful. It kind of reminds me of the American democratic system, but I doubt that's what you had in mind.

fishline79 replies on Feb 22, 2020:

@chiara23k It sure is as long as Trump is in , and the Republican enablers.

Perhaps someone can explain something to us "Lefties".

Sticks48 comments on Feb 22, 2020:

Stupidity and or greed.

fishline79 replies on Feb 22, 2020:

Simplistic, but OK, I guess that covers a good percentage of the population, especially in the South. Sorry,of course that isn't everybody but I really believe that the "Confederate" mentality is at the heart of the problem."The South Shall Rise Again"

Perhaps someone can explain something to us "Lefties".

dayII comments on Feb 22, 2020:

I might not have worded it the same way as you, but I do wonder the same things. Where do they think climate change will leave everyone? And do they not see that a theocracy is only fun when it's their god is the one in charge? Craziness...

fishline79 replies on Feb 22, 2020:

Don't we all breath the same air, and drink the same water and live on the same planet? I get a sardonic laugh out of hearing people talk about establishing colonies on Mars, as if it would be easier to do that than staying here and revitalizing what we have! Who the f---k wants to live on Mars? How can that be compared to a walk in the woods, or a day at the beach?

I bought a new camera and decided to go with a used lens, both from Amazon.

fishline79 comments on Feb 16, 2020:

You don't need an SLR to override automatic exposure, but it's easier. I am a traditional photographer and I hate auto focus and auto exposure because on a point and shoot they can be overridden but by the time you do, you lose the shot! Any photographer who has used analog cameras half their life ...

fishline79 replies on Feb 22, 2020:

@flower_nut For the record, I just have one more comment regarding how I have always felt about the right tool for the job, or how to separate an artist from an amateur. I don't know if I made up this saying, but it's the one I use. "IT'S NOT HOW BIG YOUR BAT IS, BUT HOW YOU SWING IT"

I bought a new camera and decided to go with a used lens, both from Amazon.

fishline79 comments on Feb 16, 2020:

You don't need an SLR to override automatic exposure, but it's easier. I am a traditional photographer and I hate auto focus and auto exposure because on a point and shoot they can be overridden but by the time you do, you lose the shot! Any photographer who has used analog cameras half their life ...

fishline79 replies on Feb 22, 2020:

@flower_nut I think that's one of the problems you will have with a quality camera. Even sending these large jpegs on your E mail, you will probably be limited to two. You have to use "compressed files" or something, but I'm an old-timer and am not up on that technology. I send pictures to my "webmaster" who lives in England to put on my website and I send them via Dropbox. As for putting them on Agnostic, I guess they are just not able to post pictures of that quality. How many MP does your camera shoot on Fine setting? They probably won't come over on any Social Medium.

I bought a new camera and decided to go with a used lens, both from Amazon.

fishline79 comments on Feb 16, 2020:

You don't need an SLR to override automatic exposure, but it's easier. I am a traditional photographer and I hate auto focus and auto exposure because on a point and shoot they can be overridden but by the time you do, you lose the shot! Any photographer who has used analog cameras half their life ...

fishline79 replies on Feb 22, 2020:

@flower_nut Try Adorama, in New York. I've got some pretty good deals from them.

I bought a new camera and decided to go with a used lens, both from Amazon.

fishline79 comments on Feb 16, 2020:

You don't need an SLR to override automatic exposure, but it's easier. I am a traditional photographer and I hate auto focus and auto exposure because on a point and shoot they can be overridden but by the time you do, you lose the shot! Any photographer who has used analog cameras half their life ...

fishline79 replies on Feb 21, 2020:

@flower_nut Yikes! Well, like I said, just get some fabric and hang them from a line or drape them over something. BTW, I have also used an old roll-up movie screen to assist with lighting (bounce screen).Below, some use of backdrop. These are quickies and rough but if you want to get really good results, put your black screen far in background and light from the side or top.

These are a few of the Digital mixed media I presented in an exposition in Menorca, Spain, this ...

thislife comments on Feb 21, 2020:

I love these. My favorites are the broken concrete, spider, light bulb and green gecko.

fishline79 replies on Feb 21, 2020:

So, you could tell it was a spider. It's quite altered but the "concrete" is from a natural limestone wall bordering a pebble beach. Don't be fooled by the colors, of course. The light bulb was taken in a Pension in Valencia, spain while I was standing on a chair looking out the balcony windows. The original slide was taken in 1972! The gecko was taken more recently outside my home in Menorca and the one behind the lantern was even more recent, at my favorite restaurant, also in Menorca. It's surrounded by Boganvilla and the lamp attracts moths and we love to sit there and watch the drama as the Gecko springs to devour a moth. I rent out a house in my village. Come on over and visit if you like to travel. see.... davidfishel.net

[youtu.

FearlessFly comments on Feb 19, 2020:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Producers_(musical) https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/creative-accounting.asp

fishline79 replies on Feb 19, 2020:

@FearlessFly OK, but it's a bit of a stretch.

Would 60% of Americans actually vote for an Atheist?

The-Krzyz comments on Feb 19, 2020:

Too many states and local entities have laws disqualifying nonbelievers from holding office, so atheists/agnostics can’t even make it onto the ballot for voters to consider the choice.

fishline79 replies on Feb 19, 2020:

@towkneed Wait until Donald is re-elected!

I bought a new camera and decided to go with a used lens, both from Amazon.

fishline79 comments on Feb 16, 2020:

You don't need an SLR to override automatic exposure, but it's easier. I am a traditional photographer and I hate auto focus and auto exposure because on a point and shoot they can be overridden but by the time you do, you lose the shot! Any photographer who has used analog cameras half their life ...

fishline79 replies on Feb 19, 2020:

@flower_nut Go for it! Good luck. Did you ever have the advantage of working with "real" photographic equipment? Except for processing, it is so simple, user friendly, and manually operated and has more light-gathering capacity. My Nikon 50 mm lenses are F 1.4. And there is nothing electronic between the subject and the focal plane. (Just an observation, not a criticism)

[youtu.

FearlessFly comments on Feb 19, 2020:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Producers_(musical) https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/creative-accounting.asp

fishline79 replies on Feb 19, 2020:

I'm trying to figure out what "The Producers" has to do with my song.

I bought a new camera and decided to go with a used lens, both from Amazon.

fishline79 comments on Feb 16, 2020:

You don't need an SLR to override automatic exposure, but it's easier. I am a traditional photographer and I hate auto focus and auto exposure because on a point and shoot they can be overridden but by the time you do, you lose the shot! Any photographer who has used analog cameras half their life ...

fishline79 replies on Feb 19, 2020:

@flower_nut Practice at home setting up still lives and putting the camera on a tripod. Go to your local fabric outlet and get some different colored ends of rolls for backgrounds (including black). Then you can play with your camera and flash 'til your heart's content. Remember, you can bounce off of any white plane, including the ceiling.

A great day with good friends. Sedona Arizona

fishline79 comments on Feb 18, 2020:

Red Rock Crossing (Cathedral Rock in the background). The most photographed place in the USA! ...Am I wrong?

fishline79 replies on Feb 18, 2020:

@GeorgeRocheleau My brother used to live live there and he told me that was the skuttlebutt (I think he read it in Arizona Highways Mag.) All of the rocks have names. You could see "Cocksuck Rock" from his kitchen window. I kid you not.

[youtu.

AnonySchmoose comments on Feb 18, 2020:

trumposaurus definitely acts like a dictator by perverting ***the means*** to his personal ends.

fishline79 replies on Feb 18, 2020:

Yup. Like the man said.

Here's a great bit of Skiffle for you to enjoy.

Mooolah comments on Feb 18, 2020:

Louden Wainright the 1ST

fishline79 replies on Feb 18, 2020:

Yes, what about him? Was he in a Skiffle band?

I bought a new camera and decided to go with a used lens, both from Amazon.

fishline79 comments on Feb 16, 2020:

You don't need an SLR to override automatic exposure, but it's easier. I am a traditional photographer and I hate auto focus and auto exposure because on a point and shoot they can be overridden but by the time you do, you lose the shot! Any photographer who has used analog cameras half their life ...

fishline79 replies on Feb 17, 2020:

@flower_nut Also, you need a bounce screen (or you can fabricate one) and a cable to remove the flash from the hot shoe.

"The Bathroom Door"

BestWithoutGods comments on Feb 17, 2020:

I am familiar with that look. I love dogs, though, so I forgive them for the damage they do. 😊

fishline79 replies on Feb 17, 2020:

Don't we all!

Real signs: Don't die a virgin.

FearlessFly comments on Feb 16, 2020:

. . . pictures ! -- or it didn't happen :)

fishline79 replies on Feb 17, 2020:

Maybe it didn't!

Here's a great bit of Skiffle for you to enjoy.

FearlessFly comments on Feb 16, 2020:

. . . for those who might-not have 'eard-of-it' : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skiffle

fishline79 replies on Feb 17, 2020:

Glad you posted this. I never heard the term applied to American music of this type, Usually we called it "Jug Band". See "Mitch Greenhill, Dave Van Ronk, Jim Kweskin and many more. But Skiffle, to me was always associated with British and was probably big in "Music Hall" days. The Beatles and other British Invasion groups started with Skiffle!

I bought a new camera and decided to go with a used lens, both from Amazon.

Jnei comments on Feb 16, 2020:

The D7500 is an excellent camera and I guarantee that after a bit of time spent playing with the various controls and functions, you'll be taking plenty of correctly-exposed photos. In the meantime, here are two tips... 1. The +/- exposure compensation button, which iirc is positioned near the ...

fishline79 replies on Feb 17, 2020:

Good points.I like the part of only showing good pictures. That is true, but I would add that with a little post-production fiddling and cropping, one can often save a "bad" picture as well. My little Nikon P&S 7000 can even crop and add borders in the camera, although I usually prefer to do it in my computer.

I bought a new camera and decided to go with a used lens, both from Amazon.

fishline79 comments on Feb 16, 2020:

You don't need an SLR to override automatic exposure, but it's easier. I am a traditional photographer and I hate auto focus and auto exposure because on a point and shoot they can be overridden but by the time you do, you lose the shot! Any photographer who has used analog cameras half their life ...

fishline79 replies on Feb 17, 2020:

@flower_nut Sounds like you're doing your homework. One other important thing to consider if you are in a restricted budget situation. A hot shoe for off-board flash units is essential, especially if you want to do studio quality lighting with a limited budget. (and a good point ans shoot will have that) With the simple use of bounce flash your pictures can appear professional. You said you don't like studio or portraits but you should use a tripod and strobe lighting to hone your skills in those situations. You will find it rewarding. Light is the single most important factor in photography. When your camera is mounted you are free to take your time and use your manual settings, and with flash, or plenty of lighting like sunpacks, etc. you will see how satisfying to use low shutter speeds and high F stops. Here are a couple of shots I took using just a single bounced flash with portraits, architecture and still-lives.

[youtu.

FearlessFly comments on Feb 16, 2020:

The last time the Cubs made it to the playoffs was in 1989; the last time they made it to the World Series was in 1945. The last time they actually won the World Series was in 1908. (Note: The recording "A Dying Cub Fan's Last Request" by Steve Goodman is from the album No Big Surprise from Red ...

fishline79 replies on Feb 16, 2020:

So, I guess you missed the point of that posting. I could give a shit about the Cubs or any other baseball team. I was commemorating the irony of Steve using his own song to presage his own death. I doubt you ever heard of Steve Goodman. I am a singer-songwriter and he was one of my biggest influences. Thanks anyway for noticing and responding.

Can anybody do this today"? [youtu.be]

FearlessFly comments on Feb 16, 2020:

. . . how about this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOOKgHq854w

fishline79 replies on Feb 16, 2020:

Well...yeah!

The Palazzo Vecchio at the Piazza della Signoria, Florence, where you can see a copy of ...

Coffeo comments on Feb 16, 2020:

I was there in 1968. It hasn't changed much! :)

fishline79 replies on Feb 16, 2020:

Hasn't change since the 15th Century!

If this great scene from Stanley Kubrick's film "Paths of Glory" does not bring tears to your eyes, ...

FearlessFly comments on Feb 15, 2020:

Paths of Glory is a 1957 American anti-war film directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on the novel of the same name by Humphrey Cobb. Set during World War I, the film stars Kirk Douglas as Colonel Dax, the commanding officer of French soldiers who refuse to continue a suicidal attack, after which Dax ...

fishline79 replies on Feb 16, 2020:

@FearlessFly Those I noted are my favorites. Of course there were more but I like those. The Shining was well done and graphically meticulous and I found the tracking shots with the "Big Wheel", perhaps early use of "Steadycam" mesmerizing) but I don't like Stephen King much. I think he was senile when he made Eyes Wide Shut and Natural Born Killers and Of course 1001 was a masterpiece but not the kind of film that I favor. Same with Clockwork Orange.You forgot Sparticus.

Nature's graffiti.

fishline79 comments on Feb 15, 2020:

Here are a few of my "abandonment" shots.

fishline79 replies on Feb 16, 2020:

@AstralSmoke I shoot a lot of natural abstracts and when you do that, the negative spaces become as important as the positive. Like the contributor who shoots architectural abstracts. They are best when you can't identify the subject. BTW these three aren't necessarily good examples of what I am describing!

If this great scene from Stanley Kubrick's film "Paths of Glory" does not bring tears to your eyes, ...

FearlessFly comments on Feb 15, 2020:

Paths of Glory is a 1957 American anti-war film directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on the novel of the same name by Humphrey Cobb. Set during World War I, the film stars Kirk Douglas as Colonel Dax, the commanding officer of French soldiers who refuse to continue a suicidal attack, after which Dax ...

fishline79 replies on Feb 15, 2020:

No need to tell me. Have you seen it?Do yourself a favor if you haven't. People under 30 wouldn't like it because it's in B&W. It's my second favorite Kubrick film, after Dr. Strangelove. Third is Barrie Lindon.

I keep hearing so much on the news, etc.

1of5 comments on Feb 14, 2020:

Ever hear of "hanging chads"? Next.

fishline79 replies on Feb 15, 2020:

@1of5 Were you there?

This book will tell you how the movement that has culminated in the government we have today got ...

DavidLaDeau comments on Feb 15, 2020:

Thank you for the link

fishline79 replies on Feb 15, 2020:

You are the only one who acknowledged this post. Read the book if you can get it.

Nature's graffiti.

fishline79 comments on Feb 15, 2020:

Here are a few of my "abandonment" shots.

fishline79 replies on Feb 15, 2020:

A couple more. I have an affinity with decadence!

I think this is where we came in........

fishline79 comments on Feb 14, 2020:

You're getting really good at this.

fishline79 replies on Feb 15, 2020:

@jasen Keep it up. It does work. It actually took me several minutes to see the subject in its true perspective, and the image resolution is very good and uncluttered by distractions.

I keep hearing so much on the news, etc.

1of5 comments on Feb 14, 2020:

Ever hear of "hanging chads"? Next.

fishline79 replies on Feb 15, 2020:

There were no "hanging chads" on a mechanical machine. Anyway that was just smokescreen that Jeb Bush and that lady who supervised Florida elections came up with to turn the results to Bush. And he still didn't win. THAT, and not 2015, was the first rigged election in this country. Also, Al Gore should not have conceded the result to Bush. That election was a major turning point in the electoral system and gave the "Southern Evangelical Alt. Right" or what ever you want to call the people who are in control of Congress, and it gave them the justification for corruption they are using today!

"America is a land of unmatched vitality and vulgarity, a people who care not at all about values ...

Azaz8899 comments on Feb 14, 2020:

There are so many in the US who care about money above all else. Maybe I am being cynical but it seems that even killing people doesn't matter all that much provided a buck can be made out of it. I fekt this was the case with the Tobacco industry being caught lying and people dying because of it but...

fishline79 replies on Feb 15, 2020:

Nobody has cared about anything but money in this country for a long time. I think it has a lot to do with the onset of computers. De-personalization has eliminated accountability and pride and responsibility. If anything goes wrong, just blame it on the computer. Also, nobody really knows how to do their job or why they are doing it. They just leave it up to the computer.

TELL US IF YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING QUOTE, AND WHY.

AnonySchmoose comments on Feb 14, 2020:

Genuine political ideals are rare. It's all about catering to their big-money campaign contributors and only their powerful constituents. Based on to whom they owe their allegiance, it's all about making threats, compromises, and deals to get what they need for their own reelections. The ...

fishline79 replies on Feb 14, 2020:

@AnonySchmoose Now, that I might agree with.

A classical scholar named Morgan Possessed a truly remarkable organ It uncoiled like snakes.

Petter comments on Feb 14, 2020:

A double limerick. Great.

fishline79 replies on Feb 14, 2020:

@Petter Of course, and the guy from Nantucket, too!

TELL US IF YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING QUOTE, AND WHY.

AnonySchmoose comments on Feb 14, 2020:

Genuine political ideals are rare. It's all about catering to their big-money campaign contributors and only their powerful constituents. Based on to whom they owe their allegiance, it's all about making threats, compromises, and deals to get what they need for their own reelections. The ...

fishline79 replies on Feb 14, 2020:

@AnonySchmoose Perhaps in the past their may have been truth to that but under our current "leadership" I don't think you can compare the two parties. The Republicans win hands down on the "corruption scale"! (if you can call it winning)

TELL US IF YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING QUOTE, AND WHY.

TomMcGiverin comments on Feb 14, 2020:

Sounds about right. It also explains everything about how the Dem leaders and establishment would rather lose again to Trump than let Bernie become prez. Because as long as Trump or some centrist Dem is prez, the establishment in both parties can go on with business as usual, enjoying their power ...

fishline79 replies on Feb 14, 2020:

Do you really think the Dem. leaders would prefer Trump to Bernie?!

TELL US IF YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING QUOTE, AND WHY.

AnonySchmoose comments on Feb 14, 2020:

Genuine political ideals are rare. It's all about catering to their big-money campaign contributors and only their powerful constituents. Based on to whom they owe their allegiance, it's all about making threats, compromises, and deals to get what they need for their own reelections. The ...

fishline79 replies on Feb 14, 2020:

So you think both parties share equal blame for this propensity?

This poor little rescue, born in Sevilla, Spain of parents from England and Germany ( several ...

Lorajay comments on Feb 13, 2020:

I have a Lhasa that was a stud in a puppy mill until he was 5. He is still not completely a dog but he will now cuddle with me if I ask him to and he follows me around everywhere. The 1st 2 years we had him he just said on the other side of the room and looked at us. We decided that even if we ...

fishline79 replies on Feb 14, 2020:

Our frightened Yorkie rescue was similar but she didn't just stare; she barked and growled if my friend just looked in her direction! He must have looked like her abuser.

Tell me dogs don't have expressive faces!

Logicforme comments on Feb 13, 2020:

This is Starla aka Starr- Moose- Bugs! She is a puppers with many names! I rescued her at 8 mos she is a clown. Funniest dog I have ever had. ❤️

fishline79 replies on Feb 14, 2020:

@Logicforme Our little Yorkie rescue was the same. She had obviously been mistreated but we are two men in the house and she bonded with me but would not even be in the same room with my friend, in spite of all his ministrations of affection and care. ???

This poor little rescue, born in Sevilla, Spain of parents from England and Germany ( several ...

Redheadedgammy comments on Feb 13, 2020:

The cruelty and indifference to animals by humans is heartbreaking. Thank you for trying to help her. I work in dog rescue and know sometimes some dogs are so emotionally damaged it’s difficult for them to trust any human. Time does heal them most of the time, but some dogs are never completely ...

fishline79 replies on Feb 14, 2020:

@Redheadedgammy The search started in July, in Menorca where we live in the summer when our 15 yr. old Papillon, Poco died. Frankly, Pomeranian would never have been my first choice, and he is a typical yapping over-zealous Pommie, but at home he's the happiest and most affectionate dog we have ever had. We named him Poco II (Poco Dos)

A classical scholar named Morgan Possessed a truly remarkable organ It uncoiled like snakes.

Petter comments on Feb 14, 2020:

A double limerick. Great.

fishline79 replies on Feb 14, 2020:

One of my most prized possessions is a hard-cover volume of 1800 filthy limerics on all subjects, most of which were composed by British soldiers in the WW 1 trenches. There are a few which are multi-stanza and also in other languages, even Latin! I have written many of my own which I will post sometime if I am permitted.

Utah’s national monuments to be mined and exploited for profit.

fishline79 comments on Feb 12, 2020:

Utah's monuments are part of the earth. Man exploits the Earth for his profit. There is still a good bit of the earth to be exploited and profit to be gained. We are still alive and the population is growing rapidly. Simple.....Exploit Utah!......Next question?

fishline79 replies on Feb 14, 2020:

@ToolGuy He is one of my favorite authors. The trilogies are masterworks. I had never heard dubeity either. (I didn't check a dictionary but I believe him)

A classical scholar named Morgan Possessed a truly remarkable organ It uncoiled like snakes.

Beowulfsfriend comments on Feb 14, 2020:

Tough to find a ninesome

fishline79 replies on Feb 14, 2020:

Eight was the best he could do.

Utah’s national monuments to be mined and exploited for profit.

fishline79 comments on Feb 12, 2020:

Utah's monuments are part of the earth. Man exploits the Earth for his profit. There is still a good bit of the earth to be exploited and profit to be gained. We are still alive and the population is growing rapidly. Simple.....Exploit Utah!......Next question?

fishline79 replies on Feb 14, 2020:

@ToolGuy I guess you have to know me! It's understandable, I get more acerbic as I age. I think I'll change my "handle" to Curmudgeon! I am so disgusted with what Trump and his raiders are doing to every institution we have. Remember James Watt under Reagan? When Clinton came into office he had to reverse millions of acres of public land sell-offs! Now Trump is trying to systematically eliminate all environmental regulations. What are they thinking? Don't they eat the same food, drink the same water and breathe the same air as everybody else? I guess he buys his own! The Republican Party should be all arrested for treason for enabling all this to happen. Did you hear the latest. "Open Primaries" He's telling his base to vote for the least popular Dem candidate. WE CAN'T VOTE IN THE OTHER PARTIES PRIMARY! (At least, we couldn't.)

This poor little rescue, born in Sevilla, Spain of parents from England and Germany ( several ...

Redheadedgammy comments on Feb 13, 2020:

The cruelty and indifference to animals by humans is heartbreaking. Thank you for trying to help her. I work in dog rescue and know sometimes some dogs are so emotionally damaged it’s difficult for them to trust any human. Time does heal them most of the time, but some dogs are never completely ...

fishline79 replies on Feb 14, 2020:

Thanks. That makes me feel better because I still think about her every day. We did, after many calls and applications to rescue outfits (which are frustratingly inaccessible and annoyingly distrustful and invasive) find a wonderful small dog (it has to be small because we travel every year back and forth between US and Spain) at, of all places, our local Humane Society, who normally have hundreds of unwanted Pit Bulls but every small dog that comes in goes out immediately. We happened to get there first and hit the jackpot. Here he is. The mystery we will never solve is how this adorable full-bred Pomeranian ( probably under 2 years old) was wandering around a center city low-cost housing project! Well, he's got a home now and we have a dog that loves both of us, and our other dog!

"America is a land of unmatched vitality and vulgarity, a people who care not at all about values ...

Marionville comments on Feb 13, 2020:

I know that is a generalisation, and that there are many of you who do not fall into that stereotype. As a generality though...epitomised by your current incumbent in the White House, Wilde is completely correct.

fishline79 replies on Feb 13, 2020:

@AlasBabylon Not to mention Nationalization and Isolationism. Most of the people who have said to me, "Why do you want to go there? You live in the best country in the world!" have never been anywhere else.

"America is a land of unmatched vitality and vulgarity, a people who care not at all about values ...

Fernapple comments on Feb 13, 2020:

Some would say that nothing much has changed then. But of course I know now, ( having been on this site if nothing else for a while, ) that you are all well educated and tolerant of every form of diversity now.

fishline79 replies on Feb 13, 2020:

BTW, There is one thing that grew. This plant (I think it is something like shifalera ?) was left for nine months on the terrace of my house in Spain every year for 9 months. When I returned in Spring it looked like a stick in the dirt! I would water it and it would begin to sprout leaves again but remained the same size. This went on for over thirty years! I finally bought a new house and planted it in a foot deep trough outside my front door. After two or three years it looked like this! I love that tree and would put it right up there with "Lazarus" if I believed in the Bible. (BTW, this picture is about 8-10 years later and it is trimmed down considerably every year. If not, it would no doubt grow as high as the roof and fall over!)

"America is a land of unmatched vitality and vulgarity, a people who care not at all about values ...

Fernapple comments on Feb 13, 2020:

Some would say that nothing much has changed then. But of course I know now, ( having been on this site if nothing else for a while, ) that you are all well educated and tolerant of every form of diversity now.

fishline79 replies on Feb 13, 2020:

Thanks for the comment. and I admire your love for gardening. I never found the time or place in my life to learn about growing things and everything I try to grow has always died. I do love things that grow, however, especially trees and, in fact, I would include trees in my definition of god.

Tell me dogs don't have expressive faces!

SiouxcitySue comments on Feb 13, 2020:

I certainly will Never tell you that.

fishline79 replies on Feb 13, 2020:

You had better not! :)

Three dogs sitting in the waiting room at the Vet.

St-Sinner comments on Feb 13, 2020:

Ha... ha.... Do you think it may be really happening somewhere as we speak?

fishline79 replies on Feb 13, 2020:

I sort of hope that it isn't! Can dogs get S.T.D.?

Utah’s national monuments to be mined and exploited for profit.

fishline79 comments on Feb 12, 2020:

Utah's monuments are part of the earth. Man exploits the Earth for his profit. There is still a good bit of the earth to be exploited and profit to be gained. We are still alive and the population is growing rapidly. Simple.....Exploit Utah!......Next question?

fishline79 replies on Feb 13, 2020:

@ToolGuy I don't expect my sarcasm to be taken seriously, please!

"The Bathroom Door"

gigihein comments on Feb 12, 2020:

Yep. I have a cat too. Carpets fare worse.

fishline79 replies on Feb 12, 2020:

@gigihein I had a cat once, whose favorite game was fetching a rolled up cigarette soft pack and bringing it back. Then I would toss it into a cowboy boot and he would dive into the boot and get it out. Another one loved to play hide and seek. We would take turns and she would creep slowly through the house to discover my hiding place. One time I jumped up onto a table in the kitchen and when she crept around the portal from the dining room and didn't see me, I yelled BOO, and she pissed on the floor. I felt like a heel! But she could play this game for hours.

WHY BERNIE WILL BE A GUARANTEED FAILURE?

Mark013 comments on Feb 10, 2020:

Afraid of change? This is why we have the mess and failed system we are stuck with now. The Democratic party is nothing more than GOP lite. Supported by the same corporate interests who only have their own agenda to keep people like you in tow. I would rather take a chance with Sanders than any of ...

fishline79 replies on Feb 12, 2020:

@OwlInASack Are you a parrot?

WHY BERNIE WILL BE A GUARANTEED FAILURE?

RoboGraham comments on Feb 11, 2020:

I think the very fact that there are 61 responses to your post even though you put it in the general and hellos category rather than the political one shows us that Bernie is a big deal, like it or not. I'm pleased to see that the majority of responses have been positive toward Bernie. Quite a ...

fishline79 replies on Feb 12, 2020:

@RoboGraham I think it was Mort Saul who said, "Pornography is whatever gives a Judge a hard on."

Won't be long, now.

Cast1es comments on Feb 12, 2020:

On the beach , but not in the water - it isn't burning summer , yet .

fishline79 replies on Feb 12, 2020:

That picture was taken on Son Bou beach, Menorca, Spain, where I live.

"The Bathroom Door"

Fernapple comments on Feb 12, 2020:

Felix domesticus ?

fishline79 replies on Feb 12, 2020:

Canus domesticus

"The Bathroom Door"

gigihein comments on Feb 12, 2020:

Yep. I have a cat too. Carpets fare worse.

fishline79 replies on Feb 12, 2020:

Not a cat, a dog.

Can you tell which ones my favorite? 😌

fishline79 comments on Feb 12, 2020:

Is that the mother?! There was somebody hiding in the woodpile!

fishline79 replies on Feb 12, 2020:

@1EarthLovingGal Canine genetics sure are unpredictable!

WHY BERNIE WILL BE A GUARANTEED FAILURE?

Wangobango3 comments on Feb 10, 2020:

You are in the middle of a revolution right now. Ou have no rule of law. A judge has been assassinated, the Wealthy are robbing the Treasury. The USA is the only First World Country without MediCare. WTF is upmwith that. You pay way more to receive way less.If Bernie is a Revolutionary, GOOD. You ...

fishline79 replies on Feb 12, 2020:

@St-Sinner You should be more concerned with saving the Country from the far right Dictatorship we now suffer under!

Can you tell which ones my favorite? 😌

fishline79 comments on Feb 12, 2020:

Is that the mother?! There was somebody hiding in the woodpile!

fishline79 replies on Feb 12, 2020:

@1EarthLovingGal I think she fell in love with a genetically dominant Boston Terrier!

WHY BERNIE WILL BE A GUARANTEED FAILURE?

WilliamFleming comments on Feb 10, 2020:

You make some good points, but I think that a Jew could be elected—the right Jew.

fishline79 replies on Feb 11, 2020:

@WilliamFleming Tell that to the "Cult" who are currently calling themselves the U.S, Senate (Republican Party). Are they trying to work toward a future where all Americans are treated with respect? If so, then why are they helping this New York City Mafia Don Paranoid Schizophrenic Talk Show Host con artist use the Country as his own personal Ego defense mechanism? What do they (virtually all from Southern States) stand to get out of destroying what everybody keeps telling me is the greatest country in the world? It isn't Donald Trump who is tearing up our Constitution. It is them with the help of Russia and others! They are bitter from being the ones who lost their precious "Confederacy of Greed" 170 years ago and have been trying to "Rise Again" ever since. Wake up, America! The trouble with the average American is that they know, and are told nothing about what lies outside their own nationalistic "Father Land". I have lived in four other countries but mainly in Spain (which was under a fascist Dictator for 40 years and will never forget what it was like) If you want to see what this country really is, you have to step away from it, The average American knows nothing about anything outside their boarders. We don't even see International news on TV anymore. I'll grant you the South does not have a monopoly on bigotry and we all have a lot to learn about respect for all people, but we are not the "United States" anymore, and never were.