Weather, Only in Berkley and Why I carry a Gun

The weather has been incredible. It's the middle of January and it was near 80 degrees the last couple of days. Soon the crawly creatures and flowers will be out and I can ply my skills at macro photography with my new Nikon 60mm micro Nikkor lens. Bring it on!


While in Berkley this last time for work, I spied this interesting graphic scratched into the concrete around the corner from the job. While this isn't the only city you might see it in, it certainly could be seen "Only in Berkley!"

(click photo to enlarge)

I visited with a friend, David who has a technology business in Corning called California Technologies He also does photography using Nikon equipment as I do. We were doing some testing with external flash units and wireless connections. I have to say, the Nikon flash units work very well. I am thinking of getting another flash so I can use the wireless function for some portrait work and off camera macro work.


I got this in my email a couple of days ago and thought it was good.

Why I Carry a Gun

My old grandpa once said to me, "Son, there comes a time in every man's life when he stops bustin' knuckles and starts bustin' caps and usually it's when he becomes too old to take an ass whoopin'.

I don't carry a gun to kill people. I carry a gun to keep from being killed.

I don't carry a gun to scare people. I carry a gun because sometimes this world can be a scary place.

I don't carry a gun because I'm paranoid. I carry a gun because there are real threats in the world.

I don't carry a gun because I'm evil. I carry a gun because I have lived long enough to see the evil in the world.

I don't carry a gun because I hate the government. I carry a gun because I understand the limitations of government.

I don't carry a gun because I'm angry. I carry a gun so that I don't have to spend the rest of my life hating myself for failing to be prepared.

I don't carry a gun because I want to shoot someone. I carry a gun because I want to die at a ripe old age in my bed, and not on a sidewalk somewhere tomorrow afternoon.

I don't carry a gun because I'm a cowboy. I carry a gun because, when I die and go to Heaven, I want to be a cowboy.

I don't carry a gun to make me feel like a man. I carry a gun because men know how to take care of themselves and the ones they love.

I don't carry a gun because I feel inadequate. I carry a gun because, unarmed and facing three armed thugs, I am inadequate.

I don't carry a gun because I love it. I carry a gun because I love life and the people who make it meaningful to me.

"Police Protection" is an oxymoron. Free citizens must protect themselves. Police do not protect you from crime; they usually just investigate the crime after it happens and then call someone in to clean up the mess.

Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'."

Remember the average response time to a 911 call is over 4 minutes.
The average response time of a 357 magnum is 1400 FPS.

Merry Christmas, Mustang and only in Berkley

First of all, I would like to wish all my readers a Merry Christmas. Here is a bit of joy I snapped last week for you enjoyment.


(click for larger view)


Most of you know that I'm a Mustang guy. I found this on the net and thought I'd share..


'Twas the night before Christmas and in the garage,
There wasn't a trace of a Chevy or a Dodge.

The presents were wrapped and the lights were all lit,
So I figured I'd mess with the Stang for a bit.

I popped the release and I lifted the hood,
When a deep voice behind me said "looks pretty good."

Well, as you can imagine, I turned mighty quick,
And there, by the workbench, stood good ol Saint Nick!

We stood there a bit, not too sure what to say,
Then he said "don't suppose that you'd trade for my sleigh?

I said "no way, Santa" and started to grin,
"But if you've got the time we could go for a spin!"

His round little mouth, all tied up like a bow,
Turned into a smile and he said "hey! Let's go!!"

So as not to disturb all the neighbors' retreat,
We pushed the Mustang quietly into the street,

Then, taking our places to drift down the hill,
I turned on the key and I let the clutch spill.

The sound that erupted took him by surprise,
But he liked it a lot, by the look in his eyes.

With Hoosier`s a' crying and side pipes aglow,
We headed on out where the hot rodders go.

And Santa's grin widened, approaching his ears,
With every up shift, as I went through the gears.

Then he yelled "can't recall when I've felt so alive!",
So I backed off the gas and said "you wanna drive?"

Ol Santa was stunned when I gave him the keys,
When he walked past the headlights he shook at the knees!

Then the big block exploded with side exhaust sound!
Santa let out the clutch and the tires shook the ground!

Power shift into second, again into third!
I sat there just watching, at loss for a word,

Then I heard him exclaim as we blasted from sight,
"Merry Christmas to all...........what a great night!!!"



While working in Berkley, I spied this contraption. Sort of a rolling Obama shrine. Certianly something you would "only see in Berkley!"


(click for larger view)

MIA again, Only in Berkley, and Ide Adobe Days

Well as you can see, I have been missing in action again. Had other things going and just haven't gotten over here to do some updating on what's going on. I have been collecting material for the blog, so I should have some stuff to read here now.



Since I have been working in Berkley (or Bezerkley as many call it) I have gathered some good tales and photos I will share here in my "Only in Berkley" on going posts.

Today, I have a photo of a guy I ran into in Berkley the other day. He seemed like a Kool Kat and was certainly a working man...


(click photo for larger size)


Yesterday, we had our annual Ide Adobe Days. I stopped by to take some photos and get there just before they were finished. I have posted the photos over at my website. You can see them HERE

Back to work, Shoot the moon and crazys

We I have finally gone back to work...sort of. I worked a full week this week, but probably won't next week. We are waiting on materials, but once here, we should be good for awhile. After having more than 5 months off this year, it almost feels funny working a full week.

I got a chance to do show photo work tonight. Thought I would try and learn how to photo the moon. It's not as easy as it would seem, Many, many bad photos later ( like 70-80 ) I finally got one that I liked. Here is the one I like the best...

Taken with the Nikon D50 and 70-300mm Nikor ED lens

I worked in Berkley, Ca. this last week. What and eye opener that city is. They drive like maniacs, and also act like them too. I'm really WAY out of my element there to say the least. Luckily, I spend most of my time there either on the job, or at the motel.

The highlight of the week was getting flipped off by some crazy bull-dyke. A wonderful place indeed!