Snappin the Aurora Borealis - and a certain star

View On Black

There are boozers, who would like to give a warm welcome to all of our new drunks...and future ones that are still out there. so let's get together, have a drink, spam all of our contacts and get snappin :)CHEERS

www.flickr.com/photos/airport_sleeper/

AND

www.flickr.com/people/thrujenseyes/ has started a group:

AND

www.flickr.com/photos/lakely/

www.flickr.com/groups/boozegroup/

And invites you 2 share some tipple+more 4A :)

Pour 1 volume of Elixir into an appropriate glass

Place the Absinthe spoon over the glass and then a piece of sugar on top of the spoon

Pour slowly 5-8 vol. of cold water very slowly over the sugar

Sit back

Enjoy the view of the Sleeping Beauty a.k.a. Green Fairy

Consume the Sleeping Beauty

In 1916 at the height of World War I, at a time when prohibition was the cause of the day, Absinthe was outlawed.

The case was compounded due to the presence in the plant of a toxic substance: thujone (from wormwood).

Famous artists, writers and poets like Picasso, Baudelaire, Hemingway, Degas, Manet, Toulouse-Lautrec and Oscar Wilde all heavily indulged in it. Maybe it was the mystical allure of `The Sleeping Beauty`a.k.a. "The Green Fairy," or maybe it helped inspire their creativity.

au.youtube.com/watch?v=40k7SkXi3Rc

An alternate view:

au.youtube.com/watch?v=ymdscamMQx8

T - Pain

Buy U a drank

(Shawty Snappin')

Shawty snap

Ah ho yea

Snap ya fingaz do ya step you can do it by yaself

Play pal what up

Excuse me but this

Verse has not been russel simmons approved

Na-ah, you wont see it on run's house

Na-ah, you wont see it on nuns house

My new york nigga say he heard it as sun's house

Talking about how this hoe is pro as my low is

Baby it's my low-eds maby I'm just bogus

'cause she don't want you to buy her a drink

Swiss said she aint got no money in the bank

And she be standing there

'cause its camerous trying show your legs off

You aint amerie

If I fall in love the girls gone live on the day-o

Into the day-o, she take the mono rail

And I don't want no girl that will answer to ayo

Making more hard, and make me put some work in

You get the flirting, playa just perfect

Fuck a drink, imma buy the bar if you work it

Baby girl whats your name?

Lemme talk to ya, lemme buy you a drink

Im t-pain you know me convict music nappy boy oh wee

I know the club close at 3

Whats the chances of you roll'n with me

Back to the crib show you how I live

Lets get drunk 'n forget what we did

I'ma buy you a drink ooho wee

Ooh I'ma take you home with me

I got money in the bank

Shawty what you think 'bout that

Ill be in the grey cadillac

We in the bed like ooh ooh

We in the bed like ooh ooh

Talk to me, I talk back

Lets talk money, I talk that

Crunk juice bombs, oakley shades

Shawty got class, oh behave

Lets get gone, walk it out (now walk it out)

Just like that that's what im talkin' 'bout

We gon' have fun you gon' see

On that patrone you should get like me

I'ma buy you a drink ooh wee

Ooh I'ma take you home with me

I got money in the bank

Shawty what you think 'bout that

Ill be in the grey cadillac

We in the bed like ooh ooh

We in the bed like ooh ooh

Let's get gone

Let's get gone

Walk it out (now walk it think about it, aw snap)

Now rock rock rock rock

You can do it all by yourself

Let's get gone

Let's get gone

Walk it out (now walk it think about it, aw snap)

Now rock rock rock rock

You can do it all by yourself

I'ma buy you a drink ooh wee

Ooh I'ma take you home with me

I got money in the bank

Shawty what you think 'bout that

Ill be in the grey cadillac

We in the bed like ooh ooh

We in the bed like ooh ooh

www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBrRBZy8OTs

7 Days of shooting

Week #52

Water

Macro Monday

green fly on red currant

even though its been done to death im sure... i think im gonna start snappin pics of friends beds... you can tell a lot about a persons day/night by how the bed looks...

looks like this one was a doozy

Purple Mountains Majesty.

I brilliant purple sunset, possibly caused by the Sarychev Peak Eruption..

I had a nice evening at Trillium tonight. I met even more of my Flickr friends there tonight. I saw Starlisa, who I've been looking forward to meeting for quite some time, I met SarahMcD ॐ and her girls, Sarah's another person that I was so glad to be able to meet. I also met mm767cap and his friend Mike. We had a grand ol' time swattin' bugs and snappin pics. :) Thanks for the great evening folks. :)

B l a c k M a g i c

Fuck bein' good, I'm a bad bitch (ah)

I'm sick of motherfuckers tryna tell me how to live (fuck y'all)

Wack hoes hate under my pictures on the 'Gram (ugh)

Bitch, you better hope I never run across your man, uh

In the mall with him, I'ma have a ball with him (woah)

Somebody call Rihanna, I'ma buy some drawers with him

He fuckin' with Thee Stallion 'cause he into wild women (he love wild women)

Put them legs on his head, now he love tall women (uh, yeah, ah)

You'll never catch me callin' these niggas daddy (nope)

I ain't lyin' 'bout my nut just to make a nigga happy (nigga, please)

Lifestyle when a nigga can't fit a Magnum

It never happened if the dick wasn't snappin' (ayy)

I'm a hot girl, I do hot shit (I do hot shit)

Spend his income on my outfit (on my outfit)

I don't text quick 'cause I ain't thirsty (I ain't thirsty)

These bitches mad, mad, they wanna hurt me (ah, ah)

I'm a hot girl, I do hot shit (I do hot shit)

Spend his income on my outfit (on my outfit)

I don't text quick 'cause I ain't thirsty (I ain't thirsty)

These bitches mad, mad, they wanna hurt me (ah, ah)

Any rumor 'bout me, let me dead it (let me dead it)

I'm a open book and your man probably read it (ah)

Look at my AP and these hoes still pathetic (mmm)

Real bitches back when I check my Patek, yeah (woah)

Yeah, he call my Patty Cake 'cause the way that ass shake (ass shake)

I'ma make him eat me out while I'm watchin' anime (anime)

Pussy like a Wild Fox, lookin' for a Sasuke (ayy, yeah)

One night with him make him lose it like a prom date (ah)

Two watches, yeah, call me two-timin' (two-timin')

Skin like gold and my teeth like diamonds (like diamonds)

Hot Girl chain, Elliot got me shinin' (yeah)

They tried to knock me off, but a bitch still grindin'

I'm a hot girl, I do hot shit (I do hot shit)

Spend his income on my outfit (on my outfit)

I don't text quick 'cause I ain't thirsty (I ain't thirsty)

These bitches mad, mad, they wanna hurt me (ah, ah)

I'm a hot girl, I do hot shit (I do hot shit)

Spend his income on my outfit (on my outfit)

I don't text quick 'cause I ain't thirsty (I ain't thirsty)

These bitches mad, mad, they wanna hurt me (ah, ah)

I'm a rich nigga magnet (yeah), pretty with a fatty (with a fatty)

Thirty-inch weave with the long eyelashes (long eyelashes)

Yes, I got a man if I don't like who askin' (boy, bye)

I don't stand outside 'cause I'm too outstandin' (ah)

'Cause the girls in the hood are always hard

Ever since sixteen, I been havin' a job

Knowin' nothin' in life, but I gotta get rich

You could check the throwback pics, I been that bitch (ah)

I'm a hot girl, I do hot shit (I do hot shit)

Spend his income on my outfit (on my outfit)

I don't text quick 'cause I ain't thirsty (I ain't thirsty)

These bitches mad, mad, they wanna hurt me (ah, ah)

I'm a hot girl, I do hot shit (I do hot shit)

Spend his income on my outfit (on my outfit)

I don't text quick 'cause I ain't thirsty (I ain't thirsty)

These bitches mad, mad, they wanna hurt me (ah, ah)

While the kid was riding the little horsey i was snappin'!!

Saturday we had strong thunder boomers, there was a break from the storms and the sun came out, although briefly.

I hurried outside thinking - oh boy an evening rainbow... but no, more clouds moved in.

but I did have Kachina and a rainbow bandana.

Kachina wanted to borrow the Pink Floyd bandana that FeelMyCircus gave to me.

this is Kachina's paleese, enough photo snappin' look.

She always looks good On Black

even wet... :O)

more photos below of skies and playtime.

~tags~

View On Black

This are flower buds. All the petals have wilted. I'm not sure what they are. I thought they were kalachuchi (plumeria). They do look like alien pods like Annie said.

Have a terrific, picture-snappin' weekend everybody.

i do apologise for uploading another St.Mary's shot,but a few of my contacts have uploaded some shots from here recently and they have all looked great.i had to try and get in on the act :)

THANKS ONCE AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR KIND VIEWS AND COMMENTS.I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND,HAPPY SNAPPIN' :)

EXIF....F11....0.5 SECONDS....ISO100....13MM....LEE 0.6 ND GRAD (HARD)+HOYA POLARIZER

Happiness is a new silicone motor drive belt direct from the UK.

Update July 2019: the turntable started behaving real weird and running backwards, OK for hidden Beatles lyrics but not so good for Oscar Peterson, Bartok string quartets, or Kathleen Ferrier. Not to worry, removed the motor cover and found the 220nF, motor control film capacitor was cracked and looking generally RS. So found a higher spec replacement on Ebay and heated up the soldering iron, also checked and oiled the bearing and adjusted the the motor alignment. Then started playing records and couldn't stop for hours, talk about a revelation - rock solid sound, instruments emerging from layers of music and finger snappin' rhythm. Anyway it's a cold Rainy Day, Blond on Blond is on the platter and I gotta go flip the disk for Sad Eyed Lady... Oh, and that cool, new capacitor proudly declares itself: Made in Finland, who would'a thought.

I wear that saying on the back of my jacket with a pic of a bulldogger in tow. Today, ...I need a cool down.....it's extremely hot & humid in Alberta. I turned into an owl and have to get all my work done at night. What I'd give to be high on my mountain top right now. I love show-offs, they make snappin' easy! I usually stay down below from these high-markers. It can get pretty crazy up there. Huge avalanche risk. I was glad i took a chance and went out of my comfort zone or

《Nice for What》

I wanna know who mothafuckin' representin' in here tonight

Hold on, hold on

I keep lettin' you back in (You back in)

How can I, explain myself?

Care for me, care for me, you said you'd care for me

There for me, there for me, said you'd be there for me

(Lil Weezyana shit)

Cry for me, cry for me, you said you'd die for me

(Murda on the beat)

Give to me, give to me, why won't you live for me?

Care for me, care for me, I know you care for me

(A song for y'all to cut up to, you know?)

There for me, there for me, said you'd be there for me (Yeah)

Cry for me, cry for me, you said you'd die for me

Give to me, give to me, why won't you live for me?

Everybody get your mothafuckin' roll on

I know shorty and she doesn't want no slow song

Had a man last year, life goes on

Haven't let that thing loose, girl, in so long

You've been inside, know you like to lay low

I've been peepin' what you bringin' to the table

Workin' hard, girl, everything paid for

First-last, phone bill, car note, cable

With your phone out, gotta hit them angles

With your phone out, snappin' like you Fabo

And you showin' off, but it's alright

And you showin' off, but it's alright (Alright!)

It's a short life, yeah

Care for me, care for me, you said you'd care for me

There for me, there for me, said you'd be there for me

Cry for me, cry for me, you said you'd die for me

Give to me, give to me, why won't you live for me?

That's a real one in your reflection

Without a follow, without a mention

You really pipin' up on these niggas

You gotta be nice for what to these niggas?

I understand, you got a hunnid bands

You got a baby Benz, you got some bad friends

High school pics, you was even bad then

You ain't stressin' off no lover in the past tense

You already had them

Work at 8 a.m., finish 'round five

Hoes talk down, you don't see 'em outside

Yeah, they don't really be the same offline

You know dark days, you know hard times

Doin' overtime for the last month

Saturday, call the girls, get 'em gassed up

Gotta hit the club, gotta make that ass jump

Gotta hit the club like you hit them mothafuckin' angles

With your phone out, snappin' like you Fabo

And you showin' off, but it's alright

And you showin' off, but it's alright (Alright!)

It's a short life

Uh-huh! (Oh yeah!)

These hoes! (They mad!)

Your boy! (I had!)

I made! (Watch the breakdown)

Care for me, care for me, you said you'd care for me

There for me, there for me, said you'd be there for me

Cry for me, cry for me, you said you'd die for me

Give to me, give to me, why won't you live for me?

Gotta make that jump, gotta make that, gotta, gotta make that

Gotta make that jump, gotta make that, gotta, gotta make that

Gotta, gotta, gotta g-g-gotta, g-g-gotta, gotta

Gotta, g-g-gotta, gotta, gotta make that jump, jump (Let's go)

Bend it over, lift it up, bend it over, lift it up (Make that jump, jump)

Bend it over, lift it up, bend it over, lift it up (Make that jump, jump)

Bend it over, over, over, over, over, lift it up (Make that jump, jump)

Bend it over, lift it up (Make that jump, jump)

Bend it over, lift it up (Make that jump, jump)

That's a real one in your reflection

Without a follow, without a mention

You really pipin' up on these niggas

You gotta be nice for what to these niggas?

I understand

Care for me, care for me, you said you'd care for me

There for me, there for me, said you'd be there for me

Give to me, give to me, why won't you live for me?

Cry for me, cry for me, you said you'd cry for me

Gotta hit the club like you hit them, hit them, hit them angles

It's a short life, yeah

Cry for me, cry for me, you said you'd die for me

Give to me, give to me, why won't you live for me?

《Nice for What》by Drake © Universal Music

Wayback Machine

Flagpond, TN - 1977

Photo by Robert Blankenship

"Last night I dreamed that I was a child out where the pines grow wild and tall

I was trying to make it home through the forest before the darkness falls

I heard the wind rustling through the trees and ghostly voices rose from the fields

I ran with my heart pounding down that broken path

With the devil snappin' at my heels

I broke through the trees and there in he night

My fathers house stood shining hard and bright the branches and brambles tore my clothes and scratched my arms

But I ran till I fell shaking in his arms

I awoke and I imagined the hard things that pulled us apart

Will never again sir tear us from each others hearts

I got dressed and to that house I did ride from out on the road I could see its windows shining in light

I walked up the steps and stood on the porch a woman I didn't recognize came and spoke to me through a chained door

I told her my story and who I'd come for

She said "I'm sorry son but no one by that name lives here anymore"

My fathers house shines hard and bright it stands like a beacon calling me in the night

Calling and calling so cold and alone

Shining cross this dark highway where our sins lie unatoned"

- "My Father's House" by Bruce Springsteen

Fuck bein' good, I'm a bad bitch (ah)

I'm sick of motherfuckers tryna tell me how to live (fuck y'all)

Wack hoes hate under my pictures on the 'Gram (ugh)

Bitch, you better hope I never run across your man, uh

In the mall with him, I'ma have a ball with him (woah)

Somebody call Rihanna, I'ma buy some drawers with him

He fuckin' with Thee Stallion 'cause he into wild women (he love wild women)

Put them legs on his head, now he love tall women (uh, yeah, ah)

You'll never catch me callin' these niggas daddy (nope)

I ain't lyin' 'bout my nut just to make a nigga happy (nigga, please)

Lifestyle when a nigga can't fit a Magnum

It never happened if the dick wasn't snappin' (ayy)

I'm a hot girl, I do hot shit (I do hot shit)

Spend his income on my outfit (on my outfit)

I don't text quick 'cause I ain't thirsty (I ain't thirsty)

These bitches mad, mad, they wanna hurt me (ah, ah)

I'm a hot girl, I do hot shit (I do hot shit)

Spend his income on my outfit (on my outfit)

I don't text quick 'cause I ain't thirsty (I ain't thirsty)

These bitches mad, mad, they wanna hurt me (ah, ah)

Any rumor 'bout me, let me dead it (let me dead it)

I'm a open book and your man probably read it (ah)

Look at my AP and these hoes still pathetic (mmm)

Real bitches back when I check my Patek, yeah (woah)

Yeah, he call my Patty Cake 'cause the way that ass shake (ass shake)

I'ma make him eat me out while I'm watchin' anime (anime)

Pussy like a Wild Fox, lookin' for a Sasuke (ayy, yeah)

One night with him make him lose it like a prom date (ah)

Two watches, yeah, call me two-timin' (two-timin')

Skin like gold and my teeth like diamonds (like diamonds)

Hot Girl chain, Elliot got me shinin' (yeah)

They tried to knock me off, but a bitch still grindin'

I'm a hot girl, I do hot shit (I do hot shit)

Spend his income on my outfit (on my outfit)

I don't text quick 'cause I ain't thirsty (I ain't thirsty)

These bitches mad, mad, they wanna hurt me (ah, ah)

I'm a hot girl, I do hot shit (I do hot shit)

Spend his income on my outfit (on my outfit)

I don't text quick 'cause I ain't thirsty (I ain't thirsty)

These bitches mad, mad, they wanna hurt me (ah, ah)

I'm a rich nigga magnet (yeah), pretty with a fatty (with a fatty)

Thirty-inch weave with the long eyelashes (long eyelashes)

Yes, I got a man if I don't like who askin' (boy, bye)

I don't stand outside 'cause I'm too outstandin' (ah)

'Cause the girls in the hood are always hard

Ever since sixteen, I been havin' a job

Knowin' nothin' in life, but I gotta get rich

You could check the throwback pics, I been that bitch (ah)

I'm a hot girl, I do hot shit (I do hot shit)

Spend his income on my outfit (on my outfit)

I don't text quick 'cause I ain't thirsty (I ain't thirsty)

These bitches mad, mad, they wanna hurt me (ah, ah)

I'm a hot girl, I do hot shit (I do hot shit)

Spend his income on my outfit (on my outfit)

I don't text quick 'cause I ain't thirsty (I ain't thirsty)

These bitches mad, mad, they wanna hurt me (ah, ah)

walkin', talkin' and snappin' with the Qua in Las Vegas a week ago.

Camping in Treardor bay. So hot that weekend I got a bit of sun stroke , but was a lovely break. I haven't took photos in a while but I shall be out n about locally on the Wirral snappin away very soon :)

walkin', talkin' and snappin' with the Qua in Las Vegas a week ago.

After 25+ years as a Nikon guy, I’m saying goodbye. I don’t dislike Nikon, I love them in fact, but I just like what Panasonic has been doing lately. I definitely wanted mirrorless, full frame and video for my next primary cam, and the S5 has been on my radar since its inception. Some may say I should have given the Nikon Z series a try first, and I might try something in the future, but I’ve dabbled with Panasonic the last couple years and now I’ve committed to it. I look forward to sharing my exploits with all of you. Happy Snappin’

Snappin' away while kid at play!!

Madman drummers bummers and Indians in the summer with a teenage diplomat

In the dumps with the mumps as the adolescent pumps his way into his hat

With a boulder on my shoulder feelin' kinda older I tripped the merry-go-round

With this very unpleasing sneezing and wheezing the calliope crashed to the ground

Some all-hot half-shot was headin' for the hot spot snappin' his fingers clappin' his hands

And some fleshpot mascot was tied into a lover's knot with a whatnot in her hand

And now young Scott with a slingshot finally found a tender spot and throws his lover in the sand

And some bloodshot forget-me-not whispers daddy's within earshot save the buckshot turn up the band

And she was blinded by the light

Cut loose like a deuce another runner in the night

Blinded by the light

She got down but she never got tight, but she'll make it alright

Some brimstone baritone anti-cyclone rolling stone preacher from the east

He says: "Dethrone the dictaphone, hit it in its funny bone, that's where they expect it least"

And some new-mown chaperone was standin' in the corner all alone watchin' the young girls dance

And some fresh-sown moonstone was messin' with his frozen zone to remind him of the feeling of romance

Yeah he was blinded by the light

Cut loose like a deuce another runner in the night

Blinded by the light

He got down but she never got tight, but he's gonna make it tonight

Some silicone sister with her manager's mister told me I got what it takes

She said I'll turn you on sonny, to something strong if you play that song with the funky break,

And go-cart Mozart was checkin' out the weather chart to see if it was safe to go outside

And little Early-Pearly came in by her curly-wurly and asked me if I needed a ride,

Oh, some hazard from Harvard was skunked on beer playin' backyard bombardier

Yes and Scotland Yard was trying hard, they sent a dude with a calling card,

he said, do what you like, but don't do it here

Well I jumped up, turnedaround, spit in the air, fell on the ground

Asked him which was the way back home

He said take a right at the light, keep goin' straight until night, and then boy, you're on your own

And now in Zanzibar a shootin' star was ridin' in a side car hummin' a lunar tune

Yes, and the avatar said blow the bar but first remove the cookie jar we're gonna teach those boys to laugh too soon

And some kidnapped handicap was complainin' that he caught the clap from some mousetrap he bought last night,

Well I unsnapped his skull cap and between his ears I saw

a gap but figured he'd be all right

He was just blinded by the light

Cut loose like a deuce another runner in the night

Blinded by the light

Mama always told me not to look into the sights of the sun

Oh but mama that's where the fun is

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNN_bPJ4Ubo

Walkin', talkin', snappin' with the ever lovely Jessiqua in Seattle a couple of weeks ago..

Walkin', talkin', & snappin' with the Qua a year ago in downtown Seattle.

Rickie Lee Jones | Danny's All-Star Joint | 1979

Downstairs at Danny's all-star joint

They got a juke box that goes doyt-doyt

I was a high school intern at WCMF, a local radio station in Rochester, when this album was released in 1979. Using their record library was one of the perks. Rickie Lee Jones has been a favorite singer/songwriter ever since. This, her self-titled debut release, is one of my all-time favorite recordings.

1955 Seeburg VL200 Jukebox

Brockport, New York

December 2010

Large on Black

Just snappin shots of my cover on the way home from boot camp.

Best on black at Fluidr

Facebook Page

pca245 From the Hip:

To get this, I spent 45 mins walking in the Old City/Center City East section of Philadelphia snappin' away! This is not something I usually do, so it's sort of uncomfortable until you develop a way to go about it without getting noticed. I noticed it works better in noisier sections of the city than it does in quiet, quaint "neighborhoody" sections......the shutter seems so loud!

I ended up with mostly trash - only a couple keepers IMO, but I like the human interaction in this one. This woman seemed to garner some attention all around...here I got a lady-to-lady staredown. Arrogance? Jealousy? Disgust? Pity? All or some of the above??

my tip o' the hat to Tex Flix's most fabulous icon, taken for the My Impression Of... pool.

I am of the opinion that there are few better subjects for photos than the proliffic example of machinery that is ... the 4Runner.

I really wanted to get a picture of one on a beach at night, and being in Colorado, I happened to lack a beach. So I drove down to South Padre Island, TX. Just a quick jaunt. Though I figured while I was snappin a pic or two, I might as well spend the week kitesurfing!

This was taken on the main strip of sand north of the city of South Padre. We spent a few days sleeping on the sand behind the truck. With near 100% humidity, blowing sand all night, and no tent, it wasn't exactly ideal. But still pretty fun!

This night, there were miles of partying caravans (lights in the distance) driving back and forth by our spot all night. Later we found out that there is a lot of Cartel activity down there, and that our camp spots weren't exactly safe either. Maybe we shoulda researched this a little bit!

Stopped off on my way home from snappin' beardies. About 20 were feeding amongst the cows and calves.

Link: www.moc-pages.com/group.php/25974

(This is my younger brother, Snappin Brick's entry, he had some troubles on MOCpages and he doesn't have a Flickr, so he's using mine)

His chosen poem.

All that is gold does not glitter,

Not all those who wander are lost;

The old that is strong does not wither,

Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,

A light from the shadows shall spring;

Renewed shall be blade that was broken,

The crownless again shall be king

This is Aragorn in the prancing pony, it's pretty self-explanantory.

;)

In marketing, psychology and other dark arts, there are formulae and algorithms and scientific studies that focus on the mind's response to failing and succeeding. There's a sweet spot somewhere, a place where the ratio of your failures to your wins is just enough to keep you tryingtryingtrying.

And so it is with me and my camera. The problem... until recently... involved a lost tripod and my determination to make do without one. There followed a cheap-ass tripod, not at all my friend, and then another fallow spell of trying to do without.

And THEN. I bought myself the tripod of my dreams. He is everything I wanted, and he's reawakened all my latent, pent up photographic impulses. I will admit it: I have been on a binge for days now. Shooting and shooting and shooting. And stopping only for basic needs and editing.

And so I'm feeling energized in that special way that comes from neurons reaching out to other neurons, sayin' howdy and gettin' together for a snappin' synaptic hoedown. Woo hoo.

It's all about the challenge, the struggle, the failures, the worrying through and the learning on the way. It just feels so good. And yes, I am going to do it.

We're off on a trip to the sunny south for 10 or 12 days.

I'll miss your photos and our interactions but will "catch up" when I return.

Keep snappin'... I love to see, be inspired by and learn from your work!

light painting

Walkin', talkin', snappin' with the ever lovely Jessiqua in Seattle far too long ago..

I was finally able to get snappin' this week, but our family camping trip began with yours truly forgetting his camera gear. Yup, old "Puddle Brain" left the house without his camera. Thanks to a very understanding better half...that would be the wife of "Puddle Brain"...the trip was halted in order to retrieve the said camera gear left behind. Unfortunately, however, in hastily retrieving the camera gear, filters and battery chargers were left behind...again by Puddle Brain...but, at least the main components were now with us. Needless to say, Puddle Brain dropped a few F-Bombs.

Thanks to last year's calving event off the Petermann Glacier in Greenland, Northern Nfld and the coast of Labrador are currently experiencing an unprecedented iceberg season. Be forewarned, my next few uploads will be of icebergs..all taken from the shoreline.

Well, here's my family.

Wrapped around a musical instrument, smiles dripping off their faces, and letting ME take pictures of them.

Nope. Don't get better'n this. :)

Hope everyone's hangin in there. I heard a rumor that just.k might be getting her Nikon fixed soon. ;-)

*muah* ~ Momma K

p.s. I have lost all my baby-weight......woohoo.....time to start snappin' pics again. ;-)

I had a look down to blast beach this morning with Ian & Bri {Lensman3000 & BDMbeercan}

I took this one from inside one of the caves @ noses point as the tide was on it's way in.

We all suffered wet feet, but had a good mornings snappin, cheers for the company lads :-)

Lindsey Pierce, better known by her media name “Lin-Z”, is a distinguished star-reporter in the music industry, and the host of her very own television show on VTV, where she reports the latest news in music and introduces the hottest Pop and Rock acts on the scene! Ms. Pierce has come a long way since her humble beginnings as an independent reporter, and it didn't take long before she blossomed into one of the most well-respected figures in the spotlight today. This level-headed video jockey possesses the natural skill of upping the ante in her career by setting trends, blazing trails and shaping careers, all in the company of her esteemed colleague, Anthony Julian. Lindsey is also personally acquainted with fashion designer, Countess Danielle du Voisin, and video producer, Vivien Montgomery. With her short-layered, razor sharp hairdo and adorable outfit, Lindsey partied well into the night on Danielle's yacht, and worked her pipes as she whistled out “HEY, ANTHONY!” in “Disaster!” Her brief encounter with Jem and the Holograms sparked an instantaneous friendship, and she would later go on to book them regularly for her show. Of course, the Misfits weren't happy about this, particularly Pizzazz! One evening, during her highest rated broadcast of ‘85, Lindsey gave in and allowed Pizzazz, Roxy and Stormer to appear on her stage if they promised to behave, but things spun out of control due to the Misfits' tendency for makin' mischief. In fact, Pizzazz went so far as to slap her across her face ON AIR as she was asked to exit her show! Old rivalries die hard (i.e. Raya and Jetta), and Pizzazz might want to watch her back because she's in store for one serious triple “Dynasty” b***h slap if/when she crosses Lindsey's path! The only woman in prime time television who surpasses her competition when it comes to breaking news, Lin-Z gets the scoop in full rotoscope, and “Starbright, Part One” best exemplifies her natural journalistic abilities. The camera rolled as she stood on the backlot of World Studios with a live press conference from the set of Starbright, during its third day run. When the doors opened, she raced into the studio with a team of additional reporters and secured the first interview with Jem on how she felt about being the star of a multimillion dollar film. What happened next was unanticipated, and with Video Montgomery by her side filming everything, Lin-Z began to dig a little deeper with her questions, when Nick Mann barged in on the interview and contrived a fake romance to the press by taking Jem in his arms and dipping her to the floor with a kiss. The Holograms watched from the sideline and covered their mouths in shock! After Nick's spectacle, she interviewed Eric and mentioned Anthony's departure from the production at which time he answered that he simply took over as head director. Stumped by his response, Lin-Z boldly stated that he'd never directed a film in his entire career. Once she put him to shame, she ended her assignment with a quick interview from the Misfits. It was too bad she didn't leave a few minutes later before Jem assaulted Pizzazz by swinging a hanging prop at her from the set of their music video, “Universal Appeal”, and knocking her FACE FIRST to the floor! Day four arrived and Lin-Z reported a whopping star-studded interview on the latest from that very day, with interviews from Howard E. Sands, Rio, Kimber, Aja, Shana, and Anthony Julian who kicked Eric's butt to the curb and resumed his rightful position as director. At the start of “In Stitches”, she announced a surprising report that even the Holograms and the Misfits weren't aware of—a rock fashion competition in Venice, Italy! Lin-Z looked particularly splendent in this episode, and was pleased to introduce the promoter of the contest, Tony Casini. As usual, her fans were appreciative of being informed. Ms. Pierce brings a great deal of sophistication to her live reports and often concludes her segments with a reminder to her viewers, that “You hear it first, here on VTV!” In “The Music Awards, Part One,” she was the first to broadcast the year's most important music event, the Music Awards! The big excitement was in the top Rock group category, and Jem and the Holograms had their heels planted in the competition, while the Misfits torpedoed straight to the top of the charts! Also, at that time, Jerrica was in the process of organizing a benefit concert for Jem and asked Lin-Z to promote the event on her show, so she rushed over to Starlight Music to work out the particulars, and spent a few extra minutes in the company of Video Montgomery and Danse Dvorak. The high-paid professional broke an all-time record for “Most Watched Programming”, in “The Rock Fashion Book”, when her VTV report on Jem and the Holograms' book of Rock fashions for publishing giant Arlington House earned a 60.2 Nielsen rating! Subsequent to her live show, the phone lines lit up with hyperactive fans, all aching for their very own copy of J to the E to the M! The broadcast aired at 8:30 pm, which happened to be the same time that the Misfits were watching their favorite program, Solid Gold, but Pizzazz thought the details of the book were a lot more important than the Top Ten hits of the week, and started up with Roxy, Stormer and Jetta on a plan to prevent them from creating fashion/music history. Lin-Z's television show had hit international status around the time of “Broadway Magic”, and the headlines just kept coming, this time with Jem's theatrical debut, in Bob Merrit's Broadway musical! Both bands were in the running for the lead part, thus the awkward strain of silence the night Lin-Z invited both groups on her show. Jem and her sisters sat on the opposite side of the stage from Pizzazz and her crew, giving the wild-haired rockers the opportunity to draw back a few snarls and shoot out dirty stares. Seconds in, Bob announced Jem and the Holograms' victory to the world, and appointed the Misfits as their understudies. Well, Pizzazz wasn't satisfied with the results, and she didn't appreciate being embarrassed in front of her fans, so she hurtled over and grab the emergency fire hose to cool things down with a blast of some good ole' H2O! The shock-rocker's debacle landed her on Lin-Z's “DO NOT RETURN” list! And, on opening night, the enthusiastic veejay sat front row with Rio as Jem astonished the crowed with her finger-snappin', toe-tappin' performance. Afterwards, she scoured the landscape of Starlight Mansion in search of Jem and primed her microphone for a one-on-one interview regarding her secret identity. Even though she was well aware of crossing secluded territory, she handled the interview with care, hence Jem's willingness to open up and admit that, though she used a stage name, she preferred to keep her personal life private, and that she's a normal human being just like everybody else. A few weeks later, she stood with Danse in attendance at Jem's private gathering for “The Jem Jam” and blew out her signature whistle in regard to the Pop star's big surprise announcement. Her feisty attitude revealed itself, when a gang of rowdy hooligans, who were sent in by Eric and the Misfits, stomped through the party with weapons and a hankering to turn the evening out! The leader of the gang wanted to tango with Lena Lerner, so Lin-Z decided to tango as well and stabbed her high heel into his foot and shin with all her might! After the rumble dwindled, Jem gave her apologizes to Randy James while standing in the middle of trash and debris. Then Lin-Z mentioned that the interruption only proved how desperate the Misfits really were. Always on time with her glowing reports, Ms. Pierce was the first to introduce Jem and the Holograms' new music video for their platinum hit, “Glitter 'n Gold!”, on her show. And thanks to VTV's heavy promotion, the record sales tripled, and albums were soon flying off the shelves during the competition! The storyline would have been slightly off without her presence, in “The Talent Search, Part One!” Jem formed a competition in search of a new drummer for her band, and Lin-Z wanted to get the scoop on the particulars for Starlight Music's Talent Search Contest, so she attended Jem's meet-and-greet picnic on the back patio for an extensive interview. Then she took some time to partake in the festivities with Jem, Aja, Kimber, Raya, and contest hopeful, Craig Phillips. She exhibited a zeal for drama, in “The Bands Break Up”, beginning with her live interview with Kimber and Stormer both whom had just parted ways with their respective bands and joined together to create their own music. The recording industry was rocked by the breakup, which Lin-Z was well aware of, but she knew it would be a scorching interview for her audience who were also aware of the seriousness of the situation. The next night, Kimber and Stormer performed at their concert right after Lin-Z introduced them to their fans, but they didn't get a chance to belt out one verse due to the Holograms and the Misfits who all came strutting in on stage to declare that they're both a “Bad Influence” on each other! Without a care to spare, Lin-Z told her cameraman to film every second of their argument because it would be juicy drama for her evening report. She caught word of Jem and the Holograms' mysterious project, in “Aztec Enchantment”, and drove to the Jungle Shop to get in a few words about the information. Then Video Montgomery walked in during her interview and apologized before saying that she was NOT getting the scoop! When she questioned Video's need for secrecy, the famed director said it was her entry for the International Rock Video Festival—the only award she had yet to win—and she didn't want to risk tipping off her competition with clues, so she kept the conversation short. One of Lin-Z's childhood fantasies came true, in “The Jazz Player”, when she was blessed with the opportunity to share her stage with the late, great, Taps Tucker, of the Jazz quartet, the Taps Tucker Band. Her inner child appeared as she gushed about the first time she heard one of his songs on an old LP of her grandfathers, at 5 years old, and also mentioned how his hit song “Night Train” blew her away! Overwhelmed and delighted, Taps thanked her for her kind words and continued the conversation. Then Lin-Z asked him to play a few notes on his legendary trumpet that he brought along and he was more than happy to oblige. A few minutes into his performance, the Misfits arrived inside the studio for their interview and warned him to get out while he could with their hit song, “Jack, Take a Hike”, because Pizzi was going to make the place EXPLOOODE! At that moment, Lin-Z got very angry on air and said that what they did was uncalled for, and that she only agreed to have them back on her show because they promised not to act out, but Pizzazz was unconcerned and told her that the Misfits were doing her a favor by being there, and that their fans only wanted to hear their music! Behind the scenes, Lin-Z made sure to apologize to Taps for their rude behavior. She was on guard to avoid superstitious activity for her next assignment, in “Trick or Techrat”, as she parked her studio van a few feet away from the city's old opera house to report on Jem's big Halloween benefit concert to save the ancient building from demolition. The Misfits were slated to perform their own show and arrived on the scene only to interrupt her interview with the details. A week later, courtesy of Ms. Pierce's thorough reporting, VTV ran a special broadcast during “The Presidential Dilemma” in reference to Jem's invitation to perform, in Washington DC, at the Kennedy Center, for the President. She then ended her three-week run with yet another exciting report, in “Rock 'n' Roll Express!” Jem and the Holograms' whistle-stop concert tour was the hottest news in music, and Lin-Z provided her viewers with schedule information, their route, and the specific time of their arrival to Rock Canyon, Arizona. The Pop-rockers were listed as the headline act of the World History of Music concert, in “Journey Through Time”, and wouldn't you know that music's vibrant VJ posted a special bulletin across the airwaves to inform friends and fans alike. Several weeks later, she surprised her viewers with a blast from the past, in “Out of the Past!” Jerrica was confident that she could depend on Lin-Z for support in presenting her fans with a modern take on her mother's ‘70s hit, “First Love”, and boy was she blown away by the uncanny resemblance between the Pop star and Jacqui! She was also devoted to supporting her with creating a commemorative album of Jacqui's work! As usual, her busy work schedule kept her from stopping and smelling the roses in life, but, in “Hollywood Jem, Part Two”, she gave herself a break and showed her support to Kimber by attending her wedding, where she sat first seat, second row near the isle to have a gander at her divine gown. She was happy for Kimber on her special day and savored the time off from the glamorous life of investigative reporting. “The Stingers Hit Town”, in 1988, and she got word from her studio executives that they had just arrived from West Germany and were looking to sign with a US record label, so she called Jerrica over the phone to relay the hot tip and told her to check it out, at Le Klub Kool. Jerrica thanked her for keeping her in mind, and later she deplored her encounter with Riot! Artists spend their whole lives dedicated to their work, but hell, even professionals have their limits and, in “Video Wars”, the time had finally come for Cali's finest to take a video break from her show. But she wasn't planning on budging from her seat until she introduced Jem's reshoot video clip for her number one hit, “Like a Dream!” For one brief moment, during her vacation, she wondered if she could really get used to life in the Cayman Islands, and even considered staying there after her break was up! Eventually, she had “A Change of Heart” and resumed her position at VTV, kicking off the season with her first ever Television Celebrity Beach Bash! Viewers were in for hours of fun in the sun with their fave raves, hot jamin' numbers, and a few cool zonks! While conducting an interview with Jem who, out of concern for her skin, was enjoying a good book under her oversized beach umbrella, Riot walked over and asked Lin-Z if he suited Pop music's reigning princess at which time she responded by introducing him to her audience on camera. While standing at a distance, Pizzazz scanned the beach like the Terminator, then came crashing over like a storm on a raging sea and kicked sand in Jem's face while arguing about her obsession for Riot! The Pop heroine held her own as she battled with the female Godzilla of Rock, but the barrier of anger was too fragile to hold up against and everything split right down the middle, when Pizzi jumped at her and threatened to pull her hair out BY THE ROOTS! And in two shakes, Riot grabbed her and held her back just as Lin-Z concluded her report in front of the altercation for the world to see! Minutes later, more action occurred, this time in the water where Minx was pulled under by an enormous wave that had built up from behind her while talking to Rapture. Frightened at the thought of an inescapable outcome, the prime-time mogul ran over to Jem and punctuated the argument long enough to inform all three entertainers of the trouble in the water. Everyone hurried over to the scene, and Rio jumped in to save her from drowning! The accident gave rise to a close-knit friendship between herself and the Stingers, and soon she received an invitation to attend their listening party, at Stingers Sound Studios, in “Riot's Hope!” Lin-Z entered the party with one thing on her mind and that was to GET DOOOWN! There was no hesitation to leave her work behind, and with her green sumptuous party dress and 6 inch Norma Kamali heels, she shook her derrière to the music alongside her three famous gal pals, Lena Lerner, Video Montgomery and Harriet Horn! Ms. Pierce has remained faithful to Jem and the Holograms right up until the very end as she was in attendance, at Starlight Mansion, where she sat on the couch chatting with Rio and Minx during Banee's going away party, in “A Father Should Be.” Again, no microphone, crew members or news cameras this time around, just Ms. Lindsey Pierce hanging out in support of her good friends. No matter where she's reporting from, her viewers are always on her mind. From America to Amsterdam and back, Lin-Z has gone the distance to gather vital information for her program and returned to US soil in possession of some of the most deliciously intriguing news of the day! She received critical acclaim for her ‘86 interview with Phil Collins regarding his lyrics for “Land of Confusion”, sparking questions and truths about our government, which then later crossing over to a segment on 60 minutes! Then there's her ever-so-popular heated debate with Elton John live on air, in ‘88, which rated higher than “The Facts of Life” season finale. This broadcast led to a renewal of her contract for 5 more glorious years with her network! Those who know her well are witness to her springy, bubbly demeanor, but, in all actuality, this woman is cutthroat at her occupation, taking no prisoners while plowing through closed doors and crushing her male competition! She's also given MTV, VH1 and Night Tracks a run for their money, too! She's the darling of mainstream media and there's not a damn thing that could ever change it!

Integrity Toys' 30th Anniversary of Jem has arrived and Lindsey Pierce is the main attraction! We were promised a fourth year lineup of never before released dolls based on the show and they weren't lying. This well-respected VJ is back on the scene, only this time, in doll form, covered from head to toe in her signature outfit, and terribly excited to socialize with her affluent associates! When you have the longest-running music video channel on television, a glam squad is often necessary for your daily schedule, but not with this pro. Full of creativity, Lin-Z's not only the host of her show, but she's also hands-on behind the scenes with her own wardrobe, makeup and hair! And while we're on the subject of hair, you gotta love her bouncy, pale blond do! In Jem, she went from straight, ear-length hair to a voluminous permed bob and never looked back! With this set, we get the curly blond version. I recall around late December, when Integrity released her product pictures, teasing and hinting at her appearance with only a closeup of her eyes and very little information about her debut in the collection. This tactic made it difficult to think about anything else for the next few months! I now feel that everything worked out like it was intended to because I began to fall in love immediately with her makeup! The clean, crisp colors blend smoothly with her dark brown eyebrows and blue eyes! Selecting an array of colors from her “Walking on Sunshine” cosmetics collection, she started the powder aspect out with a shade of yellow “Music of the Sun” eyeshadow and applied it to the inner sections below her eyebrows. Then she followed up with light green “Ready, Set, Go” eyeshadow to her brow bone areas, together creating an impressive shade of two-toned lemon and lime! Her eyelids twinkle with metallic purple dust, in “Prime Time Passion”, and light violet dust, in “Reach for the Stars”, which she added to create mini wings around both eyes! To give her viewers a closer look into her soul, she completed her eyes with a reasonable amount of “Gorgeously Bad” black eyeliner to the tops and bottoms of her eyelids. And she concludes her makeup with an application of “Lights, Camera, Action” blush to accent her cheeks, and “Studio 54” gloss to coat her lips! Lin-Z's gear is the crème de la crème and consists of a bright orange headband, her one piece sleeveless dress of the same color, a pair of shiny orange heel-boots, a wide bright green belt, green stirrup pants and matching fingerless gauntlets! She also wears two thin orange bracelets, and one lime green. The gold double-studded earrings are delightful, and are two of my favorite accessories! Best of all, she was given a portable tape recorder, a little piece of technology we never actually see in the show, but turned out to be a perfect choice for her doll debut. Her chromed light blue microphone adds even more color to her appearance and truly pulls everything together!

Several months ago I sent out a request to Integrity Toys with high hopes that they would create a doll for Lin-Z, though I never in my wildest dreams expected anything to come from it. And now look, she's here! She's finally here! A special thanks to the Design Team for taking the time out to create this golden gift! She's a ball of sunshine, and her positive, magnetic personality extends beyond the perimeter of mankind itself! Lin-Z is one of my top five favorites out of the entire doll line, and I 💛 her!

WW-2 U.S. Home Front Item: Canning and preserving foods grown from a Victory Garden.

This item is in excellent condition for its age, and it seems not many people are interested in collecting these things.

As much as one-third of all vegetables consumed in the U.S. during the war were grown in Victory Gardens, and people back then would can their own vegetables to have them year around.

I grew up a bit later, but because my parents were from the depression and war generation, mom also canned a lot of our food. We would go to farmer's markets and buy produce in bulk (or grow our own in the back yard), and mom would sterilize jars and lids for the canning process.

Though I'm not of that generation, I can remember sitting on the front porch snappin' beans or shuckin' corn while hearing the steam "jiggler" going inside the house.

Guess I'm old!

We had brief visit to the picturesque town of Kotor during our day excursion to Montenegro. I took this whilst enjoying a break from the walking.

Finally, I present the first African American male character of Jem, Mr. Anthony Julian! Intelligent movie director, mogul, dashing, rugged, educated, successful...is it any wonder why Shana fell in love with him?! Due to his profession, Anthony has many high-profiled connections in film, one in particular with recognized video producer, Vivien “Video” Montgomery. He also has close connections within the medium of music television, maintaining throughout the years a close-knit friendship with creative figurehead, Lindsey “Lin-Z” Pierce. Anthony first flashed his pearly white smile, in “Disaster”, at a party upon Danielle du Voisin's yacht where he stood in attendance with the best of the best in the entertainment business. After a formal introduction to Jem and the Holograms, courtesy of Lin-Z, it wasn't long before he set his sparkling brown eyes on Holograms drummer, Shana Elmsford, and the two have been together ever since, all thanks to Ms. Matchmaker herself, Jem! During his conversation with Shana, he learned that the Holograms were fairly new to the music scene and didn't have a budget or backup from a record company. While discussing the band's shortcomings, Shana dropped her head in despair, but Anthony held her chin ever so lightly and promised that he would take care of everything! Danielle suggested that the girls take her advice in shooting a music video for their radio hit, “Twilight in Paris”, in Paree! And Howard Sands also lent his hand to help, providing first class plane transportation for their trip. A few days later, with his suede Lancel luggage collection, Anthony pulled out of Starlight Mansion's driveway with Jem and the Holograms and arrived at the local airport where they finally departed for Champ de Mars. There was still time to enjoy the sights after they landed, so he accompanied the Pop stars on a spin through Saint Germain de Prés and Montmartre, then completed a photoshoot in the 1st Arrondissement, along with some shopping, in the Latin Quarter! The atmospheric temperature of the city had risen to unquenchable altitudes, as did Shana's while she walked hand in hand with her guy along the Seine River. Anthony also found it tough to breath as he couldn't control his heart from pounding for her, but he was running on a tight schedule and needed to prep his girl and her bandmates for work right away. Fans watched nearby as Anthony rehearsed the first scene with Shana and Jem—snappin', whistlin' and making the pink-haired Pop star giddy with laughter—then he planted her partway down the sidewalk and requested his cinematographer to cue the music and roll camera. All eyes were glued to Mr. Julian as he captured so eloquently the suffering between two lovelorn partners in search of affection, teamed with fresh fashions—Jem draped in her Thierry Mugler overcoat, and Rio fitted with a super fancy Armani slicker, drifting somberly through the town—and lyrics that serve as a protective covering for an everlasting love! After filming wrapped, Anthony asked the girls to shoot additional shots for publicity purposes, so they gathered together to pose. When out of the clear blue sky (literally), a large gargoyle came crashing down at Jem and the Holograms, but missed them by an inch, thanks to Rio who rushed over and saved the four of them from an untimely death! Like a shot, Anthony and Rio grabbed ahold of Shana and Jem in puzzlement as to what just happened! The only direction to look was upward at the top of the building, so they followed the flow of falling pebbles up to the roof where Zipper stood with eyes the size of two fifty-cent coins and marveled at his own sadistic behavior! His personal celebration was only temporary because Anthony and Rio surrounded the entranceway to the building, waiting and anticipating a 2 on 1 rumble with the demented jailbird. The fellas were certain he would surface, but Zipper performed a 60 meter dash out of sight before they could even think about moving in on him. Shana, Jem, Aja and Kimber were so pleased with their time spent in Paris, that they overlooked the accident, but it was reason enough for Anthony to keep close tabs on his lady, putting her safety first and remaining aware of her surroundings at all times! Rio with Jem as well.

Now, let's be very clear. Mr. Julian is one of the sweetest and most generous men to have ever walked planet earth, but he will not miss a chance to snap a spinal cord or shatter a jawbone if the mood calls for it, and Eric Raymond almost suffered BOTH, in “Starbright, Part One!” Jem and the Holograms had just arrived at Soundstage 20 and walked into an argument between the handsome director and Eric who altered the script to his liking without consulting him first. When told that he was wrong for what he did, Eric hollered out that, even though Anthony was the director, he was in charge of the picture. A while later, Anthony was witness to Pizzazz's grandstanding, when she cut him off in mid sentence and announced to the production staff that her father owned the studio. He was annoyed, but hesitated on laying down the law and continued rehearsing lines with Jem for awhile. Then Video Montgomery walked over and warned him of her cousin, Clash, who snuck inside the studio from backstage. Anthony never met her cousin a day in his life, so, out of respect for her, he chose to put aside his opinions and continued working. Minutes later, Shana, Aja and Kimber crowded around while Anthony and Jem as she carried on with rehearsal, and Shana really enjoyed watching her man in action! It wasn't long before the Misfits strolled in with Clash and tromped over to the group where she crashed her cymbals in Jem's ears, interrupting the new-famed actress from re-enacting her scenes. Tensions were running higher than before as Anthony hollered for Clash to get off his set! Then Pizzazz butted in and claimed that the uncivilized movie-wrecker was her close friend and that she wasn't going anywhere. So Anthony demanded that they both leave! With his gluttonous craving for confrontation, Eric made such a spectacle, when he rushed over and battled with the enterprising director, pointing his finger and spouting off about how Anthony was out of line, and that the Misfits were the co-stars of the film. Without omission, Anthony asserted that he had enough of his s**t, and told him to stop interfering with his profession! As Eric's ego grew, he also developed a set of b*lls and told Anthony to leave at which point the highly paid mogul said, “WITH PLEASURE!” Though he promised to never come within a mile radius of Eric, he still had many friends and colleagues who he left behind, and he respected Howard Sands and World Studios, so he decided to return to the production and reclaimed his position as head director, in “Starbright, Part Three!” His friend Lin-Z obtained full access backstage to gather interviews for her special report on the particulars of the movie, and he supported her by appearing for a short piece on Jem's bio. And, in honor of his return, he took part in the music video, “People Who Care”, alongside Shana, Rio, Banee, the production staff, and Jerrica who made a special appearance. In spite of all the trouble he endured on the production, the fight to achieve his goal carried him through for a bigger cause, and after concluding the music video shoot, Anthony called a wrap, and Starbright was born! Naturally, he rejected his invitation to the cast party as did Sean, Jeff, Jem and the Holograms, which would have made for sidesplitting entertainment by reason of Harvey Gabor who charged in with Howard Sands and lashed into Pizzazz real good about overspending, extensive budgets, and the difference between indulging her and landing in the poorhouse!

Anthony is always very supportive to Shana and her bandmates as was shown, in “Culture Clash”, when he lent his help to the girls by introducing them to conceptual artist, Fitzgerald Beck, and hired him to be the art director for their music video, “I Believe in Happy Endings.” Once again, the incomparable Video Montgomery signed on as video director and joined the girls for their journey to NYC. It appeared that Jem and the Holograms' trip was jinxed from the start because everything that could happen DID happen, such as a heavy downpour of multicolored paint, to a turbulent boat ride on the Atlantic that left them soaked, as well as a foot pursuit by the NYPD in search of stolen diamonds, from a crafty jewel smuggler named Maria Castello! Fitzgerald's vexatious conduct pushed Jem past her limits, but even so, she was still very grateful to Anthony for providing his musical and directorial expertise.

The bronzed beefcake really shined, in “Glitter 'n Gold”, while directing a music video for Jerrica's boy band, the Fifth Avenue Boys, at the local Mall. His colleague, Video Montgomery, was there and filmed the boys' daring stunt as they came riding down the escalator, singing and playing their guitars all while keeping eye contact with the camera lol! Shana, Aja, Kimber and Rio stood by to watch as he directed the three men to move, move, MOVE! He was all about Shana's wellbeing in one of my favorite 2-part eppies, “The Talent Search, Part One and Two”, when she was faced with the decision to begin a new and exciting career as principal designer for Liz Stratton or remain faithful to the Holograms as their star percussionist! During the car ride back from Liz's mansion, Shana expressed her doubts to her beau, and with his deep, soft baritone, Anthony advised her to think it through and do the right thing. Ultimately, his loving words were the assurance she needed to stay true to her heart and loyal to her sisters. Although he had business affairs to tend to, he made damn sure to kiss Shana goodbye as she departed with her girls for New Orleans to celebrate “Mardi Gras” as Rock music's favorite group of the year, and they were also selected by Mademoiselle Yvette to wear John Lafitte's ancient jewels during the festival! Their brief separation was difficult to bear, but he did his best by keeping her picture in his Ralph Lauren wallet to view whenever, wherever, and she placed his picture inside her mini golden heart locket that she kept around her neck for luck.

Anthony and his saucy sweetheart were dressed to impress, in “Hollywood Jem, Part Two”, on the night he accompanied her to the 60th Annual Academy Awards where they were hailed as the modern day “Billy Dee Williams & Diana Ross!” The two lovers prettified the red carpet with Jem and Rio, Kimber and Sean, and Jeff Wright who strolled in with Raya and Aja under both arms! This competent genius values his craft and it shows with each new film/music-video release. Anthony has gone on to win many awards for his work, most notably for “Twilight in Paris”, which earned him an MTV Video Vanguard Award, and was voted one of the most hauntingly romantic music videos ever created! He was also nominated for “Best Director” in the film Starbright, along with a zillion more accomplishments under his belt. Mr. Julian has traveled the world and collaborated with many musicians, cranking out one hit after the next, but he will forever credit his success to meeting Shana and working with Jem and the Holograms!

AJ was my third highly anticipated doll from the entire collection, so it boggled my mind when Integrity stalled with his arrival. Well, none of that matters now because he just got in today and I couldn't be more pleased! I am relieved to see that Integrity gave him A-toned skin and a decent head sculpt. And ooh, ooh, ooh...the dark lining around the outer areas of those damn hazel eyes makes his entire face stand out! Ant's hair looks real nice, too. The color, texture and flocked style around the sides brings life to the rooted hair on top. I couldn't wait to hook him up with a fresh cut, and now he's looking finer than ever! He is by far one of the most well-groomed male dolls in the entire collection! Just check out his finely trimmed mustache. The details on his outfit are truly where it's at. Ohhh, how I adore my gorgeously dressed, brown-skinned mannequin! Obviously, Ant is heavily dressed, but every piece has great importance and suits this boss to a T! He is without a doubt a snappy dresser who's modeling a jazzy, gray wool Benetton V-neck sweater over a suave, pink Armani turtleneck, and his broad shoulders are wrapped in a sharp, suede blue GQ jacket! Hollywood's leading director is also chillin' in a pair of fly, black and gray plaided Benetton trousers, and his feet sit nicely in a trendy pair of black, suede Giorgio Armani shoes! This well-to-do kahuna didn't mind dropping a few stacks for his extravagant Cartier wristwatch that he bought during his busy work schedule, when he was filming an award-winning movie overseas, either! And I mustn't forget his bullhorn and clapping board, both of which are necessary for his continuing success in Hollywood cinematography!

After years of giving his all to his career, Mr. High Society has nestled comfortably into his high-class lifestyle, alongside his fiancée, Shana Elmsford! Whether he's jetting around the world in a day, stepping out of luxurious limousines, or attending the latest Prince and the Revolution concert, you can bet that he's stepping out with Shana at the hip! The two lovebirds are often involved in big Hollywood premieres and enjoy their weekly, elegant, upscale dinners for two, sometimes triple-dating w/ Régine, Raya and their fiancés as well. A major society figure in Hollywood, Ant's position has granted him many confidants outside of his career and the luxury of hobnobbing with some of the biggest stars of the day, including Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Cyndi Lauper, John Forsyth, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Duran Duran, Wes Craven, Oprah Winfrey, David Bowie, Tina Turner, Sting, Mr. T, Steve Perry, Whitney Houston, Phil Collins, Mike Tyson, Lionel Richie, and Stevie Nicks, just to name a few! His keen sense of art and business has punctured through as a cognitive spoke on the ever-turning wheel of the “Me” decade of greed; the decade that proclaims: “The one with the most toys at the end wins!”...and goodness, are his toys plentiful! Starting with his fabulous movie studio, in Miami! Ant himself proclaimed it, “The most successful building in the filming industry!”, suggesting a familiarity with the luxury market beyond the Milky Way! Far be it from Ant to boast, though. Its lobby is filled with saw-toothed angles, gleaming brass, and a $20 million dollar indoor marble waterfall! And that's just for starters! Ant owns two mansions, one in the hills of California, and another in the Caribbean. The only French-made Super Puma jet helicopter in North America has the name “Juelzford” emblazoned across it, as well as worldly furnishings in his palatial, and a $30 million dollar yacht! His 1987 book, “The Art of Movies”, was a bestseller with sales tripling in the first week of publication. He occupies a $20 million dollar double-triplex penthouse with an eagle's eye view of Central Park, the very place where he has helped restore, and sometimes retreats to reminisce. His figures have doubled over the years, placing him on Forbes' list as one of the highest paid film directors of the Nineteen Eighties! Who says you can't have it all?!

Mr. Julian is the Golden Globe to my Jem collection—a title he deserves and owns! 🎬

snappin' the shadows at the car show Saturday night.

On the First Friday Flickr photowalk