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2009-11-18T07:34:00.000-08:00

Not too much to report... I have a little over two weeks to get out of my house & move down the street. Me & C will be giving "the appearance of evil" until April 1, 2010. I'm making way for some friends that need to be in more spacious accommodations. We have enough dishes to feed the entire neighborhood. I see a HUGE garage sale coming soon.

I'm job hunting too. It sucks. There is nothing here in Cache Valley. But, since I am stuck here for 18 months, I need to find something to support C & the kids.

2009-10-30T13:07:00.000-07:00

Tonight is donuts & root beer at Brooke & Jason's house followed by USU hockey. Fun!

2009-10-24T08:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a recent image, made in Seattle.

I'm up early today. Getting some minor chores done before going to watch the Aggie game. Hubba was supposed to get us tickets but no such luck.

2009-10-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

Well, since one person is still looking at the blog, I figure I should place a new post up & see how long until the next response.

Football season is over and it is time to pack the gear away. Basketball is just around the corner and I need to find my gear!

It looks like I have found someone to buy my house... or they found me, to be more precise. I've had to rent a storage shed for the cars and I'll probably need another one for all my crap (plus some of Charlotte's stuff, too). I'm going to move into Charlotte's place a few months before the wedding. This has caused the gossip mill in the Hillcrest Second Ward to spin out of control. It's great! The wedding is still on for 04/01/10. All are invited. See you in Vegas.

2009-07-24T08:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Pioneer Day to all you Utahans out there. Happy Pie & Beer Day to the Gentiles of Utah!

Today Charlotte and I are heading down to Ephraim, Utah. Cristiana is at a camp there and we need to pick her up early tomorrow morning. After we get her, we'll go have a nice breakfast somewhere then meet the other two kids in SLC for lunch and to transfer Cristiana over. Then, me & Charlotte are hopping a plane for Seattle. She gets to meet my Mom & Dad for the first time. We'll also get to watch some baseball. Since Charlotte is from Ohio we planned this trip while the Indians are in town. She'll be sporting a 1995 American League Champions Indians jersey. I hope she doesn't get the crap knocked out of her since the Indians beat the Mariners for the crown that year.

We are also going to go up to Paradise on Mt. Rainer for the hell of it.

2009-06-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

Hi, it's a lazy Sunday morning and Charlotte is in Ohio. I've been scanning some Holga images and keeping track of Fang, Gesha & Fluffy the cat. The weather is starting to warm up... in fact, I need to go water C's plants before too long. But, for now, I'll sip some good coffee and work on some pics. Okay, a scan is finished. I'm out!

2009-04-23T04:15:00.000-07:00

Here's another image from my latest foray to Photograph.

Yesterday was a long day. I had to top seed the soccer field & aerate it too. Got most of it done but I ran out of time. So I'll finish today. Actually, I only need to spread some grass seed around... the aereating is done. Then it's off to the practice field. If I'm lucky, it won't start raining until I'm finished.
I finished working late and made it to C's house just in time for dinner. We had just finished and were relaxing when my cell phone rang and it was David looking for a partner to referee some basketball. It was the high school league and those boys like to run. Two games was alright but the third game was tough. I'm still feeling it this morning.

2009-04-21T14:44:00.000-07:00

Hi. Been a while, hasn't it. Things are going well. Above is a picture of me and Charlotte at LD's in Richmond. It's where we had our first date and where I learned what a rabid OSU Buckeye fan she is! This occasion is D-Day -365. (April Fool's Day 2009).

Below is a Metalscape I made in Logan last Sunday. It was extremely gratifying to get out and make some work.

My landscaping job is going well. I'm slowly learning the ropes.

2009-03-01T09:55:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

I guess I've been neglectful when it comes to keeping up with the ol' blog. I find myself distracted these days.

First off, I have a job... yep, a job! Just as my unemployment benefits were going to expire, USU contacted me. Now I am in charge of the landscaping on the athletics fields. That includes the football practice field, the soccer pitch, the grass at the track, the softball diamond & the football stadium (which is artificial turf). I'm a member of the Sports Turf Association too. I'm very grateful for the job. I'd rather be teaching Photography but so it goes. I'm back to where I started in the sense that I'll spend my spare time working on my own work.

I'm hoping to spend the summer making cyanotypes, lumens, and maybe some Mordancage prints. I've got about 40 contact printing frames, so I can make a lot of prints. God knows I've got plenty of negatives!

I've been invited to submit work for a show at the Caffe Ibis this summer. So that should be fun. I'm entering work in shows and enjoying myself. I'm comfortable with my work and know I left teaching Photography contributing something back to the craft.

Me and Charlotte have been spending a lot of time together. It's been great! We're purchased some new appliances for her house. During the mandated USU furlough, me and the boys are going to be ripping her old kitchen out to make way for the new goodies.

As for my house, I'll be doing some pruning (with the help of my new work mates) and tearing out some juniper bushes to make way for a vegetable garden.

2009-01-08T09:37:00.000-08:00

I interviewed yesterday for Landscaper II at the university. With USU getting ready to lay-off up to 600 people, it would be a boon to get the position. If I were to get it, I'd be in charge of maintaining the football, soccer & softball fields, along with the field for track & field events.

High school basketball is going well for me. I'm getting plenty of games and my confidence as an official is improving. But, most of all, I'm having lots of fun working the games and that's what matters most!

Tomorrow, USU Hockey plays archrival BYU and on Saturday plays University of Denver. Me & Charlotte are hoping to take in both games but I may have to work kiddie ball on Friday and miss the BYU game. That'd suck because EVERYONE hates BYU. (BTW, part of the fun of watching BYU lose is that they are the WORST poor sports ever! I can honestly say they I have never seen a bigger bunch of poor sports in my life... and I've seen my share, believe me).

I made a delicious soup the other day. Here's the recipe.

(Cristiana & Fang)

2009-01-03T22:42:00.000-08:00

Went to the movies tonight with C.. Fun times. Afterwards we had nachos at The Factory. (Her pic is from the Blue Bird on New Year's Eve).

2008-12-18T11:20:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, after my basketball game at Skyview, I am dropping Fang off with Marcia, packing up my stuff, and giving Charlotte a good-bye smoochie, I'm off to the Jet City for ten days. Considering that Craig threw me under the bus this year, I've had a pretty good second half of the year. Sure, I'm still unemployed but I have my Photography to keep me busy... along with Charlotte and her three kiddies.

Me and Charlotte are going to Hamilton's tonight for dinner and to exchange gifts. Should be a nice evening. Cold, but nice. Pleasse she gets to stay out late tonight! *Wink, Wink*

2008-11-28T08:18:00.000-08:00

Greetings, peoples.

So, a little bit has taken place in my life since I have last posted a blog. I met a girl... Charlotte. She has three kids. I like all four and I think all four like me. We've been seeing each other for a few months. Neither of our parents know yet, so no blabbing.

We spent Thanksgiving with the Hansen clan. I've always been invited there as an orphan. David said it wouldn't be any trouble to feed four more. I think we all had a good time. The kids played video games and air hockey and the adults gossiped. We all had fun.

On a sad note, my Bronco II has gone to the Big Junkyard in the Sky. 250K miles... Amos lived a full life traveling to Maine twice, four-wheeling in Moab & assorted other trips. He was 31.

2008-09-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

Long time, no post.

Well, there hasn't been too much to talk about. I DID see the Aggies win a football game... that's somewhat monumental. I've been filling out applications for "Joe Jobs". And I joined Facebook. (A life of thrills & danger)! Oh, and I got a new cell phone.

2008-09-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

Fang gets a haircut today... just in time for tonight's BBQ & Block Party. I've got until 7PM to figure out what to bring as a side dish. Maybe a pineapple upside-down cake?

Went to LD's on Saturday night with C to watch the OSU v USC football game. She's a big Buckeyes fan... and now a little bit more disappointed one! We had a nice evening together. I took the Porsche. It was running great but one of the carburators has a bad gasket and is leaking fuel. Just one more thing that needs fixin' now that I don't have a job to fix it! Stupid cars!

I still can't convince myself to make (or work) on an image. But I do want to thank all of my friends who have supported me and my Photography.

2008-09-10T13:25:00.000-07:00

Me & Fang went to a Doggie Party last night. There were about a dozen people and just as many canines. It was hilarious. Fang made some new friends & I did too.

Either I am in a serious photography slump or Craig (and USU) has killed my spirit. I have zero inclination to make any photographs, look at any photography and, least of all, apply for any photo jobs. Artistically, I feel dead inside and somewhat of a failure. Hopefully, I will bust out of it.... soon!

2008-09-03T07:31:00.000-07:00

The weather is nice. The job search? Not so nice.

2008-08-24T12:38:00.000-07:00

Well, after three interviews for part-time work being a teacher's aide of one sort or another, I am still gainfully unemployed. Selling the house is becoming more & more a potential reality.

But kiddie ball is fun! I had three games on Saturday and they went smoothly. I also got a bit too much sun. Today, I'm laying low and soothing my sunburn.

2008-08-16T06:43:00.000-07:00

Well, the good news is that I have an interview for the Art specialist position on Monday. The bad news is that I didn't get the teacher's assistant job. Maybe it was because of my lack of working with special ed kids. Who knows?

Today is the first Saturday of kiddie ball. The coaches and parents will be mild-mannered today since the season is fresh and everyone is 0 and 0. Give them a few week though and they'll be pissing & moaning like champions.

Last night Skyview had their scrimmage. I was the Back Judge and was on the team's sideline. It was fun to be over there listening to the coaches yell at the kids, shake their heads in disbelief & generally have a great time.

I got the oil changed in the Falcon. Did it all by myself.

2008-08-14T06:11:00.000-07:00

Well, while unemployment has been fun (up to now), it's time to seriously start looking for work. Today, I have an interview in Mendon for a position as a "Life Skills Aide" at Mountainview Elementary. The position involves assisting in the day-to-day activities of students with special needs. It's three hours a day. $10.26 an hour. I have arrived!

Actually, the position fits in quite well with my plans for the future. While I haven't given up on the idea of teaching Photography, I don't really see me getting another opportunity. I'm too old and lack the digital skills compared to the twentysomethings coming out of better Photography programs than the one offered at Utah State. I just don't fit the mold. So, I'm moving in a new direction. I'm looking into alternative routes to obtaining a teaching certificate here & here. I want to teach little kids! Kindergarten is my first choice but it's really difficult to get endorsed going the route I'm going. So, I'm looking at first & second grade. I need to take a math class though. (I went through all of my years of college without ever taking a math class)! There's one in October. So the teacher's aide class gets me into the classroom to refresh myself on the culture of an elementary school.

There is also an "Art Specialist" position open. If I can get that job too, I'd be in pretty good shape. Part of my reason for wanting to teach in elementary schools is that there is a lack of art being taught. And I, for one, feel that that is a great disservice to the kids. Many years ago, I pursued a K-12 Art Education Certificate. Never got it because I hated teaching in high school. But I loved elementary! So, I'm going to try to go back to the first grade.

2008-08-02T09:12:00.000-07:00

Well, after six weeks gone, I'm back in beautiful Cache Valley. I don't have a job but I'm back all the same.

Last night, I went to Slade's gallery opening of his thesis work. It was a very nice presentation. I thought he did a great job of editing and the matting & framing were excellent. Some old photo friends were there to support him and I got to say "Hello" to them too.

I left the AVA Gallery & went to Smithfield to watch the Blue Sox play the Aggies. The Aggies won 13 to 11. There were nine errors committed and the Aggies began the game with eight players. Little of that mattered... I went for the Lion Pups (homemade corndogs made by the Lion's club). David was there and we BS'd a bit as well.

2008-07-18T13:54:00.000-07:00

Hello all. I'm back in the lower 48. I'll be in Seattle visiting family & friends before heading back to Utah. I expect to be in Logan sometime around the first of the month.

Alaska was great & the students made some nice images.

2008-06-12T09:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I received a nice little package from Amy B.... four delicious ounces of coffee beans. But not your run-of-the-mill coffee beans! Instead it was the highly sought after Kona beans and not the blended crap either. They are coming in handy today as I pack for Sitka (above photo). Mostly, I need to pack for cool weather and remember to pack all the photo stuff I need, which is big tanks with many reels so I can process the middle school kids' film.

Me & Fang leave at 0300 MDT and arrive in Sitka at 2230 ADT. That's a 22 hour adventure. It'll be hard on Fang. Hopefully he'll handle it okay. We have a HUGE layover in Seattle. My folks are going to pick us at the airport and we're going to have fish & chips at By's Drive-in. Then, maybe a power-nap.

2008-06-07T09:41:00.000-07:00

Well, school is done. The kids did a great job in the short time they had to make images. It was a good way to go out.

There's a basketball camp at Logan High School. I've been working games in it for the past two days. It raps up today and I have four more games. I'm making some good pocket money for my trip up to Sitka.

I also have a football game today... a very busy sports day!

Fang has been cleared to fly. He has a snaggletooth and an uplifted testicle but otherwise is in good health. He weighs in at 3 pounds, 15 ounces of man-eating terror!

2008-06-05T05:23:00.000-07:00

There's a basketball camp at Logan High this weekend. That means lots of games to referee. Mine start at noon... I don't know when I finish.

Fang was supposed to get a check-up at the vet's today but the games are getting in the way. I either have to find a later appointment or have my student (who works for the vet) take Fang and I'll pick him up later. He gets to go to Alaska with me. Yea!

And my resume continues to nag me. I can't seem to "git 'er done". But time is running out for the job listing I am interested in, so I will!

Tomorrow is our class Final. Man, that was fast!

2008-06-01T13:43:00.000-07:00

Worked a ton of basketball games this weekend... enough to pay Bezold for the image I bought from her (but haven't paid for yet).

Today, I'm going to kill some weeds, fix the parking light on my Falcon and finish up my resume.

2008-05-28T05:53:00.000-07:00

Wow! The summer session is flying by like no "get out"! Only eight more class days, including the Final. The kids are very busy but are doing a great job all things considered. Today we're toning prints and they also are getting the "Portrait" assignment... which will be due on Monday. We'll begin to discuss their Final Projects too. Busy, busy!

As summer finally begins to present itself, I find myself yearning for a road trip. I would love to get on the open road and track down some Americana to photograph. But, instead, I need to find a job and get ready for Sitka. I'm hoping to find a small block of time to travel when I get done up there.

I'm meeting with someone from career services today. We're going to design a resume and cover letter for a job that's available on campus.

2008-05-23T07:13:00.000-07:00

Today I am going to a basketball camp to learn how to officiate using three-man mechanics. Utah, as in most things, is way behind in using these mechanics. In every other state, three-man mechanics are the norm for all levels of play. Utah is just beginning to incorporate the system into 5-A and 4-A Boys. The camp won't get me more games next season, nor will I be working three-man next season. Still, I want to learn the mechanics so when the day comes I'll know what I'm doing.

Rusty doesn't think we should carpool because we might get assigned to different gyms. "So what," say Dave and I. Gas is $4/gallon, certainly something can be worked out.

I made this image with my Rollei on a trip to Maine a few years back. I think it's the Mariners. It is certainly how they are playing!

2008-05-17T07:12:00.000-07:00

Black & White Days is going on in Richmond. Some of the class planned on going this morning to watch the parade. One problem: the parade is at 5PM. Right before the horse pull. So, I'll see if people want to go later.

I need to complete working on my "Joe-job" resume this weekend. There's a job posted that interests me. I need to get in on the ground floor.

2008-05-16T06:06:00.000-07:00

You have got to love a 4:1 student/teacher ratio. It makes teaching and learning so much easier. We may go on a field trip to Black and White Days tomorrow, if enough of the kiddies are interested. There's a parade and a horse pulling competition. Heady stuff for a beginning photographer!

Got a haircut yesterday... now I have a sunburn on the top of my head! (Stupid sunshine). After I got clipped, I went over to HR to see how things were going and to express interest in a job recently posted. I think it'd be a good fit for me. And it pays $10K more than I was earning as a lecturer... which isn't saying much.

I was amused to see the student responses to the new photo teacher on Rate My Professor. Now, I don't put too much credence in the site but some of the responses are disturbing to me. But that's not my problem.

2008-05-14T06:15:00.000-07:00

Good Morning. The photo class has their first prints (photograms) due this morning. They also have shot a roll of film & made a contact sheet which is also due. This assignment seems to have sent the weak running! We're now down to 11 students. The workload seems to have scared them off. A couple of the people that dropped surprises me because they purchased the group buy... maybe it's because their tuition hasn't been paid. At any rate, we now have a nice group of students and we'll be able to give them some fine one-on-one attention.

Me & Dave have basketball tonight. After the games, I need to call the Richmond Courthouse and pay my fine for not having up-to-date license tabs on the Falcon.

2008-05-12T04:41:00.000-07:00

Good morning. Whew! I forgot how early 0530 rolls around. I'm getting ready for a four-week extravaganza teaching basic photography for the summer session. Me & Cole have 17 students enrolled (it remains to be seen that they will all stick it out) in the class. We got together yesterday to figure out how to get through a semester's worth of material in four short weeks. I think we've come up with a good line-up of assignments. After class, I need to get the Falcon back. It was impounded on Saturday by a Cache County Sheriff because the tabs were expired. Instead of letting me park it and take care of things today, I was issued a ticket and the car was towed two miles. It'll cost $180 to get it out... not to mention getting it inspected and paying the ticket. Apparently, when I moved from my apartment the state didn't forward my renewal to my new address. I was clueless that the tabs had expired. The cop was kind of a jerk about things and I won't be buying benefit tickets to the Cache County Sheriff's Rodeo anymore.

2008-05-08T11:00:00.000-07:00

What?! No takers on the last print? How about this one? $49.99

2008-05-07T14:46:00.000-07:00

You can buy this print from me for the tidy sum of $41.48...

... or you can buy this for $41, 480, 000.00.

2008-05-07T11:05:00.000-07:00

Been trying to put a resume together. My work history is so wacked and scattered, it is hard to put anything together that looks like I'm a credible person with something to offer. Scary.

A student emailed me to complain about his grade. He missed one-third of class time, didn't do one redo, turned work in late and instead of spending three weeks on his final portfolio spent three days. But it's my fault he got a "D". I guess I should have got out of bed & done more.

2008-05-04T08:24:00.000-07:00

Good morning.

Yesterday, me and David drove to Morgan to work a RMFL game. The game was pretty good with the final score being 9-0. I worked the side and was on the losing side. But it was pretty fun & they didn't give me too much grief.

Afterwards, we went to a Mexican restaurant that was in a coupon book David had. The food was okay. I had mole enchiladas and an orange soda.

Today, I think I might head down to SLC and make some pretty pictures. It's pretty nice out and is great weather for a road trip.

2008-05-02T08:44:00.000-07:00

Well, that's that. I've posted my grades and the semester is officially finished. All-in-all, I'd have to say I had a good run. I think I've shown more than a couple of students that they can be quite successful (and happy) being a Photographer. I feel like I'm leaving a great group of kids behind. I sure would have liked to have seen how some of them came out in the end but that's not how the dice were rolled.

Am I bitter? Sure, I don't think I was treated fairly down the stretch. Am I glad I did it anyway? Probably. I met some wonderful people. I hope I was able to give to them as much as they gave to me. But a part of me will always think that I probably would have been better off to have stayed in Portland.

The hardest thing will be driving by the Art Building and know that I'm no longer contributing to what's going on inside.

2008-05-01T09:25:00.000-07:00

Here's my first digital infrared photograph. It's a fir tree outside my house and while it isn't much of an image, you got to start somewhere.

I'm using the same camera to record my students' work today. I went to do some copy work yesterday but the studio was being used. I'll get it all finished today instead. I neeed to buy some lightbulbs for the copy stand. There are three different types of bulbs and the lights can't be balanced the way they are set up right now.

2008-04-30T10:18:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm not sure whether the students liked the way the critique was done last night, but I sure thought it went well. It seemed to me that most of the students were actively engaged with the work and that some fine conversations were taking place. I kind of wanted to point out to them that a critique doesn't have to be a boring affair where someone works their way down the line finding every flaw. For me, it was a nice way to go out with a bunch of kids I am very happy to have called my students!

I getting ready to meet with some of the seniors for their "graduation lunch". We're going to have Thai food. Yummers!

After that, I'll go grade the basic students' final projects and get their grades posted. Then I'm off to Adams Elementary to watch Tricia finish er after school class by doing a cyanotype mural. I hope the weather holds. Right now it's partially cloudy (which will work) but it's supposed to start snowing! And that won't do at all.

2008-04-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

Today the "Holga Class" is having their Final. It's at my house & I have kind of been cleaning up the hovel. I have a great way of doing the Final that I want to try. (Thanks D. for your input). It should be relaxed, fun and informative.

I also picked up a couple of b-ball games with Dave tomorrow. Hopefully, we'll have women's league and not prep league. I do know this: there's no way I'll be as shitty as I was last week. I don't know what the deal was but I had a poor night of officiating.

Okay, off to buy some coffee and get cleaning.

2008-04-28T04:50:00.000-07:00

Today is Final #1... the Basic Students. I expect most of the work will be pretty well done for a Photo I class. I'm picking up cinnamon rolls (the kids will have to pick out the raisins & nuts!) from The Old Grist Mill and some of the other students... the "A" students... are contributing items for our critique/breakfast. It should be an interesting critique.

Got some of my home cleaned up yesterday. Most importantly, I broke down the shitload of cardboard boxes that have been sitting on the back porch all winter. And I went to El Toro with D.. She had her usual and I had the chicken mole. Afterwards, we grabbed Fang (and a couple of sweatshirts) and walked the trail up to Second Dam.

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2008-04-27T11:12:00.001-07:00

Yesterday's football game was pretty fun. The final score was 13 to 6, with the Strappling Warriors winning. I got leg-whipped in the first half and my shin is all swollen and bloody. That's just something that goes with the position I work. Small price for the best seat in the house. Afterwards we went to the A&W in Smithfield.

So I stumbled upon these old pinhole images. They're scans from the "throw away" negative. They usually look pretty bad but sometimes you can fix them up a bit. They're usually solarized and every bit of dust sticks to them until they are dry. I've got some really good ones somewhere but they aren't with this group.

I've got to clean up around the house today. The advanced students are coming over with their Holga work on Tuesday for our Final Critique and potluck. It'll be sad for me. But at least I leave knowing that the students are better Photographers than when I came in.

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2008-04-26T11:40:00.000-07:00

Today I have a football game in the RMFL between the Logan Stampede and the Strippling Warriors. Rumor has it that the majority of the players for the Warriors are on probation! Both of the teams have beaten the crap out of a common opponent, so it might be a good, if not sloppy, game. Kick-off is at 5PM.

Last night was the BFA Opening. There was some great work and not coincidentally by a few of my students. I think the Photographers showed some damned-fine work and I am proud of the all!

Bekah has her opening tonight of some gum prints she made using her own blood. They are fascinating to look at and deal with family and blood ties. I wish I could make the opening but my football game is in the way.

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2008-04-25T05:24:00.000-07:00

Good morning. Today is the last day of classes before Finals. I'm expecting the sweet smell of selenium and tea to be wafting from the lab this fine, if not freezing, morning. I'm also imagining that there will be a few sheets of mat board and dry mount tissue handed out.

I was waiting for a call from Tricia last night to sensitize some sheets in cyanotype chemistry. Apparently the lab must have been pretty busy because I never received the call. She's going to be making some life-sized mural with her after-school class.

I got quite a bit accomplished on the home-front yesterday. Mostly, I was able to re-organize my working space. I got my prints and negatives stored in the same place and moved my camera gear. I put away my Photo History books and framed some images by Dan Smith and Mary Peck. I also got an image from an A.L. Coburn portfolio put safely into a frame and hung on the wall.

2008-04-24T14:04:00.001-07:00

So, I'm spending the day trying to sort out crap in a couple of rooms in my house. Most of my time has been in my computer room (where most of my camera stuff & photographs are located). It's a gawd-awful mess but is getting better. I keep being distracted by loose images I find along the way... like this one. It's my work study group from the MPW shot in the summer of 1997. My mentor, Brenton Hamilton, is the guy squatting second from the left. I can't remember who made the shot but it was made on my first Holga... in fact, the negative is 6x4.5 because I didn't know you could take the damned thing out.

I think David is coming over today to see if we can't get the Falcon up & running. The falcon is in the mire! I worked b-ball with him last night. I think I did a pretty shitty job. I don't know why but I couldn't get my head into the games.

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2008-04-23T06:27:00.001-07:00

This image is from a fuel tank in Longbeach, Washington (which is also home to Paul Bunyan's frying pan). I love the painting style.

Yesterday I let the students of my Photo History class off the hook... no more class, no final & let them give themselves the grade they wanted. No "B"'s, "C"'s, "D"'s or "F"'s will be recorded. Odd.

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2008-04-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

Today I'm getting my last lesson in Photo History ready. I'm going to show some photographers I like.

Last night I drove down to Ogden and made a few pictures with my Lomo LC-A. It's a great little 35mm camera that my brother picked up for me one Christmas. It is small & light and works great as a travel camera. The lens is slightly wide-angle and pretty sharp.

I'm listening to Jim Rome who is cracking me up with his take on how the Democrats are chasing the pro wrestling vote. Too funny. "You can't take the White House without the wrestling vote." Who needs the AFL/CIO when you have the WWE?

2008-04-21T05:50:00.000-07:00

Well, the kids are back from from their field trip. I've seen a few images from Woody's MySpace page. The weather looked pleasant & everyone was making images. Good for them.

Today starts the last week of school before finals. Some of my basic kids have just decided on their projects last week. What they were doing the other two weeks is beyond me. The Holga class is making nice work though. I'm looking forward to their projects!

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2008-04-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

There are Muffler Men all across the country. I've seen my fair share of them. This one is outside a burger joint in Illinois.

As you can see, I've added some sites of places I enjoy. Simply Recipes has a great recipe for meatloaf that I may try cooking up tonight. The best part of meatloaf is meatloaf sandwiches the next day... on nice, soft white bread with mustard.

I've got to fold laundry today. I'll probably find a nice baseball game on MLB.com and fold, fold away!

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2008-04-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite images I've ever made. I made it in high school. I went back to it many times to try and make a better image but I wasn't able to do it.

Went and watched a semi-pro football game today. Wow! It was like Pee Wee Football but the kids were in their 20's, 30's & 40's! The game lasted forever too. Afterwards, I joined the officiating crew for a burger at Big J's (made famous by Napolean Dynamite). They had fresh strawberry shakes! Yummy!

Back to the Jazz game.

2008-04-19T07:19:00.001-07:00

Well, HR has 131 jobs listed on their employment board... including the Photo position where I wasn't offered an interview. I think the staff there will be able to help me find something and with Fang as my sympathy card I should be able to get a position somewhere within the university. I just want a 'joe job" where I can hang onto my benefits.

It's a laundry day today.

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2008-04-18T06:26:00.001-07:00

Dear God, Please let the people I'm visiting in HR today have some kind of job for me next year so I can stay in Your Precious Valley. Amen

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2008-04-17T17:26:00.000-07:00

Gave my "job interview presentation" a while ago. There were more people there than I had expected. Of course the department head wasn't among those in attendance... neither was the guy who's going to replace me, even though he was on campus.

Told the group that if you are a Photographer, it your destiny to make at least one Barbie picture... here's mine.

Kristie Bezold is showing ambrotypes for here Senior Show. They are in a word stunning! Far and away her work is better than any other of the students' work I've seen to date. When I first got here everyone belittled the work she made. But she persevered and now her work trumps all of the crap her fellow seniors are producing. Congratulations, Bezold!!!

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2008-04-17T05:57:00.000-07:00

Okay, one more. So, after I shot Mary Ellen Mark (see yesterday), one of my friends comes around the corner and says that Arnold Newman is eating his lunch & maybe I should ask him to sit in the chair. It sounded like a good idea so I went to ask him. I catch up to him and ask how his lunch was and he says he didn't like it (it was pork & he's Jewish). I ask to make a portrait of him and some MPW lady tells me he's too busy. After a pause though she say's he's got a few moments while she runs an errand. So he let's me make a portrait of him. He was extremely nice and told me some funny stories. I was able to make three images with my Lubitel before the woman returned to sweep him off to his next engagement. I sent him and image back up to his studio in NYC and he sent a thank-you letter back. It said, "Thank you for an interesting portrait." [Italics mine].

Here's the same image processed through some wacky Japanese website. You select your image from the browse box and click on the blue button underneath. And there you have it... instant old-time photo.

I'm off to meet my nutritionist now.

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2008-04-16T05:47:00.000-07:00

Last night I heard the wonderful news that the university as decided to hire Kathy P. as the Printmaker. They couldn't have made a finer choice. She's a fantastic artist and educator. The students will be well-served by her.

Here's another image from my "Chair" series... an unexpected bonus. I had set up to shoot a woman who worked in the kitchen at the MPW. I was all set up when Mary Ellen Mark walked by me. I asked her if she'd pose in my chair. Her response was that she was too busy and continued to walk on. I thought to myself, "She's pretty much a bitch! How does she get all the great portraits she makes"? About that time she comes back around a corner and asks if I'm ready. I tell her I am and she sort of slunk into the chair. Luckily, I had just made a light reading and after asking if she was ready, *clicked* off this one shot. She immediately got up and went about her business.

All 13 of us in the work-study program traded lots of images over our seven-week stint as slave-labor for the MPW. This was my #1 trader.

I go to the doctor today. I have to tell him I am losing my job and my benefits. That, and he has three months to cure all that ails me. (Good luck with that Dr. B.)!

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2008-04-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

I'm reading a new book.

And for those of you that swing the other way, I've included this other picture from my "Chair" series.

I spent some time up at the lab last night. Students were working on their projects and I stopped in to help a little... plus I wanted to show off Fang's new haircut.

I also visited the neighbor's across the street from me. I gave them an image (not this one!) of my work. I felt I owed them a print for taking the snow blower to my driveway when it was snowing like a mo-fo. It was a nice chat.

2008-04-14T06:23:00.000-07:00

Ta-da! Blatant frontal nudity has arrived on my blog. This is from my "Chair" series that I did as a work-study student at the Maine Photographic Workshops (now called the Maine Media Workshops). Up until this point, I had no idea photographers worked in series. I just thought they snapped images as they pleased with no thought as to why? they were *clicking* the shutter. At first, I couldn't get anyone to cooperate with me on the series. But as the images began to manifest themselves, people came out of the woodwork to have an image made of them.

I'm planning on giving a presentation of my work very soon. I'm glad I found these so that I can include them.

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2008-04-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

Lookie, lookie... another teepee. You'd think that I have some kind of strange fascination for such things....

Drove the Datsun over the Sardine yesterday. It needs to go back to the shop. The rig has zero power... and still stalls out. I'm sure it needs to be re-jetted.

I'd like to go for a motorcycle ride today... it's lovely outside today! Maybe ride over to Bear Lake and then cross over back into Preston.

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2008-04-12T12:45:00.001-07:00

Good Afternoon. I was going to shoot in SLC today but remembered that I needed to do my Utah State Tax Return. *YAWN*

So, now that I've dilly-dallied around most of the morning working on pictures and drinking Cuban coffees, I'm ready to address the task at hand... except there's a football game going on down at LHS that I want to watch. Maybe me & Fang will ride down on Heidi and watch a little.

Me and David weren't able to get the Falcon running yesterday because the parts shop sold me the wrong part. Bastards!

Okay, off to watch some football. The Hell with taxes!

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2008-04-11T05:40:00.000-07:00

A pinhole image of one of the country's many Paul Bunyans... most are in Minnesota.

My iTunes player seems to be unable to play UPR anymore. I'm bummed. It plays a stupid one second intro then goes to a song instead of the radio stream. Stupid computers!

Not much going on today. Class, then maybe a movie tonight. Who knows. Maybe I'll just stay in (not unlikely) and scan old negs.

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2008-04-10T09:23:00.001-07:00

Here's an old image of a building near Henefer. I remember making this image and thinking to myself, "Self, this bad boy is going to collapse. So if you don't take a picture now, you ain't going to get no picture." So I made the photo. And Lo! And behold, the next time I went by it, it was down to the ground.

Yesterday, I got called to work basketball at the rec center. Luckily (for me) it was women's league and not prep ball. Both the games were easy to work.

My Datsun is fixed. It just needed to be re-timed. I'm thinking of riding my bicycle down to get it. It's on the other side of town but it'll be a nice ride, especially with the weather improving like it is.

2008-04-09T06:42:00.001-07:00

After class today, I'm helping Amy B. cut window mats for some of her Holga work. She's submitting the work for a scholarship. She's a star and I hope the committee realizes it when they see her work.

I had to walk home last night because I couldn't get Heidi to start up. So, of course, it's snowing today. It serves her right that she'll have to sit in the snow all day today.

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2008-04-07T10:35:00.001-07:00

Darren will recognize this sign... and know its location. Me and my Dad used to go fishing in Eastern Washington every year. And every year we'd past this sign. I've probably got a dozen different photos of this thing! I've been scanning old negs and found variation #13... which ain't much different from the other twelve.

Fang seems to be a bit under the weather today. Not even listening to Alice's Restaurant could bring him out of it. Maybe a nice nap will do the trick.

2008-04-06T21:35:00.001-07:00

I had originally planned on going to SLC to photograph anti-graffiti today but my plans changed. Instead, I slept in late, drank coffee and cleaned my kitchen.

Later, I rode out of town and got some plants for a Lumen print. I doubt it will turn out worth a damned but I needed to make one just to see how it works. I got plans for others when I understand the technique better.

After that, I went to Dave's to change the alternator in the Falcon. We changed it but the generator light remained on! Dammit! Tomorrow his mechanic is going to look at it and see if he can solve the riddle.

2008-04-05T10:18:00.001-07:00

My new favorite cartoon is Garfield Minus Garfield. It's so much funnier without him!

Last night was the gallery walk. I saw some nice work. Particularly some nice Photography by Adam P.. It was also great to see the work that Trisha H.'s students created. Some very nice work indeed. (By both the students & the teacher)! Fang enjoyed touring the galleries as well. He saw a toy poodle in heat but she was too stuck-up to let him have his way with her.

Now it's time to get ready to work a football game. Afterward, I'll head over to Hubba's to watch the NCAA games.

2008-04-04T04:46:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm.... Teepees/Wigwams seem to be a theme of late.

Me and my good friend, Hubba, have a softball game today in Logan. It should be pretty fun. I, personally, am trying to get enough games in to recoup my dues and all. Most of the games are played on Tuesday/Thursday and I have Photo History at the same time.

This morning, my kids are doing their toner test. It's two hours of controlled anarchy. I have to get up to school a bit earlier than usual to set everything up.

When I get done, I'm going home and taking a nap... after I pay my bills.

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2008-04-03T09:29:00.001-07:00

So my softball game yesterday went like candy. Just as I had expected, it was just like riding a bicycle.

I'm finding myself losing my ambition for my students and for teaching my classes. There's no thrill in watching them succeed, no trill in watching them learn the greats of Photography and showing them images by those same great Photographers. It sucks. I never should have left Portland.

So, I'm thinking I'll look for a 'joe job' for a while and if I don't like living in Cache Valley (becauseI won't have anything to do with the college), I'll sell my house and move again. Probably back East to Maine or Vermont.

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2008-04-02T11:09:00.001-07:00

Ah, the good ol' days. Traveling around with no money & no cares. Could be happening again.

2008-04-01T21:24:00.001-07:00

Here's another older image I made years ago. I remember trying to print this photo with little success but through the power of Photoshop and a nice scanner I've had a little better luck this go-round. I also played around with the duotone feature and turned it into this tritone photograph.

I listening to the M's game... it's 1:1 right now. I could really go to bed but the game is a gem and I don't want to miss the end of it. Both the M's and the Rangers have had their chances but both defenses have been big along with clutch pitching.

Tomorrow I'm working a fastpitch game for the first time in ten years. I can't say I'm excited. Mostly, I need the money. The guy I'm working with is new so it should be exciting.

{Texas has just gone ahead 2:1}

Okay, enough for now.

2008-03-31T17:57:00.000-07:00

Well, it snowed again last night. Damn it, snow! Go away.

But Spring has official sprung... baseball started today. I'm listening to the Mariners right now.

When I went to bed last night, there was a guy talking on the radio (I like to sleep with the radio on) about how if you're out of work, you're in trouble. If you have a mortgage, you're really in trouble. If you don't have a year's worth of wages saved up, you're really, really in trouble. I guess I am really, really, really in trouble. I couldn't sleep thinking about the future and ended up just getting up at 3:30 in the morning. Life is Grand!

2008-03-29T22:33:00.001-07:00

One more... for laughs & giggles!

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2008-03-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

So this guy comes into the Photo lab a couple of weeks ago with some old negatives he wanted printed. Today I got around to it... but it cost me. It seems that when I relocated/upgraded my stuff my scanner software somehow became obsolete. so I had to upgrade that today. It was worth it though. Now I've got the guy's stuff finished and I'm having a blast working on some old stuff of mine too!

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2008-03-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

Had a review for Photo History yesterday. I'm sure the students will do well. Quite a few of them were at the Spiral Jetty with C & Slade. Hopefully, they were learning some practically applications that makes shooting a towel for eight weeks worth it.

I got kiddie ball tonight and I'm picking up my truck today. It has passed inspection and is ready to be tagged in Utah. Goodie.

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Now playing: Utah Public Radio
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2008-03-22T18:42:00.000-07:00

COUGS WIN!!!

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2008-03-21T15:45:00.000-07:00

Okay, today we got kiddie ball again.

The Datsun nearly passed inspection... there are no high-beams! There must be something wrong with the switch. It should be an easy enough fix.

I was going to go out to the Spiral Jetty tomorrow but the person I was going to go with has the flu. So we'll wait. Now we can find out from the Photo II students if it is underwater, or not.

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2008-03-20T07:44:00.001-07:00

Good Morning.

Yesterday, I met with C. & RT to select "winners" for scholarships from RT's scholarship fund. It was very rewarding to see the work of all who applied and divide the money amongst the Photographers. We gave $1200 to two individuals and $900 to four of the students. The students who applied but didn't receive an award were turned down for low G.P.A.'s more than for the quality of their work. Seven of the nine recipients were from my students and of those three were students I recruited to the Photography program, which was rewarding for me.

A couple of days ago I visited the photography programs at Logan High & Mountain Crest High School to show my work, talk about Photography, and invite students to consider USU as an option for their post-secondary education. I was particularly impressed with the kids at LHS. They were engaged, asked pertinent questions and were able to respond to my work in a positive manner. They are taught by RR, who was a student at USU when I first started my Graduate Studies.

Last night I refereed kiddie ball in Smithfield. They have this ridiculous system about how we're to sign up for games. After I had worked my games, I went to sign up for next week. As I was getting ready to scribble down my ( and a fellow official's) name, this punk kid took the schedule away saying he'd be right back. What he did was take the sheet to some of his buddies working other games & let them fill up the slots they wanted. I was pissed---I still am! I told the kid that was bullshit and he wanted to kick me out of the rec center for swearing. I said I wasn't leaving and he threatened to call the cops and I told to go ahead and call them. After a half an hour (and telling my friend the story) I went home... without being tazed, bro.

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2008-03-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

Whew! What an adventure!

So me & Fang make the flight into Portland with no troubles. Met Mark N. at the airport and we went to Milo's for breakfast. Then he dropped me at Jen & Aaron's house where Jen was awaiting. We went to Paradise Thai for dinner that evening.

The next day I picked up the truck... I like it but there are things wrong with it that wasn't in the description on ebay. After barely making it home I called the seller to see if he'll give me some money back... if he doesn't, well that's his bad karma.

Driving a 1969 rig with 1300cc's of power is exciting! It also adds a bit of time to the trip! It was slow (and slushy) going up Cabbage Patch Pass but the rig performed nicely. The truck, however, doesn't have the correct oil filler cap on it and the engine sprayed oil all over the engine compartment. But, hey, I made it.

I also drove it up to Renton and got five enlargers that I'm selling to the college. I got them from the Sitka Fine Arts Camp. The equipment was too good for junior high kids. They're perfect for the advanced darkroom at USU.

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2008-03-08T15:33:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow at this time I'll be in Stumptown. Yea! I'm ready to get the f%*& out of Dodge!

I'm so incredibly disappointed in how the way things went down for the job search I can't express it in words deemed civil. I will say this: my relationship with C. is over.

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Now playing: Beastie Boys - Son Of Neckbone
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2008-03-05T14:20:00.001-08:00

Jon, you'll be happy to know that I didn't even merit an interview.

2008-03-04T19:53:00.001-08:00

Sunday I am flying back to Portland to pick up a 1969 Datsun pick-up. It's a couple of years newer than the one I had back in my college days at Wazzu. I wonder if I bought it because I remember the good ol' days, picking Karen up after class in my old one. At any rate, I plan on paying for it on Monday and driving it back to Utah on Wednesday. It's only got a 1300 cc motor, so it'll be slow going. But the gas mileage should be good.

I'm planning on visiting friends and making some images while in Portland. Plus a trip to Le Happy will be in order!

I'll probably donate the Bronco II to the local high school for its auto shop class to futz with for a while.

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Now playing: Kate Bush - Somewhere in Between
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2008-03-02T22:15:00.000-08:00

Went out for a nice soak at Maple Grove Hot Springs tonight. It was delightful, to say the least. The stars were outand the temperature was 108 degrees. Heaven. I'm always joking with my friends that the font water better be at least 108 degrees or I won't let them baptize me. Now I'm home eating cottage cheese and clemintines... and drinking lots & lots of water.

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2008-02-25T19:08:00.000-08:00

The first Photography candidate gives a presentation tomorrow. It has begun...

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Now playing: T. Rex - Bang a Gong (Get It On) [Single/LP Version]
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2008-02-22T22:39:00.000-08:00

Fifty years old & not much to show for it.

2008-02-19T16:59:00.000-08:00

Yummy! I'm celebrating for all of Cuba with a nice cup of Cuban coffee made with my Atomic Espresso machine. I've been "cheating" adding the sugar to the portafilter but I'm going to try making the paste using the first drops of the coffee mixed with a teaspoon (or two) of raw sugar next time. Right now, I've got a good caffeine buzz working for me...

...which I may need. There's a guest speaker tonight and you never know if they'll enlighten you or put you to sleep.

The basic kids are making images from the stupid sculpture assignment. I saw some really nicely seen shots on the contact sheets today. Hopefully, they'll do their work justice and make some fine prints.

Thursday's Photo History class is going to the art museum to see a show on some FSA work and religion.

2008-02-17T09:46:00.001-08:00

I have this CRAZY notion to blow off grading the Photo History tests and go make some photos with my Holga instead! Silly.

2008-02-13T05:08:00.001-08:00

Well, basketball season is nearly over. I've got two more games. Kiddie ball goes a little bit longer but it's winding down too. I'm put at a crossroads. Do I start umpiring softball again or do I find something else to supplement my income? If I don't do one or the other I can't cover my bills. The dreaded third option: get a room mate.

School is going good. The kids in the Holga class are beginning to define some interesting projects. I met with some of them last night (and will meet with the rest on Thursday) to discuss their ideas & concerns. Most are right on track; some I'm worried about. But that's typical for me. Nearly always, things work out just fine. The basic kids learn how to spot and mount a print today... always an exciting demo.

The snow seems to be going away and I think I can put the insurance back on my motorcycle. Time for Fang to learn how to ride!

2008-02-09T08:55:00.000-08:00

(Yet) Another old image. This is an older pinhole image I made in Texas.

Sarah & her friends should just about be in Portland by now. It was very nice to visit with her again. I think it's been a couple of years, at least. We went to the Bluebird for dinner and enjoyed a nice meal & great conversation.

Today I have to work at least four basketball games (maybe six)! It'll be a good payday but that's a lot of running up & down the floor... not to mention the yelling.

Yesterday, a group of fellow officials all met for lunch. Those are always fun times with the story-telling & gossip!

2008-02-05T09:19:00.000-08:00

As I prepare today's Photo History lesson, I thought I'd post another old pinhole image. (Hmmmmm, maybe I need to get out and make some new work)! This is a three minute portrait of Carolyn, a friend from Illinois. She's the skinniest person I've ever seen naked.

Sarah F. and two of her buddies are moving from NYC to Portland, Oregon. They're going to stop by for a visit, a shower & breakfast before concluding their adventure. I think they are going to arrive on either Wednesday night or Thursday afternoon... kind of depends on the weather.

I wish the snow would go away. I've grown weary of shoveling the driveway. Also, I think that I have become the scourge of the block because I've let the sidewalk get away from me. I'm thinking I'm going to buy a snow blower with my income tax return.

2008-01-31T09:26:00.000-08:00

Another pinhole image. This one is from Galesburg, Illinois. I made it while I was doing an artist-in residence for Studios Midwest. That was a fun time that residency!

My Photo History kids have their first test today. I'm thinking they are pretty ready in spite of the fact the bookstore didn't get the required textbook in until last Monday! Not to mention it cost $20 dollars more than buying a copy online.

My freshman basketball game yesterday was awesome! It went right down to the wire. I worked it with another rookie and I think we did a pretty good job. We sort of lost our focus down the stretch but I think we called a pretty good game.

2008-01-27T10:25:00.000-08:00

Lately I find myself re-examing some images I've made in the past. In a certain way, I feel like my students being told to redo an image. Except I'm probably having more fun than they do reworking an image.

This is an old pinhole photo that was made a long time ago. I've partially cleaned it up but left some remnants from the scanning process to add to a rather antique feel. I also slightly toned it too.

Why am I doing all of this? Because I am looking for excuses to keep from having to unload boxes! Alas, off I go to unpack a few.

2008-01-25T05:56:00.000-08:00

Yep. A little to close to actuality.

2008-01-23T05:48:00.000-08:00

Hi there. Just wanted to post a new image.

School is going well. The basic kids are wrecking film (as was expected), the indie kids are learning the foibles of the plastic camera & the photo history kids are staying awake (for the most part). So, I can't really complain.

I'm working a ton of b-ball games... which is good when it comes to paying the bills. Not so good when it comes to more domestic chores.

Fang is doing good, too. He's just about ready for his mohawk!

2008-01-19T16:11:00.000-08:00

Ok, the application is in & like everyone else... we wait.

I had six... count 'em, six basketball games today. two girl games in logan & four boy games in Hyrum. My legs hurt. My partner called a "T" on one of the coaches in the boy's games. The guy was asking for it and my partner obliged him.

So what am I doing to relax tonight? Going to the Aggies game. It'll be my first one. Dave got some tickets from somebody. One of the USU players is going to break the Aggie scoring record if he scores two points. So there should be a good & rowdy crowd... though the conference has told the fans they can't yell "You suck" anymore.
Being the clever college kids that they are, I'm sure they'll come up with something else just as witty.

2008-01-13T13:42:00.000-08:00

Hi, here's an older image of a one-room school house in Nebraska somewhere. Since I'm working on my application for the job here at USU, it seemed like a somewhat appropriate image.

So, I'm working on the application materials along with watching the NFL Playoff games and unloading some boxes. It's like Christmas with every box. There's either some interesting piece of ceramics or a good photo book or something in each box. I'm making pretty good headway and figure I should be done in a short time.

Tomorrow the kids should be making pinhole images.

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Now playing: Marty Robbins - Smoking Cigarettes & Drinking Coffee Blues
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2008-01-10T10:10:00.000-08:00

Holy Cow! Does Marky possess a ton of crap, or what?

Here is my life for the next month:

Wake up, unload a box, make coffee, unload a box, do the 3 S's, unload a box, work on my lessons, unload a box, let the dog out, unload a box, let the dog in, unload a box... ad nauseam.

But I do owe a ton of thanks to David and some of the guys from the Second Ward for their help in getting all the stuff into the house. The trailer is empty and my house looks like one of them homes where people let their garbage pile up and design routes through it all.

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Now playing: Alan Hawkshaw - Man on the Move
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2008-01-08T09:58:00.001-08:00

Well, school has started. Had my Photo I class yesterday. It looks like three people dropped and three people added but all five boys stayed, which is good because I don't think many guys are taking Photography anymore for some strange reason. Actually, I have a couple of ideas but I won't share them here.

This afternoon Dave H. and Bruce A. are coming over to help me unload the "heavy stuff" from my ABF trailer. I filled 18 feet with all my possessions from two storage sheds in Oregon. Hopefully, we can get the futon, mattress & box spring, the book shelves and my printing press unloaded before I have to head to the school to teach my classes.

I have Contemporary Photo History tonight followed by my "Holga class". I'm signing in all comers into either one. The "Holga class" (aka Independent Projects) already has 23 students! I'm hoping it will serve as a compliment to the Photo II class (which is the all-important lethal dose of sensitometry). Many of the students are enrolled in both and I am hoping this class will serve as a "seeing" class to allow the Photo II kids a chance to shoot some more aesthetic images other than of a white towel.

2007-12-29T08:46:00.000-08:00

Moving things out of storage is no fun! It begs the question: Why am I hanging on to all this crap!!!? Sure, there is my photo & printmaking stuff... and my photo books (I'm glad American Monuments, by Lee Friedlander wasn't damaged) but some of the stuff I've saved has me questioning my sanity. Nevertheless, most of the storage in Salem is loaded. My friends Steve & Lee are coming down from Auburn to help me load the stuff in Portland into a truck. Then we haul that crap down to Salem to merge with the rest of my stuff. It will be nice to get it all loaded and ready to go to Logan. I'll then have the Boy Scouts from the 20th Ward to help me get it all into my home.

2007-12-23T21:39:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the Hansen Family Christmas Party. As an orphan, I'm invited to attend again this year. My potluck assignment is salmon. I made an image and put it in a cheap frame for my $5 gift exchange item. I have kid's gifts & BINGO prizes too. Last year was fun but I felt a little odd singing Christmas songs dancing around the tree.

I'm listening to "C" songs on iTunes. Right now it's Carly Simon, "Clouds in My Coffee." Great tune.

I've got my hotel reservation made for Christmas night. The next day I fly out to Portland to unload my storage shed. I've got three days to load all the crap into a trailer. It's going to be great to have all my photo supplies again... and my photo books! I miss being able to browse through some of my favorite photographers, like Francesca Woodman, Ray Metzger and (of course) William Henry Fox Talbot. Some of the books will come in handy when I teach Contemporary Photo History next term. And having my press again will be nice. Who knows? Maybe I'll start making photogravures again.

My home has a great space to set up a studio. Hopefully this summer I'll be able to visit Jack, in Ohio, and get my NuArc too. It'll be a quick trip out before heading up to Sitka for the summer.

2007-12-12T06:13:00.001-08:00

Today I have 2 1/2 Finals... a very busy day! First, one half of the morning class, then the afternoon class. Later in the evening, the Independent Class is meeting at my house.

Had a b-ball game yesterday. The work I work school ball, the more I like it. It is pretty competitive and a good little work out too. Which is good because I need to get back on track with my diet!

I've gained a little weight since I last saw my nutritionist. So we decided that I have to go back to writing everything down that goes down my gullet! Ah, carb counting again.

2007-12-10T06:38:00.001-08:00

First Final is today... Digital Photography @ 1330. I'm excited!!!

Made some Christmas cards yesterday while watching football. Went over to Dave & Linda's to watch the Colts spank the Ravens. We tried to find the 1941 to watch but couldn't find the video. I blame the Germans.

Stopped by the lab to see who was working. Gave a chunk of salmon to Clapper.