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Man is free at the moment he wishes to be
-- Voltaire
As I was trying to find a free place to stay at a hostel in Zagreb, Croatia, and had just been unceremoniously rejected, I trudged out to the courtyard and heard a familiar accent.
A Scotsman popped his head out a side door, and we started a chat. Like me, he was on a mission. My mission: Circle the globe in a bright-yellow motorcycle, dubbed Kindness One, and prove that people are basically good and will help. His mission: a four-year trek across the world by bicycle. He had sold all his possessions, quit his job and gone in search of personal freedom, which was his holy grail.
He was four weeks into his journey. As we chatted he said of his old life, "I realized I was trying to make money to buy my freedom." He was already learning that freedom was gained through connecting with people.
All this sounded familiar. His decision to leave everything behind mirrored my story (I left a job at a London brokerage house to see the world), but this chap was taking it to the next level. Four years on the road takes a dedication to finding your truth, which pales against most of our attempts at self-discovery.
When you meet such a man, listen to his wisdom. When you meet such a man you cannot help but be inspired by his message. When you meet such a man, you change.
A man who walks the walk and talks the talk is rare. He touches lives. Fraser's dream is to show us that money is not what buys you freedom; it is by living fully that we are connected to the freedom that's already within us. Although Fraser and I met for only a short time, his journey touched my heart.
Click on a point to read more about Logothetis' journey. View larger map on latimes.com
You can connect with Fraser on his blog.
Twitter: @LATimesTravel | Facebook


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Melted crayon art - fall trees
She had to get the crayons into just the right position - she didn't suspect what we were about to do next to them.
We turned on the blow dryer and pretty soon the crayons began to melt. It was fun to see the colors swirls around with the wind from the dryer.
Mina then decided she wanted to come out and join in our fun. She was anxious so I tore out the trunk and glued it onto her cardboard for her so she could get to the "fun" part. She had no real system in putting her crayons on the board - she just threw them on. It was perfect, she held the blow dryer herself most of the time and her colors soon began to melt and swirl around each other.
At first Maisy wanted to put her picture in the sun to "dry". I had to explain to her how the pictures needed to be in the shade to cool and dry - opposite of how you would dry a painting quickly. Once the melty crayons had started to harden they wanted to poke their fingers in it a bit. The girls really enjoyed creating their trees and they especially loved the smooth yet bumpy textures. It was slightly squishy, just enough to leave little fingerprints - maybe we could make some fun handprints in the future?
After observing how the crayons melted when heated and hardened once they began to cool, Maisy wanted to see what some of the melted pieces would do if she put them in water. She was sure something would happen if she just kept stirring.
The finished pieces - Maisy really wanted to make another one so we will probably do another melty crayon project soon. I love the texture the melted crayons creates!
Needless to say, this is now our crayon melting blow dryer. I'm glad I decided to pull out one I wasn't using anymore!
14 comments:
The trees turned out so awesome! My kids would absolutely LOVE doing this and it's such a perfect fall activity! Plus, I have a huge batch of broken crayons I've been saving for something. Thanks for the great idea!ReplyDelete
This is SO neat! I too have seen many melted crayon crafts, but this one it totally unique! :) Very cool! thanks for popping by My Own Four Corners, I am your newest GFC follower and am loving your site, finding SO many inspiring crafty ideas!ReplyDelete
This is such a neat twist on the melted crayon idea, love it. I would love for you to link this up to the AfterSchool linky party.ReplyDelete
the trees turned out beautifully.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 3, 2011 at 12:38 PM
What a great idea - I've been meaning to do some melted crayons from our bits and pieces for gifts but love the idea of turning some into some art work as well.ReplyDelete
Oooh, what lovely texture! I can just imagine how nice it must have felt for them rubbing their fingers over the bumps.ReplyDelete
Beautiful and soooo Creative!ReplyDelete
This looks like fun! We have our own twist on the melted crayons too! I love how excited the little ones get when the crayon starts to melt!!!!ReplyDelete
We actually used the blow dryer today with regular paint on cardstock that we drew leaves on! We are loving the blow dryer as a paint brush!
oh, this is awesome - sorry about your blow dryer but glad it wasn't your everyday one!ReplyDelete
I just saw this on Pinterest, what a great take on the melted crayon art. We are going to have to try this.ReplyDelete
I am visiting from Afterschool LinkUp and enjoyed reading about this craft! Perhaps you want to join the next Afterschool linky that will be hosted here - http://theeducatorsspinonit.blogspot.comReplyDelete
Wow! That looks SO fun! They turned out great! Thanks for linking at One Artsy Mama.ReplyDelete
I adore these, especially how the crayons melted together, creates so much movement! Awesome awesome!ReplyDelete
Thanks for linking up to Flutter By Friday, hope you come and share with us again this week!
Aleacia @ I'm bloggin'
Love this - especially the tip about the blow dryer. I only have one and would probably freak out if I couldn't use it for drying my hair anymore! Can't wait to make our melted crayon art - haven't done it yet! Thanks for sharing :-)ReplyDelete

subset: commoncrawl


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Friday, 13 February 2009
Assen vs. Canada. Example of subjective safety differences
"I guess I should have had a cyclist on it. But in order to get a cyclist on a picture like that, on the 'bikelane', I might have to wait for half an hour or longer. I have a much better chance catching one on the sidewalk!"
Does this look safe ? Does it feel safe ? It's a classic example of how a lack of subjective safety will keep people from cycling. A frightening experience. You have three choices here. Share the road with rather large trucks, ride on the other side of the white line in a too narrow cycle lane with dangerous drains or ride on the pavement. Jackie suggests that last of these three is popular amongst cyclists. I suspect that the most popular option overall is to drive instead of considering cycling.
After that bad example, here's a scene from the North of Assen showing the main road which serves the industrial estate and a motorway junction. This cycle path provides cyclists with a much more pleasant experience despite being next to a busy road. It is very busy at all times, but especially during the morning and evening rush.
A short distance behind the camera is the location of the example of a traffic light which defaults to green for cyclists which was featured on the blog a few months ago. Also this path connects well with the surrounding area (there is a cycle path junction a few metres beyond this photo including a tunnel which crosses to the left side of the road), and the speed limit on the road is 60 km/h / 37 mph so although the cars are closer than is normal at this point they are at least not travelling at speeds that feel unpleasant.
This photo shows a view in the opposite direction. You can see both a gaggle of school-girls travelling home to outlying villages and the 2.5 m wide space between the road and path.
There are more posts about subjective safety, and more comparisons with elsewhere. If you would like to see this for yourself, consider booking a study tour.
11 comments:
- Jayadeep(JDP) said...
This looks like heaven for cyclists! I just started cycling in Bangalore,India where we have to fight for space on the road with all kinds of vehicles(from trucks to bullock carts) and subjective safety is not a factor here. I am not even dreaming that something of this sort(bike lanes) will ever happen here. In fact, it is mainly people who can't afford a motor vehicle who cycle here. But it is not really high speed traffic comparatively which makes it a bit better. But the way to get over the subjective safety here is to ride with the traffic like a motor vehicle.
- 13 February 2009 at 01:32
- le homme au la velo said...
That Road looks Frightening ,it is even Worse than our Roads with that Big Truck.I would not like to share the Road with that thing and the Cycle Lane looks very Dicy, Narrow and with Dangerous Drains which could catch and Lock on to your Bike Wheels causing you to Fall in front of that Juggernaut. The Truck also appears to be going at a very fast Speed. This Road does not do anything to calm the Fears of Cyclists wishing to use it.
Those are Beautiful Segregated wide Cycle Lanes in Assen in Comparison to that Road in Canada.
- 13 February 2009 at 03:11
- Karl McCracken (twitter: @karlonsea) said...
The thing with local authorities who build cycle infrastructure like shown in Maple Ridge that really gets me, is that they then act all surprised when no-one wants to use them.
- 13 February 2009 at 10:45
the frightening photos looks similar to the road i bicycle every day through the santa cruz mountains in california (where it's snowing today), but fortunately the speeds are fairly slow and the motorists have grown to expect me there. still i so wish i had those cycling roads you're so blessed with in the netherlands!
- 13 February 2009 at 16:49
Actually, the local authorities build lousy bike lanes like the Maple Ridge one and then later say, "see, no one uses them. We wasted money on cycling lanes when people really want to drive."
- 13 February 2009 at 20:51
- Nick said...
Re: your headline. I don't think that picture from Canada has anything to do with "subjective" safety David - just plain safety; it's quite simply showing a dangerous situation. And if anyone were to convince people to FEEL safe (subjective safety) in that situation, they would be doing those people a great disservice. Safety and subjective safety aren't always the same thing, I feel.
- 14 February 2009 at 09:48
- David Hembrow said...
Nick, I see your point. It is unlikely that conditions on that road are particularly safe, though of course as neither of us have any stats to look at we can make only a subjective judgement at the moment.
Where I feel that subjective safety comes into this is that someone decided that painting a line here would make it a fine route for cyclists. It doesn't of course. It remains an unpleasant place to be on a bike.
In order to achieve a popular route for cyclists in this direction either the road should be changed so that it is not so unpleasant - perhaps give it a 30 km/h speed limit and make it a non-through road for motor vehicles - or a much better quality cycle route is needed which is not so close to thee road.
The solution of just painting a white line on a busy road can only have come from not having considered the unpleasantness of the situation they are putting potential cyclists into.
Subjective safety is a concept which rarely comes into the consideration of design at all in many countries, yet as Karl and Didrik both suggest, the result is sometimes surprise on the part of the authorities that their efforts have not been successful.
- 14 February 2009 at 11:19
- le homme au la velo said...
In Ireland we have a lot of Cycle Lanes as narrow as this and no Safety Gap between the Cyclist and Motorist. Because someone Paints a Line like this on the Road it Encourages Drivers to Drive right on the Line and even go over it as they sometimes cannot see the Line as they Travel the Road. There is Hardly the Width of a Cyclist on this Lane and Motorists do not keep the Regulation 3feet apart from the Cyclist. I was knocked off my Bike 2 - 3 times on Cycle Lanes by Cars,2 times I was Nudged and had to Steady myself and one time I actually was sent Tumbling sideways of my Bike Scraping my Knee. All of this at Rush Hour in Morning and Evening. It is worse when it gets Dark at 5.30pm or 7.30 am in Winter at Rush Hour.
So good Infrastructure is a Segregated Cycle Lane of 7feetand not feet2 1/2 / 2 metre not 3/4 metre. There should be a Gap between Motorist and Cyclist.
- 14 February 2009 at 18:37
- mr carter said...
the only way things will change in canadian cities is if cyclists aggitate for change - period. it can be done - and has been in plenty of cities - we just need to try and do whatever we can to help make cycling ammenities more available where we live. join a commuter group. create a commuter group. we in calgary are lucky to have a commuter organization - Bike Calgary - and in a few short years they have benn able to get the "ear" of politicians and planners and things are changing for the better.
what did gandhi say - be the change you want to see in the world - i think thats it.
happy cycling!
- 18 February 2009 at 03:14
- Ryan said...
I don't even think twice when it comes to trucks anymore. I've learnt to live with them.
And I'd say 99.9% of the time, they will move completely over into the next lane to pass. I've NEVER had issue with trucks.
Of course I'd give ANYTHING, for Dutch-style bike lanes here.
- 23 October 2009 at 23:44
- Restlesstablet123 said...
Is the "pretty sad eh?" a joke on what many people think Canadians say a lot? But seriously, that is a terrible route and nobody except the most die hard will cycle there. Without a shadow of a doubt, not safe enough for a 5 year old child.
- 25 September 2015 at 09:46


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Wales v Samoa, November 16
Wales still haunted by epic upsets
ESPN Staff
November 12, 2012
Wales' Shane Williams is wrapped up by two Samoan defenders during their clash at the 2011 Rugby World Cup © Getty Images
Wales will hope to continue their recent dominance over Samoa when the two sides renew their rivalry at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Friday night.
The hosts have won the last three encounters between the sides with their most recent victory coming at last year's Rugby World Cup where Shane Williams grabbed a crucial second half try to set up a 17-10 victory.
Despite their recent success, the spectre of two of the biggest upsets in World Cup history are still fresh in the memory of many Welsh fans. Wales were felled 16-13 at the 1991 tournament with centre To'o Vaega and flanker Sila Vaifale crossing for crucial tries to set up an historic triumph for what was then Western Samoa.
Lightning struck twice when in 1999 the Samoans produced a thrilling display to beat the hosts 38-34 at the brand new Millennium Stadium. Inspirational skipper Pat Lam notched a superb breakaway try shortly before his retirement but fly-half Stephen Bachop, formerly of the All Blacks, was Wales' main tormentor with two tries.
Wales v South Africa All-time record: Played: 8, Wales won 5, Samoa won 3
Biggest winning margin:: Wal: 44, 50-6 at Millennium Stadium, 2000; Samoa: 25, 34-9 at Moamoa, 1994
Highest score: Wal: 50 (50-6) at Millennium Stadium, 2000; Samoa: 38 (31-38) at Millennium Stadium, 1999
Most tries: Wal: 6 (50-6) at Millennium Stadium, 2000; Samoa: 5 (31-38) at Millennium Stadium, 2000
Longest winning sequence: Wal: 2 (1986-88 and 2000-09); Samoa: 3 (1991-99)
Most points (individual): Wal: Neil Jenkins 25; Samoa: Darren Kellett, 19
Most tries (individual): Wal: 3 Shane Williams; Samoa: 2 Stephen Bachop, Brian Lima and Pat Lam
Most points in a Test: Wal: 20 Arwel Thomas at Millennium Stadium, 2000; Samoa: 19 Darren Kellett at Moamoa, 1994
Click Here for Wales's full Test record courtesy of Statsguru.
Click Here for Samoa's full Test record courtesy of Statsguru
Click Here for a full record of all Wales v Samoa matches courtesy of Stasguru
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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Sat, 23 Nov 2013 16:40:00 +0000Night Macro Photography at Venus DriveFew days back, I joined a group of photographers from the Shutter Journey (Singapore) for a night macro outing at Venus Drive. It was the first time for me doing night macro photography, and it was a pleasant experience for me learning from the veterans.
Equipment for Night Macro
Digital Camera with Macro LensBesides from the digital camera, macro lens is preferred as it gives a higher magnification ratio (1:1) of the subject. For even a greater close-up or magnification on the subject, the following are some of the options that can be considered:
Although some of the above options provide a greater close-up or magnification (e.g. using super macro conversion lens or reverse lens), it also requires a closer working distance from the subject (i.e. as close as less than 5cm away) which may be "too close for comfort" when photographing insects. Furthermore, any slightest movement/shake may be noticeable when shooting on hand-held without a tripod.
- Using macro lens on a cropped camera body. This will give an additional reach into the subject as compared to using a full-frame body.
- Using extension tubes which will enable the camera and lens to focus at a much closer distance. These tubes does not have optical elements and thus would not affect the image quality, except to ensure that these tubes have electronic contacts which are compatible with the camera and lens to allow control of aperture and auto-focusing from the camera.
- Using Teleconverter (Extenders) to increase the focal length of the lens. However, the down-side is the lost of up to 2-3 stops of light. In addition, not all teleconverters will work with macro lenses, so be sure to check out the compatibility when using them.
- Using close-up filters that are screwed onto the front of lens. However, close-up filters are typically known to have image quality issues.
- Using super macro conversion lens (e.g. Raynox DCR-250) for a larger magnification. The Raynox DCR-250 is attached like as a clip-on at the lens front on the camera.
- Using a reverse lens that is mounted in a reverse manner either directly on the camera using a reverse ring OR on top of lens front that is already mounted on the camera using a coupling ring.
Flash is a MustFlashes are critical for night macro photography. There are various different options on how flash can be implemented:
Regardless of the implementation, there is a need to consider the weight of the setup if using hand-held - the heavier the setup, the more efforts will be required to sustain a steady hand-held position.
- On-camera flashes either with the built-in camera flash OR external flash (i.e. standard flash or macro-ring flash) attached to the camera OR multiple flashes attached using flash brackets.
- Off-camera flashes that is remotely triggered from the camera. This however requires an assistant or tripods for flashes in order to position the flashes in the appropriate location which may be relatively troublesome for set-up if moving from one spot to another.
- Diffuser for flashes is recommended so as to avoid "hot spots" appearing on the eyes or body of the insects from a direct flash. For my first night macro photography, I had used a soft-box attached to my Canon Speedlite 580 EXII flash on the camera.
- Continuous lighting such as LED light panels which can also act as "torch light" to help illuminate the subject for focusing. If using LED light panels as the only source of light for your night macro, you will need to ensure that sufficient light panels are used especially if shooting with a small aperture for a deeper depth-of-field (DOF).
Torch LightTorch light is required if the setup does not have LED light panels to help illuminate the subject for focusing.
Tripod is Not RequiredIt was advised by the veterans that tripod is not necessary for night macro photography at Venus Drive as there is risks of bagging some of the insects home when they climb up the tripod. Personally, I also find it easier to shoot without a tripod as the position of these insects are easier to reach on hand-held.
Equipment SettingsFlash photography is a lot easier on the settings - let's look at how some of the settings on camera, lens and flash would help in night macro photography:
Camera SettingsGo Manual Mode with a small aperture, small ISO and shutter speed that syncs to the flash.With flashes, settings are a lot simpler in my opinion. Simply set the ISO to 100 and a shutter speed that syncs to your flash (i.e. for Canon, the flash sync speed is 1/200s). As the depth-of-field (DOF) is pretty shallow with a macro lens at close proximity, a small aperture is desired (i.e. F/13 or higher F-number).Viewfinder vs Live View ShootingThere will be occasions where you will need to switch between shooting through viewfinder or live view, depending on the position and size of the subjects.I'm not going through the debate on whether it is better to take through a viewfinder of live view as I felt that it is a matter of habit or preference although there are significant pros and cons for either ways. Personally, I always prefer shooting through the viewfinder but would switch to live view shooting on several scenarios: (a) the angle/position of the subject makes it difficult for shooting through viewfinder, (b) unable to get the sharpness that I want on the subject, or (c) need to adjust for a better correct exposure of a scene.
Macro Lens SettingsSet focusing distance to the nearestMost of the macro lenses have a focusing distance settings which should be set to the nearest as this will allow faster focusing when the camera/lens searches for the target as most of the shots will be taken at close proximity (i.e. less than 50 cm).
Automatic vs manual focusingIn most cases, I shoot in automatic focusing. However, if the subject is too small to be focused, I would switch to manual focusing.
Flash SettingsRecommended to switch to manual control on the flash power output. Adjust the flash power output according to the camera settings to create the right ambience.
ChallengesMost of the insects are rather still at night which would help a great deal when trying to focus on them. The only challenge that I find for my first night macro photography is the need to hold on the torch light with one hand, while trying to focus and take the shot with the other hand. If you are traveling in group, it would help to ask assistance from your friends to illuminate the subject for you, while you can focus on the composition and focusing on the subject.Alternatively, invest on some LED light panels and flash brackets that can be attached to the camera body. This would enable you to be self-sufficient with consideration that it would also add on additional weight to your camera.
Safety Measures and PrecautionsWhile searching for insects among the bushes with the torch light, there are a few safety precautions that important to take note (especially in the context of Venus Drive location):
Last but not least, night macro photography of insects could be really fun and exciting. While most of these insects are harmless, there are also certain degree of danger of being bitten by insects especially when macro photography require photographing at close proximity. Always apply safety precaution first e.g. big spiders are nice, but if you are unsure if the spider will bite or is poisonous, then stay away from it.
- Always wear covered shoes.
- It can be really dark (i.e. unable to see your hands without a torch light) and so it is important to move slowly and watch where you step and move. Beware of pit holes on the ground or spider webs in your path.
- It is not advisable to travel alone - always go in pairs or group.
- In the event that you are bitten by a snake, it is important to stay calm and sit down while shouting for help. Where possible, try to identify the color, pattern or type of snakes that have bitten you.
- Apply insect repellent to help keep the insects away from you.
- Upon leaving the location, check that you do not bring home any of the friendly insects with you. Pad your clothing and jump around to try shake off any of the insects that may have followed you.
Please visit http://jefzlim.smugmug.com/Destinations/Singapore/Venus-Drive for more photos taken ...
Wed, 20 Nov 2013 01:59:00 +0000Abstract Photography with PaperMy nieces were folding origami over the weekend, and the idea of doing some abstract photography with the colorful papers struck me. Here's how I created some of these abstract pieces ...
Materials that is needed
- Papers - A stack of colorful papers, preferably 100-120 grams types, is needed. Avoid getting papers that are too thin as it is more difficult to sustain the form and shapes when trying to mould them. If the papers are too thick, moulding them would be difficult as well.
- Stapler or Metal Clips - These are needed to hold the various shapes of paper that I'm moulding into. If you do not want to leave stapler holes on the paper, metal clips can be used but make sure that they are strong enough to hold the paper in the shape.
- Transparent Scotch Tape - Standby some scotch tape which will be handy in helping to hold the paper into the shape that will be moulded into.
- Weights - Various sizes of blocks of relatively heavy weights would be helpful in holding shapes that the paper will be moulded into. I'd quite a dozen of chicken essence pack which I wrap them up with white A4 size papers and turn them into handy block of weights.
Equipment and Settings
- Digital camera & lenses
- Flashes (or light sources) - Besides from the digital camera, 1-2 off-camera flashes is preferred to create different lighting effects. If you do not have off-camera flashes, couple of white fluorescent lamps (preferably 100 watts or higher) should provide sufficient lighting power.
- Remote trigger (if necessary) - May be required when you cannot be at your camera, if one of your hand is needed to hold onto the papers.
- Tripod (if necessary) - Required for the same reason on using remote trigger. In addition, it would be better to use a tripod to avoid shakes if you are using a slow shutter speed due to insufficient lighting.
Camera SettingsThere is no one fixed setting as it depends on the shape of paper being mould into and the angle that they will be photographed. Experiment with various settings on the camera and different angles of shooting them for creativity.
You may want to play with different settings of the the flashes or light sources as well, as placing them at different positions creates different lighting effect and ambience.
Shaping the PapersThis is the part which requires a little bit creativity, and this is also the part where moulding them into the shape will take up most of the efforts and time. Here are a few examples I created:
Spreading the Papers like a "Palm Tree"First, I use a metal clip to hold a stack of colored papers on one edge of the paper. Next, I placed 2 weights (i.e. my chicken essence weights) about 10 cm apart and hold the papers in a vertical position in between the weights (i.e. with the edge held with metal clip on the table). This will allow the colored papers to start spreading (or falling) to the left and right where the weights are.
Make use of the weights to hold the edge of the paper into the shape just like the diagram below. Use scotch tape to tape the paper to the weights if necessary.
You may want to use odd number of colored papers so that you can have even number of "leafs" on both side and one standing in the middle.
You can try arranging the papers in different color tones (e.g. from light to dark tones) for different visual effects, taking it from different angles.
"S" ShapeSimply bend the paper into an "S" shape and use the weights on both sides to hold the shape (see picture below). Holding the paper in "S" shape is a lot more difficult as the papers will tend to "spring out" from the shape, so you may want to use some scotch tape to help holding them in the shape.
Roll A Bunch of PapersThis one is fairly simple as all you need to do is to roll a bunch of paper, strap them together with a rubber band and hold them in between the weights or leave it on the desk. The picture below would give you an idea.
You can try taking pictures of the folds when the papers are rolled together ...
Please visit http://jefzlim.smugmug.com/Studio-Works/Stationery for more photos ...
Sat, 16 Nov 2013 17:26:00 +0000Guide to Photographing at Jurong Bird Park (Part 2)Continuation from my post yesterday ...
"I've put together a guide on photographing in Singapore Jurong Bird Park according to different categories of birds/subjects, so as to help anyone going there to plan what to focus on..."
Flock of BirdsIf you like photographing a big flock of birds using wide-angle lenses, then head down to the Flamingo Pool/Lake, Pelican Cove and the Swan Lake.
Challenging Areas/Birds for PhotographyIn my opinion, these are the areas where I felt that it would be challenge trying to photographs the birds.
World of DarknessAs the location name suggest, this is a dark indoor enclosure for housing the owls and you will be photographing in the dark. Even on ISO 25600, it is also difficult to get a decent shutter and a tripod many be required to photograph them.
If you really want to photograph them, I would suggest reading my previous article on "Challenging Photography at Night Safari" and "De-noise Using DxO Optics Pro 9" for post-processing.EXIF: ISO 25600, F/2.8 and 1/25s (0 EV)
Waterfall AviaryA very scenic "adventure land" that is full of small flying birds and a man-made waterfall. Small flying birds with relatively bad lighting is definitely a challenge to getting a good sharp pictures of them. Suggest going during the feeding time (10.30am and 2.30pm) for photography.
Birds of Prey, Hornbills & Toucans, Window on ParadiseBirds in these areas are kept in big wired cages, with rather poor lighting condition. Sometimes the birds are resting way up high in the cage which makes it impossible to photograph them as well.
In order to "shoot through" the wired cages (i.e. without the square wire appearing in your photos), a long telephoto lens is required using manual focusing and standing as near to the wired cage as possible - this will cause the wired cage to "disappear" from the photograph taken.This was taken through the wired cages with my lens almost touching the wired cages and manual focusing on the bird in the cage.
Try Your Luck at Dinosaur Descendants (Cassowary, Emu & Ostrich)These are big flightless birds that are said to be descendants of dinosaurs. In particular, the Cassowary has a nice beautiful colored head which I had ran out of luck trying to photograph it. The cassowary has gone hiding in the bushes despite waiting - so try your luck :)
This picture is taken more than 3 years ago during my last visit.
Equipment, Settings & Techniques
- Digital camera - Preferably DSLR that is capable of controlling the ISO, aperture and shutter speed.
- Fast-focusing telephoto lenses - Unlike photographing birds in the wild, the enclosure in Jurong Bird Park are reachable with a fairly good close-up using a focal length of 200mm. Fast-focusing lenses would help to focus in on some of the moving birds.
- Tripod - I see this as a good to have as I had taken all my photographs on hand-held. If you are not using any lenses longer than 200 mm, the weight should be manageable for hand-held. Using tripod is also more troublesome since you will not be "camping" at one spot and will be moving from places to places.
SettingsDepending on the scenario, the settings (especially ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed) would need to be adjusted accordingly. I'll just explain the key settings and principles behind:
- Aperture Priority (AV) Mode - Switch to AV mode with a aperture of F/5.6 or F8 for a sufficient Depth of Field (DOF) in the image. However if lighting condition requires you to use a wider aperture (e.g. F/2.8) for a faster shutter speed, it would still give sufficient DOF given that most of the birds are relatively small in size and the distance from the subject is far enough (i.e. say 5m or more). (Note: Please read "Understanding How Depth of Field Affects Your Photos")
- ISO - ISO controls the sensitivity of capturing images on the sensor. Higher ISO makes the sensor more sensitive to light, and thus a faster shutter speed can be used but introduce more noise (i.e. grainy spots) in the picture. As a guide: ISO 100-200 for bright and sunny scenes, ISO 400-800 for cloudy scenes, ISO 1600-3200 for indoor scenes without flashes. If the scene is really too dark, the ISO may have to be bumped up even higher than 3200 into expanded range.
- Shutter Speed - Depending on whether the subject is stationary or moving, you will need to watch whether the shutter speed metered by the camera is sufficient for your scene (i.e. there is no one fixed setting). As a guide: birds in flight would required a shutter speed of at least 1/1000 secs and birds that are stationary or moving will require at least a shutter speed that is inverse to the focal length used.
- In the event where I have to compensate either aperture or ISO for the right shutter speed, I would sacrifice ISO first as image noise can be "improved" during post-processing while DOF is unable to. However I would start using a wider aperture setting once I've reached ISO 1600 as higher ISO are more prone to details loss.
- Use AI Servo Auto-Focusing Mode if your subject is moving. This allows the camera to continuously change the focusing when you track your subject by pressing the shutter button halfway.
- Use Continuous Shooting/Drive Mode if you felt that the shutter speed may still be insufficient for your subject despite stretching the ISO and wide aperture used. This allows the camera to continuously take several pictures when the shutter button is pressed, which may help to increase the chance of getting a sharp picture in one of the frames taken.
- Use center focusing point when tracking and focusing on the bird.
TechniqueI would not go into how the camera should be held or how to pan the camera with moving subjects or how to stabilize the camera on hand-held as they are more related to personal style that a photographer will accomplish with more pictures taken. However, there is one particular worth-mentioning technique when it comes to photographing birds, that is always focus at the eyes of the bird. Believe it or not, once the eyes of the bird is captured tact-sharp, the rest of the bird's body will look equally sharp from a visible perspective.
Please also read Part 1 of the guide, as well as the article on "Photograph Birds in Flight at Jurong Bird Park".
Please visit http://jefzlim.smugmug.com/Destinations/Singapore/Jurong-Bird-Park/ for more photos ...
Sat, 16 Nov 2013 15:41:00 +0000Guide to Photographing at Jurong Bird Park (Part 1)It has been more than 3 years since my last visit to Singapore Jurong Bird Park, and I can see a couple of new additions (i.e. Penguin Coast, Birdz of Play and Breeding & Research Centre) to the park in my recent visit. Beside being a good location to photograph birds in flight (as shared in my post yesterday), there are many other topics that a photographer can look out for.
I've put together a guide on photographing in Singapore Jurong Bird Park according to different categories of birds/subjects, so as to help anyone going there to plan what to focus on.
Tuxedoed Birds @ Penguin CoastA number of species of penguins are housed indoor in an air-conditioned climate, while the African Penguins which has adapted to our tropical climate, can be found in the outdoor enclosure.
Indoor: The indoor lighting is a little dim but sufficient enough if the ISO is stretched to 1600 or 3200. Some of these penguins are really huge (especially the King Penguin) and they aren't really hyper which makes it easy to shoot them under low light condition.
Outdoor: On the opposite, these African Penguins are extremely hyper and always jumping in and out of the pond. Luckily, it is outdoor with sufficient lighting that will give you enough speed to freeze their action. For more interesting photograph, try catching them "playing" in the pond or during feeding hours.
Birdz of PlayThis is a small water theme park for kids - great if you like taking pictures of kids having fun at the water. There are also rows of souvenir shops and restaurants for food/beverages.
Breeding & Research CentreThis is an interesting place to visit where you will get to see how eggs of incubated and hatched locally at the Singapore Jurong Bird Park, as well as nursery for different types of hatchlings (from few days to few months). Photographing them might be a little challenging as these hatchlings are kept in cages behind a glass window.
Colorful Birds at Close ProximityIf you like photographing colorful birds at close proximity, there are definitely plenty to photograph ...
MacawThese are large colorful long-tailed parrots located at "Macaw Island". They typically stay still on the branches, which is easy to photograph and a 200mm focal length can easy get a good close-up of them.
Lory LoftAnother type of parrots but a lot smaller in size which can be found at "Lory Loft". They fly and move a lot which will need a fast-focusing lens and higher shutter speed to get a sharp picture of them. You can buy some food at $3 and feed them, which will allow you to get as close as less than an arm's length.
Mandarin DucksThese mandarin ducks are kept in small ponds where it is partially shaded by the trees around. If you stay the location long enough, you may catch some of them dunking their heads into the pond or doing some "stretching" just like the photograph below.
Scarlet IbisI love the Scarlet Ibis for their bright beautiful red color feathers. They are always moving and the lighting condition inside the cage is not exactly great, which means that a higher ISO and a wider aperture has to be used to get sufficient shutter speed that could freeze their movement. While photographing them, you may also have to avoid the glare from the glass windows.
Royal RambleThese pigeons have really beautiful crowns. They can get pretty close within 2-3m without any barriers in-between. However, the lighting condition inside the big cage enclosure is not so good, and higher ISO is definitely needed while photographing them.
The guide is a little long, so I'm splitting it into parts. Be sure to read Part 2 of this guide, as well as "Photograph Birds in Flight at Jurong Bird Park".
Please visit http://jefzlim.smugmug.com/Destinations/Singapore/Jurong-Bird-Park/ for more photos ...
Fri, 15 Nov 2013 12:57:00 +0000Photograph Birds in Flight at Jurong Bird ParkI had taken quite a fair bit of birds photograph (i.e. typically birds that are stationary), and has been trying to take to great pictures of bird in flight. So I went down to the Singapore Jurong Bird Park yesterday to practice photographing birds in flight in a more "controlled" environment.
Weather wasn't perfect - it was rather cloudy and gloomy but sufficiently bright enough to accomplish my objective with a number of nice-looking pictures of birds in flight.
Location in Park Best for Capturing Birds in FlightThere are many species of birds at Jurong Bird Park, and the following are some of the areas in the park that are best to capture birds in flight:
Pelican CovePelicans are huge in size - they can span up to 3 meters with their wings spread, which makes it easy to track when they fly.
Performance ShowsThe "King of the Skies Show" provides an ideal opportunity to photograph big preying birds (i.e. owls, vultures, falcon and eagles) in flight at close proximity. There are 2 show times which means that if you have missed capturing them in the 1st show, you can still go for the 2nd one.
The other show, the "High Flyers Show", offers similar opportunity to capture Toucans, Hornbills, Macaws, etc. in flight. Perhaps the only challenge is that the size of these birds are rather small and the performance is a lot larger which means that it may be more difficult to track them and longer lenses are required. Likewise, there are 2 show times.
Wetland AreaThere are a number of Storks and other birds that can be photograph at close proximity in this area which is located after the Flamingo Pool. Based on my observation, they tend to have short flight around the area.
Waterfall Aviary & Lory LoftThere are many small flying birds in these areas, and they flew around really fast. Photographing them in flight is definitely a lot more difficult and challenging.
Photographing Birds In FlightAlthough I'm still learning and fine-tuning my skills on how to take great pictures of bird in flight, I will still share my experience so far.
Observing and PredictingThe key to taking a nice picture of birds in flight is often in predicting when and how they will fly. It is best if you understand the nature of the type of birds you are taking. If not, it often helps by observing their movement, nature and flight path first. This will help you to better predict when and how they will fly.
Positioning and TimingPositioning and timing the shot is equally important. Photographing birds that fly across from left to right gives more interesting picture as compared to photographing birds that fly directly towards or away from you. When photographing birds that fly across from left to right, make sure the shot is taken before the bird fly past your point so that you do not end up capturing the "backside" of the bird.
Also try positioning with the sun behind you (and not in front of you) so that a nicely exposed picture of the bird can be captured.
Equipment & Accessories
Frames Per SecondFast cameras that allow more pictures (or frames) to be continuously taken within a second (e.g. 4-5 frames per second) would be better.
Long Telephoto LensIdeally, long telephoto lens of 300mm focal length or more is ideal for birds photography. An extender can be used to increase the focal length, however do note that up to 2-stops of light may be lost when using extender.
Fast-focusing lensesAs tracking is needed when photographing bird in flight, a fast-focusing lens would help especially to regain focus when it's lost during tracking. Prime lens often offers faster focusing speed.
Tripods (if necessary)I've taken all my shots on hand-held with my Canon 5D Mark II with EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS II USM, the longest telephoto lens that I owned at the moment, and thus would not be able to comment much on how easy is it to track and photograph bird in flight on a tripod. Personally, I find it easy to focus and track birds in flight on hand-held given the weight of my equipment is still manageable.
Note: Longer telephoto (especially 400mm and above) would be too heavy to be hand-held and thus a tripod is definitely required.
Key Camera & Lens Settings
Shutter SpeedTo have a good sharp picture of a bird in flight, it is necessary to maintain a shutter speed of at least 1/1000 seconds. Compromise on the ISO and aperture if the lighting condition is not ideal.
Aperture Priority (AV) or Shutter Priority (TV) ModeWhether AV or TV mode is used depending on the lighting condition. If the lighting condition is good where obtaining a shutter speed of at least 1/1000 seconds is not an issue, I would go on AV mode with an aperture setting of F/5.6 - F/8 for a good depth of field (DOF).
However if the lighting condition is not as ideal, I would go on TV mode with a shutter speed setting of at least 1/1000 seconds, and compensate on the ISO if the aperture is already stretched to the widest by the camera's metering.
AI Servo Auto-Focusing (Continuous Focusing)This is necessary for tracking the bird in flight which has a changing focusing distance by just depressing the shutter button half-way and moving the focusing point together with the bird.
Continuous Drive Mode (i.e. Continuous Shooting Mode)Yes, the camera should be continuously shooting multiple photographs in a single shutter press as the bird in flight is being tracked and focused. Don't rely on just taking a single shot and hoping it will coming out great.
Center Focusing PointSet the focusing point on the camera to the center as this is the primary spot which will be used to focus and track on the bird in flight. This spot is also usually the most sensitive and accurate when focusing.
Set Minimum Focusing Distance to the Farthest on the LensOn most long telephoto lens, there is a minimum focusing distance settings. Switching this setting to the farthest will allow a shorter searching time for the lens to get back into focus when the focus is lost during the tracking.
Focusing and tracking birds in flight is not as easy as it may sound, especially looking through the view finder of the camera. The window to focus, track and take the shots is a mere 2-3 seconds. Hence lots of practicing is required.
Please visit http://jefzlim.smugmug.com/Destinations/Singapore/Jurong-Bird-Park/ for more photos ...
Thu, 14 Nov 2013 13:19:00 +0000My First Extreme Macro Photography of An InsectLate last night while I was working at my desktop computer, something flew through the window and hit my face which startled me. My first reaction was to jump away from my desktop computer and turn on the ceiling light (note: was working in the dark with the monitor as the only source of light).
Carefully approaching my computer desktop, I started searching for the "thing" that had hit me on my face (... yes, I scare of cockroaches ^o^). After over-turning some of the gadgets on my desk, I finally found a small beetle-looking bug (less than 1cm) that landed on the blades of the USB fan.
Tried to shoo it away but it only budges a little and seems rather comfortable there. The idea of using extreme macro photography on it struck me. I pulled up my 100mm macro lens with a reverse 50mm lens attached to it and took a couple of really close-up shots of the beetle. Please refer to my earlier article on how-to take extreme macro photography using a reverse lens.EXIF: ISO 100, F/32 and 1/200s (0 EV).
It was my first attempt and success to shoot an insect using extreme macro photography, and it gives me more confidence to try it on other types of insects. During the photo taking, the beetle-like insect has been rather obedient and moved only a little. From this, I've learnt 2 things:
Flashes are definitely requiredAs the Depth of Field (DOF) is very shallow in extreme macro photography, I've used a very small aperture (i.e. F/32) to increase the DOF. In order to freeze the subject or avoid shakes on the hand-held camera, I need a fast enough shutter speed (1/200s). At F/32 and 1/200s, the photograph will definitely be greatly under-exposed and thus flash is required.
Continuous Shooting and Take Multiple ShotsIt is rather difficult to focus at such near distance and huge magnification on hand-held camera. Any slightest movement, either caused by the insect moving or hand movement, will throw the entire subject out-of-focus. The best way to overcome this is to turn on continuous shooting mode and shoot as many shots as possible.EXIF: ISO 100, F/32 and 1/200s (0 EV).It is really amazing to see such huge magnification of insects that cannot be seen by naked eyes. Pictures above are downsized to 20% of the original photo, and the bug is only less than 1cm.Please visit http://jefzlim.smugmug.com/Studio-Works/Extreme-Macro-Photography to see the large resolution and magnification of the insect ...
About Me
I reside in Singapore and started digital photography in 2009 as a hobby. Despite having played with film DSLR during my schooling days, digital photography has excited me with a total different level of challenges and exciting possibilities.
Over the years, this hobby has manifested beyond passion. It has become an important part of my life where I continuously challenge myself to many photography techniques and take better pictures each time. While challenging myself to learn and explore new photography techniques, I also believe in sharing my experiences and knowledge with others.
Please take some time to view my works.
Read more
Jefz Lim Photography by Jefz Lim is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at http://jefzlim.smugmug.com.


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Mimosa Makeover
Blood orange and pomegranate rehabilitate the reputation of a disrespected drink
BRUNCH, THE OCCASION on which most mimosas are sipped, is the least respected of meals. Eggs Benedict and huevos rancheros and smoked salmon hash can be perfectly delicious, to be sure, but they're never ranked up there with steak au poivre or trout meunière or other classic, classy dinner dishes. Brunch foods are easy to make and high in fat, and are therefore typically relegated to the weekend gluttony of the hungover.
Likely because of the low company it's known to keep, the mimosa, that fruity, fizzy little flute of...


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**Seasonal Item ~ will not be offered during warmer months** In the SUMMER...chocolate melts. We recommend purchasing an ice pack to go around your chocolate to help ensure the consistency of your goodies. Unfortunately, during the warmer months, the Raw World cannot guarantee that your melt-ables will not melt on their way to you.
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text: We have practically no information about this, other than that a woman with a sign tried to rush the stage as Best In Show was about to be announced at the Westminster Kennel Club show at Madison Square Garden. Twitter rumors say the sign said something about PETA, but we don't really have any confirmation of that. All we know is that it was a woman, and she was screaming. If you have any other information, let us know. [USA]


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Native Hong Kongers and savvy travelers know that some of the best food, the kind you crave at 3pm or 3am, is not found at elaborate banquet halls or pricey fusion establishments. The best food is the kind Hong Kongers would make for themselves, if they only had the time. The city's noodle shops and coffee chops, called cha chaan tengs, provide the backbone of comfort food for people who are always on the move, but still like to duck into a place to relax and eat for a while.
Daisanne McLane has a good article in this week's New York Times on cha chaan tengs. These basic hole-in-the-walls, usually outfitted with formica tables and worn booths or plastic chairs, provide a kind of comforting nostalgia for the food and an old way of life. The menu usually consists of both Cantonese staples like beef brisket noodles and holdovers from HK's colonial days, like toast slathered with thickened sweet condensed milk. Wonton soup, another cha chaan teng staple, is something I could eat every other day and not get sick of. (If you can't make it to Hong Kong or have a good Cantonese restaurant in your town, see my recipe on making your own wontons.)
McLane also notes that the "pièce de resistance" is the milk tea (nai cha), black tea mixed with condensed milk. Nai cha is to Hong Kongers what cappuccinos are to Italians, except it can be drunken any time of the day. Earlier in this blog I had also written about a type of nai cha that is strained through ladies stockings, something that I have never seen anywhere outside Hong Kong.
On this last trip I was able to indulge in delicoius wonton soups and nai cha at various cha chaan tengs around town. Though I don't recall the exact place names and locations, it doesn't matter: it's hard to get a bad simple meal in Hong Kong. With so many cha chaan tengs, seemingly at least a few on every block, shop owners know that if quality dips, people just go elsewhere. To pick a good cha chaan teng, just walk around town and find one with a lot of patrons.
One dish that you can find a lot of in HK but rarely a good version is Hainan Chicken Rice. One of the "national dishes" of Singapore, chicken rice rarely gets the same treatment here; the chicken is often a little too dry, the rice a little too bland. But after some research online, I found a place that received praise from locals and Singaporeans. Sergeant Chicken Rice, located at the Food Republic court in Tai Koo Shing's Cityplaza, serves both the traditional boiled chicken and a roasted version. I got a set meal that included the chicken and rice, broth, and a side of gai lan (Chinese flowering broccoli) topped with oyster sauce. The chilli sauce accompaniment was a bit watery for my taste. However, the chicken was very succulent and went well with the flavorful but not too oily rice.
Sergeant Chicken Rice
4/F at Food Republic, Cityplaza One
14 Taikoo Wan Road
Tai Koo Shing, Hong Kong


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A while ago, we wrote about railroad tracks and how narrow tires can fall into the gap between rail and pavement. We suggested that wide tires are safer, because they don't fit into that gap. In the comments section, a few riders reported that they or others had crashed on tracks even with wide mountain bike tires. How could this happen?
Every time I ride over railroad and streetcar tracks with my 42 mm-wide Grand Bois Hetre tires without undue concern or special precaution, I wonder what is going on when people crash on railroad tracks. I believe there are several mechanisms at work.
1. Falling into the gap next to the rail
The most obvious problem is a tire that is so narrow that it fits comfortably into the gap between rail and pavement. (This gap is necessary because railroads use flanged wheels to keep their rolling stock on the tracks.) If the rider crosses the tracks at an oblique angle, the tire can fall into the gap. The bicycle no longer can be steered and crashes.
One piece of advice you often hear is to line up your bike perpendicular to the tracks, to prevent the tire from falling into the gap.
2. Falling into a gap perpedicular to the tracks
A few years ago, a rider lined up his bike perpendicular to the tracks at a railroad crossing not far from Seattle (in Snohomish). Even though he "did everything right," he crashed and broke his collarbone. What had happened?
Railroad crossings use coverings between the tracks to make a smooth and level crossing. Sometimes, these coverings consist of individual pieces, and where the pieces meet, there is a gap – perpendicular to the tracks. At this particular crossing, this gap is wider than a narrow bicycle tire. The rider's tire got caught in the gap, and he crashed.
Since the gaps between the coverings and the gaps between rails and pavement form a 90-degree angle, we might modify the recommendation to cross tracks close to a 45 degree angle, rather than perpendicular.
There is a problem with this recommendation: Often, this means swerving into traffic (see above). And that is not a good idea.
3. Sliding on the tracks
What about the riders who crash on the tracks even though their tires don't fit into the gap? Here is a crossing that was re-engineered by the City of Seattle to force riders to cross perpendicular to the tracks. (There are no length-wise cracks here, so that part is fine.)
Now the rider turns left to get perpendicular to the tracks, then right to return to their original direction of travel.
This means that the rider is crossing the tracks while leaning over. The rails are slippery. They are especially slippery when they are wet, similarly to steel plates that sometimes cover construction-related holes in the road. You know, the steel plates that come with signs (although usually spelled correctly):
The common advice to align the bike perpendicular while crossing the tracks often means that you cross the tracks while leaning over – in mid-corner, so to speak. Nobody would ever do a quick wiggle from right to left and back while riding over steel plates, yet we are told that we should do that when we ride across tracks.
To avoid leaning the bike on the slippery surface, it would be best to cross the tracks in a straight line without leaning the bike.
Crossing tracks safely
The rider above has it easy: With 42 mm-wide tires, he can cross the tracks in a straight line without risking a fall, no matter which way the tracks are oriented.
What about riders with narrow tires? How can they cross tracks that are running at a shallow angle to the road? It's not easy:
- If you line up perpendicular, your bike is leaning over while crossing the slippery tracks.
- If you go straight, you risk having your tire fall into the gap between rail and pavement.
- If you go slow, you don't have to lean so much as you cross the slippery track, but your tire has less inertia that will carry it across the gap.
Here is how I cross tracks:
- On my bikes with 42 mm tires, I cross the tracks as straight as possible, not changing my line at all for the tracks. Trying to line up for the tracks means leaning the bike, which only increases the risk of crashing.
- On a bike with narrower tires, I do a very slight "S weave" to cross the tracks at an angle between 20 and 70 degrees. I unweigh the bike as it crosses the rails. When I have to change lanes and cross streetcar tracks that are running parallel to my direction of travel, I just jump the bike sideways across, provided that there is grippy asphalt on the other side of the tracks, and not a slippery plastic covering.
As always when cycling, use your best judgment and be careful. I hope you will find this advice useful as you figure out how to cross the tracks along your cycling routes safely.


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Francois Payard is undoubtedly one of the best pastry chefs in the world.
The French chef is particularly renowned for his light-as-air, cream-filled macarons, a traditional French sweet that's taken New York City by storm in the last couple of years.
He's also the force behind Macaron Day NYC, which is holding its third annual celebration today, March 20. Bakeries around the city will offer free macaron samples, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit City Harvest.
We recently stopped by the Francois Payard Bakery in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, where the chef took us through a step-by-step guide on how he makes his world famous macarons.


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The Washington County Community Organization Active in Disasters (COAD) in conjunction with the United Way of Johnson County held an Emergency Volunteer Center (EVC) training earlier this week. Washington County Public Health Program Director Chrystal Woller says COAD was established to coordinate volunteers to a task where their skills and abilities can be used best. Woller says a simulation was also conducted to learn how to set up Washington County's emergency volunteer center and the policies and procedures that would go with that.
She adds 26 people attended the class and were trained on various jobs, including greeting, interviewing and matching volunteers and taking requests from various agencies and individuals in need of assistance. Woller says COAD and EVC would be used in a case like what has happened in Joplin, Missouri where spontaneous volunteers would show up to offer help.
To learn more about this meeting, listen to today's Washington Page during the morning and mid‑day magazines.


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Alabama senior Greg McElroy was one of 22 college quarterbacks named today to the watch list for the 2010 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
The Crimson Tide has not had a Unitas winner since Jay Barker in 1994, though John Parker Wilson made the same watch list in 2008.
Former Texas quarterback Colt McCoy won the award last season.
Texas native McElroy has been in the news recently as a participant/counselor at the Manning Passing Academy in Louisiana. It marked the second consecutive year that McElroy attended the camp, saying last year that he roomed with McCoy and former Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford.
McElroy will also be one of three players representing Alabama during next Wednesday's appearance with Nick Saban at SEC Media Days in Hoover. The quarterback is scheduled to be joined by Heisman Trophy-winning tailback Mark Ingram and linebacker Dont'a Hightower.


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Fourth and Taylor
Looking up at a rather geometric structure in downtown Portland
Government and Business
Portland City Hall is dwarfed by the PacWest Tower.
Eastbank Tentacles
Some of the freeway ramps on the east bank of the Willamette River in Portland
Freeway ramp in Portland
Steel Sunset
The sun dips to the Portland skyline beyond the Steel Bridge
Hang on. It's Steep.
Some of the brick stairs at Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland.
Empty Transit
Looking down at an empty light rail station at the Sunset Transit Center
Looking up at a streetlight at the Sunset Transit Center in Beaverton, Oregon
Downtown South
The KOIN Tower, Wells Fargo Center, Marriott Hotel, and Umpqua Plaza as seen from the east shore of the Willamette River
Downtown Transportation
The Morrison Bridge is raised for a tugboat; traffic is stopped on the bridge, and a kayaker glides down the Willamette River.
Westmoreland Hardware Neon Sign
Westmoreland Hardware has a lovely neon sign in SE Portland
MAX Light Rail on the Steel Bridge
Two TriMet light rail trains cross this one-of-a-kind structure in Portland.
Lurking KOIN
The KOIN tower in dowtown Portland
Governmental Lines
Looking up at a corner of the Federal Building in Portland, and a reflection of tose lines on an adjacent building.
A few of the escalators at Portland's Pioneer Square Mall
Land Here But Not Exactly
The canopy over the passenger loading area at PDX
404 Not Found
At the south end of the seawall along the Willamette River in Portland
Old Town, Portland
Along Portland's waterfront in the springtime
Cherry Blossoms in Portland
Sprung Color
Sunrise and Pink Steel
Pink cherry blossoms and the pink of sunrise reflecting on the Steel Bridge at Portland, Oregon
Old Town Sunset
Around sunset on the Willamette River looking towards Old Town in downtown Portland
River, Sailboat, Bridges, Sunset: Portland
Around sunset on the Willamette River near the Steel Bridge in downtown Portland
At least one better than 399
Summer Steel
Portland's Steel Bridge is illuminated orange as sunset reflects of the northwestern-facing girders
Away from Sunset, East of Steel
Looking east from the Steel Bridge towards the Oregon Convention Center and the Lloyd District of Portland
Skies, Sunset, Light, and Steel
Oranges and reds of a summer sunset illuminate the north side of Portland's Steel Bridge
Union Station Under Clouds
Portland's Union Station under cloudy skies at sunset
Gerding Theater Insides
The interior of the Gerding Theater lobby in Portland, Oregon.
PDX Encircled
A nice round view of the area between Concourses B and C as seen through a 4.5mm circular fisheye lens. I opted to leave the visible lens parts in this one...


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Main Content
Welcome to the SCSU Theatre Department
Welcome to SCSU Theatre, where our mission is to provide theatre education and professional training within a liberal arts setting. Classes in the Theatre Department stand at the crossroads of all the arts - literary, performing, visual, digital and electronic - and are open to all students. Whether you are looking for professional training or for a place to explore your artistic side, our classes and productions will strengthen your art and craft, and deepen your understanding and appreciation of your own creativity.
Being located in New Haven means our students will engage in the highest quality artistic experiences - including at our outstanding regional award-winning theater companies. As a student at SCSU Theatre, you will have unparalleled access to working the very best theater professionals as guest artists and designers - all whom have Broadway and Off-Broadway credentials. This means that our students graduate from Theatre SCSU with real-world experiences and immediate connections to the performance industry.
What We Offer
- A theatre education broadly experienced, but practically applied
- Informal pathway to certification in theatre education
- Small class size
- A student-focused, hands-on approach to learning that gets results
- Close proximity to New York City and a vibrant local theatre scene
- Internship opportunities at Long Wharf Theatre, Hartford Stage, The Elm Shakespeare Company, and Godspeed Musicals and the New Haven public schools
- A pathway to teacher certification in theatre
Our Mission
The Theatre Department's mission is to provide theatre education and training of the highest quality within a liberal arts setting, while fostering students' personal and artistic development and engaging with the community at large.


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Input Voltage: 85~265V 50/60HZ
Power: 3W
Led Q'ty: 32 Pcs
Battery: Lithium battery
Charging time: 4-5H
Luminous Flux: 200~220LM
Life Time: 40,000H
Switch: AC-OFF-DC
Screw Size: E26/E27
Material: PC
Size of Product: 70x115mm-145mm
Product Weight: 160g
Warranty: 2 years
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text: Infectious Diseases Specialists for children One of the benefits of our care for children is the involvement of our specialists in pediatric infectious diseases. We have four physicians on staff who are board-certified in infectious diseases. The doctors see children with complicated infectious diseases in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. They staff Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel and Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center. Among the conditions they treat: Infections requiring prolonged IV antibiotics Congenital infections Hospital follow-up of invasive infections Infections in patients with weakened immune systems Tuberculosis (TB) Infections from tropical diseases Integrated care Our infectious diseases doctors are completely integrated with the other pediatric providers. A prime example is their work with pediatric orthopedic specialists — an infectious diseases expert often examines a child at the same appointment as an orthopedic specialist. They also are closely involved in the care of patients in our neurosurgery, lung and Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders programs and are integrated with our Imaging Services. Each of infectious diseases doctors is a member of our pediatric hospitalist team — doctors who are in the hospital full time to assist community doctors in the care of patients. Our infectious diseases doctors keep clinic hours throughout the week for the convenience of patients who are not hospitalized. Our providers Michael J. Gilbert, M.D., M.S. Stephen M. Johnson, M.D., DTM&H Malaika L. Little, M.D., MPH Ann M. Loeffler, M.D. Sayonara Mato, M.D., MPH&TM Our location Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel 501 N. Graham St., Medical Office Building 2, Suite 330A Portland, OR 97227 Phone: 503-413-3506 Fax: 503-413-3621


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Bellingham's Michael Reissfelder is doing a little bit of everything for the Blackhawks.
And he talked about it with Daily News senior multimedia journalist Tommy Cassell on Cassell's Corner podcast.
Reissfelder, a junior, was recently named a Daily News All-Star for basketball and was also named an All-Star in the fall for his performances on the Bellingham cross country team.
And in Bellingham's season opener for baseball, Reissfelder pitched a complete game in the Blackhawks' 2-1 comeback win over Medway.
The two talked about all three sports, superstitions and learning how to play the guitar, among other things.
To listen to the entire conversation, click the link below.
Each week, Tommy Cassell of the MetroWest Daily and Milford Daily News talks with a high school sports figure from throughout the MetroWest and Milford areas. A new episode is released every Wednesday.
Be sure to follow Cassell on Twitter at @tommycassell44. You can subscribe via iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or any other podcast provider. Don't forget to rate and review. And if you aren't a podcast listener, every episode of Cassell's Corner is available here on our website.
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How to make friends after 30 : Getting older comes with a list of responsibilities that seem to inevitably bring us farther apart from the friends that used to support us when we were younger. The squad who had your back in middle school was not necessarily the same as the one in university. Further still are those people who you meet after reaching the big three – oh, who you might be hesitant about trying to befriend. If you want to form new friendships after 30, here is how to make friends after 30 :
Home Tags How to make friends after moving to a new city