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ALBUQUERQUE BALLOON FIESTA

The annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta concludes this weekend. The first week in October in New Mexico provides a colorful moving picture show of over 600 hot air balloons sailing silently against the contrasting fall sky. This event is a premier photo opportunity and the largest hot air balloon festival in the world, now in it’s 38th year. Be sure and check out the mass ascension at sunrise. Then yum down some southwest cuisine in nearby Santa Fe… Continue reading “”

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NEIL YOUNG : LE NOISE

Every once in a while Neil Young hits on the notes and words that resonate deep within the subconscious in a fresh and organic way. Think of his latest album Le Noise as music for your soul – homegrown and emotionally satisfying. From the opening distortion laden riffs of “Walk With Me” enveloped in Daniel Lanois’ atmospheric production, you know you’re onto something good. All tracks were recorded without overdubs in fellow Canadian Lanois’ unique home studio with reverberating chambers. Most of the songs are newly written, reflecting where Neil’s at right now. The autobiographical “Hitchhiker” is one exception and is most welcome in its new sonic guise. Continue reading “”

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50 YEARS AFTER : JOHN STEINBECK’S GREAT AMERICAN ROAD TRIP

In the early morning hours of September 23rd 1960, John Steinbeck embarked on a hero’s journey with his wife’s French poodle Charley by his side. With the knowledge that he was dying, Steinbeck drove his camper truck onto the Sag Harbor, Long Island ferry and headed out into the great unknown intent on rediscovering America. He traveled to New England, then turned west to Niagara Falls, Chicago and on towards Seattle. He eventually criss-crossed much of the United States, experiencing first hand the protests of desegregation in Louisiana and returning home to New York in time for Christmas. Continue reading “”

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AUCTION OF AUTOMOTIVE PHOTO SHOOT ON-LINE

To help raise money for Roger Grago (see my previous blog entry), I have donated an automotive photo shoot to the winner of an auction being held on the Early 911S Registry website.

To bid, simply register at early911sregistry.org and post your name and amount. This auction will end at 9:00am Pacific Time on Tuesday, September 21st. Thanks to all for your support of Roger. Continue reading “”

FLEETWOOD MAC

There have been at least three different versions of the band Fleetwood Mac over the years.

This rare video captures the short lived ’71-72 line up with rhythm guitarist Bob Welch on lead vocal, lead guitarist Danny Kirwin and keyboardist Christine McVie on back up vocals, and the band’s founders, Mick Fleetwood on drums and John McVie on bass. Here they are playing a live “Moses (Lay It All Down)” from the 1971 album Future Games – one of my faves. You will want an original UK LP with yellow cover for best sound. Continue reading “”

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TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO TIPS

In a couple of days I’m presenting an overview of travel photography to students at The Art Institute of Seattle. I’ve included my outline here for those who are interested:

1. Introduction

Choosing a destination – Research
Packing light – Pacing yourself, staying healthy

2. The Essential Ingredients

Culture: People, Crafts, Events, Recreation & Food
Architecture: Icons, Skylines, Attractions & Aerials
Geography: Landscape, Weather, Flora & Fauna

Continue reading “”

MORE IN THE NEWS

OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHER MAGAZINE ARTICLE : 50 YEARS AFTER “TRAVELS WITH CHARLEY”

The current September 2010 issue of Outdoor Photographer magazine contains a five page article of my photographs covering my twelve year, 150,000 mile journey following John Steinbeck’s 1960 route from his travelogue Travels with Charley in Search of America. Read the whole story here!

outdoorphotographer.com: travels-with-charley

Continue reading “”

IN THE MAIL AND ON THE NEWS STAND:

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EXCELLENCE MAGAZINE FEATURES :
RICH LAMBERT AND RAY MCEVOY

The October 2010 issue of Excellence magazine features my text and photos on two early 911s: Rich Lambert’s white ’66 (above) and Ray McEvoy’s red real ’73 RS. These are both stunning machines. If you are a hot rod or Porsche fan, you can check them out here: Continue reading “”

PORSCHE 918 PROJECT

Asserting that super cars will still be around in the future despite rampant restrictions, Porsche developed a cost no-object hybrid concept car. It was unveiled in Monterey last week. Here’s one example of meeting automotive regulation and still succeeding in creating a high performance vehicle (even if it’s only a V-8). Kudos to Porsche for not going quietly. Think Steve McQueen in the 21st century. Continue reading “”

STEINBECK EXHIBIT

Just home from two weeks away on a very rewarding trip. I want to thank all the people involved with making my exhibit and film at the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas a success: Colleen Bailey, Deborah Silguero, Paul Van de Carr, Thom and Gail Steinbeck, Susan Shillinglaw, McIntosh & Otis, Tony Straka, James Johnston, Kurt Henze, and last but not least my wife, Andrea Wells. Thanks also to Curtis Autenreith and Chuck Miller for their support. Continue reading “”

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30TH ANNUAL STEINBECK FESTIVAL

“Journeys – Steinbeck Around the World”

Thursday, August 5th – Sunday, August 8th
NATIONAL STEINBECK CENTER, SALINAS CALIFORNIA
“We do not take a trip. A trip takes us.” –John Steinbeck

This coming weekend, set out for the open road.
Your destination: The world – today and at key moments in history, with John Steinbeck as your guide. Eat, drink, and dream of far horizons. Go behind the Iron Curtain in the 1960s and wander through Moscow, Krakow, Budapest. Stand at the Berlin Wall. Visit Rome, Paris, and Mexico. See literary landmarks around the globe. Drive through the Badlands of North Dakota with a poodle just like Steinbeck did 50 years ago. Create your own journey. Continue reading “”

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MORE INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES & PHOTO TIPS

“What one does is what counts, not what one intends to do.” -Picasso

“Success is what you give yourself, fame is what others give you.” -Deanne Delbridge

“In every artist there is poetry. In every human being there is the poetic element. We know, we feel, we believe. As knowers, we are like the scientist, relating through logical determination. As feelers, we are like poets, relating the unrelated through intuition. As believers, we are only accepting our human limitations. The artist must express the summation of his (her) feeling, knowing and believing, through the unity of his (her) work. One cannot photograph art, one can only live it in the unity of his (her) vision, as well as in the breadth of his (her) humanity, vitality and understanding.”
-Ernst Haas

Continue reading “”

WEIDMAN WHEELS

There are very few wheel men in the business who are as experienced with Porsche Fuchs as Harvey Weidman of Oroville California. His knowledge is encyclopedic, and he is as down to earth as anyone I know. I recently had the opportunity to visit his shop twice and was very impressed with the care and service he provides to his customers. From repairs to refinishing, to even remanufacturing rare wheels, Harvey can do it all. Continue reading “”

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HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

Here’s wishing you safe travels and the freedom to do what you want today.

Some American quotes:

“The United States are essentially the greatest poem.” – Walt Whitman

“Each generation of Americans has to face circumstances not of its own choosing, by which its character is measured and its spirit tested.” – Jimmy Carter

“The great social adventure of America is no longer the conquest of the wilderness but the absorption of fifty different peoples.” – Walter Lippmann Continue reading “”