If you use a Keurig machine, consider using San Francisco Bay pods. The coffee if very good and they are nearly 100% biodegradable. Normal plastic pods are not.

Black no sugar no flavorings and real strong. Espresso (not "Ex"presso) when available. Hmmm, like right now!!!!

Politics and economic implications aside, I'm wondering what people think of the current roster of products that are available from China. I recently bought a travel size carbon fiber tripod (w/ ballhead) for around $130. It is excellent in build and has a lot of features. The ballhead is meh, but the actual tripod rivals some of the units by name brands that sell for $400 or more. I also have a Yongnuo flash that works great and was less than half the price of the comparable Canon model.

Just askin' around!

My girlfriend asked me if the dress she was wearing made her look fat. I hesitated for a moment. That's the closest I've come to an NDE.

Check your stories before posting. This is another load of crap:

http://www.snopes.com/fraud/atm/cashback.asp

I'm not suggesting that cashier fraud doesn't happen, but not in this case.

Are you certain you didn't disable the touch functionality by accident? I've done that before.

It's no more insidious then most any other 3rd party application:

http://www.snopes.com/computer/internet/flashlight.asp

The Musical Box (Genesis cover; Gabriel era material only)

Zappa Plays Zappa

Thanks. If you're familiar with the rock group Genesis, he was their guitarist from 1972 - 1977 (Peter Gabriel ring a bell?)

Somehow, over the last few years, I've become friendly with the former guitarist for Genesis. Gives me a chance to get shots like this one (Steve Hackett and singer Nad Sylvan).

Comments welcome

A Nice Pair

(Download)

Thanks "Heart". The light is not artificial. It was actually shining through the way I captured it. I first rendered the entire image in mono using NIK Silver, then used a layer mask to bring back some (not all) of the color in the lit area.

Can't make it out either. I suppose it means something to the maker. :)

This is found under a railroad trestle in Pawling, NY. It's not the greatest example of graffiti, but the light was just right.

Casting a Light

(Download)

I use the Flipside 400 (camera body; three lenses; filters, all accessories; tripod when necessary). Great pack so I assume the 500 will offer more room.

Check eBay for some very good prices if you don't mind it being shipped from overseas.

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http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lowepro-Flipside-500-AW-DSLR-Camera-Photo-Bag-Backpack-Case-All-Weather-Cover-/151400756213?pt=US_Camera_Cases_Bags&hash=item23403033f5
</edit>

I understand some people's concerns about ordering from China, but I got my 400 from this vendor and it's the real deal, not a knock-off. 1/2 the retail price noted in your link.