Stories

The Apple of the Film Maker’s Eye

Jeff

Apple World Gallery - iPhone 6

I make no secret about the fact that I am a long time, I mean really long time, user of Apple, Inc. products. I started with an Apple IIe and and Imagewriter and have had a number of Macintosh computers as well. I also own other Apple products besides computers so I am well committed to the Apple ecosystem; so-to-speak.

Having said that, I must also state that I have had several PCs too. I use them for a variety of tasks and my wife uses an HP as her main computer although she loves her iPhone.

I don’t get into the “computer wars” with my friends. Generally speaking, whatever one can do on a Macintosh could be done on a PC. At this time in the evolution of technology, the capabilities of operating systems is fairly equal and it is just a matter of preference.

One thing I must say about Apple is that, over the years, they have had excellent marketing. Their advertisements are usually top notch. They showcase their products and do so in some clever ways. Apple has set up a World Gallery of Movies shot on an iPhone 6.

Two examples appear below. They are very short and worth watching and if you like these two, you can visit the link at the bottom of the page to see others.



Sparrow thinks like a Hummingbird

Shot on iPhone 6 by Antoine D.
2015, Lyon, FR
Song: “The Birdwatcher” by Vulfpeck

Seagull Waves



Shot on iPhone 6 by Araby P.
2015, Hermosa Beach, CA
Song: “Coming Home” by Leon Bridges

Apple’s World Gallery iPhone 6 Films

Alien Life on Other Planets or Stars

Jeff


Aliens - Image courtesy Interdimensional Guardians via Flickr Creative Commons
Aliens – Image courtesy Interdimensional Guardians via Flickr Creative Commons

 

I have often thought that if there are “billions and billions” of stars/planets out there that other forms of intelligent life must exist. After all, what are the odds we would be the only form of life capable of thinking, inventing and exploring? If I had to bet, I would be likely to put my money on other creative life forms out there somewhere.

Then the question arises: Why Aren’t The Aliens Here Already? I mean really, how slow can they be? I would suspect that some other intelligent life would be more advanced than humans on earth and therefore should be here by now. Well…perhaps not.

Adam Frank of 13.7 cosmos & culture wrote the following in an article posted on NPR’s website:

“For today, however, let’s just consider the one answer that really matters for us, the existential one that is very, very freaky indeed: The aliens aren’t here because they don’t exist. We are the only sentient, technological species that exists in the entire galaxy.

It’s hard to overstate how profound this conclusion would be.

The consequences cut both ways.”

Read the rest of the story Why Aren’t The Aliens Here Already?.

Inventive Teenagers Improve Our World

Jeff

As a member of an “older” generation, we often hear people decry the work ethic of today’s youths and the changes taking place within our society that we believe are negative. Of course our parents probably felt the same about the things we did “back in the day.”

Below is an inspiring video detailing how Easton LaChappelle, while he was still a teenager, began to design and create prosthetic limbs. Easton now has his own company and is working to make life better for many people who are challenged. I think you will find the video below very inspiring.

Marian Reekie has macular degeneration. When she found out that a Colorado company had electronic glasses that might be able to help her, she traveled to find out what they would be able to provide. Apparently the glasses were not what she was seeking and they cost $15,000.

Her grandson, Christopher Reekie – an eighth grader at the time, said he could create a pair of glasses for her. The video below shows how Christopher was able to initiate a Kickstarter campaign to create the visual enhancement that his grandmother needed.

What can you offer to help others who face challenges?

Jewel of the Creek and Snakes x 2

Jeff

This past month was a busy time for us with a number of visitors to our desert home. Many of our guests came from the north or northeast to enjoy our warmer days and sample an early spring. One of our favorite places to take people who want to walk in the desert is the Jewel of the Creek Preserve near the Spur Cross Conservation Area in Cave Creek, AZ.

Our last few guests of the month were treated to the Jewel with a beautiful spring day at the creek. It was warm, but a soft breeze made it quite bearable and the addition of several canopied stops made it that much more pleasant.

As we began our descent to the creek we saw many beautiful cactus in bloom.

The yellow, near orange, Englemann’s Prickly Pear was one of the first to greet us.

Englemann's Prickly Pear

Perhaps the most spectacular blooms were on the Engelmann’s Hedgehog cactus. The twin blooms below were a portent of things to come.

Hedgehog Cactus

It appears as a near contradiction that such a delicate flower can be nestled among these sharp, spiny needles, but in the desert plants survive the animal marauders by having such defenses.

Hedgehog and spines

As the days wear on, the Hedgehog cactus begin to close shop and create an urn-like shape.

Hedgehog Cactus Closing

The Sonoran Desert has probably achieved a level of notoriety because of some of their desert denizens and usually we see many lizards, but not too many snakes. On this hike, however we were “treated” to a couple of rattlesnake sightings. The fellow below briefly posed for us as he meandered along his route. We kept our distance, but were able to get some good pictures.

Rattlesnake head

Rattlesnake head

We estimate that this snake was approximately 36-40 inches long.

TRattlesnake moving across the path

The trees were in their glory as well. In addition to the Palo Verdes, the Velvet Mesquites were strutting their frothy catkins.

Mesquite Tree Catkins

About ten minutes after seeing the first rattlesnake, we came across our second rattler. It is hard to see, but the head of the snake is inside the yellow circle with most of the body above.
Rattlesnake in the underbrush

We decided that we had enough snake encounters and began the return trip to the trail head. Along the way, this Cholla was highlighted by the arc of the sun. The dark green of the flesh juxtaposed against the lighter needles created a beautiful pattern.
Cholla Cactus Against the Sun

Some of the Prickly Pear cactus were a deeper orange color as opposed to the more traditional yellow.

At the start of the trail this lone Compass Barrel cactus (my best guess) stands watch in the middle of the path to greet those who are coming or going. Since this is a managed area cared for by the Foothills Land Trust, it will probably survive and thrive.
Compass Barrel Cactus
If you are in the Cave Creek, AZ area, and you enjoy hiking, I think a walk along the Jewel of the Creek would be a worthy and manageable adventure!

Champion Snowboarder Mike Basich – 250 Sq. Ft. Home

Jeff

Mike Basich is a champion snowboarder who has learned to live by following the beat of his personal drummer. He built his own cabin in the woods, or more correctly on a mountain top near the woods. It is a very small cabin surrounded by 40 acres. He finds everything he needs in this 225 Sq. Ft. home especially with his beloved companion Summit!

In Mike’s own words: “I go to bed with the sun, and I wake up with it. I don’t feel like I’m trying to race time.”

Look at the pictures below to get an idea of how Mike has created his personal paradise and if you want more, watch the interesting video below that includes his snowboarding exploits, photography interests and connections with nature. Even if you have no interest in snowboarding, the video is worth the watch!

Mike Basich's 250 sq. ft. home

Mike Basich's 250 sq. ft. home - main living area

Mike Basich's 250 sq. ft. home-hot tub

Mike Basich's 250 sq. ft. home

Mike Basich and his dog Summit


NOTE: Pictures above were screen captures from the video below.

Find out more about Mike Basich

Remote Captures Mountain Lions in the Santa Monica Mountains

Jeff

It is often hard to think about wildlife when we live in the city, but in the outskirts there are many animals who live and coexist in the world we have left to them. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area captured a number of pictures of a mother and her maturing mountain lion “kittens” as they feasted on a deer carcass.

The images below are just a selected few from the entire set posted on line at this link:P-19 & 15-Month-Old Kittens

The image below shows how majestic these creatures are. Isn’t this big cat beautiful?

A Mountain Lion Looks Up at the Camera

One might feel sorry for the deer that is the feast for these mountain lion kittens, but they have to eat too!

Mountain Lions feast on a Deer Carcass

Above is another picture of an inquisitive cat.

STATUS QUOtes — 20150314

Jeff

“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.” — Mother Teresa

“It’s enough for me to be sure that you and I exist at this moment.” — Gabriel García Márquez, One Hundred Years of Solitude

“Never create based upon what you think other people will like. Create because you like it.” — Andre Supa

“Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.” — Mark Twain