What Fires You Up?

2010-06-05T06:45:00.001-07:00

Still here, still into photography, still on flickr.com at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cobalt

2010-03-04T09:00:00.001-07:00

Getting down with macro photography and color magic. See a new set I am working on here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cobalt/sets/72157623375641931/

2009-10-15T09:36:00.002-07:00

FINALLY I got word from blogspot/blogger/gmail that I can regain access to three blogs, woohoo! Look for new posts coming after a long delay. Only my flickr images have been updating for months and yea, even years...

Purple Cattail Blooms, Early Morning

2009-07-29T07:28:00.001-07:00

Purple Cattail Blooms, Early Morning
Originally uploaded by cobalt123

Still here, still taking photos

Revised Republican Morality #1

2008-09-03T23:51:00.001-07:00

Revised Republican Morality #1
Originally uploaded by cobalt123

Revised Republican Morality #1

Rules for Teenagers and Sex:

1. Abstinence First

2. If Rule #1 is not followed and a teen pregnancy results:

a. A baby must be carried to term
b. The pregnant teen must marry the father
c. The family must support the couple

3. If Rule #2 is followed with all three conditions met, then these following
exclusions may apply:

a. The pregnant teen cannot be FLDS (especially in Texas and Arizona)
b. Ethnicity other than Caucasian will be considered but may be excluded
c. Rape and incest may be excluded, depending on the state of residence
d. If the family is not middle income or above, may be excluded
e. Religious affiliation not Christian, may be cause for exclusion

4. If a pregnant teen meets all three conditions of Rule #2 and does not have an exclusion based on any of Rule #3 conditions, then the "public" will celebrate the pregnancy and brand-new "nuclear family".

2007-09-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

Been photo blogging for quite a while on flickr.com, so that is why there have not been many posts for months. Did you see the flickr badge at the top left? It shows the most recent photos in my collection there and changes as more are added... Here is a link for my flickr account via the DNA.

Little House, not on the Prairie

2007-06-20T15:38:00.001-07:00

Little House, not on the Prairie
Originally uploaded by cobalt123

Little House, not on the Prairie

An abandoned house in rural Maricopa County, about 30 miles south of Phoenix, Arizona. A new discussion thread in our Arizona Wonders group reminded me that I'd not yet worked with images in a photo stroll to a junkyard auto parts dealer in the desert, so this one fits into the theme of "Arizona: in Ruins".

I Will Never Vote for Hilary

2007-06-14T08:52:00.001-07:00

I Will Never Vote for Hilary
Originally uploaded by cobalt123

I Will Never Vote for Hilary

Pointing here, pointing there, everywhere ELSE. Even those of her own party know she's changed her position on the War of Terror so many times that it is impossible to trust whatever she says she believes in or what she will do as US President. Sorry Stephen Spielberg, your "coveted" endorsement carries no weight with me. How the Democrats can think of throwing away their first chance at regaining the White House is beyond me.

Links:
Spielberg news
"The political equivalent of winning the Oscar" (from article)

John B. Anderson

Skimpiest Iced Tea Serving, Ruby Tuesday

2007-06-07T08:20:00.001-07:00

Skimpiest Iced Tea Serving, Ruby Tuesday
Originally uploaded by cobalt123

Skimpiest Iced Tea Serving, Ruby Tuesday
When you order an iced tea, you expect a fairly large mug, glass or serving, however this is how the chain restaurant serves iced tea with pomegranite. I could not believe it, for I am guessing it is actually about 5 ounces of tea in the pretty glass! As it was very very hot here in Phoenix this week, I wanted a cold drink very much. When I asked the waitress if there were refills on this $2.99 drink, she said no. She said that if I ordered another of the drinks ($3.99 and up) then there would be refills. This is NOT an alcholic beverage, so it blew me away that the business considers this to be a fair serving. Since there was no manager available to say something to, I decided to take this photo and put it online. Won't "Ruby Tuesday" be surprised if someone googles their name and this photo comes up. It will happen, you know....

Flickr

2007-06-07T08:19:00.001-07:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

2007-06-07T08:00:00.001-07:00

Trying out the "new" login for blogspot and blogger - don't know if it will work with flickr yet...

The Doobies ROCKED for OLD SKOOL Tonight!

2007-02-01T14:54:00.000-07:00

The Doobies ROCKED for OLD SKOOL Tonight!, originally uploaded by cobalt123.

The Doobies ROCKED for OLD SKOOL Tonight!

FIrst of dozens of photos I got tonight at the FBR celebration concert for the famous yearly golf tournament in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was a blast! More photos to come... and this title is most fitting for this night as the flickrCentral and Help forums are rockin' and rollin' along as well....

cobalt's friends and finds, January '07

2007-01-23T07:25:00.000-07:00

cobalt's friends and finds, January '07, originally uploaded by cobalt123.

cobalt's friends and finds, January '07

It's been a while since I've done this, so here is a big thank you to all my flickr friends. This image is a screen grab of the most recent 36 faves, and each has a link inside the image on the flickr photo for each photo included here,and then there is the big list below by member name. Discover someone new today! Tell 'em cobalt sent you, ha ha!

Bob Waldmire: Meeting an Artist Whose Work I've Collected for Over 20 Years

2007-01-15T06:26:00.000-07:00

Bob Waldmire: Meeting an Artist Whose Work I've Collected for Over 20 Years, originally uploaded by cobalt123.

About Bob Waldmire, Route 66 Artist

In December, suertudo and I went to Portal, Arizona, at the eastern edge of the Chiricahua Mountains in the southeastern part of the state. We stayed at the Portal Lodge, and in the afternoon's wanderings I found a great VW bus, a classic of the hippie days. After I'd taken about 20 shots, the owner came by with a friend, and we struck up a converstation. Lo and behold, it was Bob Waldmire, an artist whose work I've collected since 1980 if not earlier!

Since I was raised in Illinois and went to school at Normal, IL, I became acquainted with his postcards and posters that have a great graphic quality in the intricate maps and historical trivia contained. Over the years I''ve collected his posters of small towns from Clinton, IL to Bloomington-Normal to Pontiac, IL (home of the Route 66 museum) to obscure places all along the historical Route 66. What a delight to meet him finally!

His VW van is so famous that the Pixar movie "Cars" has a character named Fillmore that is based on Bob's old 1972 VW bus! There are fun links listed below for those interested in following up on why I've been such a fan all these years. And the reason "Fillmore" is not "Waldmire" is also fascinating and in keeping with this great artist's life and beliefs. Salute to a Great American Original!

Bob's home page on his website:
www.cozydogdrivein.com/bob/aboutbob.html

Fillmore, a wikipedia article about "Cars"
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fillmore_%28Cars%29

Biodiversity Poster Map of Route 66:
hometown.aol.com/bobwaldmireart/myhomepage/artgallery.html

About Bob and the Cozy Dog cafe in Springfield, IL:
www.funroads.com/ea/route66.jhtml

Route 66 University Who's Who article:
www.route66university.com/bios/waldmire_r.php

It is Bob's bike that I showed earlier on my stream in December, here. Never fear, cobalt was on it and there are more photos to come in a set for this great treasure of the road.

All We are Saying... (Thought for a New Year)

2007-01-01T11:56:00.000-07:00

All We are Saying... (Thought for a New Year), originally uploaded by cobalt123.

All We are Saying... (Thought for a New Year)

Peace Pasta from Annie's, with peas, of course.

Give Peace A Chance

John Lennon & Paul McCartney
Two, one two three four
Ev'rybody's talking about
Bagism, Shagism, Dragism, Madism, Ragism, Tagism
This-ism, that-ism, is-m, is-m, is-m.

All we are saying is give peace a chance
All we are saying is give peace a chance

C'mon
Ev'rybody's talking about Ministers,
Sinisters, Banisters and canisters
Bishops and Fishops and Rabbis and Pop eyes,
And bye bye, bye byes.

All we are saying is give peace a chance
All we are saying is give peace a chance

Let me tell you now
Ev'rybody's talking about
Revolution, evolution, masturbation,
flagellation, regulation, integrations,
meditations, United Nations,
Congratulations.

All we are saying is give peace a chance
All we are saying is give peace a chance

Ev'rybody's talking about
John and Yoko, Timmy Leary, Rosemary,
Tommy Smothers, Bobby Dylan, Tommy Cooper,
Derek Taylor, Norman Mailer,
Alan Ginsberg, Hare Krishna,
Hare, Hare Krishna

All we are saying is give peace a chance
All we are saying is give peace a chance

Lyrics from www.bagism.com/lyrics/lennon-collection-lyrics.html

Image Photoshopped from my original macro this morning. It was fun to try for this shot, but the message is quite serious. With my son stationed in Iraq right now, this turn to a new year brings new determination to positively effect change however I can. And this timeless wish expressed is all I can think of as 2007 dawns.

VOTE! The Whole World is Watching

2006-11-07T01:19:00.000-07:00

VOTE! The Whole World is Watching
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

If not now, when? Vote as if your life depends on it. Vote because lives do depend on it!

Images are all from my photo stream of the last two years on flickr. To see the commentary for each, look at the set containing each of the images used on this artwork.

35,600 Plus Views: Black Cat Pumpkin

2006-11-01T20:50:00.000-07:00

Black Cat Pumpkin
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

This is quite a fluke, but this photo of my cat posted to flickr.com ended up being featured on yahoo.com yesterday for Halloween. I usually have about 28 to 120 views on a normal photo on my photo stream, so you can imagine how astonished I was to wake up Halloween morning and get the word from a friend that yahoo had featured it on the home page. At 9 am Tuesday, there were 9,000 views. 3 hours later, there were 15,000 views! Then about 6:30 pm there were 31,000 views and by my bedtime last night, it had reached 35,000 views. What a stitch! I must say that it boggles the mind to know that tens of thousands of folks clicked on the photo. When yahoo.com features a photo, you can click on the photo and it takes the visitor directly to the photo page on flickr.com. So, I imagine there are many folks who saw the photo that did not click. So what does that add up to? Gads, hard to comprehend that many folks seeing one humble little photo of a cat that is only barely patiently waiting for his breakfast that morning.

Hackberry Truck: Parked a Long Time

2006-10-05T22:51:00.000-07:00

Hackberry Truck: Parked a Long Time
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

I was fascinated with this old dairy truck parked in a rural section of Hackberry, Arizona. It's my desktop image right now. Plan to go back at a different time of day and go for more images of this classic beauty of Americana in days gone by. See more at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cobalt

Zoom Hurry Portrait

2006-09-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

Zoom Hurry Portrait
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

My cat Hurry (short for "Hurricane") - Taken last week in low light, about 15 feet away. A perennial "star" on my photo stream. Happy Furry Friday!

I Speak Up

2006-07-28T00:42:00.000-07:00

I Speak Up
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

This image is for the group about supporting Lebanon and raising awareness about the war that is occurring there.

I've taken the inspiration from Honest* and NightHeron on flickr. Below is part of the invitation I received in flickr mail, and also from NightHeron's photo with description. His words are copied here for I can say it no better than he and Honest*:

"The below is copied from Honest*'s page. See her inspirational pic here at www.flickr.com/photos/honest/197083599/ .She is a fantastic artist and true humanitarian. Adding my humble voice to the call for an immediate cease fire and an end to the madness that is going on in Lebanon and the Occupied Territories." (from NightHeron)

“This image is for the group about supporting Lebanon and raising awareness about the war that is occurring there.

Each member can add one picture only. The group is more about the discussions that will hopefully raise awareness of what is happening in Lebanon.

Join Speak up for Peace to show your support. www.flickr.com/groups/speakup/pool/

All images of the group are a replica of this image unifying us all under one look, supporting one cause.

If you are for peace then please take the time to take a picture of yourself in this way.

To make online donations go to Relief Lebanon

Thank you in advance for your support.”

Monsoon Glow Across the Street

2006-07-26T00:50:00.000-07:00

Monsoon Glow Across the Street
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

Tripod for this shot, but I think my finger on the shutter is just not quite fast and smooth enough to get a sharper image during the monsoon rain. This is taken from my front door, down the driveway and across to the school building. It is about 10:15 pm here and the flashes of lightning make the sky glow light in this capture. this building is an off-white color normally, so the bright white facade is from lightning that has appeared far behind me. The low-sodium lighting for the entrance gives the yellow glow. It looks like a lake or stream is at the end of my driveway. There are flash flood warnings out and I bet that it was a scary night if you were driving. This monsoon rain lasted over an hour, perhaps even for 90 minutes - most spectacular and welcome.

Dragonfly: Odonata Mystery

2006-07-06T20:45:00.000-07:00

Dragonfly: Odonata Mystery
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

I think maybe one of my best photos ever, and I know I've learned there is MUCH fascinating about these creatures. I've been looking all over the sites on identifications, and this one appears to be a Darner of some sort. I'll be most happy to hear what one this is, with a proper ID. Here is a link to one place that lists and has photos of dragonflies in Arizona: Arizona Species List of Dragonflies. Mine is not there, but I'll be back with word I hear of what this amazing fellow turns out to be.

Be a Patriot: Buy a Flag!

2006-07-05T18:30:00.000-07:00

Be a Patriot: Buy a Flag!
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

Be a Patriot! Buy a Flag!

An assortment of flag images and flag decorations on sale at the local Fry's Supermarket on July 4th, in Phoenix. If you view this in the original size (follow the image linked to flickr.com and select "all sizes"), there are a few images in the montage that are very fine. Notes are on the tiles in the image.

The previous set contains a variety of desserts for sale, all with the American flag and ubiquitous red/white/blue for the Fourth of July.

Uploaded

Loosening of Associations

2006-06-10T22:32:00.000-07:00

Loosening of Associations
Originally uploaded by Night Heron.

Loosening of Associations is the generic description of thought in which the logicality and sequentiality of the ideas breaks down (The association between ideas is beginning to break down and the thread connecting the thoughts is loosening).

Bush Could Bypass New Torture Ban
Waiver right is reserved

By Charlie Savage, Boston Globe Staff | January 4, 2006

WASHINGTON -- When President Bush last week signed the bill outlawing the torture of detainees, he quietly reserved the right to bypass the law under his powers as commander in chief.
After approving the bill last Friday, Bush issued a ''signing statement" -- an official document in which a president lays out his interpretation of a new law -- declaring that he will view the interrogation limits in the context of his broader powers to protect national security. This means Bush believes he can waive the restrictions, the White House and legal specialists said.

Some legal specialists said yesterday that the president's signing statement, which was posted on the White House website but had gone unnoticed over the New Year's weekend, raises serious questions about whether he intends to follow the law.

And in 2002, the administration drafted a secret legal memo holding that Bush could authorize interrogators to violate anti-torture laws when necessary to protect national security. After the memo was leaked to the press, the administration eliminated the language from a subsequent version, but it never repudiated the idea that Bush could authorize officials to ignore a law.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2006/01/04/bush_could...

http://writ.news.findlaw.com/dean/20060113.html

http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2006/01/bush-assertions-on...

Uploaded by Night Heron on 7 Jun '06, 7.22pm MST.

A Little Shut Eye

2006-05-11T22:07:00.000-07:00

A Little Shut Eye
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
A Little Shut Eye
This was taken hours before the ants noticed the treasure on the driveway. This image is the most evocative of the images.

One of a series of memento mori images, starting with "A Gift from Hurry".

Will be added to the "Things that Moved" mosaic later this week:
www.flickr.com/photos/cobalt/27829310/

Furry Hurry Friday

2006-05-05T07:31:00.000-07:00

Furry Hurry Friday
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
It's Friday Cat Blogging Day! Here is my furry Hurry early this morning.

Stop It America

2006-04-23T17:28:00.000-07:00

Stop It America
Originally uploaded by tejana.
From tejana, in flickr: My thoughts exactly!
"Stop It America

These posters have been here for almost 2 years, at least. I used to pass them every morning on my way to work, riding the bus . i tried every day to time my camera shutter to catch them as we passed ... I never got a full shot of them. I've thought about them ever since and finally made a plan to go there in my car to get a shot of them before they were removed or destroyed.

What surprised me was that grafitti on the rest of the wall had been painted over but these posters had been carefully undisturbed. Someone else, apparently, had been as moved by the image as I had been.

for a closer view: www.flickr.com/photos/tejana/133052451/in/photostream/

Uploaded by tejana on 22 Apr '06, 2.20pm MST."

Not Them, They, We, But US

2006-04-10T22:50:00.000-07:00

Not Them, They, We, But US
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
My favorite sign from the immigration reform march today in Phoenix, Arizona. Many more images are being added to a new set on my flickr photo stream. This one sums up an incredible day in which I saw more patriotism and pride than in many years of days rolled together. See more at:
cobalt

Ditat Deus: God Enriches (with commentary)

2006-04-08T09:30:00.000-07:00

Ditat Deus: God Enriches (with commentary)
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
This seal of the state of Arizona is completed entirely in stones and minerals of this state. Taken through the glass showcase at the Arizona state capital (now a museum). The translation of the state motto from Latin is "God Enriches".

I've put this image up for two reasons: first for the great joy of seeing superb artisan work with gems and minerals, and second as an image to announce a new civil rights demonstration that will be held in Phoenix on Monday, April 10.

If God enriches this state, then so do people. The immigration issues have divided people tremendously and are current political hot buttons. However, this statehood and the results of American "Manifest Destiny" are still the political determinations of only a small segment of time. We Americans took this land and wrested control from the ancient inhabitants. There would be no state if there had not been riches, particularly in minerals like copper and gold, and now in minerals important to manufacturing, industry, and even modern chemistry and physics. Nuclear power would not be possible without the rare elements found in Arizona.

The exploration and early development of Arizona was borne out by the labor of Native Americans, Mexicans, and even the Spanish colonists. Now Americans as governmental power current, want to wall off this state from the border with Mexico to prevent illegal immigrants from the crossing. Early American ranchers and settlers celebrated the "open range" necessary to maintain large herds of cattle. Still there are many such areas of the state that have no fencing. But what a change for those who now champion a new GREAT WALL. Over 1,000 miles of wall, to be constructed of double concrete walls divided by miles between the parallel walls. All this because the control and power is far more important than people. The very people who built this state and continue to support all activities of this diverse population!

Immigration reform is necessary and vital, but not for the reasons often touted by politicians in America (some hotbutton topics such as amnesty for illegal immigrants now present, making illegal residence a felony, capture and deportation, reducing tax dollars spent for illegal residents, etc.) The reality is that people live in fear, both sides of the immigration debate. Those who fear and want to wall off the state and the country at large are motivated often by isolationism and so-called "Patriotism" and so-called "Homeland Security". Those that would be expelled or walled off fear for their very lives. Over and over I see that MONEY is the real issue, with "fear of OTHER" as the secondary issue.

The immigration controversy reflects reality: this is here and now. Immigrants past and present and even future represent necessary support for this state to survive. This is a major civil rights issue! Competing views of immigration debates cannot turn back the clock and would do well to consider this state's own motto carefully. If "God Enriches", then...

This is Arnott: He's an Author and Homeless in America

2006-03-31T21:56:00.000-07:00

This is Arnott: He's an Author and Homeless in America
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
This is Arnott: He's an Author and Homeless in America

I met Arnott a month ago in Tucson, when I was prowling on 4th Avenue getting great fun images of the Hippie Gypsy mural with Frank Zappa, and the Old Pueblo Trolley, and other images of the bright colors of the Southwestern US cityscapes. I've got images from February of Arnott, and I ran into him again two nights ago. He's showing off his copy of the book he's published, as a hardcopy print from the Amazon site. Here's his title and the link:
Can We Afford to Leave It Alone: The Homeless Problem in America

For What It's Worth

2006-03-18T21:20:00.000-07:00

For What It's Worth
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
For What It's Worth

Images on flickr that protest the madness, three years on! Stand up, speak out, never forget...we can make a difference!

Border Agent Haul - Mural

2006-03-04T07:28:00.000-07:00

Border Agent Haul - Mural
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
Border Agent Haul - Mural

About 30 years ago I would have associated this section of a mural with a border agent capture of a hippie carrying drugs. But now in Arizona, my first thought was far different. We have a huge border war going on at the border with Mexico, and there are border agents, "Minutemen Project" vigilantes who "help" patrol borders against illegals, and then there are humanitarian "angels" who leave water and food at remote places for illegals who face death just in the crossing.

My view of this mural section is that the border patrol and "Minute Men" hassle the humanitarian volunteers now. I heard a radio program this week where a "Minute Man" proudly told of all the ways they deter humanitarian aid workers, including throwing out canfulls of nails, spikes and tacks in the hope that the "angels" will get flat tires during their food and rescue deliveries. See the "No More Deaths" campaign site for these modern "hippies" and "leftists" slammed by white supremacists, hate groups, and highlighted in conservative media.

Links:
Friends of Border Patrol
Minutemen Project
"No More Deaths" humanitarian aid workers

Magic Donkey and Secret Sauce Algorithm

2006-03-03T02:50:00.000-07:00

Magic Donkey and Secret Sauce Algorithm
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
A set of 96 images found by Scout for my photos in Explore on March 2. The title comes from comments flickr staff heather made in the flickr help forum here. If these photos are not interesting, don't blame me - there's a donkey and sauce involved.

Thanks to fd, who created and hosts Scout! His online application can make a poster for you, with a nice dark gray background and a large titleblock with your flickr ID. This set I created using his application to secure the images with the dates and Explore rankings above each. Then I pieced them together using Photoshop and added the caption.

Watch Cat (in the 'Hood, on the Hood)

2006-01-23T21:27:00.000-07:00

Watch Cat (in the 'Hood, on the Hood)
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
Hurry, watching out for his new world, again, now on the hood of my car under the carport. You know, some of my images of this furry fellow would lead one to believe he is rather intelligent. However, Suertudo (when he was here visiting) seemed to think a more appropriate name would be "Leroy"...

Shapely

2006-01-13T15:39:00.000-07:00

Shapely
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
One of the most interesting of hospital waiting rooms I've come across. This large room is for the families of those having surgery in this suburban hospital

Peace in the Valley and Wishes for a Peaceful 2006!

2005-12-31T11:53:00.000-07:00

Peace in the Valley and Wishes for a Peaceful 2006!
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
Yes, that same horse among these we came upon in the San Rafael Valley. My photo stream on flickr has many images of this small group of horse suertudo and I discovered driving the back roads of this area near Patagonia. This time, our friend has nuzzled contentedly over the back of the black horse he nuzzles in the previous image posted December 30. It seems only right that this is my image for hopes of peace in 2006.

Hosed, at the Emergency Room

2005-12-28T18:32:00.000-07:00

Hosed, at the Emergency Room
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
Around 3 in the morning I saw a fire truck parked in the ambulance bay area of the ER and could not resist trying for night images. One of the Phoenix firemen came over and we had a long discussion about Point and Shoot cameras and he was fascinated at what I'd been photographing. It was great to share with him in the LCD viewfinder all the many images I'd been collecting through the night on breaks while my son waited for diagnositic work to come back.

Friday Cat Blogging, Hurry!

2005-12-02T08:28:00.000-07:00

Friday Cat Blogging, Hurry!
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
A long-tradition in the blogging community is Furry Friday, otherwise known as Friday Cat Blogging. I've got a tiny group on flickr for this, Friday Cat Blogging. Since I've been remiss in adding to my regular blogs since joining flickr, here we go with another image of Hurry. Really, he is a beautiful kitten/cat, but he is nowhere near as dignified as my recent photos have shown.

UAE Wall

2005-11-29T09:34:00.000-07:00

UAE Wall
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
When freedom allowed UAE people to be a part of flickr, so very much beauty came into lives all over the world. With the latest block to flickr imposed by the UAE state ISP, beauty and freedom are both denied.

More than signing a petition, please consider emailing images of support and friendship to our missing UAE friends. And send messages to those in the media who can write about our dilemna and missing UAE members! Sign the petition, speak out, create art, be creative.

Dreamlines

2005-11-22T04:43:00.000-07:00
Dreamlines is an amazing online application! Try it by entering a search term (something very specific is better than adverbs or global terms. In digg, I saw the article about this and followed the link: http://www.solaas.com.ar/dreamlines/ Dreamlines Amazing java application using image search with Google and random "drawing" of amorphous shapes and lines, changing over the long minutes the "dream" is running. I searched for "armadillo" and got about 8 terrific abstract and amorphous images that yes indeedy, had armadillow hiding in them. Don't try this on dial-up - it takes a LONG time with broadband. BUt then I got lost there for over an hour. Here is a bit what the web designer/program designer says: All this multiplicities get together on the verge of chaos, on a process that mixes randomness and strict but complex logics, very much alike the processes that take place in our heads. Even when we rest. Leonardo Solaas | 2005 Dreamlines:"About Page information

read more | digg story

2005-11-22T03:29:00.000-07:00
The flickr badge on the sidebar is still going strong. Shows my latest uploads to flickr, my addiction online for the last year now. And hopefully, the first entry from digg will appear above this post. digg is a technology-oriented but GEEK-certainly online collection of news stories submitted by members. There is a comment feature for each new tip and members vote on the value of tips. Basically a dig it, or a thumbs down. Let's see how this works. Found it tonight on the technology blog of the Guardian Online.

Some Animals

2005-11-12T07:42:00.000-07:00

Some Animals
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
This image has been in my mind for quite some time. And I fear that it is visualized now in a way that will be relevant for some time to come.

Back to the Sun

2005-11-10T01:10:00.000-07:00

Back to the Sun
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
My happiest image of a sunflower for quite a while. Yeah, it's the back of one, but check out the tiny hairs in the largest size view. When you click on the link or image, you will automatically go to the URL of the page it's on. I think it's a fun image.

Elegant Decay

2005-11-03T22:27:00.000-07:00

Elegant Decay
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
An abandoned gas station, at an exit off Highway 85, Sentinel, Arizona. It is between Gila Bend and Dateland, going south towards Yuma from Phoenix.

Do you call this "urban decay" when there is little that is "urban"? There are just a couple buildings here now, and the exit sign points to two towns that are off in the distance. The whole concept of the relationship between the term "sentinel" and the actual place name of Sentinel lends real irony to this leftover structure from man's imposing upon nature in a wide open place and space.

This is my favorite photo of the present: after much uncertainty and pressing family emergencies, I am seeking out the beautiful, the still, and the calm images from my recent travels around the state.

One Sky Photo Quilt: October 1, 2005

2005-10-30T15:39:00.000-07:00

One Sky Photo Quilt: October 1, 2005
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
Final compilation of the "One Sky" images, created from photo quilt blocks of 4 images from the One Sky group project. Oh I would sleep peacefully under such a quilt!

Each set of four images can be found in this set, where there are links directly back to each flickr member who contributed their sky image to the group pool for "One Sky".

They Lied

2005-10-28T19:54:00.000-07:00

They Lied
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
Assorted elements chosen from a variety of images and today's post from Talking Points Memo, by Joshua Micah Marshall. Statement today by Senator Rockefeller, quoted in post.

I cannot express better than in simple art the deep and continuing disappointment and anger I have over our representatives elected and appointed by the Bush Administration.

Complexity in Smooth

2005-10-26T06:28:00.000-07:00

Complexity in Smooth
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
An experiment taking close-views of office chairs for a conference room. About 20 chairs tucked away takes up only about 4'x 4' feet of space in the corner of the training room. And, they look good this way!

In the Fish Eye

2005-10-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

In the Fish Eye
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
Started a set for our latest ER adventure - . Yes, my name is cobalt and I am a flickr addict...

Night Bloom

2005-10-11T04:19:00.000-07:00

Night Bloom
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
Driving down the street near my home, saw these in the dark and squealed to a halt to hop out and try for the shot. NickFun set his headlights near as he could and I tried a number of shots with the cool night breeze constantly moving these delicate petals. It was a thrill to see these blooms in all their glory.

Night-Blooming Cereus
tinyurl.com/7aa3w
and

night-bloom·ing cereus
n.
Any of various night-blooming cacti of the genera Hylocereus, Nyctocereus, Peniocereus, and Selenicereus, having large fragrant flowers.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arizona_queen_of_the_night

Still a Hippie Chick

2005-10-06T22:41:00.000-07:00

Still a Hippie Chick
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
For over 34 years now, I do more than just wear my protest buttons. This image is uploaded tonight to comment on my distaste for the obvious media manipulation today of the US in deference to the Bush administration. Early today President Bush had a press conference to give a "strong" "Churchill-style" (not my words) press conference to whip up enthusiasm for yet more US troops in Iraq. He cites the terrorist threats and strongholds in the Middle East. Then about 5:00 pm today it is announced that there are now 12,500 troops MORE in Iraq. About 159,000 "official" reported troops. And then around 7:00 pm CNN news breaks in with LIVE! ACTION! COVERAGE! of a possible terrorist thread to the NYC subway systerm. Coincidence the timing? I think not.

Soakin Wet

2005-10-02T11:42:00.000-07:00

Soakin Wet
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
The buds I've been photographing for months and months now - all bent over with a heavy rain at night and then the morning dew on top of them. First try at capturing water droplets - thanks for all the inspiration in flickr! This one looks much more interesting in the largest view.

Night Hurricane

2005-09-30T09:26:00.000-07:00

Night Hurricane
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
Woken from sleep, this little one watches out the patio as Prince and I are looking for the source of the helicopter sounds and police bullhorn. He must have been caught mid-yawn and meow at the same time. Another "Stephen King" cat portrait...

Happy Furry Friday!

240 cobalt contacts: Flickr Tour 21

2005-09-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

240 cobalt contacts: Flickr Tour 21
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
Buddy icons from today's list of those I've made contacts in flickr. The first comment will list all the URLS, in order, for these friends, with their ID number and user name. This is really fun to have, to use with GustavoG's FlickrRandom Tool, hosted by jbum. You can go to the site, plop in the user name or ID number and then surf through their photo stream, getting random images. You can also select to see their favs by the same process! Very cool, and thanks so much GustavoG and jbum!

This image represents Flickr Tour 21. For details, look to the link for the Flickr Tour group listed in the groups I sent this image to.

Hurry, Alert!

2005-09-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

Hurry, Alert!
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
He's atop the back cement block wall. Looking over the OTHER side of the yard to see if there are dogs over on that side too.

What did the homeless man say at the protest?

2005-09-12T15:25:00.000-07:00

What did the homeless man say at the protest?
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
Anyone care to take a stab at this? This man came up to talk with me while I was holding my sign for "HONK - Are You Embarassed by Bush?" My son stands near, and NickFun is across the intersection with his sign, talking with drivers going West across Camelback and 24th Street. BTW, I can understand what this man had to say and respect him. And when I asked if I could take his picture, he was startled but agreeable. I told him it would be on the Internet and he laughed.

In Memory 9-11 and Katrina

2005-09-11T18:40:00.000-07:00

In Memory 9-11 and Katrina
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
We got MANY MANY honks today! Corner of Camelback and 24th Street, Phoenix, Arizona. This was next to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, where President Bush stays at often when he is in town. We figured about 1 out of 3 cars honked, and some honked loud and long...

One of the frequent comments we got was "I am so glad you are doing this. You are doing the right thing!" Pretty neat to hear this from so many folks that were staying at the Ritz-Carlton and walking across to the Biltmore Fashion Square Plaza for dinner. We saw all age groups and types of people. Very few folks made an effort to counter us. Only got "the bird" a few times, and a rant against our action by a homeless man. It felt great to be out on the street doing DOING something, instead of staying at home and cursing the darkness.

Now we have a good memory of our day of horror, 9-11, and we know that four years later, people HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN what is important. Although some people in the government apparently have different "family values" than we do...

I see dead people.

2005-09-08T19:04:00.000-07:00

I see dead people.
Originally uploaded by AnomalousNYC.
"NorthCom started planning before the storm even hit. We were ready for the storm when it hit Florida. So what we did was we activated defense coordinating officers to work with the state to say okay, what do you think you'll need, and we set up staging bases that could be started. We had the USS Baton sailing almost behind the hurricane so that after the hurricane made landfall its search and rescue helicopters would be available almost immediately. So we had things ready. The only caveat is, we have to wait until the President authorizes us to do so. The laws of the United States say that the military can't just act in this fashion; we wait have to wait for the President to give us permission."

--Lt. Commander Sean Kelley, US Northern Command, speaking to the BBC

starblue

2005-09-07T23:39:00.000-07:00

starblue
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
starblue

This mosaic was created using a free program trial version of Easy Mosaic 2005, which I found linked in the group description for digital fragments tonight. This is a cobalt blue star wall lamp that is at my local IKEA store. I used images from several folders of "My Pictures" and also some images from the image library of the program. Took an hour to create, and almost blew out my system. Word to the wise, when you upload the image to use, think twice about the file size of the original image! Ha ha, I forgot that this one was created with the UNEDITED photo I took several weeks ago. Oy!

2005-09-05T10:35:00.000-07:00
Controversy on Katrina: flickr.com

My current photo is a political statement through art about the insanity of this devastation and the deficit and morally reprehensible federal government response to these horrors and tragedies. The image is now drawing considerable attention and angry comments in the photo stream by some flickr.com members. However, more members seem to appreciate the artwork and my messages. In fact, the image is now #1 for Monday, Labor Day, in the flickr.com "Interestingness" feature of the Explore pages. This means that of the 1.2 million members uploading photos, this image has now generated the most "interest" today.

It seems that there is quite a bit of blame now extending towards victims and defense by reports that these victims perhaps don't deserve aid for the reports of gunfire and looting. I base this one what I read, see and hear in mainstream US media. Wild rumors feed the blame to judge the homeless and evacuees. This defense of federal government response that is far short of meeting critical needs is despicable. This blame of the victims must stop. This rejection of non-jingoistic rhetoric must stop! Stop the insanity never was more apropos than now.

I myself may have been one of those who was NOT ABLE TO EVACUATE for my income is low and I have a disabled adult son. To have the income for a full tank of gas at the ready and a reliable car, let alone the money to head off into uncertainty, well that may have not been my fate at the first warnings of the scale of this disaster.

Many many middle-class and wealthy white folks have been evacuated and are homeless, having lost everything. However, many of these people have contacts and resources from without and will likely survive much better. Overall, the criticism of the relief response is a damning comment on the politics of poverty.

Never before in our American history has there been such a clear example of the degradation of the less fortunate in our own society.

The Next Katrina

2005-09-04T18:27:00.000-07:00

The Next Katrina
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
The next one coming will be even worse

Images taken and manipulated from published images of the destruction of Hurricane Katrina and the politics of poverty. Images are not knowingly used if they do not have a Creative Commons license. Anyone who has an image included in this Photoshop montage and would like a credit, please let cobalt know at flickr.

Yellow Ruffles - Katrina Relief Auction Offering

2005-09-02T08:27:00.000-07:00

Yellow Ruffles - Katrina Relief Auction Offering
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
Yellow Ruffles - Katrina Relief Auction Offering

First time I could capture the strong light through the yellow ruffles of this flower and not have it too fuzzy. Been taking hundreds of photos of this type of plant for 9 months now, and finally, some success. I looked for the brightest, most cheerful version to share on flickr today, for the news and situation in our US Gulf states is so devastating and depressing.

This photo and any other photos I have in my photostream are offered in a CD suitable for use as a screensaver to the highest bidder in the Katrina Relief Auction on flickr.com. To leave a comment at flickr or to donate artwork for the auction, or place a bid that will be given directly to the American Red Cross, you must look at the links provided. Members of flickr.com are allowed to comment and bid, but if you are not a member, it is easy and instant to join.

For details, look at the topic within that thread. It is my hope that someone will appreciate a simple CD filled with images of light and beauty to color a world often overshadowed in dark times.

Tattered

2005-08-31T15:31:00.000-07:00

Tattered
Originally uploaded by G. J. Charlet III.
This is from G.J. Charlet III's stream on flickr. It says to me the status of the USA following Hurrican Katrina and also the tattered remains, if any, of world respect...

Princely Feet

2005-08-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

Princely Feet
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
This is my only cat now, Prince. He is really missing his pal Monty, but he is now going to have all the benefits of being an "only cat". Here he is on a hot afternoon, laying about, stretched as far as he can go.

Getting A Star Every Lesson

2005-08-21T14:38:00.000-07:00

Getting A Star Every Lesson
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
Summer is collecting her stars to put on a poster in her room. Her mom gets to see the photos online and the stars so she knows what her lessons are each time. She never tried pipe cleaners before, so this was fun for both of us.

IKEA Flickr Meetup, 8-13-05

2005-08-17T13:40:00.000-07:00

IKEA Flickr Meetup, 8-13-05
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
A fun "poster" made from our meetup last Saturday at the IKEA store in Tempe, Arizona. These are photos that came from Sue, cobalt's friend. We'd really like to get her into flickr! What do you think?

Cobalt's Picks (1)

2005-08-17T00:43:00.000-07:00

Cobalt's Picks (1)
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
A set from my favs of the last three months, made with Mosaic Maker. The links to the 24 contacts I have picked for this set are below the image. This is Flickr Tour 18, and the commentary is in the

Flickrverse, Expanding Ever with New Galaxies Forming

2005-08-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

Flickrverse, Expanding Ever with New Galaxies Forming
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
Flickrverse, Expanding Ever with New Galaxies Forming

The Flickrverse, April 2005 social graph poster by GustavoG. He did the statistical and graph work and collaborated with jbum to get them printed in sets of four. Links to the origins and development of these projects are below. Thanks guys, this was a tremendous undertaking and truly inspiring for us all! When you click on the image, it will take you into my photo stream on flickr.com, where the links are active links into the pertinent discussions and photo sets.

Visualizing the social network, March-April 2005
Last update: 26 May '05, 9.59pm MST

Visualizing the Flickr social network
Last update: 25 May '05, 2.48pm MST

Poster Ordering/Delivery Status - from the Squared Circle group

Poster Candidates from jbum, set

FlickrLand April 2005 set by GustavoG

Uploaded by cobalt123 on 15 Aug '05, 9.07am MST.

Wildflower with Mickey Mouse Ears

2005-08-12T16:54:00.000-07:00

Wildflower with Mickey Mouse Ears
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
Yes, I still take early morning photos of these weeds in my backyard. Perhaps I should call them wildflowers, sounds better, eh? I like this one for it is very clear and all the tones are deep, with the white "gills" and white anthers still prominent.

Stairs with Grill Panels, Blued

2005-08-09T23:55:00.000-07:00

Stairs with Grill Panels, Blued
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.
This is untouched from my camera as shot. See the retouched version in previous photo on my photostream in flickr. I like the color and floating mystery this blued coloring gives.

If you click on the image, it will take you right into flickr and you will be able to see other images from the Burton Barr Branch of the Phoenix Public Library.

26 Candles and No Flash

2005-08-08T17:59:00.000-07:00

26 Candles and No Flash
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

Bloom at Daybreak

2005-08-04T21:41:00.000-07:00

Bloom at Daybreak
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

Monsoon on the Mountain Road

2005-08-03T01:41:00.000-07:00

Monsoon on the Mountain Road
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

Not a Century Plant

2005-07-25T13:41:00.000-07:00

Not a Century Plant
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

HOW MUCH a pound???

2005-07-22T09:15:00.000-07:00
HOW MUCH a Pound?
Taken at a local gourmet foods market in Phoenix, AJ's. This image is posted on flickr, a photo sharing community I highly recommend. One thing nice about sharing images there is that conversations can strike up around images, and this is one that got a variety of comment. I don't know about the price of meat in your area, but this is astonishing to me. The prices are about 4 times higher than available in regular grocery stores, but there the meat is not nearly so good quality. How many could afford to grill steak for 4 if it cost $60 or so for the meat alone? I hear from friends that this selection is really extraordinary. I am sooooo missing the great pork and beef from Iowa.

HOW MUCH a pound???
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

Oh My Close Cobalt

2005-07-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

Oh My Close Cobalt
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

Cat in the Arizona Heat

2005-07-15T06:47:00.000-07:00

Cat in the Arizona Heat
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

Three photos in a row (well, in sequence anyway) to show how this extended heat wave in Arizona affects those wearing fur coats. Monty and Prince just drag their kitty butts from here to there, trying to find yet another cool place to lay about. It's Friday Cat Blogging time again...

Poetry (Not) in Motion (Not)

2005-07-15T06:46:00.001-07:00

Poetry (Not) in Motion (Not)
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

It's Sooooooooooo Gosh Darn Hot!

2005-07-15T06:46:00.000-07:00

It's Sooooooooooo Gosh Darn Hot!
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

Would You Rent a Cot Room?

2005-07-05T18:46:00.000-07:00

Would You Rent a Cot Room?
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

An American Fourth of July Image, Phoenix

2005-07-03T21:48:00.000-07:00
An American Fourth of July Memorial
Vietnam Remembered, Phoenix

An American Fourth of July Image, Phoenix
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

2005-07-02T06:25:00.000-07:00
We had a great time at our first,ever, Arizona flickr meetup on June 30. About 18 total flickrites met at Sam's Cafe in Phoenix for dinner, followed by the Coffee Plantation and the night owls hooted at Champ's. Photo is in the previous post - by member Lukky. Well, that would be by her camera, as used by the manager to get us in a group photo. It all came together around the Striatic Does America tour. We Americans know how to show a Canadian a good time!
Thanks for coming and snapping pix, new buddies!
goatopolis
ZeeDesertRat likes zee flickr ladies!
Lukky
NickFun
mcsixth shows striatic
twentyfives
Esther17
Lathyrus
Striatic
cameo
cobalt with waiter

Flickr Meetup Gang

2005-07-02T06:24:00.000-07:00

Flickr Meetup Gang
Originally uploaded by Lukky.

Flower in High Desert

2005-07-01T15:36:00.000-07:00

Flower in High Desert
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

Memento Mori Sparrow

2005-06-10T12:27:00.000-07:00

Memento Mori Sparrow
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

TimothyK Cafe Stools

2005-06-09T22:22:00.000-07:00

TimothyK Cafe Stools
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

Twining Diptych, Normal

2005-06-08T16:38:00.000-07:00

Twining Diptych, Normal
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

contented, click link to forrestcook's images

2005-06-03T07:55:00.000-07:00

contented
Originally uploaded by forrestcook.

2005-05-29T14:20:00.000-07:00
Librayman's Tribute to Memorial Day
Do not miss clicking on these links to what a fellow flickrite has created as his memorial. While the image is very serene and beautiful, so fluffy and smooth the pretty colors, read his statement below his image that he posted on his flickr page.
I have posted the image on Resource.full as well, with links to his flickr page, the actual image he posted online, and his blog. I can think of no better statement to represent the feelings I have this Memorial Day in the United States...

Blue Boy

2005-05-27T10:10:00.000-07:00

Blue Boy
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

My brother's cat in May, a very Normal cat!

This is a Test, Only a Test (hehehe)

2005-05-22T21:32:00.000-07:00

This is a Test, Only a Test (hehehe)
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

Sum Fun Ana

2005-05-22T00:49:00.000-07:00

Sum Fun Ana
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

striatic does america

2005-05-12T22:45:00.000-07:00

striatic does america
Originally uploaded by striatic.

striatic does america
UPDATE! there is a whole group for discussing this now: flickr.com/groups/striaticamerica/ striatic does America
alright .. you may already know about this or you may not. but i'm sort of going on a little trip. the idea is, get around north america and meet/photograph as many flickr folk as is humanly/humanely possible within the span of a month. there will be a little flickr group devoted to this soon enough. early stages yet, so i'm putting it out here as a way of drawing people out of the woodwork who might like to be involved in such an endeavour by meeting with me along the way, possibly changing instances of ~bus to ~screenname so we can go shooting together... but mostly, if you'd like me to stop bye, say AYE.
This is what flickr is all about, folks! Go striatic! Looking forward to hosting you on the YELLOW leg of your grand tour! Meetup in Phoenix for June 29 or 30 is in the works. Contact cobalt for details...

summerdiptych

2005-05-11T18:56:00.000-07:00

summerdiptych
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

SumArt1mirror020

2005-05-07T16:12:00.000-07:00

SumArt1mirror020
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

glamour shot monty

2005-05-06T14:57:00.000-07:00

glamour shot monty
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

Cobalt and Son, A Great Portrait!

2005-05-06T08:56:00.000-07:00

Cobalt and Son, A Great Portrait!
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

cobaltFabrege

2005-04-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

cobaltFabrege
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

My Biggest Blue Ball

2005-04-26T19:59:00.000-07:00

My Biggest Blue Ball
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

Hanging here in the same window as the fancy cobalt blue plate in a recent photo uploaded to flickr. This one freaks me a bit for I see an odd reflected image that seems like a ghost figure. I cannot make out what on earth it is from. I was alone and yet it appears another person was behind me when I took this shot. See if you can find the ghost in the largest size. To see it large, click on the image or the link. You will be able to view the largest size by clicking on the link above the photo: "All Sizes".

peopleFinderScreen

2005-04-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

peopleFinderScreen
Originally uploaded by cobalt123.

Omigosh, playing with flickr is getting to be the most fun, day's highlight!

2005-04-22T00:20:00.000-07:00
Checking out the new additions to this blog: sidebar additions are the flickrd web ring members you will find through clicking the links by that little icon. More space in the sidebar between content, and more (if not daily!) photos from flickr in the posts.