A few of the blog related questions are being answered here; while electing to omit the identifing information of the people whom have posted the questions...

 

About some of the pics which are on the site... Yes there's quite the variety, yet there used to be considerably more. There used to be "types of links" to three online portfolios of about one hundred pics a piece; each individual pic was well over the final edited size of some 200 meg. complete access to the viewing of the pics is now restricted and controlled; yet some of the content can still be viewed online if one where knows to look in the right place. Of the photographs that remain online; (YES!!) one can view them as a type of predication; especially noting the dates that they were originally taken. Examples of such... note the certain people in the pics; which is not accidental. Some of those pictured include present and former University of Charleston students/alum, some of which are/were full scholarship students. Also noting the photo of me at the Steinway; just happens to also be the place where the ex Shirl later worked- go figure.

 

About further access on the internet directly to me, through the "company site" of which appears on my business credentials, and such. Again it's just a matter of where exactly to look. Or for those whom can't quite find it; simply ask.

 

About my dating life since Shirl abandoned our marriage. Now that's quite the complicated question. I guess it could be said that yes I've dated, yet most of the people I associate with are limited to just friends- some very close firends.

 

About me dating a celebrity... Yes true, but not- just very close friends. She still appears on a "version" of a nationwide cable television newscast. she maintains a rather private life outside of her broadcasts, and I continue to respect her privacy on such. I've been photographed in public with her and a few of those appear on the networks pages online.

 

About more detailed specs on my "ventures in photography" and also with a certain very large company technically located mostly out a certain Washington state city. Actually to answer that is basically a bit too complicated to get into detail on this site. I've been "doing photography for quite the long time; actually well before even turning sixteen; and naturally I still do it presently. -And as according to my verified resume there's a portion of that which has been done professionally. As for the other credentials; perhaps that story is best told some other time.

Although not yet officially confirmed; my personal eyewitness can confirm that yes there was at least one tornado that briefly touched down in the Pittsburgh area on the date of 17 June 2009; as can also be confirmed by the front page photograph by a resident in today's (as of posting) Pittsburgh Post Gazette. The person in the paper witnessed either a seperate storn completely or the same one that I did actually touching down a second time. So far it appears as though noone was killed or injured; almost a type of act of God given the circumstances.

 

Also not much in the way of property damage from the tornado's themselves; although my car sustained very minor cosmetic damage from hail which exceeded some one inch in size. Although there was also record rainfall with the storm and some minor flooding due to a few extra circumstances, such as-- lcak of proper infrastructure and overdevelopment in certain areas... Which brings me to the rant phase of this blog entry...

 

One would naturally think that it might not be the wisest of ideas to actually want to rebuild in areas that have a proven history of flooding; not once, but on numerouse occasions. -And are a good number of those same adequately insured? NO. so the bill gets flipped to the taxpayer; even though the same homeowner may be violating one of the most major clauses of their home/property loan by not having adequate insurance on the property- go figure. It almost makes me think of some area of Pittsburgh, and then want to compare them to areas of New Orleans or perhaps Southern California.

 

It's strange that New Orleans (or should I actually say the taxpayers) are spending many hundreds of thousands of dollars to protect area that will eventuallt be suffering the same flooding (and other storm) damage in the near future. Or to glance at certain very high real estate properties which are built in desert areas in Southern California which have burned down twice. Perhaps if they try to rebuild two more times maybe they'll get it right- or not.

 

Then there's also the massive failure of the majority of the entire American infrastructure; decades of improper oversight, maintaince, and going to the lowest bidder.

The official united states government perspective is that technically it is only a recession; yet the facts clearly show otherwise. By literally any standard of measurement it is a depression; and perhaps worse than when the stock market crashed many decades ago. There is but two remaining saviors which have kept america afloat; such as by example-- that most americans still have some form of credit- of which most are abusing just to stay afloat- or perhaps they may have used some cash from the sale of a lifelong asset such as a house. -Or that unlike the original depression- a rather significant number of americans are on some type of social programs; such as the electronic version of food stamps and the like.

 

And although it now might appear as though things are getting better the reality is far from that. Has anyone really addressed or touched on issues such as social security; and how it won't be around much longer? -Or how the united states is basically now owned by the "government of China"? Or the real stories of the numbers and facts surrounding exactly how much was lost in retirements that evaporated; and most of which will never be recovered.  america now has a debt to the country and people of China that is next to impossible to ever be repaid. What remains of the united states is now the largest debtor; by far owing the most to that country.

 

Although it has yet to fully effect myself; it can technically be said that it has only reached me on a personal level by basically scrathing the surface of the apple. Not much more than a blip on the radar.

 

But on a very sad note... Someone that I consider very dear and close to myself is now homeless. Unfortunately this same person lives at some distance from myself; yet I've still made every reasonable effort possible to lend assistance to this person. I sincerely fear for the safety and welfare of them. My prayers and wishes wil be for them.

For over one and a half years I've been working out on my Bowflex; with quite impressive results. It still happens to be one of the best ways that I could have possibly invested in both time and money. It also happens to be one of the most effective ways of working out; not only for myself. but just about anyone interested in literally guaranteed results.

 

The Bowflex gyms are considerably more effective than any free-weight workout and also better than other plate type gyms and/or work-out systems. In addition to the effectiveness of the systems there's also the cost. Bowflex has just recently added to their "composite bow" system with a new model which starts out at about $650. Compare that cost with any other home gym, a gym membership fee; and it now becomes even more cost effective. Even the Bowflex top of the line systems which are about $3k are still very viable options- for just about anyone.

 

I would still naturally suggest that anyone consult with at least one medical professional before starting this type of program. But for someone such as myself; even at above age forty- I've literally never been in better shape. While my personal program exceeds some ten hours a week; someone can still meet and/or exceed the guaranteed results just three times a week at less than one half hour on each session.

 

Not bad. More of the documented results to follow.

 

 

Over the holiday weekend there was a series of three attacks in the NYC area; technically could be considered terrorism (more on that downplay later), or could be something else; and could also most probably be connected to other such attacks which have occured in the past which were linked to certain political targets such as embasy attacks.

 

What is also most ironic is the apparent (LACK of) media coverage of these events. Yes, so far it would appear as though there have been no deaths in the attacks- so far; but that also does not shadow the significance of the attacks. Up until now the attacks have been relatively minor and basically not much more than a step up from a variation of pipe bombs- but on a larger scale. Also noting that some have involved variations of placing an explosive device onto a parked/abandoned bicycle.

 

In also quite suprised that more NYC and federal law enforcement aren't all over this one. It's only a matter of time before they either escalate and/or take someone's life- or possibly much more. Yes something this small can cause damage to something such as a natural gas main, a large vehicle gasoline tank, or possibly even a gasoline tanker- and then we could also be talking (in addition to loss of life) also the possible loss of a rather large building- no joke.

 

-And to think that in major media it mostly made page tow news of about one paragraph. Most other major news organizations simply ignored it. Why??

 

The events that literally led up to 9/11 started out the same exact way. Our government and media also reported (in error) that we were dealing with "beginners" back then as well.

The email remains private for now- as does the few questions which were posted to this site- moved to a different site location to protect the privacy of those whom asked.

 

And now the answers.

 

Yes it was me in the Charleston area. Ironically I still happen to know more than a few people from the area; one of which happens to live just a block or so from my former wife- whom I have no further interest in. -And besides catching up with friends there were a few business transaction that transpired- one for profit, one a type of barter, and yet another which was a type of donation- of sorts.

 

I've been in the Charleston area twice in the past three weeks or so. In the past I could (besides visiting friends all over the place there) I could most recently be found visiting the boat docked near the University of Charleston- also occasionally docked almost directly across the river. Reminder to self- not to try to drive again as I almost bottomed out the twin screw boat in the Elk river. Also of interest to those whom noticed was the hull name of the boat- named after a Union was hero- but not a good idea to have that same name in a former confererate state- oops.

 

Also of interest was the few meeting between existing U.C. staff and students; some of whom also happened to specifically remember the former and the fact that she worked there up to relatively recently- on the overnight shift- in the cafeteria building.

 

I actually enjoyed my visits there- even though it happened to be without the company of the former wife. Perhaps there is a way to put all of this behind me after all; and maybe even move onto greener pastures.

A number of years back before the (in full) purchase of my most recent house; I was looking into the possibility of purchasing in the Pittsburgh market- while at the same time also looking into several areas in and around Charleston. Ironically I had a type of down payment on a property in Charleston when a sudden change in circumstances had occured- and by less than say twelve hours. At that time the house and property in Charleston was literally wiped out and later condemed by a flood.

 

And then just a matter of months after relocating to the Charleston area one of my major considerations for property that I was looking at here was also wiped out by flooding, as was one of my previous employers.

 

And then yesterday, again...

 

Charleston hit again in the same exact area by flooding. Ironically I also happen to still know and have contact with a number of people effected in that area- of of which as noticed by a recent posting I'm now electing to ignore. What's the odds?

 

To change subjects somewhat... Yes, this is somewhat of a series of natural disasters, but also more than that- also pointing to lack of infrastructure- something that effects a majority of areas throughout America. Yet when an area is effected by flooding, some people insist in rebuilding in the same areas which will most likely be flooded again- go figure.

 

And ironically one would also be most suprised at a majority of those same people which are effected by disasters are not usually covered by adequate insurance- which ends up sticking the bill to everyone else.

 

 

Nothing in this world means more to me than my daughter. Everything that I do is for her in one way or another. She suffered an enormous set-back when my former wife elected to abandon not only myself; but also her- my daughter.

 

My daugghter is managing to get back over those events somewhat, but still manages to inquire about my former wife on a rather regular basis. I am left to give her a somewhat (icing on the cake) version of some of what happened- as she is not yet old enough to completely understand the entire series of events.

 

And rather recently my daughter went through her communion; an event I consider to be rather substantial- part of a new beginning of which to continually build upon, and also a type of passing of the torch to her. It has also added to a new perspective on my part.

 

I now am completely giving up on my former wife Shirley Noreen Maule after numerous efforts to try to change things for the better for her. Yet even after all that has occured I still completely forgive her and can more than somewhat relate to a great deal of her upbringing that has made her the person she is.

 

She will remain in my prayers. Any person or family member of hers whom desires to attempt to contact her can always feel welcome to contact me reguarding her personal contact information. Yet most attempts to contact her have gone nowhere.

 

It remains a sad concluding chapter; especially from the times that both her and I shared together. Also noting in conclusion that if for some unlikely reason that things should change in her life that she can feel welcome to contact me and that any and all previous agreements can be modified.

 

This all being done in the best interests of my daughter.

To anyone happening to be a present student or alumni of the University of Charleston (Charleston, West Virginia); please feel welcome to contact me through this board regarding possible employment opprotunities and/or grant possibilities. Preferences given to those with more computer skills. More exact details to also be published in an upcoming Charleston Gazette.

At the present time I happen to own a Hyundai automobile. I've also owned numwerous other vehicles throughout my life with quite a variety of prices; some of which were many times the cost of my present vehicle. Also noting that I've also more than my share of American made vehicles.

 

Yet even though my present vehicle is also my least expensive one that I've ever owned, it also happens to be the most reliable; which would also happen to be the majority reason why I would also elect never to own another American vehicle again. Even while in excess of some ninety thousand miles my present car has only required minimal routine maintanance; such as tires, brakes, oil changes, and other routine items. As compared to my last American vechile which required many thousand of dollars just to barely keep running.

 

Just another reason why American car companies have failed to keep up the race.

A considerable amount of information has been learned about my former wife Shirley Noreen Maule recently. Basically her wereabouts are now known most of the time; from her present address, some of her neighbors, her two employers- ironically at about some two miles apart on the same exact road, her fellow employees and other which observe her at work, and even some of her recreational activities. So how exactly will all of this information be used?

 

Actually two cases are presently in the works. Such as proof that the sworn documents that she submitted in the divorce aren't exactly accurate. The second case is against her mismanagement of an estate and is being brought by another party; of which I'm "contributing to".

 

This kind of places me at odds. I still have a type of unconditional feeling towards her; as she used to be my wife. I was also really hoping that all of this could have been resolved in some other sort of way. Her inactions have literally given myself and other no other option but to continue in this manner.

 

Whom would have ever thought the following... That basically the best of friends and partners, be forced into the battle of divorce; and that even after the divorce journey is over that there are still so many unresolved issues. Yet I'd welcome reasonable efforts to try to resolve, yet she remains completely uncooperative to just about anyone trying to help or reach her. That given Shirl's considerable college background, her employment background, and her personal achievements that she would be working in the two fields that she presently is.

 

The next three months or so should prove interesting.

 

In closing; anyone happening to read this- know anyone whom has attended the University of Charleston since about 2007?

Being a professional full time photographer of well over twenty years, I tend to carry at least one camera everywhere; and occasionally I get a bit carried away with it. I can usually be spotted (on an almost daily basis) carrying around a rather oversized backpack weighing well over the forty pound range with at least one medium format camera. Then there's the other extreme of the range- I even admit to carrying cameras that are easily pocketable and some that almost are- such as a Leica 8.2- unfortunately not the expedition model.

 

Even if one happens to be strictly a very part time hobbyist- I'd still strongly suggest that one try to carry around (even a) small camera whenever possible; but also not to let it get in the way of things. Whom knows when that next Kodak moment will happen to come along?

 

Or on a rather grey side of the issue- whom knows when one will happen to come upon another misfortune- such as a car accident? Actually it happens to me quite on a regular basis. After making sure that everyone is alright; and that the authorities may have been properly notified, and then the scene properly secured- I'm off and taking pics to document it all. Even without injuries, there's at least one insurance company which would be interested in the results, and perhaps even law enforcement. The results sometimes pay well.

 

Then there'so the case in which I stumbled upon the other day. The weather was itself quite extreme; as it seems as though some of my best work isn't taken under the best of conditions. After ensuring that some rather expensive gear was well protected against the weather I clicked off well over one hundred pics.

 

The results (even unedited in an editing program named CS4) are enough to now find themselves in one of my many portfolios, and also will soon be working themselves into both publication and a gallery. Not a bad days work, and completely unplanned.

 

Wouldn't be bad if everyone was in this same boat...

 

Started out a part time job not too long ago; one with long term probabilities. Within some four months of being hired- I now have full time- not bad; and off to a good start. But it only gets better. Even in todays general "economic OUTLOOK" I got a raise of over twenty percent; which is to date the second largest raise I've ever earned. But better yet still; when the benefits are factored in the raise comes out to well over some forty percent- because it turns out that for some that benefits may not be taxable in all circumstances.

 

-And although the current economic conditions are shall we say noticable they haven't effected this particular type of industry or job. It actually looks above average; especially in the long term career outlook. A lot of effort placed towards this goal.

 

In other news...

 

Wishing that I could be somewhat more particular in a public forum... Efforts still continue to take place in reguards to Shirl. On the good side of things; I'm now in the process of making a number of reservations for one of her relatives; and also lending financial support towards those efforts as well. There will be some rather noticable changes that ever she will notice within the next few weeks and months.

 

Also learning more about the existing factors which at the time contributed towards the divorce; such as the "control factor". Even well before I officially knew her she was effected by this; yet somehow had the power to leave a certain organization before. The similiar instance would be the control issue. Given the amount of hours she was working she was somewhat more at risk under the control factors. Eventually ending up in being "talked into" leaving by an outside party.

 

Given the fact that she did indeed leave this type of organization in the past adds to a number of peoples hopes in that it may indeed happen again.

It appears as though a lot of "this" started just after the tragic events of 9/11. Almost as sad and tragic as the events of that day is what the United States government's answers were.

 

First there would be the Patriot Act. Not only was it passed by most people in Washington without even being read or even briefly reviewed... It still remains as being only minorly refined- and for the worse might I add. It makes ordinary and average American feel like criminals and prisoners in their own country. Also makes the Bill of Rights and the Constitution into something that doesn't quite exist anymore.

 

It alaso makes America look more and more like a socialist country; or perhaps even a communist one.

 

Case in point to add to the Patriot Act...

 

For the upcoming events which will be the transfer of power from one President to another in Washington... Has anyone had the chance to view all of the restrictions placed on visitors in public places and venues- such as all streetside locations?

 

It limits and restricts items such as BANNING the use of baby strollers, backpacks, and even "certain" beverage containers.

 

I do realize that two issues still do exist such as... Protecting Americans from events such as 9/11, and also the facts that technically the United States still is at war, but... To place such restrictions on Americans whom happen to be at a public event- outdoors and at the side of a street.

 

This is definately not the America that I was born in; nor has it turned into the America that the writters and signors of the Constitution envisioned.

And now the not so good news...

 

As the holidays approach... Basically it appears as though nobody has heard from Shirl, even within her remaining family. What answers were once known by her former (now deceased) mother have passed with her. Shirl is now the only person knowing many answers, of which she doesn't appear to be sharing with anyone.

 

I could somewhat understand that she might not want to share them with me, but... To excluse and close out her entire family??

 

Perhaps the ship that approaches the rocks in the fog will eventually acknowledge a lighthouse.

It's been just over one year since I've owned my current Bowflex gym. It still delivers exactly as promised.

 

As was specifically written within the guarantee, yes I even noticed results in the first six weeks. Today the results sre still very much there.

 

I'm presently exceeding a 4000 (not a typo) calorie regimand, yet am able to maintain a better healthier self than the average twenty-five year old- even though I'm presently 42. By the book all of the numbers are simply remarkeable and basically through the roof.

 

Although the present so called food intake is a bit extreme; as is my present work out plan- which exceeds some eight hours a week... Almost anyone could benefit by this type of gym- as is literally guaranteed. -And might I also note that one doesn't have to spend those types of hours or that type of dedication. results can most definately be noticed in about just two hours a week.

 

To put some icing on the cake... The customer service part of the company- which although it is a Bowflex gym, the company is part of Nautilus... The customer service still remains at an A++ rating in my book.

 

More work out specs in the near future.

Let me first start out by elaborating a bit further into that headline... Yes my photographic work was published on (at this exact time) two nationwide "media outlets" and also was properly credited to me. Although as a twenty plus year full time professional photographer I've tended to notice exactly what i prefer to specialize in; which would be a more creative type of work.

 

This was more as an independent type of news and information gathering source (not exactly creative in nature) ; also noting that there were many other professionals at the site as well. An interesting note- it appears (to the best of my knowledge) that I was also the first on the site of the incident- besides the law enforcement and other emergency responders.

 

Unfortunately I'm not permitted by contractual agreement to allow for posting a link using this particulat site. But if one were to very minorly research it further it wouldn't be too difficult to find my material.

 

A bit more into the story... In a locale not to far from my present residence in the (northern) residental Pittsburgh area a person with a rather lengthy criminal record was being served at a residence. During this process (exact details excluded out of respect) a federal officer was shot fatally.

 

I arrived not long after most of that had transpired. My behind the camera work made it into the media; as I was also even included in some of the other reports. If you don't happen to catch my work by example... Just be sure to look out for the person with the very oversized cameras and (black & gold, Lowe) backpack.

 

I can also still accurately state that the law enforcement coverage was observed as quite adequate and professional. Couldn't happen bu notice at least six aircraft within close airspace, and also two unmanned remote controlled military aircraft.

 

In conclusion the deepest of regrets for the federal officer whom passed in the line of duty today. Also for those in his family, the officers friends, and those thaty worked with the officer.

 

I'll be glued to national news until the perp remains behind bars.

It's terribly difficult to believe certain issues like this can actually occur in the United States of America; and that they also occur with as much frequency as they do.

 

Imagine that... Most felons that happen to be serving time get items such as... Cable television, paid for in full accredited education- sometimes completely and exactly the same as one would pay many tens of thousands of dollard for, and a rather full healthcare package to include such items as-- full medical, dental, vision, hearing, and even psychological. The next question would be- I'm wondering how much these benefits cost the average working American?

 

--And next... Never guess what the percentage is of average Americans outside of that same system whom don't have any coverage at all, or coverage that is severly lacking, or not quite enough in that the above average in hospital stay might completely (and literally) bankrupt them?

 

--And then there's this post which would normally name someone by name; whom shall now remain nameless, in which... In their forties; under normally excellent physical (and far above average) health is facing a type of dental health problem/issue.

 

Guess what? Not covered- oops.

 

You'll also never guess what the cost is to correct this (or rather these) issues.

 

In conclusion. The above mentioned person is far from alone in this problem. I'm not alone in wondering what went seriously wrong in this country. Perhaps the above mentioned person might even have to consider their up to present stance in taking the high (moral and hardworking) road in life- and now consider getting sentenced so that they may resolve their problem. It almost sounds like a terrible joke; yet might be a very valid concern.

The book itself is not rare; but also not on the shelves available to consumers just yet.

 

The title... The Shadow Factory, which should technically be released sometime by the end of this month. Unfortunately I don't have any further access to any additional information about the book at this time; such as a the reference number for the book.

 

It's also a rather interesting (yet a bit deep) topic. It's bound to make the reader a bit on the paranoid side, and for good reason. Because since the unfortunate series of events on the date of 9/11; the overall "rights" of the average American have substantially dwindled- to say the very least..

 

This book, along with the (network) ABC report which uncovered certain events which have transpired from the N.S.A. shows how little privacy actually exists for Americans-- and also how big brother has card blanche into any aspect of any citizens life.

 

 

Through conversations with those whom have known Shirl over the years... Those few people have managed to sell me on the idea of-- that perhaps someday it might be worth saving the effort for. In other words- not to give up on her completely just yet.

 

Although also noting that it is a rather difficult sell. Especially because, not only has she given up on our former (immediate) family; which most importantly includes my daughter... But she has basically given up on her entire family.

 

In a way she's been through a somewhat similar instance in the past, and somehow managed to recover. Perhaps she'll manage to pull through again.

 

In other news... Really there isn't any other news, besides having a somewhat recent career change.

 

Still would welcome any ideas and/or contributions that anyone might have- even if they might lean to being a bit critical.