Jonathon Miller » Silly Things People Do

Don’t Hire This Guy

admin — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:24:34 +0000

I know I am not the worlds best wedding photographer. There are a lot of things I will do differently, if I ever shoot another wedding. I, however, never fell in the water. Even with the ceremony was across the pool. At least his assistant was on top of it, and went for the camera first.

Fun Flight Time

admin — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 03:15:57 +0000

Laughing Squid ran a piece on this Luftansa flight today. Why, oh why can my flights not be more like this one.

Camera Barabie???

admin — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 20:24:14 +0000

Canon 7D vs. Barbie Video Girl from Brandon Bloch on Vimeo.

Wow. There is no respect left for the venerable camera. They will cram one into anything these days. As you can see, there is still no comparison for a good high quality camera. Looks like Barbie will need to step up her game if she wants to play in the big leagues. Thanks to Brandon Bloch for bringing this to everyone’s attention. Be sure to check out his other videos.

Maybe Canon should make a Barbie themed 7D.

The Great Typo Hunt

admin — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 19:00:16 +0000

They did it. Jeff Deck and Benjamin Herson actually did it. In 2008 these grammar crusaders did what many of us who love language wish we could. Armed with their typo correction kit (e.g., Sharpies, White-Out and chalk), they traveled the country correcting typos in public signage. Then, wrote a book about it, i.e., The Great Typo Hunt.

On their two and a half month mission they completed a circuitous route around the United Sates and did as much learning about race relations, education, and workplace issues as they did correcting of typos.

They have since written a book and launched a second tour of the country, this time to promote their book. I wonder how much correcting they’ll be doing this time? They’ll be in San Francisco in September, maybe I can ask them my self.

What crazy typos have you seen out there? Send me a picture, the best one will win a prize. A typo free prize. Winner will be chosen the first week of September.

Life is Peachy

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:00:18 +0000

Peach pie anyone?

Over at Hack A Day they have all kinds of camera hacks. My only regret is that I can’t try them all. Oh cruel fate, why have you stricken me with such little time. This most recent pressure triggered rig looks like a lot of fun and is a great addition to all the stop-motion rigs out there. I’m just afraid I would hit my camera instead of the peach. As you can see, if you can aim you chunk of rebar in the dark, you are in store for some awesome stop-motion pictures. Eadweard Muybridge would be proud. Check out their post, and let me know if you get a chance to try it.

Useful Tips via Make

admin — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:55:09 +0000

When I have the time, I enjoy working in my garage. Growing up, I picked up a number of tricks from my Dad, Step-Dad, Grandfather, Father-in-law and other various males influences (both good and bad) and do my best to pass them on (both good and bad). I just found these great tips for the perpetual tinkerer over at the Make Blog and had to pass them on.

Two Gentlemen of Verona

admin — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 21:24:46 +0000

One of my favorite summer rituals is Shakespeare in the Park produced by the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival. I enjoy attending the performance of a Shakespearean play I have never seen on stage; their are not many left. I haven’t even gotten around to reading this one. Two Gentlemen of Verona shares themes with many works by the great bard: confused love, questionable commitment, cross dressing. I won’t go further into any sort of analysis because it has been done time and again by those much more scholarly than I. Besides, it would be in appropriate to offer any analysis when I haven’t read the play for myself. I hate relying on someone else’s interpretation to make my conclusions. I will say, however, that Silvia’s character was masterful and I would love to see the actor who played Luchetta perform again.

I am always somewhat inspired by Shakespeare in the Park and usually find myself making my own study of whatever masterpiece they are offering. This year will be no different, I just have not gotten around to it. I typical learn something about Shakespeare and his work from this process, but this year I discovered something unexpected. Shakespeare tried to hide it, I guess he doesn’t want it well known, but I caught it. Lucky for you I am will to share. According to master William, love is, in fact, a potato. That’s right. He says it plain as day in Two Gentlemen of Verona. See for yourself: Act II, Scene iv, Line 91. Valentine informs Sylvia that, “Why, lady, Love hath twenty pair of eyes.” The only thing I have ever seen with twenty pair of eyes is, a potato.

He could not be more correct. Love is never clean. We often have to dig deep for love and trudge through the mud to find and feed love. And then my friends, just when we think we have love figured out, that we can let it rest, our in attention allows unwanted growths to sprout from our love, and, if they are not addressed, will render love unpalatable.

So there you have it. Love = Potato

Be sure to tell that special someone, “I potato you.” often.

Back to Work

admin — Sat, 22 May 2010 05:12:01 +0000

So things have been crazy. The last twelve months have been filled with despair and heartache, but things are on the turn. I have finally found the time to get back to the things I love: bikes, music, writing, comic books, photography and a general assortment of geeky pastimes. In pursuit of those past times; tonight, editing photos-tomorrow Maker Faire. What is Maker Faire you ask. If you actually follow my intermittent musings, I would expect you know already. If not, it is only the greatest gathering of do it yourself creative types ever. It’s at the San Mateo Events Center I will be there all day in my geeky glory. Look for some posts from the faire and I’ll be Tweeting all day. If you happen to be there let me know where to track you down.

See you there.

Silly Things People Do – Urban Iditarod 2010

admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:59:45 +0000

So I’m not sure exactly what the Urban Iditarod is, but I’m going to find out. It looks like just a great reason to get a bunch of folks together in the city and get crazy. Check out the piece of at Laughing Squid for all the info. For the most part it seems like you just have to show up with your team, a cart and twenty bucks at the Willy Mays statue in front of the ballpark at before 1P.M. Checking out pictures from the Urban Iditarods that take place around the country was enough to convince me that I need to see this for myself. I don’t know if I’ll rock the Lucha mask, but I may dig out the Ren Faire costume.

Scrap together a team and steal shopping cart. I’ll see you there.

Help Save Jimmy’s Old Car Picnic

admin — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:01:40 +0000

This news just came across my path – and it should take first in the “Silly Things People Do” department. Jimmy’s Old Car Picnic is an awesome, all inclusive car show that has been held every year in San Francisco, California for the past twenty one years. It’s a favorite show for a number of auto enthusiasts in the area and beyond. You will find cars of all makes and models at Jimmy’s, they’re not limited to just one make or time period. The cross section of people you find there is just as fascinating.

According to Laughing Squid Jimmy’s Old Car Picnic is in danger of being no more. The city of San Francisco has denied the permit application for this year’s show. Please, please help by going to Laughing Squid and signing the online petition to save Jimmy’s Old Car Picnic.