The World as I See It

Earthquake!

2011-08-23T15:44:00.000-04:00

An earthquake Tuesday afternoon was felt in New York City. No damage was reported but 9-1-1 calls flooded into police and people were jamming wireless phone networks.

Earthquake Felt in New York City: MyFoxNY.com

Police pleaded with people to only use emergency numbers for true emergencies.
The source of the tremors was a 5.9-magnitude earthquake with an epicenter in central Virginia , about 36 miles northwest of Richmond.
Chairs swayed and papers moved in the Fox 5 building on the Upper East Side. People also felt a sway in the Empire State Building.
New York City Hall was briefly evacuated in the aftermath of the quake, but occupants were allowed back in.
"Like people up and down the East Coast, New Yorkers across the five boroughs felt the effect of this afternoon's earthquake in Virginia," said Mayor Michael Bloomberg, in a statement. "I've spoken with our Police and Fire Commissioners, and we've activated the Office of Emergency Management's Situation Room and spoken to other city agencies, including the Department of Buildings. Thankfully, there are no reports of significant damage or injuries in New York City at this time."
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said that the state's Office of Emergency Management was monitoring effects in the state from the earthquake.
"Currently, there have been no reports of damage to buildings, bridges, roads, power grids, the Indian Point nuclear power plant, or other infrastructure," Cuomo said in a statement.
JetBlue has halted flights in a temporary "ground stop" to "asses the earthquake's impact," according to its Twitter feed. The FAA reportedly evacuated the control towers at Newark and JFK Airports as a precaution in the moments after the shaking was felt. That started a series of flight delays at the airports.

Facebook

2011-08-06T18:11:00.002-04:00

I finally broke down and joined facebook. I'm not sure why I have been resisting this for so long, but I was very reluctant to get started on this. I think it's because of all the bad things I have heard about facebook being able to destroy marriages and relationships. I would never want something like that to happen to me! I realize that it's not actually facebook that destroyed the relationship, but the people involved who are unable to resist temptations and maybe joined looking for something like that to begin with but still, it did not make me want to rush into having a account.
I initially signed up to participate in a photography contest in which you had to have a facebook account to enter. I did not win, but I am now able to stay in touch with all my relatives. One of my cousins had made a family page where all of us can stay in touch even though our family is spread across the country. I think that's a really great idea! I'm really happy I signed up!

I've Been Published!!!

2010-03-31T19:03:00.002-04:00

I am so excited that one of my photographs have been published in a travel book about Walt Disney World, one of my most favorite places on earth! The book I am in is The Unofficial Guide: The Color Companion to Walt Disney World. The Unofficial Guide has long been one of the best travel guides for the Disney Theme Parks, and the Orlando, Florida region and now they have expanded their line by offering this great book filled with lots of fantastic Disney pictures and park information.
Most of the pictures are taken by people in the Flickr Disney community. I am friends with most of them, and think all of them are awesome photographers. Several of them, in fact, I am surprised are not acting as photographers professionally! All of them are very nice and friendly people, and I feel honored to be counted among such a talented group for this book. I am hoping that I will be able to visit Disney World this summer, so that I can work on getting some good photos. If I do, maybe I can be considered for next years edition as well! In the photo below, taken from the beginning of the book, I am listed in the first column, Gary Burke.

Happy St Patrick's Day!

2010-03-18T19:51:00.026-04:00

Happy St Patrick's Day!
I cannot believe it has been so long since I have written anything here. I just sort of fell out of the habit I guess. I am really going to try to start writing on a more regular basis. I hope I can stick to it!
yesterday was St. Patrick's Day, and I went to see the parade here in New York City. I had never gone to see this parade before, but had always wanted to. I am very happy I did. I am told that we have the largest celebration of St. Patrick's Day here in New York City then anywhere else in the world!
I really felt proud of my own Irish heritage while I was at the parade. I don't really ever think much about it, considering myself to simply be an American, but I was really feeling Irish pride at the parade! I hope I don't lose this feeling too quickly.. I was thinking a lot of my father too, who had passed on several years ago. He was very proud of his Irish background and tried to instill that in his children. I remember he used to always watch the parade on television, but I don't think he ever actually saw it live. I would have liked to take him to see the parade with me yesterday. I know he would have really loved it....

St Patrick's Day Fans

Laura Ling & Euna Lee Released!

2009-08-06T10:09:00.005-04:00

It's great to hear that these two reporters are back from North Korea! I am sure they went through a terrible ordeal, and are so happy to be back home with their families. I am very curious to hear about their experiences in the North Korean prisons. I am guessing their version of a justice system and prison life is quite harsh!
I am not really into politics, but it seems to me that North Korea handed Euna Lee and Laura Ling over to Bill Clinton very quickly. I don't really understand that, since North Korea usually seems to be very defiant and difficult in their dealings with the rest of the world. I wanted to know the details of what Bill Clinton did to make them release the two reporters, but I cant find anything about it at all! What sort of a deal was made and why is it being kept so quiet? It makes me feel like something is going on here.. I would like to think maybe Bill Clinton issued some sort of ultimatum to the North Korea government, and they quickly gave in to our demands and returned our people, but I doubt that was the case. More then likely some sort of secret deal was made for their release but what was it? It must be something really bad for it to be kept so tightly under wraps..

Splash Mountain Celebrates 20th Anniversary

2009-07-22T09:26:00.002-04:00

Splash Mountain
Originally uploaded by Klingon65

The thrill of plummeting down a water chute, screaming and making a giant splash are just as exciting today as they were on July 17, 1989, when Splash Mountain opened in Critter Country at Disneyland park. Guests continue to celebrate the journey through a magical world in a hollowed-out log, singing along with characters on classic songs such as “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” and enjoying this very special “laughing place.”
Splash Mountain opened its gates as a groundbreaking attraction, becoming one in a line of treasured “mountains” at the Disneyland Resort. With innovative technology and Disney creativity, the lavish production gives guests an escape from reality and immerses them into a fantasy world.
Guests board one of the logs and begin their journey, twisting and turning through sparkling waters and climbing to the top of the 87-foot tall mountain. Along the way, guests are greeted by more than 100 characters who are playing and singing time-honored classic songs from Walt Disney’s 1946 animated film, “Song of the South.” While ascending to the top, playful vultures taunt riders about their fast-approaching and imminent decline. Once at the peak, riders take a thrilling five-story, 52-foot drop down a steep descent, making a huge “splash” into the awaiting pond below. Once safely at the bottom, and with “plenty of sunshine” headed their way, guests are treated to what is commonly known as the Disney “national anthem”, “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah.” Here, riders are encouraged to sing along, come again and have some more fun with the mischievous, yet comical characters.
When it opened, Splash Mountain starred one of the largest casts of animated characters of the time. Today, Splash Mountain continues to be a favorite attraction, partly because it reaches the fastest speed of all rides at Disneyland Park, at approximately 40 miles an hour. With its rich heritage, cast of characters, catchy songs, and white-knuckle adventure, “Splash Mountain” continues to be a thrilling journey.

Space Mountain Refurbishment

2009-07-12T17:03:00.002-04:00

Space Mountain
Originally uploaded by Klingon65

Space Mountain, the popular roller coaster ride at the Magic Kingdom has been closed for a major refurbishment. Disney first shut Space Mountains doors on April 19, 2009 and it will remain closed until November 21, 2009.
I think this attraction was really due for a major overhaul, but I am not sure what changes will be made to the ride, and if I even want any changes to be done. This was one of the first roller coasters I ever rode on, and it was also the first roller coaster my daughter ever rode, so there are many memories attached to this ride. When we visit the Magic Kingdom, our family usually rides this several times.
Some of the Disney refurbishments have been good, and improved the ride, like the Haunted Mansion and the Pirates of the Caribbean. Some I am a bit less enthusiastic about, like the Tiki Room: Under New Management. One refurbishment I found very disappointing was the Journey Into Imagination in Epcot. I would love to see that attraction restored to the way it used to be!
I guess everyone will find out all the changes that the Disney Imagineers made this November. I just hope they will be all changes for the better!

Michael Jackson Memorial Service

2009-07-08T19:12:00.009-04:00

Now that this huge Michael Jackson spectacle is over, can we finally start hearing about other things in the news? I am sorry he died, and feel bad for his kids and the rest of the Jackson family for having lost him, but its time to say enough already! I have never seen, or heard of, any sort of funeral services like this for anyone ever! It was all just too over the top and seemed a little forced for me.
Al Sharpton was as ridiculous as ever, telling the Jackson kids that "There wasn't nothing strange about your Daddy. What was strange was what your Daddy had to deal with. But he dealt with it anyway." How can he even keep a straight face as he says something like this?! I don't know how well the rest of the country, or world, know Al Sharpton, but here in New York City, Sharpton is considered a self-promoting political radical who is to blame, in part, for the deterioration of race relations here in NYC.
I have never heard Mariah Carey singing so badly. I know she was upset, and very choked up, but I expected a lot better from her. Her low cut dress was completely inappropriate for a funeral. It gave her a cheap and trashy look. Would it really kill her to cover her chest and look a bit classy for one whole afternoon?
Some other things I am wondering.. Who paid for this whole Memorial Service? I am sure it must have cost quite a bit to pay for the use of the Staples Center in Los Angeles, plus all the workers and security officers involved. Is this being paid by the California tax payers, the Jackson Family, or others? Where was Diana Ross? I thought that her and Michael were so close? If that was true, why didn't she bother to show up for his memorial service? She sent a message, but I really expected more from her. What happened? Just curious..

Monorail Accident

2009-07-05T09:30:00.006-04:00

A driver of the Walt Disney World Monorail System was killed when two monorail trains collided early Sunday.
Witnesses said the trains collided around 2 a.m. Sunday on the Epcot track of the Transportation and Ticket Center, located at the parking lot of the Magic Kingdom, as guests were leaving the park following a Fourth of July fireworks show.
The Reedy Creek Fire Department told News 13 the driver was pronounced dead on the the scene, and another driver was taken to the hospital.
Fire officials said five guests were on the monorails at the time, but none of them were injured.
There was no immediate word on what caused the wreck.
According to witnesses, one monorail train slammed into the back of the other.
Crews had to cut the driver who died out of the train.
Sunday’s wreck marks the first fatal accident in the Walt Disney World Monorail System’s nearly 38 years of operation.
Disney’s theme parked reopened as scheduled at 9 a.m. Sunday, but park officials told News 13 the entire monorail system will remain out of service until further notice as investigation and cleanup continues.

Some Monorail System Facts

The Walt Disney World Monorail system debuted when the resort first opened in 1971 with two routes.
In 1982, the system expanded to three lines as Epcot first opened.
The entire monorail system currently comprises 14.7 miles of track, transporting about 50 million guests every year between the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and various Disney resorts.
The current trains have been in use since 1989. Each train is just over 203 feet long, consisting of six cars that can carry up to a total of 364 passengers.
Each train is driven by eight, 113-horsepower motors.
The maximum speed during normal operations is 40 mph.
Disney officials said at any given time, there must be at least two holdpoints between a given train and the train ahead of it.
When the train detects there are fewer than two holdpoints between itself and the preceding train, the emergency brakes are immediately applied and cannot be released until sufficient spacing becomes available, or the operator explicitly overrides the system.
There was no immediate word on how Sunday morning’s wreck happened.

The Lost Boys

2009-07-03T17:37:00.004-04:00

I would have to say that this is one of the best vampire movies I have ever seen. I loved it when it first came out, and after watching it again recently, it's still as good as I remember. Not really all that scary, and with some humor thrown in for good measure, "The Lost Boys" is a great watch. I don't really get the R rating, since there is not too much there to be objectionable. I see movies now that are a lot worse getting a PG-13. Maybe the ratings system was stricter in the 80's? Anyway, go out and rent it today, it's definitely worth it! 5 stars!!

Michael Jackson Dies

2009-07-02T20:30:00.005-04:00

I could not believe it when I heard, but Michael Jackson is now dead at the young age of 50. Now,there have been so many stories circulating around about how he died, and all sorts of charges of drug abuse, phony prescriptions and alcohol that is going to take a long time, if ever, for it all to be sorted out.
One of the things that is really bothering me about Michael's death is how everyone is going on and on about how wonderful a person he was, that he was a hero for everyone, his music was the "soundtrack for our generation" and more. But yet, when he was alive, not many good things were said about him, at least not for the last several years. He was often known as "Wacko Jacko" and considered to be some sort of eccentric and bizarre misfit living in a fantasy world. After the child molestation trials, Michael was vilified and things became so bad for him that he felt he had to leave America and go live in the Middle East!
I was never really a big fan of Michael Jackson, but I think he was a brilliant entertainer. He will be missed. I feel bad that people would not say how much they cared about him until after he was gone. I think he would have liked to hear it. It's sad that people won't appreciate others until after they are gone.

Star Trek Movie

2009-06-19T23:21:00.004-04:00

I was lucky enough to see the film at the AMC IMAX theater in Times Square, NYC, and I loved it! It's really great to see Star Trek becoming popular again! For years the franchise has been slipping into obscurity, but this movie will really bring it back, I think. There is enough here to satisfy the old school fans as well as the new watchers who may not be all that familiar with the characters. I will admit that there was quite a few things that did not really mesh with the world of the original series Star Trek, like the odd romance between Spock and Uhura, but I can overlook it. I also would have liked the Romulans to be more like the Romulans I am used to. All of the cast for this movie was amazing and really fit their parts well. The real standouts were Karl Urban as Dr McCoy and Zachary Quinto as Spock. My only disappointment was that my favorite race, the Klingons, were missing from this movie, and only mentioned in passing. Maybe they will be featured more prominently in the sequels? I sure hope so!

Disney Photo Challenge Group

2009-06-17T18:45:00.005-04:00

Blizzard Beach
Originally uploaded by Klingon65

I am part of a Flickr group called Disney Photo Challenge. This is a contest type group in which themes are introduced and then 10 people can post their best shot to fit the theme of the contest. All of the entries are Disney themed photos of course! The winner is decided upon by the members of the group, who vote on their favorite photo. The winner is allowed to place their picture in the group pool, so everyone can see their pictures. Many of the people in this group are very talented and I am inspired by their efforts. I feel I am learning a lot about technique, perspective and style by seeing so many different views of the Disney Parks. I have learned so much that I would like to try the next time I visit the parks.
One of the things that I really like about Flickr is the community feeling you get by participating in the different groups. This is especially true in the Disney Photo Challenge group. There is a good feeling of friendship and camaraderie among most of the members of this group, united by our love of photography and everything Disney. I always try to contribute to the contests, when I can, and have been lucky enough to have won quite a few. This shot of Blizzard Beach at Walt Disney World is one of my winning photos. If you think a group like this would appeal to you, please join us! Everyone is always welcome!

A Visit to B&H Photo

2009-06-15T20:32:00.005-04:00

I recently went to B&H Photo for the first time recently. Wow! This is now one of my favorite stores! This place has everything for the photographer! I saw so many things I wanted to get, some of which I did not even realize that I wanted until I saw them!
The place is quite crowded, and a bit frantic, but its the very best place to go if you are shopping for photography equipment. One of the things I really like about it this place is that everything is left out on display, so you can try playing with things and see how you like them. I found the next photo bag I want, a Kata DR-467, by being able to try out all the different bags on display. This will be my next purchase at B&H, I think.
What I got this day though, was a new lens for my Canon EOS Rebel T1i. I got the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS and I am really happy with it. I would have really loved a faster lens, but maybe I can trade up sometime down the road. For now, this lens has really been working well for me.
The staff working at B&H are very knowledgeable, polite and helpful. I had a few questions about some filters, and the associate I asked was able to answer all of my questions patiently and in depth. Because of the store being so crowded, I would recommend knowing what you want before you get there, otherwise you will be simply overwhelmed by the selection and choices available. What I did was to go to their website, add the things I wanted to the shopping cart, printed it out and took that to the store with me. It really expedited my shopping experience and made everything a lot smoother.
A lot of the camera stores in New York City have a very bad reputation, deservedly so, but B&H is the best there is, in my opinion. I am really glad I live here in NYC, so I can go there whenever I like. I have never tried ordering things from their website, since I am so close to the store, but I have heard lots of good things about them from people who have. I cannot recommend this store highly enough! If you are ever in the area, try visiting just for the experience.

A Visit to Outback Steakhouse

2009-06-01T19:47:00.006-04:00

Recently, I went out to have dinner at the Outback Steakhouse. This has always been one of my favorite chain restaurants, but this trip left me disappointed and wondering where the Outback Steakhouse now stands in my restaurant rankings.

This photo above is more what the Outback used to look like. I liked the low lighting and the touches that made it have an Australian look and feel. I don't know if others are still this way, but the one I visited was not like this anymore. It was a lot brighter and just sort of generic feeling, as if the restaurant has lost it's personality or something.
The second thing I was disappointed with was the new menu. Some of my family's favorite choices are no longer available! I usually used to get the No Rules Burger or the Mad Max Burger. Neither of these meals are listed on the menu any longer. The Drover's Platter is gone too. Their new menu seems to offer a lot less selection, and, unfortunately, higher prices. At least the Blooming Onion is still there. That's always been my favorite thing to eat at the Outback!
The thing that really made me start thinking about how much I really like this restaurant anymore was when I asked the waitress about a promotional menu I saw on TV, with new meals starting at $9.95 and going up to $15.00. I did not see anything on the menu about it, so I asked if this Outback Steakhouse was participating in that promotion. She informed me that they were, but there was no listing as to what meals were included. To get that price, you have to ask what meals off the main menu are included, and then, if you ask for it, they will let you have it for the discounted price. If you don't ask about it, you will just be charged whatever is the normal menu price. I think this is a very deceptive and underhanded way to treat your customers. Most people will not know to ask about these discount menu items, because nothing is ever said on the menu or by the staff. Outback Steakhouse might as well not even have this promotion, because I am doubting many people will get it. This is very wrong, I think. It really gave me a bad feeling about this place. I don't know if this situation exists with all the Outbacks, or just the one I visited. I am hoping it is just this particular one. I expect it will be a while before I would go back to this place. Sad, because this used to be one of my favorite restaurants.

Car Trouble

2009-04-28T17:49:00.005-04:00

Recently, I had to have my car serviced. This is never a good thing for me because it winds up being expensive, and it is also very inconvenient because I have the problem of how am I going to get to work. I live in New York City, which has great public transportation, but I work on Long Island, where transportation is almost non-existent.
The problem, as it turned out, was a "known issue" that Toyota has with it's Rav4 cars made between 2001 and 2003. I have the 2002 model, so I am right in the middle of this group. Something in the cars main computer was causing parts of the transmission to burn out, and, if it was not quickly replaced, it will destroy the transmission!

I brought my car in for service right away, and was told my car needs the chip in the transmission replaced but every thing else was fine. I missed a days work, and paid $800. Ouch! Everything was fine, I was assured, and the problem would not come back. The very next morning, I tried to drive to work, and the car started acting up again, with the service engine light coming on. I brought the car back to the service center, missed another day of work, and was told that the cars whole computer would need to be replaced to fix this "known issue" with the Rav4's.
I asked why Toyota has not done a recall, or will fix this free of charge since its a defect with the manufacture that they knew about and admitted to, and was told that Toyota has no plans to do anything about this problem because it will "cost them too much money". I was shocked by this dismissive attitude from Toyota, a company I always felt cared about their customers. When I told them this, they just laughed, and said it's not their problem.
The total cost to fix this car was nearly $3500! Had I known it would have been that much right from the start, I think I would have used that as a down payment on a new car instead, being that my car is already 7 years old now. The total repair time took nearly a week, so my wife and I had to share her car in order to get to work, inconveniencing both of us.
For my next car, I don't think I would get a Toyota again because of their attitude and the way they refused to fix something they already know is a defective piece in the car. I feel bad about that, because I have always really loved my Rav4 and would have gotten another one when the time came. Now, I think I would consider more the Honda C-RV or the Element.

Two Good Dogs

2009-04-05T01:36:00.005-04:00

Our family just watched the movie "Marley & Me" today on DVD. It was a really great film, with lots of funny scenes, but the ending was so sad. The thing that really impressed me about this movie is the wonderful and touching way it was able to show the depth of the relationship between us and our pets. For most people, a pet is not just an animal, they are a beloved part of our family.
During the ending of "Marley & Me" I was thinking a lot about the two dogs my own family has, and how upset we would be if it was either of them in Marley's place. Yes, Yoshi and Gizmo have been known to chew things up, pee on the floor occasionally, or get into other sorts of trouble. And yes, it can be a real hassle to take them for walks in the rain or snow. Weekend getaways have become a thing of the past because of who will watch them? But we will deal with all of this, and more, for our dogs. They are a part of our family. They are OUR DOGS, and we love them.
A person who has never owned a dog has missed a wonderful part of life. A dog does not care if you are right or wrong, if you are rich or poor, if you are silly or wise, or if you are a sinner or a saint. Come luck or misfortune, whether honor or shame, a dog will always stand by you, ready to comfort you, guard you, and give his life for you.
I have always loved this quote... I desire to become the wonderful person that my dog thinks I am

These are our two Shih-Tzu dogs, Yoshi and Gizmo. Yoshi is wearing the red harness, Gizmo has purple. They are two good dogs.

Topaz Adjust

2009-04-01T19:15:00.009-04:00

I am really getting into a filter I found out about for Photoshop. Its called Topaz Adjust, and it really makes photos pop! It gives them an almost HDR look, with amazing colors. Here are a few examples of some of my photos processed with Topaz Adjust. If you would like to see more like this, check out my pictures in my Flickr account.

New Camera Soon?

2009-03-31T22:53:00.005-04:00

I really love photography, and have been doing great with my Pentax Optio W10, but I feel like I have been outgrowing it lately. I want a camera that lets me be more creative and hone my photographic skills. I would love to take the step up to a DSLR, but the price of one has been holding me back, thanks to our current economy. I have been saving for a while now, and after spending a long time looking and doing research, I think I have found the model I want. Canon's new EOS Rebel T1i seems like it has every thing that I ever wanted in a camera! I was really leaning more towards a Nikon, but this new model from Canon sounds fantastic! It wont be released until some time in May, so I still have some time to save a bit more..
If you would like to see what I have been doing with my Pentax Optio W10, take a look at my Flickr account. Let me know what you think..