A 'lil HooHaa

Messing with the blogging world since 2005

Events

Foto Friday: Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photo Walk

Zhin-Li was born at Ross Park Zoo on June 18, 2013. The day of the WWPW was the first day Zhin-Li had come outside with his mother, Mei-Li.

Each year, well-known photographer Scott Kelby organizes a worldwide photo walk. It’s the sixth year this event has been held and it has grown each year. Though I’ve known about it for a few years, last year was my first official walk. I traveled to Schenectady to hit a smaller event and it was quite a bit of fun.

This year, I chose to head to Binghamton, where a walk was being held at the Ross Park Zoo.

An Amur Leopard.

What is the photo walk, you may want to know? Basically, people organize photo walks around the world and register them on the site. Other photographers can search and join a walk. The groups meet at the time and spot chosen by the walk leader and then head out to take photos. When done, some will go have a bite to eat and talk some photography.

The site explains the walk as this:

It’s a social photography event where photographers get together (usually in a downtown area or trendy section of town) to walk around, shoot photos, and generally have fun with other photographers.

From there, each photographer can (if they choose) upload a photo to their walk page. The leader chooses a winning photo, which is entered into the worldwide contest. The winner of that walks away with an amazing prize pack, as do some finalists.

Each of the two events I’ve gone to have been smaller, so a little more loose. I’m not sure if I’d want to go to one of the events where it’s filled (50 people) as I think that could get crazy. But who knows, maybe it would be kind of cool.

This arctic fox was gorgeous.

Anyway, I had never been to Ross Park Zoo, so this was exciting. The zoo is small, but has quite a few cool things.

Especially on this day.

See, three months ago, a red panda was born in the zoo. This was going to be the first day it went outside with its mother. How cool is that?

The walk was scheduled to be about two hours long and we went about 2 1/2. It was a beautiful day out, which made it even better. Ross Park Zoo is not only loaded with many animals, but some great nature and good fall color, too.

As noted, our group was smaller. We had 11, but honestly, I only saw 6-7 of them on a consistent basis. We all walked the same way, but people went their own ways, stopped, took photos and such. After, people are invited to meet and eat and chat. Six of us ended up going to a local place for a solid meal.

Fall colors were aplenty.

This photo walk really is fun and it’s worth experiencing. I said when I did my first one that I wanted to try and go somewhere new each year and I hope to continue that trend next year. The idea is to see how different leaders do things and see different places, which is always nice.

It’s amazing, too, to see all of the photos and posts tagged on different social medias. The range of photographers and their styles and experience is excellent.

For example, the walk I was on had different people — from iPhone photographers to point-and-shoots to high-level DSLRs, there was a wide range. That’s the best part of this — there’s no experience needed. Just come, socialize and take photos.

And it doesn’t get much better than that.

I look forward to next year and really enjoyed this year. Make sure, if you are a photographer, you keep an eye on this so you can possibly join up next year!

Below are a few more of the images I took. To see them all, check out the set I posted on Flickr.

Amur Tiger.

Does this scare you?

Snowy owl.

Bald Eagle.

Fall color.

Ring-tailed Lemur.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

The weekend has arrived…

This is going to be one busy weekend.

Today is supposed to be one of my book review posts for the challenge I am in. Alas, it’s not written. I’m going to have to do something I hate to do and be late with it. I haven’t finished the artwork and just am not in the mood to write a review. I should have done it weeks ago when I finished the book. Alas, I slacked.

I’ve, unfortunately, slacked a little too much in that challenge. I haven’t commented enough on other reviews and I’m mad at myself about that. I plan on rectifying that for this month’s selections.

Anyway, back to the weekend.

It starts today with the Relay for Life. I’ve blogged a bit about that, so I’m sure most readers know about it. I won’t go into the full plea, but you still have time to give and have a chance to win a super sweet quilt. The Relay is a really good event and many people in the community come out for it. But it’s also a little smaller than in the past. Things go in cycles, though.

I relay in the memory and honor of those close to me who have passed or have battled cancer. And to raise money, which is what it’s all about.

Our local one runs quite long (more than 14 hours), so many people don’t stay the full night anymore. I know I won’t be able to do it as I have plans for the rest of the weekend. The few years I tried to pull the all-night thing, I ended up being so exhausted, my whole weekend was ruined. I realize we’re doing a good thing, but my feeling is this — we raise money. That’s the good deed. Walking around a track all night or playing games isn’t what it’s about.

And our team — of seven people — has raised more than $2,200 for the cause. Hopefully we’ll be beyond the $2,500 mark by tomorrow night. In the end, that’s what I’m most proud of. Raising money.

****

Saturday is going to be a geocaching day.

Two of us are heading down toward the Kingston area to do a newer “power” trail. In all, I have made a list of more than 65 caches. On that list are mainly traditional caches, but a few mystery ones are thrown in. One of those is a night cache.

OK, let me explain a couple of things. A power trail is one where it’s set up for people to get a higher count of finds on a certain stretch of a trail or road. This trail is about 30 caches in about a 12-mile stretch of road. There are a lot of different things and, apparently, some really nice scenery. So I look forward to taking the camera and maybe getting some good shots.

At a night cache a few years ago.

The other thing is the night cache. For those who are casual cachers or don’t cache, a night geocache is set up where you have coordinates to the beginning. Then you follow fire tacks to the cache. It’s really quite cool. This one is supposed to be pretty nice, so I’m looking forward to getting out and finding it. It should be a nice cap to the day/night.

I haven’t had a “big” caching day in a while, so I’m excited about this one. We’ll be all over as the list, as of now, is just shy of 70 caches. We might not get them all, but we’ll give it a go. The fun part will be dropping one geocoin in a place to help its journey. I look forward to the overall day and fun that it should bring.

****

On Sunday, I’ll be heading to Pennsylvania for some disc golf. That is, as long as nothing else comes up. It’s not as far as it might sound as the back roads will get me there quicker. It’s actually only 68 miles.

Ready to play some disc golf.

This course is 12 holes and is supposed to be really good.

So my plan is to hopefully play it two — maybe three — times and then head home. On the way, I plan on picking up 5-10 geocaches, too. I’m not usually a fan of caching solo, but some of these caches are in the middle of no where or some older cemeteries, so I don’t mind as much.

With the weather looking good, I’m just excited to get out and throw some plastic and find a few treasures along the way.

****

A couple of weeks ago, I had a phone interview. It was for a job I would consider a “dream job.” I was pretty amped to get the interview (though, to be fair, phone interviews are so hard. You can’t read people and they can’t read you. I’d rather be face-to-face as it gives you a better chance to deal with things as they come along.)

In the end, it didn’t turn out so well.

In my own mind, there were parts I knew I didn’t do well on. But, at the same time, I thought I answered several questions well and thought my experiences were a perfect match. Alas, it didn’t work out. I didn’t make the final three and didn’t get a face-to-face interview.

The same day, however, I received a call for another job. While it would just be for the summer, it would be an enjoyable job where I can hopefully learn a few things. I have the interview (face-to-face) next weekend, so I’ll look forward to seeing if I fare better when I get to talk in person.

The first situation, though, is why I am excited to have a busy weekend. This job hunt — and as long as it’s been — takes a toll on you. It really taxes you mentally and physically, so sometimes you need a busy and fun weekend to let your mind wander in other places. Hopefully this weekend will help me clear my mind and get back at it next week.

Here’s to hoping you all have a great weekend as well!

Fundraiser: I am, again, trying to raise money for the Relay For Life. If you donate to me — a minimum of $5– you will be entered to win a super-sweet quilted lap quilt or pillow. Click here for all the information!

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

 

Oh joy, it’s New Year’s Eve

First Night from 2007 when the event had so much more to offer than in recent years.

No lie — I can’t stand New Year’s Eve.

I’ve never been much of a fan of this night. And, more often than not, I end up spending the night by myself or with a few others and I’m usually home soon after midnight.

As I’ve grown older, I’m not much of a boozer and don’t really like being around a bunch of intoxicated people. More than that, I don’t like being on the road knowing there’s a good chance somebody out there will be driving drunk.

Moody McCarthy, a highly entertaining comedian, performs at First Night 2007.

I’ve done the First Night thing a few times and it’s OK.

Most people I hang out with on a regular basis have things going on with significant others or whoever else. I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t usually ask more than a few people what they are doing because the end answer is usually something that doesn’t make the night any better.

This year, I’ll be hitting up the local First Night event.

It’s usually pretty decent. The only thing I dislike is that it’s over by 10:30. Fireworks are at 10:15 and then it’s over. Just like that.

What’s the point?

First Night events I’ve seen elsewhere go until midnight as it’s supposed to be a way for people to have an alcohol-free way to ring in the new year.

The new year doesn’t start at 10:30.

This was called something like the fire of regret. It burned at midnight and was supposed to be a way for you to put the year behind you and move forward. At the 2007 First Night.

That gives people a chance to get to bars or parties and that seems to defeat the purpose. If I felt like driving, I’d head to Saratoga or Syracuse as the events there look way more in-depth and go until midnight. Please note, I also realize those places have more money to the event than the one I am heading to — so I get that it can’t be as big. But it could still go until midnight.

I guess the one bonus is that means I can get back home before midnight and give myself the opportunity to watch the ball drop on television or walk down to the local pub for a pint of Guinness.

I will look forward to some of this First Night event because there are some musical acts I am looking forward to. And, I’ll bring the camera along to get some images throughout the night. Plus, I always like to take photos of fireworks! I’ll have to see where they are shooting from and see if I can get a cool spot from which to shoot. Maybe over the pond in the one park, though I’ve never been too successful with fireworks shots like that.

Looking at the schedule, though, it seems like it’s basically kids things or musical acts. I realize it costs money to pull this event off, but I think of my first local First Night in 2007.

We saw a comedian, several musical acts, some variety acts, fireworks and more. It was diverse. More spots were used. It gave people a lot to choose from. But the area lost First Night for a few years and it’s returned. But it needs to grow and it doesn’t seem to get better each year, rather stay the same.

Fireworks from the 2010 First Night event.

In the end, it’s First Night or sitting at home all night tweeting/job hunting/watching TV and realizing I need to find a job in an area more populated with more options.

Though, to be fair in that regard, larger areas mean more people drinking, too.

In the end, I’ll make the most of it. I like some of the acts and there are a couple of others I want to check out. Alas, it’s not as diverse as in the past and I don’t know what some things are because there are no descriptions on the website.

But it’s better than staying home.

To everyone who loves and enjoys this night, Happy New Year! And here’s to hoping 2013 is much better than 2012.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

Geocaching crazies come together for a 1 a.m. event

Turns out there were more caching crazies than I thought!

Not too long ago, there was a weekday geocaching event held out in the middle of nowhere.

Being I was free, I headed over with another local cacher. After the event, we teamed up with another cacher and did a handful of geocaches. During that time, we came up with the idea of an even crazier event.

Having one in the middle of the night.

The idea was simple — see how many people were crazy enough to come out in the middle of the night for a no-frills event. In other words, no games, no food — nothing but an event.

That led me to figuring it out. What would be the best place to hold said event?

Wal-Mart!

For those of you who cache, you know that Wal-Mart parking lots are popular places for park-and-grab geocaches. So why not have an event at the spot?

The event log.

Originally, I was going to make the event at 3 a.m. Why? Just to see how crazy people really are. Then I realized that despite being a night owl, getting together at 3 a.m. for an event was not for me. So I made it 1 a.m. on a Sunday morning (or Saturday night, depending how you look at it). I figured that would give people the chance to get out, do some night caching, do a little shopping if they needed or hit up one of the nearby diners.

I also didn’t expect too many people to show up, so I figured it would be quick.

Turns out I was wrong.

We had 16 geocaching names — and an extra person or two — at the event. There was a couple of dogs, too. And a lot of cars parking all in a close area. There were a lot of RVs parking/camping in the lot that night and I have to wonder if they got a wake-up call from people chatting and laughing or dogs barking.

Such is the life of “camping” in a Wal-Mart parking lot, I guess.

Anyway, as some local geocachers know, I always try and figure something different for event logs. I think it’s a little more fun when it’s not just a piece of paper or log book. Over the years, I’ve used baseballs, softballs, a canoe paddle, Wiffleball bat, and a Christmas ornament among other things. I’ve been told people enjoy these logs, so I keep trying to find unique and fun logs to use.

This event might be one of my favorite logs.

What I did was replicate a Wal-Mart receipt, listing items a geocacher might purchase. The receipt was pretty close to real ones — even to adding a bar code. I also listed a few “details” that I was hoping people would pick up on.

I also asked people who weren’t going to make the event to post a note on the geocache page — explaining why they wouldn’t be there. I have to be honest that I usually find when people post they won’t attend events to be pointless. The idea is to post you will attend, hence why there’s not a “will not attend” option.

For this event, I thought it would be funny.

One local cacher said:

1AM!! I’m not that crazy. Us old people need our beauty sleep. I’ll take a pass.

Another said:

Cool idea and I’m sorely tempted. But I just don’t think so.

In the end, those who showed up seemed to share in the humor of the event. It was quite fun and funny. It had a different feel than a normal meet-and-greet, but that’s to be expected at 1 a.m.!

What got me more, however, were how far people traveled.

I figured, honestly, we’d get mainly local people with one or two others coming from closer distances. But we got people who came from much longer distances.

One New York City cacher was even there — though he was staying about an hour away. He said he didn’t even know about the event, but ran into another set of geocachers who told him about the event. So he came!

People traveled from the Kingston area (a couple of hours away), Binghamton (an hour or so), Cobleskill area (35-45 minutes), and Utica (an hour-plus, give or take). The locals came from surrounding areas, such as the Cooperstown area and New Berlin, which can be about a 30-minute drive.

So besides being at an event at 1 a.m., they then had to drive home!

Thankfully, we got semi-decent weather. It was chilly, but no rain or snow or anything major!

In the end, I think the event was decently received and I also got some ideas for future ideas. Hopefully, they’ll go over just as well. Now to start thinking about how to pull them off and come up with unique log books!

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

The Beach Boys still sending out a lot of good vibrations

Heck yeah… finally to see them, with Brian Wilson!

I can’t believe I haven’t blogged about this before now.

It must be because shortly after attending this, I got into that blog challenge in July and didn’t have a place to fit it. Alas, it’s never too late to make amends.

For those who know me, you might know that it’s quite rare for me to go to a concert. Mostly because they are too expensive. Also because I hate dealing with crazy people in an environment like that. Finally, it’s because there aren’t many people I’ll pay oodles of dollars to go watch.

The Beach Boys on their 50th anniversary tour.

Therefore, when I see a concert, they are one’s I’ll remember.

I’ve seen Bon Jovi twice. Matchbox Twenty (with one of the opening acts being Maroon 5 before they were known) was an excellent concert. Kenny Rogers was incredible. I saw Meatloaf back when he was making his comeback tour in the mid-90s. Some country acts at local places — Lonestar, Martina McBride and others have been quite good.

I didn’t think seeing Brooks and Dunn about five days after 9/11 would ever be topped, considering they opened with “Only in America” and one of them had a guitar shaped like the US and all painted up.

I do have an eclectic taste in music. I love 80s music. I’m not against current Pop 40 music. I’ll dabble in country, rap, movie scores and classical. But it takes a lot for me to pay money to see a concert.

View from our seats. Pretty solid, I have to say. Bethel Woods is a good place for a concert.

Since I was a tot, one of my favorite bands has been The Beach Boys. I’ve always loved their music. In fact, in the early 2000s, the Beach Boys (with Herman’s Hermits opening) were in Cooperstown.

It was painful to do so, but I decided against going because Brian Wilson wasn’t with them (and, I believe, one other wasn’t, either).

This year, however, it was announced The Beach Boys were doing a 50th anniversary tour. I figured I’d wait and see where they’d be. But I waited too long and I missed a couple of shows I could have attended. There were still two close, however. One was at Bethel Woods (the original Woodstock) and the other at Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

The SPAC date was already screwed as I had plans. But that Bethel Woods date — a Sunday night — was open.

Score.

I had never been to Bethel Woods for a concert. I had grabbed the geocache that is there a few years ago, but I had never looked at or walked the concert grounds. A friend who knows the place pretty well told me the decent seats (of those that were left) and we opted to sit under the pavilion, rather than get lawn seats.

Brian Wilson on the big screen.

My only regret?

They didn’t search bags too well and I could have easily gotten my good camera in. I normally wouldn’t care about that, but this is the Beach Boys. And Brian Wilson was aimed at us. So my camera and the zoom would have been awesome. Alas, I didn’t bring it in and I was relegated to photos with the iPhone from a distance.

That also might have been a blessing as I was more into the concert. If I had the camera, I might have been looking for the “perfect” shots.

Anyway, the first part of the show was solid, but with daylight still beaming down, the screens weren’t on. They also played some of the slower songs and it was almost dragging. Parts were solid, but others were “meh.” They took a 20-minute intermission, which was good as it was a good time to get up and stretch the legs and walk around a little.

We got back to our seats as the second half got rolling and this part was where the Beach Boys came alive. They way they went at it, you wouldn’t know they were in their late 60s/early 70s. They rocked, got the crowd going and seemed to love it. Most of their big hits came in the second half and with the sun down and the lights going, the screens up and everything else — it felt like a concert.

And I waited and waited until my all-time favorite Beach Boys song came on…

I think you can tell from that video that the crowd was into it.

It’s funny because with the Beach Boys doing other New York shows, me and a couple of friends were wondering what kind of  crowd they’d get at Bethel Woods. I’d estimate 9,000-10,000 people were there. It was pretty impressive. Even with that, getting in and getting out wasn’t that hard.

As for the show?

The Beach Boys did 45-plus songs. Several were covers, but most were their own great hits. Mike Love still sounded pretty solid, as did Al Jardine. Brian Wilson wasn’t the same as the young Brian Wilson, but he’s, to me, The Beach Boys, And I was stoked to see him still performing.

I liked that they broke it up into two sets, followed by a three-song curtain call.

In the end, the concert ran about 2 1/2 hours, which was awesome. I’d pay to see them again without issue. I hope they decide they can continue to do this, get along and maybe have another tour. Good times, indeed.

It’s a night I’ll remember for sure. And I’m glad I had the chance to check The Beach Boys off my must-see concerts. It was well worth the money.

I’ll leave you with a couple of other videos from that night:

Get Around:

Good Vibrations:

Fun, Fun, Fun:

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!