Two Things Challenge: Paper / Plastic

Annual reports about the paper industry

"Paper or plastic?" Two words I said for years as a courtesy clerk at Albertsons, Inc. and as a cashier at Giant Food Inc. Those jobs paid for college and I'm grateful. In my current line of work I'm a writer and editor, so my life involves lots of paper. Professionally, I cut my teeth as an editor for the Pulp & Paper Newsgroup at Miller Freeman in San Francisco, later Paperloop, and now RISI. Eventually, I took a job with the American Forest & Paper Association, working on tissue and toweling products and recovered fiber (a fancy way of saying paper recycling) issues. The latter led to a brief stint at the National Recycling Coalition. Now, I work for myself. Recently, my job has included reading and writing about paper companies--a throwback to my first professional stint. Hence, this first shot: copies of some of the annual reports, printed on paper about the paper industry, that I've been reading for my research and writing.

Legos and Star Wars: The best combination in plastic. Ever.

And, for those who know me well, there are two things they know: I like Star Wars and I love Legos. Those little plastic bricks can keep me entertained for hours, if need be. The above picture combines the best of plastic into Legos' version of the the Millenium Falcon from Star Wars. So, there you have it: Paper / Plastic.

To see how others interpreted this challenge, go to 2 Things Challenge. And while you're there, join us in all the fun!

Macro Cat

Cat in macro

This isn't a desperation post. I have plenty of other material from this partisan, politic, provincial, perched-on-the-Potomac 'burg for posting, but I liked these two photos, so they're today's material. The other night, I tried to take macro pictures of the Dirty Bastard Cat (aka Pogeaux the Red.) He was more interested in rubbing his face all over my lens than letting me photograph him. Somehow, though, I managed to get these two shots, which I rather like.

Moving in to scratch his furry face on my macro lens

To see other photos of Monsieur le Pogo,* go here, here, here, here, and here. Maybe Marley of Cheltenham Daily Photo is right: I should just start a blog for all the cat pictures I take...


*Pardon my bastardization of French. My second language is German.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 09/08

Eco-Fireworks

I have no idea what these are, but they blew me away.
Check out the stamens on these flowers! How cool are they?

It was the flower in the center of this picture that first caught my eye
and persuaded me to bend closer for a picture.

Yesterday's walk in the neighborhood brought a couple of great little surprises, including a hiding cat, a rusty lock, puffy clouds, and a sunflower. You can see all of those at Standing Room Only. The best of everything I saw were these little flowers. I came across them on Underwood Street and thought they were absolutely spectacular. As I bent down for a closer look, the details on these flowers just blew me away. I have no idea what they are, but I love their little petals and geometrical stamens.

Alyssum in bokeh...

Not too far from the previous flora was a patch of purple alyssum. I see this a lot in white, but this was the first time I'd seen it in this vibrant, deep purple. I love how this picture turned out with its bokey quality.

There you have it! Friday's walk in the neighborhood. This evening, I'll be out in the Virginia suburbs, eating Indian food and watching Bollywood movies with my sister and a friend of hers. Should be fun.

Note: This entry has been modified to correct the spelling of alyssum, which was previously and incorrectly spelled elysium. The latter is a Greek word signifying the final resting place of the heroic and virtuous. Alyssum is a hardy annual that grows in dense clusters. The most common variety is white alyssum, but the flower also grows in pink and purple.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 07/08

Lilies of the Field... Or the Frontyard...

Yellow lily in the early morning light

Some of the last perennials to bloom in the spring are lilies. I've been noticing them in a wonderful variety of colors--yellows, oranges, reds, purples, whites, variegated. These are just a few examples of some of the lilies I've seen around my neighborhood in the last week or so.

More yellow lilies. The ones on the left are growing in a pot in my neighbor's yard.
The ones on the right were photographed near Emerson and 16th Street NW.

Orange lilies growing like weeds in a rather unkempt yard in Takoma.

Backlit by the setting sun.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 6/08

More Macro Fabulosity!

Mrs. Davis, in the 600 Block of Sheridan Street NW, graciously consented to let me come into her yard
and take these pictures of her beautiful hydrangeas.

Cactus?! On the East Coast?! Sort of defies comprehension, as these are generally
a desert plant, but occasionally, you find one in a yard around here.

Honestly, I shouldn't even bother with saying, "I'm going to cut down on my posts" because it's ridiculous and untrue. Yesterday evening, I went for a walk in the neighborhood with camera in hand and here are my results. I am loving my new wide angle and macro lenses! They're just too much fun.

Gladiolas in the front yard of a house in my neighborhood that's been on the market for more than six months.
(Click on images to enlarge.)

On the left, basic, miniature petunias growing in the yard of a home around the corner from my house.
On the right, I confess: I stole a page out of... someone's photo playbook... I saw a similar picture on a photo blog somewhere yesterday, but now I can't remember where. If you posted a photo similar to the one on the right,
tell me so I can give you proper credit. Your eye inspired mine and taught me a new way of looking at things.

Still with me? Well then, you're a trooper! So much to photograph, so little time, so little space.

The best part of a macro lens? Being able to take pictures like these! Now, if I could just get birds and bees
and other flying, flitting things to sit still for me, I'd really be on a roll!

Honestly, I have no clue what either of these are, but I thought they were stunning!
Who needs fireworks when you have nature right outside your front door?!
(Or, in this case, in the yard of a home on 5th and Sheridan Streets NW.)

When you live in an urban setting, you work with what you've got. One of my cardinal rules of neighborhood photography is to never trespass on people's property. Most of what I photograph is usually on the boundary of the property. If a homeowner is home and in their yard, I'll ask if I can come in and take some pictures. So far, no one's objected, which I appreciate!

Last, but not least, flower through the fence. This was the only way I could
take this picture without violating my cardinal rule of neighborhood
photography: Thou shalt not trespass!

Hope you enjoyed these! Thanks for indulging me. And my thanks to my neighbors who create little corners of beauty in the center of urban life and living!

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 6/08

Just For Fun

Random, macro flower shot :
Seventh-Day Adventist Church : Takoma Park, Maryland

These photos don't really have a purpose or any special information. They're just random objects I shot while I was out shooting other, more specific things over the last week or so. Enjoy!

Bridge No. DC 1133 :
George Washington Memorial Parkway : Arlington County, Virginia

Accidental shutter release captures reflection in my car :
Outside My House : Washington, D.C.

Flattened fork as litter :
Corner of 8th and Van Buren : Washington, D.C.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 6/08