Independence Day: 4th of July Fireworks ^_^

I know this post is a bit late, but I definitely wanted to share my pictures from this passed Independence Day with everyone.

Strangely, I noticed that some persons rather say the "4th of July" than "Independence Day".

In fact, on that day, a few older folks who had been near me had a heated discussion regarding the fact that although the intention may have been to celebrate the official birth of America since being liberated from British rule, others argued that no one is ever truly free; meaning that America is kinda ruled by other countries due to debt,  that one could be ruled by their country through taxes, or even ruled by technology.

While those comments can be interesting or troubling to ponder, I was perfectly content to turn away, and at least enjoy the wonderful fireworks!!!  Sometimes you just need to know when to sit back and enjoy the celebration!!! ^_^

Hope you guys like the pictures; I never really realized how important "timing" for photos was until I tried to get these! They are not perfect, but I like them and have been using them as wallpapers. If you make a special folder for them and auto-rotate the wallpapers, it's as if the fireworks are exploding on your desktop ^_^

Let me know if you try it out ^_^

Summer Sunsets

When one thinks of sunsets, the first images that come to mind are often those of wonderful beach scenes, where at sunset the sun and earth seem to meet harmoniously, signaling the end of the day.

Unfortunately I am nowhere near a beach right now, though on summer vacation....bummer...

Oh well....while strolling down the street yesterday, I couldn't help but think that sunset is indeed a wonderful time of day during a summer vacation, with or without a beach. It's that time of day where nature seems to be doing is final stroll down the catwalk for the day...

Weird imagery right.... nature and catwalk? Seems that they are better opposed than paired... natural verses artificial. Probably one too many episodes of Model's of the Runway or Top Model for the summer....but bear with my imagery for a bit.

With a perfectly timed, gentle gust of wind and just the right lighting, if you give it a chance, you are able to notice the intricate details in every day objects; like the particular shade and shape of single leaf on a tree, and how all those individual leaves work together to capture sunlight to help nurture that tree.

Deep right?

Even kinda ...magical...
                                   But I'm going to stay away from making similarities between nature and wizardry. ^_^

Anyway, I guess I sound even more like a mellow kinda old school hippie (minus the drugs though...I'm naturally high ^_^ ). Ahh, Summer will definitely do that to you.

In fact, it's been scientifically proven that there are lower rates of depression in the summer, verses the winter.

(Desperately trying to prove that I have been educated.)

Anyway, enjoy the pictures. I know the sun is glaring a bit in one of them, but I kinda liked it and wanted to share. I will try to get better sunset pictures in the future....perhaps on a beach ^_^

Summer means...

I am definitely enjoying this summer vacation away from college courses; I have been able to spend a bit more time with my camera trying to figure out ways to maximize its features, while at the same time working towards improving my skills (and trying to save up for a better camera). And while I do get the occasional weird look( especially from dog owners when I ask for a picture of their pet), I feel as though I have kinda improved.  After about 10 shots, about 5-6 are... decent. ^_^

While it is officially summer has just now begun in the US, as highlighted by google's helpful "image-reminders" I am happy to report that there are indeed a few remnants of spring can still be found in the flowers that have not yet wilted.

So, while visiting a few friends, I figured I would try to capture of few of these beauties while I still can (best to do all these artsy  things when visiting, rather than in your own area; don't want the neighbors to give the ol'  " what a hippy...." stare, complete with disapproving head-shake, when you take pictures of flowers, or floating plastic-bags, and such : P ).  Enjoy!

Stop...thief! It's stealing the nectar :P

Swaying in the wind...

As you can see, both flowers were side by side. I like the way the other one appears in the background ^_^

 Let me know which image that you like best. ^_^

P.S. I think these "flowers are actually weeds now that I think about it...but they are still pretty so... :P

Take me out to the ballgame, take me out to the...to the...er... or maybe not ^_^

 In yet another attempt to encourage me to appreciate sports a bit more, I was recently taken to a baseball game. To be quite honest I did like the uniforms of both teams, and I did feel the energy created by the crowd;  I think one team was wearing pink to support breast-cancer awareness, so that will always make them cool in my book...whoever they were :P.

As you can probably guess by now, it was another failed attempt to get me to truly appreciate sports; but who knows, maybe the right sport will come along some day :P. I did manage to get a few good action pictures so, all in all, it was not a completely wasted day ^_^.

 Too bad there were no cheerleaders at this baseball game... 

I know you guys would have appreciated those pics ^_^

 Interesting tidbit that I learned; baseball had no cheerleaders until the 90's (in Southern California). Before the "typical female cheerleaders" where integrated into this sport, men had been assigned the duty of  pumping-up the crowd.  There are only a few teams that do have them, and unfortunately for you guys... 

there were none at this game... 

In the US teams such as the Angels,Blue Jays, Expos, Marlins and Padres do.
With the brief glimpses that I got, I think you guys would appreciate the Marlins...they have interesting uniforms. I can say though, that the cheerleaders for baseball in Argentina... are...well ... 

they are from Argentina... nuff said!

I'm just curious, does anyone know who would be America's best baseball university or college?
I was told that Arizona State has the best team, but I believe that information is biased since that team happens to have cheerleaders ô_o. Maybe the team is that good that they warrant cheerleaders, or perhaps these girls do an excellent job of cheering them on  ^_^.

I could only find out that University of Southern California has the best pitchers and University of Miami  has the best hitters, but that information is about three years old.Oh well.Maybe I'm not looking in the right places.

Comment below, let me know what's your favorite sport, if you like baseball, list your favorite team or just which sports team has the best cheerleaders  ^_^

Raven's Stadium!

In an attempt to instill within me a sense of appreciation for sports, namely American-Football, a group of friends drag me to none other than the Raven's Stadium while I was visiting the area. While I don't believe that I have developed the level of appreciation they would have liked, I will say that the trip was fun. The stadium was simply breathtaking!

Where champions walk...

Gotta love anything in that shade of purple ^_^

This is one of the dining areas within the stadium. I simply liked the flowers on the tables.....I guess that shows how much attention I had been devoting to the purpose of the trip ^_^

Forgotten Pics of Inner Harbor

Can you spot the Beatles Reference in this photo?...No... Ah well it's close enough :P

Can you spot the plane in this photo? ^_^ I'm pretty happy with it

Duckie love ^_^

Childhood memories

Baltimore Aquarium from my Nikon Cool Pics

                       Here are the pics that contributed to my having to resort to my DSI ^_^

One of my favorite pics for some reason ^_^

Majestic!

                                  

Look out!!! :P

Shy turtle ^_^

Inquisitive turtle ^_^

Sad Froggie ;_;?

His friend looks happier...

Golden Lion Tamarin Monkey!!! ^_^