Month: May 2019

Prairie Warbler

This set of images was photographed during a recent Ray Hennessey field trip that I attended. I took a lot of photos of birds that morning. I am still reviewing each shot to find keepers.

The birds fly quickly between the branches of the low trees eating insects. When they stopped, I had just seconds to compose my photograph and push the shutter. I had the frame rate of the Fujifilm X-T2 set on continuous high with camera mode set to performance boost. The camera is shooting at 11 frames per second.

The Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor) is a small songbird found in New Jersey during the breeding season. It prefers open habitats such as shrubby areas, young forests, and grasslands with scattered trees. The male Prairie Warbler has yellow underparts with streaks on the sides, a yellow face with a black eyeline, and olive-green upperparts. Females and juveniles have duller plumage. They feed primarily on insects and spiders, foraging in shrubs and low vegetation.

During migration, Prairie Warblers travel to Central and South America. In New Jersey, they build cup-shaped nests in shrubs or low trees using grass, leaves, and twigs. Prairie Warblers are territorial during the breeding season and use distinctive songs to communicate and defend their territory.

Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor)
Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor) · 27 April 2019 · FujiFilm X-T2 · XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR

You can learn more about Ray Hennessy's work and sign up for his workshops on his website.

Apple is lobbying against California Right to Repair Bill

Apple lobbyist helps push back Right to Repair vote in California

Right to Repair legislation in Apple’s home state of California has been successfully pushed back to at least January 2020. After intervention by an Apple lobbyist, the co-sponsor of the bill pulled it from committee on Tuesday.

“While this was not an easy decision, it became clear that the bill would not have the support it needed today, and manufacturers had sown enough doubt with vague and unbacked claims of privacy and security concerns,” said California Assembly member Susan Talamantes Eggman.

Eggman first introduced the bill in March 2018, and then again in March 2019. The Right to Repair act would compel tech companies to release repair guides and make official parts available to those who want them. This would have many benefits — including reducing the amount of e-waste produced each year year.

I don’t recall“leasing” any Apple hardware. I’m sure I own - as in took possession of - all the Apple hardware I purchased. I don’t recall seeing any language in the hardware manual’s or in the receipt that suggest or indicated that I am not allowed to attempt repair of the product.

There is language in the warrant that suggests that I attempting repair on my own or through a third-party may invalidate the warranty. But that’s my choice if I so choose to invalidate the warranty.

Perhaps California needs to look to the north east for inspiration and guidance.

The Joshua Tree (Super Deluxe)

The Joshua Tree (Super Deluxe) by U2 from U2.com

Celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of its release, the ultimate collector's edition of The Joshua Tree arrives in 2017.

Arriving in six formats, the collection includes a live recording of The Joshua Tree Tour from Madison Square Gardens in 1987, b-sides from the original singles, outtakes and new remixes from Daniel Lanois, St Francis Hotel, Jacknife Lee, Steve Lillywhite and Flood form part of this special edition of The Joshua Tree.

It also features an 84-page hardback book of unseen personal photography shot by The Edge during the original Mojave Desert photo session in 1986: "When I see the people we were back then," writes Edge, in his introduction. "I see a bunch of pilgrims on a journey towards some kind of creative home. I think that really does capture the spirit of the band at that time."

Time Magazine put U2 on its cover in April 1987, proclaiming them "Rock’s Hottest Ticket" in a defining year for the band that saw their arena dates roll into stadium shows to accommodate escalating demand - setting them on course to become one of the greatest live acts in the world today.

The 12 months that followed saw the band create now-iconic moments: the traffic-stopping Grammy Award-winning music video on the roof of a Los Angeles liquor store, winning a BRIT Award and two Grammys - including Album of the Year - their first of 22 received to date, distinguishing U2 as the most awarded rock band in Grammy history; as well as a triumphant return home with the original Joshua Tree Tour for four unforgettable shows in Belfast, Dublin and Cork in the summer of 1987.

I'm still feeling "off" this morning. I'm hoping this music; this specific album can help me find myself and prepare for a busy morning of meetings (three before noon).

I remember where I was when I first heard The Joshua Tree.