Santana July 2012

As usual never have a good camera at a concert. Taken from my phone, Carlos Santana at the Bank of America Pavilion in Boston, Ma. He's still got it, saw him open for the Stones in 1978...so long ago.

Tall Ships Boston-Editing In Picasa

Picasa is a free google app that has decent editing tools and offers free "limited" online storage. Recently I used it to edit the following picture I took on a boat ride on Boston Harbor on July 3rd 2012. 

The Roseway - St. Croix was built in 1925 in Essex, MA as a private fishing yacht, she was later purchased in 1941 and was honored for her service during World War II.

 This was the original shot I took of the ship as it sailed  by Logan Airport

I wanted to make the setting for the ship look older so I removed the crane and the plane from the background using the Touch Up Tool , converted the photo to "Cinemascope" and then used Focal Black and white leaving only color on the Flag.

Solar Eclipse California 2012

As seen shining through the Eucalyptus Trees and leaving it's shadow on a fence..Photo courtesy of my West Coast Photo Group at Flip's Photos 

Thanks Flip and Thanks for not looking at it directly (-:

Funny Email from Jeff

Are you a Democrat, a Republican, or a Southerner? 

Here is a little test that will help you decide.  The answer can be found by posing the following question:    You're walking down a  deserted street with your wife  and two small children. Suddenly, a Terrorist with a huge knife  comes around the corner,  locks eyes with you, screams obscenities,  raises the knife, and charges at you...  You are carrying a  Kimber 1911 cal. 45 ACP, and you are an expert shot.  You have mere seconds before he reaches you and your family.  What do you do?  THINK CAREFULLY AND  THEN SCROLL DOWN:  Democrat's Answer: Well, that's not enough information to answer the question! What is a Kimber 1911 cal. 45 ACP? Does the man look poor or oppressed? Is he really a terrorist? Am I guilty of profiling? Have I ever done anything to him that would inspire him to attack? Could we run away? What does my wife think? What about the kids? Could I possibly swing the gun like a club and knock the knife out of his hand? What does the law say about this situation? Does the pistol have appropriate safety built into it? Why am I carrying a loaded gun anyway, and what kind of message does this send to society and to my children? Is it possible he'd be happy with just killing me? Does he definitely want to kill me, or would he be content just to wound me? If I were to grab his knees and hold on, could my family get away while he was stabbing me? Should I call 9-1-1? Why is this street so deserted? We need to raise taxes, have paint & weed day. Can we make this a happier, healthier street that would discourage such behavior. I need to debate this with some friends for a few days and try to come to a consensus. This is all so confusing! ............ ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ........ ......... ..  Republican's Answer: BANG!  ............ ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ........ ......  Southerner's Answer:  BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG ! BANG! BANG! BANG! Click..... (Sounds of reloading) BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!  BANG! BANG! BANG! Click  Daughter: 'Nice grouping, Daddy!'  'Were those the Winchester Silver Tips or Hollow Points?!  Son: 'Can I shoot the next one?!'  Wife: 'You ain't taking that to the Taxidermist!

There something missing in that Bathroom

 Texaco Pledge from 1960

I understand that there is a Presidential election underway but something is bothering me and I am not sure how widespread a problem it is so I am going to ask the ....the smart and insightful...readers of Tom's Hideaway for help investigating this Issue involving Tissue...


That's Right!! Tissue, like Kleenex, the ones you grab for when you have to sneeze or blow your nose and I am sure many other things. My "Issue with Tissue" is not the product itself but the availability of it in Restrooms.


Many I have talked to indicate, and this is verified, that most Casino's have Facial Tissue available in the bathroom, at Foxwood's in Connecticut,  and many  other casinos I've been to you will  find an attendant in the bathroom too. 

I see no need for an attendant in every bathroom , although it might make for some better conditions overall, many bathrooms are "singles" and sharing it with an attendant  would be a little uncomfortable.


Unlike Casinos, and many hotels I have been to, very few Restaurants and Nightclubs offer facial tissue in their bathrooms.  When I need one , I refuse to blow my nose in public, I find myself in a bathroom stall trying to fish out some 2ply toilet paper out of a monstrous and hard to use toilet paper roll in order to get the job done. 

A box of Kleenex at the sink would be so  much more civilized. 


Am I crazy ? Wait...that's not the question. Is what I am asking for Crazy?


I hear that you are more likely to find a box of Tissues in the Ladies Room....but I really can't check that out.


I want my readers to investigate this and get back to me. 
I see a list growing of Bathrooms With or Without Tissue Available beginning already.
Was it in the Ladies Room but not the Mens Room ??


Lets Make it an Issue to have Tissue in the Loo...

Pure Michigan: Winter Virgins

Turkeys Causing Trouble Again!

Over the past few years Turkeys have begun to fight back during the Thanksgiving holiday. They are tired of being  the center of attention on tables across America.


I am sorry guys, all this graffiti across town has got to STOP !! Turkey tomorrow , leftovers the next. Heck, I might  consider Turkey for Christmas if this public destruction of property doesn't stop!!


HAPPY Thanksgiving !!

Funny Email, Thanks Vita!!

At a wedding reception recently someone yelled, 

"All the married men please stand next to the
  one person who has made your life worth living.

The Bartender was nearly crushed to death !!