Just Shoot Me #788

Van McCoy's "Do the Hustle" made it's chart debut today (5/31), in 1975. This chart topper has been called "The archetype of "cheesy" 70's disco music ", which seems about right.

Rock Stairs

Taken at the Cantwell Cliffs area of Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio. Nikon D70

Backlit Fern

Along one of the trails in Hocking Hills SP. These ferns were growing along the edge of a boulder, down in the gorge. As the the trail went past, they were right above my head, lit from the sun above. Cool, huh? Nikon D70

Crazy, Man....

Two great "crazy" songs made their chart debuts taody (5/29), back in 1976. Heart had their first chart single with "Crazy On You". Paul Simon's "Still Crazy After All These Years" also hit the charts. These great, but different, songs only made it to #35 and #40 respectively, but have both stood the test of time better than the two Top-5 songs released the same day: "Kiss and Say Goodbye" by the Manhattans (#1) and "Moonlight Feels Right" by Starbuck (#3)

Cedar Falls

Hocking Hills State Park, OH. 1/25th second, f29.0.

Tag! I'm It!

I've gotten chain letters and chain e-mail, but this is the first time I've gotten a chain blogpost. Ol'Frothy tagged me, so here we go!!

Three names you go by (that won't give away your identity): Huh?? Name = identity…. I have no alter egos.
Three screennames you've had: Lsquared35, LarryL, LSqrd (see a theme?)
Three physical things you like about yourself: N/a, I hate me. Maybe my left elbow?
Three physical things you don't like about yourself: Bad Knee, MPB, overweight
Three parts of your heritage: West Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina
Three things you are wearing right now: Beat up tennis shoes, Brandless polo shirt, glasses
Three favorite bands / musical artists: Unfair. Can’t limit to 3. But I’ll try
Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Who, Neil Young, JJ Cale, Mike Cross, JS Bach, Thelonious Monk…..
Three favorite songs: Key To The Highway – Derek & The Dominoes, Roll Gypsie Roll – Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Real Me – The Who
Three things you want in a relationship: Peace Love & Understanding
Three physical things about the preferred sex that appeal to you: Personality, Eyes, Smile
Three of your favorite hobbies: Photography, music, walking in the woods
Three things you want to do really badly right now: sleep, eat, take a walk in the woods
Three things that scare you: tornados, my daughters dating, fundamental shifts in the way the world does business.
Three of your everyday essentials: Mountain Dew, Mountain Dew, Mountain Dew
Three careers you have considered / are considering: Photography, Wal*Mart Greeter, music trivialist
Three places you want to go on vacation: Scotland, Smokey Mountains, Nova Scotia
Three kids' names you like: Jennifer, Susan, Matthew
Three things you want to do before you die: catch up, see my future grandkids graduate, learn to play the banjo
Three ways you are stereotypically a boy: Driving too fast, Rock And Roll, taking things apart
Three ways you are stereotypically a girl: I listen, I strive to undersatd, I put things back together
Three celeb crushes: Valerie Bertanelli , Kathy Mattea, Raven from Teen Titans
Three people to play next:
Jonathan's Wacky World of Words
Beside The Still Waters
AwakeAware

Tag!! Y’all are it!!

And she was terminally pretty....

On this date (5/28) back in 1977, the Eagles had the last Top 40 hit off their super-smash album "Hotel California", with "Life In The Fast Lane". Hotel California ranked #37 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 top albums of all time, selling close to 17 million copies. Life in the Fast Lane peaked at #11, which must've been a disappointment considering that the singles "Hotel California" and "New Kid In Town" both made #1. It also broke a streak of 6 straight top 5 hits. But I remember listening to this on the jukebox at the little burger-joint / pinball place we hung out at back then....

Buzzed Barn

Driving around in Ohio, another barn. Buzz Simplifier effect added. This was somewhere between Hocking Hills SP and Columbus, I think it was on SR367... Nikon D70

So just call on me brother, when you need a hand

Bill Wither's hit "Lean On Me" made it's chart debut today (5/27) back in 1972. This eventual #1 grabbed me right away, and remains a favorite. I didn't know until today, though, that BW is from "rural West Virginia". I don't know of many famous muscians from WV, other than Kathy Mattea and Tim O'Brien.... and now Bill Withers!

Buckeye Trail

Ohio's Buckeye Trail runs (actually walks, I suppose) a loop around the state, and passes through Hocking Hills State Park area. When I was exploring the Old Man Cave area, I picked up the Buckeye, and followed it a ways towards Cedar Falls. This is still in the gorge at Old Man Cave, a bit downstream of the lower falls. Nikon D70

Without love, where would you be now?

On this date (5/26) in 1973, The Doobie Brothers classic song "Long Train Running" made it's Top 40 debut. One of the great songs of the classic rock era, from the classic album "The Captian & Me". Long Train Running reached #8, and outperformed its album-mate, "China Grove".

Under the Overhang

Another shot from Cedar Falls, Hocking Hills State Parks, OH. This was in deep shade, it took a shutter speed of 1/8th sec! Naturally, I didn't have a tripod, so this is handheld!

Here comes the daylight It's makin' me sad

Harry Nilsson nicked the Top 40 on this day (5/25) back in 1974 with "Daybreak" from the "Son of Dracula" soundtrack. Daybreak made it to #39. I'd actually forgotten this song, until recently, it's worth a replay!

Roots!!

This tree found a way to get it done. If you can't go through, go around. Cantwell Cliffs, Hocking Hills State Parks, Ohio. 1/60th, f4.5, handheld. Nikon D70

Old Barn...

Southern Indiana supposedly has a wonderful collection of covered bridges. So I picked up a "Covered Bridge Country" map at the welcome center, and it looked like there was one just a few miles off the interstate (I70). After quite a bit of backroads, I did find Cataract Falls, which didn't strike my fancy. I should've noticed that it didn't have a description on the map, as the rest did.... But I did find this cool barn, probably 1/2 way. Nikon D70

73 Men Sailed Out, From The San Francisco Bay.....

Thirty Five years ago today (5/23/1970), "Blues Image" hit the charts with their only Top 40 song, "Ride Captain Ride". This is one of my favorite songs from my youth, which made it all the way up to #4.

Sneak Peek..

Across the lawn, through the trees, and into the corn. New Bethel UMC, Glen Carbon, IL. Nikon D70.

April Finalists at BetterPhoto

BP is running even later than usual, they just released the April finalists last month. I have 2, Architectual Detail and Tired & Grumpy. Winners might be released tomorrow, wish me luck!!

I feel the Earth move, under my feet.....

On this day (5/22) back in 1971, Carole King entered the Top 40, with her songs "I feel The Earth Move" and "Its Too Late".....

Groundbreaking

Today was the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion project at our Church. Everybody got a chance to turn a spade.....

POTD at DIC!

My shot "New Growth" got a "Picture Of The Day" today (5/21) over at Digital Image Cafe!! Yay!

For there were many things I didn't know

Creedence Clearwater Revival had their last Top 40 song today (5/20), back in 1972. "Someday Never Comes" only made it to #25, but was one of my favorite CCR songs in my youth.

I Am A Rock

" I Am A Rock, I Am An Island" From the Simon & Garfunkel song. This shot is an oldie, from 10/03, revised / reworked for a "theme day". This was taken at Spokane River Park, just downstream from Spokane WA.
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Will It Fly High like A Bird up in the Sky?

Billy Preston had his first, biggest hit today (5/19) back in 1973. On this day, "Will It Go Round In Circles" made its Top 40 debut. He had two #1 hits, but this one was 15 months before "Nothin From Nothin".... These are both great songs, but "Will It Go Round..." will worm it's way into your consciousness, and hang out all day. In a good way!

Quality Time

Just hanging out with my son....Watershed Nature Center, Edwardsville, IL. We were out for a wander, and stopped for a bit at one of the observation platforms.

Dandelion Don't Tell No Lies

This humble little weed is lookin' pretty good, huh?

POTD at Shutterbugs!

I had a Picture of the Day winner today (5/18) over at Shutterbugs, in the People category! Yay!

Rock me Rock Me 'Little While

On this day (5/17) in 1975, The Doobie Brothers hit the Top Forty with their song "Take Me In Your Arms", from the album "Stampede". I used to have this one on 8 track! Then on vinyl, now on CD. I think you ought to get something in return after you buy an album in 3 formats!! "Take Me In Your Arms" reaced #11.

Flowers....

I was walking through the Watershed Nature Center in Edwardsville, IL last Saturday, and noticed these cool little flowers.

Ride, ride, ride, Hitchin' a Ride

One shot wonder Vanity Fare had their moment of fame starting today (5/16) back in 1970, with "Hitchin' A Ride". This song made it all the way to #5. I had this on a K-Tel hits package, way back in 1970, when I lived in WVa. Meanwhile, these guys actually have a website, which declares them to be "A highly professional band with an impressive history and enduring appeal". See what happens when you write your own press?

My Grandfather's Lessons

My Grandfather was an electrician for the Norfolk & Southern railroad in central NC for 35+ years, before retiring in 1963. I remember him telling me about electricity in his basement shop, showing me things like how a motor can run both directions. He was self taught, through a correspondence course from the American School in Chicago, IL in the late 1920's. When he died (in 1973), I received several of his reference books, including the self-bound collection of his lessons from the American School. He was a major influence on my decision to become an electrical engineer, and 30+ years later, I still treasure these reminders of him.

Funky Kicks Goin' Down In The City....

On this date (5/14) in 1977, Steve Miller Band's hit "Jet Airliner" made it's debut. SMB dominated the hit airwaves in '76 & '77, and was an FM staple all decade. Jet Airliner reached #8 on the charts. I remember the first time I heard the AM edit, family friendly version, with Funky KICKS substituted....

Holdout

I guess somebody has to be last off. Dandelion, by the Watershed Nature Center, Edwardsville, IL. Nikon D70

Come on now try and understand...

On this date (5/13) back in 1978, Patti Smith had her first (and only) Top 40 hit, when "Because The Night" made its chart debut. The song made it all the way to #13. It was co-written with Bruce Springsteen. I saw Patti Smith Group in concert that summer, they put on a great show. Not exactly "politically correct", but lots of high energy from the "High Priestess of Punk".

Lounging Lemur....

I'm Late with this one, a Leftover from our Disney trip. This Little fellow was Lazing by the Lake. No Leaping here, just Leaning.... Probably Looking for some Lemur-Love, or at Least a Little Latte? And didn't Gary Larson do a Far Side cartoon a while back about "Larry of the Lemurs"???? Nikon D70.

Right Place, Wrong Time...

On this date (5/12) in 1973, Dr. John (aka Mac Rebennack), hit the charts with the ever so Funky "Right Place, Wrong Time". This was the only hit of the '70s for the super ecclectic "Night Tripper". This guy's never boring, and quite often good! I really like his dbl Anthology disc "Mos' Scocious" for a solid overview of the earlier stuff.

Sometimes It just Doesn't Work

When I took this picture, I figured it would be "SOOOOO Cool". The detail of the tree trunk, the the depth of the tree behind, then the woods benind. I eagerly opened the file, and.....BLAH. It just didn't work. So I added additional blur, to try and accentuate the difference. Then I darkened the back tree, to try and accentuate the difference. Then I lightened the front tree (justa touch), etc, etc, etc. I'm still not happy with it. But life is full of shots that don't look as good as when you were standing there..... Nikon D70

In a room where you do what you don't confess....

The 70's were a great time for singer-songwriters. The airwaves were awash with hit from the likes of James Taylor (10 hits), Jim Crocce (8 in 2 years), Carole King (10), Paul Simon (12 hits), John Denver (12), Carley Simon (8) and more. Gordon Lightfoot has his part in the group, with 1/2 dozen Top 40 hits between '71 and '78. On this date (5/11) back in 1974, he started a string of 3 straight Top-5 hits, when the song "Sundown" made its chart debut. This was his only #1.

Leaf Detail

Looking up at lunchtime. This cool looking leaf was just above me. It I was worth anything, I'd know what kind of tree it was from... Nikon D70

Never Believe Its Not So.....

On this day (5/10) in 1975, the band Pilot hit the Top 40 with their only hit, "Magic". I actually had this on 45..... That's embarassing.

New Growth

Expansion of the local pine trees...... Nikon D70

Happy Birthday Ritchie Furay!!

Richie Furay of Buffalo Springfield and Poco was born on this day (5/9) in 1944, in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Yellow Springs Ohio??? According to Mapquest, that's 1/3 of the way from Dayton to Columbus. yee-HAA!

Its Alright, Hey Lawdy Mama....

Steppenwolf's "Hey Lawdy Mama" hit the top 40 on this day (5/9), back in 1970. The song only made it to #35, but it doesn't exactly follow the pop formula..... "Baby, don't you know, We're leaving, early in the mornin, So long, I don't know, we might be back next year"

Sun Breaks Through the Trees

Taken last week at Silver Lake Park, Highland, IL, during a lunchtime "wander". I thought about calling this Green Day #2. It was taken not far from the location of "Green Day", one of Photography Unlimited's "Pictures of The Month" for April '05. Nikon D70, effects in Photoshop Elements.

POTD at PhotoShowdown 050705

Architectual Details received Picture Of The Day at PhotoShowDown today!! My 3rd POTD over there in 3 weeks. Pretty cool!

Back In The Saddle....Again?

On this day (5/7) in 1977, Aerosmith broke the Top 40 with "Back In the Saddle". This one just winged the edge of the pop charts, peaking at #38 with a 2 week run.

Woodpile

Yep, its a pile of wood. Stacked neatly, though. Nikon D70

Sylvia's Tumbling Chance On Me......

No interesting songs yesterday (5/5), but too many to pick from today. Another 2-year day, the Top forty came out on this day (5/6) in both 1972 and 1978. Start with 1972: How about Sylvia's Mother by Dr, Hook (peaked at #5). A somewhat whiney song from the band that did "Cover Of The Rolling Stone"... For some reason I've liked this one since it was new. Or how about the Stones' classic "Tumbling Dice", which reached #7. or "Diary" by Bread (#15) or the outstanding "I Saw the Light" by Todd Rundgren (#16).... And all that's just from 1972! '78 adds "Take A Chance On Me" by Abba (admit it, you love it), Carley Simon's "You Belong To Me" and Steely Dan's "Deacon Blues".... There's just too much to pick!!

Will It Go Round In Circles?

A study of lines, curves, actually. A bowl on a plate, close up. A little Photoshop work to accentuate the abstract. For the "pottery" theme for a Yahoo group I'm in. Shot with my trusty Nikon D70

05:05:05 05/05/005

Today at 5:05:05 am & pm the time will be 05:05:05 05/05/005.
Trivial, huh?

Dull Day....

Kind of hard to believe, but today (5/5) was a dull day for 1970's music, IMHO. The Top 40 was released on May 5th in 2 different years, 1973 and 1979, a total of 9 songs made their debut. NONE of which I like. Not even any notable bad songs ("Just Shoot Me" candidates). "Old Time Rock N Roll" by Bob Seeger is the closest to memorable, and I dislike BS.......... Oh well, tomorrow will be better.

Texas Sunset - Before The Storm

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From one of the upper floors of the College Station, TX, Hilton, I don't remember which. The sun was setting, a storm ws moving in from the south..... I thought it looked cool. This is yet another in the continuing series of photos taken with disposable (one-use) cameras.

Well, the rain exploded with a mighty crash as we fell into the sun...

On this day (5/4) back in 1974, Paul McCartney and Wings hit the chart with their mega-hit "Band On the Run". from the album of the same name.

Chicago or Memphis?

I-64 ends on the west side of St.Louis. If you're headed to Kansas City, follow the signs to Chicago..... Nikon D70

She cries alone at night too often...

Hitting the Top 40 today (5/3) back in 1975, a song about hitting:. "Only Women Bleed" by Alice Cooper made it all the way to #12 with this rather odd song about spouse abuse. Not exactly a cheerful song. I never quite "got" this one, which I suppose is a good thing.....

Tree Blossons

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I spotted these tree blossoms last month at the I-24 rest stop on Nickajack Lake, in southeastern TN. I have no clue what kind of tree it is, but I like the shot. And how 'bout that bokeh??? Nikon D-70

You can ponder perpetual motion....

On this date (5/2) in 1970, Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Up Around the Bend" made it's Top 40 debut. This was yet another Top 10 for the Fogarty boys, peaking at #4.

Mirror Are Closer.....They Appear!

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A macro shot, using my old manual 75-210 zoom, from my Nikon FM2. it works great on my Nikon D70, except none of the metering works. The camera's display (including histogram) allows quick tweaking, though. This is from the passenger seat of my wife's mini-van. I probably should've cleaned the mirror first..........