The Expected Lot:

• Batman #12
• Suicide Squad #12
• Frankenstein: Agent of Shade #12
• Spider-Men #4
• Archer & Armstrong #1

Didn’t See It Coming:

• Daredevil Annual #1

Ozymandias #2 stared at me from where he belonged–from the rack.  I smiled back.  I paid up, said goodbye to my guy; and as I turned to leave,  I sensed something strange.  I could’ve sworn that Ozymandias was reaching out for me as I reached for the door.  I smiled again as I twisted the knob and clutched my bag to my chest.  Sure, it felt a little light; but for this week, that’s more than all right because I’ve got a couple “out of the bag” books to keep me busy, including:

• Lemire’s The Underwater Welder (I’m pretty deep into in and loving every fathom.)
• Waid’s Insufferable over on his website Thrillbent.  (I’ve started Week 1 and am curious enough to continue.)

Expect a Microview post in the very near future.

And I wonder: which book from this week’s bag will find its way into the Scottlight?

Turning pages,

Scott

My list this week:

Action Comics #12

Animal Man #12

Swamp Thing #12

Batwing #12 (isn’t it a little weird that Batwing has the same numbering as Action? But I digress.)

Dial H #4

Sweet Tooth #36

A Vs. X #9

Daredevil #16

Hawkeye #1

Ultimate Spider-Man #13

Fury: My War Gone By #5

Beasts of Burden: Neighborhood Watch One Shot

Harbinger #2 (yes I realize a couple of these came out previous to this week, but I just picked them up, so they’re new to me!)

Dark Shadows #6

Lone Ranger: Snake of Iron #1

The Wheel of Time #28

(whew)

So either I read entirely too many comics or you don’t read enough.

In any case, I agree that Fury, DD and the Animal Man/Swamp Thing combo are the books I’m most excited about. However, since I tend to place my “main course” books somewhere in the middle of my reading pile, I figured I’d get the ball rolling with the one of the first books I read: Action.

It goes without saying that Grant Morrison is one of the smartest, most adventurous writers out there. He’s one of the few writers that court controversy not merely by the content of his stories, but by the way he structures them. He not only juggles a lot of balls at in the air; he zaps some of them with a time ray mid-flight so that he can catch them in the future and then send them hurtling through a vortex back to the past. And it’s up to the reader to keep up. There’s an exuberance to his approach that I’ve always found appealing.

Having said that, this issue, with its talk of Neo-Sapiens, Million-Pointed Spears, and the Oort-Kind, started to get a little too….abstract? What did you think?

I’m excited to get this thing a-rollin’, but I’ve got some work to do first: I’ve got to read some comics!  I just got back from my favorite comic shop, which I’ll profile soon enough, with the following books in my bag:

Fury Max #5

Daredevil #16

Stormwatch #12

Swamp Thing #12

Animal Man #12

Dial H #4

Ultimate Spider-Man #13

Nite Owl #2

Action Comics #12

The book I’m going to read first: Fury Max.  (That’s quite an honor with Waid’s sinfully fun DD and Parts 1 and 2 of the Rotworld crossover also in the bag.)  Ennis is absolutely blowing it up with his take on everyone’s favorite one-eyed, foul-mouthed colonel.  I can’t wait to see what goes down in Cuba.  Hell, knowing what tack Ennis has taken thus far, it could be Miss Defabio…

I’m one happy nerd.

For now.

Time to turn some pages.

Scott

Gabrial Writer gives us a great tour of what goes on behind the scenes at zcustomization, the place where most tour players have their bags embroidered.

photo

In the Bag by Kate Klise

320 pages

2/5 stars

The premise of In the Bag has potential, but the end result is far-fetched and boring. In the Bag tells the story of two teens and their parents who are traveling in Paris and Madrid. The teens take each others bags, unknowingly, which leads to a series of e-mails trying to figure out how they can exchange bags. What follows is a bunch of events that are unbelievable. The first part of the book hooks you and you root for Webb and Coco (the teens) to meet and start a relationship. The second half of the book sends Daisy (Coco’s mom) to Madrid to oversee the food for a friend’s art exhibition. Unbeknownst to her, Andrew (the exhibit designer and Webb’s dad) is the one who spilled wine on her during their flight from Chicago to Paris. Meanwhile, Webb is on a train from Madrid to Paris to meet Coco and return her bag. The book ends with a supposed terrorist attack and a happy ending.

The characters of In the Bag were one-dimensional. At first, I felt some connection to them, but as the pages went on they became boring. Webb and Coco were portrayed as typical whiny teens while their parents were workaholics who had no clue what their kids were doing. I mean, really, how do you not notice that your son went missing for almost 24 hours and hopped a train to a foreign country? Daisy is a chef who blows into a restaurant and works her butt off, until something annoys her. It’s mentioned that she has quit jobs over steak sauce and televisions in bars.

I didn’t like Andrew from the minute he slipped the note into Daisy’s bag. Who does that? He should have just apologized to her at the time and moved on. Of course, if he had done that, there wouldn’t be a story.

The book was split into seven days and told from four different perspectives. Normally, I don’t mind when books have multiple narrators, but in this case it didn’t really work. For example, Webb would narrate a chapter and then Coco would narrate what was essentially the same chapter. Ditto for Andrew and Daisy. It got repetitive on day two and we never really get to know the characters on more than a superficial level.

I try really hard to find something I like in each book I review. Sometimes it’s easy, other times it’s a little more difficult. This is one of those more difficult times. I found myself bored and not wanting to keep reading. I actually didn’t pick up the book for three days and it was okay. I didn’t find myself thinking about the characters like I do when I’m enjoying a book.

I can’t even recommend this for a beach read – it’s unlikely to hold your attention and keep you reading.

Disclaimer: Copy obtained from the local library.

I’ll never again watch Dancing with the Stars without thinking of Deirdre Griffin, the title character in Claire Cook’s lively Wallflower in Bloom (Touchstone, library hardcover). Deirdre, fed up with assisting her brother Tag’s rocketing career as a self-help guru and her own sorry love life, uses his fans and her social-networking skills to become the hit show’s first non-celebrity contestant.  Even as Deirdre, weighed down with extra pounds and poor self-esteem, struggles to learn the cha-cha with dance partner Ilya, Tag and the family begin to reevaluate her role in holding them together. Cook spices her cute Cinderella story with inside show trivia — I want some illusion mesh of my very own — and humorous self-help aphorisms.

Reality TV also figures in the plot of Wendy Wax’s Ocean Road (Berkley, paperback galley from publicist), a stand-alone sequel to last year’s Ten Beach Road. The three women — Maddie, Avery, and Nicole — who became friends renovating a Florida Gulf beach house – head to Miami, along with Maddie’s grown daughter and Avery’s estranged mother. They’ll be filming the pilot for a home improvement show called “Do-Over,” and the neglected mansion owned by ancient vaudevillian Max is badly in need of repair. But the film crew seems intent on capturing the women’s messy personal lives instead of their renovations, and outside forces, including an actor on location, a secret from the past and hurricane season, threaten to thwart the whole project. Pleasantly predictable, the book offers fascinating DIY details and a delightful supporting cast (the Oscar goes to Max) as the women hammer out their problems and shore up their friendship.

I felt completely at home reading Dorothea Benton Frank’s Porch Lights (William Morrow, library hardcover), and not just because it takes place in my part of the world — the South Carolina Lowcountry — and I know the author. I think it’s because I’m from a family of talkers, and Frank’s two narrators — Jackie, a widowed Army nurse, and Annie Britt, her opinionated mother — can talk a blue streak. After Jackie’s firefighter husband is killed in the line of duty, she takes their traumatized 10-year-old son from New York to the family house on Sullivan’s Island. Annie, who drove off her husband Buster with her meddling ways and constant chatter, tries to comfort Jackie and young Charlie with down-home meals and a heaping helping of good intentions. Fortunately, neighbor Deb, sister-in-law Maureen and Buster himself help  keep mother and daughter from driving each other crazy. At times, reading Porch Lights is like being on a conference call with two of your best gal pals, who hardly come up for air as they talk, talk, talk, skittering from subject to subject like a couple of water bugs. They entertain, overwhelm and keep on keeping on.

Kate Klise rotates among four narrators in her zippy In the Bag (Morrow, paperback review copy). Teenager Webb and his dad Andrew are in coach on the flight to Paris, while Daisy and her teen daughter Coco are in first class. On a whim, Andrew sticks a mash note in Daisy’s carry-on, but what brings the two single parents and offspring together is checked luggage. Webb arrives in Madrid with Coco’s black duffel bag, and Coco is dismayed to discover she has Webb’s duffel in Paris. The two tech-saavy teens soon find one another on the Internet and their e-mail exchanges propel the story fast-forward as the initial mix-up leads to comic complications and conspiracies.

This is what Fiona sent me!

If you want to see a really ugly set, take a look at what I sent to Fiona! The Hawaiian print is very large-scale. Not all the colors blend. I hope she is still speaking to me. I keep an eye on her blog to see if she has a plan yet, fearful that I may have sent her into cardiac arrest. And she was such a delightful partner, sending me chocolate and more along with the fabric.

This is what I sent to Fiona.

So off to the fabric store! Quilters are allowed to add up to one yard of new fabric. I selected a great piece that really helped to bring it all together, and only bought 2/3 of a yard. This will not be a big quilt, but it will be colorful.

And here is what I have! I also have some solid white on hand that may find its way in as well. The left set of four fabrics are what Fiona sent me. The right set shows the four from my stash, and my one new piece is in the middle. Suddenly, it has that quilt feel, instead of that ‘oh dear’ sense.

Starting to look more like a future quilt, isn’t it??

Driver: Ping G20 (9.5*) w/ Fujikura Speeder 6.2 Tour Spec X shaft

3 Wood: Ping G20 (13*) UST Mamiya VTS 8X shaft

Hybrid: Ping i15 (17*) UST Mamiya VTS 85X shaft

Irons: Ping S56 (3-PW) True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 shafts

Wedges: Ping Forged Anser (56* & 6o*) True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 shafts

Putter: Ping Nome

Ball: Titleist Pro V1X

Bonus: Wife, Kandi Mahan, former Cowboys Cheerleader

‘In the Bag’ by Kate Klise is a perfect summer read for those on the move or better yet, for those stuck at home wishing they were traveling.

A mother and a daughter, a father and a son, all on the same flight. Man spills on woman and falls (just a teensy bit) in love. Girl grabs boy’s suitcase and they communicate and fall (just a teensy bit) in like.

By comic mishaps and clever coincidence, Klise keeps the karma coming. This book is easy to like, easy to read, and will keep readers hoping that Klise keeps creating adult fiction for a while.

Long knows for her children’s stories full of letters, graphics, and all kinds of text, this is Klise’s first foray into the world of grownups. And she does it really, really well. This is a feel-happy kind of story perfect for reading under the hot summer sun (or by a cold winter fire).

Paris and Madrid are the (perfect) spots for romance as the architect meets the chef through (yet again!) another coincidence. At the same time, their progeny are making plans of their own to meet, unbeknownst to the adults.

Read the whole review at: In the Bag

So here is what the inside of my bag looks like:

Yea, its maybe a lot. It’s safe to say when you play that bridal shower game, “Emergency Kit”, I usually win. Or put up a fight at least. A couple other things I usually have but don’t appear in the photo are gum and kleenex.

On the flip side, here is what I only really need with me at all times:

What can I say, us ladies are odd creators. We carry so much but need so little. Wow, a little life lesson there.

So tell me ladies, what’s in your bag and what can’t you leave the house without?

“A successful chef and single mother, Daisy Sprinkle is on vacation with her teenage daughter, Coco, who picks up the wrong duffle bag at the airport. That situation is not improved by the note Daisy finds tucked into her carry-on, apparently from the man in 13-C. Daisy is in no mood for secret admirer notes or dinner dates. Or even men, for that matter.

“Andrew doesn’t know what possessed him to do something like that. Hitting on strange women on airplanes is definitely not his typical style. But there was something about the woman in 6-B that could not be ignored. Of course, now he has no time to think about her, since his son Webb seems to have made off with a budding fashionista’s luggage.

“Determined to make the best of a bad situation, Daisy cooks up a plan to calm her daughter’s panic over the lost bag with a week of fabulous food, shopping, and museum hopping. Andrew is busy working on his latest project and hoping Webb finds enough to entertain himself. Little do they know the teens are making their own plan. . . one that will ultimately reunite Ms. 6-B and Mr. 13-C.” (Goodreads)

If In The Bag sounds like a kooky novel relying on uncanny coincidences to further the plot, you’re right — and I liked it. Though far from unpredictable, it’s easy to see how fate plays a role in joining together four people; the whole novel has a sort of “Sleepless In Seattle” feel to it. You know what I mean? Like everything is destined to work out, but only the audience can see it. And we’re along for the ride.

Good thing I love “Sleepless In Seattle.”

Though Coco’s typical-teenage-character whining (“Mooooom! You’re ruining my life!“) nonsense took a while to stomach, I eventually took a shine to her. Both Coco and Daisy are struggling to sort out their roles in the mother-daughter dynamic, especially as Coco gets older and prepares for college. Their trip to Paris is supposed to be a chance to reconnect and recharge their batteries, especially for Daisy, but nothing seems to be going their way.

After a luggage mix-up, they’re linked to Andrew and Webb, a handsome father-son pair, and it’s not complicated to see that Teen Girl A will feel a spark with Teen Boy B. Communicating exclusively through email, In The Bag focuses often on the role of digital courtship versus the more traditional ways of getting to know someone (like, you know, in person). Daisy is wary of technology while Andrew embraces it; Coco and Webb are, of course, glued to whatever Internet cafe they can find abroad. I liked the explorations of “modern” courtship — they made sense, and Klise wasn’t heavy-handed about it. The whole “OMG people don’t really talk anymore” overtures popping up in contemporary fiction are getting stale.

Those who love a side of scenery, French food and wicked descriptions of Europe with their love stories will definitely find plenty to enjoy in In The Bag. Flipping between sunny Madrid and romantic Paris, it’s the sort of novel that will have you wanting to pack a bag immediately. (Just hope it doesn’t get lost.) Though I got more of a sense of France than Spain, that’s probably because Webb spent his time in Madrid talking to Coco in Paris — so we see less of the city through his eyes. Still, the travel aspects were fun, and I enjoyed the “Americans abroad” perspective.

In The Bag definitely has crossover appeal. Adult readers and chick lit lovers will relate to the harried-parents-doing-the-best-they-can relationship between Andrew and Daisy; teens have plenty to get their blood pumpin’ regarding the sweet but flirtatious evolution of Webb and Coco’s emails. By the time the pair meet face-to-face, I was grinning — I mean, who wouldn’t root for those crazy kids? And when things don’t go exactly as planned, I could sympathize. For as much as I had to suspend disbelief at points, Coco and Webb’s meeting was painfully realistic.

Though I sometimes get twitchy about labeling something a “summer read” (it can just seem dismissive), that’s exactly how I would describe In The Bag: light-hearted fiction that can be easily consumed while working on a tan. It doesn’t demand too much of you. It can be read in chunks and set aside for days or gobbled up all at once; either way, it doesn’t lose its charm. It’s fun and frothy. And that cover is too cute.

3.5 out of 5!

ISBN: 0062108050 ♥ Goodreads ♥ LibraryThing ♥ Amazon ♥ Author Website
Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for my honest review

one :: the bag itself, responsible for holding all my bits and bobs. Colorblocked Tote, H&M (in-store only).

two :: wallet. Pitaya.

three :: trusty iPhone.

four :: iPad & stylus. (Penuiltimate App – perfect for handwritten to-do lists!)

five :: handmade keychain. for when i get that key to the city…or i guess to hold my front door key. DIY here!

six :: burts bees chapstick.

seven :: notebook. I always have pen & paper with me. List’s are kind of a hobby of mine, so having something to write them down on is sorta necessary.

eight :: business/blog/personal card holder. a pouch of many uses. H&M (in-store only).

nine :: sunglasses. H&M.

What are your bag essentials – those things you can’t leave the house without?

Naturally, the bagpiping community, being the well oiled PR machine that it is, raised a stink, which surprisingly had nothing to do with unwashed sporrans. Incidentally, The Unwashed Sporrans is available to all you aspiring indie rock bands out there still searching for a name. Even Vancouver’s kilt-wearing mayor Gregor Robertson was blindsided by the draconian policy change and was forced to go into defensive tweet mode, assuring his legion of Twitter followers that there would be no ban on bagpipers. We heard a rumour that he even performed a rap version of “Danny Boy” at the Fortune Sound Club’s hip hop karaoke night to reach the rest of his young and savvy constituents.

The mayor’s office then issued a statement saying council will not support an outright ban on specific instruments.

All of which is a huge relief not only to the city’s bagpipers but the loyal bagpipe fans at K&K who admittedly are stirred emotionally whenever we hear a piper. Pan flutes, on the other hand, fill us with deadness and repulsion. If only there was some way we could prevent their wistful moans from infecting our streets, city parks and public squares at Granville Island. We’ll make a few noise complaints to the city and that should do the trick.

TED  pledge to bring you ideas worth sharing. Often these ideas come in the form of presentations and lectures from academia. Despite the information being tremendiously important, concerning and useful to, lets face it, humanity, sometimes the ideas being expressed may be tedious.

Image taken from: ffbsccn.wordpress.com

Make no mistake though, this video is still just one man talking on stage but the way he uses the words of so many others, from so many sources, is as entertaining and meaningful as the original sources.

http://www.youtube.com/user/TEDEducation?feature=watch

This has been specificaly picked up and shared by Sol Revo Evo because it uses connections and stitches together vast areas or expression for a united purpose.  That is exactly what this project is all about.

As we are on the topic of connections, here is another performer, connected by their use of the spoken word.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_Gh8TWpQE8

ForeWord Reviews

Here is a list of the 2011 Tundra Finalists in their respective categories:

Young Adult Nonfiction Category:
“Scribbling Women” True Tales from Astonishing Lives
by Marthe Jocelyn
Hardcover | 208 pages
ISBN: 978-0-88776-952-8
eBook: 978-1-77049-230-1
“…a wonderful example of a book that will break down any negative stereotypes about biographies. [Jocelyn]… creates lively, sometimes humorous pieces that blend straight biographic detail and anecdotal accounts about some lesser known women writers in history…. Not only does Jocelyn share extraordinary stories about these women, but her piece also celebrates writers of all kinds, inspiring young adults, particularly girls, to value their own voices and experiences by writing through whatever means they choose….” – ForeWord Reviews

Young Adult Fiction Category:
First Descent
by Pam Withers
Hardcover | 272 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-257-8
eBook: 978-1-77049-274-5
“…From the first page, when Rex hears a crack of river ice, sees an eight-year-old in peril, and enacts a dramatic rescue in which he must out-paddle an advancing mountain of ice, Withers flings the reader from one perilous adventure to another….” – Booklist

Young Adult Nonfiction Category:
Five Thousand Years of Slavery
by Marjorie Gann and Janet Willen
Hardcover | 176 pages
ISBN: 978-0-88776-914-6
eBook: 978-1-77049-151-9
“This well-researched global survey introduces readers to slavery practices, customs, suffering, uprisings, and revolts as well as antislavery efforts from ancient Greece and Rome to today’s world…. The authors promote global awareness and issue a call to action…. Informative documentary photos and factually rich sidebars enhance the text…. This groundbreaking title brings the disturbing subject into historical and contemporary focus.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal

Juvenile Nonfiction Category:
In the Bag! Margaret Knight Wraps It Up
by Monica Kulling and illustrated by David Parkins in the
Hardcover | 32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-239-4
“Third in the Great Idea series, this concise introduction to trailblazing American inventor … reveals a woman committed to living life on her own terms, unafraid to fight for her successes. In clean, straightforward prose, Kulling explains how Knight’s interest in and knack for machines was present even at a young age…. Paired with Parkins’s detailed and handsome pen-and-ink illustrations, the book focuses on Knight’s invention of a paper bag–manufacturing machine and her legal fight to protect her creation after her idea was stolen.” – Publishers Weekly

Juvenile Fiction Category:
Stones for My Father
by Trilby Kent
Hardcover | 176 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-252-3
eBook: 978-1-77049-260-8
“This meticulously researched novel about a white Afrikaner girl caught up in the Boer War at the turn of the 19th century brings to light a hitherto overlooked aspect of South African history.” – School Library Journal

Young Adult Fiction Category:
The Dragon Turn: The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His Fifth Case
by Shane Peacock
Hardcover | 240 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-231-8
eBook: 978-1-77049-273-8
“…Shane Peacock has done his research well. His character makes a very believable younger version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes. Shane has also accurately portrayed London of the 1860′s. True to the style of the original master, this novel is filled with excellent deductions by the young Holmes, numerous twists and turns and an exciting climax that kept me reading at the edge of my seat.” – Jewish Book World

Winners in each category will be announced at the American Library Association annual conference and on the award website in June of 2012.

Congratulations to our authors and illustrators!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, or the creative quilter!

Then I dig a little deeper, and before you know it, I have a small pile of these oddball fabrics that I cannot imagine making anything with. So I cut a dozen or so charms out of each fabric, just to swap. Of course there is a LOT more left, and I do not think anyone wants several hundred charms out of just these fabrics. Quilt backings? Donations to charity? Possibly, but…

I pulled out two yards of these ‘ugly’ fabrics just for the In The Bag – Ugly Fabric Quilt Challenge! Hosted by Suzanne from The Colorado Lady, you too can sign up for the fun. Once people are through signing up, Suzanne will assign random partners who will send their little bags of oddly unusual or off-color fabric to each other. People have until October 1, 2012 to create a quilt from these treasures, following the rules on the In The Bag blog. Yes, there will be prizes for the niftiest creations. AND you get to keep the quilt, or you can donate it to a charity, if you are still convinced it is ugly.

Why am I so enthusiastic about this project? Aside from the fact that it is another good stash-buster that is? A complete disclaimer is due.

Last year, while taking part in a similar ugly fabric swap, I was partnered with none other than Suzanne at The Colorado Lady! You can see what delights we sent each other on my post Why are Some Fabrics Considered Ugly. I am the first to admit that she completely outdid me, creating a quilt that started with obtuse green, orange, and brown pieces that wound up being so stunning I found it hard to resist driving to Texas and hijacking it from her!

So look at your own fabric stash. Heck, you could even rummage through the bargain bins at the fabric store. Pick out those odd fabrics that you know you will never use, and join the fun!©2012, The Curious Quilter, thecuriousquilter.net, maryeoriginals.com.

It wasn’t from lack of customer service, or that I had a camera crap out on me whilst on assignment. Nor was it because a Camera body I had was defective.  It was something entirely different.

There I was, minding my own business while editing photos, and prepping them for my photoshelter achive, and a post from Josh at Hawaii Photo Rental came across my facebook feed.

“Confirmed, we have four Canon 5D Mark III cameras available to rent starting on Friday of this week.”

“Krap.” I said to myself, “I’m going to want to play with it for a weekend.”

I had been telling myself since the March 2, 2012 announcement of this highly anticipated camera that there was no need for me to buy it. There was absolutely no reason I would need a new camera, and that my 5D Mark II’s were more than enough. I decided, what the hell. I’ll rent it for the weekend.

First, A little back story on what I shoot with currently.

Switching over from a set of 1D bodies (1D3/1D2N) I was a little hesitant about dropping 5k on two new cameras.  Not to mention I was switching over from zooms to strictly primes. The 5D2 sensor was and is something very beautiful. It s a full frame 21.1mp CMOS sensor that has the ability to produce some amazing quality, vibrant images, both during the day and night.  My good friend Luke Sharrett posted on SportsShooter.com one day about how the full frame sensors “Attracted better light, and better moments.”  I laughed, but felt it was pretty true.

After purchasing two, they became my main work horse cameras, while I would occasionally supplement them with a 1D Mark IV.  Some things that bothered me about the 5D2′s were the responsiveness of the AutoFocus (AF) system. The slow 3.9 frames per second. and the beautiful 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots/VGA) screen that ‘lied’ to me about image sharpness.

But like all things, the 5D Mark II’s, like all other cameras, are tools.

Tools that we use for our respective jobs.  Wether it be an assignment for a magazine, newswire, newspaper, commercial client, or a wedding.  The Cameras we use are tools used to create images. Simple as that.  The 5D’s helped me understand composition, timing, and training myself to accept the ‘shortcomings’ and limitations of the tools we use, and to do my best training myself to overcome these limitations and not let them affect the way I performed my job.

First Impressions

I walked into the tiny shop on Waialae and was greeted by Josh and Natalie’s smiling faces.

“KENT!” they exclaimed (at least in my head that’s what it was like)

As Natalie processed my order, Josh was placing four 5D Mark III’s on top of his display case, prepping for a photo that he would later post to Facebook, driving traffic and more potential customers to rent a 5D from them.

He handed me the 5D I would be spending the weekend with.  After spending almost two years with 5D Mark II’s always in my hand, I instantly noticed the weight difference betweent he two cameras.  Yeah, to some the 5D Mark II felt like a toy but that didn’t matter much to me.  However, the 5D Mark III, weighing in at 33.5oz. compared to the  28.6oz of it’s predecessor felt solid and comfortable in my grip.  Not a brick like the 1D Mark IIN was, but not super light like my dad’s 7D.

The New Menu, and Button layout

Menu images © CanonUSA

First things first. I needed to setup the camera to my usual 5D settings so I could be at least comfortable with it and focus on creating images with it while putting it through it’s paces. Canon did a great job redesigning and reimplementing the menu.  Making it a bit more intuitive and a bit easier to use.  However, being a typical guy, I didn’t bother to read the manual, and found myself wasting time trying to find where specific settings are. If you want to read the manual, you can get a copy here. Courtesy of Canon Rumors.

Having to work on Friday, I didn’t have much of a chance to go out with the camera and test it out, so I used it as a good opportunity to familiarize myself with it’s controls and custom functions. Saturday, I was itching to get out and shoot.

Taking it out for a spin

Having gotten to setup the camera as closest to the operations of my 5D2′s  I proceded to head out the door with Geena and my good friend Jayson to Waikiki for some good ol’ feature hunting. Below are a set of images from that Saturday.

Trying something different. However, the 5D3 files have some crazy dynamic range.

Waikiki Sandtanline?

Reflections come out pretty nicely. but thats easy to do with the 5D2 as well...Files have crazy dynamic range though...

Another Reflection. This time I cropped a Horizontal to a vertical. Files are really nice.

Metallic Bros.

First impressions? having 61 Autofocus points rocked my sox off. Thank god they didn’t stick with the same AF system…AGAIN.

Having walked around Waikiki for about 3 hours, I though I gave the 5D a good run through.  Sometimes I noticed were that instances of missed moments due to the camera not locking focus and not firing at the moment I wanted it to. It might be a custom function I missed due to the new menu layout, not to mention, I really don’t understand the new AF menu system (See the menu picture from earlier.)

Missed the focusing on this moment. The White dude in the center was right where the focus point was.

Probably shoulda read the Manual.

Another issue I had was that Canon changed the way you zoomin to check pictures’ sharpness, and the way you digitally zoom in to check your focus in live view mode.  Aside from revamping the menu, they changed soe of the buttons around. I love that they added a ‘Rate’ button. But, right now at least, I don’t enjoy using the Magnifying glass button to check focus while shooting video.

High ASA
Having the ability to shoot at high ASAs/ISOs was something I really appreciated with the 5D Mark II. With the Mark III, it gets even better. Check the images below.

University Avenue. ASA16000 f/2, 1/200th sec. 7:15pm

Salt Lake Parking Lot. ASA16000 f/1.2 1/500th.

I spent two nights pushing the limitations of the Mark III’s high ASA capabilities, and there is only one work to really describe it.

SMOOTH.

Silky smooth, buttery smooth…Canon really out did themselves with the high asa capabilities on this camera.  Honestly though, I can’t think of a reason why a consumer would need to have such amazeballs ASA capabilities, but for journalism/editorial work, it can and will come in handy.

It’s like practically seeing in the dark.

Canon finally added in HDR and Multiple Exposure to its cameras. Check out the quick handheld HDR I shot on my way to judge some high school portfolios.

I didn’t really do a thorough testing like you see on some sites like Engadget (Review by Zach Honig), I had the camera for a couple of days and didn’t have any gigs lined up to really test it out.  I took it out for a casual spin and the opinion mentioned above is merely what I got from playing with it for a couple days.

To sum it up, the 5D Mark III is everything I had wished for in the 5D Mark II.  Solid build and feel, great autofocus, and superb image quality.  Would I rent this camera over the 1D Mark IV? Probably.  9 out of 10 times I’ll say yes to the 5D3 over the Mk4, and for renting it for 3 Days for $185USD, is better than spending $109/day for a 1F Mark IV.  All in all, its a great camera that will be loved by professionals and consumers alike.  But, you don’t have to take my word for it.  Give it a test run, rent it from Hawaii Photo Rental today!

Will I buy one? YES.

So yeah, Canon did it again. They found yet another way to separate me from my ‘hard earned’ money.  They created probably one of the best cameras I’ve had the pleasure of using.  I felt the two 5D2′s I had were perfect for what I was doing.  Now, I WANT a 5D Mark III.

Thanks Canon, for ruining my weekend.

All Images and text, unless otherwise noted, ©2012 Kent Nishimura – Honolulu, HI based photojournalist | http://www.kentnishimura.com

So, what is in Rinny’s massive bag? Well it’s full! It is usually always full. And this is what it held for a week in March. Like most ladies (or maybe not most ladies?) My bag is always changing. So lets get this started!!!!

A. THE BAG – COWBOY BAGS BLACK LEATHER I like this bag for a couple reasons. Number One. Its simple. Number Two. It’s simple and Number Three: It’s big, huge, massive.

THE GOODS

B. THE WALLET – TANO LEATHER WALLET – full of pockets, and Starbucks gift cards.
C. BUS PASS
D. SUNGLASSES – nice and big for that movie star look (sadly these aren’t quite large enough to achieve this look on my face)
E. GUM – 5 REACT2 (yes, I choose this gum cause it is called 5), CHELSEA (from China Town!)
F. MARS STAEDTLER PENCILS – for those days when I like to sit back a pretend I know how to draw.
G. BAMBOO USB KEY - I get tons of free USB keys from work. This one is so nice and simple looking. I love it and it is large enough for all the files I need to transport back and forth.
H. THE ‘BEAUTY’ STUFF – CLAIRNS INSTANT LIGHT LIP PERFECTOR I love this stuff. Great smell and not at all sticky, MAC CREMESHEEN GLASS GLOSS  in the colour ‘DEELIGHT’ I bought this some time ago for Blairs’ Weddin’ and I love the natural colour it leaves on my lips, SMASHBOX PHOTO FINISH this is a foundation primer but it works great alone. I just love the silkie finish it leaves on my face. I don’t know if it actually makes pores look smaller but I feel great when I wear it. ORIGINS MAKE A DIFFERENCE HAND TREATMENT – this is my go to hand cream. Smells like Froot Loops. , HAIR BRUSH AND SPARE ELASTIC
I. eos LIP BALM (my bag is so big I didn’t realize I had two in it!). One is Berry and the other is Melon. I like the Berry best.
J. MOLESKINE DAILY PLANNER and PANTONE NOTE BOOK – used for blog notes!!!
K. An insane amount of PENS!!! Includes: an assorted colour of LePens,  a stainless steel Sharpie, Jonathan Adler ballpoint (for when I want to feel like a fancy lady), and my favourite PILOT V-Series pens (and I just realized V is 5 in Roman Numerals)

coming home

rena

ghost dog

The rest of the men’s collection didn’t really speak to me, apart from this lovely two-tone tie (what’s with me and two-toned accessories?) which I may throw into my basket as well.

Source: 1

Ella May and the Wishing Stone
Written by Cary Fagan
Illustrated by Geneviève Côté
Hardcover | 32 pages | Ages 4-7
ISBN: 978-1-77049-225-7
“…A great choice for children aged four and up, Ella May and the Wishing Stone is a story that invites readers to think about what it means to be a friend, how best to share treasured items and imaginative ways to solve problems.” – Storytime Standouts

In the Bag!
Margaret Knight Wraps It Up
Written by Monica Kulling
Illustrated by David Parkins
Hardcover | 32 pages | Ages 5-8
ISBN: 978-1-77049-239-4
“…a delightful picture book biography of a little known inspiring woman…. I love stories about smart and determined young women and Kulling’s lively text tells an inspiring story about this determined woman who ‘never gave up without a fight.’ David Parkins’ charming illustrations are filled with carefully drawn period details and engaging humor. Each page turn reveals at least one full-page illustration in authentic-feeling sepia tones…. Don’t miss this really excellent book that opens the door to a multitude of curricular uses.” – Bookends, a Booklist Blog

The Saskatchewan Young Readers’ Choice Award (SYRCA) has three awards – the Shining Willow Award, kindergarten to grade 3, the Diamond Willow Award, grades 4 to 6, and the Snow Willow Award, grades 7 to 9. Ten books written by Canadian authors are nominated at each level. Saskatchewan students may vote in any category in which they have read the minimum number of books required. In 2010, over 12,350 children and young adults throughout the province voted for their favourite book. Students are in the process of voting for the 2011 awards. Award winners will be announced on April 27, 2012 at our annual Gala in Moose Jaw, SK.

Last year, Marthe Jocelyn, the author of “Scribbling Women” participated. Click here to read her post. This year, Monica Kulling will be contributing to their blog. We can’t wait to see what she wrote!