Member interview - Antarctican [Archive] - The Photo Beat - Photography Discussion and Critique Forum

Antarctican

11-20-2009, 12:13 PM

http://www.iljboards.com/smiliesadd/disgusted.gif <---- My unhappy camper face: I typed up a longwinded reply, by which time the site had timed out on me, and after I signed back in my text had all disappeared and I couldn’t retrieve it.

Have you ever had an interest in graphic arts other than photography?
No, I’d have to say that photography is the only graphic art that has interested me. My father got all the drawing talent in the family: he enjoys doing watercolours (and sometimes oils) when he has the time and his arthritis/carpal tunnel isn’t flaring up. I wish I could draw/paint, but just haven’t been blessed with the ability. So I have to console myself with just enjoying the works of those who do have talent. http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/kid.gif

Even though I’m just a hobbyist photographer, I enjoy it very much. I look forward to the times I know I can go out and take pictures, and to the times I travel and can explore new places with a camera in my hand. Since I’m not confident in my ability to capture the image I want, though, I tend to take waaaaay too many pictures. And then once I’m home again, I’m hard pressed to find the time to go through 1,000+ images to picks some that I’d like to process and post, especially when work is typically very busy after I’ve been away. Which accounts for why I have many unprocessed/unposted images from Africa, Vegas/Grand Canyon, England, Ireland and Newfoundland languishing on my hard drive. “Someday” I’ll get to them!

When I see the amazing images that others have posted on the forum, it gets a bit intimidating to realize how far I have yet to travel down the road to getting similar quality images. For too long I used the automatic functions, fearing I’d get no images if I shot exclusively in manual. But now I try to shoot exclusively in manual. And it was only this spring, at the meet up of photographers in England hosted by TPB’s own Hertz van Rental, that I made the switch to shooting in raw mode. So bit by bit I’m trying new things and muddling through, learning lots as I go.

(Betcha thought you were gonna get a short answer to that question, didn't you? :p)

Antarctican

11-20-2009, 12:27 PM

Which Toronto sports teams, if any, do you follow?
Toronto certainly is a sports-mad city! We have professional football (Argonauts), hockey (Maple Leafs), baseball (Blue Jays), basketball (Raptors) and soccer (Toronto FC) teams. I don’t really follow professional sports, though, and certainly not hockey or football (don’t really know the rules to either). I’ve been to one basketball game (very enjoyable – lots of activity going on at all times. But game-wise, it really just comes down to the last 5 minutes it seems re who will win), and one soccer game (the fans were insane! So much fun to see their antics and outfits, and hear their chants and taunts). Baseball’s Toronto Blue Jays are the only sports team I have followed off and on. The previous firm where I worked had corporate seats at the Skydome, so I often got to go to games. Which was particularly exciting when the Jays were in the World Series (yeah, I know, that was quite a while ago!) And I always get roped into joining the office hockey pool…I think they enjoy taking my entry fee, knowing the chances I’ll win anything are remote. The poor Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t won the Stanley Cup in over 40 years. Maybe this year!!
http://www.hockeyfanzone.com/images/smilies/tmlduck.pnghttp://www.hockeyfanzone.com/images/smilies/stanleycup.jpg

sleepingdragon

11-20-2009, 12:49 PM

What is something that not a lot of people know about you but you wish more people could know?

Antarctican

11-20-2009, 01:08 PM

Okay, now really. Here is what I must know: How did you come to love penguins so much that you have become known as "the Penguin Queen"? What started it?Oh boy, another long explanation is a-comin’….. I’ve been to Antarctica twice and am totally enamoured by it – the sheer beauty of the place (snowcapped mountains, crystal clear water, almost no signs of civilization other than some small scientific communities). Even though the temperatures were cool (although not as cold as you might expect, since we visited the Antarctic peninsula rather than the Pole, and we went during their ‘summer’ months), it was often sunny. Humpback whales and dolphins would come close to the ship to visit. There were seals lolling on icefloes, icebergs breaking off of glaciers, and of course the penguins. They are nature’s comedians. They are so ungainly as they waddle on land, but once they hit the water they are fast and graceful swimmers. When the come back to land, they virtually ‘squirt’ out of the water and land on their feet, sometimes knocking over the penguin that landed there a second before (like bowling pins). They sometimes fall on their faces as they descend hills. If they are travelling a longer distance, they will ‘swim’ on land by lying on their bellies and using their flippers to propel themselves. They steal rocks from each others nests, then run to give them to their partner penguin to use in building their rock nest. The chicks chase their parents around demanding to be fed (it looks like the theme from Benny Hill should be playing). And the molting chicks can look terribly funny, with tufts of feathers in a mohawk on their head, or a mullet, or just a ‘bad hair day’ in general. They are just very very funny to watch, and very cute. So when I got home from that trip, I went a little crazy on Ebay buying penguin items. I have egg cups, salt and pepper shakers, teapots, creamer jugs, cookie jars, piggy banks etc etc etc. And I think that’s when the moniker of “Penguin Queen” came about. Plus it rhymes with my name…for a brief period I became “Jeanne Jeanne the Penguin Queen”.

Edit: Some pics! This is Paradise Bay in Antarctica, taken on a disposable panorama camera, and scanned.
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/6802/antarctbx8.jpg

And this one is a king penguin (again, a scan of a photo). The king penguins were seen in the Falklands, not in Antarctica itself.
http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/6631/pengbk6il3.jpg

Antarctican

11-20-2009, 01:14 PM

What made you choose law as a profession?
When I was about to go to University, my father said I should have a plan of what I wanted to do afterward. He rhymed off a bunch of suggestions (doctor, veterinarian, accountant, rocket scientist, lawyer etc) and the only one that fit my academic inclinations was ‘lawyer’….cuz I like to argue. I mean ‘persuade’. Yeah, that’s it, ‘persuade’.

(Whew, finally, a short answer! :razz: )

Antarctican

11-20-2009, 01:18 PM

.. and where were you on the night of the 17th?:whip:Uh oh, was I supposed to be somewhere and I forgot? http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/artists/viannen/viannen_39.gif

Umm, that wasn't me. I was not, I repeat NOT, the woman you saw attacking, I mean applying moisture lotion to, the firefighter calendar boys. That was my evil twin. Who was just doing a good deed, because their skin looked awfully dry to her. Or so she told me.

Antarctican

11-20-2009, 01:42 PM

What is something that not a lot of people know about you but you wish more people could know?Ummm, that I'm single? http://www.smilies-and-more.de/pics/kolobok/standard/wink3.gif Get the word out! Don't be shy...use billboards, airplane banners, and shout it from the rooftops! [Just don't write it on any bathroom walls, please.]

http://www.invision.smileyville.net/smilies/greets%20%2816%29.gif

sleepingdragon

11-20-2009, 09:13 PM

What place would you like to travel to that you haven't already been?

René

11-21-2009, 03:56 AM

Yeah, still shocked at the fact your single, your such a beautiful funny intelligent person, its not right at all!

Anyhow, my question, [s] What part of Ireland did you enjoy most and why? [Apart from meeting me! LOL]

If you could photograph any event in nature, say like the northern lights, or eclipse etc, something natural that doesn't happen often, what would it be and why?

Burger King or McDonalds? [if you had to....]

Antarctican

11-21-2009, 08:55 AM

What place would you like to travel to that you haven't already been?
I'm not going to be able to narrow that down to just one choice!!! Some of the places are (in no particular order):
The Galapagos
Costa Rica
Greece (Santorini (http://www.photoseek.com/greece/01GRE-04-30-Oia-Santorini.jpg))
New Zealand
Machu Picchu in Peru (to see the ruins (http://z.about.com/d/archaeology/1/0/_/B/machu_picchu1.jpg))
Morocco
Pompeii
Churchill Manitoba here in Canada to go out in the tundra buggies (http://www.discover-the-world.co.uk/export/sites/dtw/images/gallery/canada/canada-tundra-buggy.jpg_2092326501.jpg) to see Polar Bears

I'm going kayaking in Belize between Christmas and New Years, so am very excited about that. But I'm not sure how much I'll see other than beach areas. I'd like to go into the rainforest, and see some of the ruins if there's time.

Antarctican

11-21-2009, 02:03 PM

Yeah, still shocked at the fact your single, your such a beautiful funny intelligent person, its not right at all! :hug: You sweetie you! Thanks for that boost to my self esteem!

What part of Ireland did you enjoy most and why? [Apart from meeting me! LOL]Well, if I have to disregard the 'meeting you' part (which is unfair to make me do, as that was something I’d looked forward to - I’ve been an admirer of your photography for quite a while, and I enjoyed going with you to some of your fave pubs and just chatting)..... I was in Dublin for a conference, so didn’t get to look around quite as much as I’d have liked. I loved just walking around the city, seeing all the Georgian townhouses and historical places. Dublin is a wonderful city for being able to walk around and see TONS of interesting sights. I’d have to say some of the most enjoyable parts of my visit involved music...seeing the U2 tribute band with you was great, and as part of the conference events they had bands playing traditional Irish music at the big dinner at the Guinness Storehouse. As you know, I had a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher (on your recommendation), which was as enjoyable travelling there by train and seeing the countryside as was the actual sight of the beautiful cliffs (even though they were rather mist-shrouded when I was there). If I had to pick just one ‘place’, I’d have to go with the city of Dublin itself, walking along the River Liffey. There are so many architecturally and historically interesting things to see along there.

If you could photograph any event in nature, say like the northern lights, or eclipse etc, something natural that doesn't happen often, what would it be and why?It would probably be the Northern Lights (http://www.trustedlog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/northern-lights-f.jpg). I saw really beautiful green Northern Lights when I was on a ship near Greenland a few years ago...they shimmer and dance in the night and are mesmerizing to watch. I hear they can be red too! But as the throbbing of the engines on the boat was so strong, one just couldn’t get good clear pics of them. Or at least I sure couldn’t.

Burger King or McDonalds? [if you had to....]McDonalds....I like their salads. And they have good fries, on the days when I’m bad and indulging in such things :p .

René

11-21-2009, 03:43 PM

Maybe next time you get to Dublin, I can actually get time off and show you around properly. I forget how interesting it can be to new eyes.

Do you ever watch photography related movies or buy photography DVD's and if so, which ones do you watch or own?

MissMia

11-21-2009, 03:56 PM

Yeah, still shocked at the fact your single, your such a beautiful funny intelligent person, its not right at all!

I wholeheartedly agree!

Starbucks or Timmies?

Summer or Winter?

What style of photography are you most drawn to?

invisible

11-21-2009, 09:18 PM

What's your field of specialization as a lawyer?

Do you have any favourite lawyer joke?

Have you visited Argentina (other than the Antarctic peninsula?)

Antarctican

11-22-2009, 10:04 AM

Do you ever watch photography related movies or buy photography DVD's and if so, which ones do you watch or own?:blush: Ummm, no I haven't watched/bought such movies. I've started watching "Photoshop how-to" tutorials on Youtube and am amazed at what one can do. I wish I'd known how to use the liquefy tool before now...it's like the magic of liposuction without the surgery! And it explains the recent brouhaha over Demi Moore's missing thigh (http://www.meotive.com/2009/11/22/w-photographer-to-demi-moore-thats-not-the-original-photo/). I can't wait to try using liquefy on some photos. :mrgreen:

I also get photography magazines (eg. Popular Photography), but am disappointed at how many ads there are and not enough content for my liking

Antarctican

11-22-2009, 10:34 AM

I wholeheartedly agree! Thanks my friend! http://www.heathen-hub.com/tempdump/girls/vala_amixcora.gif

Starbucks or Timmies?Timmies! (Although I've been known to indulge in a "Grande No Fat Pumpkin Spice Latte", when I can say it with a straight face. It always makes me think of the scene in LA Story (http://video.google.com/videosearch?client=safari&rls=en&q=la+story+coffee+order&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=tWIJS9veFcmGlAfN9vyEBA&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CCEQqwQwAw#client=safari&rls=en&q=la+story+coffee+order&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=tWIJS9veFcmGlAfN9vyEBA&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CCEQqwQwAw&qvid=la+story+coffee+order&vid=-3467583487257490208) where the Hollywood types are ordering their coffees)

Summer or Winter?Summer!

What style of photography are you most drawn to?Ooo, that's a toughie. I especially like seeing landscape photography, and animals. I also like seeing the pics of people who 'think outside the box' and take pics at angles or from interesting points of view. In my own photography I too often keep the entire subject within the frame or level, but when I see others post pics taken at an angle etc, they seem more interesting than mine. So I have to experiment more.

Antarctican

11-22-2009, 10:42 AM

What's your field of specialization as a lawyer?I act for insurance companies that insure police forces, municipalities and school boards. So when those entities get sued (which is OFTEN, because they are 'deep pocket defendants'), my firm defends them. This is civil litigation (lawsuits), as opposed to criminal litigation.

Do you have any favourite lawyer joke?Q: What do you call 12 lawyers skydiving?
A: Skeet

Have you visited Argentina (other than the Antarctic peninsula?)On the Antarctic trips, the boat leaves from Ushuaia, which is the town at the southern tip of Argentina. To get there, one flies to Buenos Aries and takes a smaller plane down to Ushuaia. I never had a sufficiently long layover to tour around Buenos Aries, but have spent about 4 days in Ushuaia (which is quite a small town). There's a small chance I may get to go back to Antarctica this winter, so if it happens, maybe this time I'll be able to see some of Buenos Aries.

Terri

11-22-2009, 10:45 AM

René

11-22-2009, 10:52 AM

What's your favourite airline?

KMann

11-23-2009, 08:39 AM

I wonder why you live in Toronto when you could have a fat little real estate practice in Owen Sound and hire a good assistant to do most of the work? Just kidding.

Have you ever been up here to the Bruce? It is pretty breath-taking. Do come visit the area. It's lovely any time of the year.

Oh, and I will take issue with your statement that you do not have the talent to draw or paint. You probably don't have the time, but most anyone can learn to draw at least, it just takes proper instruction and practice. I have long given it up as a daily activity, but when I was at OCAD (then OCA) I found that it was the basis for everything, as drawing taught me to see. You should give it another go perhaps - take a night course. It's really quite wonderful.

Antarctican

11-23-2009, 10:07 AM

Okay. Here is the scene:

You have just finished a meal that lasted several hours, with many courses and fine wine. You push back from your chair and say: "That was THE best meal I have ever had in my life!"

What did you have?

:popcorn:You are an evil, evil woman! Here I am trying to diet and you get me thinking about food!!
http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/5426/buffet.gif

I'll have to get back to you, as narrowing it down will be tough (I love Thai, French, German food etc. as well as a good ol' barbecue. And a turkey dinner with all the fixings. And and and..... (*passes out/swoons*)

Antarctican

11-23-2009, 10:11 AM

What's your favourite airline?Despite all my travels, I haven't actually flown on all that many different airlines. And many of them were charter flights, where the passengers are crammed on like cattle, so I certainly won't be choosing them as my fave! [I've never flown business or first class, but will have a business class seat on the way home from Belize in January!! (It'll be nice to see how the other half lives).]

With all their cost cutting, some airlines are nickel and diming the passengers to death...fees to check bags, fees for food/drink that used to be free (although that one doesn't bug me too much as it's usually only on shorter flights that they charge you), and fees to rent headphones, pillows and blankets! (Those fees bug me!) My vote will go with Lufthansa, as last time I flew with them they had good service, no fees, nice planes etc.

Antarctican

11-23-2009, 10:21 AM

I wonder why you live in Toronto when you could have a fat little real estate practice in Owen Sound and hire a good assistant to do most of the work? Just kidding. Cuz I'd get my fat little rear end sued off....I don't know anything about real estate law!

Have you ever been up here to the Bruce? It is pretty breath-taking. Do come visit the area. It's lovely any time of the year. I used to sail on Georgian Bay, and gunkholed from Victoria Harbour up to Tobermory one year. Absolutely stunning scenery. I can see why you love it up there. And I've never hiked any part of the Bruce trail, but it's on my to-do list. I've driven to Owen Sound and thereabouts on business too...very pretty area.

Oh, and I will take issue with your statement that you do not have the talent to draw or paint. You probably don't have the time, but most anyone can learn to draw at least, it just takes proper instruction and practice. I have long given it up as a daily activity, but when I was at OCAD (then OCA) I found that it was the basis for everything, as drawing taught me to see. You should give it another go perhaps - take a night course. It's really quite wonderful.Ooo, OCA, you must be good! OCA certainly had a great rep back in the day. I have no idea what it's rep is now, hopefully still as good. What was your favourite area? (Can I do that, ask askers questions back?)

KMann

11-23-2009, 01:31 PM

Anti, I think it's okay to chat. It's your thread after all!

Did you go with the lot from Luminous Landscape to Antarctica? (Reichmann et al?)

I went to OCA before all the wonderful older staff members had retired and before the switch to degree granting status forced many very talented working artists to leave because they didn't have degrees from universities. Many were grads of OCA and successful, but degree granting means that your staff must be university graduates. It was a bit of a tragedy.

In any case, I was a mature student at OCA - and in fact, a lot of the instructors were my buddies from my neighbourhood (Ward's Island). I learned a tremendous amount while I was there (1984-1989). Principally I was able, as a part-time student, to take a very heavy course load. I was able to manage things so that I would be studying with the people I admired. No basket weaving, you know?

Drawing was my secondary interest, after photography. My portfolio was graphics and photography when I entered and photography and painting, drawing when I left. I really loved every minute I spent there. I have never looked at the planet in quite the same way since.

My photography is very much informed by studies in colour theory and painting. I would say that my practice is more painterly than documentary, which was my bent when I started out.

Law, for me, was the path not taken, and I have spent my life circling legal issues in various jobs, enjoying the logical framework of the practice.

René

11-23-2009, 01:31 PM

Jeff Jarboe

11-23-2009, 03:49 PM

Did you get your camera issue resolved?

What are your favorite and strangest combination of maple syrup and what?

PhotoJet

11-23-2009, 04:03 PM

Did you get your camera issue resolved?

What are your favorite and strangest combination of maple syrup and what?

What a great question! :lol: (the maple syrup one). ;)

I have a question for you, too! Did you know there are well over 500 waterfalls accessible to anyone in the western part of the UP??? Doesn't that sound like a field trip??? :)

This is a great interview!

Antarctican

11-24-2009, 06:28 AM

Did you go with the lot from Luminous Landscape to Antarctica? (Reichmann et al?)

No, a friend of mine worked for an expedition company in Toronto run by Sam Blythe, called Marine Expeditions. That was for my first trip there. By the time of the second trip 3 years later, Marine Expeditions had folded, and my friend was involved with a company called Peregrine out of Australia. About four years ago his interest in Peregrine (or more properly, in the ships that Peregrine used for its Arctic and Antarctic trips) was bought out by a big company out of the UK whose name escapes me. So after about two years, he got bored and started up another company called One Ocean Expeditions, that does several Antarctic trips a year. The timing wasn't great, with the world wide recession, but he's holding his own and has a good level of bookings for the coming season.

Antarctican

11-24-2009, 06:47 AM

Ok, strange one for ya, if you could travel back to time to any point in Jesus's life, and photograph him, what would you photograph, what event and why?
[Personally I'd shoot his teenage years, no mention at all of them in the bible!]I would probably pick the last supper. He had his friends gathered around him (and Judas). He knew time was short and was passing on 'lessons' to them. The setting is the basis of the sacrament (the eating of the wafer etc). So to photograph him at such an emotional time, with both friend and foe there, and to see the treachery of Judas in action, and the arrest by the soldiers, would be an emotion-packed event to witness and capture.

Antarctican

11-24-2009, 06:56 AM

Did you get your camera issue resolved?

What are your favorite and strangest combination of maple syrup and what?

No, the camera issue continues. Canon supposedly fixed the shutter, but as soon as I put my own lens on, I got the error message again. Then when I took both the body and the lens back to the store, they put a Canon lens on, which got rid of the error message, but then the LCD screen wouldn't display any information at all, which makes it sound like there's still an issue with the body too. The lens is still under warranty. If I can find the invoice. Which I've had no luck doing at present. So I'll probably get a new camera that I can rely on, and maybe get the old one fixed for backup. Maybe, as spending more money on a 4 year old camera may not make economic sense.

As for maple syrup, well, I'm a traditionalist. I used to only have it on pancakes, french toast, and waffles. But then I saw others having it on bacon too, and I tried that and liked it. I guess the combination of sweet and salty worked well. ~~~It's a good glaze for ham too. And if you have waffles you can have whipped cream and nuts and pour maple syrup over the top. Some people pour it on their ice cream, but I've never tried that.

Antarctican

11-24-2009, 06:59 AM

What a great question! :lol: (the maple syrup one). ;)

I have a question for you, too! Did you know there are well over 500 waterfalls accessible to anyone in the western part of the UP??? Doesn't that sound like a field trip??? :)

This is a great interview!No, I didn't know that!! Sounds like a great field trip indeed, although it might get tough after a while to think up new angles and ways of shooting them.
(Ummm, did you mean "US"? And if not, what's "UP"?*)

*And getting me to ask "what's UP?" better not be a joke!! :raisedbrow:

Chiller

11-24-2009, 08:56 AM

Why cant I think of anything to ask you. :biglaugh::biglaugh: Great interview Jeanney. :D

oh...can I sue Toronto hydro for the power outage last night. ?:batterup:

PhotoJet

11-24-2009, 09:36 AM

Antarctican

11-24-2009, 09:41 AM

oh...can I sue Toronto hydro for the power outage last night. ?:batterup:I figured you were caught in that when I heard what part of the city was affected!!! http://www.yoganandaji.org/board/images/smilies/candle_smilie.gif
Hope you had a laptop with a charged battery.

(And no, you can't sue :naughty: )

Antarctican

11-24-2009, 09:43 AM

UP is the vernacular for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. :love: Love the place! It's amazing how different those waterfalls can be from each other!:D

I would never set you up for a joke... no, really. :mrgreen: :big grin:Aaah, didn't know that acronym. And the UP probably isn't terribly far from here....a road trip may indeed be in order! (Have you been to see any of these waterfalls? It would be fun to try to see a whole bunch in one day)

Ghastly

11-24-2009, 10:44 AM

Ghastly

11-24-2009, 10:49 AM

You said you prefer summer over winter

Please elaborate on that. (I understand the weatherr in Totonto is extremely extreme... describe a bit of both, etc)

icassell

11-24-2009, 10:53 AM

Do you have any other hobbies (aside from photography and travel)?

Antarctican

11-25-2009, 06:57 AM

Hi...

What other animals do you like?
Name a song that makes you wanna cry... if there is no one, name one of your favourites.
What's on your Christmas list?
Weirdest food you've eaten?
Weirdest food you like?
Domesticated animals, I certainly love dogs and cats. In a zoo, I love watching the antics of the otters and spider monkeys. In the wild, I'd love to see a loon with her babies, up close (and/or a polar bear and her cubs, or a whale and calf). On something like a safari, I'd like to see a cheetah with cubs.

Sad song: All by Myself, by Eric Carmen.

Christmas list: A new camera and lenses! Or a new laptop. But that isn't going to happen, so more realistically, clothes, books, CDs.

Weirdest food I've eaten: alligator, rattlesnake, fish maw, haggis, vegemite. The first two taste like chicken. And I actually like haggis, so I'd go with that as the 'weirdest food I like'.

René

11-25-2009, 01:21 PM

What's your favourite Christmas moment? [From all time...]

If you were to buy a compact Digital Camera, which brand would you buy and which model?

Chiller

11-25-2009, 01:30 PM

What scares you. ....what is it that really makes you shivvvver in your boots http://bestsmileys.com/halloween3/7.gif

doenoe

11-25-2009, 02:10 PM

I saw you ate all kinds of stuff.........you ever ate pinguin?

icassell

11-25-2009, 02:23 PM

I saw you ate all kinds of stuff.........you ever ate pinguin?

OMG! You think Anty is a cannibal?

Chiller

11-25-2009, 02:44 PM

OMG! You think Anty is a cannibal?
Doesnt Cannibal Anty have a great ring to it tho?

kundalini

11-25-2009, 02:58 PM

... hmmm, so it seems that after hitting the preview button, my questions turned out to be unsuitable for public viewing. Can I get back with you at a later date? :lol:

Antarctican

11-26-2009, 03:49 AM

You said you prefer summer over winter

Please elaborate on that. (I understand the weatherr in Totonto is extremely extreme... describe a bit of both, etc)It's true, Toronto gets extremes of temperature. In the winter, it can get as low as -40 degrees C (with the windchill), and in the summer it can get as high as +35 degrees C with the humidity. The weather never stays at those extremes for more than a few days though, and as long as you dress for the weather it's fine.

Although we might get a one day sprinkling of snow in October or November, it's usually early January before we get a snowfall that stays. And by the end of March the snow is usually gone. It can be darn cold and snowy in between, let me assure you! It's nice having the distinct change of seasons. Although this year it seems we skipped right over summer - we had cool and overcast weather for most of the time.

I've always enjoyed the sun and love being out when it's warm and sunny. There's so much to do, and the feel of sun on my skin just makes me feel good. In the winter, I rarely seem to get out to go skiing or do any other winter sports. I guess I should try to get out more. I like downhill and cross country skiing (not on the bitterly cold days though). And I'd like to try snowshoeing, so maybe this year I'll do it!

Antarctican

11-26-2009, 03:58 AM

Do you have any other hobbies (aside from photography and travel)?
I've been trying to get in better shape for the past 3 years, so I guess you could say 'fitness'. I don't usually think of that as a 'hobby', but it takes a fair amount of my spare time (jogging and weights and fitness classes).

I do dragonboating in the spring (April to June), and I like to go kayaking in the summer. I've taken up gardening in the past few summers as well, renting a small plot from the City because I live in a condominium, so don't have a backyard of my own. I guess that's pretty much it.

Antarctican

11-26-2009, 04:11 AM

What's your favourite Christmas moment? [From all time...]

I would have to go with a Christmas about 8 years ago. My brother and his wife have two boys (then aged about 6 and 4). I went over at their place on Christmas Eve and stayed over so I could see the kids on Christmas morning. About 5 in the morning I could hear the excited pitter patter of their footsteps running around upstairs, and hear their voices 'he was here, Santa came!' They were soooo excited. They had fun opening all their gifts, thrilled at everything they received. And then my brother and I had to assemble one of the gifts. The instructions were terrible and incomplete, and we got laughing so hard as we read them aloud (they were terribly translated from some other language). And then we fondly remembered the stories of our parents assembling our Christmas gifts when we were kids, and we had a good laugh over the whole 'what goes around comes around' cycle. [That brother was the one who would usually get up about one hour after my parents had fallen exhausted into bed early on Christmas morning after assembling and wrapping all the gifts, and he'd tear them ALL open in about 10 minutes before the rest of us got up. He's never heard the end of it].

If you were to buy a compact Digital Camera, which brand would you buy and which model?I've seen some waterproof digital point and shoots advertised, like the Olympus Stylus Tough 8000. It's shockproof, waterproof, crushproof and freezeproof. It has a 12MP sensor, a 2.7" display, anti-blur technology etc. As I like to take the point and shoot out when kayaking, that would probably be what I'd get. I'd have to do some more research though to make sure they take half decent pics.

Antarctican

11-26-2009, 04:28 AM

What scares you. ....what is it that really makes you shivvvver in your boots http://bestsmileys.com/halloween3/7.gifWhoa, Chiller, that is a GREAT gif! Love it!

I know I'm afraid of snakes in the wild. It's seeing them slither when I'm walking that freaks me. Even though I know the ones around here can't hurt me, they just scare me. 'Tame' ones fascinate me though, and I don't mind holding them or touching them. And if I'm swimming in the ocean, I always remember the scenes from jaws...so if a piece of seaweed were to touch my leg just then, I'd set a new swim record back to safety.

Scary movies scare me. And when you were in costume/character as leatherface on Halloween, that was scary even though I knew it was you.

And in a broader sense, I'm afraid of failure.

Antarctican

11-26-2009, 04:31 AM

I saw you ate all kinds of stuff.........you ever ate pinguin?Gaaaaaah!!! No, no, a thousand times no!!!!

Antarctican

11-26-2009, 04:32 AM

Doesnt Cannibal Anty have a great ring to it tho?
:biglaugh:

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/4900/witchdoctor.gif

Antarctican

11-26-2009, 04:38 AM

... hmmm, so it seems that after hitting the preview button, my questions turned out to be unsuitable for public viewing. Can I get back with you at a later date? :lol:
:shock:

.....:sexywink:

..........:biglaugh:

................:popcorn:

Ghastly

11-26-2009, 11:11 AM

I've seen some waterproof digital point and shoots advertised, like the Olympus Stylus Tough 8000. It's shockproof, waterproof, crushproof and freezeproof. It has a 12MP sensor, a 2.7" display, anti-blur technology etc. As I like to take the point and shoot out when kayaking, that would probably be what I'd get. I'd have to do some more research though to make sure they take half decent pics.

Here's a link you might find useful: Underwater camera group test (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q209waterproofgroup/)

Some more questions.

Has photography changed your life in any way?

How do you compose your images?

What is the difference between lawyer, counselor and attorney? (Sorry if it's a silly one, but I honestly don't know)

Ever eaten a beaver tail? Any good?

Thanks for all your answers!

Antarctican

11-26-2009, 01:29 PM

Here's a link you might find useful: Underwater camera group test (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q209waterproofgroup/)

Some more questions.

Has photography changed your life in any way?

How do you compose your images?

Hey, thanks for the link! Helpful stuff (and the photo of the guy in the pool holding the colour chart made me laugh). Interesting to see that besides being waterproof with respect to splashed water, the Olympus Tough 8000 can also function 10m below water.

Photography has certainly enriched my life in many ways. I think it makes you look at everything a little differently than non-photographers. I'm always looking at cloud formations, the shadows that objects create, reflections in windows, the lines and angles that occur naturally in nature, or in architecture, shades of colour etc. You see a lot more of the beauty of the world, I think. And through photography I have met and become friends with many people with whom I have this shared interest. I've even travelled to meetups with photographers in Washington, England, Germany, Ireland, Newfoundland and several spots in the US (meeting quite a few of the people who are members here along the way!) It can be a frustrating hobby, though, when I'm unable to achieve the results I want. But I do love it, and find it relaxing, and plan to stick with it!

As for composing my images, I don't think outside the box enough. I love seeing the angles from which other people take their shots, and I know I have to work on my composition, in order to make my shots more interesting. With digital, you can sure take a lot more shots than one did with film, so I try several different angles, and then learn what I prefer when I see them side by side on my screen.

Oops, just got called away. Will answer the rest of your questions in a while. Thanks for asking them!

kundalini

11-26-2009, 08:18 PM

Okay, I've calmed down and have a couple of questions this time.

Oh..... I can't change my spots too much.

So, umm, as far as being single (nor can I believe it) are you the good girl that has an affinity for bad boys? :sexywink:

Are you aware and do you have an opinion of the fact that male penguins are "bendy" and rather like themselves.
http://s200.photobucket.com/albums/aa199/kundalini2737/peng3.jpg

What is your prefered adult beverage?

Since you have been having camera woes, have you ever considered coming over to the dark side? :big grin:

Given the choice for a alternative profession and without any outside pressures, what would be your top three choices to have considered if you followed your heart? (Hindsight is an available option.)

Have you ever tasted some good ole southern grits for breakfast?

Antarctican

11-27-2009, 07:07 AM

What is the difference between lawyer, counselor and attorney? (Sorry if it's a silly one, but I honestly don't know)

Ever eaten a beaver tail? Any good?

Thanks for all your answers!I believe the different words are what are used in Canada (lawyer) and the US (counselor, or attorney). Although in the criminal court system in Canada the person acting for the government is called a 'Crown attorney'. And in the UK and other countries (eg Australia) they still use the 'barrister' (doing courtroom work) and 'solicitor' (non-court work) terminology. Is that confusing enough for ya??!

And yes, I've eaten a beaver tail! Very yummy!
(For those of you who might be getting the wrong idea, a beaver tail is essentially a kind of donut. The maker pours the batter into the deep-fryer, which results in a long flat piece of cooked dough (http://www.startingasmallbusiness.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/beavertales2za.jpg). You can then choose your toppings: everything from sweet toppings (sugar, chocolate, maple syrup, etc) to 'other' toppings like garlic butter.

Antarctican

11-27-2009, 07:37 AM

So, umm, as far as being single (nor can I believe it) are you the good girl that has an affinity for bad boys? :sexywink:

Are you aware and do you have an opinion of the fact that male penguins are "bendy" and rather like themselves.
http://s200.photobucket.com/albums/aa199/kundalini2737/peng3.jpg

What is your prefered adult beverage?

Since you have been having camera woes, have you ever considered coming over to the dark side? :big grin:

Given the choice for a alternative profession and without any outside pressures, what would be your top three choices to have considered if you followed your heart? (Hindsight is an available option.)

Have you ever tasted some good ole southern grits for breakfast?Heehee, funny set of questions kundalini!

Although there was a time I was probably attracted to the bad boys, I think those days are past. I'd now prefer someone I can count on when the going gets tough, but who can also let loose and enjoy life during the good times. The ability to laugh (even darkly) at what life throws at you is a must.

I would think that if male penguins are indeed as 'bendy' as your posted image would suggest, then they would be the envy of male humans! Flexibility is always a good thing. And they must have good balance as well, since when they mate, it's said to resemble two footballs trying to mate.

My preferred adult beverage is white wine. But if it's a hot summer day and a blender is available, I like a strawberry daiquiri/margarita. And I wouldn't turn up my nose at rum and (diet) coke.

If by 'dark side' you mean film, sure, I'd shoot film again. It will be tough to go back to paying developing costs for the quality of images I come up with though!

Alternative professions, hmmm. Well, if I had the talent, I'd love to be an animator. I think it would be great to spend a large part of one's day being creative like that. Or a heart surgeon...it would be rewarding to help people and give them a renewed lease on life. [Pretty tough training to get to that point though.] Or being a Rachel Ray type of chef, who could be entertaining as well as informative.

And no, I've never had good ole southern grits for breakfast! A 'delight' still to be enjoyed, I guess!

Antarctican

11-27-2009, 07:42 AM

Still thinking of that 'best meal' question, Terri! I really have been dreaming of food all week. It will involve a pork tenderloin as the main course. I'll fill in the rest later today.

EDIT: Man, I've given this a lot of thought! The problem is that I really like food, so narrowing it down to one meal was tough. I happened to have eaten some Thai and some German food during this week, so having had those faves already made me think of other faves to list instead. I'll therefore go with the following as my current 'dream meal':

-Onion soup gratinee (made with red wine and topped with cheese broiled 'til it bubbles)
-Salad with blue cheese dressing
-Stuffed pork tenderloin, with a creamy dijon sauce, a side of mixed veggies steamed so they're still al dente, and garlic mashed potatoes. Plus crescent rolls, with real butter.
-for dessert, either a cheese tray with port (yes, I like cheese!), or pumpkin pie with whipped cream

And then I'd explode. But die happy. http://www.infohub.com/forums/images/smilies/ihe_glutton.gif

(*I went with a meal I might make myself, so none of the items listed is particularly difficult to prepare.)

Antarctican

11-27-2009, 07:43 AM

We have Antarctican bound in a chair under the interrogation lights, primed with truth serum.

Ummm, guys? It's been a week. Could someone possibly untie me? Hello? Anyone? (*wriggles around in effort to loosen the bonds*)

Chiller

11-27-2009, 08:36 AM

Heh heh....you will never be untied, if I get you in the crawlspace. :whip:

Antarctican

11-27-2009, 08:52 AM

Ha! Ya gotta catch me first! And I'd send Kane out to get me help (hey, if Lassie could do it, surely Kane could do it).

Chiller

11-27-2009, 09:10 AM

Ha! Ya gotta catch me first! And I'd send Kane out to get me help (hey, if Lassie could do it, surely Kane could do it).
The sad thing aboot sending Kane to help you...I have to help get him to stand up first. The ol boys legs aint what they used to be.
....and catchin ya aint a problem...I know where you live. :batterup:

Antarctican

11-27-2009, 09:17 AM

http://forums.ourspecialchild.org/images/smilies/skeert.gif

Well, as a diversion then, I'm going to make you the next interviewee. So there. Thread to be started imminently. (*quickly packs up and heads outta town*)

Chiller

11-27-2009, 09:24 AM

Terri

11-27-2009, 04:50 PM

Still thinking of that 'best meal' question, Terri! I really have been dreaming of food all week. It will involve a pork tenderloin as the main course. I'll fill in the rest later today.:waiting: The pork tenderloin is an excellent addition! Can't wait to hear more.

THEN...we can turn our full attention to Chiller. :mrgreen:

René

11-28-2009, 02:36 AM

Thanks Jeanne for such a great interview. I've been busy the last few days so sorry I didnt get to ask any new questions, Chiller is next I believe!

Fenman

11-28-2009, 04:53 AM

Jeanne - Firstly thanks for you replies to the questions. Your wonderful sense of humour forever showing through. It was wonderful to meet you last summer and experience that twinkling smile for real. How ever do you find the time to post so often comments on our meager offerings of pictures on the Forum? Where do you find that endless supply of gifs to entertain us? Keep up the good work, It is the likes of yourself that make it worthwhile for us mere mortals to keep posting.

Antarctican

11-28-2009, 01:16 PM

Thanks Jeanne for such a great interview. Awwww, thanks Rene! :cheers:

Jeanne - Firstly thanks for you replies to the questions. Your wonderful sense of humour forever showing through. It was wonderful to meet you last summer and experience that twinkling smile for real. How ever do you find the time to post so often comments on our meager offerings of pictures on the Forum? Where do you find that endless supply of gifs to entertain us? Keep up the good work, It is the likes of yourself that make it worthwhile for us mere mortals to keep posting.Thanks Fenman - it was wonderful to finally meet you too, and share that memorable picnic lunch at Rutland Water!

Hey, you try to make time for things you enjoy, as much as possible (although sometimes 'life' gets just too busy to permit it). I really love seeing everyone's photographs, and the only 'meagre' part is my attempt to comment on them.

As for the gifs, they make me smile, so I try to remember what kind are out there, then locate them when the appropriate time arises.