Christmas

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Well Chase got up nice and early this morning and got going with the Christmas goodies.  Santa was good to him this year . . . On his list were Legos, some night vision binoculars, and more toys.  He was very excited for every present he opened (even some new pencils).  Courtney got some new fragrance, and plenty of bath goodies . . . even a spa day.  I got some good Amazon loving as well as some cologne too . . .
Anyway lots of pictures to share so take a look at the photo gallery . . .

Jingle Bell Run

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Well Courtney and her dad ran the 5 mile Jingle Bell Run in Houston today . . . and Chase did the kids run too! Courtney did awesome coming in first in her age group and 8th overall (of the chicks)!  Here is a link to the results.  I went to high school with Cornelio Garibay and he got first in his age group and 9th overall in the men's.
I had a good time getting some shots with my new Nikon 70-200mm lens and I think the pictures came out great.  Now to get Courtney to do some more running so I can take some more pictures.
I am so proud of Courtney, Chase, and Bob for their run . . . good job!

This Is War - 30 Seconds to Mars

I thought I would take some time a do a music review. I know it sounds weird, but it has been a while since I actually paid for music (sorry RIAA). 30 Seconds To Mars is one of my favorite bands and on Tuesday they released "This Is War". What bothered me the most is their departure from a "Rock" sound with real drums and guitars in their first two albums to a mode "Depeche" sound with more synthesized and drum-pad sound.  Some of the vocals even sounds like T-Pain had his hand in making this album . . . but whatever.

1. Escape (2:23) - This is really just an intro, so let's not count this one as a real song. Singing actually comes in after the first minute with the main chant "This Is War" by the kids. (2*)

2. Night Of The Hunter (5:40) - Okay some french girl speaking in the beginning, and then some fake drum sound . . . decent song, I like it somewhat. (3*)

3. Kings And Queens (5:47) - What is up with the screeching eagle at the beginning of this song? It made me think of Nacho Libre when Jack Black was going to get the eagle eggs . . .
Anyway this is a great song and worth a listen. (4*)

4. This Is War (5:27) - Great song, even though it seems very repetitive, but not like I Gotta Feeling by those Black Eyed Punks.  This album is coming along like more of a story and as you can see by track 4 I have started liking the songs alot.  And yes the kids were chanting in this one . . . annoying, but I like the song anyway.  (5*)

5. 100 Suns (1:58) - This is actually a live acoustic song, although they could have remove the cheering at the end.  It reminded me of The Big Lebowski and the Nihilists because it keeps repeating "I believe in nothing" (2*)

6. Hurricane (6:12) - This is probably my favorite from this album.  Great melody and lyrics, and the kids chanting in this one was not too over the top. Crash Crash Burn (in a good way).  (5*)  Another version of the song with Kanye "I'm Gonna Let You Finish" West.  It was not included on the album due to contract issues with the record labels, but I prefer the version without Krappe West.

7. Closer To The Edge (4:33) - Great song . . . had it pegged at 5*'s but then hearing the chanting kids again, I had to take a star off.  (4*)

8. Vox Populi (5:43) - Kid chant . . . overplayed on this album at this point . . . and it is a "call to arms" song, again with the "This Is War" theme.  This is one of those songs you like and would listen to if you were alone, but I wouldn't play it if I had someone in my car with me.  (3*)

9. Search And Destroy (5:38) - Great sound and music . . . the vocals had a little Trent Reznor sound at the beginning . . .  I give this a 3* rating in iTunes right now, but I can see this moving up a star after I listen to this a bit more . . .  (3*)

10. Alibi (5:59) - This is that slow ballad . . . the one that shows up on an album once and a while, and it is quite beautiful.  Take a listen (5*)

11. Stranger In A Strange Land (6:54) -  Heavy synth at the beginning, reminded me of "Where Is My Mind" by the Pixies (song at the end of Fight Club).  Good beat and vocals, I like it.  Two thumbs up. (5*)

12. L490 (4:26) - This had the most annoying sounds that just got louder and louder.  If I could rate a song a negative I would.  This is actually an exit song, so who cares anyway.  (0*)

Overall a great album . . . but next time get rid of the kids in the songs.  Maybe it had to do with 30STM trying to get this third album out from being sued by their record label and they needed to put something out, but it seems like there was a lot of work in most of this songs in this one.

All My Glass

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Well I received another lens today, the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR . . . so this is lens #6 (second from left) in my current collection. I have a trip planned next month, won't go into details where yet, but
it is not the safest country, so I will be "packing light" . . . meaning my big lens will have to stay at home. I will take the new one instead since it only costs 20% of what the big one was, and it is probably 80% lighter too. I haven't taken any pictures with it yet, maybe something this weekend . . .

Nikon 60mm f/2.8G Micro Lens

I received my new Nikon 60mm f/2.8G Micro that I ordered from B&H over the weekend and I like it alot.  It will be replacing my current Nikon 60mm f/2.8D Micro lens that has served me well.  It looks a little longer than my old one, but when the old lens is focusing close, the lens extends, not true with the new one, so I guess it is really "shorter".  No photo gallery on this post . . .

Back To Discovery Green

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Today I went back to Discovery Green with Courtney and Chase to meet up with the Salameh boys. I finally got to try out my new Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G lens and I was very very impressed . . .

B+W and Nikon Clear Filters

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Today I received my B+W XS-PRO 77mm Clear Filter and I thought I would do a little comparison between the B+W and my current Nikon NC Filters.

Packaging - Both filters come in a plastic case, but the B+W case is larger and has foam inserts . . . and it also takes more time to take out.  I have cases for all my filters, and all of them are empty (because they are on my lenses), except the one for my B+W Circular Polarizer.

Build - Well I got to weigh both filters, and keep in mind the Nikon is made from Aluminum and the B+W is Brass, so I knew this would be B+W all the way.  For gram counters, the Nikon is 31g and the B+W is 38g.  Even the Nikon feels a little cheaper when you are cleaning it.  I had a Nikon that had the glass come a bit loose and spin around.

Thinness - B+W @ 3mm wins this one.  I believe the Nikon is 4mm thick.  When it comes to filters, thin is in, unless you prefer vignetting.

Multicoating - I am going to go with B+W on this one with an 8 layer coating on each side and a water/dust repellant.  Nikon doesn't even publish any technical information on their filters, but I think they are made by Hoya anyway.

Cost - Nikon is a little cheaper at $90 (the B+W is $130), but if you are trying to go cheap, why spend the money for Nikon when you can go with a Tiffen or cheap Hoya for under $20 (costs are assuming 77mm filter size).

The Verdict - I decided that I would keep the B+W filter and order more filters for the rest of my lenses.  I have been happy with the Nikon NC Filters, and no complaints, but the B+W filters were clearly better.

Snow In Houston

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Well we got snow in Houston today . . . I know, not alot, but snow happens once every few years over here since we are so close to the warm Gulf of Mexico.  Anyway it just started and I will be updating the gallery the rest of the day as it snows a bit more.  I can't wait for Chase to get out of school so we can go outside and play.  He hasn't seen snow since last Christmas when he was in Seattle visiting Uncle Aaron and Aunt Kim.  In the mean time, enjoy a few snaps I took.

B+W XS-PRO Clear Filters

Back when I didn't know any better about lens care, and how important filters are I either didn't buy one for my lens, or I bought the cheapest ones I could find, which were probably Tiffen ($10).
Fast forward to today, where I use Nikon NC (Neutral Clear) filters on all my lenses.  Sure they cost several times what a Tiffen filter costs but they have served me well.  I figure if I am going to spend $1500 on a camera lens, I want something to protect it.

So why protect a lens?  Well my reasons for throwing on a filter is to protect the lens.  Protection from scratches, from dust, particles, and water getting in the internal glass elements, and so that when I clean my lens, I don't wipe that nice multi-coat from the front element.

Well I decided to replace all my Nikon NC filters in favor of the new B+W XS-PRO (007) Clear Filters.
Since I started buying pro glass, I have always put filters on the lenses as soon as I open them . . . except for my Nikon 14-24mm lens that don't have a way to screw them in.  Today I have a new lens coming in, a Nikon 60mm f/2.8G Micro, but the filter I ordered from Adorama won't make it to me until Monday, so I guess I have to leave the lens in the box for the weekend :(

So back to the B+W filters.  I have always loved the build quality of B+W filters . . . I have owned two UV filters and currently have a Circular Polarizer, but I never felt the need to throw a UV filter on a digital camera.  Digital Cameras have a UV blocker in front of the sensor, so it is unnecessary, and it leaves a tint on the pictures . . . well they finally listened and made a Clear Multi-Coated with a brass ring.  Now I don't have them yet, looks like next week sometime (wish I decided to change brands before ordering a new Nikon 62mm NC for my Micro Lens).  I will do a comparison of both the B+W and Nikon filters when they come in.  So here is what I needed to get and the links if you want to try one out.

Nikon 50mm f/1.4G - 58mm Filter
Nikon 60mm f/2.8G Micro - 62mm Filter
Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR - 67mm Filter
Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G - No Filter
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G - 77mm Filter
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G VR - 77mm Filter

Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II

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Today I got my new 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II that I ordered back in August. It should have been in last week, but apparently some mix ups at J&R led to a day. A phone call Tuesday corrected the glitch, and they overnighted my lens. I haven't really gotten to try it out yet. Emil Slacker Salameh invited me to shoot some pictures of the boys at their Soccer game on Saturday, but if the weather is cold (it should be snowing), I may have to make up an excuse to not go. Its a good thing he doesn't read this blog.

Discovery Green

Today Dustin and I took a short drive down to Discovery Green in downtown to try out his new Nikon D5000 and 18-105mm VR lens.  The weather was gloomy, but we did meet some fellow photogs while out on our shoot.  Lunch was at Bigs on Montrose, and the sliders left little reason to come back for more.

Amazon Wish Lists

In the spirit of Christmas, sometimes it is easier to shop for someone when you know what they want.  Make an Amazon Wish List to make sure you get what you are looking for.  I have posted these known Wish Lists on the right navigation bar somewhere, and have taken a quick look at them.  Not sure what is up with Kim wanting kids stuff for Christmas, maybe Zach needs his own . . .

If you haven't checked out Amazon's Universal Wishlist, I would recommend that as you can put things that are not sold on Amazon.com in your special list.

Here are some Amazon Wish Lists that I am keeping my eye on . . .
David Segura, Courtney Stebner, Chase Stebner,
Aaron Stebner, Kimberley Stebner, Zachary Stebner

Still waiting on Wish Lists from these fools peeps . . .
Dustin Russell, Emil Salameh, Elena Salameh, Jacob, and Stephen

Update 12/01 - Zach has his own wishlist!!!!!!

Baybrook Mall and the Gingerbread Man

Today we went to have lunch with my parents, then to hit the Lego store in Baybrook Mall for some Christmas presents.  We did spend some coin at the store, and while Courtney went to Yankee Candle (gay), Chase and I went to snack on some Gingerbread (Wo)Man.

Stephen's Birthday Party

This should be considered a PART DEUX to the last post, but I thought this deserved a new post.  So maybe his birthday was really last week . . . and maybe you can't even tell that this party was in the museum, or a big white garage . . . but it was fun.
The kids started the day with some drawrings (yes I said that) and some coloring, then off to see some Mummy, or just some stuff that they use to make a mummy.  Then back to the room to catch some salmonella playing with the reptiles.  When it was all said and done, we had less than 30 minutes to eat some cold pizza and some salmonella cake (yet to be determined), which was actually quite delicious (the cake, not the pizza).
Anyway here are the shots, click on a picture for the photo gallery . . .

Houston Museum of Natural Science

We went to the Houston Museum of Natural Science today to go to Stephen's birthday party and had some time to see the stuff in the museum.  Chase loved it as it was his first time to see the dinosaur goodies and the other cool stuff.  Click on Chase's face to see the rest of the pictures . . .

Reds Game 8

Well in this game the Reds played what looks to be the Little League World Series winners . . . as they were much older and bigger than our guys.  We still have a good game and gave them a good fight (see the pic of us smacking them), but it would have been better to play someone our own age I guess

Reds Game 7

Another game another win . . . I think.

Chase Eating Donuts

Chase sure loves his filled donuts. I thought these pictures were too cute to not share. He had chocolate filled, then had some Apple Fritter . . .

Chase's First Bike Ride

Chase got to take his birthday bike (thanks Aaron) out for its inaugural ride in the hood and I had my camera along to take some pictures.  We weren't out that long as the sun was going down, but he had a blast.