PIPE SMOKER DEVELOPED TELESCOPE THAT SEES IT ALL

PIPE SMOKER DEVELOPED TELESCOPE THAT SEES IT ALL, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

ON REMEMBERING MEN WHO DRESSED WELL AND ALWAYS SEEMED TO BE SMOKING A PIPE

There was a time when pipes were almost necessary accessories for the men who wanted to look a cut-above the rest. The pipe added the look of refinement as opposed to the look of the "dandy." This, of course, is only my opinion and is open for debate.

When I recall my first glimpses of well-dressed men as a boy, they were usually wearing tweed, a vest, and sometimes a somewhat short-brimmed hat. And they were smoking a pipe.

If there is one thing most pipe-smokers share in common when being photographed, it is the pipe. We must absolutely have our pipe in hand or pressed in the corner of our mouth for posterities sake.

As if posterity is really going to give a hoot what we have pressed between our lips.

By Robert L. Huffstutter

HEADED TOWARD CALIFORNIA 1959

HEADED TOWARD CALIFORNIA 1959, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

I was on my way to the Union Station to board the Southern Pacific for my first trip to the West Coast. The train traveled the southern route, stopping at El Paso and other notable towns of the old Southwest. It was one great train ride for a 17 year old boy anxious for adventure.

It was the summer of 1959 and my Uncle Jim had arranged for me to spend the summer in California with his sister, Marietta, my aunt Marietta. I was sitting on a leather suitcase with just the right amount of stuff inside. I was going by train, a trip that turned out to be quite a memory (see Night in Juarez). My aunt lived within biking distance of Manhattan Beach, a place I became most familiar with that summer. It was a summer that would forever change my ideas and ambitions about America. It was a trip and an experience that is full of great memories. It was a summer I am sure my aunt Marietta never forgot. I was less than the perfect nephew once I found out about how much fun one could have staying on the beach all night.

The auto on the right side of this photo was a fast-back Pontiac and belonged to a steel-worker who was employed at Sheffield Steel. His wife was an invalid. Old Joe never made it home until after midnight and was the scoundrel of the neighborhood. His Pontiac could be seen parked in front of Steve's Tavern, located in Mt Washinton on Wilson Road. It was across the street from an old feed store and a BSA motorcycle shop. Kellys grocery store, Creekmore's grocery, Hooper's Garage and a chrome bumper replating factory were other businesses in that little area called Mt. Washington, an unincorporated part of the Kansas City and Independence, Missouri area called the inter-city. Fairmount and another small community named Maywood were nearby communities.

It was another era, for sure. On hot summer nights, one could hear the band playing until the wee hours of the morning at Steve's tavern. If the air was still, one could smell the BBQ aroma drifting about, plus the fragrance of the on-draught Falstaff beer. The windows of the bar were those opaque-type of cinder blocks made of pressed glass popular in that era.

Let me finish with a little bit of advice. We are only young once. When you are 18 and have dreams, go for them. Do not put them off.

You are only 18 once; your 20s last only one decade. Time goes fast. By the time you are in your mid 30s, hopefully, you will know where you are headed.

TRENDS: THE HAIRLESS WHITE HEAD EMERGES

TRENDS: THE HAIRLESS WHITE HEAD EMERGES, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

She looks at the passersby with an expression of cluelessness about what the newest trends are going to be this fall. Will she still be chic with no hair? The question some of those glancing her way might be: should we simply shave our heads and save money because of the ever-increasing price of shampoo? Would I look better with no long and thick hair?

We never know what the latest trends will be, but we should be ready to think about them, especially now that the Royal Wedding is over.

SKETCH DONE IN 1958 OF A KANSAS CITY URBAN AREA

SKETCH DONE IN 1958 OF A KANSAS CITY URBAN AREA, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

YES, this was KCMO before IKE tore down all of the North end of Kansas City and made way for the Interstates to wind in and out. Of course, there were numerous alternative routes, but those in charge had property interests, etc. Well, I think most folks get the drift of what I am speaking...

Bali Serangan island - Bat

Bali Serangan island - Bat, a photo by Struggle for life on Flickr.

Photo by JAN VAN SCHIJNDEL on STRUGGLE FOR LIFE'S Flickr Photostream.
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TRULY UNIQUE and a masterwork of photographic excellence. Placed in several Flickr Galleries. Also, I have invited you to exhibit in several of my Flickr groups. You will not receive any more invitations, just add when and if you like to the groups invited. Thank you so much, Robert.

PIPE SMOKER DEVELOPED TELESCOPE THAT SEES IT ALL

PIPE SMOKER DEVELOPED TELESCOPE THAT SEES IT ALL, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

PIPE SMOKER DEVELOPED TELESCOPE THAT SEES IT ALL
Mr. Hubble takes time out to enjoy a few puffs from his pipe after perfecting a telescope that will almost see far enough to capture the origin of the universe. He and Einstein both smoked pipes.

Edwin Hubble served in the United States Army during World War I and World War II. He was born in Missouri in 1889 and died in California in 1953. He had no funeral and his wife, Grace, would not state about the disposition of his remains. One might assume he kept his inner-most feeling about spirituality to himself.

This photo is from Wikipedia

Pickle Barrel, Southside.

Pickle Barrel, Southside. Hot stuff., a photo by Dorsett Studios on Flickr.

THIS IS IN PITTSBURGH,PA...Where the steel industy of the USA was centered for many years. This photo belongs to the Flickr Photostream of a Flickr Friend whose photos of industrial beauty are masterpieces of America in its industrial primetime. Take a look when you get a chance. Now, about the above photo from Robert Dorsett:

Pickle Barrel, Southside.
East Carson and 13th street.
I used to get my lunch here back in 1989. I got the same cheese stake hoagie every day so I could just walk in and they knew what I wanted strightaway. It made the lunch rush go quicker. Burned March 22, 2011. There used to be a green bench around the corner that old men would sit on
and reminisce.
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My response: Bob, they will rebuild and the smoked meats will taste better.

Sexy Jack

Sexy Jack, a photo by SLIxx on Flickr.

When I first viewed this photo, I had to think awhile before I could really create any copy. Jack Daniels, one of the world's leading whiskeys, an American icon really.

So what more could be said other than it's made in a county where it can't be sold--the county is dry. Isn't that a scream. Think of all of the revenue Lynchburg misses from the ban on selling whiskey, or any alcohol.

So, after thinking about some text, here's what I created: Bottles of Jack, they are never half-full or half-empty when there's a liquor store nearby.

I think I will use this in the novel I am writing, AN AMERICAN WANDERING.

1940s Sisters

1940s Sisters, a photo by Erin Smith 78 on Flickr.

When it comes to family, no matter who we are or where we are from, family is a universal understanding and love we all share with the other. Yes, DREAMING IN THE SOUTH, it is good to set these images free for all to see.

Although we do not know these people in most of the photographs, we all share a universal interest in looking at other people and their relatives--it is the human factor, the humanitarian value we each have and share mutually.

Man and child

Man and child, a photo by Fylkesarkivet i Sogn og Fjordane on Flickr.

Before The Guns of World War I began their barrage of ruin? There was no date on this phot posted in a Flickr Photostream. My purpose for posting this photo was to feature how peaceful Europe seemed to be at a specific time in history, but there was always some terror going on behind the scenes. That is, unfortunately, the nature of man. That is also what scares the hell out of me when I think about eternity. Will eternity be just another war of dead souls against dead souls, or will there really be a silent peace in the hereafter. I will let those who know all about religion try and figure this one out.

DSC_0267

DSC_0267, a photo by birdlives9 on Flickr.

THE LEFT BANK...where the artists and rascals lived and painted during the 1880s. And there were absenthe houses where this alcohol gave the artists and writers a buzz like no other. Unfortunately, many buzzed off into eternity and never knew they were gone. Nevetheless, some great art and literature resulted. Birdlives shoots some good photos. Thanks, my friend, for a moment of escape.

Oil on masonite, 12X15" (Changed)

Oil on masonite, 12X15" (Changed), a photo by marmozh on Flickr.

This is a real work of art. I really like the way the trees and the homes blend together so pleasantly. I like the autos parked in front. This is the image of domestic and traditional blessings.

Your work is being included in a new gallery I am beginning, one dedicated to oil paintings.

Your autos, like mine, are definitely unique and will keep the car buffs guessing their make and models. I love it............
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Oil on masonite, 12X15"... by marmozh

acrylic painting on screen

acrylic painting on screen, a photo by ger@rte1956 on Flickr.

This is so cool, so uplifting, so upbeat, so joyful....added to several galleries. Invitations are in order.
I have added this to about 8 of my Flickr Galleries--that is how much I like this work. It makes me happy. Robert
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acrylic painting on screen by ger@rte1956

2008 - 11 - 01 - Obama - Palin 2008

2008 - 11 - 01 - Obama - Palin 2008, a photo by Mississippi Snopes on Flickr.

I was happy that Obama won for one reason: it was proof that the statement that ALL PEOPLE IN AMERICA HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME PRESIDENT. It was a moment in history that will live forever. I do believe that on the night of his victory, nearly 90 percent of America felt unified for a short time. It was not until OBAMA made the first dividing statements that his popularity began to falter. By now, of course, we can clearly see the division that President Obama has created by simply signing executive orders. It is too bad, I had hoped that Obama would be one of the greatest Presidents America has had. I was very wrong, a fact that helped me mature even more at my age.

GIANT EASTER RABBIT SCARES TODDLERS

GIANT EASTER RABBIT SCARES TODDLERS, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

MONSTER EASTER BUNNY

Imagine you are about four-years old, walking with your mom and a younger sister, or walking with your dad and a younger brother--or walking with both your mom and dad and several siblings. There you are, walking along on Kansas City's Plaza, the place to be on Easter, the place where the annual Easter Parade has been taking place for decades.

You are having a wonderful time, a super good time. You are sporting some new clothing that still has that "new" scent, your new shoes are kind of stiff, not at all as comfy as your play shoes, but you like the shine on your shoes. You wish you had been able to get some shoes with flashing lights, but dad said no.

"Oh, look, my goodness," your mom's voice is suddenly full of surprise and louder than usual. You can tell there's something good about to happen, you can tell, you have learned to discern such things in voices.

"Well, my goodness, oh, yes," your dad chimes in without near as much emotion, but you know he's in the game for whatever it is worth.

What the heck? You are wondering what's happening. Suddenly, little Lorna, your little sister screams and begins crying. She turns and hugs mommy's leg. "Waa Waa," she goes on and on. You are really up-tight. What the?

When you see it, you just about burst into tears. It's that look in the rabbit's eye that is getting to you, but not you only, your sister and lots of other children.

From out of nowhere, suddenly this larger than life rabbit appears and begins walking toward you. As you mother comforts Lorna, your dad turns you toward a window display, but there he is again--the giant rabbit looks even spookier in the reflections that are distorted. Oh, what a weird eye that bunny has, looking at you like you will be his next meal. And the giant basket. Why is it empty?
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Photo and story by R.L.Huffstutter, photo taken in 1980, Plaza Shopping Area, Kansas City, Missouri

071020 003

071020 003, a photo by ChinatownKicks on Flickr.

While this bar is plain and simple, the way I once liked my bars, there is a certain attraction or appeal to that door. What's happening inside? I believe that's one reason I began drinking so early in life, curiosity. Well, now it is serenity through simplicity as time moves on.
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Thanks to my friend CHINATOWN KICKS for such a great photo. It is cool.

lr_np-canteen-singing

lr_np-canteen-singing, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

A PHOTO OF HEALTHY FUN. I think maybe this photo was taken by someone in the 40s or 50s and sent to the National Archives. Great photo. Note the Chesterfield sign on the right side.

GIFT FROM PATTY ANN IN 1965

GIFT FROM PATTY ANN IN 1965, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

I LOVED MY MORRIS MINOR...I LOVE THIS POEM BY ROBERT FROST

Birches
by Robert Frost


When I see birches bend to left and right
Across the lines of straighter darker trees,
I like to think some boy's been swinging them.
But swinging doesn't bend them down to stay
As ice-storms do. Often you must have seen them
Loaded with ice a sunny winter morning
After a rain. They click upon themselves
As the breeze rises, and turn many-colored
As the stir cracks and crazes their enamel.
Soon the sun's warmth makes them shed crystal shells
Shattering and avalanching on the snow-crust--
Such heaps of broken glass to sweep away
You'd think the inner dome of heaven had fallen.
They are dragged to the withered bracken by the load,
And they seem not to break; though once they are bowed
So low for long, they never right themselves:
You may see their trunks arching in the woods
Years afterwards, trailing their leaves on the ground
Like girls on hands and knees that throw their hair
Before them over their heads to dry in the sun.
But I was going to say when Truth broke in
With all her matter-of-fact about the ice-storm
I should prefer to have some boy bend them
As he went out and in to fetch the cows--
Some boy too far from town to learn baseball,
Whose only play was what he found himself,
Summer or winter, and could play alone.
One by one he subdued his father's trees
By riding them down over and over again
Until he took the stiffness out of them,
And not one but hung limp, not one was left
For him to conquer. He learned all there was
To learn about not launching out too soon
And so not carrying the tree away
Clear to the ground. He always kept his poise
To the top branches, climbing carefully
With the same pains you use to fill a cup
Up to the brim, and even above the brim.
Then he flung outward, feet first, with a swish,
Kicking his way down through the air to the ground.
So was I once myself a swinger of birches.
And so I dream of going back to be.
It's when I'm weary of considerations,
And life is too much like a pathless wood
Where your face burns and tickles with the cobwebs
Broken across it, and one eye is weeping
From a twig's having lashed across it open.
I'd like to get away from earth awhile
And then come back to it and begin over.
May no fate willfully misunderstand me
And half grant what I wish and snatch me away
Not to return. Earth's the right place for love:
I don't know where it's likely to go better.
I'd like to go by climbing a birch tree,
And climb black branches up a snow-white trunk
Toward heaven, till the tree could bear no more,
But dipped its top and set me down again.
That would be good both going and coming back.
One could do worse than be a swinger of birches

THE PROBLEM WITH E-MAIL COMMUNICATIONS

WHY AM I UNABLE TO MAINTAIN AN E-MAIL ADDRESS? Since I bought a PC a few years ago, I have tried numerous E-Mail systems. So far, the best way I have found to communicate is through my FLICKR Photostream. In order to send me an E-Mail is through the Flickr Photostream E-Mail system. One must be a member of Flickr to use the system, but Flickr is a free photo feature service. I have been a member of Flickr since AOL closed their photo gallery. I highly recommend Flickr, not just for E-Mails, but for the main feature, the posting of photos and art. To get to Flickr, simply click on any of my photos or painting you see in my blog that have a Flickr site highlighted.

AT HEAVEN'S GATE

palm reader accidentally hypnotized by customer

palm reader accidentally hypnotized by customer, a photo by popeye logic on Flickr.

POPEYE LOGIC'S PHOTO IS MORE THAN AMUSING, IT IS AN EXAMPLE OF PERFECT BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY WITH A GREAT SUBJECT AND COMPOSITION...

No matter what one does, if it is what one wants to do, there is freedom and joy. Do I believe in palm reading? Do I believe in anything? The world is mysterious and if one palm being read can forecast good fortune, cheers.

EA-3B #21 1972 DaNang

EA-3B #21 1972 DaNang, a photo by iSchmuts on Flickr.

Your history of VQ-1 is truly appreciated.

What a tale one would have to tell if one could have spent 20 years in the squadron. My regret, like many guys, is that I was neither an officer or a pilot, but it was still one great tour of duty. Those are days that are gone forever, and for the flight crews who manned these aircraft, I am sure they have some really great memories of "genuine" high adventure at its maximum level.

My thanks to you and each and every man for their service, some quite dangerous, and in a few instances, their final adventures, RIP.

Thanks to you for these links and information for all of us who share a special interest in the VQ squadrons and the support squadrons, facilities and the great U.S. Navy.

REMEMBERING BOOT CAMP, USNTC, San Diego, California

We weren't airing our dirty laundry, we had been doing a lot of sweating in boot camp. Back in the 60s, this naval training center was in high gear. This photo is one of the few I was able to shoot while going through bootcamp at San Diego. This photo by R.L.Huffstutter, U.S.Naval Training Center, San Diego, California in the spring of 1960.

THE BEACHCOMBER BAR IN KCMO 1959

THE BEACHCOMBER BAR IN KCMO 1959, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

WARM SANDS ON BARE FEET...

WARM SANDS ON BARE FEET..., a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oopktYbHwLQ&playnext=1&list=PL9A180E6DA829AB1B

TWA VIDEO FROM THE 1950S

Help Japan Brighton University Peace Cranes

Help Japan Brighton University Peace Cranes, a photo by Dominic's pics on Flickr.

Help Japan Brighton University Peace Cranes
Illustration by Chihiro Kyozuka

A group from Brighton University (including the renown Art School), England raised funds in support of the victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami 東北地方太平洋沖地震, in Japan.

Their activities included running Origami Peace Crane workshops. The full text of a document accompanying a display exhibit of some of the Peace Cranes made - including details of the charities supported - can be read in the description here.

The full text of the poster reads:

PLEASE DONATE FOR AFFECTED PEOPLE BY EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI IN JAPAN

"We are a group of Japanese student in University of Brighton, On 11th March 2011, the biggest earthquake and tsunami have occurred in north east of Japan is seriously damaged. The earthquake is still continuing.....

In order to support this earthquake disaster, we are collecting donations to send to British Red Cross. We would very appreciate your help. Thank you for your concern.

Arigato!" [Thank you!]

If you are based in the UK also visit:

Red Cross [British Red Cross Japan Tsunami Appeal website]
or just Donate...

Oxfam [Great Britain / UK - Japan Earthquake and Tsunami website]
or just Donate...

Part of a set / Slideshow. セットの一部 / スライドショー

も参照してください / See also:
Help the Tsunami Victims [Oxfam, Brighton]
Support for Japan [University of Sussex, Brighton]
Help Japan [Oki-Nami / ジヤパニ一ズ・ダィニソグ restaurant window]

Quand le soir..

Quand le soir.., a photo by jolivillage on Flickr.

It is the colors........It is the lines...It is the photographer's eye for beauty...

This most pleasant image of a scene from Venice defines the heart and soul of this legendary city on the sea; its colors are cheerful and uplifting. I especially like the reflections of these coral pastels and would enjoy crossing the bridge a few times

SLICE OF LIFE: MIDWEST IN THE 1960S

SLICE OF LIFE: MIDWEST IN THE 1960S, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

THOSE WERE THE DAYS...Gone but not forgotten. And when you read my novel, AN AMERICAN WANDERING, you will remember an America that will never be again, for better or worse.

THIS IS JUST MY OPINION, BUT I NEED TO EXPRESS A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE WORLD SITUATION...

THIS IS JUST MY OPINION, BUT I NEED TO EXPRESS A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE WORLD SITUATION..., a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

There comes a time in the life of every man and woman when they divorce themselves from all they have been taught by institutions and they search their own minds for the truth. It might be called the great moment of "self-awakening." From that moment on, it is the individual who will know in his or her heart, mind and soul whether it is right to murder one because of ideological differences or simply try to treat the other as a brother or sister in humanity despite that difference in thought.

In other words, this is the moment where the battle between evil and good is fought in the mind of the individual. Should one love thy neighbor or hate thy neighbor based on their religion?