GoDaddy new Tempe Call Center – November 13, 2013
I drove by the site today after work. It looks like forms are in place, rebar is in the forms for the walls to be poured in place. Lots of activity today. Canon 5D Mark II, like always.
Pastor Greg Ronlinger – November 12, 2013
The current series at Palm Valley Church is called ROAR. I was excited to see Greg and his wife Lori along with Ryan Nunez on the stage this past weekend. I appreciate every word he has to say about God and his personal relationship with Jesus Christ, as he continues with his struggles with Multiple System Atrophy. The church body is doing a 7 day fast. Its called the “Daniel Fast“. The Daniel Fast is a plant-based eating plan with the only beverage being water. When the bodies that God designed and created are fed the good quality foods He created especially for it improvements in health result. The high fiber in the fruit, vegetables and whole grains cleanses the body and improves digestion. It’s not uncommon for cholesterol levels to drop, for blood sugar levels to balance, for weight to be lost and for a general feeling of well-being to be experienced. Day 2 of the fast….. so far, so good.
Kendall Jackson Winery – November 10,2013
When we were in Petaluma, CA we had a chance to visit a winery. It was a last minute decision, and with a lot of the wineries you have to have reservations. We were able to walk around Kendall Jackson, sample some wines, which really meant purchase a case, or so and have a fun morning. Post processing in lightroom, to remove Tommy, and bump up the saturation a little bit.
Table Setting – November 7th, 2013
So at the pizza party at Art and Ron’s, this is what the tables looked like. Another composite with the same bottle, full sized, to give you an idea of just how much information, or how large the native image is out of the camera.
Golden Gate Bridge – November 6, 2013
So I made a couple of composite images last night. The tower on the left, is the full size image from the right. The 22 megapixel images the Canon 5D Mark II produces can create very large printable images, and extremely large images for a computer to handle. I shoot RAW. The raw image out of the camera for the above image is 25.5 mb. After processing, saved as a “uncompressed tif” file is 60.1 mb. Lots of information is available from raw images.
Delanie’s 7th Birthday Party – November 5, 2013
Delanie turned 7 years old on October 24th! Its a GREAT day for a birthday, except when most of your family is on their way to San Fransisco for a wedding. We got to celebrate with Delaine on the 3rd of November. She is full of energy. The shots on the trampolene are 3 combined images of her doing a backflip. She “travels” a LOT less then this composite image shows. I had to space them out so you could see more of her flip. I though she was getting tired, she flew off the trampolene, and climbed the closest tree. What a little cutie. All images shot with the Canon 5D Mark II, the EF24-105 F4 IS L glass almost never gets changed, and was the only lens I took to Emil and Angela’s house for the party. Speedlight 580 EX II camera mounted for flash fill.
New GoDaddy Tempe Call Center – November 4, 2013
H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y B J S T A R R…. BJ would have been 60 years old today……
Looks like the phase 2 concrete has been poured. Underground, infrastructure seems to be progressing nicely…
The “lake” or pond is very low, this is where any runoff from the GoDaddy parking, grounds will end up as it makes its way into the lake.
Duck!!!
Water tower, shot from the pond, or lake area.
View from the slab, looking towards Warner and the 101. Camera set on the edge of the slab….
View from the slab, looking back towards the water tower, and existing buildings. The job trailer would be just off to the right of where the picture ends…
One of the slabs poured earlier……. not sure what they are being used for. The sun reflecting off the concrete almost makes it look wet. Nice cool cloudy day. Makes for nice photographs. Canon 5D Mark II, 24-105, and 70-200 f4 lenses. The site looks like its coming along nicely.
Art & Ron – November 2, 2013
Art is my wifes uncle. Ron and Art have been partners for 38 years. California just changed the law, and they were able to “officially” get married. It was a fun weekend. A catered meal friday night with wood fired pizza’s, salads, even an accordian player. Saturday a simple service in their backyard with 30-40 guests, friends, and family in attendance. The reception was at the Petaluma Golf & Country Club, which was a great venue. Great food, great entertainment, The Fil Lorenz Orchestra provided music throughout the evening. Lots of merriment and dancing.
Halloween – October 31, 2013
Spooky enough for you…? Took this picture in Golden Gate State Park. Not sure what kind of spider it is, but its eating a bug, with another trapped in its web close by. This spider’s body was bigger than a quarter. Shot wide open at F4 to blur the background. Canon 5D Mark II, ISO-100 105mm, F4, 1/200 sec, 580 EXII Speedlight camera mounted for fill, and to add to the separation of foreground / background.
San Francisco – October 30, 2013
Golden State Bridge in the background. We flew over, had lunch in the Golden State Park, on the other side of the bridge at a deli called Lou’s Sandwich Shop. The clam chowder was the best I’ve ever had, also the freshest tasting. My turkey cranberry sandwich was also amazing. Traffic into Petaluma on a Friday at 2PM was congested, and slow. Canon 5D Mark II, EF 24-105, ISO-100, F5.6, 1/200 sec, Canon Speedlight 580 EXII camera mounted for flash fill.
Golden Gate Bridge – October 25, 2013
The plane landed, we collected luggage, got into the rental car, and next thing I knew, I was taking pictures at the Golden Gate Bridge. The weather was just about perfect. The little park was jam packed full of tourists, like me taking pictures. Canon 5D Mark II, EF 24-105 L F4, IS, at 47mm, F8, 1/200 sec.
New Grill – October 24, 2013
Blue Rhino – The propane gas exchange company makes BBQ grills. Walmart sells this one under the brand BHG, Better Homes and Gardens. It had a lot of the features I was looking for in a new grill. I put it together last night. I’ve grilled chicken, steak, baked potatoes, summer squash, and made rotisserie chicken on it so far. 3 burners, a searing station, side burner, and the rotosserie burner in the back.
GoDaddy’s new Tempe Call Center – October 18, 2013
I drove by Warner and the 101 on my way home from work. I took several photos, but I’m only posting this one. The drainage pipes for the building, and parking lots seems to be in place, and they cross the road, and empty into the lake. Infrastructure seems to the main things that are getting done. I’ve driven by every week and took pictures, but I have not posted many of them. Now I’m trying to get on with life without my friend BJ Starr.
As this post is about GoDaddy I need to say that GoDaddy is the best company I’ve ever worked for. I always hear that we are like family, and with everything going on in my life, and the death of my friend, my boss’s ALL said “what can we do for you”? I was given time off work, and everyone was very encouraging, and concerned with my needs. I’ve never experienced this type of support from a place of employment. Even now 2 weeks after BJ’s passing, a supervisor, or a manager will walk by, and take the time to ask me how I’m doing, and what can GoDaddy as a company help me with. I’m truly amazed and blessed to be working in this environment. From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU GODADDY!
Monkey Bars? – October 16, 2013
Monkey bars in the park. I liked the composition. Canon D Mark II, EF24-105 F4 L IS lens, ISO-50, F4 to blow out the background, 1/200 sec.
A Day in the Park – October 14, 2013
So Jennifer was in the hospital……… could we watch Maddie for a couple of hours. Of course! Canon D Mark II, EF70-200 F4 L lens, ISO-50, F4 to blow out the background, 1/200 sec, Canon Speedlight 580 EX II camera mounted, for fill.
How could you say no to that face? Canon D Mark II, EF24-105 F4 L IS lens, ISO-50, F4 to blow out the background, 1/200 sec, Canon Speedlight 580 EX II camera mounted, for fill.
Maddie’s FIRST dandelion…… ever! Canon D Mark II, EF24-105 F4 L IS lens, ISO-50, F4 to blow out the background, 1/200 sec, Canon Speedlight 580 EX II camera mounted, for fill.
Funeral for a Friend
Click on the link above for a PDF of the program from BJ’s funeral. If you notice there are 2 American Flags, 1 was presented to his son Emil, and one was presented to his son Eric. The presence of the City of Phoenix Police department, and the honor, and respect given to one of their own was amazing. City of Phoenix councilman Michael Johnson, the Chief of Police, the assistant Chief of Police, City of Mesa’s helicopter pilot, and others spoke at BJ’s funeral. I would guess that there was no less than 50-60 current, and past police officers in attendance. The procession into the sanctuary, and leaving the sanctuary was led by traditional bagpipe’s. Pictures from the viewing, funeral, and events after are here.
Obituary – Starr, Billy Jerome (BJ)
Starr, Billy Jerome
59 of Phoenix, launched from this life to the next on October 4, 2013 after a heroic battle with lung cancer. He was surrounded by family and friends who loved him unconditionally. Bj, as he was affectionally known by friends and family, graduated from East High School and went on to complete 31 years as a Phoenix Police Officer. BJ served on the force as a patrol officer, airport security and became the first and only black helicopter pilot for the City of Phoenix. Upon his retirement in July 2006, BJ continued his service as a reserve officer assigned to the Sky Harbor International Airport here he remained until his death. BJ founded three companies; Photography by B. J. Starr, Starr Enterprises and Starr Micro Systems. He also completed a Master’s Degree at Webster University. He is preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Katye Starr. He is also survived by two sons, Emil Malik Starr, (Sade) and Eric Jerome Starr; 2 sisters, Debra Starr Boyd (Robert) and Jerita Starr Laforcarde, (Jeffrey); 9 grandchildren, 4 nephews, 1 niece and a host of great nieces and nephews to mourn his passing. Viewing is scheduled for Friday, 11 Oct at Universal Memorial Center, 1100 E. Jefferson from 5:30- 7:30 pm. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, 12 Oct at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1401 E. Jefferson at 2:30 pm. Repast will be immediately following services. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in the name of Billy (BJ) Starr to The American Cancer Society at Donate.Cancer.Org . He will be truly missed by coworkers, friends and family.
November 4, 1953 – October 4, 2013
BJ Starr at 19 months.
Guy, Jerita, Deborah, and BJ.
Jerita, Deborah, and BJ Thanksgiving 2006.
BJ Starr in front of one of the engines of Air Force One. February 3, 2004.
VIEWING: Friday October 11, 2013 from 5:30PM – 7:30PM at UNIVERSAL MEMORIAL MORTUARY, 1100 E Jefferson, Phoenix, Arizona
SERVICES: Saturday October 12, 2013 Viewing at 2:30PM, Service 3:00PM at PILGRIM REST BAPTIST CHURCH, 1400 E Jefferson, Phoenix, Arizona
BJ STARR – October 4, 2013
February 2013 Jerita, Billy, and Deborah.
Jennifer, Billy, and Joncie.
Billy and Emil.
Eric and Billy.
Jim and Billy.
BJ Starr lost his battle with cancer on Friday October 4th 2013, at approx 6:10 PM. I sit here crying as I type this entry for my blog. I spent about an hour with BJ on Thursday, he was not very responsive, but when I left, he knew who I was, I let him know I would be by tomorrow after work, and that I was thinking about him, and praying for him. The very same way I ended my conversations, and visits for the last 3+ years since he found out he had cancer. Friday I spend about an hour or so with Billy, who was visably worse, and his breathing had become labored. I let him know I would see him on Saturday, he nodded his head. That was the only response I got from him. During my visit, Deborah came by, and honked when she got to her brothers house, because “I was in her parking spot”, a running joke between us. I was in the room with Billy, and witnessed a very special moment between Deborah and Billy. She cradled his head and told him ” I love you big brother. We’ve got it, you can relax and let go,… Mom and Daddy are waiting for you, and we’ll be along soon, Dont worry about anything, we’ve got it. Relax and let go.” I was choked up with emotion, and thought how beautiful. Deborah left to go to work. I called Jerita and let her know I was headed home and about Deborah and Billy’s moment. I assured her I would come by on Saturday….. Before I was even home, Michael, Billys room mate called me and let me know Billy had passed, I turned around and went. It was tough to drive and cry at the same time. I tried to be strong for Deborah, Jerita, and Joncie. Several friends and neighbors were there, as was his son Eric. We held hands and recited the 23rd psalm. I will miss you Billy Starr!
The above pictures were shot in February 2013 at the viewing for Billy, deborah, and Jerita’s Daddy.
Old House – October 1, 2013
I’ve shot this house before. The fields around the house now have corn, or maise growing. In the bottom picture there is a metal sign that says “KEEP OUT LIVE WIRES”, I’m not quites sure what that means, so I went in, and took some pictures. I went by BJ’s house after work for approx 2 hours, or so. He was asleep the entire time. His aunt is in from Oklahoma, and used to be a nurse, rumor is that she looks like BJ’s mom. I never got to meet BJ’s mother. She seems nice. I met Mark, another neighbor, and we swapped stories about BJ. I let him know when I arrived, and when I left. Jerita and Jeff were on their way to see him, I just missed them. I feel like the time is getting near. One of the reasons I started this blog was to help encourage my friend fight, and to hang on a little longer…… I dont know how much longer he can hang on…….
Emties? – September 27, 2013
Driving home from BJ’s house, how many times have I said that on my blog? I went out to Estrella Parkway, and headed south…. there is a dog park along the main road just befor you cross the river, and this sculpture is on the premises. Its pretty neat with the sun overhead. Lots of colored shadows on the ground. So an update on BJ, he has been very alert the last couple of times I stopped by to see him. Lots of old friends and neighbors are starting to visit him, and it seems to really tire him out. He has a hospital bed in the living room. On Wed, or Thur, he asked me to help him go sit there….. what he wanted was to move from the hospital bed, to his bed in his room, where he fell asleep in seconds. He gets tired easly. He is not eating, or not eating much. He is drinking a few sips of tea, or water. The hospice nurses come in every other day, or so…… I hate to see him like this. I will miss spending time with my friend. Every one of his neighbors and friends say he is good people. I’ve known Billy, as a friend for 5-6 years, and as an acquaintance for 6-8 years, and I agree he is good people.
Grain Silos – September 24, 2013
My car needed to be run through emmissions. I’ll go to the one in Goodyear. Long lines, it was a Monday, not even the end of the month. I did take a couple of pictures on the way home. Not sure if these store grain, or something else. there is a railway spur that runs right up next to the front of the silos. Canon 5D Mark II, ISO-100, 105mm, F8, 1/360 sec.
Red Skies at Night….. – September 23, 2013
Driving home Saturday evening from visiting with BJ, Michael, and Richard. BJ was in good spirits, and we had a good conversation. I snapped a couple of shots. After driving directly into the sun for 20-25 minutes, it set. The sky was bright red, yellow, orange.