I finally got around to buying a new camera. It's been something I've been wanting to do for a while, but I never had the money to upgrade. So, I saved a couple of dollars when I could and a year later, was able to purchase what I wanted.

I went back and forth between the Canon Xsi and the Nikon D80 (Canon was newer model). I liked both and reviews for both were good. I knew whatever my decision, I'd be good to go. But in the end I chose the D80.

My dad was a Nikon guy and I remember him always having a camera in his hand. He loved photography and unknowingly passed it on to me. What better way to capture a moment and freeze it in time. Photography allows you to be creative and see beauty in it's rawest form. I find myself more aware of the things around me because your next interesting shot may be right in front of you!

There's beauty and memories to capture and I hope to make my dad proud as I follow in his footsteps.

Check out this inspiring speech by Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University. In it he shares his thoughts on the power of imagination, will and childhood dreams.

http://wms.andrew.cmu.edu/001/pausch.wmv
Total Time: 1hr 44min (it's worth it)

I have to admit most of of the black blogger posts I highlight are probably from the Villager and this is no exception. Here's another story we need to be watching which involves the assault/arrest of a 16 year-old African-American girl by a school security guard in Palmdale, CA. The incident was over her dropping a piece of cake on the floor during an event and not picking it all up. The guard confronted her, handcuffed and slammed her on the table breaking her wrist in the process. Due to some quick thinking by one of the students (who was later arrested) the ordeal was recorded on a cell phone and given to the local news station. There's more to the story and I ask that you check it out because this is just an inkling of what's happening in our society.

I try to keep from throwing the race card without knowing all the facts. But even if I kept it in my pocket, you still have to admit the guard was in the wrong. No matter how much you dress it up BS still stinks and this young girl is now expelled from school over some cake crumbs on the floor. Something isn't right and I hope the community and the school are making the necessary moves to get this issue resolved. Villager, thanks for making us aware of this story.

For links to the articles go to:
http://podcast.theojohnson.net/2007/10/16-year-old-girl-arrested-over-cake-crumbs/

I copied this from my blog at www.theotalks.net

About a month ago, I wrote a blog post on a way to get up to 20% off on prescription medication. The only criteria was that your county had to become a member of the National Association of Counties (NACo). I was disappointed to find my mom's county wasn't a member, so they weren't able to participate.

About a week later, I recieved a call on the voicemail hotline from about the FamilyWize Prescription Drug Discount Card. This is a similar program through , but there are no enrollment or eligibility requirements. I should mention it is not insurance, but a way to receive immediate discounts on prescription drugs at participating pharmacies. Simply present your card with each prescription from your doctor to the participating pharmacy at the time of purchase to receive your discounts. If you need to transfer a prescription, bring your empty prescription bottle or label with you to the pharmacy.

While the government continues to argue over what to do with the health care crisis, FamilyWize is making something happen. To print out your prescription drug card, go to the Where to Get a Card section of the website. Once again spread the news to those who need it. Much thanks to Dan for informing of this program.

Links for reference:
http://podcast.theojohnson.net/2007/08/naco-prescription-drug-discount-card-program
http://www.familywize.com/agencies.aspx
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/09/20070920-2.html