Read a book...read a good book.

This was a good year to read as much history, economic and business books as I could.
I ended up reading forty-four books. History subcatagories included California, American
and world history. There was John Adams(biography) and a crazy book
titled: Alice Cooper: Golf Monster. Below are some of the books:

The Venus Fixers, Ilaria Dagnini Brey (2009)
The remarkable story of allied soldiers who saved Italian art(Italy's art)
during World War Two. (The author is a journalist who was born in Padua, Italy,
and this is her first book.) It's a good read.

Downfall (2005, DVD)
An Oliver Hirschbiegel film. "Intense and dramatic. Accurate and harrowing." -S.F. Chronicle.
This film is about the last days of Adolph Hitler. Bruno Ganz makes the role of Hitler terribly convincing.

Bismarck, Niklas Zetterling and Michael Tamelander (2009)
The story and final days of Germany's greatest battleship. This ship could outrun and outgun all other battleships. So how and why was it defeated? Great read!

Meltdown, Thomas E. Woods (2009)
This book explains why banks failed and how the government is bailing them out. there is mention of the Austrian School of Economics. Should America use their ideas instead?

Glen Becks Common Sense, Glen Beck (2009)
This is simular to Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" but in present times. Viewpoint: patriotic.

The Outlaw Josey Wales, Clint Eastwood (1976 DVD)
This is one of the best westerns I have ever seen. It has a mix of Civil War, personal values, conflict and humor. Essentially, it's about a man who chooses to avenge the death of his family.

The Millionaire Zone, Jennifer Openshaw (2007)
A proven success plan that enables you to get out of your comfort zone. "It's really about being open to the possibilities around you," says Openshaw.

A Terrible Glory, James Donovan (2008)
This is the last great battle of the American West, General Custer at the Little Bighorn. This book sheds light on major and minor characters: Custer's wife, Libby, Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. It also details the events that led up to the Generals defeat. Well researched, and it's worth reading.

Arrogance, Bernard Goldberg (2003)
Goldberg shines a light on the media elite. Says Goldberg: "When the New York Times speaks, everyone in network television listens."

John Adams, David McCullough (2001)
Yes. Read it. It's a great Biography. Adams was the voice, Jefferson was the pen.


What's ahead for 2010:
California Government
A Crack in the Edge of the World, Simon Winchester
Empire of Nations, Gordon S. Wood
Something in the Air, Richard Hoffer
More on World War II
Churchill
and more...

Points to remember for those learning to be a better photographer.

Ask yourself: What do you see?

Keep in mind the composition, color and texture of a scene or subject.

Candids are sometimes better than "posed" shots.

Learn to think in black and white.

Eye contact is essential to a great image. If you're working with a model or subject, eye contact
is the best way to communicate.

When you have "the shot" you will know!

Practice makes perfect!