The Elders @ The Mar

In retrospect, I didn't mean to hype these photos up as much as I did. But still, I think they came out great. My parents invited me to go to this gig with them, then the next day the Herald called me up and wanted me to shoot it. Sweet deal. I followed my parents into the venue, at the ticket counter my parents handed their tickets in, and then my mom pointed to me and said, "and he is with the newspaper!". Only slightly embarrassing.

Shortly after I am talking to this nice lady who owns the venue. We are talking about the band and she is telling me some information when my mom walks up to us and is like "This is my son! He was going to go with us to this concert, but then the Herald wanted him to shoot it". So terrible. I try to look as legitimate as possible, but that just ruins everything. Good times though.

I had my 2nd day of subbing. It was pretty great. I was referred to as 'the best sub'. I am still debating if that is a compliment or not. My last class of the day was so out of control. I told them all to just chill out. I think I need to be a little more intense. It was fun though. It is an easy job.

In less then a week I am seeing Leonard Cohen with Dr. Chad. I don't think anyone realizes how excited I am for it.

--

She said 'this isn't a rave, its a party'. I said 'I'm sorry, god bless the DJ'.

BLAH

Hey, so a good pal fed me too many drinks tonight, and its only 8:30pm. I love that guy. Anyways, I am about to cheer on the Blackhawks. More importantly, with in a day or so I will post some concert pictures. I don't mean to brag or anything, but I think I got one or two good shots. Concert photography is something that I just haven't messed around with much, but I feel confident now.

love,
Ryan

Zoo!

I should just rename this the 'Pictures of Nick' blog. Every other post has him in it. I guess I am just trying to pretty this up or something. Went to the zoo yesterday. With the kids. Good times. I spotted this creature flying above and I told Nick we had to get it. I know it is very similar to the grain mill one, but still. I think it turned out great. I was laying on the dirty ground under him.

I finished my day of being a substitute teacher today. It was great! Although I had to state my age several times, because staff and students did not believe I was old enough to be doing it. A few students even thought I was one of them. It was at a high cchool, but I was at the Minooka South Campus. Which means that there were only freshman and sophomores. I can pass as a kid just starting high school. cool.

But it was rather easy. It is more babysitting then anything. One student said I was too 'relaxed'. I guess I need to be a little bit more serious next time, whenever that will be. Hopefully soon.

Things that need to be in my future:

1. Get motorcycle license.
2. Get FOID card.
3. Goto a Cubs game.
4. Attend Musical fest.
5. Ireland.
6. Road trip.

Moving pictures helped us get through to September.

The kids are making a movie, or more so a 'series'. I was only able to watch this get made for an hour or two, but all of the footage that I saw looked pretty great. If and when it gets youtubed, I will be sure to link it here!

Unrelated: today was my mothers birthday. It was also earth day. Thus throughout the day on the radio and on various TV shows the phrase 'happy earth day' was said. Of course my mom mistook it everytime for saying 'happy birthday'. It made me laugh. Its the little things. I emailed Ron and Pat (Cubs radio announcers) and said they should say happy birthday to my mom, but sadly they did not mention it during today's game. My mom always gets a kick out of when Ron Santo is passionately yelling in our kitchen. During the game today, he was upset because Ted Lilly was having trouble fielding bunts. What a guy.

My mom also found out what Facebook was today. She said she was going to get one. I told her I was not going to be friends with her. I don't know if that comes across as mean, but I just don't want her creeping around my stuff. Understandable? Probably not.

I usually just explain my moods with the use of Hold Steady, Lucero, Bob Dylan, Jack Kerouac, or some other author or band quotes (ie: ichat away messages). But I think this photo sums up everything rather nicely:


Take that however you will!

Every single thing gets stuck in Coal City

Kyle the Eagle Scout enjoys the outdoor life, especially camping. It might not be in the best shape, but Kyle's very own camper gets the job done. On Saturday April 11th, 2009 outside his home in Coal City Kyle and Ryan (not pictured) pulled the camper out of storage for the winter and set it up while cleaning it. Once the inconsistent Illinois weather becomes more favorable, Kyle will take this camper to his local area club. He will then spend many summer nights gathered with friends around a fire. Beer in one hand, a cheeseburger in the other. Classic rock will pour from his car's speakers and will only be interrupted by the laughter and the occasional noises of a game of 'bags'.

No time is a good time

Sarah : my previous lady friend. She has a sick sense of humor. She thought it would be hilarious if we took some pictures at the spot where we once took some pictures; 5 years ago. This was when we first started dating. Unfortunately, I need to find were any of those pics are at, but when I do I will throw them up side by side. You all can see how little I have progressed. To get her back I encouraged my pal Hey Joe to contact her, so expect some creepy instant messages from a dude from LA. Move out there, I'm sure he has room for you at his place.

Completely unrelated note:

Music I have been listening to:
Lifter Puller
The Replacements
Atmosphere

All from Minneapolis. Coincidence? I doubt it. I think I am going to extend my 'I am a sucker for Chicago bands' to include the upper Midwest. But goddamn, just listen to The Replacements "Unsatisfied", Lifter Puller's "Emperor", and Atmosphere's "Guarantees", and tell me that shit isn't amazing.

Expect another update soon, as I doubt this one is going to satisfy.

Victory

I love the mornings when i wake up and walk outside to pick up the newspaper only to find my (... yes this) outrageous image the front page image. Not only that, but the Herald seemed to only run my images this Monday. In the front section, I had like 90% of the images. It put me in a good mood. Just look at it.

I have a feeling my PJ teachers would be bummed out, but whatever. I need to get ahold of you Charles Osgood. You really helped me out. Don't let this image fool you, you taught me more then anyone. I know that the Trib is having troubles - and that you left them, but I hope you are doing good. I am forever in your debt, as I learned more from you then any of my other teachers. Thanks man.

Smile

Ryan Olson practices his lines for a play at the 4-H camp at Living Hope Lutheran Church in Frankfort on Sunday, March 29th, 2009.

I did not pick up the paper that this assignment ran in, but I am assuming they used this image. The kid's face is priceless. I suspect it is the 'moment'. The decisive moment to be exact. A photographer by the name of Henri Cartier-Bresson mastered that. Search Google images for 'Behind the Gare St. Lazare' by him.

Better yet, figure out a way to get a tour of the La Salle Bank Building (Or what is now the Bank of America Building) at 135 South La Salle Street in Chicago and see the photo in person. Amazingly, that bank has a very impressive art collection. It is rather mind blowing because many of the people that work in the offices there don't even realize the importance of some of the art that surrounds them.

Every day they walk by works that have helped shape history. Impressive stuff, really.