28 September 2007

Narrabundah College ATTACKED and Braddon under SIEGE

| asp

Sorry for the ridiculous headline, but I was reading the Daily Telegraph today (something I rarely do) and was inspired to create an over the top, tabloid style headline for the next item I posted.

Now to the real news. I was told today of an incident that occurred yesterday afternoon at Narrabundah College. Two youths (with no apparent relation to the school) went on to school grounds and assaulted a student, taking the victim’s mobile phone and wallet. One of the offenders was wearing a grey jumper, possibly hooded – a clear sign they were up to no good. Students from schools in the area should be vigilant and if walking around the suburbs, walk with friends.

AND In another case of crazies with cleavers (the previous being an attack in Garema Place), a Braddon supermarket was held up by a man with a cleaver. The owner “strongly challenged and rebuffed” the offender who fled. The offender was the stereotypical robber, with a black balaclava and black clothes, though one has to wonder about the white gloves. Well, white at least exudes confidence, at least it wasn’t purple.

All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest

Ok, as I’ve only just noticed how spectacularly this thread has gotten off track. (I have a real day job too you know) I’m going to close the thread down.

Dan & Asp, always happy to post your photography work (by which my own humble efforts pale in comparison) and let the community at large make up their own minds on the relative merits of the shot in question.

As with all art, it’s value subjective to the audience.

@asp – maybe cop it on the chin next time – I merely stated that I did not agree with the many and varied comical photoshops that were becoming more prevalent. People agreed with me and you went psycho….

If you lack thick skin – maybe RA is not for you anymore ?

additionally @ Danman
If I offended you, I apologise. We have different opinions of what makes a shot spectacular.

I think this rule goes for every individual.
Why should what you think is spectacular float my boat and vice versa – I can not believe its taken you so long to realize that this was the point i made quite a few posts ago… If you – or anyone else has more to say perhaps email me… chefboy at tpgi dot com dot au.

“When I think spectacular, i think of Ken Duncan, Peter Dombrovskis and Ansel Adams.”

I know I shouldn’t buy into this but…….I can’t help but note that it would seem Danman’s crime is for not realizing that to use the words ‘spectacular’ and ‘photos’ together, his photography must be as good as Ansel Adams.

Nobody could accuse you of not setting the bar high, asp.

But what I’d really like to know is when exactly you acquired intellectual property rights on the English language?

Meanwhile…..as this thread was so rudely sidetracked…..by its starter……I had to make my own enquiries about the Braddon siege because I figured it had to be the supermarket down in Henty Street and therefore “on my turf”” so to speak.

Apparently, the owner was very nonchalant. It seems Mr or Ms Hapless Robber chose the busiest time of day to stage their daring raid. Sounded like the balaclava was of more value hiding the robber’s embarrassment than as a cunning disguise.

Deadmandrinking6:16 pm 28 Sep 07

Your pictures are crap, asp. You suck.

(sorry mate, I had to. They’re not bad, really. Nothing worth ruffling feathers over.)

“Bugger! Alpaca-in-a-car. God, I’ve probably managed to offend both the alpaca and llama farming communities with that gaff.”

And I thought I was off topic?

I’ve said all I am going to say on the topic of Danman’s photography. This is a difference of artistic opinion and I think it’s time to move on. Let’s just agree to disagree and get back to what RiotACT is meant to be for – debating serious issues affecting our local region.

@ Danman
If I offended you, I apologise. We have different opinions of what makes a shot spectacular.

asp, sorry, but did this vaunted membership that you are holding up as a shield of some kind – did it come out of a weetbix packet, or did you fork over a hideous amount of money to get it ?

Bugger! Alpaca-in-a-car. God, I’ve probably managed to offend both the alpaca and llama farming communities with that gaff.

Snahons_scv6_berlina4:20 pm 28 Sep 07

meow, pfft pfft, hiss hiss. this is too funny…

Okay, for the last time. YOU DON’T NEED TO WORK HARD TO GET A SPECTACULAR SHOT!!! My point is in your shots, it doesn’t even look like your trying. Poor control of depth of field, lighting, contrast and composition.

When I think spectacular, i think of Ken Duncan, Peter Dombrovskis and Ansel Adams. YOURS ARE SNAPSHOTS NOT WORTHY TO BE PRINTED ON KLEENEX IN COMPARISON TO SUCH GREATS. But I can think of many more who don’t have great equipment or awards who take spectacular shots. You know why? Because they can have mastered the art of composition, light, contrast to create photography that is catching, often unique and often innovative.

I thought what Chester said makes a lot of sense re: some moderation in cases like this one.

crazy as a coconut.

I think of it more as the less value-laden ‘quirky’, Maelinar. I doubt very much I’d even qualify as ‘eccentric’. But sure, you can call me what you like provided it’s done with panache.

(Talking about eccentric, the llama-in-a-car man was on Stateline. Surprised it didn’t seem to get a mention on here. He does it just for kicks and to make people smile. And he takes it around to nursing homes and stuff. Very cool. I have my heart set on spotting the car-llama some day.)

You are still nuttier than peanut butter CC.

** Disclaimer **
I practice in name calling over the internet, but as you can see I prefer to use style.

You must have missed my last “How to communicate effectively on the internet” lecture, Maelinar. 😉 I said then, one of the reasons I only pass through here is because I prefer the benevolent despotism practised in other corners of cyberspace.

Indeed, for those with a long enough memory, you may recall it was ad hominem attacks I took particular exception to when I first started passing through here, pointing out at the time there’s a reason why well-run boards nip them in the bud.

I’ve changed my thinking on some topics purely on the basis of reading fiery, informed, internet debates that I haven’t even posted in. As we see here, the only ones who see attacks on the person – name calling – as other than schoolyard behavior (and often quite cowardly), are the participants.

My only wish is that I took the picture in this thread

LOL all – thank you everyone who appreciates my talents.

CrazyChester asking for moderation.

Straight to the Pool room !!!

Well, we know we’re in trouble when Chester makes more sense on here than the average Joe Blo! 🙂

(By the way, no offence intended, Chester.)

This isn’t some kind of pissing contest. I like Danman’s photos because he takes some great shots of the Canberra region, and also has taken the time to post them here. I don’t care if the “depth of field” or whatever isn’t perfect!

*cough*

Hey Jazz et al,

Seeing as we’re not discussing the topic anyway…….

Re: your suggestions thread. Here is the case for fairly strong albeit strictly limited, moderation played out before us, and why it should not be equated with censorship. When done right it’s about board quality. This discussion is almost entirely OT. It has no business being here. Stopping it in its tracks isn’t censorship. It’s good board management. Some flame wars should be allowed to run their course but this isn’t one of them.

It’s not like they’re being prevented from comparing photos and penis sizes altogether just because they can’t do it in this thread. There’s any number of places they can do so, if not here then elsewhere. The ideal here, would be a private messaging system or even just telling them to continue their debate via email.

What’s more, it saves people from themselves when they’re being more ass than asp. LOL After all, in the meatspace, we self-censor all the time. But the anonymity factor reduces inhibitions and people say things they wouldn’t dream of saying if they were first-to-face.

Having said that, it can be fun to watch it happen! Love it when the dictionary definitions are trotted out. Dictionaries are a dime a dozen. It’s hardly a challenge to find a definition of spectacular that appears to support your point. See:
http://www.answers.com/spectacular&r=67

So using the Thesaurus suggestions…..I commend you on your spectacular dummy spit, asp. Spectacular as in histrionic and melodramatic, that is.

Nice pics Danman.

p.s. for the geeks, I’ve got a fujifilm 6.4mp SC digital camera (SC = shit camera) with a 1gb SD card enabling me to take something like 2500 shots before the card is full.

I take lots of shots and just delete the ones that don’t work. I call this ‘American style’ photography

and spectacular shots taken after a great amount of work deserve to be called spectacular – buuuuullllllsssshhhiiittt.

Under your theorum, I can parachute out of a plane, break my leg on landing, walk 25km through an open desert in the searing sun, and take a photograph of the fading rescue plane. I die and the camera is found by an arab in 25 years, the photograph is developed and is called spectacular ?!?

What a load of toss.

The photograph could be a speckled, unfocused, mess, yet the conditions surrounding the taking of the photograph make it spectacular ?

I’m obviously in the wrong business, because I can walk around all day in random directions and point my camera at things.

You certainly do not paint a pretty picture of professional photographers do you ? All I can hope is that my wedding photographer in 3 weeks has nothing to do with you – because although he may take good pictures – if he is anything like you he would be a straight up pr1ck to deal with

I tried to be civil but it did not work so I had to lower myself – anywho you can keep bleeting Mr Professional Photographer – me – I have a life to live – I guess ill never be a professional like you – so i guess here endeth the argument. asp 1 danman zero the hero (Ozzy Osboren reference)

taa taa honey bunny

“I don’t appreciate the attribution of hard grind and effort to the perception of a photo being ’spectacular’.”

I was referring to an actual photograph that was spectacular in capturing such a rare bird in a brilliant mid flight pose, taking both creative and technical skill to accomplish. Of course you don’t always have to work hard to get a good shot. The point is spectacular shots, and spectacular shots taken after a great amount of work deserve to be called spectacular.

“inferiority complex

noun
1)a sense of personal inferiority arising from conflict between the desire to be noticed and the fear of being humiliated
2)asp of http://www.the-riotact.com

Danman, you call me childish, yet I am keeping it civil. Your the one doing stupid name calling, talking about your penis and running to complain to people. Inferiority complex… ha. You’d know a lot about that.
Your graveyard photos lack depth, proper lighting that even a high schooler knows how to do and were obviously taken with a lens that has a terrible aperture design (only 5 blades, come on)!

inferiority complex

noun
1)a sense of personal inferiority arising from conflict between the desire to be noticed and the fear of being humiliated
2)asp of http://www.the-riotact.com

I would call a photograph, taken of a very rare bird that someone has hiked and camped in the Tasmania wilderness for weeks to get, spectacular. – what makes it spectacular, the photo or the hike ?

I don’t appreciate the attribution of hard grind and effort to the perception of a photo being ‘spectacular’.

My 2c only.

spec·tac·u·lar
–adjective
1. of or like a spectacle; marked by or given to an impressive, large-scale display.
2. dramatically daring or thrilling: a spectacular dive from a cliff.

Danman,
To create such a responce and go whining to third partyorganisations shows you to be clutching at straws. I am confident in who I am and in my photographic and artistic talent. Someone who has to write a few paragraphs in their defense is probably not so sure about themselves.

And there’s no need to be so defensive. I didn’t say your photography was bad. Infact, your first one with the stars in the night sky was very impressive. I have yet to master night time photography to your standard.

For everyones benefit, let me explain why I don’t consider some of Danman’s images spectacular (in my artistic opinion only):
– As an AIPP member, I have entered and participated in their competitions and exhibitions that display some of the finest photography in this country including images from recognised MPs (masters of Photography). I would call a photograph, taken of a very rare bird that someone has hiked and camped in the Tasmania wilderness for weeks to get, spectacular.
– I have participated in international competitions such as the Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards. Looking at some of those magnificent photographic works, the word spectacular is well deserved.
– Photography from Ken Duncan is spectacular.

But in the end, it is not what others believe. It is what the artist/photographer believes. You like your photography, as do many. So long as you like and are comfortable with it, then that’s what counts. Lots of people like my photography, but just as many probably don’t. That’s fine.

“I really loved how you posted someone elses photography when yours is obviously the best in the world.”
I didn’t post my own images because of obvious bias. Of course I’ll say I like my images and think their spectacular. The images I linked to were ones that were not mine or those of people I know, just images I had bookmarked over some time that were “spectacular” in my opinion and without bias. That seems logical doesn’t it?

spec·tac·u·lar /sp?k?tæky?l?r/ Pronunciation
–adjective
1. of or like a spectacle; marked by or given to an impressive, large-scale display.
2. dramatically daring or thrilling: a spectacular dive from a cliff.

Danman,
To create such a responce and go whining to third partyorganisations shows you to be clutching at straws. I am confident in who I am and in my photographic and artistic talent. Someone who has to write a few paragraphs in their defense is probably not so sure about themselves.

And there’s no need to be so defensive. I didn’t say your photography was bad. Infact, your first one with the stars in the night sky was very impressive. I have yet to master night time photography to your standard.

For everyones benefit, let me explain why I don’t consider some of Danman’s images spectacular (in my artistic opinion only):
– As an AIPP member, I have entered and participated in their competitions and exhibitions that display some of the finest photography in this country including images from recognised MPs (masters of Photography). I would call a photograph, taken of a very rare bird that someone has hiked and camped in the Tasmania wilderness for weeks to get, spectacular.
– I have participated in international competitions such as the Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards. Looking at some of those magnificent photographic works, the word spectacular is well deserved.
– Photography from Ken Duncan is spectacular.

But in the end, it is not what others believe. It is what the artist/photographer believes. You like your photography, as do many. So long as you like and are comfortable with it, then that’s what counts. Lots of people like my photography, but just as many probably don’t. That’s fine.

“I really loved how you posted someone elses photography when yours is obviously the best in the world.”
I didn’t post my own images because of obvious bias. Of course I’ll say I like my images and think their spectacular. The images I linked to were ones that were not mine or those of people I know, just images I had bookmarked over some time that were “spectacular” in my opinion and without bias. That seems logical doesn’t it?

I don’t normally pay much attention to flame wars, but asp is certainly acting like an a-grade tool.

As an award wining photographer, Member of the AIPP and someone who has flown harnessed to the side of a helicopter while flying over the twelve apostles, I can safely say that those photos posted (except for the first one which is very good) are not spectacular.
Wow – Brownie points and props out to you…

Your post has been reported to the AIPP because it is my belief that you are bringing them into disregard.

asp – Unlike you – I have a small penis – to that end everything i do will always be worse than what you can do…..kapish ?

Rally though – Pathetic attempt at flaming me champ…..What I call spectacular may not be as such to others – spectacular is a universal term – but not universal by definition.

For you to base your whole argument on that word is grasping at straws..

So what if you have hung out of a helicopter in the Gobi desert photographing camels arses with your 1000mm zoom – your feats do not inspire me or make me look at you with awe.

My photography is a hobby – as is my music and my RC helicopters. To think I was better than anyone ot these would be cheating myself – becaus ethe real reason I have these hobbies is to enjoy them, yes I am passionate – but I am passionate about me and my enjoyment – I get no satisfaction with playing the I am better than you game – so no point trying that….. Thus sais – I really loved how you posted someone elses photography when yours is obviously the best in the world.

To that end I will no longer have any time for responding to your childish snide comments.

PS I would barely call taking a 3.5 million candle power torch in my backpack with a few theater gels carting a lighting rig around.

If you wanna talk the talk – show EVERYONE on RA how well you can walk the walk – me, im happy to just plod along and make myself smile with my personal achievements.

People like you deserve none of my time.

Danman’s photos are certainly not bad. That said, I wouldn’t call them spectacular. Just okay.

I thought your photos were very nice Danman. But, then again, I’m not a member of AIPP, whatever that is, nor have I won any awards for anything …

Danman. Please don’t use the word “spectacular” to describe those photos. It demeans the whole thing. As an award wining photographer, Member of the AIPP and someone who has flown harnessed to the side of a helicopter while flying over the twelve apostles, I can safely say that those photos posted (except for the first one which is very good) are not spectacular. I have been to a couple of cemeteries, but I don’t cart lighting and everything and make a trip of it. And looking at galleries from amateurs and pros alike, 99% don’t have any or more than a couple of graveyard photos. Please tell me that that shot of the grave stone you posted isn’t an example of a good one. The depth of field was poorly controlled, contrast poor and composition dull.
Yes, some gravestones are aesthetically pleasing. But you have to think about how to capture it. Just hauling out a huge light isn’t enough. Should you light it from multiple directions to add depth and create interesting shadows? Should you backlight it to add mystery? Should you use colour or B&W photography? These are things you might want to think about.
I myself have shoot a wide range of subjects and styles. I respect diversity in photography and even if someone’s composition is not my style, I will still appreciate it it for what it is and its technical merit. Except for that well exposed first shot of the night sky and power pole, yours lack both technical skill and compositional quality. I invite you to post some more that are at least of a higher technical quality.

I wonder if the student involved was the erstwhile Terry_Wrist who got caught out doing an Oedipus Rex on threads such as this one.

why would I not do ao dusk project at Yass cemetary ?

Have you actually been there ?

They have very ornate headstones that date back to the late 1800’s.

Just because its not your style of photography does not mean that no one likes it.

To think that would be very narrow – something I am sure you are not.

Also – 99.99% pf my photography is at night – supplying my own light where needed with a 3.5 mil candelpower lantern and coloured theatre gels.

Some of my more spectacular shots can be found here, here, here, here and one of yass cemetary

Apoligies if i buggered the hyperlinking, it has been a while….

“Doing a dusk project at Yass Cemetary soon”

um, why? And by project I assume you mean photorgaphy and ONLY photgraphy. Because if it’s anything else, they probably have special forums where ou can talk about that:)

cold weather brings fog – perfect for atmosphere.

Doing a dusk project at Yass Cemetary soon – will keep you posted.

to JD114 no need to correct you – because indeed – this is a forum for contributions – on canberra news information and opinion…..

Anywho – someone thinks i talk too much so maybe ill set up a thread where you can keep the danman bashing…..

“I thought the colder weather may have put a hold on your nocturnal photographic activities for awhile?”
Colder weather, bah. I spend many weekends over winter, waking up at 4am (or staying up til 4am) and phtorgaphing in sub zero temps.

Interesting comment Danman… correct me if I am wrong but isn’t this a forum for contributions? Ergo, you’re part of the problem.

Danman, I look forward to seeing them again. I thought the colder weather may have put a hold on your nocturnal photographic activities for awhile? 🙂

Mr Evil – I mostly post to flickr these days – but i throw a few this way occasionally still – which means soon ! 🙂

thanks for the feedback. I’ll restrict such comical pictures to rare occassions (perhaps once a week) where it really adds to an artcle.
I will point out one thing. In the major news papers, a comic is often displayed in the leters to the editor or opinion section. These are humorous, often sily and sometimes childish and even disgusting (remember the one with howard and downer “playing” like dogs). So saying that funny images degrade the quality is a little to general. But I agree, they should be used in moderation.

thanks for the feedback guys, & we’ll take it on board.

hmm, for that matter I’ve just noticed that we dont have contact details on the site anymore. I wonder where they went to. must fix that.

I’m with Danman. The occaisional silly story has always been fine, but too many does trivialise the place.

Slightly of topic, but Danman, what happened to all the lovely pictures you used to post on here?

Got anymore interesting ones you’d like to share?

Gladbag – I am as lighetened up as it comes – I was merely expressing my opinion.

I need not lighten up or take any other operative from people unbeknownst to me.

ASP I am not adverse to these pictures – just had my does of them for the week.

Do as many as you please – ill just limit my visits here – hence keeping 2 people happy…

“I find comedic pictures a distraction from the real issues.”
Lighten up Danman, not everybody is that easily distracted – can do both.
asp – your pictures are great – wish I could do that

Danman,
If comical images are so distressing, I’ll limit myself to one per week or less.
“detracts from the once professional image that RA had”
By all means have serious debate, but if they can be childish on the floor of the House of Reps, surely we don’t have to be as stern as a Senate Committee. And from people I know in person who read RiotACT, it never had a “professional” image, but a reputation for being a free forum for debate over local issues that was often not very high brow.

Eh I just think all the photochops are childish – articles about perfume and a general poor quality of articles sumbitted – and this detracts from the once professional image that RA had.

Sure we had many slow days – even when JB was adjudicator but filling in those slow days with dodgy photochops and rehasing old subjects is just not my cup of tea – I would rather read nothing…

I find comedic pictures a distraction from the real issues.

Once again this is my opinion – not saying that this is everyones opinion…

PS Full props out to the RA team – just expressing an opinion……and a chance for a move to remedy !

There were slow news days during JB’s tenure at the helm as well…

Grats to the RA team. Thumper for Admin and RESPEKT THE CHE.

how so dan? I havent seen you submit much lately.

Personal opinion but I think RiotACT has gone to shit since JB left…

JB I hope you are reading this..

VYBerlinaV8 now_with_added grunt9:57 am 26 Sep 07

“strongly challenged and rebuffed” – sounds like someone got their ass kicked!

Gungahlin Al9:37 am 26 Sep 07

Maybe we could have a competition for the most Telegraph-like headlines and story beat-ups?

BTW I wonder how the person is who got attacked by the moron with the cleavers? Hate to think of the sort of injuries that would cause. And to think I walked straight past it while the cops were talking the bloke down, without realising how serious it all was…

i chuckled at your writeup.

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.