Robert Trudell

Self Portrait Assignment

August 31st, 2010

I enrolled in a Black & White Film Photography Class (Art-191) at the Arizona Western College (AWC) for Fall. It’s conveniently held across the street from my house at the Yuma Union High School. The Instructor, Joe Medina, also teaches the High School Students.

In our second assignment, “The Self Portrait”, we were instructed to use 2 rules of composition which included Framing and the Rule of 1/3rds. And the part I often find difficult in Self Portraits, we’re required to be in focus.

I tried to get a feel of the composition and experiment with the camera setup by using my digital SLR (Sony A550 with a Minolta 28 mm*1.5 , f2.8 lens) and then mimicked that with the film camera (Minolta Maxxum 7000 with a Minolta 50mm, f1.4 lens).

We were required to take 12 Direct shots of ourselves and 12 Reflected or Shadow Shots. While I spent days planning, drawing and composing my ideas along with gathering the props and outfits, practically none of those themes or scenes were used on film. I suppose some were difficult to execute and others would have me making a ridiculous spectacle of myself in public. While looking ridiculous in public hasn’t always detoured me, it did this weekend.

Mr. Medina (a.k.a. Funky Cold) told us to take all the photos outside in the early or late daytime, so I took mine late at night and indoors. Later I tried opening the windows and using the daylight on either side of the house and studio apartment.

Wanted Poster, $10,000 Dollar Reward, Costa Brava, Spain 1979

Shutter 1/125 Sec, F2.8, Iso 400, 8/29/10, 3:54AM, Lighting 1-300W Florescent, 2-150W Florescent Bulbs

At first I tried to frame my actual head in front of the poster with the Wanted text displayed. It turns out my head was too large, so I put the poster in front and liked the result. Hopefully the Wanted text is in the B/W film version.

Attic Access - Rob Trudell

Shutter 1/320 Sec, F2.8, Iso 400, 8/29/10, 5:00AM, Lighting 1-300W Florescent, 2-150W Florescent Bulbs

Looking for a frame in the above Garage Studio Apartment, I saw the handsome attic access door I recently had installed. The ladder nearly tipped over on this awkward shot and could of left me finishing the 24 frames of film in the hospital.

Attic Access Frame with Ladder

While I had the ladder out, I decided to check if Ray Collier placed the insulation on the Access Door as asked. The answer was “no” and it was missing in other places as well. I did spot this Bat in the Belfry when I had the door open.

Ping Pong Bat in the Belfry - DSC07951

Shutter 1/80 Sec, F2.8, Iso 400, 8/29/10, 5:21AM, Lighting 1-300W Florescent, 2-150W Florescent Bulbs

The next frame I found was the Shower. I figured I could use the shower curtain bar as a pull-up bar and do a Rocky poster pose. The frame was narrow and I had a difficult time placing my elbows naturally.

Yo Adrian - Rocky Poster Pose - DSC07960

Shutter 1/100 Sec, F2.8, Iso 400, 8/29/10, 4:28PM, Lighting North and West Window Sunlight

Next I wanted to take some more photos on a wall without a frame, so I took the curtains from the house and hung them to stage a frame of my own.

Along with the Rocky theme, I found some shorts and a boxing glove. Short 1 glove I used a Rooster Oven Mitt, which I found fitting as my most successful punch is the cold cock.

Knock Out Cold Cocking Oven Mitt & Rocky/Apollo Creed Shorts -DSC07965

Shutter 1/100 Sec, F4, ISO 400, 8/29/10, 6:59PM, Lighting 1-300W Florescent, 2-150W Florescent Bulbs, some Western Window Sunlight

And in Boxing there’s the Weigh-In

Weigh In DSC07966

Shutter 1/100 Sec, F3.5, ISO 400, 8/29/10, 7:08PM, Lighting 1-300W Florescent, 2-150W Florescent Bulbs, some Western Window Sunlight

While looking for some Cartoons of my friend Marek Zochowski’s, I stumbled over some pictures of his long lost children, Ashley and Daniel. I found Ashley on Facebook and let her know she could contact me if she was interested in reaching Marek.

In this photo, I’m wondering if you think I did the right thing.

Vision inside the World Wide Web DSC07975 - Is transparency the right thing?

Shutter 1/100 Sec, F2.8, ISO 400, 8/29/10, 11:40PM, Lighting 1-300W Florescent, Overhead 60W Florescent Bulb

I tried to polish up a Reading Lamp my Mother-in-Law gave me to take a reflective picture of my vision through reading glasses.

Reading Lamp Reading Glass and Camera Reflection DSC08000

Shutter 1/100 Sec, F4, ISO 400, 8/30/10, 1:07AM, Lighting 1-300W Florescent, Overhead 60W Florescent Bulb

Looking for more reflective objects, I shined up the old Mirror Ball for this spotlight shot.

Disco Mirror Ball - Spot Lighted Once Again DSC08006

Shutter 1/125 Sec, F10, ISO 400, 8/30/10, 8:57AM, Eastern Window Light, Reading Lamp

I enjoyed the way Kingston Gee framed a photo of me after winning the 2004 US National U1700 Table Tennis Championship. I tried to recreate a facsimile of my Window to the World here.

Ping Pong Window to the World DSC08016

Shutter 1/250 Sec, F4, ISO 400, 8/30/10, 9:39AM, Eastern Window Light

It kind of looks like a helmeted soldier looking through a castle fortress window to me.

Here’s 1 of the photos I originally planned and diagrammed doing. My Stiga Ping Pong Table is awkwardly placed between 2 rooms divided by a double pocket door. When thinking of frames this was one of the first things that came to mind.

Awkward Table Tennis Table Location DSC08020

Shutter 1/125 Sec, F4.5, ISO 400, 8/30/10, 10:54AM, Eastern Window Light

Another framed location I originally liked were my fireplaces. After experimenting with a few blah poses, I came up with me sitting Indian Style and cradling my gumball machine filled with orange 38mm balls and a white 40mm Nittaku big ball released in the slot. I’ve got a paddle on my knee that kind of looks like a rag to wipe the baby’s burp-ups off with.

Baby Ping Pong Ball Machine DSC08025 - Sitting Indian Style in the Fireplace

Shutter 1/60 Sec, F4.5, ISO 400, 8/30/10, 11:09AM, Eastern Window Light

Running out of light from the East and needing some more reflective photos, I went to the Women’s Restroom to use the Bathroom mirror. I discovered my girlfriend in the shower covering herself and decided to use her to help me focus the camera.

2-Dimensional Hottie in the Shower DSC08029

Shutter 1/100 Sec, F3.2, ISO 400, 8/30/10, 11:30AM, Northern Window Light

She’s a 2-Dimensional Hottie, but she serves her purpose.

When I stepped in the shower myself I found she left a friggin bomb!!!

Blinking Shower Bomb - Oh Crap DSC08033

Not knowing what to do, I peeked around the curtain.

Shh DSC08034 it!

Then I finally realized I had my Safety Glasses to protect my eyes.

Safe Bomb Handling DSC08035 with Safety Glasses

Shutter 1/100 Sec, F3.2, ISO 400, 8/30/10, 11:46AM, Northern Window Light

Whew!

After all that Danger, I needed a cool drink. Would you believe, just when I was thirsty, Iron Man crashes through my ceiling with a Dr. Pepper! It was a plaster disaster, but quenched the craving.

Iron Man Dr Pepper Delivery DSC08037

Shutter 1/100 Sec, F4, ISO 400, 8/30/10, 12:00PM, Northern Window Light

So, I was looking through my desk drawer for something and found this coupon. I know I’ve got lots of them since they all tell me to “Keep” them and I haven’t seen any that tell me to throw them away.

Keep this Coupon DSC08042

Shutter 1/60 Sec, F3.2, ISO 400, 8/30/10, 12:44PM, Southern Window Light

I tried to frame this photo with both the door and the mirror.

Of course I still have my Safety Glasses on as I like to play things safe when keeping coupons and such. Who knows, maybe a pipe could break in the Handicap Restroom and I don’t want it to put out my eye. I hope I’m not being too cautious.

I did a search on self portraits and found one I liked using a door knob reflection. Unable to find a good continuous round shiny knob mounted on my doors, I settled by pulling out an extra packaged knob with a keyhole I had and slipping it in a tripod mounting plate slot. I looked for a more interesting place to slip my newly polished knob in, and found nothing more appealing.

Focusing on Polished Knob in Tripod Slot DSC08050

Shutter 1/100 Sec, F3.2, ISO 400, 8/30/10, 1:38PM, Northern Window Light

Searching for a reflective pool, I sought something with a dark bottom and dark liquid. It occurred I hadn’t had my morning coffee yet and wouldn’t ya know, my favorite black Aztec cups were in front of me in the display case.

Eying the Coffee DSC08055, Mmm, I need that cup.

Shutter 1/50 Sec, F2.8, ISO 400, 8/30/10, 1:54PM, Northern Window Light

Ohh, we need more shiny things! Here’s the pride and joy of my disco lighting collection, mirror with light patterns that moves to the music, and I’ve got an In-N-Out Burger hat I stole from my son, Daniel at the restaurant.

In-N-Out Burger Hat & Disco Light Mirror DSC08058

Shutter 1/50 Sec, F2.8, ISO 400, 8/30/10, 2:42PM, Northern Window Light

It’s getting a little warm in the main house, so I head back up to the Casita Studio Stage. The Franciscan Monk, and Ping Pong Friar appeared with a lit scented Vanilla Candle, searching for what only is found in the House of Guest — me.

Anyone need a Light DSC08069 - Franciscan Monk and Ping Pong Friar soul searching

Shutter 1/125 Sec, F4, ISO 400, 8/30/10, 3:40PM, Western Window Light and Lighting 1-300W Florescent, 2-150W Florescent Bulbs.

I angled a full length mirror at 45 degrees and pointed the camera at it. The 28mm lens on the DSLR wasn’t able to focus properly at this range, hopefully it’s okay on the B/W film camera.

Here, the Rosary Ping Pong Paddle wielding Nun finds herself and in herself a hero — Super RET.

I need some focus in life DSC08072, and in this picture we find Nun. - Ping Pong Paddle Rosary

Shutter 1/125 Sec, F4, ISO 400, 8/30/10, 4:02PM, Western Window Light and Lighting 1-300W Florescent, 2-150W Florescent Bulbs.

And thanks be to me, I pray, thank you me, thank you Super RET, and please open this Bathroom Door so my system may be cleansed once again.

Let us pray, please let me in the Bathroom soon DSC08075

Shutter 1/125 Sec, F4, ISO 400, 8/30/10, 4:03PM, Western Window Light and Lighting 1-300W Florescent, 2-150W Florescent Bulbs.

Gonna Fly Now. The Nun aspires to fly with her Super Hero.

Flying Nun DSC08079 - Gonna Fly Now

Shutter 1/125 Sec, F2.8, ISO 400, 8/30/10, 4:10PM, Western Window Light and Lighting 1-300W Florescent, 2-150W Florescent Bulbs.

And as the Nun flies into the distance, I’d like to thank my Stand-In 2-Dimensional Hottie Girl for her help and focus brought to this self portrait project. Thank you very much!

Velda, the Stunt Double DSC08080

Shutter 1/125 Sec, F4, ISO 400, 8/30/10, 4:17PM, Western Window Light and Lighting 1-300W Florescent, 2-150W Florescent Bulbs.

Tags: $10000 Reward, 2-Dimensonal, 38mm, 40mm, Apollo Creed, Aztec, baby, Bathroom Door, big ball, Black, Bomb, Bomb Handling, Boxing Glove, broken pipe, burp, Cardboard Cutout, Casita, castle, Cautious, ceiling, Coffee, Coffee Cup, Cold Cock, cool drink, cradling, crashes, craving, curtain, desire, disaster, Dr. Pepper, dynamite, F-Stop, fireplace, Florescent, Florescent Bulbs, Flying Nun, Focus, fortress, Framing, Franciscan Monk, Friar, friggin, Girl, Gonna Fly Now, Guest House, Handicap Restroom, Handicap Toilet, helmet, Hottie, House of Guest, In-N-Out, In-N-Out Burger, Iron Man, Ironman, ISO 400, Keep this Coupon, Kingston Gee, Lighting, Man in a Mirror, Marek Zochowski, Maxxum, Minolta, Minolta Maxxum 7000, Mirror, Mirror Ball, Monk, Most Wanted Poster, Nittaku, Nun, orange, Oven Mitt, peeked, plaster, Polish, Pray, put out an eye, Reading Glasses, Reading Lamp, Rocky, Rocky Shorts, Rooster, Rosary, Rule of Thirds, Safety Glasses, Self Portrait, Shine, Shower, shower curtain, Shutter Speed, Sitting Indian Style, small ball, soldier, Sony A550, Stunt Double, Super RET, System Cleansing, thirst, Vanilla Candle, Velda, Weigh In, white, Window Light, Window to the World, Women's Restroom
Posted in AWC, Arizona Western College, Outfits, Photo, Photography, Ping Pong, Yuma Union High School | No Comments »

Put my Lettuce on Top

July 10th, 2010

Yuma is more than place to leave the baby’s dirty diaper.

Carl's Jr., 1020 East 16th Street, Yuma, Arizona - (928) 329-1711

As I danced around Home Depot dizzy with hunger and harboring that “got to go” urge, I rushed my P-Trap purchase and headed to Carl’s Jr.

Carl’s Jr. Yelp Reviews, Carl’s Jr. Google Reviews

Just around the corner from the Depot on 16th Street, the Restaurant bustled with San Diego Interstate 8 Independence Day traffic. I carefully and quickly opened the outdoor aluminum door handle using my fingernails to avoid burning my hand on the building placed under the scorching summer sun load. I scurried into the restroom to discover the 2 stalls and individual urinal taken. A man was waiting his turn while a father helped his young son wash his hands in the sink.

I did a 180 turn to exit as another father and son entered the facility. I chose to place my Hawaiian Teriyaki Burger order and quell my other urge. Charging the $2.75 sandwich on my Discover Card, I salivated imagining biting into the pineapple, teriyaki sauce and thick beef patty.

Handed a #84 plastic triangle, the Order Girl instructed me to place it on my table and wait for the meal’s delivery. I sat facing the bathrooms anticipating an opening. It seemed as if every 15 to 30 seconds another person would rush in from outside and head into the packed Water Closet. Then, disturbingly, a lady exited the Women’s Room precariously holding her baby. She told her friend there were no changing tables and she’d need to change the baby’s diaper on the “seat” as she headed toward a nearby restaurant seat.

I avoided looking in her direction, not wanting to see the dirty diaper details. I started wondering though; I wondered if she meant her car’s seat or possibly the toilet seat and hopefully wished she didn’t mean my neighboring seat. I fearfully breathed through my nose, not wanting to inhale unfiltered feces though my mouth; I dreadfully imagined the unpleasant whiffs that would waft my way. Thankfully, no unsavory aromas emitted.

My burger appeared before any let up of toilet traffic. I removed the foil colored outer wrapper to find another paper wrapper snugly holding the burger together. While the buns stuck out of each end of the paper I could clearly see 1 of my generous burger bites would land my teeth in paper territory. I removed the wrapper confident I could hold it together with my hands. I have 2 strict rules when eating a burger. 1) Never but the burger down. 2) Eat faster than gravity.

My first bite shifted the sandwich like the recent 7.2 magnitude Sierra El Mayor earthquake shifted our town 2 feet South. Out of the bottom of the bun, 2.5 inches of sprung loaded salad dressing covered lettuce slapped the palm of my hand. Furious to find the crisp lettuce on the bottom bun side, I analyzed the effects of inverting my grip. There is something I love about the texture of crisp watery lettuce hitting the roof of my mouth. Seeing the charbroiled Dole pineapple ring and teriyaki sauce on the top bun side encouraged me to leave the top side on top. I felt I couldn’t mix and enjoy their flavors with the burger while biting them from the bottom.

I opened the bottom of the bun to reposition the lettuce under the bread. The self inflating leaves exploded like a life raft popping open off of a sinking ship. This ship of a sandwich started falling apart faster than the Titanic. Suddenly I had an 8-inch circular lettuce saucer spreading more dressing on my hands, a burger heading one-way and a pineapple ring heading the other. Fed up with the mess, I attacked the outer lettuce perimeter and in a high speed spinning motion rotated and consumed the pineapple & burger at the rate of 9.8 meters/second².

With sticky sauce covered hands I elbowed the restroom door open. I wanted to rinse my hands off before handling my business, but chose to enter the stall before another excreting train of men began. Finally relieved of all urges, I washed up and exited the facility.

A restaurant patron held the inner door open as I left Carl’s Jr and wished, “I hope you enjoyed the visit!”. An employee held the outer outside door open, probably to save the entering patrons from burning their hands.

AM-PM Arco Gas Station

I noticed the line of cars at the Arco gas station were I figured many of the steady stream of restroom customers came.

Carl's Jr Parking Lot Exit toward 16th Street & I-8

The place was busy enough to create a backed up line of cars onto the 16th Street & I-8 bridge.

As I exited on Redondo Drive heading North it looked like I-8 construction backed the freeway up for miles into California and extending to Telegraph Pass.

Driving off, I pondered the reason lettuce needs to be on top of the burger. I figured the 2 thumbs aren’t able to stabilize the slippery saucy leaves as well 8 fingers.

Next time I order my Teriyaki burger with no cheese, I’ll also instruct Carl’s Jr. to “Put my lettuce on top!”

Tags: Bathroom, burger, California, Carl's Jr, dirty diaper, Earthquake, feces, furious, Home Depot, lettuce, men's room, Phoenix, pineapple, Pit Stop, restroom, San Diego, sandwich, self inflating life raft, Sierra El Mayor, Telegraph Pass, teriyaki, Titanic, waft, Water Closet, whiffs, whift, women's room, Yuma
Posted in Arizona, Baby Changing Station, Bathroom, Carl's Jr, Home Depot, Yuma | 6 Comments »

Phone a Friend – The Secret Answer to Ping-Pong’s Popularity

June 5th, 2010

While we all may know the answer, many realize, but few recognize the power and popularity that phoning friends provides Ping-Pong. What condensed blurb do I share to increase the popularity of Table Tennis? Like a deer in the headlights, I couldn’t for the life of me answer my interviewer’s Question. I sat feeling like Sarah Palin in an interview with Katie Couric and remembering Tina Fey’s parody asking to “Phone a Friend” in help for the answer. I wanted to blurt it out, but instead I searched and searched and provided little more than a shrug, a shake of the head and a toss of my hands in the air.

I finally admitted I couldn’t think of one. I then went on, and on, and on about things I’d heard from others like it’s international following and how it brings cross cultural understandings and blah, blah, blah. Of course while giving this answer I was thinking of The Answer Man’s response on increasing the popularity of Hardbat. His answer to Scott Gordon is “Have Rob Trudell hire strippers as cheerleaders.“ I’ve spent hours imagining, demonstrating and following the attraction that bouncing breasts bring to the game.

Like many answers, the true answer came to me later that night after the interview; the answer touched me throughout my ping pong career. Phoning friends always worked for me. It’s more a pragmatic than a dramatic answer; it’s an answer that truly works.

Table Tennis takes 2 to make it right and building from that number is easy as pie. Whether it’s Luis Houed, and I playing Ping Pong at Phoenix’s Playa Bar or Jay Turberville at Tucson’s Maloney’s Bar, bringing 1 friend to the table attracts others. The Map to Popularity is simple, bring one and attract many. The guarantee is there is always someone to play with.

Luong Nguyen practices his Ping Pong Magic

In the desolate Yuma, Arizona desert Foothills, Luong Nguyen invokes “Phone a Friend” to conjure up another spell. I first met Yuma’s Top Player, “Lou” at a Yuma Army Proving Ground (YPG) Double Elimination Tournament. It’s with the Phone that Steve, the YPG Gym’s Morale, Welfare & Recreation Director, organizes the event. Steve maintains a list of Tournament Players and their Phone Numbers; he calls the players in for specially scheduled matches that progress over weeks until the Final Elimination Match is held and Trophies are presented. Luong contacted me directly to schedule our 1st YPG match and to check if he could get a ride back to the Foothills afterward.

Steve suggested once I met some local players, I’d find other places to practice and play. Steve was right. I surveyed Yuma for table tennis action and found nothing more than lonely tables in empty gyms. There are tables at the Arizona Western College Recreation Center, the National Guard Armory, the Army YPG Gym and Yuma Marine Corp Air Station. I also saw online the Criminals at Yuma Union High School organized some sort of club.

Luong later invited me to play at Chuck Keller’s house with it’s dedicated Table Tennis Room and Sauna. While the room has an air-conditioner, I think Chuck turns it off to prevent the wind from blowing the ball around. I had a chance play Luong’s son, Liem and meet his other son Sam. Luong coached the 2 for 2 years after they discovered the game and expressed an interest in improving.

Tuesday's with Chuck (Keller)

Tuesday’s with Chuck

Chuck called me one morning and asked me to commit to practice with him twice a week. I’ve committed to practice every Tuesday and am open to more sessions when I’m in town.

Minnesota Rick

I’ve met and challenged Rick from Minnesota.

Samuel Nguyen

I played a deuce game with Sam.

Liem Nguyen

I’ve warmed up and loosened up with Liem.

Robert Trudell - Backhand

Now I remember the importance of a Phone Call and the power it wields.

Ping Pong Phone a Frined Numbers - Un tipo suave.

Ping Pong Phone a Friend Numbers - Un tipo suave. - Desert Table Tennis Outpost Listing

Ping Pong is fun and I know it’s popular; if you want to experience the Secret Answer to Ping Pong’s Popularity, just Phone a Friend.

Tuesday’s with Si

1996 Desert Table Tennis Outpost Double Elimination Tournament

Yuma man inducted into Table Tennis Hall of Fame

3-D Table Tennis Portrait

The 3 Dimensions of Rob Trudell

Tags: Answer, Army, Binghu Ren, Bob Mayer, cheerleaders, Cheng Yinghua, Chuck Keller, Criminals, Dan, Dave Meany, Derrick Cone, Desert Table Tennis Outpost, Dhinakar Thangavelu, Donald Tillitson, Emily Larson, Foothills, Gary Romig, Greg Anderson, Hardbat, Harley Davis, Helen Ding, Howard, Jane Magras, Jay Turberville, Jim Tarkowski, Joe Patti, Karkik, Katie Couric, Koresh, Kristin Kuchenbecker, Kupendra, Larry Hall, Leroy Hensley, Liem Nguyen, Lori Hostettler, Luis Houed, Luong Nguyen, Maloney's, Marconias, Marek Zochowski, Marie Nadeau, Mark, Marques Dillard, Mary Coonan, Morale Welfare and Recreation, Ms. Senkbeil, MWR, Noel Huermann, Paul Hamra, Phone a Friend, Ping Huping Larsen, Ping Pong, Playa, Playa Bar, Popularity, Question, Robert Trudell, Samuel Nguyen, Sarah Palin, Sauna, Scott Gordon, Secret, Shelly Girard, Steve Adams, Steve Anderson, Sy Kenig, Table Tennis, Tanja Daniels, The Answer Man, The Answerman, Tina Fey, Un tipo suave, YPG, Yuma Proving Ground, Yuma Union High School
Posted in Phone a Friend, Ping Pong, Ping Pong Popularity, Table Tennis, Yuma | 1 Comment »

Cocopah Wild River Family Entertainment Center

May 23rd, 2010

Cocopah Wild River Family Entertainment Center Entrance

Deal or No Deal? As we entered the Cocopah Family Entertainment Center, Daniel asked why it was called the Wild River. I suggested it’s name stemmed from the Colorado River which once flowed untamed and un-dammed through the area. A rushing river fit the theme and feel of the Wild River Arcade; the adjacent Cocopah Casino’s tight slots contrasted the Fun Center in damming it’s flow. Clara, Debbi and Fern dropped $40 each into the One-Armed-Bandits. They told Daniel & I of the solemn silence that rang though the building as they heard no celebration, no joy and no excitement from their fellow gamers.

Cocopah Casino & Resort

The day started with me meeting Debbi & crew at the Quechan Casino Saturday Buffet. Surprised to find a packed parking lot I pulled the Lincoln LS into a slot as far from the entrance as could be found. Debbi chose Valet Parking and dropped her Cadillac SRX off at the shaded Hotel Resort entrance. At 2PM on 15 May, 92 degrees and a blistering sun chased the Winter visiting Snowbirds away. We wondered where the bustling crowd came from. A VIP Member line snaked from the Hotel Lobby into the Convention Center. The Slot Machines chimed away with intoxicating C-note sounds, enticing it’s addicted followers to play another weekend.

Quechan Casino & Resort Parking Lot

Clara saddled up, smokes in hand, to get her fix with the other gamblers. Debbi, Daniel, Fern and I opted out of the Blackjack tables in exchange for a seat at the Ocotillo Buffet international culinary food adventure. Debbi fell in Linguine love, Daniel suckled on the succulent Roast Beef in Mushroom Gravy, Aunt Fern agreed to the Corn on the Cob though it doesn’t agree with her and I covered my tiny plate with Asian Orange Chicken (陈皮鸡(陳皮雞; Pinyin: chénpí jī) and a side of Green Beans. In my book, the coffee is the best; perhaps they siphon it off of the Food Court’s next door Starbucks urn. Our drink server couldn’t bring my 2nd cup fast enough. When I purchased the $32 meal ticket, the clerk asked if I’d like to add a tip on the Discover Card bill. I refrained from adding a tip as well as refrained in informing her that I do not tip at Buffets. Okay, I did leave a $1 tip at the Mandarin Garden buffet the other night.

Odd Looking Apartment Complex, Somerton, Arizona

Debbi decided to try her luck at the Cocopah Casino for the first time. A couple weeks prior, I discovered they had the Alley & Arcade next door for 9-year-old Daniel and I to play in. I prompted Debbi to drive us past the Casino and to the San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico border crossing. On our way we noticed these odd looking red, white and blue buildings on the entering edge of Somerton, Arizona. They turned out to be Apartments. Clara and Fern were impressed with the fence running through San Luis between Mexico and the US; they weren’t impressed in it’s ability to curb illegal immigration. Remembering Reagan’s Berlin call, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” left us all felling World openness was going in reverse.

Palm Tree - A Tree Trimmer's Hazard

Clara remarks how she understands the dangers Palm Tree Trimmers face when she notices these unkempt trees. A few weeks ago a Mesa, Arizona trimmer was smothered to death under the weight of these heavy fronds.

Bowling Alley - Cocopah Wild River Family Entertainment Center

I brought my 16 pound bowling ball, 2 lb. Nike left-handed shoes, 3 lb. bag and a misplaced 1998 8mm ping pong training tape. The ball & all provided more exercise than entertainment. I lugged it around the arcade as Daniel dashed from game to game. I better understand how the “ball & chain” hinders prisoners from even trying to escape.

The Fast and the Furious - Super Bikes

Daniel starts out on Sega’s “The Fast and the Furious Super Bike” (High Res Video). (Low Res Video)

Deal or No Deal - Card Swipe

“Deal or No Deal” – 1st Game Single Swipe (High Res. Video) (Low Res Video) “Deal or No Deal” -2nd Game Double Swipe (High Res. Video) (Low Res Video)

Skee Ball

Skee-Ball (High Res Video), (Low Res Video)

Big Bass Wheel

Big Bass Wheel – Ticket Bonanza (High Res Video), (Low Res Video)

Bowling Ball Bag Ticket Holder

Jungle Zoo Shoot-em Up Game

Jungle Shootem Up (High Res Video), (Low Res Video)

Let's go Jungle Tour - Jungle Safari

Let’s go Jungle Tour – Jungle Safari (High Res Video), (Low Res Video)

Ghost Squad

Ghost Squad (High Res Video), (Low Res Video) Ghost Squad Part 2 (High Res Video), (Low Res Video)

Time Crisis 3

Time Crisis 3 (High Res Video), (Low Res Video) Time Crisis 3 Part 2 (High Res Video), (Low Res Video)

Air Hockey - Dad (Rob Trudell) vs. Daniel Trudell

Air Hockey – Dad vs. Daniel (High Res Video), (Low Res Video)

Zoo Shooting Gallery

Zoo Shooting Gallery (High Res Video), (Low Res Video) ZooFari (High Res Video), (Low Res Video)

Slam a Winner

Haunted - Booby Trap - Pow

Speed Demon

Pac Man Wild

Ticket - Prize Exchange Counter

Ticket Counter - Counting Machine

Ticket Counting Machine (High Res Video), (Low Res Video)

Ticket Station

Ticket Redemption

Ticket Redemption - Toy Exchange

Tags: Air Hockey, Ball & Chain, Big Bass Wheel, Bowling Alley, Cadillac SRX, celebration, Cocopah, Colorado River, Converntion Center, Corn on the Cob, Deal or No Deal, Death, Escape, excitement, fronds, gamers, Ghost Squad, Green Beans, Haunted, Hotel, illegal immigration, joy, Jungle Safari, Let's Go Jungle Tour, Lincoln LS, Linguine, Linguini, Lobby, Mandarin Garden, Member, Mr. Gorbachev, One Armed Bandit, Orange Chicken, Palm Tree, Pinyin: chénpí jī, Prisoners, Prize Exchange, Resort, Roast Beef, Ronald Reagan, Sega, Skee Ball, Skeeball, Slam a Winner, smothered, Snowbirds, Somerton, Speed Demon, Super Bike, Super Bikes, tear down this wall!, The Fase and the Furious, Ticket Station, Time Crisis 3, Trimmer, Valet Parking, VIP, Wild River, Winter Visitors, 陈皮鸡(陳皮雞
Posted in Arcade, Arizona, Bowling Alley, Bowling Ball, Cocopah Casino, Dave & Buster's, Dave and Buster's, Deal or No Deal, Family Entertainment, Gambling, Guns, I-95, Loose Slots, Motorcycle, Pac-Man, Quechan Casino, San Luis, Sega, Skee Ball, Skeeball, Slot Machine, Somerton, Super Bike, Tight Slots, Video, Wild River, Yuma | 2 Comments »

Yuma Fun Factory – Shot in the Air – Shot to the Ground

April 14th, 2010

As Daniel screamed around the Fun Factory Go-cart track, “Help, I’m going to die; don’t kill me, don’t kill me!, little did we realize the imminent death of the facility itself was closer than our own.

Go-cart Ride Video
I nailed a little girl in the rear and she squealed off toward the railing as we passed. As my wife reviewed the video event footage she commented on the “No Bumping” rule emblazoned on the cart’s fender.

When I stumbled and mumbled around how everyone from our Company’s night at the races did the same, she referred me to the NASCAR racing term of “Rubbing”. Following standard racing rules, I committed no bumping foul “because rubbing is racing” (otherwise known as “cus rubbin is racin”).
Before tooling around the Racing Course, Daniel and I baptized ourselves in the Bumper Boat waters. Nervous about winter water temperatures, I abandoned caution for near certain Wet T-Shirt nipple effects. I stowed the new Sony Cyber-shot HX5V/B Digital Camera in the Lincoln LS to insure its dry passage though the moistest of Fun Factory times.

Fun Factory Bumper Boats

Dowsed by waterfalls and soaked by squirt-gun cannons, we chased and bumped around the bay in gas powered round Norton Utility like looking yellow and blue buoy rafts.
Familiar with Yuma’s Historic Landmarks and Western old town feel, the mini-golf course and building décor captures the community with the cleverest of designs. Looking at the Water Tower building components shows how standard plumbing supplies can transform into a small town realistic looking facsimile.

Fun Factory Mini Golf Course

Clever design doesn’t always pay the bills and those I visited the Fun Factory with express sadness in its 12th April temporary closing announcement. I heard they employed 200 people that were notified Sunday night not to return.

The 2009 May opening provided Yuma with a needed shot in the arm, with an exciting entertainment spot and this April’s closing feels like a shot in the belly. On my first visit, I dreamed of owning the place and wondered how I could transfer some of its elements to my house.

Baptized by the Fun Factory Waters

I drove by the Fun Factory alongside the I-8 Interstate Freeway last night and the brilliant Fun Factory light still shown with its US and Arizona flags flying at full staff. Good luck to those in reviving it from financial woe; good luck to raising our spirits once again to join those high flying flags with a new reopening.

Yuma Sun Newspaper Article

Tags: Bumper Boats, Closing, Death, Don't Kill Me, Entertainment, Fun Factory, Gas Engines, Go Carts, I'm Going to Die, NASCAR, Unemployment, Western Town, Wet, Yuma, Yuma Fun Factory Closing Go-Cart Bumper
Posted in Bumper Boats, Fun Factory, Go Cart, Historic, Mini Golf, NASCAR, Racing, Rubbin is Racin, Unemployment, Western Town, Yuma | 1 Comment »

Jonathan Li strangled and whipped for improper stroking in public

December 23rd, 2009

Jonathan Li guided through backhand stroke

Apparently Jonathan Li’s mom didn’t like the way her son was stroking the ping pong ball.

In an angry fit, Jonathan Li's mom guides him through the strokes

In a angry fit of rage she ran up to the table and grabbed her son’s racket hand and arm with 1 hand and wrapped her other arm around his neck.

Jonathan Li's mom choking and stroking

She screams and yells at him while guiding him through a forehand table tennis stroke. Here choking grip tightens around the boy’s neck as she forcefully swings him back and forth.

The boy’s face displays his anguish through the process and as his sister watches, her fear and suffering shows as well.

Jonathan Li's Suffering Sister

When the mother finishes her stroke training she rails her arm back and whacks the boy’s behind as he tries to protect his rear.

Mom spanks ping pong boy

I’ve heard people claim they’d spank me at ping pong — now this mom shows the “Real Deal”!

For the full photo sequence see

http://www.outpost81.com/usnationals2009/whipped/

Larry Bavly commented on About.com’s table tennis forum that the maneuver looked more like a pro-wrestler’s “Hammer Lock” to him rather than a choke.

Reviewing the photos, it looks to me that the lady choked the boy’s spirit more than his neck.

Tags: angry, angst, anguish, ball, behind, choke, coach, coaching, fit, forcefully, grabbed, hammer lock, hand, hold, improper, Jonathan Li, Mom, mother, paddle, Ping Pong, protect, public, racket, rage, real deal, rear, scold, scolding, screams, sister, spank, spanked, strangled, strokes, stroking, suffer, suffering, swings, Table Tennis, training, whacks, whipped, yells
Posted in Ping Pong, Table Tennis, coaching | 1 Comment »

USATT strong arms Landers’ Mom

December 21st, 2009

Busting Blackwell’s Killerspin Ping Pong National’s Player’s Union Strike, Doru Gheorghe breaks Landers’ mom, Joan, down; she convinces her Agnostic son and Men’s Single’s Quarterfinalist, Michael Landers to participate in a Final’s Men’s Singles Match against the hold-out Christian, Samson Dubina.

USATT Strong Arms 15-year-old Junior Boy's Player's Mom to participate in USA National Table Tennis Men's Singles Final

Dethroned and dieting USATT Board Member, Barney Reed Sr., beckoned me to “Run, run!!!” as I photographed the crippled Paralympic Ping Pong Players. “Come here, come here” as Barney motioned one way and I looked the other. “No, over there, the Players are Boycotting for the first time in 20 years”. Barney called me to capture a Historic Table Tennis moment; this was a moment to photograph a crippled organization.

Dieting Barney Reed Sr. prefers svelt figure photos only.

Dieting Barney Reed Sr. prefers svelte figure photos only.

From a distance I saw Dan Seemiller talking with Mike Cavanaugh and a few Elite Table Tennis Player surrounding them.

Mike Cavanaugh talks with Dan Seemiller about Men's Singles Quarter-Final Boycott as Elite Players stand by.

I approached the action to get a better shot of the discussion. Dan and Mike coyly faced in opposing directions of the camera as I circled them.

Dan Seemiller and Mike Cavanaugh coyly face away.

After finally capturing a shot of Mike, the frustrated CEO erupts and shares his displeasure in the coy camera game. He comes up to me and boldly says, “You want a picture of me! ?! Go ahead take a picture! Take a picture!”.

I explained, “I prefer candid shots.”; he then went back to his conference.

USATT Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mike Cavanaugh discusses US National Men's Singles Final boycott.

The list of 5 boycotting USA National Men’s Singles Quarter-Finalists given on About.com’s table tennis forum are Fan Yiyong, David Zhuang, Ilija Lupulesku, Raghu Nadmichettu, Mark Hazinski. The 6th missing player and Player Representative, Han Xiao claimed a conflict of interest and bowed out of the competition with the boy-cotters.

Disappointed Hardbat paddle smashing (as in breaking, not slamming) and $100,000 Bud Light Money Hungry, David Zhuang displayed his disgust to USATT CEO, Cavanaugh with some sort of big fat Zero type finger symbol with his 3 remaining fingers splayed out as well. I’m not sure if it had something to do with the measly $3000 prize, wanting more “0’s” after the 3000 or referring to the amount of recent money increases in the portions the Finalists receive.

David Zhuang displays some sort of Zero finger sign during his discussion with USATT CEO, Mike Cavanaugh

Insider, and USATT Reporter, Larry Hodges explains details of the walk-out in the USATT Online Results page.

http://www.usatt.org/magazine/2009_US_Nationals/writeups/121909.htm

It seems Han Xiao represented the boy-cotters and struck a deal with USATT to get their prize money doubled next year along with a player’s lounge. Double would be $3000 to $6000. He and Michael Landers thought the concessions were enough and were both willing to play on. Samson Dubina never agreed to the boycott. Han stepped out of the competition based on the misunderstanding and conflict of interest since the 5 additional angry players wanted the money now!

The Decider, Michael Landers, plays on agreeing to USATT's Prize Money concessions. He faces boycott hold out Samson Dubina in the Men's Singles Final.

Larry Hodges article doesn’t explain the exact reason that Michael made the choice he did or how he came to his decision.

During the angry brouhaha, someone that I don’t currently recall told me that Michael Landers mom was pulled aside into a separate room and “strong armed” into convincing Michael, who had a “bright future” with USATT and table tennis to play on and not ruin his chances and destroy a promising career.

When reviewing my tournament photos, I wondered if the “room” was the end of the stands and if the “USATT” was Doru Gheorghe that “strong armed” Micheal’s mom.

USATT High Performance/Technical Director, Doru Gheorghe talks with Michael Landers mom.

Pictured protesting players are:

Boycotting player, Fan Yiyong won't play Ping Pong

Fan Yiyong

No Money - No Table Tennis for Ilija Lupulesku

Ilija Lupulesku

The Future is Now, not Next Year - Mark Hazinski

Mark Hazinski

Staged Ping Pong Boycott - USA National Table Tennis Championships

Now my initial instinct, which generally prove 95% wrong, was to think the Killerspin sponsored players led the strike. I wondered if Fan Yiyong was a more independently sponsored player and could participate without fear of losing his backing. I’ve twice read elite player, Barney Reed Jr. lead the strike, though he dropped out of the event early due to a back injury.

Larry Hodges added some more details from his phone interviews with Han Xiao and David Zhuang 2 days after the event. It’s a dedicated Walkout article.

http://www.usatt.org/magazine/2009_US_Nationals/writeups/walkout.htm

During the event many wondered whether there would be a Final or not. It seemed many Quarterfinal spectators left frustrated and announced to me and others that there wouldn’t be a Final. I wasn’t sure what was going on and didn’t know if the Women were involved in the walkout as well.

When I saw the Men’s Doubles event start with some of the boycotting men (Fan Yiyong and Mark Hazinski), I thought they might have settled their differences.

NATT front man, Alan Williams, announced over the PA that there would be a Men’s and Women’s Singles Final. Still the crowd was filled with confusion and not much scheduled play was happening.

The Live Web Broadcast team, Dyyno cameraman, showed his disgust by sarcastically commenting on how “exciting” the rescheduled (lower level) play was.

Dyyno Live Webcast Team Camera Operator

Dyyno Webcast Team Company Owner

http://tabletennis.teamusa.org/live.html

The Dyyno Team invested their time and money for the webcast and anticipated some high level competition. They spent the previous few days tweaking and tuning the equipment for this final crescendo, then nothing appears but Quarterfinal delays, then more nothing.

While I heard Alan Williams PA announcement that the Men’s Final was still scheduled, I later asked him in person to verify. It seemed as though he gave a USATT contracted Company Line sort of answer. I asked if the finals were still on and he replied affirmatively. Questioning again, I asked what happened with the boycott and he stated “Some players were defaulted”.

NATT Front Man, Alan Williams in bright blue, stands sholdered by Head USATT Referees Joseph Yick and another.

NATT Front Man, Alan Williams in bright blue, stands shouldered by Head USATT Referees Joseph Yick (left) and another.

Looking at some of the Elite Player outfits now, I see several Butterfly logos on their clothing. David Zhuang, Fan Yiyong, Michael Landers all sported Butterfly sponsored wear. An interesting thing I noted was on the supposed broken backed leader, Barney Reed Jr., was he wore a Vegas Table Tennis Club shirt.

Broke Back Barney Reed Jr. in Vegas Table Tennis Club Shirt and Shorts

Samson Dubina said several time Elite National Champion, Cheng Yinghua dumped his match against lower leveled Raghu Nadmichettu. Did Cheng dump his match because of the known strike and he didn’t want his name and sponsor associated with it?

Samson sported a Nittaku and Robo-Pong logo patched shirt.

Mark Hazinski posts an explanation letter on the South Bend Table Tennis Center website asking the USATT not to sanction him for his part in the boycott. Brad Balmer and Dan Seemiller post supporting letters with Dan making some of the demands the Players asked for.

Letters currently at:

http://www.sbttc.org/

After reading the 3 letters, it reinforces a belief in the “strong arming” that USATT did at the event. The letters all ask that Mark not be punished and sanctioned for his actions or part in the boycott. Mark’s letter suggests he was “strong armed” by both the Players Union and the USATT and felt trapped in the situation he was in.

New York Times Article – The Ping-Pong Prodigy (With Michael Landers)

USATT Magazine Editor, Steve Hopkins say’s Joan Landers didn’t feel “strong armed” by Doru and that she just had some questions she wanted answered by him.

Michael Landers told Hopkins and reconfirmed the fact that there was no USATT request to his mom for him to play.

As I sat that night in the Arena there was a mass of confusion as if the head had been severed from a tribal leader. Few seats were taken and the Women’s Singles matches were being prepared. Gao Jun and Crystal Huang were placing balls on the Butterfly Table and watching them roll from 1 position to the next. The Butterfly Reps were carefully adjusting the table to Gao’s specification.

Perhaps because there were so few people, some officials and contractors didn’t think or know if it was necessary to clear out the crowd as usual. Michael Cavanaugh came in and asked if they were going to clear everyone out for the final; when he was asked, “Should we?”, he commandingly replied, “Yes!”.

USATT Singles Final Waiting Crowd - Line

Some wondered why they were forced out of the Arena this time, but this time I knew when I reentered that we were here for a show.

Our raffle stubs were taken for a drawing by the 4-year veteran Security Guard.

4-Year Veteran Ping Pong Convention Center Security Guard

While many left without seeing the treat, this Year’s Men’s Singles Final had something fresh and a vibrant new spirit brought to life by Michael Landers.

Thanks for the Show, Mike!

Michael Landers vs. Samson Dubina – Nationals Men’s Final Video

http://www.outpost81.com/landers_vs_dubina.htm

Named CNN’s 30 December’s Intriguing Person

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/12/30/mip.wednesday/

USOC Arbitration Decision

Tags: Agnostic, Alan Williams, back injury, Barney Reed, Boycott, broken back, Bud Light, Butterfly, career, Christian, CNN, conference, conflict of interest, coyly, crippled, Dan Seemiller, David Zhuang, defaulted, Dethroned, dieting, discussions, Doru Gheorghe, Dubina, Elite Players, Fan Yiyong, Han Xiao, Hardbat, Historic, Ilija Lupulesku, Joan Landers, Joseph Yick, Jr., Killerspin, Larry Hodges, Mark Hazinski, Michael Landers, Mike Cavanaugh, Mom, money, National Championship, NATT, New York Times, Nittaku, Paralympic, Payday, photograph, Player, Prize, promising, Raghu Nadmichettu, Reporter, Representative, Robert Blackwell, Robo-Pong, Samson, Security Guard, sponsors, Sr., The Decider, Union, USA, USATT, Vegas Table Tennis Club, Zero
Posted in Ping Pong, Table Tennis | 6 Comments »

From 1 to 2 then 3. Let’s Feel, See & Hear

November 12th, 2009

1) Seeing
I see a blur. Carrying multiple magnifying lenses around to sharpen my view, I might see more detail now than ever; the things I clarify force the rest of the world into a fuzzy haze. From Macroscopic to Microscopic – both are available and time with focus deliver both. The price of time is lost and the price of pause delivers vision.
2) Feeling
I feel the pounding cannons fire each minute. Are these guns protecting our freedom, covering the Nation’s fear or making us a target for those who fear us?
An occasional queasy stomach turns over – is it angst, hunger or gas? I rarely know and it often disappears without notice. Should I notice when it’s gone? Should I feel my pleasure or my pain? Relishing comfort comes with ache.

3) Hearing
I hear the rhythm of music in a heart that’s filled with sound. Hearing is how I speak; it is my tool for communication. I translate to hear and understand what is seen and felt. I listen to my feelings and hear my view. Speak to me and I listen; show me and I am blind, touch me and I am numb.

It's so quiet, I could hear a spoon drop

Tags: Feel See Hear Listen Touch Focus Sound Vision Magnify
Posted in Feel, Hear, See | 3 Comments »

St. Thomas Indian Mission

August 26th, 2009

This Arizona Indian Mission is on the California side of the Colorado River in the Quechan Fort Yuma Indian Reservation

Noted:

“The first mission at Ft. Yuma named La Purisima Concepcion was dedicated in the fall of 1780. It closed with the death of its Franciscan priest Fr. Garces and Fr. Barraneche in July 1781.

In the mid 19th century the U.S. Government erected a military post on the site of the Concepcion mission. By 1884 the military buildings began to be used for a school for the Indian children. In 1886 the Sister of St. Joseph began to teach in this boarding school and remained until 1900. During this time a parish priest in Yuma serviced the people at Fr. Yuma Mission. Since 1952 the priest from the San Diego Diocese of the Catholic Church has serviced St. Thomas Indian Mission.

This present Church building was erected in 1922.”

Saint Thomas Picture Page

Posted in Arizona, Catholic Church, Historic, Indian, Mission | 1 Comment »