Kodak Is More Than A Camera

Kodak Is More Than A Camera

Rochester my home town is also the home of Kodak. It used to be that if you mention Kodak that people had fond feelings and were proud of Kodak. While today Kodak still exists and employs around 4000 people. It is nowhere near as large as it once was. At its height in 1988, Kodak employed 145,300 people worldwide. But how did Kodak get started? Over our summer home visit Tracy and I visited the George Eastman Museum to learn the answers to these questions and more. George Eastman, the founder, began producing dry photographic plates in 1880. Awhile after…
Old Friends Revisited

Old Friends Revisited

Years go by, but old friends still hold a special place in our hearts. My best friend growing up had his surprise 50th birthday celebration (He is the guy on the right). His wife Veronica organized it for him and contacted me on Facebook to let me know about it. Great job Veronica! I'm so glad that Tracy and I got to play a part in Stephen's special day. As you will see from the video, we ate well. It was delicious. Stephen is a special guy. He has been serving in Eagles Wings ever since he graduated from music…
The People in Our Lives

The People in Our Lives

We all need people in our lives not just passers by. Hong Kong’s EDB (Education Department Bureau) recognizes the importance of connections and encouraging NET teachers to return home to their home countries to reconnect with family and friends. Under the classic NET scheme, NET teachers can return every to 2 years and the EDB will reimburse them for the cost of their plane tickets. This summer was the first time for my wife Tracy and I to return back to the states together since we left in 2016. Friends Admittedly, I was a bit nervous about whether or not…
The Outdoors Is Fun

The Outdoors Is Fun

I don’t think everyone would agree with that statement. It seems that many young people and even adults are overly occupied on their smartphones. The outdoors is fun is becoming more of a traditional way of thinking. After all who has time to go outside for fun anymore. We are busy texting, chatting, gaming and even actually going to other places virtually. Too often our bodies get neglected. We were designed to move, to feel and to physically experience the outdoors. A person who enjoys being outside is more likely to gain the benefits of being outside. Let's not be…
She’s The Youngest 80 Year Old

She’s The Youngest 80 Year Old

Char’s words, "She is the youngest 80 year old I know still stand out to me. She said this as we passed each other in the food line at my mom’s 80th birthday party. It was a special night. Lots of people shared memories about mom and I learned a few things about mom and dad’s early years. It’s important to honor older people who are worthy of being honored. When we do so we bless them and we receive a blessing ourselves. We become more aware of how our lives have been enriched by being connected to them. My…
Having Something To Say

Having Something To Say

In this post I interview a friend on learning a second language. Richard has a lot to share about the importance of connecting with another person in there native language and we will explore that shortly, but first what about having something to say in the target people's second language. I’ve spent about 15 years teaching English in both Hong Kong and China. As a “Foreign Expert” that’s what they used to call me in China, people used to really pay attention to what I would say. Occasionally, I would sound eloquent and people seemed to hang on my words.…
The Japanese Are Known For Politeness

The Japanese Are Known For Politeness

This was our second visit to Japan. Our first visit was back in 2013. At that time, we went to Kyoto in early April so the Chery blossoms were still in bloom. This year Easter holiday started April 21st. We were afraid that it might be a little bit too late for the Kyoto cherry blossoms. Tracy’s colleagues recommended that we try visiting Northern Japan, so we booked a Northern tour with Egl Tours. The places are spread out so we spent a lot of time on the tour bus and grew accustomed to seeing hotel staff bow and wave…
What’s Your Camera Journey

What’s Your Camera Journey

My first nice camera was a Canon T70. It was a film camera that I managed to get really cheap at garage sale back in the early 90s, but then digital began to replace film. My parents bought me a digital Canon point camera for my birthday. I think that camera was only 3 or 4 megapixel. It went a lot of places with me. Finally around 2005 I gave it away to boy who was graduating from the Fold Family Ministries. After that I went for a period of time without a camera. It felt weird to not be…
Hong Kong’s Work Culture

Hong Kong’s Work Culture

High rises, lights, expensive cars, watches and cameras, is that the kind of life you desire? Of course, the list of pleasures people seek could go on and on. It seems that Hong Kong has many of them. The food here is amazing. You can find dishes from every corner of the earth and it’s convenient. The city is well connected with buses, minibuses, MTRs, trams, etc… You don’t have to drive to get around and given the population density, you will probably be grateful you don’t have to drive. We are definitely spoiled here. At the same time Hong…
Weighing My Lens Options

Weighing My Lens Options

A lot of people think that you really need to have fast lens to shoot nice pictures or video, but I have been learning that that isn’t necessarily the case. I am weighing my lens options. Specifically I am considering a full frame 70-200mm F2.8 zoom lens for my Panasonic S1 camera. The other thing that I learned is that they are really expensive. If money isn’t a problem for you, let’s say you are making good money from your videography or photography go ahead they are really nice lens. Is One Stop of Light Worth it The difference between…