Photo © 2012 Markus Spiering
Click here for original image.
A hundred geeks with cameras. Yup, and I was buried smack-dab in the middle of ’em. Didn’t want to be there. Didn’t mean to be there.
I remember in a high-school science class, we saw a film of an amoeba eating a paramecium. The amoeba’s body flowed around its prey, and after it had the poor bug surrounded, it just, kinda… digested it, right there, just like that. The paramecium squiggled and squirmed, tried valiantly to escape, but too little, too late. And then—poof!—it shimmered and was absorbed into the predator. It was gone.
That was me, that poor, little paramecium. My goofy boyfriend pulled me in before I knew what was going on. And by the time I realized what was going on, I was surrounded, and being digested by an amoeba, and unable to escape.
Chet had begged me to come along. He said I’d enjoy it. For the record, I didn’t. But I was glad he was finally enjoying something. He’s been so bent out of shape since he lost his job last April. Laid off on April the first, if you can get that joke.
We scaled back on our standard of living. That didn’t bug me so much. But what really surprised me was how much it got him down. He stopped doing anything constructive, spent all day watching TV, wasn’t looking for work, said we’d do fine on his unemployment check.
We’ve been surviving on peanut butter and ramen noodles and pasta and frozen burritos. I don’t remember the last time I had a home-cooked meal.
I started by bugging him about his lack of work. He said he wanted a little vacation. I gave him a little vacation, then asked again. He said he was trying, but that nothing was available. I didn’t believe him, not that much. I asked him what job ads he had responded to each day. Most days, he just ignored me. Some days, yelled at me. I told him we could no longer afford cable TV. He convinced his parents to pay the bill.
I thought of getting ahold of a sledgehammer and having an “accident” with the TV set, but then I thought twice: we might need to sell it someday.
He was partially right, of course. There were no jobs in his field. But what bugged me most was that he was letting it get to him. His mind began wasting away to nothing, nothing at all, all day everyday. And as each day continued, he sank lower into the couch, and further into pity party.
I didn’t know how to snap him out of it. But his birthday gift did. One of his old office buddies sent him a digital camera, along with a really cool-looking book about how to take fun pictures about anything at all.
So when he threw himself into the hobby, and the hobby became an obsession, and a obsession became an endeavor, and when he began studying photography and framing and composition and lighting, and posted photo after photo to Flickr, and when he began hanging out with other camera-heads, and started talking about pursuing it professionally… I wanted to object. But not for the reason you might think. I wanted to object, because I was beginning to feel ignored.
But at least he was smiling again, and I had missed his smile. And the TV remained powered-off, except for the weekly exhibitions of his latest photos, which he would force me to watch, no matter how many hours I had worked that day.
Then, when he begged me to come to this big gathering of camera-heads, I gave in. I didn’t want to at first, but he pushed me and pressed me, and then he cuddled up next to me and told me about how much fun it was going to be to get away and that we hadn’t had a vacation in forever and that I needed a break—which was true. And he kissed me, and I melted and said yes. Sigh.
I hated it, didn’t enjoy it at all. There were no other camera-head-significant-others there. The food was okay, but the guest speaker spoke only camera-ese, and told only stupid camera jokes and camera stories. Then those assembled talked all afternoon about gadgets and techniques and awards, and showed each other the contents of their camera cases. Chet even got some business advice, which may or may not have been good advice, but he was enjoying himself, even though I had no idea what anyone was talking about.
“This is my girlfriend, Katy.”
And I smiled and faded into the background, maybe fondled a drink and tried to look interested in what they were saying while pondering the intricacies of the room’s potted flora. Too much, too far, too long. I was out of it. I so wanted to go home.
We started toward the door, walked out into the afternoon sun. I made a move toward the car, but Chet grabbed my hand and pulled me in the opposite direction. I looked up and saw that we were surrounded by a growing crowd, which was closing in around us on all sides. I was trapped, and one of the geeks with a camera was pointing it right at me. The other targets pointed their cameras back at him, but I was defenseless, hair akimbo, probably with a piece of spinach stuck between my teeth… not that it mattered, as no one could see my teeth.
The geek said, “Alright! Ready everybody?! Cheeeezzze!”
And everyone said, “Cheeeezzze!”
“Hold on!” He interrupted them, futzing with his camera. “Okay…”
“Quick!” said Chet. “Somebody fire before he reloads!” And raised his camera and took aim.
And that’s when the geek pulled the trigger.
Источник трип скан
Absolutely electric writing — very impressive!
Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your article seem to be running off the screen in Internet explorer. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know. The design and style look great though! Hope you get the issue resolved soon. Cheers
hey there and thank you for your information – I have certainly picked up anything new from right here. I did however expertise a few technical issues using this web site, since I experienced to reload the web site a lot of times previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your web hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but slow loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and could damage your high quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Well I am adding this RSS to my email and could look out for much more of your respective fascinating content. Ensure that you update this again very soon.
May I simply say what a relief to uncover someone who really knows what they’re talking about on the internet. You definitely realize how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people ought to look at this and understand this side of the story. It’s surprising you are not more popular since you definitely possess the gift.
Источник сайт трипскан
I was recommended this website by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my difficulty. You’re incredible! Thanks!
Процесс детоксикации проходит поэтапно, чтобы организм успевал адаптироваться к изменениям и не испытывал стресс. Каждый шаг направлен на достижение конкретного терапевтического эффекта. Ниже представлена таблица, отражающая ключевые стадии процедуры, применяемой в клинике «Трезвый Путь Волгоград».
Подробнее тут – вывод из запоя цена в волгограде
нажмите здесь сайт трипскан
I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your site. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme? Great work!
Доброго!
Нужен номер без привязки к физической SIM-карте? Купите постоянный виртуальный номер и оставайтесь на связи. Наши номера идеально подходят для смс и других целей. Виртуальный номер навсегда – это надежность и простота. Мы предлагаем удобный сервис и доступные решения для каждого.
Полная информация по ссылке – https://bogor.suara.com/read/2025/10/17/100243/mengapa-nomor-telepon-rumah-tetap-penting-di-era-digital
виртуальный номер телефона, виртуальный номер, купить виртуальный номер для смс навсегда
постоянный виртуальный номер для смс, купить виртуальный номер для смс навсегда, постоянный виртуальный номер для смс
Всего наилучшего и комфорта в общении!!
https://www.compliancecorepro.com/2025/12/26/ftiaxte-ton-eauto-sas-sto-spiti-sto-verde-kazino-o-protos-proorismos-stoichimatismoy-ston-isto/
Does your website have a contact page? I’m having problems locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an email. I’ve got some recommendations for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.
What’s up, this weekend is pleasant in favor of me, as this point in time i am reading this wonderful informative post here at my house.
Ahaa, its fastidious dialogue on the topic of this paragraph at this place at this weblog, I have read all that, so now me also commenting here.
Клиника в Коломне ориентирована на полный цикл помощи: от экстренных состояний до длительного сопровождения. Здесь важна не только медицинская составляющая, но и человеческая: уважение, конфиденциальность, отсутствие стигмы. Ниже — ключевые направления, которые выстраиваются в единую систему лечения, а не существуют по отдельности.
Подробнее – http://narkologicheskaya-klinika-kolomna10.ru
https://renvills-hotel.ru/gostinica-moskovskaya-oblast/
Undeniably imagine that which you said. Your favorite reason appeared to be at the net the simplest factor to be mindful of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while folks think about issues that they just do not recognise about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and also outlined out the entire thing with no need side-effects , other folks can take a signal. Will likely be again to get more. Thanks
plinko – https://www-plinko-mx.com
Этот информационный материал собраны данные, которые помогут лучше понять текущие тенденции и процессы в различных сферах жизни. Мы предоставляем четкий анализ, графики и примеры, чтобы информация была не только понятной, но и практичной для принятия решений.
Открой скрытое – https://stimulantonline.ca/2017/05/24/last-call-for-passion-projects
Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem along with your site in web explorer, would check this? IE still is the marketplace leader and a huge component of folks will leave out your magnificent writing because of this problem.
https://broomstick.space/uncategorized/erezze-magat-otthon-a-verdecasinonel-a-vezeto-digitalis-jatekok-hotspotja/
This is really interesting, You are an overly skilled blogger. I have joined your rss feed and stay up for in quest of extra of your great post. Additionally, I have shared your web site in my social networks
1вин app 1вин app
Вывод из запоя в Тольятти — это медицинская процедура, направленная на очищение организма от продуктов распада алкоголя и восстановление нормального состояния здоровья. Длительное употребление спиртных напитков приводит к серьёзной интоксикации, нарушению работы нервной, сердечно-сосудистой и пищеварительной систем. Самостоятельные попытки прекратить запой могут быть опасны, поэтому оптимальным решением является обращение к врачу-наркологу, который проведёт лечение безопасно и эффективно.
Подробнее можно узнать тут – вывод из запоя на дому цена
https://www.mapleprimes.com/users/Bonus1xbet2026345
После стабилизации состояния пациенту предлагается пройти этап реабилитации. В клинике он может занять от 30 до 180 дней, в зависимости от тяжести зависимости, стажа употребления и социальной ситуации. Реабилитационный блок построен по принципам когнитивной реструктуризации: меняются привычные модели мышления, формируются новые способы реагирования на стресс, прорабатываются неразрешённые психологические конфликты. Используются методы психодрамы, арт-терапии, телесно-ориентированной терапии и даже нейропсихологической гимнастики.
Получить дополнительную информацию – https://lechenie-narkomanii-samara0.ru
Thanks , I’ve recently been looking for information about this subject for a long time and yours is the best I have came upon so far. However, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you sure about the supply?
Howdy! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone 3gs! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the fantastic work!
Hello very nice site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your site
and take the feeds also? I am happy to seek out so many helpful information right
here within the publish, we need develop extra techniques in this
regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .
https://agenciaapollos.com.br/verde-casino-destinatia-dvs-de-frunte-pentru-excelenta-in-cazinouri-si-pariuri/
1win вывод через о деньги инструкция http://www.1win12050.ru
In the modern digital era, global communication has grown at an unprecedented pace. People from different countries are connecting more frequently across work, leisure, and academic environments. However, communication gaps continue to pose a major obstacle.
Traditional translation methods including smartphone applications and pocket translators frequently interrupt conversations. For this reason, many users are increasingly adopting AI translation earbuds to improve real-time interaction.
Such advanced earbuds combine artificial intelligence, speech recognition, and machine translation to provide near real-time multilingual communication. With hands-free operation, people can speak freely with translations delivered directly into the ear.
One of the biggest advantages of smart translation devices is hands-free functionality. Unlike smartphones, they enable natural body language, making conversations feel more human and engaging. This advantage plays an important role during face-to-face conversations, negotiations, or casual chats.
Another important aspect of intelligent earbud translators is wide language coverage. Advanced systems offer translation across numerous languages, which makes them ideal across borders and cultures. Some systems can adapt to different speech patterns, improving accuracy and comprehension.
Precision also plays a crucial role. Advanced translation systems leverage cloud-based neural translation engines to provide translations that sound more human. Compared to earlier translation tools, they benefit from ongoing updates, leading to higher accuracy.
These smart devices are increasingly adopted in business settings. International meetings frequently include multilingual teams. With AI translation earbuds, meetings run more smoothly. This technology helps reduce misunderstandings.
International travelers increasingly rely on AI translation earbuds. From airports and hotels, communication challenges often arise. With real-time translation support, users can enjoy a smoother travel experience. As a result, this creates greater independence and convenience.
A growing application for smart translation devices is personal language development. Learners can listen to real-time translations, supporting faster learning. Over time, users may develop better pronunciation.
User comfort and privacy are key factors. Today’s translation earbuds are designed for long-term wear. Advanced versions provide high-quality sound, supporting clear communication. In many cases, translations are delivered privately through the earbuds, adding an extra layer of privacy.
As artificial intelligence advances, smart translation devices are expected to become even more powerful. Future developments are expected to enhance usability and performance. Such progress will make global communication easier.
To summarize, smart translation earbuds offer a practical solution in overcoming language barriers. Through hands-free multilingual support, these devices enable smoother and more natural conversations. As adoption grows, such devices will shape the future of communication in a multilingual world.
https://md.chaosdorf.de/s/Km2rLnWncg
I simply could not go away your web site prior to suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the standard info an individual provide for your visitors? Is gonna be back ceaselessly to check out new posts
Having read this I thought it was rather enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this content together. I once again find myself personally spending a significant amount of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
перейти на сайт трипскан вход
Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good gains. If you know of any please share. Thanks!
Good blog you have got here.. It’s hard to find quality writing like yours these days. I truly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
https://renvills-hotel.ru/otel-na-chas-sao/
Excellent web site. Lots of useful information here. I am sending it to some pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thank you on your effort!
Very quickly this site will be famous amid all blogging visitors, due to it’s fastidious articles or reviews
В обзорной статье вы найдете собрание важных фактов и аналитики по самым разнообразным темам. Мы рассматриваем как современные исследования, так и исторические контексты, чтобы вы могли получить полное представление о предмете. Погрузитесь в мир знаний и сделайте шаг к пониманию!
Уникальные данные только сегодня – https://hedefisdanismanlik.com/almanyada-sahis-sirketi-kurmak
Excellent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too wonderful. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it wise. I can’t wait to read much more from you. This is really a great web site.
В этой информационной статье вы найдете интересное содержание, которое поможет вам расширить свои знания. Мы предлагаем увлекательный подход и уникальные взгляды на обсуждаемые темы, побуждая пользователей к активному мышлению и критическому анализу.
Детальнее – https://www.go2lofoten.no/2025/01/13/havornen-i-lofoten
здесь трипскан вход
winpot – https://winpot-777.com
https://tankorterem.hu/2025/12/26/verde-casino-no-deposit-bonus-is-a-premier-destination-for-online-gaming-prestige/
This fueled my motivation instantly — thank you!
вызов нарколога на дом краснодар вызов нарколога на дом краснодар .
Hi, constantly i used to check website posts here early in the daylight, for the reason that i enjoy to gain knowledge of more and more.