JoJo's blog

Just published my new 2010 calendar "New England by the Sea"

http://www.redbubble.com/people/joannvitali/calendars/3810955-10-new-england-by-the-sea

Well finally after about 5 days with no power...no internet, no TV, no hot water...UGH! Just a lot of candles, takeout food, and triple layered clothing. I got it back tonight!! YIPPIEEEYAHHHHOOOO!

This has been one of the worst ice storms in New Hampshire's history and many are still without power. Though I really didn't get a chance to take any shots, the one of the truck covered by the tree branch was taken the next morning and was only about 3 parking spaces from my car. The other two images of the surrounding areas I got off the internet.

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It's done...it's over....and I have a major headache....

Obama has been elected the next president of the United States....and to think we lost the House and Senate as well...ohhhhh...I think its turning into a migraine.

It may take some time for me to recover from my disappointment in the majority of the american people that voted for him, but what's done is done. I'm a big believer in things happening for a reason, so I really do hope and pray he will do the best he can to serve our country over the next 4 yrs.

In a case like this, I would love to be proved wrong, but only time will tell.

Yes senator, "Change has come to America".

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Just a moving performance by Jon Bon Jovi...Saw it on Palladia unplugged the other night.

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I've been a little under the weather for the last couple of days and developed a helluva sinus infection which seemed to peak tonight. I couldn't breath out of my nose at all and my head felt like it weighed a hundred pounds....

I tried boiling a pot of water and stood there trying to breath in the steam with a towel over my head.....nothing. I tried the Vicks on my nose..... Nothing would work. The pharmacy was closed so I couldn't run over to grab some Sudafed. Needless to say I was at my wits end and was desperate to try anything.

I started googling sinus infections and that led me to natural remedies. Well I didn't have a neti pot or peppermint oil on hand but I did have Cayenne pepper. After reading up on a few stories of how sniffing a tiny bit of Cayenne pepper would definitely clear away any sinus infection, I thought I would give it a try.

Has anyone ever tried this? Let me tell you..I was extremely wary. I sprinkled the tiniest bit of Cayenne powder and then touched my finger lightly to it. Gave it a little sniff on only one nostril and then waited for something to happen. After about 3 seconds I started swearing and pressing my nose for the burn was unbelievable. It felt like that side of my nose was on fire! It lasted about 5 minutes but one thing I did notice finally after all the pain was that I was able to breathe out of that side. So....you know what happens next....

After about 20 minutes I was able to breath again from both sides. I had numb nostrils for about an hour but it was well worth the pain.

Hope this helps anyone in dire straights with a sinus infection.:))

Here's an email I just received and thought I'd share.....some I've heard before and some I haven't.

Aside from policies we may or may not agree with in the candidates. How much does character weigh in the process of picking your next president?

I don't consider myself a democrat or a republican and I certainly don't want another 4 yrs of the last 8 we just experienced....but on the other hand, I am not going to vote for someone to head our country that has such a questionable background.

With McCain, it's pretty cut and dry. What you see is what you get. He's not unlike most politicians...a flip flop here and there, maybe a bone or two in the closet....

BUT...if I asked myself the questions, "Can I trust this man with the presidency" or " Who is this man"?, they are questions I wouldn't have to ask about McCain...but are constantly popping into my head when I consider Obama running our highest office.

These are a few anti-American's that Barack Obama has had ties with.....as I've said, this is just an email I received. A few ties I've heard about and read to be true....like ACORN, Ayers, and Rev. Wright....the rest I'm going to look further into as to their validity.

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Many of you probably aren't familiar with what is going on in regards to Yankee Stadium being demolished and a brand new one opening for the Spring 2009 season, but I wanted to post this anyway as a tribute to "The House that Ruth Built".

This year is the first year that the Yankees aren't going to the post season since 1993 or 94...They have made the post season after that, under manager Joe Torre, every year untill this year. Joe was let go last year....

So tonight, when the Yankees paid tribute to the legacy of Yankee Stadium before they played their final game, I found it odd there was really no mention of Joe...

Anyway...back to the stadium...here are a few facts for those who are interested....

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yankee_Stadium

Following the tribute is a heartwarming clip from famous Yankee Yogi Berra.

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Awesome tune originally done by Average White Band....I recently heard this version by Candy Duffer that I think takes it over the top!

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How many of you remember this one? I remember falling for this one in high school...:)

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 I was looking for "Lights" and found "Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin'", and had to post both!

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 I've decided to get a new camera bag as I've had mine for the past 15 years, and though I like it, I wanted something a little more stylish and not so boring as my current flap over Tamrac.  

There are so many to choose from so I brought my camera and lenses in and tried out about 20 bags.  A few styles of Lowpro including "slingshot" which has great reviews.  Also some backpack types in Tamrac.  Most I found not able to hold my 4 lenses plus body and if it did, it was awkward to maneuver.  Now Tamrac has a nice sling as well that you can carry in front of you but in order to fit all of my lenses I would have to put them on top of each other with a divider.  That is a pain especially when you constantly are changing lenses as I am.

Then one particular bag caught my eye... not only b/c of the pastel yellow color, but it's similarity to a regular purse or pocketbook.  While it looks small, it's very well thought out and roomy.  Fits all my equipment and very easy to get to with it's unique zipper design, unlike some of the backpacks where you have to take it off your back, put on the ground sideways and then unzip to get to your stuff.  What a nightmare, especially when photographing in major cities.  It comes with a separate pouch where you can carry your wallet and a little make up too.  Also great if you fly a lot.    While I do like the yellow, I was happy it came in black as well because I know it wouldn't take long for dirt and scuff marks to appear.  It's made by Jill e and this particular model goes for about $140.00.  Of course it would have to be the most expensive bag that we carry...lol  But I think this is the one for me.

Does anyone have an absolute favorite camera bag or has purchased one that they don't like at all?  Has anyone tried the Jill e brand of bags?  Here's the link to there whole line.  What a find!

www.jill-e.com/index.html

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Hey Cher...I saw this one tonight and it made me smile....sending it back to you.  Pack your bags, it's time for another roadtrip;)

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In memory of George Carlin...one of the greatest comics of all time....

He died Sunday of a heartattack. Here's his take voting

 

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I was watching a special on Frank Sinatra on public television tonight and it got me going to youtube to look for my favorite song by him.  I remember growing up and my parents always playing his music and I fell in love with that style.  Frank, Dean, Sammy.... Here's my favorite down memory lane.... …read more

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May (observed in 2008 on May 26). It was formerly known as Decoration Day. This holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it was expanded to include those who died in any war or military action. One of the longest standing traditions is the running of the Indianapolis 500, which has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911. It is also traditionally viewed as the beginning of summer by many, for many schools are dismissed around Memorial Day.

Given its origins in the American Civil War, Memorial Day is not a holiday outside the United States. Countries of the British Commonwealth, as well as France and Belgium, honor members of the military who died in war on Remembrance Day, on or around November 11, the date on which World War I came to an end in 1918. The U.S. observes that date as Veterans Day (originally Armistice Day), which honors all veterans, living and dead.

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I can't believe it's over
I watched the whole thing fall
And I never saw the writing that was on the wall
If I'd only knew
The days were slipping past
That the good things never last
That you were crying

Summer turned to winter
And the snow it turned to rain
And the rain turned into tears upon your face
I hardly recognized the girl you are today
And god I hope it's not too late
It's not too late
'Cause you are not alone
I'm always there with you
And we'll get lost together
Till the light comes pouring through
'Cause when you feel like you're done
And the darkness has won
Babe, you're not lost
When your worlds crashing down
And you can't bear the thought
I said, babe, you're not lost

Life can show no mercy
It can tear your soul apart
It can make you feel like you've gone crazy
But you're not
Things have seem to changed
There's one thing that's still the same
In my heart you have remained
And we can fly fly fly away

'Cause you are not alone
And I am there with you
And we'll get lost together
Till the light comes pouring through
'Cause when you feel like you're done
And the darkness has won
Babe, you're not lost
When the worlds crashing down
And you can not bear the cross
I said, baby, you're not lost
I said, baby, you're not lost
I said, baby, you're not lost
I said, baby, you're not lost

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I'm a member of an online DVD rental club where you can order DVD's and they mail them to you.  Today they made a mistake and sent me 9 1/2 weeks instead of what I ordered, which usually doesn't happen.  Anyway, I saw this movie when it first came out and loved it...but forgot all about it till today.  This is one of my favorite scenes from the movie...and there are many.  Rourke and Bassinger are electric together.

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