Good morning - December 13, 2018 - Photography by Cassone

Christmas in July, Part One - Photography by Cassone's July 2010 Feature

My July 2010 photography feature celebrates Christmas in July by showcasing re-edited or never before released photos from this past December and January's features. In December, I featured the wonderful, masterful work of Paul Miller Designs & Decorations with Bob Drews and David Paul Miller, which ended up being awarded my Feature of the Year for the second year in a row. This time that honor was decided on by a panel of judges, which consisted of peer photographers, designers, a former feature of the year and other industry professionals. Then, in January, I featured the fascinating work of Pat & Carol's Blow-Up Air Balloon Collection from my visit to their home on Christmas day. Part One of the Christmas in July feature highlights Pat & Carol's amazing and fun blow-up air balloon collection.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO SLIDESHOW OF PAT & CAROL'S BLOW-UP AIR BALLOON HOLIDAY COLLECTION.

A Celebration

The Assist

Ride On, Mickey!

Hi-Ho, Mickey!

The Nativity (Blow-Up)

Sunshine Winnie

Sunshine Winnie II

Mickey, Snowman & Minnie Bubble

Happy to See You

Season's Greetings

Charlie Brown, Snoopy & Woodstock

Happy Holidays from Minnie

Happy Holidays from Mickey

Happy Holidays from Daffy

Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas? (full)

Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas? (close)

This Ain't No Sleigh!

Cheery Santa

Santa and His Backyard Band

Sailboat Santa

Ride, Frosty, Ride!

Santa's Tree Lot

Santa Has a Present for You

Lovable Polar Santa

A Christmas Tree

Santa's Tree Lot (framed)

SOCIAL COMMENTARY: Breaking News - Or Is It?

I have to tell you; with a pile of bills stacking up ever higher versus the amount of money I have coming in to meet them getting less and less, watching friends lose their jobs on a weekly basis (while worrying about my own fate in such matters), having a close friend literally dying from cancer, another threatening suicide every other damn day, not to mention the fact that kids these days seem like they need to be feared on the streets more - so you gotta watch your back even with the tot on a tricycle... I am a bit on edge.

So, I am very picky about time these days. It could also be due to the fact that I will be 40 next year, and doubt I am where I thought I would be in life by that age - then again, who ever is? I am also one of those people who isn't too cool about having my intelligence insulted. That brings me to the other day. I didn't get just one, nor two - three...nope..., but I got FIVE breaking news alerts regarding a boy in a runaway balloon. All which ended up with him hiding in an attic or garage (who knows anymore) from Daddy. And by the looks of Dad and his antics...it was no wonder why the brat hid.

What?!

This was a major WTF moment for me.

By the end of the day, I gave less than a fat rat's behind about that boy, his fate or his family. I may have cared a bit more if the media didn't feed into whatever that was all about so much. I actually heard a news anchor the next morning say (and I am paraphrasing), 'The nation was gripped for the two hour ordeal.'

Really?!

Sorry for all of you who were.

It took me back to when Brett Favre returned to the NFL after a second retirement, or was it a third?

Who gives a crap?

And why is this bull funky breaking news.

They seem to think a sneeze is breaking news anymore.

'The Queen of England farted today.'

I mean...seriously.

Before the balloon boy, I didn't care.

During the balloon boy and breaking news 'alerts' - I was annoyed by the distraction.

And after, I REALLY don't give an ish.

Not that I am insensitive to the boy and, yes, thank goodness it all turned out with him being okay, but we are a country involved in not one, but TWO wars with an economy still in the toilet and, quite frankly, our children are bringing guns and knives to school - and using them - AND setting each other ablaze with rubbing alcohol.

I don't have time for re-re-re-retired million dollar football players and fame-seeking aliens from Colorado.

News Flash my fellow press and media peeps - if it's a slow news day, so be it.

We have enough rhetoric.

Report on something with some damn substance and stop trying to catch someone dying on live television already.

Because really, it seems like that is what you are looking for anymore.