Michael Johnston Journalist Profile

Articles

The best multi-cultural space opera books

Jan 11, 2024 | shepherd.com | Michael Johnston |Melinda Snodgrass |Tanya Huff |Diane Duane

In most space opera novels, humans are the absolute best. Whether they began the government they belong to, or came to it later, they’re specialin a way that makes the universe better. Melinda Snodgrass’ The High Ground is different. In her series, humans went into space, met aliens, and conquered nearly everyone they met. Now the aristocrats of the Solar League spend their time on balls and dancing, while in the dark, a new menace approaches.
Don't Shoot Film? It's Okay. You Can Relax.

Aug 19, 2023 | theonlinephotographer.typepad.com | Michael Johnston

So just a little gentle admonishment. I have lots of readers, and y'all do different things and have different histories. Some of you even photograph flowers and cats, or use Rodinal! I kid. All right, all rightSome of my readers shoot film. A few of them, like me, liked darkroom workâwe found it a positive pleasure for its own sake. Even if we aren't graced with darkrooms in our current circumstances. This is okay. Some shoot with view cameras. Because they like the process.
Funniest Thing I've Seen All Week (OT)

Aug 17, 2023 | theonlinephotographer.typepad.com | Michael Johnston

Have to pass along my current favorite video, from TC Live: I've watched this about five times and it makes me laugh out loud each time. First there's how Andy Roddick looks when the program cuts to him for the first time, which cracks me up, and I agree with what the host says after Andy says "this is the dumbest segment we've ever done on the show." But I love Andrea Petrovic's explanation of why amateurs can't beat her ("First of all, I was a professional tennis player. I'm competitive.
What Film + Developer + Paper Would I Use Today?

Aug 17, 2023 | theonlinephotographer.typepad.com | Michael Johnston

Thinking about this a little... I think if I were to do B&W film today, here is what I might use, or start off trying: A. Ilford HP5+ film B. Kodak T-Max Developer C. Ilford Warmtone RC 8x10" glossy paper D. An ~8x10" flatbed scanner. Do they still make those? Ah, I see they do. 'Kay, first, disclaimer: the above is just based on thinking, and photographic craft needs to be a program of action. I'd need to run experiments before I could really say.
The Online Photographer

Aug 16, 2023 | theonlinephotographer.typepad.com | Michael Johnston

Curiosity costs. I know nothing about car maintenance, so it's always interesting to get opinions from experts. Small-shop mechanics are more independent-minded even than carpenters. Some small but significant fraction of auto mechanics can be autocratic, pardon the pun. So I needed new brakes. Around here we get "Summer Syndrome" pretty badly. Quick! Make a whole year's profit in three or four months! Most services and trades have their schedules jammed in these months.
More Visitors Than Ever!

Aug 12, 2023 | theonlinephotographer.typepad.com | Michael Johnston

According to my Typepad Dashboard, yesterday TOP got 150,860 visitors. Unfortunately, that has to be a glitch. That's more than double my all-time record for daily visitors, and it's nearly thirty times the average traffic for the past week. Furthermore, it's not reflected in the number of comments, Affiliate looks, or Referrers. I've asked Typepad to correct the error and remove the result from my recent stats. Sigh. I would love to have that many viewers.
The Online Photographer

Jul 29, 2023 | theonlinephotographer.typepad.com | Michael Johnston

There are all types of dorks, dweebs, nerds, weenies, geeks, and et cetera. There's little point in untangling all the definitions, even if only humorously. But what I meant by "I'd feel like a dork" yesterday was one particular situation that personally makes me feel dorky. I would define that as being "ostentatiously over-equipped." Bunny hillWhen I was a kid, my family went on a ski vacation. I think the resort was Waterville Valley in New Hampshire, but I'm not positive now.
The Online Photographer

Jul 28, 2023 | theonlinephotographer.typepad.com | Michael Johnston

The Nikon Z8 It seems to me that over the years, there has been a camera that we might call the "top amateur camera." I believe with a few companies that it might even have been an official term. At least internally, sometimes externally. It's sort of the sweet spot for people who are into photography but don't make their livings with their cameras.
Personality Not Perfection

Jul 28, 2023 | theonlinephotographer.typepad.com | Michael Johnston

K4kafka asked, in the Comments: "Over the years you’ve tested many cameras, lenses, and shooting genres. Do you now consider yourself a 'landscape photographer'?" My answer is "it's what's available." I love photographing kids, but there are no kids in my everyday life, and although I got along well with kids in my younger days, I can't claim I do now.
The Online Photographer

Jul 26, 2023 | theonlinephotographer.typepad.com | Michael Johnston

Wheat field, corner of Welker and OldBath Road, Barrington, New York Signs of summerI am of course way behind in getting new pictures up on Flickr (because I'm late with everything always), but I thought I'd mention a few things about this one. It's the middle of summer now (but not Midsummer, which is a specific day). To me, the middle of summer is reached when the first bloom appears on my big Rose of Sharon bush outside the kitchen window. That was yesterday.