Kent Balas
-
Posts
21 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Posts posted by Kent Balas
-
-
He was killed by a stingray yes, but if it wasn't a stingray it would have been a snake or croc at some point.
As for being a "mouse of a man", yeah right, I've lived larger than you have in 10 life times!!!
My guess is you haven't travelled much in this world beyond going down the street to get your paper.
I do take risks, I already said I'm a SCUBA diver and spent time filming white sharks. The difference is that in each activity I take the precautions, I don't do deep dives and I won't swim out of the cage with a white shark in the water.
Unlike Irwin, who would not even wear proper dive gear, as I pointed out ealier. And yes I know a wet suit will not stop a stingray barb. I'm refering more to his attitude toward procedures that people in the dive world do as a routine rule of safety.
You speak of Irwin as some sort of god, I never disliked him on a personal level and he wasn't in any way a bad person. There where a lot of Australians who didn't like him because they thought he reflected badly on Australia. I have friends from Australia who roll their eyes every time his name is mentioned.
R,
Your guessing would be incorrect Richard, are you sick of being incorrect yet? I've travelled to every continent except north america and antarctica. I don't think Irwin is some sort of God, I think his public persona was slightly ridiculous, that doesn't mean he didn't do good things. You americans and canadians seem to lap it up anyway.
Why attack the man for dying in unfortunate circumstance, what would Freud say about your behaviour? Steve Irwins persona was just one aspect of Australia and I don't believe he reflected badly. Anyone that's not completely ignorant knows that Australia is one of the most multi cultural nations on earth and one man cannot reflect a nations identity. Just about every post on here has been in opposition to you. Just accept that your point of view is in the severe minority and we'll leave it at that.
-
You honestly expected me or any one else to figure all that out from you just saying...
"Hell, I agree that white people need to stop bothering animals "
Perhaps next time you could include the link to the source from Wikipedia, or where ever you are quoting from.
R,
Again, we are on different pages with regard to risk.
I want to ask you directly, as I posted earlier: If he had been killed while hand feeding a crocodile would that change your position at all?
Or does it fall into the category of "job risk", same as a lumber jack being killed by a falling tree.
If my sons are 40 year old vigins I have no problem with that, the world can think what it likes, guess what don't care. A Panavision camera will never fall on me because I always use Arriflex. I doubt your death would receive any mention either.
R,
We can go into all the 'what if's' in the world. eg. What if you wern't deluded. But lets not go there. What we can do is stick to facts, and the facts in this case are that Steve Irwin was killed by a stingray in a freak accident. There are roughly only 30 other recorded deaths by stingray (3 in Australia) ever. Steve Irwin was never seriously injured by a crocodile in all his years of baiting them.
I realise that my death would go unnoticed by cinematography.com, because unlike you I realise that I'm a fallible regular bloke. I'm not the type of person who critises people that get out there and do some good in the world, instead of bitching and moaning and carrying on like a little girl. CNN and North American media has warped your views so far that you've become an ineffectual mouse of a man who cannot accept risk is part of his everyday life.
-
When you are right there is no such thing as defeat. Just because a mental midget such as you can't see the forest for the trees, doesn't mean I'm in any way incorrect.
People who live in crocodile invested regions of the world are smart enough to not feed them by holding a fish in their mouths and having the croc snap it out. Again reasonable risk vs unreasonable, but let's not go there, the concept is above your intelligence.
Watch the CNN piece I posted the link to. It has nothing to do with the ratings on CNN.
I would rather my kids grow up with a father who is a pedantic worrier like me, vs a guy like you who would operate a welding torch with one hand while you hold your infant child in the other.
R,
Lets not forget here Richard, Steve Irwin was killed by a stingray, not a crocodile. I believe when he was killed by said stingray he had all his fingers and all his toes. This would lead me to believe that Mr Irwin was able to safely feed a crocodile.
What we're talking about here is percieved threat, not actual. You percieve crocodiles to be dangerous because they have big teeth and look very scary. You hop in your car everyday, your used to it, you don't percieve it as a threat. Steve Irwin dealt with all sorts of animals everyday of his life, so to him getting close to crocodiles was a reasonable risk.
CNN just put stories on there to please you do they? I'm not disagreeing that nature shows use sensational tactics to garner ratings - CNN uses all sorts of misinformation to gain ratings. What I am denying is that Steve Irwin had it coming. Lets say there's been 50 deaths by stingray ever (that high). Consider the amount of diving done worldwide each year?
I know people with fathers like you, and they rebel or are 40 year old virgins. The world is a risky place Richard and no amount of skill or planning will prepare you for it, as Irwin's untimeley death demonstrates. When you are crushed by a falling 35mm Panavision studio camera I will be on here lamenting your lack of forethough and stupidity to be killed in such a way. I doubt your death would spark a discussion on here come to think of it.
-
Definately one of the more hole filled arguments I've ever seen posted here.
First, you completely discount the number of air travellers per year and the number of flights world wide per year. There are millions of air travellers and thousands of flights around the globe. Start dividing your number of plane crash victims into the number the flights per year. Then maybe you'll start to clue in and see what I'm talking about.
I notice you avoid responding to many of my other points, did you even look at the CNN story about wildlife shows going to extremes in an effort to pump up ratings?
Want me off my soap box, come here and knock me off, mate.
R,
Air travel is very safe, I agree, but you also must agree there's a lot of people in Asia and Africa living near rivers, death by crocodile attack is very rare. I don't watch CNN, but I imagine they also care about ratings? Or are they just over there for the love of it. There's no need to get upset Richard, just admit defeat, go home, wrap your children in cotton wool and watch them grow up to be boring pedantic worriers like yourself.
-
Most Nizos have built in timelapse
I've got a Nizo S800 and a 6080 that do great time lapse. The S800 is variable from 6 frames a second to approx 1 frame every three minutes. Really reliable and easy to use. I picked up the S800 from ebay Germany for about 50 euro.
-
Like I said now you're just being stupid. Obviously you've never heard of statistics, and obviously you're the type of person who would engage in any assinine activity.
R,
I quote from wikipedia
"Crocodile attacks of people are not uncommon in places where crocodiles are native. The Saltwater and Nile Crocodiles are the most dangerous, killing hundreds of people each year in parts of South-East Asia and Africa"
And a list of airline accidents in 2005;
Afghanistan Kam Air Boeing 737-200 air disaster (February 3, 2005) 104 killed
Russia Regional Airlines Antonov 24 air disaster (March 16, 2005) 28 killed
Democratic Republic of the Congo Victoria Air Antonov 12 air disaster (May 25, 2005) 27 killed
Equatorial Guinea Equatair Antonov 24 air disaster (July 16, 2005) 60 killed
Greece Helios Airways Boeing 737-300 air disaster (August 14, 2005) 121 killed
Venezuela West Caribbean Airways MD-80 air disaster (August 16, 2005) 160 killed
Peru TANS Boeing 737-200 air disaster (August 23, 2005) 40 killed
Indonesia Mandala Airlines Boeing 737-200 air disaster (September 5, 2005) 140 killed (including 39 on the ground)
Bellview Airlines Flight 210 (October 22, 2005) 117 killed
Iranian Air Force C-130 crash in Tehran (December 6, 2005) ~120 killed (including ~26 on the ground)
Nigeria Sosoliso Airlines DC-9-30 air disaster (December 10, 2005) 108 killed
Miami Chalk's Ocean Airways Grumman G-73T air disaster (December 19, 2005) 20 killed
Azerbaijan Airlines Antonov 140 air disaster (December 23, 2005) 23 killed
That totals 1068 in 2005. Thats only air accidents with more than 20 deaths. Funnily enough i've come across statistics once or twice. Going by statistics Steve Irwins death was a lot less likely than you dieing in a car accident tomorrow morning or you being murdered outside your home. I love any activity that gets the pulse racing, I don't live my life in fear of statistics like you. So get off your soap box mate, everyone loves steve irwin, he was about as unlucky as anyone will ever get and its a great tragedy he's gone.
-
Well now you guys are just being stupid, if you think flying on a plane and feeding a croc by hand are in the same category.
For an experienced guy feeding a croc by hand is not a problem - for you or me it could be a little dangerous. I can't find any figures but I'm willing to bet aeroplanes kill a shedload more people than crocodiles, and cars kill a lot more. As far as you being a teetotaller, no suprise. Have you ever had sex with your wife? Or was that deemed to risky?
-
Richard I think your perception of 'un-necassary danger' is slightly narrow compared to the rest of ours.
Richard accepts about as much unnecessary danger as an 110 year old nun.
Richard I think your perception of 'un-necassary danger' is slightly narrow compared to the rest of ours.Richard accepts about as much unnecessary danger as an 110 year old nun.
-
Not at all. My arguments are clear and concise, you choose to interpret them as you wish.
R,
Theres a place for people like you richard.......Switzerland.
I think your in the wrong profession, risk assessment seems like a better field for a person of your crystal clear judgement. I'd rather have a few beers with a great entertaining guy like Steve Irwin than with you. Firstly we'd have to drink sitting down, as standing presents unnecessary risk. Then we couldn't have a fire, fire is dangerous, you never know what can happen with a fire. And finally we'd have to drink beer with no alcohol - alcohol impairs judgement, and we could never do that!
-
I think this link will be of value to you. :D
cheers mate, apologies for the dumb question
-
Hello All,
First off I have to tell you that I love Apple. To me, they are one of the best U.S. companies above or below the radar. Steve Jobs should be given big props for what he has done for his company and for those of us who enjoy using his computers (I have used nothing but Mac since 1989).
When I turn my computer on it opens to the Apple website. Today they have a "story" on there about the nasty reports the news media is spreading about worker conditions at the Chinese plant that makes the iPod.
I read this report. Now, keep in mind that this was written by Apple. I haven't laughed this hard since I read that David Fincher was the greatest American director to come along in the last 20 years. I'm not kidding. This is very funny stuff. Think Matt Groening meets Jerry Lewis, live at the French National Playhouse.
You really need to read this report before they take it down. This is one of the best comedy script outlines that I have ever read. This is such a great movie idea...it's so visual. The comedy elements are endless. Read it. Tell me I'm wrong.
The BIG picture. I think that the original story was a "plant" by some company that is being killed by iPod sales, which is a very large part of the market. You know, one of those last ditch efforts to kill the goose that laid the golden or in this case white egg.
"Hello, McFly!!!!". Now, before you think too badly of those purchasing agents at Apple, who cut those BIG, BIG orders with the Chinese suppliers...you need to do one thing. Go to Wal-Mart. At random pick a few dozen products and check to see where they were made. Faster than you can say Chairman Mao, you will quickly realize that MADE IN CHINA rolls off your lips faster than a yellow alert before election day.
Wow, now this IS a price roll back...golly. A pal of mine works for an auto parts company that cuts BIG, BIG orders for brake rotors (the heavy metal bits that help stop your car). For years these were made in the USA. About a year ago this company began cutting BIG, BIG orders for these brake rotors from a Chinese supplier. (sidenote: too bad for the U.S. company that use to make the rotors. It had to let go lots
and lots of workers. Too bad for the town the workers lived in as well. Alas, they won't be screening Mr. Fincher's next classic at the local movie theater...it closed.) My pal looked at some of the facts and figures and was shocked. His conversation went something like this, "Do you know how heavy thousands of brake rotors are? Do you know how far away China is? Do you know how much fuel it takes to get one of those cargo ships from China to the U.S.? Do you know how little we pay for these Chinese brake rotors? How do they do that?"
How do they do that? For a brief moment I visualize a scene in my mind where a whole gang of top executives are sitting around a large board room and just for a minute they all sit back and day dream. They day dream about how do those Chinese suppliers sell us brake rotors at prices we haven't seen since CHARLES ANGELS was a number one rated TV show. Then, the president of the company stands up (someone like Peter Finch if he were still alive) and says, "Golly fellas, how do they do it? Come on, Johnson, let's go to lunch." The credits roll. Fade to black.
Mike
The movie opens with a panning aerial shot of "Apple" city. Then cuts to an indoor look at the staff accomadation, in this case a massive concrete factory filled with triple decker bunks. Then shows a worker waking up and slipping on his "Apple" jumpsuit. Possibly an audio track with a big brother style voice "time to wake up and make the worlds BEST personal audio device". Fade out. This all after the boardroom scence in america. HAHA
Who can think of a good title for this film?
Cheers,
-
Gday everyone,
A question that will probably be simple for most of you. I want to sychronise digital sound recording (mini disc) with film. Will getting my camera modified for crystal sync achieve this when it is hooked up with a mini disc player?
Cheers.
-
If you have timelapse on your camera use it. Get in a taxi and ride through downtown Tokyo at
night. Roll down the window, rest your camera arm against the door and point the lens uo towards
the bright neon city lights. Use some Kodak Negative film for this. When you run out of film go
here and buy more :
http://film.club.ne.jp/english/englishindex.html
They can also process your Kodak 64T reversal - SAME DAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As well as
custom loaded Fujica Single 8 reversal film stocks. ;)
There will aslo be a few festivals with locals wearing cotumes with bright colors. Shoot some of that stuff.
Post some footage stills when you get back. HAVE FUN !!!!!!
Cheers guys, great tips - i'll do it all and post the results
-
in reality Miami Vice is a Junkfood movie, I really like it but it makes me fat. Some of the scenes in the film were amazing, that one near the start when the good guys get back in the car then the baddies blow it to pieces is totally sick. As far a story and all that goes I could have been watching leathal weapon or any number of other cop movies, but who cares when the shooting scenes are so entertaining and the boats are so fast and loud - I think this movie has every toy I've ever wanted. As far as the HD debate, I think it only makes a difference to you professionals, for me as a lowly film student the movie looked great - it will never be a classic, but for 2 hours of mindless entertainment it fit the bill perfectly.
Cheers,
-
A lot of us feel this way about super 8 but what kind of tips are you looking for exactly? FedEx your footage back to the lab as soon as its shot and don't carry it around Japan for months. Never check your film and camera always keep it as a carry on item. is that what you are asking for?
Nothing too specific I guess, whats here is great. I was thinking of taking a dv camera too. getting travel log style footage on that, when something more visually appealing comes up film that on super 8. Also I'm after an incident light meter, if anyone has one they want to sell let me know.
-
Thought i'd post a couple in a row, gotta let everyone know i exist! haha
I'm off to Japan for the winter and I'm planning on taking 2 nizo cameras to capture the magic. Does anyone have any tips / tricks when traveling and filming. I know it would be much more sensible to use digital, but super 8 cameras are just so damn cool. I reckon it'll spin out the japanese. I guess this doesn't only apply to super 8, any help would be much appreciated.
Cheers
Kent Balas
-
Gday everyone,
Just wondering if anyone could tell me the best place to get a s800 and 6080 Nizo's serviced in the sunburnt country?
Cheers
Kent Balas
-
Hi there,
Just wondering the differences between the above 2 camera's. I've bought a leicina super RT1 off ebay quite cheaply (I think!, 70 euro) and was wondering what the differences are. I want to setup the camera with a nice Angenieux zoom lens. Will this be possible and what lens do you recommend.
Something like the camera below is my vision.
Cheers
Kent Balas
-
-
Hi guys,
I just bought a couple of nizo camera's from germany and the manuals are in, you guessed it, german. Does anyone have good quality reproductions of the manuals that they could grace me with.
cheers
Kent Balas
kentbalas@yahoo.com.au
wide angle adaptor for nizo s800?
in Super-8
Posted
Hi
Can I use a wide angle adaptor on an s800 or does the lack of macro focus not allow it?
Cheers