Tuxedo and the Hunt for Pretty Girls

Things Can Get Hectic

The blog hit 2 million views and it's time to arrange the photo giveaway.

When I told the wife, it would be a good idea to get the tux ready she smiled.

She said, "Honey, speaking of tuxedos, I want you to do something for me."

She dug out my tux and, gave me this photo she wants enlarged. That will come later.

The past few evenings, I've been busy preparing for my photo giveaway.

This gal's fiance is like a giant, way over six feet tall and, has humongous shoulders.

The wife, placed my tuxedo, neatly folded, on the kitchen table.

It's been raining a lot and, I didn't want it to get wet so, I rolled it up and stuffed it in a bag.

Here I am, barhopping and carrying my camera and tux in a canvas sack.

The outfit got wrinkles all over the place and, I need it stretched. I don't have an iron.

The thing wouldn't fit the giant so, I asked the lady, to wear it for awhile.

And, I promised to give them this photo, for assisting me.

She got the wrinkles out for me and, this time I folded the thing neatly so, I should be alright.

How to Enlarge a Photo

Look what the wife gave me, to be enlarged.

It's a freakin' Polaroid snapshot, no larger than a pack of my smokes!

Carefully, I rolled up a piece of Scotch Tape and, stuck the picture on the wall.

Not sure if this would work, I decided to experiment just to keep the missus happy.

The Pentax K1 was mounted on a tripod and, I shot as close as I could get with the lens.

Full frame images, come out of the camera at 7360 x 4912 pixels.

A few photos were taken using different lenses and exposure settings.

When I got the photo cropped, large enough for printing, more work needed to be done.

The beauty wearing a kimono is Mrs. Ryukyu Mike; she still hangs out with me.

A long time ago, the cleaners lost my tuxedo bowtie.

Rather than make a big deal out of it, I just quit trimming the beard.

Before saving the image at high resolution, for printing, I cleared away some of the junk.

The little lady will be happy, to get her enlarged photograph, tonight.

Next, I'll probably get orders to buy her a picture frame and, an iron!

End of the Week Snapshot -- Gotta Go

Beer Is Great Medicine

Sometimes, I wish I'd have brought a camera along, when I'm off duty.

Things like this, just happen when I'm out at night, preparing for the next day.

There's sort of a custom, where you order two drinks at a time, I've developed.

One, is for me and, the other, goes to whoever brings my first beer of the evening.

The model, offered to let me take this photo, and she was smiling.

Well, I told her, not to worry about her hair and posing with a pretty smile.

All, I wanted was an image of her standing behind those beers. Good practice shot.

But, the beer mugs, are a little off center and, you can't read the Orion Beer part. Dagnabbit !

It's good enough reason, to go back and, do it right next time. Huh?

What's this Got to Do with Medicine?

In case nobody has noticed, I haven't done much work around here, this past week.

A couple of days were lost do to painkilling drugs, the doctor's been feeding me.

Whatever muscle, I yanked wrong, doesn't hurt anymore.  I'm fit and fine.

But, the doc says, I have to keep taking the stuff, until it's all gone. Groan.

Painkillers and muscle relaxers, make me feel like a wet noodle.

They trick your brain. Don't drive or operate machinery. But, can you drink?

That depends, on which kind of drugs you're taking, I figured it out.

Last visit to the doctor, I wore an Orion Beer t-shirt and, asked him if, I could drink the stuff.

He said, "Beer in moderation is OK."

So, I tell whoever is waiting on me, to bring my beers in moderation. No more than, 2 at a time.

Then, I joke and tell them, "Remind me to slow down, when I hit number 17."

An Important Notice

Readers of this blog might want to check the view meter. It's nearing 2,000,000.

More than likely, my celebratory giveaway will be closed after tonight.

The Rules Are Here

Arrangements for selecting winners, must be done tonight.

It could be next weekend, before arrangements, to pick winners are completed.

That means, I have to get outta here and do some more work.

In Japan, we call that nominicating. Drinking while talking, work stuff.

If, I nomicate properly, Miss Pick a Winner, could be discovered tonight.

All I have to do, is locate a beautiful girl, to make the selections.

Tell them something like, "Would you want to get some good exposure on my blog?"

Er, maybe I should say, "Just a little exposure."  Hah !

See you next week.

Two Million Views Giveaway at Ryukyu Life

Free to Lucky Winners

10 winners will receive, printable files of this image at 3008 X 2000, 300DPI via email.

It's been almost four years since the last time, we did something like this.

Digging back through the archives, I looked at the last contest and, got some chuckles.

Over the past few years, there were growing pains and, lessons learned.

All the affiliate sponsors, got booted out of here.  Too much work and confusion, for me.

Sometimes, I think this should become a non profit organization.

Heck, I have all kinds of experience, at not making any profit. But, I have lots of fun, doing it.

Always busy, I decided to simplify the giveaway, this time.

WHO

Anyone can enter

WHAT

Win a 3008 X 2000 high resolution (300DPI) printable image file of this bird.

WHEN

After the blog meter hits 2,000,000 views, winners will be selected.

WHERE

Selections will be made, some evening, at one of my favorite hangouts.

WHY

Because, it tickles me.

How to Enter

Tell me, why you want this bird photo by commenting here or, on the corresponding Facebook post.

Then, wait and see what happens.

A totally random individual, will select the winners.

It will be someone, with no connection to Ryukyu Life's website or business.

It could be an aspiring model, government official, sushi chef, you never know.

Maybe, some drunk wobbling down the road, will determine the winners.

Winners

By entering, you give consent, to have your name published by Ryukyu Life.

Via private message, your email address will be required, to send the prize.

Once notified, I would like to know if, I should flip the bird.

Just tell me if, you prefer the bird, to be facing left or right, in the photo frame.

That would be the only time, I flip the bird and, will gladly, do it for you.

Hurry up and enter !

Thanks to JNTO Australia -- This Bird Gave Me an Idea

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Bird in Blossoms

The Mejiro is a Japanese White Eye on a blog, I did awhile ago.

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Australia, let me post, down there.

The idea, was to get folks from Australia, to visit Okinawa during Cherry Blossom season.

Somehow a Link Got Broken

Things like that happen, all the time to websites, with no notice at all, I know.

Someone, in Australia, shared my old blog post on Facebook.

When, I tested the link, it was broken and, I heard about it from others, too.

Reporting the error, to JNTO Australia, got some quick action and, they thanked me.

Everything is working fine, right now.  Check it out if, you don't believe me.

People Love That Bird Photo

A few times, I've printed it and given it away, to friends and neighbors but, never sold one.

Some people ask, "When's your shop open, I want to buy that bird photo."

And, I just tell them, "That's my office, not a store."  They want to know more.

"When's your office open?"  "It's open, when I'm in there and closed, when I'm gone."

See, I'm not a very good salesperson. Catch me if you can.  And, we can talk about it.

Two Million Views is Coming Soon

So, I flipped the bird and, am thinking about having another giveaway celebration.

Back in 2012, we had the One Million Views Giveaway.

How it was accomplished, was discussed afterwards and, it went smoothly.

This time, I want to allow more people, around the globe, to be eligible.

So, I'll have to make up some new rules.  Communists, can play, too.

Friends, family, employees, shouldn't be exempt, from a giveaway.

Entry rules will have to be written differently than, in the past; it will all be legal, maybe.

High resolution files of the Bird in Blossoms photo, will be created.

Not sure if, the bird flipped left or, right is the way to go.  What do you think?

Anyhow, there isn't much time left.  We have to do something soon.

Any input, from the audience would be appreciated.

One More Quick Note

If you or anyone you know, is running a website, there's a tool, you may want to look at.

It' free and, does a most excellent job, finding broken links, on a website.

At least, once a month, I'll find a dozen new broken links, to fix, on my site.

Checkout, Broken Link Checker

Photo of the Week: Up There Somewhere

Up there somewhere is the one millionth view on this page.

Too busy to do a post the past few nights, I didn't.  But, the dang meter keeps ticking.

If you'd like a chance to win a free Panasonic Digital Photo Frame, hurry-up !

The contraption is being given away, FREE.

Get your name in the drawing just by saying, I want to see more of the Ryukyu Islands.

The rules are here.

The photo above was taken on mountain somewhere in northern Okinawa, Japan.

Location and name will remain a mystery until I remember where the heck it was.

Hey, gimmie a break.  I never said I was a geographer.  Did I ?

RYUKYU LIFE ONE MILLION VIEWS GIVEAWAY !

It could happen anytime now. So, I have to keep an eye on that meter.

When it hits the one million mark, it's time to give something away.

The Panasonic MW-20 Digital Photo Frame looks good to me.

I figure I can load up about 150 photos from the Ryukyu Islands on an SD card.

And then, give it to one of my followers along with the digital frame.

This contest is sponsored by Mike's Ryukyu Gallery.

Here Is What You Have To Do To Enter:

Make the comment on this blog post, or under the Facebook Page post for this contest:

“I want to see more of the Ryukyu Islands.”

That will get you entered into a random drawing.

Only one entry per person, please. Multiple entries will be deleted. Let's be fair.

The contest starts as soon as this post is published. It ends when the view-meter hits 1,000,000.

Who Is Eligible:

Anyone (18 years of age, or older) around the world, except employees of Ryukyu Life.

Shucks, I'm the only one who works here.

Not eligible: Someone living in a country that doesn't have good relations with Japan or

the USA. Start your own giveaway if you want.

How The Winner Will Be Selected:

In typical redneck fashion, this blog post and the Facebook Page will be printed.

Then, we'll use a scissors to cut the entries and toss them in a hat, drum, or bingo machine.

We don't get a million views around here often so, I have no idea how many entries there will be.

All I know for sure is there will be some celebrating going on with beer.

And, maybe we'll get some pretty girl do do the random drawing, maybe not.

Anyway, someone other than me will gitterdun, all nice and legal-like.

Speaking Of Legal Stuff, Here's The Terms And Conditions:

 

• To enter you must be 18 years of age or older.
• Multiple entries are not allowed so, please only comment once.
• Enter using, only a real name.
• No entries will be accepted after the view-meter reaches 1,000,000.
• The winner's name will be drawn at random by a real live human being, not a machine.
• Once selected I will notify the winner through Facebook, or this blog. I am aware of privacy issues and respect your privacy.
• I will need the mailing address for the winner.
• Purchase and shipping costs will be paid by Mike's Ryukyu Gallery.
• Taxes for contest winnings are the responsibility of the winner.
• The prize is non-transferable. It will be awarded to the winner.
• No cash will be awarded in lieu of the prize.
• Entering this giveaway binds entrants to the terms and conditions listed above. That means you agree, or don't enter this contest.

This contest is in no way sponsored, or endorsed by any of my affiliate companies.

It is just something I am doing on my own for my followers.

A few years ago, I would have never thought 1,000,000 views was possible for

someone writing on a Google Blogger in Okinawa, Japan.

It would be impossible without those who follow me regularly.

Thank you and good luck !

Light at the End of the Jungle (Photo) and the 750,000 Giveaway

It will happen real soon.

There is really light at the end of the jungle.

That view meter has less than 5,000 views left, before it hits 750,000 !

Just a quick reminder to anyone planning on winning a free photo from my gallery.

There are two important requirements you need to meet in order to enter and win.

One of them is JOIN THE MAILING LIST

The other is LIKE MIKE'S RYUKYU GALLERY ON FACEBOOK

All the rules, plus how to take a screenshot of the 750,000 views event

MAY BE FOUND HERE

750,000 VIEWS GIVEAWAY: SHOOT THIS BLOG

Now, I've got to run and try to catch up with that maniac chasing the light at the end of the jungle !

VISIT MY HOMEPAGE FOR THE PHOTO OF THE DAY

750,000 Views Giveaway: Shoot This Blog

The view meter is getting up there so, it's time to publish some rules if I'm going to give away  prizes to my dedicated followers.

The prizes in this giveaway are in my photo gallery.

Winners will get to choose which photo they would like me to mail to them.

THE RULES:

To be eligible you must be a Facebook Fan -"AND"- Join the Mailing List on my Website.

FACEBOOK: 
That can be accomplished simply by hitting the LIKE BUTTON under the view meter at the top right of this page.  If you're not already on Facebook,  I understand.  You'll just have to go try and win somebody else's contest.  Sorry about that.  Hah !

MAILING LIST:
To join the Mailing List all you do is put your email in the block on MY HOMEPAGE.
Don't worry, your personal email address is secure with me.  And, I'm really horrible at remembering to send mail.  Ask any tax collector deals with me. They know.  Seriously,  I rarely send out mail through my mailing list.  I type enough stuff right here to kill any urges for writing that I might get.  When the blog is done for the day and a writing urge flares up, I drown it with beers.  It works every time. Craving for writing goes away.

TO ENTER:
Take a screenshot of this blog when the view meter hits 750,000.
Upload it to RYUKYU LIFE FACEBOOK PAGE.

THE WINNERS:
Winners will be the first three (eligible) persons to shoot this blog at 750,000 views and upload their screenshots to my Facebook Page. 

THE GIVEAWAY:
Winners choice of any (1) photo found at Ryukyulife(dot)com,  mailed to you anywhere on this planet, as long as you give me a valid mailing address.  The photo you chose will be printed on A4 size high gloss paper and mounted in a matted frame.  This matting is suitable for hanging, even unframed.

Have safe and happy holidays and Happy Screenshooting !


INFORMATION ON HOW TO TAKE SCREENSHOTS


PHOTO OF THE DAY

Winners of the 500,000 View Giveaway Ta-Ta-Ta-Ta Tah-Dah !

It really happened this time. Not only did the viewmeter crank over and hit a goal, people actually got their entries in through Facebook or emails and we have two winners.  That's what I'm Tah-Dah-n' about, today.

Ladies first, a friend I met through StumbleUpon,  Betty-Boop chose "Attracted to Orange" a flower and butterfly photo.

Betty, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA reads my blog, follows me on Facebook and even chats at me a few times a day. So, it feels good to give her get one of my photos.

The other winner, Jerry, goes by the handle FishHawk and hails from Springfield, Missouri, USA.

Now, I haven't know him very long but, we've seen each other's comments on that crazy Scotsman's Channel Scotland Here and Now.

Fish Hawk, is another name for an Osprey and I have a whole pile of Osprey photos but, this is the one Jerry chose, only I'll give him a more spiffed-up version of it.

When he entered the contest, he said he didn't really care about winning a photo. He just wanted to beat that Ryan Dude from Scotland out of a prize. Hah !

It will take me awhile to get their photos ready for mailing.  That's another blog I can do as tips for those interested in learning the tricks of the trade.

Meanwhile, if you get a chance, visit the blogs of these 500,000 views winners, say, "Hi" and congratulate them.  They're both great people to know. 

I'm glad I met them and honored to have my photography displayed in their homes. 

Wonder if they'd mind me scratchin' my name on the frame with a pencil ?

WU HU HU ! Half a Million Views Coming Soon !

Excuse the goosebumps on the legs. It happens, sometimes when I get all excited.  This blog is going to hit half a million views before I get a chance to sleep tonight, almost guaranteed.

Don't worry.  I haven't turned into a fruitcake or anything like that.  This was just one of those photos I had in my wildlife collection that suited my purposes today. See, I'm watching that meter.

The true story about this photo can be seen by looking in the new page I created up above titled "The Doozies".  The blog post was "Laugh and Dance".  I'm good at laughing; like to see other people laugh, too.

In case you missed it, I'm giving away two photos, from my gallery, to the two lucky people who come closest to guessing the date that viewmeter hits 500,000.    RULES HERE

Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll get back into my flip-flops.  These boots are killing me !

Visit my Homepage for THE PHOTO OF THE DAY