There is a lot down there in my field. Unfortunately, most is in Rio where neither of us want to live. If a short term assignment (2 years or so) came up, I think we would go. But honestly, it’s more of a retirement thing. Financially speaking it’s the only way I see retiring at a reasonable age. As this got brought up here, I mentioned it to her and she is 50/50 on the idea. She seems to think we can make it work here but I don’t think she really understands how much we would need to have squirreled away. She is a geneticist. I can’t think of a business she could start in that field. There are certainly a ton of labs down there though.
I should add, part of what I mean is that income is tied to Houston. Both my wife’s job and mine are very Houston-centric. O&G and medical. So finding first, a place we both would like to live and raise a family, second, a place where both of us have a jobs like the ones we have, isn’t so easy.
Thanks for the input y’all. I replied to her email with a few questions regarding compensation and copies of the book. This is the publisher: https://www.fonthill.media After searching their site I recognize their books as they have done many abandoned themed books. In fact I know a couple of photographers through Instagram that have published their work with them. Now I am curious if this will be more of a curated book rather than one photographer. While it’s definitely cool to be asked to be on the cover, it would be nice to have a photo or two in the book. Might inquire about that as well. I obviously don’t do photography for a living so compensation isn’t paramount and being published is always nice. I’ll let y’all know what happens.
It’s the internet, so whatever. Saw it in the 4Runner subreddit. Not really saying much more than what everyone is already thinking. https://www.thedrive.com/news/2025-toyota-4runner-will-get-tacomas-hybrid-manual-trd-pro-goodies-report
Looking for some input from fellow photographers. I got a message on Flickr from someone asking permission to use one of my photos for a cover of a book about abandoned places in south Texas. She said I would retain my copyright (no shit) and would be credited. She provided a link to her website and the publisher. I have yet to reply. Not sure if it’s worth asking for compensation, such as a one time licensing fee. Suppose I do, and they don’t want to pay, would y’all still let them use it? She said she had several of my photos in mind, so it’s a photo I feel strongly about that might sway how I feel.
I have had that issue before, especially with recruiters. But I am used to accents working in this industry. Hell, my father is an immigrant. This person I am dealing with does have a strong accent, but that’s not the issue this time. It’s the lack of clear explanation and ability to clearly delegate. I hear her on the phone struggling with a junior type person in India that is helping out on the project. I have asked 5 times now if I can help. She is still “thinking about it”. I think we need a “bitch about your job thread”.
I just went back to working at an engineering firm after two years with an oil company. The stereotype is real that many engineers lack communication skills. However, PM/PC people absolutely must be able to communicate. Struggling right now with the project I got assigned to. Hoping this wasn’t a mistake.
One should not be employed in the capacity of project management or project controls if you have subpar communication skills. Communicating in those roles is half the job, sometimes more.
A little known band from Cleveland called Disengage put out a few releases starting in 1997. I think their last album, Application for an Afterlife, was really great. Then they disappeard. Here two tracks I really dig. I wish I knew the story behind the title of this first one as we are mostly Longhorns here...
My wife gets quite annoyed that when she tells people that I worked with Beyonce in the studio once I am just kind of indifferent/whatever about the whole thing. She claims she is one of the most famous people in the world and I just shrug my shoulders. She did compliment my Brasil jersey.
Sad thread turning into a happy thread haha. Fogo is fine. Just has much fewer cuts and offerings. I don’t think they have chicken hearts. Which sucks.
Well, this has successfully been derailed. In Austin, not sure. In Houston it’s a little easier. Hefeweizen probably can give some suggestions in Austin.