Think Tank Photo

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Blogosphere Launch

The last launch of NASA's Space Shuttle Atlantis, set for Friday, July 8 at 11:26 am, on a 
12-day mission to the International Space Station, marks the end of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program.

This is a perfect opportunity for me to launch into the blogosphere with my own tales of history as captured by my vision. With 28-years experience as a staff photographer for The Miami Herald I'm looking forward to covering my second and last launch. I'll be playing in the swamp with gators as I set up multiple remote cameras.

In celebration, I'll be giving away a free Think Tank Photo Urban Disguise® 70 Pro valued at $189.00! All you have to do is comment on my blog to enter. A random winner will be selected on July 22. Free shipping within the US mainland. All others must pay the postage through my PayPal account. 

If you are covering the launch, the first person that approaches me and says Think Tank Photo will receive a free gift Think Tank Photo Passport Holder. The second will receive a free gift Think Tank Photo Credential Holder.

Keep shooting for the stars and may the best shots be yours!

Al Diaz
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99 comments:

  1. UnknownJuly 3, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    Hi Al, I guess I'm first to post on your blog!!

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  2. mark eliasJuly 3, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    Hey Al,
    Don't know if you will remember this one but the two of us were part of Phil Sandlin's AP stringer class of 1978 (or so–old-age and a faulty memory might have my dates a bit off). We were covering some hurricanes that summer as I recall.

    Good to see you again these past couple of years on Facebook. Keep up the great work!
    Best, Mark Elias

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  3. al diazJuly 3, 2011 at 3:32 PM

    I'll never forget those days! What an experience hanging with Sandlin for my first shuttle launch. Hurricane David 1979 from what I recall but there may have been others.

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  4. Lou NovickJuly 3, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    I would like to take a ride in one of them look forward to see what you come home with. Happy gator hunting.

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  5. UnknownJuly 3, 2011 at 8:15 PM

    HAHAH I hope I win!

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  6. AnonymousJuly 4, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    Great blog post. Very cool giving out stuff to shooters at the launch, wish I was going to be there for the last launch, I'm totally jealous. I'll be watching live on NASA TV for sure. Good luck!

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  7. Cindy SeipJuly 5, 2011 at 2:10 AM

    10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 blast off!

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  8. Linda EpsteinJuly 5, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    Will await (im)patiently for your launch photos to arrive on MCT's doorstep so we can get them out to the world! :-)

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  9. UnknownJuly 5, 2011 at 11:16 AM

    Nice Blog Al!!! I really need that bag jejejeje!

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  10. Sandy LevyJuly 5, 2011 at 11:18 AM

    Hi Al, 28 years! Wow! I was figuring out how long we have known each other and I believe that it was in 1998 when we met while we were both judges at a photo competition. And then I figured out that my first pro photographer job as a newspaper photographer was in 1969...time does fly! Enjoy the launch!

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  11. AnonymousJuly 5, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    Congrats on your new Blog, Al. See you soon at Joe's!- Guillermo Garcia

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  12. Michael LaughlinJuly 5, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    Have fun at the launch!

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  13. LisaJuly 5, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    you mean the Shittle? Shoot well! I know you will!

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  14. AnonymousJuly 5, 2011 at 11:33 AM

    Nice blog Al. It's going to be fun following you via this blog. Have a great time at the launch.

    José Iglesias

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  15. Chuck BurtonJuly 5, 2011 at 11:50 AM

    Al, Congrats on the blog. I'll be reading it. Good luck with the Shuttle launch. May everything be on time and the crew return safely!

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  16. Armando SolaresJuly 5, 2011 at 11:57 AM

    Hey Al,

    Good luck shooting the shuttle. I hope all is well.

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  17. Kevin GlackmeyerJuly 5, 2011 at 12:02 PM

    Congrats on the blog...it's now bookmarked at the top of my list. Am also a stringer for the AP (since 81') under the "Mullet" in Alabama for most of that time. Did a launch under Phil once (STS-56). Worked with Pete Cosgrove and O'Meara
    (notoriously dunked 16 rolls into the bleach/fix first at a Tampa Bay game on my first day) ...Followed your Elian photos during "that" time. I remember thinking how cool it was that a stringer had gotten THE shot from the big story of the times. Good luck at the launch. Make em' proud.

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  18. al diazJuly 5, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    It only took four days for someone to mix me up with Alan Diaz of the AP, LOL! I'm Al Diaz with The Miami Herald. Mullet, Chuck Luzier, Mark Elias, Eliot Schechter, Stan Badz, Bob Self, Raul DeMolina... we all used to string for Sandlin. Those were fun days.

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  19. Kevin CoughlinJuly 5, 2011 at 12:54 PM

    Congrats on the new blog. Very slick!
    Wishing you great weather for the launch of Mission #STS-135.

    Here's a video for THE FINAL COUNDOWN:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_IKcMl_a9A

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  20. bmillaresJuly 5, 2011 at 1:01 PM

    Good luck with the launch Al.

    Benny

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  21. BillJuly 5, 2011 at 1:05 PM

    "It only took four days for someone to mix me up with Alan Diaz of the AP, LOL! I'm Al Diaz with The Miami Herald. Mullet, Chuck Luzier, Mark Elias, Eliot Schechter, Stan Badz, Bob Self, Raul DeMolina... we all used to string for Sandlin."

    Did you forget someone? Hmmmm?

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  22. DrewJuly 5, 2011 at 1:08 PM

    Good luck with the gators. Wish I was going with you!

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  23. Mike HJuly 5, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    Good luck with those gators Al! Man, how I wish I could be there to see the last one. As a much younger man than I am now, I was at the first public rollout of the shuttle in Palmdale, CA. My father was deeply involved in the manufacturing process at Rockwell for the first craft. My minds eye can clearly see this massive craft being rolled out and just standing there is awe. Looking forward to seeing the images.

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  24. AnonymousJuly 5, 2011 at 1:41 PM

    Can't wait to read more. Have fun at the launch. Will be awaiting the pictures.

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  25. Mitch TraphagenJuly 5, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    Congratulations on the blog! Also, very cool idea giving stuff to shooters at the press site. It will be my first (and last) -- am very much looking forward to it. Hopefully will see you there.

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  26. AlexJuly 5, 2011 at 1:59 PM

    I've added your blog to my RSS feed. I look forward to seeing your posts!

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  27. SWATBossJuly 5, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    Al,

    I'm super envious. I've been a life-long space freak and a shuttle launch was always on my bucket list. Alas, it will never come to pass.

    I've come close a few times with travel to central FL, for various reasons, but the stars never aligned and the missions were scrubbed.

    I look forward to your take from the event.

    Kevin

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  28. FieldingJuly 5, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    I am jealous you are down there for the launch can't wait to see you images. Blog now bookmarked.

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  29. UnknownJuly 5, 2011 at 2:19 PM

    Nice NASA photos!

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  30. Dave ScottJuly 5, 2011 at 2:25 PM

    Always great work now a blog to follow you on. Congratulations Al!

    -- Dave

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  31. Christian HaferJuly 5, 2011 at 2:45 PM

    Al,

    Looking forward to following your exploits! Best of luck on the new blog.

    -Hafe

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  32. Roy VieraJuly 5, 2011 at 2:57 PM

    As I mentioned before, I love my Think Tank products. Currently I am looking to sell my lowepro bag so I can swith it to Think Tank. Thanks again for turning me on to TT Al. Your work is amazing. Big Fan! All the best! I have placed my email on your blogs so I can get them there. Thanks

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  33. WilfredoJuly 5, 2011 at 3:01 PM

    You mean you aren't Alan!

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  34. Joe TothJuly 5, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    Finally, an Al Diaz blog. One of my favourite photographers from So Fla. Still look out for your stuff here in the UK. Joe

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  35. Jorge ZamanilloJuly 5, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    Hi Al,

    Wish I could be up there for the launch but we just returned today from the NC mountains and that drive was enough for the month. Looking forward to following your photography.

    Jorge

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  36. Tom FrickJuly 5, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    Good luck with the new blog -
    Have a blast! :P

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  37. AnonymousJuly 5, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    Can't wait to see how you're going to incorporate the gators - good luck with the shoot. Mark Dolan (go gators!)

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  38. Luke Johnson PhotographyJuly 5, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    Nice new blog! Maybe I will win a prize too :D

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  39. NCphotogJuly 5, 2011 at 8:37 PM

    Thanks for the blog. I need to get motivated and do one of these one day too.

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  40. AnonymousJuly 5, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    Yep, September 1979 was Hurricane David. I remember hiking in New England as he blew through...... Pre-dates shuttle launches though.

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  41. David ManningJuly 5, 2011 at 9:09 PM

    Know anyone with an extra sound trigger?

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  42. Steve FalkJuly 5, 2011 at 9:20 PM

    Al, Have fun at the launch. I only covered one back in 1988. The first one after the Challenger accident. Say Hi to Scott Andrews if you see him.

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  43. Todd SpothJuly 5, 2011 at 10:20 PM

    Congrats on the blog! I wish I could have gotten to cover a launch. I grew up in Clear Lake, Texas right next to JSC. My whole neighborhood was astronauts.

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  44. markJuly 5, 2011 at 10:22 PM

    Congrats on the blog. I'll be hollering "Think Tank Photo" at you from Space View Park...

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  45. Scott M. Lieberman, MDJuly 6, 2011 at 12:25 AM

    Good luck with the Blog, and with the Shuttle Launch. Don't think I will make it to KSC, But may make it down there yet. Say Hi to Mullet if he is there!

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  46. al diazJuly 6, 2011 at 1:48 AM

    Bill Cooke, how could I forget. I still have fond memories of those days stringing for AP. We had a blast then too.

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  47. Alex KolyerJuly 6, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    Hey Al! Great to see you blogging! So happy for you. Good luck on the launch!

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  48. Andrew WolfeJuly 6, 2011 at 12:58 PM

    Great looking blog, can't wait to see your shots.

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  49. Jim DonnellyJuly 6, 2011 at 1:17 PM

    Great Looking Blog Al! I will be at the launch but as a civilian with a camera. I've been to my share and just love being there when they lift off! Good luck with the blog and thanks for all of the great advice though the years.

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  50. al diazJuly 6, 2011 at 1:28 PM

    I just saw David Burnett, http://www.davidburnett.com/, but he did not say the magic words. I still have two Think Tank Photo products to give away. I'm having BBQ at Sonny's for lunch in Titusville. Heading to KSC soon.

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  51. Michael ChangJuly 6, 2011 at 3:04 PM

    I'd like to shoot a shuttle launch. Guess it's too late. :(

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  52. Thom BaurJuly 6, 2011 at 4:01 PM

    Nice blog. Fun times tomorrow setting up remotes.

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  53. Patrick FallonJuly 8, 2011 at 9:45 PM

    Hey Al!
    Hope you enjoyed the launch, it was quite the show at the JSC here in Houston. Good luck on the new blog.

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  54. AnonymousJuly 10, 2011 at 10:35 AM

    Al.....glad you were able to see the last launch of the Space Shuttle. Now you need to see the landing.

    I wish I would have known you would be at the press site...I would have loved to have met you in person. Can't wait to see the rest of your photos.

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  55. Kent Photography BlogJuly 11, 2011 at 3:49 AM

    great site

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  56. Ivo PopovJuly 11, 2011 at 3:51 AM

    28 Years, wow :) I have watched the launch from my pc (unfortunately :)

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  57. Marlies AnastasiaJuly 11, 2011 at 3:53 AM

    Congratulations on the new blog, but especially seeing the last launch of the Space Shuttle. Green with envy!

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  58. UnknownJuly 11, 2011 at 3:55 AM

    Neat site, will be following.

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  59. John McWhirterJuly 11, 2011 at 3:57 AM

    Good luck with the new blog. Look forward to seeing more.

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  60. yorkietommoJuly 11, 2011 at 4:12 AM

    Man, I would love to shoot a launch. Raw power!

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  61. Todd MoncriefJuly 11, 2011 at 4:19 AM

    Congrats on the new blog. Love to hear behind-the-scenes bits from PJs, especially the grizzled vets. Looking forward to many more.

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  62. mrh13July 11, 2011 at 4:45 AM

    Nice blog. I hope that you have done a lot of great pictures during launch :)

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  63. krsJuly 11, 2011 at 4:54 AM

    Great! Good luck with the blog!

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  64. PolarbeardaliJuly 11, 2011 at 5:12 AM

    End of an era

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  65. Dave PelhamJuly 11, 2011 at 5:47 AM

    Hi Al! Great blog, great competition. Cheers! Dave

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  66. the_stalkerPtJuly 11, 2011 at 5:58 AM

    Hi Al.
    Wish I could be there shooting the last of an era...
    Good luck on your blog ;)

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  67. Tony RomenJuly 11, 2011 at 6:03 AM

    Amazing!

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  68. AnonymousJuly 11, 2011 at 6:10 AM

    Great blog! I'd like to win the Think Tank Photo Urban Disguise 70 Pro.

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  69. JessieJuly 11, 2011 at 6:58 AM

    Best of luck with your new blog. I am adding it to my reader as well :) That bag is awesome and I would love to win it! Thanks!

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  70. FrankJuly 11, 2011 at 7:12 AM

    What a great gig. I just spent 2 hours talking about the early space program with my daughter and another friend who have been alive only for the space shuttle program. Great blog, great photos. The UD70 would be a great addition to my collection which is getting out of control.

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  71. Pieter SienatraJuly 11, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    Great blog! Inspiring! Thanks for being a witness for those who can't be there

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  72. LarryJuly 11, 2011 at 7:36 AM

    I love reading photo blogs from real pros. Thanks!

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  73. Thea StockmanJuly 11, 2011 at 8:22 AM

    I love seeing what catches other photographer's eye by looking at their photos! Seeing the world through their eyes/camera! Thank you!

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  74. AaliJuly 11, 2011 at 8:41 AM

    I am in for it!

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  75. Andy AJuly 11, 2011 at 8:48 AM

    Finally made it to FL for STS133 and had a blast! My UD50 was with me then. What a great bag. A UD70 would be a great addition to the bag collection.

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  76. Jason MynattJuly 11, 2011 at 8:53 AM

    Congrats on the new blog. Looks great. Definitely bookmarked.

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  77. SeanJuly 11, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    Welcome to the blogosphere! Looking forward to reading.

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  78. MattJuly 11, 2011 at 9:22 AM

    Shooting the last shuttle launch sounds amazing. So does a ThinkTank Photo bag. I love my little Retrospective 5, but I can't bring much in it.

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  79. HaymanJuly 11, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    Hi Al, I was lucky to have been part of Hubble Space Telescope launch ops over 20 years ago and look forward to reliving some of that through your blog.

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  80. Pamela HawkenJuly 11, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    Your photos of the Olympics are AMAZING !!!

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  81. Landon WiseJuly 11, 2011 at 10:29 AM

    Good luck with the launch :-)

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  82. mattsdpJuly 11, 2011 at 10:29 AM

    I am sure you captured some amazing shots. Its a chapter in history coming to an end. Congrats!

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  83. SusanJuly 11, 2011 at 11:05 AM

    Great blog, looking forward to reading more!

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  84. Nathan CarrollJuly 11, 2011 at 11:50 AM

    Hope I win

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  85. jubbz@webmail.co.zaJuly 11, 2011 at 12:42 PM

    This would be great for my nice new camera

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  86. Kore ChanJuly 11, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  87. Greg HomJuly 11, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    Think Tank rocks! Shooting the shuttle lunch looks like the opportunity of a lifetime.
    Like the blog.

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  88. Dennis BrickettJuly 11, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    Hey Al, Dennis Brickett here from Dallas:
    Multiple remote cameras? What and how many. Gonna miss the shuttles. Love the Think Tank!!!

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  89. John KiegerJuly 11, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    Hi Al,

    Greetings from Cleveland! I'm very sad to see the Shuttle program come to an end. Congratulations on this being your 2nd Shuttle assignment. As I was listening to the news I was thinking how sad it was that I never covered a Shute Launch.

    Think Tank makes awesome gear!

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  90. Kevin KolczynskiJuly 11, 2011 at 6:24 PM

    Hey Al, I want to win the bag! Kevin Kolczynski

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  91. RusthawkJuly 11, 2011 at 10:35 PM

    Nice to meet you Al, I found you from Think Tank Photo. Than you for the entry, great bag!

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  92. Rayiaz KhanJuly 16, 2011 at 11:21 PM

    Hey Al, nice chatting with you the other day, great to meet both a fellow gator alum and ex gainesville sun photographer!

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  93. Carlos MillerJuly 21, 2011 at 6:56 PM

    Hey Al, looking forward to reading your blog and seeing your photos.

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  94. Johnny DiazJuly 21, 2011 at 10:19 PM

    Al, congratulations on your blog! I've always been a fan of your work, even back to my Herald days as a reporter. Good luck with this! :)

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  95. KiTJuly 22, 2011 at 12:43 PM

    I have been following your photos since I moved to Miami in 1996.... Great stuff.

    One request: please post the address (or link) for the RSS feed so I can follow this in my reader.

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  96. Chuck FadelyJuly 22, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    Al, I want that bag.

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  97. al diazJuly 22, 2011 at 2:59 PM

    Kit,
    Here is the RSS feed. I just set it up. Thanks for asking.
    feed://aldiazphoto.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss

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  98. al diazJuly 22, 2011 at 7:34 PM

    I'm working on building the list of all those who have commented.
    I'll post the winner on Saturday.

    ReplyDelete
  99. UnknownApril 7, 2013 at 8:21 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete

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