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Check this out, it's a fast action slide show of all my flickr photos: vimeo.com/18229501

Flickr Love:
I started on flickr in January, 2006. It was love at first sight. I dove right in and have not looked back. It has been a life changing experience in a number of ways. For one, my life-long interest in photography has finally found the perfect outlet. Thanks to flickr, I get GREAT pleasure immersing my self into the world of photography. Also, the exposure my photos get online has brought valuable ($$) opportunities. (If you want to use a photo of mine just ask, based on the use, we can discuss the terms; email me, flickrmail me, or just call, see phone # below.) My computer, photographic, and internet techno-savvy has increased tremendously as well, thanks to flickr use.

The social networking:
I am amazed that through flickr, I have been able to make real friends, all across the globe. In the course of one day, I can be speaking to someone in Taiwan, Rio de Janeiro, South Dakota, the Bronx, Japan, the Persian Gulf, India, Australia, San Jose, San Diego, Trinidad, or in my own neighborhood (well, maybe not ALL those places in just one day, but you get the idea.) And I feel all the same kind of warmth, friendliness, support and closeness just like they were here in person. Although my favorite people to meet are my fellow Jehovah's Witnesses, I have made valuable contacts with many others as well.

My Life:
Born and raised- Hicksville, Long Island, New York; Alfred University in upstate NY, Engineering degree. Lived in Sheffield, England during college, afterwards, near Fort Wayne, Indiana. Then to AOCS (Navy flight school) in Pensacola, Florida where I lived in a beach house in the middle of hurricane country. (That was exciting.) Two years there and two years on a San Diego based ship; I travelled to places near the Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean, Australia, Korea, Philipines, and Japan. After the Navy I settled on a career, of all things, as a commercial hot air balloon pilot working the passenger tour ride business. Was married 10 years then divorced but I still do more than 50% of the raising of my dear 13 year old daughter Candace.

The meaning of life:
Have you ever wondered why we are here? If there is a God and if he is so loving and powerful, why do so many innocent people suffer; why there is so much injustice? Why is history full of supposedly peace-loving religious neighbors like Catholics and Protestants, Jews and Arabs, Shiites and Sunnis all killing each other often in the name of God? Where do you really go when you die? How to find true happiness?

Well, I HAVE wondered about these things, and it wasn't until well into my adult life, after needlessly beating my own head against the wall of life, that I found very satisfying, logical, reasonable answers to these questions. I realize this may be getting a bit heavy for some, so if you don't care about the above questions, please skip to the next section. If you do, I urge you to talk to Jehovah's Witnesses in your own neighborhood, they are active in 235 lands. They showed me the answers to these questions in my own bible, with a free, no obligation bible study in my own home. They empowered me, and encouraged me to study the bible on my own, to use all my own powers of reasoning and perception to see if I too would not be convinced. I kept waiting for the moment when they would expect something from me in return; I kept searching for the hypocrisy and corruption seemingly inherant in every human organization, but you know what? It never happened! And I never found any! So now I am one of Jehovah's witnesses too.
I admit they are not for eveyone. But if you REALLY care, and want to contribute to the greatest common good on our planet, look no further than the Witnesses.

There is no better way of life in which to raise my daughter. It is based on pure principled, agape love. That's the kind of love that means you show love to your neighbor even if you don't like them. Witnesses in any land refuse to join the military, yet they are good citizens who obey the authorities. Imagine if that was true of all people?
One last point: Einstein said, "We cannot solve the problems we created using the same level of thinking that created the problems in the first place. We must rise to a higher level of thinking." The witnesses have done this like no others because they live in harmony with the word of our loving creator Jehovah God. At the same time, they are your everyday, normal neighbors, coworkers, or schoolmates.

Prior Flickr profile blurb:
Outdoor adventure man, eye for beauty, passion for living, athlete, dedicated dad of 11 year old girl, Jehovah's Witness (lover of REAL bible truth), Jazz Dancer, Commercial hot air balloon pilot, Macintosh computer lover, snowboarder, Mountain climber,

http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/map.php

Photos of ms4jah (31)

ms4jah's favorite photos from other Flickr members (1,215)

Contacts (343)

dhe2012 dhervelyn abas
[MarcoB] No real name given
IAmJustAPortrait Kara Cavazos
peter 48 No real name given
schmiford Shannon Crawford
kbaird Kevin Baird
(In My Life) Alexis Evanoff
i'mjustNadia. Nadia Lopez
Leticia BK Letícia
christinasaeed No real name given
rachel210610 raquel aguilar
KaraCavazos No real name given

Groups (50 50)

365+1 for 2012 (366 days) 6,151 photos, 215 members
Los Angeles 158,884 photos, 9,159 members
CLphoto 1,501 photos, 962 members
*Magic EYE* 35,535 photos, 3,951 members
Nikon Digital Learning Center 733,846 photos, 64,181 members
BIKER LIFE ~ living and loving the lifestyle~ 83,321 photos, 6,639 members
Photographers' Rights. 202 photos, 3,436 members
Getty Images on Flickr 0 photos, 12,968 members
☆The Power Of Now ☆ 14,811 photos, 852 members
"Keep on the Watch" District Conventions Worldwide 435 photos, 146 members
JWs with Matching Outfit 90 photos, 96 members
Best of Indonesia Photos 17,073 photos, 2,404 members
SUP Stand Up Paddle Surfing 1,043 photos, 203 members
Me, Right Now 1,581 photos, 959 members
*Food-a-holiC* ~ post 1, awards 3 7,423 photos, 780 members
Macros de Naturaleza - Macros of Nature (Post 1, comment 3) 96,585 photos, 6,948 members
YT wallpapers and more 45 photos, 77 members
iPhone Freaks 153,006 photos, 5,277 members
Entrance to Hell 3,543 photos, 8,622 members
Yahoo! News California Wildfires 760 photos, 78 members
San Diego Wildfires 2007 306 photos, 35 members
Creative Photo Group_ BASIC (P1-C3) 453,601 photos, 29,178 members
High Flying 1,427 photos, 142 members
Horns and Antlers 2,904 photos, 272 members
Câmera de Ouro Brasil (read the rules) 7,275 photos, 3,464 members
Super Shots - Only Invited Photos - Vote Now 256,089 photos, 40,982 members
JW Drama ( TJ Drama ) 760 photos, 212 members
Special Hot Air Balloons 1,266 photos, 258 members
24 hours of Flickr 5,626 photos, 18,208 members
WowieKazowie! 164,532 photos, 7,836 members
Plain Text Feedback (Post 1, Comment any 3) 2,090 photos, 819 members
Wind Turbines & Wind Farms 9,762 photos, 3,105 members
Blue Ribbon PHOTOGRAPHY (INVITE ONLY) 307,080 photos, 44,273 members
JW Conventions 653 photos, 134 members
JW History 111 photos, 121 members
Eucalypts, Angophoras and Corymbia 1,682 photos, 167 members
Shield Of Excellence - Level 1 (p1/a5) 331,680 photos, 37,966 members
flickr GOLD***invited images only pls*** 66,657 photos, 13,681 members
Ave del paraiso (Bird of paradise) 366 photos, 174 members
Jehovah's Witnesses in Flickr 5,356 photos, 547 members
An Awesome Shot! Invited Photos ONLY!! 389,690 photos, 51,141 members
Girls and Guitars 2,075 photos, 338 members
San Diego Super Shooters 20,593 photos, 517 members
InstantFave RULE:Add "InstantFave"<One Word TAG+read rules 51,801 photos, 7,266 members
Nikon Coolpix S7c 67 photos, 21 members
Spectacular Landscapes-invited images only :-) 14,441 photos, 6,116 members
Outstanding Shots - Invite Only 22,901 photos, 8,787 members
Impressed by your Beauty! {Invite Per Image ONLY} 211,537 photos, 33,365 members
California Desert 24,526 photos, 2,623 members
Amazing mountain landscape 9,233 photos, 609 members

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Galleries (2)

2010 TVBWF 4 photos
Creators Most Beautiful Works 13 photos

Testimonials (18)

macarena moreno says:

"Hello! My dear brother just wanted to say that your pictures are so beautiful. It make me want to just jump in to them and experience the joy that you must of had while taking them. Thank you for letting me enjoy you beautiful work."

2nd March, 2009
dillon11407 says:

"When I first noticed Michael's profile back in my early Flickr days, I thought that he was an okay guy. But one day, I decided to look at his profile, so I noticed his number and I gave him a call one night to let him know who I was.

Over the months, our friendship has grown. We have had the chance to see each other at the 2008 "Guided By God's Spirit" District Convention. We have even got to hang out and do some cool stuff together.

The two things I appreciate about Michael, is his love for photography and his love for Jehovah God. No matter what the circumstances are, Michael never lets his secular priorities take over his spiritual duties. He is a kind and loving Christian brother that I will always enjoy hanging out with :-)!

Keep it up my brother your doing great!"

1st May, 2009
ImgSensors says:

"Beautiful! Great! Amazing! Stunning! Mesmerizing!
Those have been the words spontaneously popping into my mind ever since I started visiting Michael's stream.
I've seen an appealing display of love, passion and appreciation for the beauty of life given to us by our Heavenly Father, Jehovah.
Viewing the world through the eyes of this excellent photographer has been a surprising, uplifting and inspiring journey to me.
I could go on raving all that I love about Michael's photostream but best is for you to just go and take a look for yourself. I'm sure you will agree with me."

26th November, 2008
kesia_amanda says:

"Finally i got a chance to meet my friend!!
He is a lot of fun and enthusiastic!
Thank you Michael for visiting me and my family. What a great time we had here with you.

Michael is one of my best friends on Flickr :-D
His enthusiasm and personal interest to many people are parts of his great personality. He's very friendly and he has big talent in photography. I love to see most of his pic, it seems so interesting. I showed it to my family too, and they said that he is very good in taking pix, and have a lot of beautiful pictures.

I met him online on flickr, and i hope i and my family can meet him too in real life. He's a very good friend, and brother in truth. He's just like a teacher for me too in some ways..
Thanks for being my friend Michael!!

Warm Christian love
Kesia"

24th October, 2008
CaliGal12 says:

"This testimonial is a about two and a half years late but better late than never right? I have not been on Flickr since my balloon ride photos were up back in Feb. 06 and made my way back to the site after some family members posted pics of our recent trip to Seattle. In any case, I just wanted to take the time to say what a wonderful experience my fiance and I had with Michael on our flight. He made us feel totally comfortable and I would definitely recommend him to anybody thinking about taking a balloon ride. His great sense of humor and expert piloting skills made us feel very at ease. Thanks again =)"

10th September, 2008
tt_tourist says:

"When I first saw Michael’s balloon photography 2 years ago on Flickr, they blew me away! He's a remarkable photographer and is the same in person as he is online – down to earth, full of vitality, good-natured, optimistic and quick to commend others. :-) He's very much like a brother - it's a pleasure knowing him on Flickr and to have met him in person."

16th June, 2008
cozy_vanilla says:

"i was anticipating this was just the start of a genuine friendship with you mr. Slezak...
muchas gracias señor.."

11th February, 2008
gosheshe says:

"A contact on Flickr whose work I admire, respect, and downright find inspirational.

I always appreciate his personal input on my work, and feel he has helped me to progress with my endeavors in photography with his encouraging comments.

I love seeing updates on his photostream, including the captions he puts with his photos posted describing what it took to get that particular shot, or whatever story goes behind it. It makes it come to life! (sometimes too real [i.e. piacho del diablo set] - that one scares me, lol)"

13th April, 2008
Moody Mal says:

"Michael takes some of the most beautiful pictures on Flickr! Some of them are downright therapeutic. Take a look and you will be lifted into the air with balloons, rocking out with Candace's band, or just chilling out with nature! You will not be disappointed, go ahead...Take a look!"

1st September, 2007
amoraleda says:

"After running into Michael's photostream, I was extremly impressed with the quality of photos. His balloon shots are the best that I have seen...ever! Each photo that is up on his photostream showcases the kind of quality of artwork he produces. Not only is Michael an amazing photographer, he is also one amazing person. I am very fortunate to have met Michael and experience his fun personality first hand. He is the nicest, most sincere, and most honest person you will ever 'run' into."

22nd August, 2007
Ana Bel says:

"a person who loves to fly above the clouds (physically as well as mentally, sometimes), a person who seeks beauty in every aspect of his life. someone to always have a friendly word for you. someone who manages to capture all of these things in amazingly mind-blowing shots. thank you for you sharing your friendship (even though i didn't tell you i went to grand canyon) *g*"

15th August, 2007
Captain Nandu Chitnis says:

"Mike is perhaps the most happening person/fotographer/friend on flickr.

He has shown us a world from above his balloon like no one else. Incredibly gifted professional, photographer and family man to the core. We in India respect family values enormously, as do many folks everywhere.

He has encourged/mentored so many wannbe flicker addicts. To many, like me, he is way beyond a friend. It's like he and his family are joined to my family at the hips!

Mike...mate...you simply rock!!!

Captain Nandu Chitnis
India"

4th March, 2007
pixability says:

"Michael may float above the clouds in his daily life, but personally I am very glad he comes back to earth each night to share his view with us terrestrial beings. His photography shows a keen insight into composition and color, two things I love. I am always pleased to find Michael's newest postings be they land based or from the clouds."

1st January, 2007
yolanda_s19 says:

"Thank you for the encouragement and for being the first to comment on my photos. Thank you, too, for the inspiration! I look forward to seeing all of your photos."

1st April, 2006
RyanC Photography says:

"An extremely good photographer, never met him, but from his comments, a very nice guy and one of the smarter guys I've seen on flickr. His balloon shots will blow your mind.

Take a look"

16th April, 2006
tkbnrg says:

"I met Michael in the bottom of a canyon in Mexico. You can see from his pictures that he has a genuine interest in new things. He's a worldly person who is very fun to talk to...and boy can he navigate his way through the mountains!"

20th March, 2006
Paula-KE5DDZ says:

"Michael is a talented person. I know what it takes to fly hot air balloons professionally (I did if for a short time) and it's hard work. Some days it can really take a lot of concentration and other days, everything just goes your way. In addition to that, while he's up there, he manages to grab great photos! What a guy! He has a terrific eye for a good photo. I'm glad to call him a friend. Soft Landings my friend, From New Mexico! ~~Paulena"

21st March, 2006
Kris Kros says:

"I am fortunate enough to know Michael. Just recently, we met here through our pictures. But, boy oh boy, he is not just a friend to me. He is like a brother. I feel the joy and excitement when he garnered the top spot on Explore yesterday. I am very certain he has the natural talent needed to produce great pictures we will all love to see. He is certainly one dude that will be forever my dear friend and brother."

18th March, 2006