January 4, 2006 A photo a day keeps the blahs at bay. That's what we're hoping for when my co-worker, Lisa, thought it a good idea to start snapping shots—each and every day. I always carry a P&S digital camera with me to snap the "opportunity" shots and this will be a good way to capture the everyday, everyday.
Share Article | Posted in: Photography December 28, 2005 I've added a new section titled "Galleries". It will host an ongoing portfolio of photos taken on various themes and subjects. I have the high-res versions of all photos if there's an interest to use them in any of your projects. Photos have been taken with either a Canon EOS 20D dSLR, Canon P&S digital S330 or an ancient Minolta X-700 35mm slide/film camera.
Share Article | Posted in: Echo, Photography December 22, 2005 I recently returned from my first trip to Washington, D.C. I was overwhelmed by the presence of the sights and scenes of our nation's past and present. Over the course of four days (not nearly enough), I was able to get a tiny sampling of what is contained in this historic city.
One of my goals on this trip was to get out in the city and put my Canon 20D to work which I've been using for the last few months (I'll post results of that later).
It was very cold in D.C. with highs only in the 20's for most of the time. This was a better time of year to come as crowds were scarce and humidity low.
I spent most of the first two days on the Mall inside many of the history museums (art galleries, U.S. and natural history and the like). It was fascinating to see some of the things I had only read about in books and Art History class. To see works from Matisse, Giovanni and Botticelli all in the same building was very cool. There were other museums (Air and Space, American History, Smithsonian) that contained many historical artifacts that could take days to view and read.
The last day Amy and I went to many of the war memorials and monuments. The WWII memorial was incredible and had pillars in a circle representing the major milestones and battles. Unfortunately, the Lincoln Memorial was being worked on, so we didn't get to see all of it.
Our trip was quick and I saw less than I thought I would. If you enjoy history (of any type), this is your town.
Share Article | Posted in: Life November 12, 2005 Mouse, Munchkin, or whatever seemed appropriate at the moment - four pounds of fur and bones passed on this Saturday, Nov 12, 2005. We found her on a visit to PetSmart for some cat food in 1995. The Humane Society brought her in for adoption and, well, we bit (or Amy did).
We already had one cat but Amy had already fallen in love with her. I love cats and animals, but our apartment manager didn't allow animals. Amy came out crying and said, "she's so cute, we need to save her". I gave in and we now owned little Munchkin Baroness Van Munchausen (thanks Jeff), or just Mouse as we affectionately called her. She loved us and loved to be loved. A female tortoise-shell, she was the beauty queen of cats, bathing what seemed like every hour. Even in her last hour, she would not be denied a good self-bathing despite the pain it caused her.
Mouse loved the heat and took every opportunity to seek every heat source available - the sun, the heat vents and the electric blanket she slept on for the last two years (I know, I know). She could be found following the sun around the house during the day as it dropped in and out sight. Because of this trait, she earned another nick-name - heat-seeking moussle.
Many people don't understand the love a cat or dog can give (or demand), and Mouse wouldn't be denied. Over the last few years, she found her voice and lost her hearing. We were often the recipients of many awakenings via the mouse scream because she couldn't hear herself meow.
You know the day will eventually come to say good-bye and today was this day. For a few extra dollars, we decided to have her cremated. The passing was painless (for her) and now she's basking in the sun on her own cloud.
Miss Mouse - RIP.
Share Article | Posted in: Life October 23, 2005 You never see them. You never usually hear about them. Air-traffic Controllers. They are the brains and communications leading your flight and pilots from one city to the next, yet how often do you really think about them? Did you know controllers have one of the highest job burn-out rates? After my last trip, I understand why.
On a recent flight from Seattle to Baltimore, I plugged in to channel nine on the airline communications audio unit and listened in. If you ever want to hear some interesting chatter, plug in sometime and track your flight to your destination and hear what's flying on around you. I know for some of you, this is the equivalent of nails on a chalkboard, but you can learn some things about your flight and where you are at any given time.
As we approached Baltimore on a UAL Boeing 757, the local controller contacted our crew and began to direct our flight. This is a very busy airport with two other airports close by and our flight was directed into a flight pattern with approximately five other planes circling the airport waiting to land. The controller boldly gave more coordinates and air speeds to our pilot and did this about six more times as we circled and he did the same for the other flights keeping them turning in a circle towards to the airport and keeping us all equally spaced and headed in the right direction for a safe landing.
I was nervous just listening to him contact each plane and then hand us off to another controller to complete the landing. As we approached and were given our landing runway and gate turn-off, our pilot completed the landing and we arrived safely. After we touched down, our pilot radioed back to the tower a well deserved, "nice job, guys" (which I've never heard before).
The next time you're flying and wondering if your carry-on is going to fit in the overhead bin, think about how these unsung heroes are keeping the skies friendly and safe. G'day.
Share Article | Posted in: Life September 8, 2005 The Boy Scout motto, a cliché or just good advice - are we prepared in our city and states for a natural or man-made disaster? After watching the South go through the biggest disaster I've ever witnessed, I'd say we've got a ways to go. While we can't always depend on immediate government help, there are a few things we can begin to do individually or as families in a crisis - natural or otherwise.
I drive to and from work across a floating bridge over Lake Washington. What if it sank in a major storm (remember I-90)? What if an earthquake were to wipe out many of the elevated highways we have in the Puget Sound area? Could I get home and what resources would I have?
We should all be asking ourselves similar questions and be prepared to at least have enough food and water on hand to last a few days before other resources are available. This is also beneficial in emergencies like a power outage or other temporary situation where normal services are unavailable.
Essentials to have in your car or home:
If you're at home and can stay there, it's advisable to have extra water and food for several weeks, if not months (yes, months). If there is no electricity, you'll also need a way to heat things up. A propane stove will work as well as a barbecue (gas).
Finally, don't forget about your pets. Extra food can be stored for them as well. It was a heartbreaker to see so many pets left behind after Katrina and how helpless they are without us.
This wasn't meant to be an exhaustive treatise on preparedness and disasters but to think about a few simple things that can be done to prepare for a natural or man-made disaster and possibly save a life. Being prepared is no accident.
Links:
http://providentliving.org/
http://www.fema.gov/library/prepandprev.shtm
http://www.metrokc.gov/prepare/preparerespond/default.aspx
Share Article | Posted in: Life August 5, 2005 On a recent trip to the Bay area, we decided to stay in a place that one wouldn't think of for business travel. Hotel Vitale, which opened in March, 2005 in San Francisco, sets a high standard for ultra modern hotel design.
Located on Mission Street, Hotel Vital, has an excellent view of the Bay bridge and provides easy access to downtown locations and easy on-off bridge access.
We arrived in the evening and thought we were in the wrong place as the restaraunt and lounge were in full swing with hipsters and "new money". I could've sworn we'd just landed at a Hollywood party for J.Lo. The staff was very friendly and accomodating. It was difficult trying to find dinner at 10:00 pm in the financial district, but we were able to secure a bite in the hotel lounge.
I entered my room and unloaded my bags. Wow. The rooms are made up in the bauhaus tradition - rich materials, straight lines, modern architecture and fixtures and very comfortable. A sony cd player was running with Elemental Chill Vol.1 (three others were available as well) and provided a very inviting atmosphere. The room also had a flat screen tv on the wall and free wired/wireless internet (very nice). Other nice touches include Fresh brand shampoos and soaps, a cozy bed with oversized pillows and a chaise lounge for, um, lounging.
We ended up eating in the bar/lounge area that evening as regular seating for the restaraunt had closed. The food was good (Angus beef hamburger), but the atomosphere was a little loud for my mood.
Overall, it was a pleasant and refreshing stay (even for business) and I'd highly recommend it for an alternative to the typical business in/out hotels that you may be accustomed to.
Share Article | Posted in: Reviews July 29, 2005 This American Life (thislife.org) is an original show that picks a theme and then tells a story around the theme. You can listen to archived shows on the site. The show that played on July 22, 2005 - A Little Bit of Knowledge - is a must listen.
The part of the show that was comical was when a person learns something, or thinks they do, and then carries that little piece of knowledge with them through adulthood and then realizes one day that it isn't true - say Unicorns. Unicorns? Listens and laugh.
I have to keep teasing my wife about the Jackalope. You know, the little animals that look like rabbits, but have antlers. No? Mmmm, maybe they aren't real.
Share Article | Posted in: Life July 20, 2005 The workhorses, leadouts, windbreakers and unsung heroes. What is a domestique? No, they're not househusbands. They are the riders on a cycling squad whose job it is to get their leader across the line first and hopefully to the podium.
Occasionally, a time comes where a domestique will get out on a break and take a win for himself. Since most domestique's are not a threat to the overall leader, they sometimes get to take the glory of a stage win. George Hincapie was just this person two days ago in the Tour De France.
George was able to get out with a lead group in one of the final climbs and then put the hurt on the last guy with him to take the stage win. You're saying, "so what"? This is George's first win EVER as a domestique for Lance Armstrong and a first for ANY of his teammates in the last seven Tours.
While Lance will win the Tour, it's great to see someone like George win one for the rest of us.
Share Article | Posted in: Cycling July 19, 2005 Paul Sherwen and Phil Liggett are THE standard in commentary and color for professional cycling, especially the Le Tour de France. They are both former cyclist and Tour veterans themselves. Whether they are talking about the weather or "Mellow Johnny", there is never a shortage of metaphors.
They use language as knife to expose the details that make up each race, each Tour. If you don't like sports or cycling, you'll still like to listen to these two make cyclists into legends, leaders into heroes.
A few of my favorites:
"My goodness me..."
"He's got it all, he's got everything"
"Up here in the mountains in the Rarified air..."
"A little drag race, but a painful drag at that"
"He's a broke man"
The net is full of their quotes, so search away, but be sure and see these guys just once to get the full British flavor of their commentary.
Share Article | Posted in: Cycling June 26, 2005 I often fly to the Bay area for business and I like to sit by the window to view life at 30,000 feet above the earth. I'm always amazed how many swimming pools dot the land witnessed by the little blue squares and circles.
As I flew home days later to Seattle, I noticed the same blue circles and squares above the greater Puget Sound area and didn't realize there were this many pools here as well. As we descended, it became clear that what I was seeing wasn't swimming pools at all, but blue tarps - thousands of them!
With rain in abundance, we use them to cover everything from cars and boats, to wood piles and people. No camping trip has ever been made complete without one. So, the next time you fly into SEA-TAC aiport, take a look down and notice the blue dots. Long live the blue tarp.
Share Article | Posted in: Life June 9, 2005 The Salt Lake Tribune recently reported on new psychology research in the area of positive psychology. According to researchers, 50 percent of a person's happiness level is due to genetics. But don't despair just yet.
The article goes on to say that 15 percent is based on circumstances and the other 35 percent is within our control. Good news after all — maybe.
After reading this article, I began thinking about the ways in which we sabotage our own happiness. It usually starts with, "I'll be happy when...". We all do it as we work from one series of events to another, thinking that once I do this or get that, then I'll be happy. Most people want to be happy, but it takes a little convincing — by us.
One of the shared attributes of happy people was the feeling of gratitude. In this "want it now, get it fast" society we live in, it's not surprising that this is the case. This feeling also helps to remind us that not everything will be perfect and to be thankful for some of things that don't happen to us.
Strong family relations and friendships emerge as another key to happiness. Sometimes they are taken for granted, but I know how valuable they are and they have helped me through difficult times.
What helps your happiness quotient? Chocolate you say? Me too!
Share Article | Posted in: Life June 2, 2005 The grocery store on wheels is back. Homegrocer.com (or yummy.com, the parent company) is back in service after a two year hiatus following the dot bomb. If you live in West Hollywood or Santa Monica, you're in luck. I've emailed them to see when Seattle will be added to their route. It may be fruitless, however, as I would be out of their delivery range even if they did make it back to the Eastside.
Update: They do have long-term plans to operate in the Puget Sound area.
Share Article | Posted in: Echo May 30, 2005 What is it about sharing the road with bikes - the self-powered type? An experience today, while not completely unusual, is becoming more common and I'm wondering where all the anger is coming from.
This time it happened close to home. I went out for a Memorial Day ride on my bike and pedaled only three blocks when a guy pulled out of a side street, running the stop sign and gunning it when he saw me, as if he intended to hit me. He proceeded to give me the middle finger the next five blocks to the next signal (it was red).
It's usually best to ignore this type of thing and just move on, but I pulled up a few feet away and just had to ask him, "Where did you learn to drive"? That was the end of it - he gave it to me like a bar-room brawler throwing every expletive at me he could find (some I hadn't heard since, well, ever). Apparently, all cyclists "think they own the road" and do other things that can't be mentioned here. While he's telling me where to go and how to get there, his wife is telling him to shut his mouth. The light turns green and we part ways and I try to forget about it.
I'll be the first to admit that some cyclist run stop signs, pass cars and ride more than 2 abreast, but I'm self-conscious about following the rules of the road on a bike, especially in traffic and try to get fellow cyclist to do the same.
Not willing to completely let this go (and knowing where this guy and his wife live), I'm going to bake him some cookies and hope he can aim his frustrations and his two ton vehicle, somewhere else.
Live and let live.
Share Article | Posted in: Cycling May 27, 2005 Link em' up, head em' out - Photo resources
Share Article | Posted in: Links May 24, 2005 In the latest issue of Seattle Magazine, editor Rachel Hart bemoans the "anywhere-USA" type of urban planning - the type that seems to be commonplace no matter where you go. Some may call it the "Wal-Mart" effect (or you may have your own name for it).
The town I call home is finishing the planning phase of its "Unified Development Regulations" and my wife just happens to be one of the planning commission members, so I get a second row seat to the process and planning that will hopefully continue to provide the relatively small-town feel we enjoy.
Duvall, Washington, population 5,600 and rising, is a teenager entering adulthood. Once just a farming community "way out there" is now turning into a bedroom community of the East Eastside. While there are still farms and horse ranches, ground-breaking seems to be more common than horse breaking (for more information about Duvall, visit www.cityofduvall.com).
There is currently a moratorium on permits for new homes which will expire in June, 2005, if things go as planned. In order to facilitate what could be come a free-for-all, the Duvall Planning Commission and City Council are setting standards for design, development and overall zoning for homes, business and other in-city facilities (part of the City-Wide Visioning Plan, the Downtown Sub-Area Plan, and the 2004 Duvall Comprehensive Plan).
During this process, Duvall took advantage of local resources - using University of Washington graduate students to help present ideas and gather data and citizen input during the regulation development process. The city has also been good about getting local citizen involvement from the beginning - something that doesn't always happen. Duvall is still small enough so that it can still be "our" town and not just another Eastside thoroughfare.
Once the ink is dry on the final regulations and the moratorium is lifted, we will get to see first hand how successful the the plan is. It's almost impossible to stop development, but with responsible planning and citizen involvement, Duvall can still be a place that is home to the cowboys and the coders and maintain its distinctive character.
In Part II, we'll look at post-moratorium and the effects on the local businesses, homeowners and why some people may be leaving for good.
Share Article | Posted in: Life May 20, 2005 The June edition of Fast Company has some excellent articles on the "Masters of Design".
You'll have to buy the magazine to read all the articles, but the TOC can be found here.
Business and "news" magazines don't usually devote much space to Design, so it was a nice surprise to see it as a central theme. As companies look for more ways to differentiate themselves, they are finally starting to come around on the importance of Design and "thinking like designers" in running their businesses and creating products and services.
I was at that particular AIGA conference referenced in the opening paragraph in their write-up and it was a meeting that left some people wondering if design and "designing" could save business while saving itself. I won't go into all the details, but it appeared that design was turning the corner. The message they were delivering was that designers do more than just make things look good and should be getting involved in "serious" projects and making a difference.
The importance of design, whether it be industrial, graphic or any other, is the effect on the final product. With knowledgeable designers included earlier in the process (the beginning is a nice place to start), success is more likely than just handing someone a design spec to follow (this goes for other types of "non-business" contributors also).
I hope we see more emphasis placed on the difference design can make as more companies elevate it out of the basement and into the boardroom.
Share Article | Posted in: Design May 19, 2005 After shooting many years with a great, but aging film SLR, it's time to move up to a new dSLR.
I shoot mostly for personal enjoyment but occasionally get asked to do professional work for clients and friends. I like my little Canon S330 PS and it still takes great shots for a PS camera. I also have an older SLR that still works great with professional slide film.
Now that digital seems to be on par with most film cameras (in the 35 mm arena) and has the resolution for larger prints, it's time to save those pennies.
What to get - I'm currently looking at the Canon 20D. They have some wonderful lenses as well. I've looked at Nikon's offerings, but am a little disappointed compared with the Canon's digital line. In the end it's the person on the trigger, but it certainly helps to have some good equipment backing you up.
What do you shoot with and why? What are you looking to put in your bag next?
Share Article | Posted in: Photography 