
[![into the wild - nelle terre selvagge](https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-29-into-the-wild/2264847749_11aca078fc_t.jpg)](http://www.flickr.com/photos/lualifeanddreams/2264847749/)Last night, I felt like watching a movie. I had four or five to choose from. I wasn't familiar with any of them by name, so I looked the first one up on IMDB to get a plot synopsis, see the actors, and get a feel for the general quality of the film. I was amazed that a film I hadn't heard of had an [8.3 rating on IMDB](http://imdb.com/title/tt0758758/). That's huge. The IMDB [rating system](http://imdb.com/chart/top) seems to be pretty good, in general.  The movie is called [_Into The Wild_](http://imdb.com/title/tt0758758/). The plot synopsis on IMDB is nice and succinct, so I'll borrow it:

> Based on a true story. After graduating from Emory University in 1992, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless abandoned his possessions, gave his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhiked to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters who shape his life.

My blogroll-mate, Simon, had gotten me a little down [yesterday](http://simonlitton.wordpress.com/2008/02/28/lighting-candles/) about the general quality of movies coming out of Hollywood and winning Oscars. I had been thinking, "It sure has been a long time since I _really_ enjoyed a movie.", and that same evening, watching _Into The Wild_, I spent the entire movie wishing that it would never end. The scenery, the character development, the editing...everything was superb! Sean Penn, the director, needs to stay on that side of the camera. And the lead actor, [Emile Hirsch](http://imdb.com/name/nm0386472/), who was the bumbling teenage protagonist of _The Girl Next Door_, turns out to be an absolutely phenomenal actor.

About halfway through the movie, I realized that the soundtrack was outstanding, searched for it, and began downloading it. The download finished before the movie did. If you've ever liked anything that Eddie Vedder has done, then I highly recommend [the soundtrack](http://imdb.com/title/tt0758758/soundtrack). Think "Eddie Vedder does acoustic Springsteen-like album".

I've seen three of the five nominees for Best Picture last year, _No Country For Old Men_, _Atonement_, and _Juno_, and _Into The Wild_ beats them all, hands down, in my opinion. I see that it only got two nominations, Hal Holbrook, who was amazing, for Best Supporting Actor, and Best Editing.

Here's a link to the [trailer](http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount_vantage/intothewild/), but I think I enjoyed the movie even more coming from complete ignorance of the story. I had no idea what the protagonist would do next, and the adventurous plot was enhanced because of it.

So go see this movie. Best movie I've seen from 2007.


Into The Wild


<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-29-tessellation/2299473353_35be1023c9_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image post-thumb" title="Cookie Crust">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-29-tessellation/2299473353_763c8098ae_t.jpg" alt="Cookie Crust"/>
</a>

Last night Marga made a cheesecake for tonight's dinner party. The tiled cookie crust looked like photographic fodder, so I took a few shots. Just before serving, the dish that it's in will be turned upside down, leaving the crust you see here on the bottom of the cake. I can't wait! <a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-29-tessellation/2300269352_58a72c45c7_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Cookie Crust">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-29-tessellation/2300269352_edb767a46a_b.jpg" alt="Cookie Crust"/>
</a>


Tessellation


Put yourself in her shoes for a moment. You come home from a hard day's work, and find your husband, as always, in his office, working at his computer. You stand in the office doorway, exchange greetings, and start talking about your days. As you lean on it, the door slowly opens, revealing the rest of the room, and you see what is lying on the bed in the office. Your husband has not mentioned a single word to you beforehand about the object on the bed. Look at the photo below, think about what would go through your head, and then continue. <a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-28-you-should-have-seen-the-look-on-my-wifes-face/2297323991_324cb52bd2_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Flat Kailyn">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-28-you-should-have-seen-the-look-on-my-wifes-face/2297323991_275cdfe040.jpg" alt="Flat Kailyn"/>
</a>

Your husband sees your face, and starts stuttering the infamous, "Wait! I can explain! It's not what it looks like!" The whole time he's half-giggling about the absurdity of the situation.

### The Explanation

When I was visiting the US, I stopped by to see my high school chemistry teacher, who now lives down the street from my parents. Her son, who is my age, has a stepdaughter, named Kailyn, that is in elementary school. Kailyn's elementary school class has just read [Flat Stanley](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_Stanley) (disappointingly unrelated to [Flatland](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flatland)), a children's book about an unfortunate young lad who has a bulletin board fall on top of him and becomes flattened. Stanley then goes on to have adventures that only a two dimensional young child can have. As a project to go along with the book, Kailyn's class made 2D replicas of themselves and sent them off to faraway lands. To Kailyn, sending her replica to her stepfather's mother's house, in North Carolina, seemed like a faraway place.

Somehow the idea came up that it would be cool if I could take Flat Kailyn all the way to Spain with me, take some photos of Spanish things, and send her back (she fits, folded, in a manila envelope). And just yesterday, I pulled her out of her envelope to remind me to do, um, something with her soon.

Frankly, I'm a little disappointed that sending something to faraway places to be photographed was not [a completely unique idea](http://www.bitwrathploob.com/). With any luck, I'll be a big part in making some little girl the envy of her entire class.

But no matter what happens, it's all been worth it just to see the look on my dear Marga's face when she came home and caught me with a life-sized, two-dimensional, paper, finger-painted, blond woman in bed. Priceless.


You should have seen the look on my wife's face!


The photo I posted here [yesterday](/2008/02/26/expensive-coaster/) reminded me of another "still life" shot I took recently, so I figured I'd post it here too. Something about the juxtaposition of a $5 bill, an expensive laptop, and a can of cheap beer seems oddly artistic. <a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-27-more-beer-and-more-money/2258800336_4afbf34f4e_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="MacBook, Beer, and $5">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-27-more-beer-and-more-money/2258800336_75f469b43d.jpg" alt="MacBook, Beer, and $5"/>
</a>

Now _that_ is an expensive coaster!


More Beer and More Money


<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-27-tubemogul/2295992132_392bea3c69_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image post-thumb" title="TubeMogul - Graph">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-27-tubemogul/2295992132_bff121e3bf_t.jpg" alt="TubeMogul - Graph"/>
</a>

My mate, [Hubbers](http://www.hubbers.com/blog/?src=erikblog), pointed me towards an interesting new Web 2.0 startup the other day. [TubeMogul](http://www.tubemogul.com/) attempts to solve the problem of getting your videos out to as many video sharing websites as possible. [YouTube](http://youtube.com/) is the big daddy, and I'm still fond of [Revver](http://revver.com/), but there are plenty more that should not be left out if maximizing your viewership is your goal.  The general gist of what they do is this: You upload your video to them, give it a title, description, and tags, and then you click "launch!" and TubeMogul goes and uploads your video to lots of different video sharing sites _using your own credentials on those sites_, thus saving you the bandwidth and headache of doing it yourself. The important part is that, when the video reaches all those sites, the fact that you used TubeMogul as an upload tool is completely transparent. The videos are there just as if you had uploaded them manually.

Then they give you cool graphs, combining data from the various websites and displaying it nicely for easy understanding.[![TubeMogul - Graph](https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-27-tubemogul/2295992132_bff121e3bf.jpg)](http://www.tubemogul.com/embed.php?id=1e32f41240e3a25f99b9946a757204b1)

Click on the graph to see a flash version of it that you can mouseover and stuff.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-27-tubemogul/2295992334_5ee0c9f085_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="TubeMogul - Launch">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-27-tubemogul/2295992334_bbff9927ac.jpg" alt="TubeMogul - Launch"/>
</a>

This is what the launch screen looks like after all the videos have been uploaded.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-27-tubemogul/2295992372_49e3b5df00_o_d.png" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="TubeMogul - Viralize">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-27-tubemogul/2295992372_b875330718.jpg" alt="TubeMogul - Viralize"/>
</a>

Convenient links to immediately submit your video from the various video sites to the leading social bookmarking sites.

Also provided are little badges like this one: ![](http://www.tubemogul.com/makebadge.php?id=72759)

And they even give you the html code to quickly write hyperlink-heavy sentences like "See my video at [YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ70AwCDBFo), [Yahoo](http://video.yahoo.com/watch/2082035/6536743), [Google](http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6195608068189738913), [Revver](http://one.revver.com/watch/695369), [DailyMotion](http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4gbgz), [Blip.tv](http://www.blip.tv/file/684647), [Veoh](http://www.veoh.com/videos/v58917187aeTBCMk), [Crackle](http://www.crackle.com/#id=2191262) and [Stupid Videos](http://www.stupidvideos.com/video/just_plain_stupid/Total_Lunar_Eclipse__February_21_2008/)".

All in all it's a pretty clever idea and it's executed well. When I had a bit of confusion about the numbers being displayed on my report, I sent them an email. Within one hour, I exchanged 5 or 6 emails with a TubeMogul technician, and later that day, the page layout that had been the source of my confusion had been rectified on the site. I love when you send an email about a bug or suggestion and it gets fixed that quickly. It's very satisfying.

It's clear that TubeMogul is still in its infancy. The layout of the pages changes almost daily, as new features get added. I've only used it for [one video](/2008/02/21/total-lunar-eclipse/) so far, but I'm very happy with my experience and will continue to use it for my future videos.


TubeMogul


The other day I had a beer in hand and was looking around for a coaster to set it on. I couldn't find one, so I had to make do with the paper I had just lying around the house. <a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-26-expensive-coaster/2294740250_db53d971c7_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Expensive Coaster">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-26-expensive-coaster/2294740250_ff542513d1.jpg" alt="Expensive Coaster"/>
</a>

I'm accepting donations to buy me a coaster....or at least some better beer.


Expensive Coaster


First, a quick follow-up on my [previous post](/2007/12/15/whats-the-point-of-facebook/) in the "What's the point?" series about [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/). I've ceased to log into Facebook on any sort of regular basis. The same "you gotta sign up to see it" philosophy that I praised as clever now strikes me as the most repulsive element of its design. I'm continually notified that some friend or another has installed some Facebook "application" on their homepage, but when I click the inviting link to see what it's about, I have to agree to give the people that wrote the application some amount of my personal data. Screw that.

Strangely, the part of Facebook that I found to be initially the dumbest, the "what are you doing right now?" status, was the part that kept me logging in. And this is exactly the "problem" that Twitter hails itself as the solution to. So what the heck _is_ Twitter, you ask?

According to their main page,

> [Twitter](http://twitter.com/) is a service for friends, family, and co-workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?

To me, this sounds like the dumbest thing in the world. Why would I go to a website and enter "Preparing pork chops for dinner", and broadcast that to the world? It doesn't make any sense to me. Nor would I repeatedly go hit refresh on a web page to see what my friends are moaning about right now. For me, what makes Twitter work _at all_ is the [XMPP](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extensible_Messaging_and_Presence_Protocol) interface. That's geek talk for "it can be plugged into almost any instant messaging (i.e. chat) program". What does this do for Twitter? It makes it so that, whenever a friend posts a new message to Twitter, I get box that pops up and a sound _just like if they had sent me an instant message_. And I can respond _just like if I was responding to an instant message_. This is huge. I never have to actually go to Twitter's website or see any ads (there aren't any yet, but there will be). And it was using Twitter in this way that finally allowed me to "get it".

After using Twitter, off and on, for a couple weeks now. I've finally figured out how to think about it, and it's made all the difference. Think about this next sentence:

**Twitter is to instant messaging what blogging is to email.**

Blogging, to me, is about sharing thoughts and events and photos and adventures with lots of people I care about, _and that care about me_. When I want to tell my family and friends about what I did last weekend, I can either A) write a personalized email to each of them, B) write one email and send it to all of them, or C) write a blog entry about it. I don't know about you, but I don't like it when people _presume_, by sending me an email, that I will be interested in a long, detailed account of what they did yesterday. And I know that, back when method B was the way to disseminate personal stories, some of my recipients must have been annoyed. What I love about blogging is the open, unforced nature of it. The pressure to read and respond to a blog entry is _much_ lower than that of an email. I have some uncles that read every word I post here, and I have others that just aren't that interested. And that's fine. What blogging does is put that exclusion or inclusion in _their_ hands, and not in mine, when filling the email recipient list.

We're getting back to Twitter, but we've got one more stop to make. I've got some friends with whom I exchange a lot of urls via email. Some emails contain nothing more in the body than a url, and they get responded to with a one-line comment. I've received emails where the entire content of the email was "LOL!" If you don't know what that means, stop reading now, because Twitter is not for you. This is actually a slight abuse of email as a communication platform. I have other friends that use the proper platform for such messages: instant messaging. Instant messaging is like email, but faster, with less detail. Messages like "Hey, check this out!" or "Did you take the dog to the vet?" or "Dinner is at 7:00, right?" shouldn't require sending an entire email message. Instant messaging solves this problem perfectly.

But what if I have a url or a general gripe about the lines at the post office the world that I'd, ideally, like to send to 5 or 6 friends, with the same "you don't have to respond if you don't want to" freedom that I get from blogging? _THAT_ is what Twitter is for. People that care about my day-to-day griping or meme proliferation can subscribe to ("follow" in Twitter terminology) my Twitter feed and get updates sent to them in their instant messaging programs, or any other variety of methods, whenever I post something. And no one else has to know or care. Like with blogging, the burden of who gets informed is taken off of me.

And that...is the point of Twitter. QED.

For those of you that either don't want to sign up or are still living life without RSS feeds, I've placed my most recent Twitter messages on my sidebar. To get to the urls, you'll have to click on the "time ago" link to go to Twitter's website and then click on the url. Or you can always follow all my messages on [my Twitter homepage](http://twitter.com/erikinspain).


What's the point of Twitter?


<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-25-lake-wheeler-sunset/2291253822_0b7173a0f2_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Lake Wheeler Sunset">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-25-lake-wheeler-sunset/2291253822_5d9913a249_s.jpg" alt="Lake Wheeler Sunset"/>
</a>

Just a few more photos from my trip to the Motherland earlier this month. Every day commuting back home from work, I'd seen some gorgeous sunsets and finally, on the last day of work, I decided to stop the car next to Lake Wheeler, climb up the dam hill to the water, and take some photos of the sunset. There's just something about the setting sun reflected over water... <a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-25-lake-wheeler-sunset/2291252834_8d5aba9907_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Lake Wheeler Sunset">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-25-lake-wheeler-sunset/2291252834_4ddd8a6d46.jpg" alt="Lake Wheeler Sunset"/>
</a>

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-25-lake-wheeler-sunset/2291253822_0b7173a0f2_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Lake Wheeler Sunset">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-25-lake-wheeler-sunset/2291253822_5d9913a249.jpg" alt="Lake Wheeler Sunset"/>
</a>

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-25-lake-wheeler-sunset/2291254982_53203b2807_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Lake Wheeler Sunset">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-25-lake-wheeler-sunset/2291254982_9e3e5e3d32.jpg" alt="Lake Wheeler Sunset"/>
</a>


Lake Wheeler Sunset


<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289621924_36decd0c5f_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image post-thumb" title="Rusty Post">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289621924_d749efc9df_t.jpg" alt="Rusty Post"/>
</a>

We spent this past weekend in an intensive salsa dancing seminar in the picturesque Cantabrian town of Suances. The invited instructors were mostly from a Milan-based dance troupe called [Tropical Gem](http://www.tropicalgem.it/). My videos of the dance steps we learned are not unlike the ones I took [last year](/2007/03/12/dance-workshop-in-suances/), so I won't post them. The weather was spectacular, so on Saturday we took a little stroll on the beach. <a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2288781421_3ddb3576ae_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Semaphore Benches">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2288781421_a5fcfaca1a.jpg" alt="Semaphore Benches"/>
</a>

Some cool semaphore benches we could see from our hotel room balcony.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289576358_0370d92c28_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Ocean View">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289576358_8f33aed858.jpg" alt="Ocean View"/>
</a>

A view of the ocean from our balcony.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289579378_bdf9fb1882_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Kites">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289579378_6f49cbc18a.jpg" alt="Kites"/>
</a>

Kite fliers.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2288793715_6405627889_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Waves">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2288793715_be1e8c995f.jpg" alt="Waves"/>
</a>

Waves rolling in.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289594314_bc6e198b62_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Rocky">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289594314_6339ca9019.jpg" alt="Rocky"/>
</a>

A big rocky hill, a man, and a decrepit building.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289601924_d5446a863a_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Beach">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289601924_253b3be770.jpg" alt="Beach"/>
</a>

Looking up at the condos on the hill from where [this shot](http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikrasmussen/539707719/) was taken.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289606068_69e61b4ea9_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Crash!">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289606068_ab347bb701.jpg" alt="Crash!"/>
</a>

Crash!

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289613486_ed50c939d2_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Foamy">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289613486_80bd8b5525.jpg" alt="Foamy"/>
</a>

Foamy

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289617510_497067fbca_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Waves of waves">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289617510_e14ef71aee.jpg" alt="Waves of waves"/>
</a>

It was kind of entertaining watching these waves catch up and pass each other.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289618250_c1fa079878_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Kite Sliding">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289618250_fb5ef55208.jpg" alt="Kite Sliding"/>
</a>

These guys could slide quite a ways on the beach.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289621924_36decd0c5f_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Rusty Post">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289621924_d749efc9df.jpg" alt="Rusty Post"/>
</a>

Rusty post. Does anyone know the official name for these things? I know the little ones are called "cleats", but what about these large ones?

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289622266_b2dbec54df_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Orange Kite">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289622266_166c3ee74c.jpg" alt="Orange Kite"/>
</a>

Orange kite.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2288832771_709dfb5525_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Yellow Kite">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2288832771_79b1f9d2c6.jpg" alt="Yellow Kite"/>
</a>

Yellow kite.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289623044_b8a03cef15_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Dirty Butt">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289623044_3e388249d9.jpg" alt="Dirty Butt"/>
</a>

This guy's gonna be finding sand in his body crevices all week!

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2288838583_b8865120b9_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Mayday mayday!">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2288838583_55a1b1dd39.jpg" alt="Mayday mayday!"/>
</a>

Mayday! Mayday! We're going down!

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289563126_dde439ef49_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Tropical Gem">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-24-weekend-in-suances/2289563126_b7f5fd1654.jpg" alt="Tropical Gem"/>
</a>

This was the leader of the Italian troupe, Tropical Gem. He might be one of the most beautiful people I've seen in person. His charisma completely fills the stage. When he's around it's hard to look at anyone else. His body and the way he moves it are absolutely amazing. Even his matching tit tats are kinda cool. He wears nothing but expensive designer clothes and generally looks like a celebrity. [Here's the video](http://revver.com/video/201712/affiliate/20700/salsa-lesson-in-suances-4/) of him demonstrating what he taught us last year. To see him _really_ move, check out [this video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7IwkLcHeBI) from the finals of a world salsa competition in Puerto Rico.

When we got back home, we did some painting around our new windows that we had installed last week. I'll get a post in about that sometime soon when we have the finished "after" photos to show.


Weekend in Suances


[National Grandparents' Day](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Grandparents_Day) isn't until September, but I just saw my two remaining grandparents, and I thought they deserved a post. My maternal grandfather recently had an accident. He was impatient to get out of my parents' van and took a nose dive out of the passenger seat onto the pavement, breaking his arm near the shoulder in the process. By the time I saw him, he wasn't in much physical pain anymore, but was still mentally kicking himself for having the accident in the first place. His face was still pretty black and blue and he was already unamused by "You shoulda seen the other guy!" quips, despite that being exactly the kind of thing he'd say (let's just say I know where my wise cracking genes came from).

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-23-grandparents-2/2281898487_5fe9e78459_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Grandpa and Me">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-23-grandparents-2/2281898487_30ab5c3108.jpg" alt="Grandpa and Me"/>
</a>

Grandpa and me.

[My paternal grandmother](http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikrasmussen/262190511/) is still going strong, her weeks are full of gardening clubs and golf outings. She's even volunteering to do poor immigrants' taxes for free. Personally, I'm _already_ too old to study tax codes, so you can imagine how young _her_ mind is. Here's a video of her smacking a golf ball up tight next to the hole last Saturday.

revver(692610)

I took this video because, two years ago, on this same hole, I was standing behind her, like I was here, and she put the ball in the hole for a hole-in-one. She started playing golf in her 50's and needs two hands to count the eagles she's had. Amazing!

I love you both very much.


Grandparents


A "gravatar" is a "globally recognized [avatar](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatar_%28computing%29)". I can't remember why I signed up at [gravatar.com](http://site.gravatar.com/) about six months ago. Last October, [the company](http://automattic.com/) that runs [Wordpress](http://wordpress.com/), the software that runs this blog, [bought](http://blog.gravatar.com/2007/10/18/automattic-gravatar/) gravatar.com, so it's not surprising that there is [a Wordpress plugin](http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-gravatar/) to support gravatars. When I noticed that the new version of my [comment preview plugin](http://dev.wp-plugins.org/wiki/LiveCommentPreview) supports gravatars, I thought I'd give them a try here on my blog. I might not keep them, but it's a fun novelty for now. As implied, your gravatar should show up on other websites too, especially as [Metcalfe's Law](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metcalfe's_law) takes effect and more sites adopt them.

So go [sign up](http://site.gravatar.com/signup) and set your avatar for my blog comments!


Gravatars


<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2282130032_b165477038_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Total Eclipse">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2282130032_d37aabc83f_s.jpg" alt="Total Eclipse"/>
</a>

Last night there was a total lunar eclipse. There won't be another one for almost 3 years. Plus, it's the first astronomical event since buying my new camera. So I wasn't going to miss it. The only problem was that, in Spain, it occurred at 4:00 AM in the morning. The sky was overcast all day yesterday, so I figured there would be no way for me to see the eclipse, but at about midnight, all the clouds blew away and the heavens became clear. I wasn't very tired, so I decided to stay up until 4:00 AM instead of setting an alarm and going to bed. The things I do for my blog readers.... <a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2282102866_52c2b16ceb_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Moon Glare">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2282102866_5ec94c9f35.jpg" alt="Moon Glare"/>
</a>

Moon glare.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2282106810_82e668e1fd_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Moon">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2282106810_3b2a372e9f.jpg" alt="Moon"/>
</a>

Over exposure.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2282110598_f3ff15fd80_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Wispy Clouds">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2282110598_65fea55cda.jpg" alt="Wispy Clouds"/>
</a>

The last of the clouds pass by.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2282110744_ec42b6f23c_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Moon Ghost">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2282110744_4d92c56bdb.jpg" alt="Moon Ghost"/>
</a>

Lunar doppelgí¤nger.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2282111558_b58bb53c22_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Moon and two stars">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2282111558_0c954b0449.jpg" alt="Moon and two stars"/>
</a>

Saturn on the left, and Regulus on the right.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2281320469_821e5d9543_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Hexamoon">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2281320469_2d76af9107.jpg" alt="Hexamoon"/>
</a>

More glare and over exposure.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2282111834_d5f54c5fa8_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Lunar Eclipse with Ghost">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2282111834_06c2bf440f.jpg" alt="Lunar Eclipse with Ghost"/>
</a>

Another doppelgí¤nger.

It was about this time that I figured out that it was the UV filter on my lens that was causing all the hexagonal glare. Once that was removed, all was good.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2281320773_99095fddd9_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Eclipse">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2281320773_99095fddd9_o.jpg" alt="Eclipse"/>
</a>

More than half way now.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2282113650_e778644c72_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Oops, shutter open!">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2282113650_b8143ff77b.jpg" alt="Oops, shutter open!"/>
</a>

On this shot, I forgot that the shutter was open when I picked up my camera. When I realized the problem, I set it down again.

At 3:36 in the morning, the thought crossed my mind, "I wonder if I could write with the moon?"

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2282123904_041283eeb9_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Lunar E">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2282123904_0b4f26c277.jpg" alt="Lunar E"/>
</a>

My first initial, written with a lunar pen. I can neither confirm nor deny that this is my superhero call symbol.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2281338891_d9a50532fd_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Lunar Signature">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2281338891_43cc6ddd68.jpg" alt="Lunar Signature"/>
</a>

A sloppy signature. The E and R are clearly visible. It was tough because the viewfinder blacks out when the shutter opens, so I had to do it by feel alone.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2281338953_48d9822a56_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Eclipse">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2281338953_51e0afa23d.jpg" alt="Eclipse"/>
</a>

Approaching totality.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2282129912_359b348ddd_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Total Eclipse">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2282129912_359b348ddd_o.jpg" alt="Total Eclipse"/>
</a>

A little further!

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2282129958_5fd0a15976_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Total Eclipse">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2282129958_5fd0a15976_o.jpg" alt="Total Eclipse"/>
</a>

After much experimentation, I found that I got the best results when setting my camera to "Shutter priority" and setting the shutter speed to 1/6 or 1/8 seconds.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2282130032_b165477038_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Total Eclipse">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-21-total-lunar-eclipse/2282130032_b165477038_o.jpg" alt="Total Eclipse"/>
</a>

Total eclipse.

Of course the whole time I was out in the cold taking these shots, I had my [DIY Telephoto Lens](/2008/01/16/diy-telephoto-lens/) setup filming the moon whiz across the night sky. And now, for the feature presentation...

Thanks to [a service that I will write more about soon](/2008/02/27/tubemogul/), this video is also available on [YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ70AwCDBFo), [Yahoo](http://video.yahoo.com/watch/2082035/6536743), [Google](http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6195608068189738913), [Revver](http://one.revver.com/watch/695369), [DailyMotion](http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4gbgz), [Blip.tv](http://www.blip.tv/file/684647), [Veoh](http://www.veoh.com/videos/v58917187aeTBCMk), [Crackle](http://www.crackle.com/#id=2191262) and [Stupid Videos](http://www.stupidvideos.com/video/just_plain_stupid/Total_Lunar_Eclipse__February_21_2008/).


Total Lunar Eclipse


Just passing on some YouTubery that I stumbled on today. This guy's pretty amazing. Both of these videos are great. I'm particularly fond of the first one because of my disgust and adoration of misspelling and word games respectively.

### The The Impotence of Proofreading

### What Teachers Make

I'm just posting these since they were the first two I saw, but the rest of his stuff on YouTube is pretty spectacular too. One particularly great line from another video is:

> It is not enough, these days, to simply "question" authority. You gotta speak with it, too.


Taylor Mali


<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-20-yates-mill/2279459210_3a00ba8b87_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Mill">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-20-yates-mill/2279459210_43551cbced_s.jpg" alt="Mill"/>
</a>

On my week of commuting into work in Raleigh, NC, recently, I passed by a pretty cool-looking building: Yates Mill. According to [the web page](http://www.ncsu.edu/project/yates-mill/), a mill was first used on this site 250 years ago. That's like America's equivalent of one of Europe's still-standing ancient Roman structures. Except for demonstrative purposes, it hasn't milled anything for over 50 years. It is now a park run by NC State University.  I took these photos while standing on a bridge in the meter between the guard rail and the 45 mph commuter traffic, so you'd better appreciate these dam photos!

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-20-yates-mill/2278644203_533c4d7a7d_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Yates Mill">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-20-yates-mill/2278644203_90662871bb.jpg" alt="Yates Mill"/>
</a>

In case you were curious about the address.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-20-yates-mill/2279449646_ef1bc345ab_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Dam Waterfall">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-20-yates-mill/2279449646_316797d0c3.jpg" alt="Dam Waterfall"/>
</a>

This little area with the water falling over the dam is beautiful.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-20-yates-mill/2278663151_f838ea9d58_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Water Wheel">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-20-yates-mill/2278663151_d6720d77fb.jpg" alt="Water Wheel"/>
</a>

The water wheel.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-20-yates-mill/2279459210_3a00ba8b87_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Mill">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-20-yates-mill/2279459210_43551cbced.jpg" alt="Mill"/>
</a>

Wide angle.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-20-yates-mill/2278673293_de8feace02_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Water Snake Habitat??">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-20-yates-mill/2278673293_264bec8751.jpg" alt="Water Snake Habitat??"/>
</a>

Water snake habitat? Yikes! That's enough to keep _me_ out of there.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-20-yates-mill/2278675563_5c99ebc2c0_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="I Pod">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-20-yates-mill/2278675563_21de8c24c4.jpg" alt="I Pod"/>
</a>

This little cracked pod on the way back to the car demanded a photo too.

In case you're curious about exactly where Yates Mill is....you can even see the water wheel.

  

Not only that, but you can even see the mentioned guard rail in Google's [Street View](http://maps.google.com/maps?q=4620+Lake+Wheeler+Road,+Raleigh,+NC&ie=UTF8&om=1&ll=35.728085,-78.684125&spn=0.021739,0.045147&t=h&z=15&layer=c&cbll=35.718085,-78.686067&cbp=1,261.8058823529411,,0,5).


Yates Mill


[![Belgian Flag](https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-19-belgian-beer-night/74166492_b9203f647f_t.jpg)](http://www.flickr.com/photos/iifu/74166492/)On Monday, February 11, I went out with some of my high school hallmates to a specialty beer bar in Raleigh, called [The Raleigh Times Bar](http://www.raleightimesbar.com/). They had about 200 different beers on the menu, with a special section for Belgian Beers. I was pretty much in heaven. We had three different beers, each in 750 ml bottles, and each one came with a different glass, and each one was _completely_ unique and they were all _fantastic_! <a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-19-belgian-beer-night/2276960958_86149c39cc_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Pierre Celis Signature - Grotten Brown">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-19-belgian-beer-night/2276960958_4b6cb2709d.jpg" alt="Pierre Celis Signature - Grotten Brown"/>
</a>

[Pierre Celis Signature - Grotten Brown](http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/259/34498). A deep, smooth brown ale.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-19-belgian-beer-night/2276964180_7303c60973_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Hiver FantÃƒÂ´me">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-19-belgian-beer-night/2276964180_37cfdc4a65.jpg" alt="Hiver FantÃƒÂ´me"/>
</a>

[Hiver FantÃ´me](http://www.sheltonbrothers.com/beers/beerProfile.asp?BeerID=147), quite a terrifying label. The name must mean "Winter Ghost". [Their website](http://www.fantome.be/) is straight from 1998, frames and ugly background and all.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-19-belgian-beer-night/2276966986_29dc32321e_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Flemish Primitive Wild Ale">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-19-belgian-beer-night/2276966986_230f95541f.jpg" alt="Flemish Primitive Wild Ale"/>
</a>

[Flemish Primitive Wild Ale](http://www.sheltonbrothers.com/beers/beerProfile.asp?BeerID=123). At least these guys have a computer-looking thing on [their "website"](http://www.proefbrouwerij.com/).

[Simon](http://simonlitton.wordpress.com/), I'm coming to live with you.


Belgian Beer Night


This isn't quite as beautiful as [Van Gogh's painting](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Starry_Night), but I'm pretty happy with my first attempt at a 30-second night time exposure with my new camera. If you click on the image, you can see notes about each of the visible stars in Flickr. <a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-19-starry-night/2275138355_d04d2b9b78_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Starry Night">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-19-starry-night/2275138355_1a7bf30dbd.jpg" alt="Starry Night"/>
</a>

The application I used to identify the stars is [Stellarium](http://www.stellarium.org/), the best freeware application available for night sky watchers.


Starry Night


<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-18-frankfurt-to-bilbao-airline-photography/2274150710_f76b62ca34_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image post-thumb" title="Wolfskehlen">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-18-frankfurt-to-bilbao-airline-photography/2274150710_b4732bf225_t.jpg" alt="Wolfskehlen"/>
</a>

I finally made it back from my annual pond hop. My [single-serving friend](http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=single-serving+friend) on the flight from Charlotte to Frankfurt was a pretty interesting person. She was a tiny, 45-ish, Indonesian woman with a frustratingly huge amount of unused leg-room. Her husband is German, and they live together in Frankfurt, but her husband does most of his business work in Newark, New Jersey, which is where he was during our flight. Their children live in Indonesia. She was returning from Minnesota, where they have an apartment that they rent for most of the year, but she had just spent forty days there _ice fishing on Lake Superior_! Upon arriving in Frankfurt, she was going to spend only eight hours alone in their empty house (husband in New Jersey, remember) and then head to Indonesia to see the offspring. Pretty wild, huh?

On my flight from Frankfurt to Bilbao, [LH4502](http://www.flightstats.com/go/FlightStatus/flightStatusByFlight.do?id=118520752), I blatantly ignored the "please turn off any electronic devices" and took some photos out the window. It took me a while to figure out how there was a strip in the middle of each photo that wasn't in focus. It must be the stream of hot air shooting out of the engine. Rather amazingly, I was able to find almost all my subjects in Google Maps after landing. <a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-18-frankfurt-to-bilbao-airline-photography/2273345227_ae4325a2fa_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Frankfurt">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-18-frankfurt-to-bilbao-airline-photography/2273345227_8021b3fb94.jpg" alt="Frankfurt"/>
</a>

Afternoon sun in Frankfurt.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-18-frankfurt-to-bilbao-airline-photography/2274144268_00f8e3480d_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Wing, Clouds, Mountain">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-18-frankfurt-to-bilbao-airline-photography/2274144268_f266968fcd.jpg" alt="Wing, Clouds, Mountain"/>
</a>

Wing, cloud, and mountain.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-18-frankfurt-to-bilbao-airline-photography/2274150710_f76b62ca34_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Wolfskehlen">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-18-frankfurt-to-bilbao-airline-photography/2274150710_b4732bf225.jpg" alt="Wolfskehlen"/>
</a>

Wolfskehlen. I loved the dense little shape of this village, surrounded by farm land. I still can't believe that I actually [found it](http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&ie=UTF8&ll=49.854144,8.499985&spn=0.015882,0.023475&t=h&z=15) in Google Maps.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-18-frankfurt-to-bilbao-airline-photography/2273361027_f714b3dd21_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Gernsheim and Biebesheim am Rhein">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-18-frankfurt-to-bilbao-airline-photography/2273361027_d76e422b74.jpg" alt="Gernsheim and Biebesheim am Rhein"/>
</a>

A windy part of the [Rhine](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhine). The towns are [Gernsheim and Biebesheim am Rhein](http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&ie=UTF8&ll=49.763304,8.465137&spn=0.063647,0.093899&t=h&z=13).

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-18-frankfurt-to-bilbao-airline-photography/2273365797_e5d41eca28_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Saint Jean de Luz">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-18-frankfurt-to-bilbao-airline-photography/2273365797_bd29c0ac05.jpg" alt="Saint Jean de Luz"/>
</a>

[Saint Jean de Luz](http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=saint+jean+de+luz&sll=49.763304,8.465137&sspn=0.063647,0.093899&ie=UTF8&ll=43.389706,-1.672325&spn=0.035802,0.046949&t=h&z=14). I had no idea what this was when I photographed it, but it looked pretty cool.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-18-frankfurt-to-bilbao-airline-photography/2273370011_7fe22747cf_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Basque Bridge">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-18-frankfurt-to-bilbao-airline-photography/2273370011_944a944098.jpg" alt="Basque Bridge"/>
</a>

A raised bridge to ease travel through the mountainous Basque Country.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-18-frankfurt-to-bilbao-airline-photography/2274169696_0e0f761977_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Windmills">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-18-frankfurt-to-bilbao-airline-photography/2274169696_7818004f83.jpg" alt="Windmills"/>
</a>

Windmills on a mountain ridge.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-18-frankfurt-to-bilbao-airline-photography/2273379385_54314a4805_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Sopelana">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-18-frankfurt-to-bilbao-airline-photography/2273379385_f6b3d911e5.jpg" alt="Sopelana"/>
</a>

[Sopelana](http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=sopelana&sll=43.389706,-1.672325&sspn=0.035802,0.046949&ie=UTF8&ll=43.388333,-2.996178&spn=0.035803,0.046949&t=h&z=14), Spain.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-18-frankfurt-to-bilbao-airline-photography/2273383753_19a8e5c0ac_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Sopelana">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-18-frankfurt-to-bilbao-airline-photography/2273383753_85990f6ca5.jpg" alt="Sopelana"/>
</a>

A cool shot along the coast near Sopelana.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-18-frankfurt-to-bilbao-airline-photography/2273388317_687027695a_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Laredo?">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-18-frankfurt-to-bilbao-airline-photography/2273388317_22d24b52c5.jpg" alt="Laredo?"/>
</a>

I'm pretty sure that this is a cloudy, sideways view of Mount Buciero (that mountain at the top of this blog) and the tip of Laredo.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-18-frankfurt-to-bilbao-airline-photography/2273392749_3829c065f6_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Castro Urdiales">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-18-frankfurt-to-bilbao-airline-photography/2273392749_aab7d2be8a.jpg" alt="Castro Urdiales"/>
</a>

[Castro Urdiales](http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&ie=UTF8&ll=43.387024,-3.220453&spn=0.017902,0.023475&t=h&z=15), a town we've visited once and pass a lot on the motorway.

And finally I arrived in Bilbao, with a rather windy landing. For the first time ever, my bags were the two of the first six on the conveyor belt. And there was my lovely wife, smiling at me when I walked outside, ready to take me home.


Frankfurt to Bilbao - Airline Photography


This week, I've been staying at my grandmother's house and commuting into Raleigh to work. Some of the farm land I have to drive through to get there is truly gorgeous. <a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-14-road-to-work/2265166079_f4af4594c6_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Morning Tree">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-14-road-to-work/2265166079_23d0ece320.jpg" alt="Morning Tree"/>
</a>

Morning tree. How 'bout that lens flare!

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-14-road-to-work/2265957176_07eaf9d7ba_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="No Trespassing">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-14-road-to-work/2265957176_bb342f9155.jpg" alt="No Trespassing"/>
</a>

No Trespassing.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-14-road-to-work/2265957950_bcbafdbc02_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Ron Paul for Prez">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-14-road-to-work/2265957950_38cf0fb14b.jpg" alt="Ron Paul for Prez"/>
</a>

Ron Paul for President! Woohoo!

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-14-road-to-work/2265167793_d5644fcb0f_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="White House">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-14-road-to-work/2265167793_26412d7f9c.jpg" alt="White House"/>
</a>

I love the flash reflected in this window.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-14-road-to-work/2265958896_dfef0d5abd_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Tractor Tires">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-14-road-to-work/2265958896_4453a02280.jpg" alt="Tractor Tires"/>
</a>

Tractor wheels.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-14-road-to-work/2265959788_d422258038_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Puddle">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-14-road-to-work/2265959788_884050a8de.jpg" alt="Puddle"/>
</a>

Puddle reflection.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-14-road-to-work/2265960212_d17d465eb7_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Irrigation">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-14-road-to-work/2265960212_04b73991ce.jpg" alt="Irrigation"/>
</a>

Long irrigation system.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-14-road-to-work/2265169981_ab88f114c1_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Irrigation 2">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-14-road-to-work/2265169981_0b7447e5b0.jpg" alt="Irrigation 2"/>
</a>

Head on.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-14-road-to-work/2265961192_121b9ede5b_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Irrigation Triangles">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-14-road-to-work/2265961192_e2919a16cf.jpg" alt="Irrigation Triangles"/>
</a>

Zoomed in to highlight the triangles.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-14-road-to-work/2265961320_891cd5eaf8_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="True Love on Valentine's Day">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-14-road-to-work/2265961320_8ee2c55f6e.jpg" alt="True Love on Valentine's Day"/>
</a>

And finally, the famous "True Love" sign, seen [here](http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikrasmussen/173148521/) with my valentine five years ago.

Happy Valentine's Day, Marga!


Road To Work


<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-13-headless-grinch/2263768858_86038f053b_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Headless Grinch">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-13-headless-grinch/2263768858_e48efd9dc2_s.jpg" alt="Headless Grinch"/>
</a>

I'm working at the office this week, like I did [last year](/2007/02/13/at-the-office/). It's pretty weird. Here at the office, they have an incredibly creepy Headless Grinch in one of the back storage rooms. Apparently the folks in Whoville figured out how to build a guillotine. <a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-13-headless-grinch/2263768858_86038f053b_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Headless Grinch">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-13-headless-grinch/2263768858_e48efd9dc2.jpg" alt="Headless Grinch"/>
</a>

Creepy, huh?

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-13-headless-grinch/2263769418_43e49f8c16_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Grinch Head">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-13-headless-grinch/2263769418_b8b4c8b3b4.jpg" alt="Grinch Head"/>
</a>

I found his head back between two computer corpses.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-13-headless-grinch/2263769914_1988b6c759_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Beady Yellow Eyes">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-13-headless-grinch/2263769914_604b51acbe.jpg" alt="Beady Yellow Eyes"/>
</a>

Beady yellow eyes.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-13-headless-grinch/2263770372_22cd416c0d_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Grinch Neck Arteries">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-13-headless-grinch/2263770372_80661a7129.jpg" alt="Grinch Neck Arteries"/>
</a>

The little gears in his neck are pretty disturbing. I have to imagine that his eyes (or brows?) moved originally.


Headless Grinch


<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258827826_6c0c02355b_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image post-thumb" title="Myrtle Beach Classic Participants">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258827826_af8a8e0545_t.jpg" alt="Myrtle Beach Classic Participants"/>
</a>

Every year I play in a golf tournament organized by my father in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This year there were 16 participants staying in 4 condos playing golf in a 3-day tournament. I played excellent golf and ended up tied with the leader after all 54 holes, but I lost in a scorecard playoff.  I took tons of photos with my new camera. They are all available in [this Flickr set](http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikrasmussen/sets/72157603893519269/) ([slideshow](http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikrasmussen/sets/72157603893519269/show/)), but I will post a few of my favorites here.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2257944657_652e947bf8_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Full Van">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2257944657_b599b700e0.jpg" alt="Full Van"/>
</a>

Got the van loaded.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258746936_733a19b6a9_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Trophies Angled">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258746936_cb60bce73c.jpg" alt="Trophies Angled"/>
</a>

The trophies.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2257956087_527f073524_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Paul and Jeff">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2257956087_45b53675ec.jpg" alt="Paul and Jeff"/>
</a>

The Committee gets [an award](http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikrasmussen/2257955099/) for organizing the tournament for 10 years.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258760068_5fd315d8f6_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Pokering">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258760068_93e10de0cc.jpg" alt="Pokering"/>
</a>

Poker chips.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2257964333_429d04598a_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Jake Swing 2 of 3">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2257964333_0038a518a8.jpg" alt="Jake Swing 2 of 3"/>
</a>

Action shot of Jacob on driving range.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2257970209_20eaeed663_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Whiskey">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2257970209_9e3f2e490a.jpg" alt="Whiskey"/>
</a>

Johnny Walker

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258769028_e258d65a6e_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Special Label">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258769028_c59bf8abc4.jpg" alt="Special Label"/>
</a>

Awesome custom The Glenlivet bottle to bribe The Committee.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258772582_24ce348bfb_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Drinks at Sunset">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258772582_4b0c0dc20d.jpg" alt="Drinks at Sunset"/>
</a>

Keith, Phil, and me, having drinks at sunset.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2257977431_535b32b072_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Snacks for all">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2257977431_725cc01e4a.jpg" alt="Snacks for all"/>
</a>

Hor dâ€™oeuvres.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2257976947_05899e6161_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Mmmm!!">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2257976947_ee54bdc3af.jpg" alt="Mmmm!!"/>
</a>

Little roll thingies.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2257978445_8a14c27fe3_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Scallops wrapped in bacon">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2257978445_51cdf65009.jpg" alt="Scallops wrapped in bacon"/>
</a>

Scallops wrapped in bacon = heaven on a toothpick.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258776330_227dd24314_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Tiger Woods Pre-Nike-Contract Bobblehead Doll">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258776330_c4b18bc7f5.jpg" alt="Tiger Woods Pre-Nike-Contract Bobblehead Doll"/>
</a>

Tiger Woods Pre-Nike-Contract Bobblehead Doll, the trophy for most improved performance from Friday to Saturday. This year it went to Jacob.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2257979865_457a94bf92_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Blues 2">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2257979865_0cb21bb262.jpg" alt="Blues 2"/>
</a>

Playin' da blues.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258781392_c7d3120047_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Dennis Sings">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258781392_95b35fe228.jpg" alt="Dennis Sings"/>
</a>

Dennis belts out a tune.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258785882_2c0a0f61c9_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Erik Strumming">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258785882_fbbc43f8a6.jpg" alt="Erik Strumming"/>
</a>

My sweet strumming technique.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258787630_e48f063902_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Jacob and John">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258787630_0074ed9410.jpg" alt="Jacob and John"/>
</a>

Jacob and John.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2257992115_2ebd779c9e_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Whiskey and Chips">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2257992115_62dc8d972a.jpg" alt="Whiskey and Chips"/>
</a>

Whiskey and chips.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258000603_d27ce41f85_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Spectator Poker">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258000603_89e0853fbc.jpg" alt="Spectator Poker"/>
</a>

Poker tournament.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258799896_b956c256ee_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Turtles on a Log">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258799896_2267dab42e.jpg" alt="Turtles on a Log"/>
</a>

Turtles on a log.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258799994_ce27f97432_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Turtles and Ducks on Log">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258799994_4d20eb9da5.jpg" alt="Turtles and Ducks on Log"/>
</a>

Turtles and ducks.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258005365_547d71f240_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Al Bocce Whiskey">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258005365_129b110dcb.jpg" alt="Al Bocce Whiskey"/>
</a>

Bocce ball and whiskey.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258014041_523b8f7c0e_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Monkey's Uncle">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258014041_fb0d43c0c0.jpg" alt="Monkey's Uncle"/>
</a>

Monkey's Uncle award.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258819314_c065c8cd6e_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Hanging Poker Trophy">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258819314_da6c2663f0.jpg" alt="Hanging Poker Trophy"/>
</a>

Suspended poker tournament trophy.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258827826_6c0c02355b_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Myrtle Beach Classic Participants">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-12-myrtle-beach-classic-2008/2258827826_af8a8e0545.jpg" alt="Myrtle Beach Classic Participants"/>
</a>

All the participants.

As always, I had a great time, and I can't wait to see all you fellas next year.

Again, all the photos I took are available to [browse here](http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikrasmussen/sets/72157603893519269/), or in a [slideshow here](http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikrasmussen/sets/72157603893519269/show/).


Myrtle Beach Classic 2008


<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-06-historic-morganton-courthouse/2245988348_92b827ec4e_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Historic Morganton Courthouse">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-06-historic-morganton-courthouse/2245988348_f4f576a36e_s.jpg" alt="Historic Morganton Courthouse"/>
</a>

Today we had some amazing weather here in western North Carolina. Sunny and 25° C. After lunch, I took a walk around the old historic courthouse, the main historical landmark in downtown Morganton. <a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-06-historic-morganton-courthouse/2245982414_a980016dd8_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Confederate Soldier Monument">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-06-historic-morganton-courthouse/2245982414_b5551fa754.jpg" alt="Confederate Soldier Monument"/>
</a>

A soldier monument honoring fallen Confederate soldiers. The South will rise again! Yeehaw.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-06-historic-morganton-courthouse/2245188401_d990aef469_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Old Courthouse">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-06-historic-morganton-courthouse/2245188401_9ce2a023c6.jpg" alt="Old Courthouse"/>
</a>

Wide angle courthouse.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-06-historic-morganton-courthouse/2245986056_95e221a13d_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Courthouse dome">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-06-historic-morganton-courthouse/2245986056_7ffaf0c620.jpg" alt="Courthouse dome"/>
</a>

Dome.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-06-historic-morganton-courthouse/2245988348_92b827ec4e_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Historic Morganton Courthouse">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-06-historic-morganton-courthouse/2245988348_f4f576a36e.jpg" alt="Historic Morganton Courthouse"/>
</a>

Another angle.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-06-historic-morganton-courthouse/2245990124_e7575bcbab_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Tepee on Courthouse Lawn">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-06-historic-morganton-courthouse/2245990124_9480d6c1e7.jpg" alt="Tepee on Courthouse Lawn"/>
</a>

Some sort of tepee demonstration. Those Indians think they can just come onto our land and live there! Hardly seems fair.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-06-historic-morganton-courthouse/2245991590_a9f18a55d4_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Tip-top Tepee Top">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-06-historic-morganton-courthouse/2245991590_a16a7b6344.jpg" alt="Tip-top Tepee Top"/>
</a>

Conic tepee vertex. I like this shot.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-06-historic-morganton-courthouse/2245993430_9d33619474_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Senator Sam J Erving">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-06-historic-morganton-courthouse/2245993430_6320814ea3.jpg" alt="Senator Sam J Erving"/>
</a>

Yosemite Senator [Samuel J. Ervin Jr.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Ervin) He headed the Watergate investigation, I'm told.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-06-historic-morganton-courthouse/2245995162_149afb5d16_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Senator Sam J Erving with bubblegum?">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-06-historic-morganton-courthouse/2245995162_6b8abdae7e.jpg" alt="Senator Sam J Erving with bubblegum?"/>
</a>

Looks like he's got some green bubble gum.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-06-historic-morganton-courthouse/2245201237_50b2556346_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Handicap Mustang">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-06-historic-morganton-courthouse/2245201237_330561994c.jpg" alt="Handicap Mustang"/>
</a>

A sweet red mustang seemed like an odd car for a handicap tag.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-06-historic-morganton-courthouse/2245997916_36edca38a7_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Table Rock">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-06-historic-morganton-courthouse/2245997916_47bf067799.jpg" alt="Table Rock"/>
</a>

Table Rock, the symbol of Burke County, always seen on the horizon. I [went to the top](http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikrasmussen/157817265/) in 2003.

Having lived as an expat for so long, I find that all places, even my home town, are foreign enough to me to be photographed with curiosity. Funny that.


Historic Morganton Courthouse


I'm blogging from my hometown's first wifi-enabled coffee shop. Woohoo! I've never felt more like a Mac yuppie as I did just now when my MacBook Pro's screen dimmed as I was spreading cream cheese on my bagel.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-05-happy-fat-super-tuesday/2244462248_133b01f482_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Coffee shop across from courthouse">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-05-happy-fat-super-tuesday/2244462248_d01f173fc9.jpg" alt="Coffee shop across from courthouse"/>
</a>

That's the old Morganton courthouse in the background. Lots of hangings there in the old days.


Happy Fat Super Tuesday


To better familiarize myself with my new camera, I just took a little photographic safari around my parents' house, snapping wildlife and interesting objects. <a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2242358541_7f965a5e34_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Sam Face 1">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2242358541_b2e749f5d9.jpg" alt="Sam Face 1"/>
</a>

Sam's face.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2242361099_3caaa9f31a_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Sam Face 2">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2242361099_08a3105746.jpg" alt="Sam Face 2"/>
</a>

He was not pleased at being awoken from slumber.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2242363239_65c0fc9a5c_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Sam Face 3">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2242363239_fe50f481e2.jpg" alt="Sam Face 3"/>
</a>

Wide angle Westie.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2242365535_5cea81a440_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Buster">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2242365535_058900df93.jpg" alt="Buster"/>
</a>

Buster was also at his day job.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2242367965_684cf1c35f_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Springer Profile">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2242367965_147afaa77e.jpg" alt="Springer Profile"/>
</a>

Springer profile.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2243162230_11b8483a63_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Urn">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2243162230_3b5c65049c.jpg" alt="Urn"/>
</a>

An urn containing some of my grandmother.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2242374115_a268c0a295_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Young Parents">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2242374115_c00c41c0d0.jpg" alt="Young Parents"/>
</a>

My parents when they were younger than I am now. They had a little bluegrass band.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2242374099_8781623b4e_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Week Clock">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2242374099_838b333998.jpg" alt="Week Clock"/>
</a>

My mother got this as a joke for my father for when he retires (to know what day of the week it is), but she couldn't wait until he retires to give it to him, so they put it up already.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2243168242_9237bd53c8_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Stuffed Cerberus">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2243168242_b79e22cfda.jpg" alt="Stuffed Cerberus"/>
</a>

A stuffed Cerberus doll guards the encyclopedias.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2242377701_54229fdfff_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Westie Windsock">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2242377701_2695fd5e69.jpg" alt="Westie Windsock"/>
</a>

Westie windsock.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2243174178_7de6077295_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Deck Table">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2243174178_907447c660.jpg" alt="Deck Table"/>
</a>

A cool cover on the deck table.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2242381799_d1deda51bb_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Westie Wind Chimes">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2242381799_c74a9c3651.jpg" alt="Westie Wind Chimes"/>
</a>

Westie wind chimes. Have you noticed a theme?

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2243176814_9ffa5e1c69_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Indoor Westie">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-04-dog-heads-and-more/2243176814_407a6616af.jpg" alt="Indoor Westie"/>
</a>

Indoor westie.

That's all for now.


Dog Heads And More


After arriving at 19:00, we had dinner and I was in bed by 20:45. With the darn timezone switch, I couldn't sleep past about 4:30 the next morning. So I got up and played around with my brand new Canon EOS 40D camera. I took about 100 shots of my parents' guest room, only one of which is worth sharing. The rest are of my folks' four pets. <a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-03-first-photos-with-new-camera/2240318842_75e22eab36_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Guest Room">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-03-first-photos-with-new-camera/2240318842_10d0af4fc8.jpg" alt="Guest Room"/>
</a>

Wide angle with flash reflected through the mirror onto the wall.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-03-first-photos-with-new-camera/2240319706_0b539bcb22_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Fluffy Profile">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-03-first-photos-with-new-camera/2240319706_3a13ec01cf.jpg" alt="Fluffy Profile"/>
</a>

Fluffy profile. "Baby" is her name. She used to be an indoor cat, but she hasn't set a foot indoors since the three dogs arrived.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-03-first-photos-with-new-camera/2240320294_61245a0dfc_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Can someone clean this glass?">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-03-first-photos-with-new-camera/2240320294_c9c2a6b9f8.jpg" alt="Can someone clean this glass?"/>
</a>

The glass could use a little scrubbing.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-03-first-photos-with-new-camera/2240323366_a26070d91c_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Is that a EOS 40D??">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-03-first-photos-with-new-camera/2240323366_032ddaacb8.jpg" alt="Is that a EOS 40D??"/>
</a>

Sam wants to know if that's a real Canon EOS 40D.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-03-first-photos-with-new-camera/2240326460_609a1e7afe_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Curled up">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-03-first-photos-with-new-camera/2240326460_a2d4eb3371.jpg" alt="Curled up"/>
</a>

Buster curled up on the love seat.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-03-first-photos-with-new-camera/2239541491_fcdcb730a8_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Blue and Paul">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-03-first-photos-with-new-camera/2239541491_d38fc19b8e.jpg" alt="Blue and Paul"/>
</a>

Blue, Paul, and the iMac.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-03-first-photos-with-new-camera/2240329340_998747cc45_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Clubs in the living room">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-03-first-photos-with-new-camera/2240329340_f485069232.jpg" alt="Clubs in the living room"/>
</a>

My father tries out the 40D with me and my golf clubs in the living room.


First photos with new camera


You know, I'm really fed up with having to stay up late, and then wait the entire _two hours_ that it takes people to post the Super Bowl commercials to the internet. It's been several years now, and I just can't take it anymore. So this year, I'm going across the pond to watch all the clever beer and smart phone ads _in real time_ with the rest of my beer-guzzling, Dorito-cramming, guacamole-finger-licking countrymen... ...oh, and I'm going to see family and friends too.

Right now, while my server is dutifully posting this blog entry, I'm somewhere in the air over the Atlantic. The next post won't be from Spain.

Since I'm sure you're disappointed with the length of this post, why don't you go remind yourself about [the significance of this day](/2007/02/02/happy-groundhog-imbolc-candlemas-day/).


Heading West


<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-01-buckler-candle-safety/2233856221_dddf9e2afa_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Candle Safety Instructions">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-01-buckler-candle-safety/2233856221_99cf6cdf8b_s.jpg" alt="Candle Safety Instructions"/>
</a>

Welcome to another installment of "Erik can't think of what to blog about so he's photographing items on his desk, many of which he's not sure how they got there, but they sort of 'belong' now". In researching for this entry, I found this hilarious Wikipedia page about [Buckler Beer](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buckler_(beer)).  Buckler is a "non-alcoholic" beer that I've never seen outside of Spain, but apparently it's sold in other European countries as well. Frankly, I've never had the stuff because I prefer my lager _como diós manda_. The two golden anecdotes, all well referenced and apparently true, from the Wikipedia page are:

1. The Buckler brand had to be withdrawn from the Dutch market after a cabaret singer made snide remarks about it during a show in 1989. That's insanity. That's like the equivalent of Chris Rock making fun of Cherry 7-Up and then everyone not buying it anymore. Are the Dutch really that impressionable?
2. In July 2007, my beloved, but _**alcoholic**_, president was seen drinking the _not-completely-alcohol-free_ Buckler beer at _A SUMMIT OF WORLD LEADERS_ shortly before the infamous "Merkel Massage". Is there _nothing_ that man does that doesn't warrant a forehead slap and a "What were you _thinking_?"

Anyway, back to the candle.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-01-buckler-candle-safety/2233855409_ab09b0e997_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Buckler Candle Tin">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-01-buckler-candle-safety/2233855409_51e6b56224.jpg" alt="Buckler Candle Tin"/>
</a>

Silvery cylinder. It's full of fragrant blue wax.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-01-buckler-candle-safety/2234644368_a3f1a26f9c_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Tin Bottom">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-01-buckler-candle-safety/2234644368_1f6f4221de.jpg" alt="Tin Bottom"/>
</a>

Ooh! Instructions on candle safety on the bottom! _Ojo! Una vela encendida puede ser un peligro._

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-01-buckler-candle-safety/2233856221_dddf9e2afa_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Candle Safety Instructions">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2008-02-01-buckler-candle-safety/2233856221_99cf6cdf8b.jpg" alt="Candle Safety Instructions"/>
</a>

Let's work these from left-to-right, top-to-bottom. Or click the image to see notes on Flickr, if you prefer.

1. I got this one. If you're not there, the candle shouldn't be there either. In other words, keep the candle with you at all times.
2. No idea here. Is that a little R2D2 robot that the sun is bending the candle towards? Any ideas?
3. Easy. Avoid trapezoidal candles.
4. Hmm... Don't turn the pages of your book near the candle?
5. Okay. If you've got curtains on your window, don't leave your candle in the part of the window where there aren't curtains.
6. Easy. 10 centimeters between candles for maximum romantic atmosphere.
7. Oh, I know. That's one of those little snuffer things that no one ever uses.

So there you have it, folks. I've managed to make fun of the entire nation of Holland, President Bush, and candle quality control agent A-78811577 all in one post.


26 posts from February, 2008