
Occasionally I have publishable thoughts that are more than [140 characters long](http://twitter.com/erikras), but not long enough for a full blog entry. To allow an outlet for these I'm going to start a series of monthly blog posts where I let these thoughts accumulate, and then I publish them at the end of the month.

The way Apple gives free Apple logo stickers with every product is pure marketing genius. What do people do with stickers? They stick them on things. Not only that, but they stick them in places that will be seen by other people, thus making your logo even more ubiquitous. Genius!

After watching an unhealthy amount of streaming NASA TV recently, it occurs to me that someone putting a satellite in orbit should include an HD video camera pointed towards Earth at all times. I'd tune to that channel and just leave it on my television for a long, long time. They could even put _small_ ads at the bottom.

Note to self: When moving a rotten pear from the fruit basket to the trash, do not assume that the stem will support its weight. When they hit the floor, they explode into a gooey sauce that resembles human vomit, both in color, consistency, and desirability to clean up.


Stuff I Thunk - May 2009


<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-30-more-dresses/3578941670_ebfecbb973_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image post-thumb" title="Flowery Dress">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-30-more-dresses/3578941670_2003f0da2b_t.jpg" alt="Flowery Dress"/>
</a>

Nora has such an enormous queue of clothing to try on in her wardrobe that it's daunting to even consider. With the summery weather this week we've used three summer dresses, [the pink one](/2009/05/28/blanket-face/), and the two you see below. So far, I think we have bought her three, maybe four, outfits, and we have received about 50 as gifts. This kid has an impressive wardrobe, I tell you. <a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-30-more-dresses/3578128213_823fdd26f6_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Flowery Dress">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-30-more-dresses/3578128213_e93d762410_b.jpg" alt="Flowery Dress"/>
</a>

This dress, given to us by a local friend, Elena, is awfully short, even by 1960's standards.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-30-more-dresses/3578134123_f8c18c7a1a_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Flowery Dress">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-30-more-dresses/3578134123_83197dec3f.jpg" alt="Flowery Dress"/>
</a>

But it comes with a bonnet, so it's okay.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-30-more-dresses/3578142705_f3bdd17ef5_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Flowery Dress With Mom">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-30-more-dresses/3578142705_4cefb14cfe.jpg" alt="Flowery Dress With Mom"/>
</a>

Looking good with Mommy.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-30-more-dresses/3578951366_7b38b0d980_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="On The Master Bed">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-30-more-dresses/3578951366_1423b1cf90.jpg" alt="On The Master Bed"/>
</a>

Asleep this morning on Mommy and Daddy's enormous bed.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-30-more-dresses/3578148435_c2575dec28_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Camouflage">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-30-more-dresses/3578148435_21d8124836.jpg" alt="Camouflage"/>
</a>

When I rotated her 90°, she disappeared completely. You gotta be careful with these camouflage baby outfits. These sleeveless onesies are paramount to wearing a summer dress properly.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-30-more-dresses/3578957904_451f59d846_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Second Class Pooh Stamp">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-30-more-dresses/3578957904_a83c2fedb2.jpg" alt="Second Class Pooh Stamp"/>
</a>

Nora found this second-class Pooh stamp a little offensive. She's first-class all the way!

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-30-more-dresses/3578961808_28c1768979_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Butterfly Dress">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-30-more-dresses/3578961808_541aa047a4_b.jpg" alt="Butterfly Dress"/>
</a>

The butterfly dress she wore today.

On behalf of Nora and family, I hope you're having a great weekend.


More Dresses


<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-28-blanket-face/3573913512_7351f19c9b_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image post-thumb" title="First Worn Summer Dress">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-28-blanket-face/3573913512_d702350c28_t.jpg" alt="First Worn Summer Dress"/>
</a>

Today the weather was very nice and Nora wore a dress for the first time (if you don't count [the baptism](/2009/05/21/noras-baptism-pictures/)). I also filmed a favorite1 game of Nora's, which, for lack of a better name, I'll call Blanket Face. The gist of the game involves Marga throwing a blanket over Nora's face and then removing it. This "blindness quickly replaced by Mommy's loving face" provides the [shock-relief cycle](/2009/02/13/conversations-with-a-pregnant-woman-episode-4-dont-have-a-cow/) that is the basis of human laughter, and this activity elicits the closest thing Nora has to laughter.

First some summer dress photos, and then a video of Blanket Face in action.<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-28-blanket-face/3573104151_18777dcded_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="First Worn Summer Dress">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-28-blanket-face/3573104151_17f72ca7f4.jpg" alt="First Worn Summer Dress"/>
</a>

On the changing table.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-28-blanket-face/3573913512_7351f19c9b_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="First Worn Summer Dress">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-28-blanket-face/3573913512_d702350c28.jpg" alt="First Worn Summer Dress"/>
</a>

Somewhat smiling on the bed.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-28-blanket-face/3573917898_92738ab484_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="First Worn Summer Dress with Mommy">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-28-blanket-face/3573917898_40687952c2.jpg" alt="First Worn Summer Dress with Mommy"/>
</a>

Looking good in Mommy's arms.

Blanket Face is not only a fun pastime, but also didactic about what to do if you see someone on fire!

This video is also available on [YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frzgGf7LRrU), [Yahoo](http://video.yahoo.com/watch/5182103/13701161), [Metacafe](http://www.metacafe.com/watch/2891509/), [DailyMotion](http://www.dailymotion.com/video/15824642), [Blip.tv](http://www.blip.tv/file/2170382), [Veoh](http://www.veoh.com/videos/v18530006Fg57SbXf), [StupidVideos](http://www.stupidvideos.com/video/just_plain_stupid/Blanket_Face/), [Sclipo](http://sclipo.com/video/blanket-face) and [Viddler](http://www.viddler.com/explore/rasman1978/videos/57/).

1Excluding [bath time](/2009/04/11/bath-time/) or any activity involving fluids entering or leaving her body.


Blanket Face


One of the most forehead-slappingly clever iPhone app ideas I've heard is [iNap](http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=290401644&mt=8), an alarm clock for public transportation commuters to wake them up when they get close to their intended stop. Rather than setting a timer, you set the location of your stop on a map and then your iPhone 3G follows your location and the alarm goes off when you are within a specified range of your target. As someone who has spent several years going drowsily to work on public transportation, I applaud the developers of iNap.

The other day, I was driving home to pick up my wife to go somewhere, and, as I approached our neighborhood, I wanted to call her with my mobile phone to tell her to come down from our apartment and out to the street so I wouldn't have to park. But there were a few round-a-bouts to negotiate and I didn't feel comfortable using my cell phone while I was driving (it _is_ actually illegal in Spain), so I ended up parking and going up to the apartment to get her.

Okay, here's my idea: I want an iPhone app that:

> When I get within a specified radius of a geographic point, the app will initiate a phone call to someone, play a recorded message (e.g. "Hey honey, I'm 10 miles away. Be there in 15 minutes!"), and hang up.

It can be called "Almost There!" or "Honey, I'm almost home!" or "Hot Meal".

**Favorite Sites** - You would be able to save several "favorite" geographical destinations (e.g. Home, Work, Grandma's House, etc.) and reuse them quickly without having to launch Google Maps. Of course my contacts' addresses should be available as well. **Active Time Window** - It should also have an optional time of day and day of week when the trigger should be active. If my work takes me to a client site that is near my house, I don't want it calling my wife to tell her I'm almost home from work for the day. **Missed Call** - It might also be nice to avoid the recorded message and have it call a number, let it ring once, and hang up. This old "no charge communication" trick has been used by penny pinching phone users for decades. If your recipient has been briefed on what a missed call from you means at a certain time of the day, why go through the trouble of playing a recording?

As someone who often prepares lunch for my wife when she gets home from work, I find it _really_ helpful when she can give me a ring to say she's leaving work and will be home in 15 minutes. When she does that, the meal is always on the table and piping hot when she walks in the door. Advising loved ones who are preparing food for you seems like the most useful application of this iPhone app, but I suppose that calling your office assistant or friends would be helpful too. It sure seems like quite a few people would pay $4.99 for such an app.

### Why I'm not writing it

I have no iPhone API experience and no free time to learn it. This idea is quite complex and uses four main interfaces of the iPhone API: maps, call initiation, audio recording, and GPS. It's not a good starter app; it requires an experienced developer. Also, I have no idea if you can even play an audio file into an initiated call or not. If someone wants to write this, great. If it's already written, by all means, let me know and I'll buy it.


iPhone App Idea: Almost There!


My regular readers will know that, whenever my parents visit, my father likes to write up an account of his travels. You can download and read his 2.5 MB PDF by clicking on the document image below. [![Meeting Nora PDF](https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-26-meeting-nora/3566994410_51cbd737df.jpg)](http://erikinspain.com/MeetingNora.pdf "Meeting Nora PDF by erikrasmussen, on Flickr")


Meeting Nora


<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555373674_3b818db337_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image post-thumb" title="Guernica's New Oak Tree">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555373674_de031af667_t.jpg" alt="Guernica's New Oak Tree"/>
</a>

On Sunday, May 17, my parents, inlaws, wife, daughter, and I made a quick stop by Guernica on the way back home to see a bit of the town and its famous oak tree. My father had recently read a historical novel about the town, titled [_Guernica_](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1596915633?ie=UTF8&tag=eriksblog07-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1596915633)![](http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=eriksblog07-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1596915633), and wanted to see it for himself. It was a beautiful day and we all enjoyed walking around the park and museum/legislative building where the tree stands. <a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554445389_158e36dac9_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Picaso's Guernica Mural in Guernica">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554445389_78a077e46a.jpg" alt="Picaso's Guernica Mural in Guernica"/>
</a>

Picasso's painting, _Guernica_ (on a tiled wall in town) deftly captures the horrors of war. It's really difficult to look at. In the foreground is my father doing his best to fit in with the painting.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554445943_2fec75a1fb_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Tree of Security">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554445943_42d6e2f0b5.jpg" alt="Tree of Security"/>
</a>

I knew we were getting close to the tree when I saw this "Security Tree".

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554453785_15517b68e8_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Guernica Church Panorama Wide">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554453785_288215139d.jpg" alt="Guernica Church Panorama Wide"/>
</a>

A stitched wide-angle panorama of the church in Guernica.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555271022_31c4a60b0b_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Guernica Church Panorama">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555271022_99c75dfe89.jpg" alt="Guernica Church Panorama"/>
</a>

This is the result of 23 10-megapixel JPEGs stitched together into one huge panorama. Worth viewing [slightly larger](http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikrasmussen/3555271022/sizes/l/). Or [full size](http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikrasmussen/3555271022/sizes/o/) if you've got what it takes.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554467629_dda35fdf9d_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Guernica Church Door">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554467629_a82ea569f9.jpg" alt="Guernica Church Door"/>
</a>

The church door. The dozen figurines (apostles) along the top seem to get less and less human as they reach the top of the gothic arch.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555285686_0fc7c411d2_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Tall Tree Panorama">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555285686_0760d500a6_b.jpg" alt="Tall Tree Panorama"/>
</a>

This is not yet The Tree, but it sure was a beautiful tree, and it was no doubt around during [the 1937 bombing](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombing_of_Guernica). That's my father standing at the base.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554482933_8c60bff9d2_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Tall Tree Trunk">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554482933_775762d7d9.jpg" alt="Tall Tree Trunk"/>
</a>

Looking up from where my father was standing.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555314772_a118f5e87a_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Walk in the Park">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555314772_c5b54f47e0.jpg" alt="Walk in the Park"/>
</a>

I adore walking down wooded paths like this. Marga and Betsy are in the front, followed by Juan and Nora, and Marce and Paul bring up the rear.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555310340_00fea3d4c4_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Park Bridge">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555310340_5cdea9ba7e.jpg" alt="Park Bridge"/>
</a>

Park bridge takes you to a grassy place.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554512689_fa4e56629d_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Original Tree of Guernica">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554512689_9926c12d05.jpg" alt="Original Tree of Guernica"/>
</a>

There she is! The remains of the original tree.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555325188_c2ddb76e03_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Paul using his camera">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555325188_38f754bc63.jpg" alt="Paul using his camera"/>
</a>

My almost-sixty-year-old father works his digital camera.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554523543_6a9c76a291_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Guernica Flag">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554523543_ecabd5f1d9.jpg" alt="Guernica Flag"/>
</a>

The Guernica flag contains – you guessed it! – a tree.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554528193_26827958b2_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Original Tree of Guernica">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554528193_686ed878c7.jpg" alt="Original Tree of Guernica"/>
</a>

My father, grandmother, and mother pose by the original Tree of Guernica.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555345926_6248bc5a16_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Original Tree of Guernica">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555345926_f938146cc6.jpg" alt="Original Tree of Guernica"/>
</a>

It's a little dead now.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554546535_1570923419_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Guernica Assembly Hall Panorama">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554546535_752e3c3046_b.jpg" alt="Guernica Assembly Hall Panorama"/>
</a>

The Guernica Assembly Hall, where the legislators still meet to...um...legislate, was beautifully decorated. Worth seeing [a little larger](http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikrasmussen/3554546535/sizes/l/).

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555366156_2aeda80af2_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Guernica Assembly Hall">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555366156_64763c060b.jpg" alt="Guernica Assembly Hall"/>
</a>

In case the shape of the place wasn't clear from that panorama. The chandelier was gorgeous.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555362702_1c68bf67f9_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Guernica Assembly Hall">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555362702_cb70dca435.jpg" alt="Guernica Assembly Hall"/>
</a>

There all the legislative butts sit.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554549979_1ce04c7b6b_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Guernica Assembly Hall Chandelier">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554549979_7e15325db2.jpg" alt="Guernica Assembly Hall Chandelier"/>
</a>

In a flash (ha!) of photographic brilliance, I positioned myself beneath the chandelier and shot upwards. Worth seeing [larger](http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikrasmussen/3554549979/sizes/l/).

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555373674_3b818db337_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Guernica's New Oak Tree">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555373674_de031af667.jpg" alt="Guernica's New Oak Tree"/>
</a>

Aha! The living Tree of Guernica! It is the grandchild of the original tree. Basque political leaders are still sworn in under this tree.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555377926_4bb76e3d9d_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Guernica's New Oak Tree Courtyard">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555377926_19ffe0b811.jpg" alt="Guernica's New Oak Tree Courtyard"/>
</a>

A very Parthenonic courtyard behind the tree.

It was about this time that my father grabbed me and said, "Hey, come in here! You gotta see this!" I was already content and in awe of all the architecture and natural beauty of the place, but I was not prepared for the room I was about to enter. The ceiling was covered with gorgeous stained glass that radiated the suns warmth through its dazzling array of colors.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555391268_1ac16dee95_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Guernica Stained Glass">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555391268_4708bfac21.jpg" alt="Guernica Stained Glass"/>
</a>

It was difficult to capture in one shot. It depicts a huge tree and the miners, farmers, and fishermen of the Basque Country coming to meet underneath it. Definitely worth seeing [large](http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikrasmussen/3555391268/sizes/l/).

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554578455_83aedbbc30_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Guernica Stained Glass Panorama">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554578455_25ea42ec74_b.jpg" alt="Guernica Stained Glass Panorama"/>
</a>

As sort of an experiment, I took a dozen photos of each part of the stained glass, stitched them together in Photoshop, and then tried my first "perspective correction". All the shots were shot at the angle of the previous photo. I'm fairly happy with the perspective correction I achieved as a first attempt.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554591111_cbee23cd33_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Guernica Stained Glass Border">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554591111_0bb3473e84.jpg" alt="Guernica Stained Glass Border"/>
</a>

Around the edge were little vignettes of each town hall in Viscaya, the autonomous region (like a county) of the Basque Country where Guernica is located.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554592865_a7f213e262_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Guernica Double Chair">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554592865_06ca34a5d4.jpg" alt="Guernica Double Chair"/>
</a>

Cool double chairs.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555404562_0e65aa9c1f_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="19th Century Guitar">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555404562_e3699edcd6.jpg" alt="19th Century Guitar"/>
</a>

A 19th century guitar.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555411266_82e6ff467f_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Guernica Meeting Room">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555411266_0626bab1aa.jpg" alt="Guernica Meeting Room"/>
</a>

This photo of my mother, grandmother, and father gives a sense of the size of this room.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555414978_5f5253c65f_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Floor Engraving">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555414978_9c54d19eb2.jpg" alt="Floor Engraving"/>
</a>

Where's Robert Langdon when you need him?

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555417312_25f10271ca_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Adorable Nora">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555417312_68be8641ac.jpg" alt="Adorable Nora"/>
</a>

During some down time in the touristing, my mother was commenting about how perfect and beautiful Nora is (you'd think that'd get old, but it doesn't) and asked me to take this photo.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555421160_42e61bf98f_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Cool Tree with Steeple">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555421160_88762b53ba.jpg" alt="Cool Tree with Steeple"/>
</a>

Back outside in the sunshine.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555428058_50e250f031_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Long-tailed Springer Drinking at Fountain">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3555428058_a03da182a4.jpg" alt="Long-tailed Springer Drinking at Fountain"/>
</a>

An English Springer Spaniel drinks from a public fountain.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554625101_783616ce2b_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Hedge Clock">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554625101_5c797c8aba.jpg" alt="Hedge Clock"/>
</a>

This hedge told me it was 13:30.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554628997_2ab8f556d9_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Awesome Facade">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-guernica/3554628997_0a7571cd9f.jpg" alt="Awesome Facade"/>
</a>

The facade of this building caught my eye.

After a quick drink in a bar, we headed back to Colindres for a late lunch. I was very pleased to have seen Guernica, and I can't wait to read [the book](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1596915633?ie=UTF8&tag=eriksblog07-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1596915633)![](http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=eriksblog07-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1596915633).


Guernica


<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-two-months-old/3560384973_75c40b27eb_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image post-thumb" title="Two Months Old">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-two-months-old/3560384973_ab4821898e_t.jpg" alt="Two Months Old"/>
</a>

For Nora's two month birthday, her parents feasted on cheeseburgers, champagne, and strawberries. Nora behaved herself all day and even allowed her mother to read a couple hundred pages, a feat that left Marga in a wonderful mood all day. The weather was dismal and drizzly, but we had an excellent day. In the evening, I attempted a passport photoshoot with the birthday girl. Below I present a video slideshow of the photos I took. <a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-two-months-old/3560384973_75c40b27eb_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Two Months Old">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-24-two-months-old/3560384973_ab4821898e.jpg" alt="Two Months Old"/>
</a>

This is very worth [seeing in HD](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY7CPG_8f4E&amp;amp;amp;amp;fmt=22). The soundtrack is a live concert intro to a favorite song of mine.


Two Months Old


<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-21-noras-baptism-pictures/3550740241_c5bdeaf3b5_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image post-thumb" title="Four Generations">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-21-noras-baptism-pictures/3550740241_7aaa66a0bd_t.jpg" alt="Four Generations"/>
</a>

There's not much to say about Nora's baptism that these pictures don't say a thousand times better. The ceremony was short and boring, and [the meal](/2009/05/13/baptism-menu/) was delicious. I think that everyone in attendance would agree that the day was enormously fun and spent with a very loving family. I could think of no happier way to spend a Saturday than eating and drinking well surrounded by people whom I love and who love me so much. <a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-21-noras-baptism-pictures/3551444602_0e3145a170_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Baptism Ceremony">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-21-noras-baptism-pictures/3551444602_6412c6ebf6.jpg" alt="Baptism Ceremony"/>
</a>

The wetting of the babe.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-21-noras-baptism-pictures/3551473996_5d42cb5d04_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Free of Sin">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-21-noras-baptism-pictures/3551473996_2803b7ab0f.jpg" alt="Free of Sin"/>
</a>

Nora was looking pretty stunning in her baptism gown.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-21-noras-baptism-pictures/3551497734_5067a2677c_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Abuelo, Joyce, and Betsy">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-21-noras-baptism-pictures/3551497734_575d179032.jpg" alt="Abuelo, Joyce, and Betsy"/>
</a>

Marga's grandfather with my grandmother and mother.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-21-noras-baptism-pictures/3550691381_5d595af5a9_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Man Kiss">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-21-noras-baptism-pictures/3550691381_12af37f4f8.jpg" alt="Man Kiss"/>
</a>

My father gives Marga's grandfather a kiss. I translated a nice long conversation between them before they "got physical".

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-21-noras-baptism-pictures/3551509010_27e2c4ccb9_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Loving Grandfather">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-21-noras-baptism-pictures/3551509010_e65752caa6.jpg" alt="Loving Grandfather"/>
</a>

A proud grandfather with his granddaughters.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-21-noras-baptism-pictures/3550741625_0d915bc3ac_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Four Generations">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-21-noras-baptism-pictures/3550741625_b1204be73a.jpg" alt="Four Generations"/>
</a>

Four generations. Nora, her parents, her four grandparents, and two great grandparents.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-21-noras-baptism-pictures/3550859421_1f67e50a55_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="The Gang">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-21-noras-baptism-pictures/3550859421_b1a8d6b18b_b.jpg" alt="The Gang"/>
</a>

The whole gang that was in attendance, minus a few stragglers.

There are 86 photos in all. You can browse them by [thumbnails](http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikrasmussen/sets/72157618577830258/), or watch a [slideshow](http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikrasmussen/sets/72157618577830258/show/).

Thank you to all who attended. And thank you to blogrollmate Sharon for [showing up](http://landofnospice.blogspot.com/2009/05/christening.html) to chat with us.


Nora's Baptism Pictures


I dedicate this post to my high school World Literature teacher, Glenda Stephens, who crammed way too much Greek mythology into my head. As with many good teachers, I hated it at the time and have been grateful ever since.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-20-sisypuss/3550012692_ba31636e9d_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Sisypuss">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-20-sisypuss/3550012692_ba31636e9d_o.jpg" alt="Sisypuss"/>
</a>

My favorite lolcats are the ones that are [way over the heads](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisyphus) of most lolcat viewers.

The photo was found on the internet by my friend, Seth. The caption is mine.


Sisypuss


<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-13-baptism-menu/1397164658_86d0651b7d_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image post-thumb" title="Merluza con gulas">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-13-baptism-menu/1397164658_d9bdaf239a_t.jpg" alt="Merluza con gulas"/>
</a>

My parents and grandmother are leaving home today to come visit us. They will arrive tomorrow evening and meet their granddaughter (and great granddaughter) for the first time. They bought their tickets on March 23, four hours before Marga went into labor. Needless to say, they (and we!) are pretty excited about their trip. Seeing a baby via video conference and actually holding a baby are two completely different things.  On Saturday, in somewhat of a recreation of our wedding day, we will wet the wee one where we were wed (alliteration bonus! +7500!), and then we will have a meal with close relatives in the same restaurant where we had our wedding meal, [Etxe Aundi](http://www.etxeaundi.com/). The menu we have chosen is the following.

> Crepes de hongos sobre salsa de espinaca Pimientos rellenos de merluza y txangurro (2 piezas) Rape al horno con pimientos verdes Solomillo a la plancha Tarta de hojaldre con helado Vino tinto crianza y Rosado etc. Café y licores

In English, that's:

> Mushroom crepes on a spinach sauce Peppers stuffed with hake and crab meat (2 pieces) Baked monkfish with green peppers Grilled sirloin steak Puff pastry with ice cream Red crianza wine and rosé etc. Coffee and liqueurs

From what I can tell, Baptism in Spain (at least in my new family) is all about tradition and celebration. I have yet to hear any talk of original sin or saving Nora's mortal soul. It's more about having a family celebration during a happy time. My opinion on the matter is that Life cannot be filled with too many celebrations during happy times, because there are an awful lot of unhappy times to counterbalance. I'm always up for a Spanish party, and when it's a party honoring me or my family, all the better!

I've never been to a baptism other than my own as an infant. There is absolutely no way that I will be able to sit through the ceremony without replaying [this scene](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLcBsopWa8w) in my head. All I'm sayin' is the heads of the five families better watch out.


Baptism Menu


<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-12-off-camera-flash/3524741698_5d5f86a0d1_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image post-thumb" title="Experimenting With Off Camera Flash (crop)">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-12-off-camera-flash/3524741698_7d63580f2c_t.jpg" alt="Experimenting With Off Camera Flash (crop)"/>
</a>

 by erikrasmussen, on Flickr")A couple months ago I eBay'd a wireless flash trigger mechanism so that I could take my photography to the next level: [off-camera flash](http://strobist.blogspot.com/). Of course I soon realized that using an off-camera flash is actually really, really hard, at least for someone like myself who still has to look up the term [f-stop](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-number) occasionally. Last weekend, I finally got around to experimenting with off-camera flash on my intended subject, for whom I justified the expense of starting down this road of photogeekery.  The difficulty with off-camera flash is that you have to set the flash intensity and exposure and white balance and shutter speed all manually before the shot. When the flash is attached to the camera, the camera controls all that for you, calculating with the ambient light, the focal distance, and the fact that you have a flash connected to tell the flash just how much light is needed to light your subject, the lens how much aperture is needed, and the shutter how long to stay open to get enough light to the sensor. With the off-camera flash trigger, the camera only ever sends one bit of data to the flash: "NOW!" The rest is up to the photographer to coordinate. The manual for my flash speed light leads me to believe that if money grew on trees and I had _another_ speed light, I could attach one to my camera, have another off-camera, and the two could intelligently communicate between themselves to coordinate some camera settings. But I have my doubts as to just how much of the intelligence burden they would really take from me.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-12-off-camera-flash/3524733248_f9fef8bd8c_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Experimenting With Off Camera Flash">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-12-off-camera-flash/3524733248_5ac2b5acf5.jpg" alt="Experimenting With Off Camera Flash"/>
</a>

Oops! Too much flash. Also: "Take me to your leeeaaaader."

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-12-off-camera-flash/3523927453_eaa6cfbbc8_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Freaky Baby Overexposure">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-12-off-camera-flash/3523927453_9d78c18c63.jpg" alt="Freaky Baby Overexposure"/>
</a>

Doh! Too little flash. This is the result of me standing there like a doofus without a tripod trying not to move with the shutter open for 30 seconds while Nora flails about and Marga looks at me and says, "What are you _doing_?"

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-12-off-camera-flash/3523928955_9cb311357c_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Experimenting With Off Camera Flash">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-12-off-camera-flash/3523928955_b35b342958.jpg" alt="Experimenting With Off Camera Flash"/>
</a>

Now we're getting somewhere. Still a little too intense.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-12-off-camera-flash/3524738964_87b9a796d6_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Experimenting With Off Camera Flash">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-12-off-camera-flash/3524738964_a875418f51.jpg" alt="Experimenting With Off Camera Flash"/>
</a>

Still very "Don't go into the light, Carrie Anne!" creepy.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-12-off-camera-flash/3523932493_6bc9b3685b_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Experimenting With Off Camera Flash">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-12-off-camera-flash/3523932493_0c31809122.jpg" alt="Experimenting With Off Camera Flash"/>
</a>

Very flashlight-under-the-chin campfire ghost story. This was the best I managed in my first attempt at off-camera flash photography of a squirming subject.

Stay tuned for more and better off-camera flash results in the future.


Off-Camera Flash


<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-11-swiss-banks-reject-american-clients/2621920114_4835650024_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image post-thumb" title="Switzerland Unlocked!">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-11-swiss-banks-reject-american-clients/2621920114_2112e7a08c_t.jpg" alt="Switzerland Unlocked!"/>
</a>

When I moved from England to Spain exactly four years ago, I began investigating how to manage my multi-currency financial situation. All of my assets were in British Pounds, my salary was in US Dollars, and I would be living in Spain paying all my bills in euros. My investigations led me to one of the most respected institutions in all of banking: Swiss Banks. At the time, there were not many banks that had support for multiple currencies, and the ideal of having my £, €, and $ all in the same bank, the tax free interest, and the allure of having a Swiss bank account were too much to bear. I signed up.  In retrospect, even very quickly after the decision, this was clearly a mistake. There was a ridiculous (when compared to other banks) one-time setup fee of around $250, plus, to avoid actually traveling to Switzerland, all sorts of documents had to be notarized. Once the account was funded, I began looking for some investments, stocks or bonds to put the money in until we were ready to purchase a house in Spain. All of these had fees to set up. My banker, who was always very, _very_ courteous and helpful, found two bond purchases for the length of time I wanted that would have a decent yield. The yield, however, was _NOT_ any higher than what your local bank can give you. It was slightly more exotic purchasing bonds in New Zealand dollars, though. Over the year of their existence, these investments _completely tanked!_ My banker apologized profusely and, because the bonds were worth less than my banker had guaranteed for the investment, the bank coughed up the difference so that I at least got back what I put in.

Yet another way that my reasoning in opening this account had been flawed was based on a fundamental misunderstanding of how international wire transfers work; mainly that they're expensive to initiate. Most banks charge a flat fee for initiating a wire transfer, so you don't want every paycheck to be wired, you want to let as many as you can afford to build up, and then send [a large chunk](/2009/04/27/conversation-with-my-bank/) of money. So why in Geneva's name should I use a Swiss bank as an intermediary between the US and Spain if that means that my money has to go through two wire transfers instead of one to get here? Stupid stupid stupid.

Oh, and the fees. Did I mention the fees? My swiss bank account charges me 20.00 USD every year just to keep my account open. They are charging me to hold my money! They really can't invest it wisely enough to cover the cost of sending me four paper statements a year?

A couple years ago, after two failed attempts at earning some interest on my money, I pulled all of it out of my swiss bank account except for enough money for the account to survive the ridiculous annual fee for another two decades, just in case it ever came in handy (for when that million dollar check comes in, you know).

The first surprise came last year when my banker wrote to inform me that, against all that is sacred about Swiss secrecy, they would now freely give information about my incoming and outgoing transactions to any government that asked them for it. [This pissed me off](/2008/06/30/swiss-banking-no-longer-secret/). Not because I have secrets, but because I _believe in secrecy_.

Today I received a new email informing me that my Swiss bank "no longer serves my kind."

> Dear Mr. Rasmussen,
> 
> I have to inform you of the new policy introduced by our bank.
> 
> Up to now, American citizens have to pay taxes on any kind of US securities not only in Switzerland but worldwide. IRS is implementing a new policy by which every assets (equities, savings accounts, currents accounts, fiduciary investment,...) will be liable to an income tax regardless of the country of residence.
> 
> As many banks worldwide, \[BANK-NAME-REDACTED\] has applied to the Qualified Intermediary status (which is compulsory for banks who intend to deal with any kind of US securities). As a consequence, we would have to ask our American clients to fill up the W9 form by which our clients would authorise the bank to report their assets to the IRS. The bank prefers not to deal with these sensible issues.
> 
> Considering the aforementioned facts, the management of the bank has decided to cease collaboration with all our American customers therefore I have no other choice but to ask you to close your account as soon as possible. I would need your bank account details for the transfer or I could send you a bank cheque. I am deeply sorry for the inconvenience caused but the the new US tax regulation does not leave us with any other option.
> 
> I stay at your disposal for any further information.
> 
> Best regards, \[BANKER-NAME-REDACTED\]

My first reaction was, of course, _total absolute ear-steaming fury_ towards my government for using its financial clout to bully international banks into giving up private information about their American clients. My second reaction was pride for my Swiss bank for telling the IRS where to shove their W9. This was followed by the realization that the Swiss bank wasn't actually standing up to the IRS bullies, they were wussing out and being like...hmmm...what's that country that's always neutral in disputes?...anyway, they were choosing to get out of the middle of an income tax privacy rights shitstorm. Not a bad move, I suppose.

And so the chapter on one of my larger financial blunders comes to a close. I'll send them my Spanish IBAN so they can send me the few pennies I have left, enough to buy a bottle of wine and toast to the days when I could, but never did, speak of "my Swiss bank account."


Swiss Banks Reject American Clients


<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-10-turtle-milk-splashing/3519149963_bc09aabeee_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image post-thumb" title="Turtle Milk Splashing">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-10-turtle-milk-splashing/3519149963_5cff739d38_t.jpg" alt="Turtle Milk Splashing"/>
</a>

That title might seem a bit odd, but, as you soon shall see, it is really quite apt. I have made another attempt at high speed flash photography. Rather than [use a coin](/2009/02/18/coin-splashes/) this time, I have chosen to use a little turtle [that I got in a Kings cake](/2008/01/06/roscon-de-reyes/). I've also changed the liquid from water to milk. The result is a set of photos with a very playful-looking turtle splashing about in a puddle of milk. <a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-10-turtle-milk-splashing/3519973040_f480da6eef_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Turtle Milk Splashing">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-10-turtle-milk-splashing/3519973040_a5e52430f6.jpg" alt="Turtle Milk Splashing"/>
</a>

Going in for a nose dive. Unfortunately his tail broke off in the events leading up to his splashfest.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-10-turtle-milk-splashing/3519158515_7765c9c070_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Turtle Milk Splashing">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-10-turtle-milk-splashing/3519158515_73aa7986c4.jpg" alt="Turtle Milk Splashing"/>
</a>

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-10-turtle-milk-splashing/3519965066_8fdc50de53_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Turtle Milk Splashing">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-10-turtle-milk-splashing/3519965066_3b14a8a145.jpg" alt="Turtle Milk Splashing"/>
</a>

For a little color, I had him landing in a blue Tupperware lid. I was hoping for a splash where his quadrupedness was evident, but when he landed flat, he only splashed to the sides.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-10-turtle-milk-splashing/3519154241_d90be44133_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Turtle Milk Splashing">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-10-turtle-milk-splashing/3519154241_d3ff3d17bc.jpg" alt="Turtle Milk Splashing"/>
</a>

Wading in shallow milk.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-10-turtle-milk-splashing/3519970024_e5339b3e2a_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Turtle Milk Splashing">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-10-turtle-milk-splashing/3519970024_e1c1c45fc1.jpg" alt="Turtle Milk Splashing"/>
</a>

Splish!

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-10-turtle-milk-splashing/3519160711_3bed2c0a5b_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Turtle Milk Splashing">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-10-turtle-milk-splashing/3519160711_978acd00de.jpg" alt="Turtle Milk Splashing"/>
</a>

Splash!

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-10-turtle-milk-splashing/3519149963_bc09aabeee_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Turtle Milk Splashing">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-10-turtle-milk-splashing/3519149963_5cff739d38.jpg" alt="Turtle Milk Splashing"/>
</a>

This one is my favorite.

There are a few more that didn't make the cut for this blog entry. They are available [here](http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikrasmussen/sets/72157605427110202/).


Turtle Milk Splashing


At work today we found ourselves totally confused by the behavior of one of our EnumMap instances. No matter what we did to it (setting new values, clearing, etc.), when we iterated through the entry set, the values were the same. After investigating the source code for java.util.EnumMap, it became clear that the problem was based on the fact that the EnumMap instance we were working with had been generated by calling EnumMap.clone() rather than using the constructor. I've written a test program to demonstrate this bug. It should _NOT_ behave like this! code span.keyword { font-weight:bold; color: #000080; } code span.member { font-weight:bold; color: #660e7a; } code span.static { font-style:italic; font-weight:bold; color: #660e7a; } code span.comment { font-style:italic; color: #006600; }

### The Code

`public class EnumMapBug {   private static enum E { A,B,C }  
  public static void main(final String[] args)   {     final EnumMap<E ,String> map =         new EnumMap<E, String>(E.class);     map.put(E.A, "apple");     map.put(E.B, "ball");     map.put(E.C, "cat");  
    // call entrySet() to generate internal entrySet     map.entrySet();  
    // print original values     System.out.println("\nOriginal values:");     System.out.println("\nA is for " + map.get(E.A));     System.out.println("Entries: " + map.entrySet());  
    // clone the map.     System.out.println("\nCloning...now using clone.");     final EnumMap<E, String> clone = map.clone();  
    // from now on, any time we access the clone's entry set,     // it will WRONGLY give us the original map's entry set.     System.out.println("\nA is for " + clone.get(E.A));     System.out.println("Entries: " + clone.entrySet());  
    // no matter what we do to the clone's values,     // the clone's entry set never changes.     System.out.println("\nSetting new A value...");     clone.put(E.A, "aardvark");  
    // but get() still works     System.out.println("\nA is for " + clone.get(E.A));     System.out.println("Entries: " + clone.entrySet());  
    // clear the clone     System.out.println("\nClearing...");     clone.clear();  
    // get() properly returns null     System.out.println("\nA is for " + clone.get(E.A));     // but the entry set still contains our original entries     System.out.println("Entries: " + clone.entrySet());  
    // rather amazingly, when we modify the original     // map's contents, the entry set for the clone changes     System.out.println("\nSetting new A value...");     map.put(E.A, "algorithm");  
    System.out.println("\nA is for " + clone.get(E.A));     System.out.println("Entries: " + clone.entrySet());   } }` There is a more easily copied and pasted version of this code [here](http://pastebay.com/14461).

### The Output

The code above results in the following output:

`Original values:  
A is for apple Entries: [A=apple, B=ball, C=cat]  
Cloning...now using clone.  
A is for apple Entries: [A=apple, B=ball, C=cat]  
Setting new A value...  
A is for aardvark Entries: [A=apple, B=ball, C=cat]  
Clearing...  
A is for null Entries: [A=apple, B=ball, C=cat]  
Updating original map...  
A is for null Entries: [A=algorithm, B=ball, C=cat]`

### Explanation

When I said "rather amazingly" in the comment, it's only really amazing when you don't understand what is going on. When you clone an EnumMap, because of the entry set caching and the bug in clone(), the cloned instance's entrySet() method will always give you a reference to the original map's entry set, never to its own. The [version of EnumMap that I'm using](http://www.jdocs.com/javase/7.b12/java/util/EnumMap.html) contains the javadoc info "@version 1.22, 05/05/07". It's clear enough to see the bug in clone(). The EnumMap clone() method is:

`public EnumMap<K, V> clone() {   EnumMap<K, V> result = null;   try {     result = (EnumMap<K, V>) super.clone();   } catch(CloneNotSupportedException e) {     throw new AssertionError();   }   result.vals = (Object[]) result.vals.clone();   return result; }` But it needs one more line:

`public EnumMap<K, V> clone() {   EnumMap<K, V> result = null;   try {     result = (EnumMap<K, V>) super.clone();   } catch(CloneNotSupportedException e) {     throw new AssertionError();   }   result.vals = (Object[]) result.vals.clone();   result.entrySet = null;   return result; }` This will force regeneration and caching of the entry set in the clone.

I'm rather surprised that I cannot find any reference to this bug on the internet. It's such an easy fix! The workaround is to never use EnumMap.clone(), but to construct a new one with its copy constructor. Like so, with the key and value in my example code:

`final EnumMap<E, String> clone = new EnumMap<E, String>(map);`


Bug in java.util.EnumMap.clone()


[![thumb](https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-07-diaper-change/Rasman1978-DiaperChange220.jpg)](http://blip.tv/file/2083755)When I began uploading this video, there was nothing new to report on the baby-rearing front. Pooping, sleeping, farting, bathing, crying, feeding, etc. But while it was uploading, we had a _major_ breakthrough in breastfeeding! Nora actually suckled bare nipple! [Previously, on _The Nora Files_...](/2009/03/28/sucking-at-sucking/) This is the first time she has ever extracted anything directly from her mother's breast without the use of some adapter made of space-age plastic. Her mother and I are _ecstatic_ that our child has learned to do what every other mammal on the planet is born knowing how to do. Congrats to Nora and Marga!  Back to what this post was supposed to be about before we were interrupted with breaking news: I made this video a week or two ago during a typical diaper change. These are the moments that new parents don't like to brag about. She's really only wailing like this about 40% of the time during diaper changes these days. And those are typically the ones where she's advised us that milk should be placed in her food hole _NOW PLEASE_ and we've decided that feeding will go better with a clean diaper. A lot of figuring out what a baby is crying about is a process of elimination, you see.

One skill that we've mastered is to count to 20 after unfastening the diaper and before removing it. 70% of the time the contact with open air induces more excretions. If nothing happens after 20 seconds, you're faced with a time bomb that hasn't gone off when it should have. Sometimes you wait a little longer, and eventually you just have to move quickly and hope for the best. Occasionally you get surprised. _C'est la vie_.

I swear my voice is not normally this high pitched. That's caused by my Daddy Neuron that raises the pitch of my voice to sound more like a woman when I talk to a child.


Diaper Change


[![thumb](https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-01-marching-melodies/260px-The_Battle_Hymn_of_the_Republic_-_Project_Gutenberg_eText_21566.png)](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_Hymn_of_the_Republic)Yesterday morning, as I was changing and dressing Nora, I was whistling to her to calm her down, as I sometimes do. I was startled when Marga called from the next room, "Be careful with that song! We're going to the Basque Country this weekend!" "What was I whistling?", I asked. "That's the Spanish national anthem," she replied. Oops. I hadn't realized at all what I was whistling.  What's odd is that, if you asked me right now to hum or whistle (there are no lyrics) the [_Marcha Real_](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcha_Real) ([listen](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Himno_de_Espa%C3%B1a_marquina.ogg)), I wouldn't know where to begin, but having whistled a few random notes this morning, my brain picked up on the melody and continued the song. Brains are weird like that. Most people can sing along to over a thousand songs, but if asked for a line in the middle of a verse, they'd be hard pressed to recall that information.

Part of caring for an infant is singing; melodies really do calm babies. Inevitably, at some point you find yourself improvising lyrics. Personally, I find it very interesting the melodies my brain chooses for my improvised songs. The two most common melodies I find myself using are from the American Civil War songs [_When Johnny Comes Marching Home_](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/When_Johnny_Comes_Marching_Home) and [_The Battle Hymn of the Republic_](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_Hymn_of_the_Republic), with the latter being by far the most common. Due to my daughter's name, my _Battle Hymn_ lyrics almost always take the form:

> Nora, Nora \[_some verbal phrase_\], Nora, Nora \[_some verbal phrase_\], Nora, Nora \[_some verbal phrase_\], \[_some other verbal phrase_\].

The repetitive nature makes for less mental work to improvise each line. For example:

> Nora, Nora is getting very sleepy, Nora, Nora is getting very sleepy, Nora, Nora is getting very sleepy, And she's going to bed right now!

ytaudio(p5mmFPyDK\_8)

[![melody](https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2009-05-01-marching-melodies/Battle_Hymn_of_the_Republic_beginning.png)](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_Hymn_of_the_Republic#Score) When Nora's Spanish grandmother and great-grandfather sing to her, the melodies are those of the Christmas carols we sing every year. As I said earlier, brains are weird like that.

Oh, and when I whistle and it's not one of these civil war songs, it's almost always [_Appalachian Spring_](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appalachian_Spring). I _love_ that song! Here, have a listen:

ytaudio(\_RXLwtvGH9c)


16 posts from May, 2009