Galactic Center of Milky Way Rises over Texas Star Party from William Castleman on Vimeo.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
A happy anniversary for these two...
One year ago today - Papa went home to Marney. Who clearly had to go home first to make sure everything was just so. Then - after some rest, she called home her husband of 70+ years to entertain the heavens.
So today I honor their memory - without them, I wouldn't exist. Thanks for making me a part of your incredible lives.
To my Dad - or the outer layer of the onion now - you have to hang in there, your job isn't done. Know that the rest of the Pod Society is counting on you for your wisdom, guidance and love, and Lord knows we need that (some Podees more than others :-P)
So today I honor their memory - without them, I wouldn't exist. Thanks for making me a part of your incredible lives.
To my Dad - or the outer layer of the onion now - you have to hang in there, your job isn't done. Know that the rest of the Pod Society is counting on you for your wisdom, guidance and love, and Lord knows we need that (some Podees more than others :-P)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Celebrating my 40th in style
Airship Eureka lands in Oakland
So for my 40th Birthday, Maddie and I put together a host of things to do. Starting with a Zeppelin ride. There are only 3 Zeppelins in the world, 1 each in Japan, Germany and the Bay area. We chose locally :-P and what a flight it was. Don't call this a blimp - it has a semi-rigid frame that blimps do not. This allows for the engines to be mounted on the sides of the 'balloon' and makes for a much quieter ride than a blimp.
Technicalities aside - the ride is fast (30+ knots) and only 1000ft or so - which makes for great viewing. Here are some of the shots I got while we flew around the Bay on Mar. 20th, three days before I popped 40.
As there are so many wonderful shots of both Oakland and San Francisco - I had to upload them to their own web album. Click here to go see all the lovely sights and see why you have to take this trip yourself.
After the Zep
pelin ride, we went up to Napa the following day and ate at a place I have been wanting to go to for a loooong time - Taylor's Automatic Refresher. Featured both on 'Diners, Drive Ins and Dives' (as you know one of my favorite shows) and awarded a James Beard dining award - this place normally has an incredibly long line. Today was shorter than I had ever seen it.
I highly recommend that whatever you order from Taylor's - you get the fries. Lots of them - don't bother sharing - as everyone will want their own.
After the day of Napa, we stayed at the Carneros Inn - again, highly recommend this place - the price is steep but worth it. The luxury of the cottage and the serenity of the surroundings make you wish you lived there. Another big tip - eat breakfast (everyday) at Boon Fly Cafe - well worth the calories.
A few more pics of the cottage, out door shower (yes, I started my 40th by showering outside - and it was AWESOME) and the grounds of the Carneros Inn.
Thanks for the lovely beggining to the second half of my life.
The little metal structure just to the right of the open glass door is the outdoor shower. It has a door that leads directly into the shower inside the cottage (frosted door). Don't worry - the patio area is completely private as well.
As there are so many wonderful shots of both Oakland and San Francisco - I had to upload them to their own web album. Click here to go see all the lovely sights and see why you have to take this trip yourself.
After the Zep
pelin ride, we went up to Napa the following day and ate at a place I have been wanting to go to for a loooong time - Taylor's Automatic Refresher. Featured both on 'Diners, Drive Ins and Dives' (as you know one of my favorite shows) and awarded a James Beard dining award - this place normally has an incredibly long line. Today was shorter than I had ever seen it.I highly recommend that whatever you order from Taylor's - you get the fries. Lots of them - don't bother sharing - as everyone will want their own.
After the day of Napa, we stayed at the Carneros Inn - again, highly recommend this place - the price is steep but worth it. The luxury of the cottage and the serenity of the surroundings make you wish you lived there. Another big tip - eat breakfast (everyday) at Boon Fly Cafe - well worth the calories.
A few more pics of the cottage, out door shower (yes, I started my 40th by showering outside - and it was AWESOME) and the grounds of the Carneros Inn.
Thanks for the lovely beggining to the second half of my life.
The little metal structure just to the right of the open glass door is the outdoor shower. It has a door that leads directly into the shower inside the cottage (frosted door). Don't worry - the patio area is completely private as well.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Tilt Shift video (I LOVE this effect)
Fire (Jimmy Edgar Remix) from Erik West on Vimeo.
For those of you who don't know - tilt shift photography is a recent 'rage' - its simply taking a picture (those from 'afar' work best) and processing with a simple algorithm that 'fuzzes' the more forward items and makes distant ones appear more ...distant. That is why there is always a 'fuzzy' part of the picture. For how to make your own on the web, go here. This is also being used in the title opening for 'Dollhouse' - Joss Whedon's new show on fox.
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