Tim's blogfest

Anchorage, Alaska

2011-07-01T09:27:00.001-05:00

At the beginning of June I went up to Alaska for work and had a couple of extra days to look around. An Added bonus was that my cousin Erin lives up there and I got to visit with her, her son Jeremy, and her husband Matt.

First let me say that the scenic beauty of Alaska is unmatched by anywhere that I have ever been. Lush, snow capped, green mountains that roll down to the sea were in abundance and there were all kinds of waterfalls fed by the spring snow melt. An added bonus was that even though it was the rainy season I had surprisingly good weather for almost the whole time. One thing that makes an impression is the sun being up well after midnight.

The first day of free time I went for a 1 hour cruise of the Portage glacier, which was very reasonable at $39. I had a long chat with the Captain of the boat, who was also a Coast Guard vet. We talked about the Guard and the ships that we had served aboard as well as things to do in Alaska.

Flying into Anchorage you can see many of the islands along the coast.

This is Beluga Point, on the highway from Anchorage to Seward.

Small icebergs from the Portage Glacier. Keep in mind that this is 80% underwater.

Portage Lake.

This is the glacier. Bright blue ice.

Bramble, former Coast Guard cutter, for sale for $300,000

2011-05-21T11:13:00.000-05:00

I served aboard this ship in 1982. Certainly not as nice of a ship as the icebreaker Mackinaw, but I made some friends during my time there. Another part of my past slips away. Sigh. The article has one mistake: the Bramble is 180' long, not 185'.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011105210371

The Recession...

2011-05-01T10:52:00.000-05:00

Shamelessly copied from the comments section of a Yahoo News story...

"Recession

The recession has hit everybody really hard...
My neighbor got a pre-declined credit card in the mail.
Wives are having sex with their husbands because they can't afford batteries.

CEO's are now playing miniature golf.
Exxon-Mobil laid off 25 Congressmen.

I saw a Mormon with only one wife.

If the bank returns your check marked "Insufficient Funds," you call them and ask if they meant you or them.

McDonald's is selling the 1/4 ouncer.

Angelina Jolie adopted a child from America.

Parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their children's names.

My cousin had an exorcism but couldn't afford to pay for it, and they re-possessed her!

A truckload of Americans was caught sneaking into Mexico .

A picture is now only worth 200 words.

When Bill and Hillary travel together, they now have to share a room.

The Treasure Island casino in Las Vegas is now managed by Somali pirates.

And, finally....
I was so depressed last night thinking about the economy, wars, jobs, my savings, Social Security, retirement funds, etc., I called the Suicide Hotline. I got a call center in Pakistan, and when I told them I was suicidal, they got all excited, and asked if I could drive a truck..."

Snowbird, Utah

2011-03-06T12:34:00.000-05:00

This is the fourth and final post chronicling my 2011 ski trip to Utah, a pilgrimage that will definitely occur on an annual basis as long as I am able. Snowbird was certainly the biggest as far as the resorts go. 3,200 foot vertical drop and tons of trails. Great skiing (as good as Alta) and it also had the added bonus of the high speed tram which gets you to the top in about five minutes, and this really allows you to get in a lot more downhill time. Although the skiing was just as good as Alta, the lodge lacked the atmosphere of Alta, which is two miles away. It had sort of a 1970's utilitarian feel to it, a concrete and steel creation that seems more at home as part of a freeway overpass or some other sort of municipal infrastructure construction. Still, it was laid out well and was certainly doing what it was designed for. I liked the place very much but still favor Alta. Another minor drawback was the presence of rowdy snowboarders who act like they own the place and felt little need to act courteously with their fellow snow sports enthusiasts. They really did not get too out of hand I suppose, but were overly aggressive at times. Their presence was not in any way missed up the road. I did not take as many pictures here because frankly, I was having too much fun skiing. After Alta, I'd say that this was my favorite Utah resort. Being that you can get a combo lift ticket that allows you to ski both places it is a sure bet that I'll be back here. in fact, you can get a super pass that allows you to ski Alta, Snowbird, Solitude, and Brighton, although I'd just be interested in the first two.

This is the view from the top of the high speed tram. Salt lake city is off to the right.

Out the rear window of the tram is the Snowbird lodge and other village structures .

A better shot of the lodge.

This view is off the back side of the tram...

This shot of me is standing right where the last picture was taken, getting ready to ski down the run.

This is the top, right before I took off down the mountain...

...and at the bottom, looking back up at where I just skied. This is the "bookends traverse" to "white diamonds" that you see in the trailmap below.

Rear of mountain trailmap.

Front view trailmap. My favorite run was a black diamond called "Primrose Path", an over one mile long natural half pipe.

Alta, Utah

2011-03-04T12:15:00.004-05:00

This is the third installment of my 2011 Utah ski odyssey. Alta was absolutely the finest ski resort that I have ever had the pleasure of carving turns at, and I will certainly be skiing there every year as long as my legs will hold me up. This place is old school, and it shows. Built in 1939, it has that authentic feel and not the Disney on snow feel that so many resorts like Solitude have. From the panoramic views, rough hewn furniture in the lodges, and a million other little things that are reminiscent of a European ski resort, this is what skiing is meant to be. Other resorts may have 5 star hotels, wonderful spas and shopping, etc., and if that is what you are after, fine, go to Vail or Deer Valley, but if you want the best possible overall skiing experience (sorry snowboarders, you'll have to go 2 miles down the canyon to Snowbird) this is the place to be. I never believed in love at first sight, and then I saw her, and her name was Alta. Unbelievably Ski Magazine ranks this jewel at #28th overall, but let's break down those numbers:

Snow- #1

Terrain variety- #8

Challenge- #5

Value-#3

Weather-#3

Scenery-#5

Overall satisfaction-#1!

Well, there you have it. Not in the top ten for on mountain food, lodging, dining, terrain parks (they don't have or need one), off hill activities, or family programs. This is a skier's mountain, and this is what they do: provide the best skiing experience in America. End of story.

Getting ready for my first run near the base lodge.

Here I am at the top of the Collins lift. It had been sunny most of the day, but as the lifts were getting ready to close the sun hid for a little while behind the clouds.

It began to burn through again just in time for my last run.

Even the parking lot had spectacular scenery.

The deck of the Alta Lodge.

This cozy little bar is called the Sitzmark. It was very intimate, holding no more than 20 or so guests. It made the top ten Apres-ski hot spots recently in USA Today. It was like traveling back in time to 1939. I had two beers here, the only drinking that I did for the entire trip.

The top photo was the right window next to the fireplace, this is the left. I am guessing the entire room is no more than 20 by 20 feet.

The Sheriff of Alta.

Alta trail map. the skier's map to Heaven (Nirvana, or Mecca. choose your own word for paradise).

Anyone lucky enough to ski here will attest to the wonder of this magnificent skier's mountain.

Deer Valley, Park City Utah

2011-02-26T16:22:00.002-05:00

Deer Valley ski resort in Park City Utah has been ranked the number one ski resort in North America several times and it is easy to see why. The skiing is certainly up there with anything that I have experienced, but where they really shine is in all of the extra amenities like the fine dining options, lodge, spa, and lodging accommodations. They are truly first class. I was there for the skiing, and I was certainly impressed in that department. The scenery was also breathtaking, as you can see from these photos. My only complaint is that one of the lodges is halfway down the mountain and prevents you from skiing all the way to the bottom without taking a lift over it. This is a minor thing in the overall scheme of things though. Really hardly worth mentioning. I would certainly recommend Deer Valley to anyone who is a skiing enthusiast. One other nice thing about it is that they do not allow snowboarders. I really don't have a beef with snowboarders, but the lack of their rowdy behavior enhanced the overall experience.

This was taken at the top of Bald Mtn., one of the four peaks at the resort. Below is the Jordenelle Reservoir.

Spectacular scenery...

...challenging skiing...

This is the Steinmark by Marriott. You ride a tram to get there

"Come ski with me"

Solitude, Utah

2011-02-23T18:55:00.006-05:00

I spent four days skiing in Utah this month and am happy to report that everywhere I skied was excellent. First, I skied Solitude. Located in Big Cottonwood canyon, this is a very nice family resort with a family vibe. Unfortunately, a couple of the lifts were down due to a power failure, but there were still many runs to chose from. Although it was a nice place with great skiing, I don't think I will go back. Don't get me wrong, but the scenery, although very pretty, was not as spectacular as the other places that I visited. I don't want to unfairly bash the place, it had good skiing, but if you are going all the way to Utah there are better places.

Impressive marker at the entrance to the resort

This is the view of the lodge from the mountain side

Solitude trail map

Smuggler's Notch Vermont

2011-01-19T09:55:00.002-05:00

I happened to have an opportunity to do some work in Vermont this week and of course had to get a little skiing in. I chose Smuggler's Notch and let me tell you right now that it was an excellent choice! Nestled in the Green Mountains, the resort stretches over three mountains, with the center mountain, Madonna, being the tallest. It was an incredible morning! Bright, sunny, but brutally cold at -15 degrees. Thank God it was not windy as well.It had been snowing steadily for the entire week before I arrived and I was delighted to find tons of fresh powder awaiting me. I was expecting icy conditions comparable to Whiteface, but was ecstatic to find conditions that were reminiscent of mountains out west. This resort was rated 9th best in the East by Ski magazine, but I was told by the locals that the skiing is every bit as good as Stowe nearby, which was ranked 3rd, right behind Whiteface. Granted, they have slow lifts, no gondola, and the shopping, on-mountain food, après-ski vibe may not be as good, but they sure delivered the goods as far as snow, terrain variety,challenge, and scenic beauty.I highly recommend this place to skiers and riders of all abilities, as the three mountains have something to offer for everyone. It is also ranked 1st in the East for family programs.Highly recommended to all skiers and riders who have a chance to travel there!

The mountains were encased in arctic -like cold

A bright, bright, bright, sunshiny day!

Upper Exhibition lift on Sterling mountain

Madonna Lift

Summit of Madonna

Upper Chilicoot blue run

Cccccccccooooolllllldddddd!

Madonna summit

Skiing in a...

...winter wonderland!

Trail Map

Whiteface, Lk. Placid, NY

2010-12-24T13:00:00.003-05:00

So here it is, ski season 2010-2011. I had some work to do in New York and in between I got some skiing in. First I skied at Bristol Mountain, south of Rochester, and then pressed on northeast to the #1 ski destination in the eastern US, Whiteface. Let me first start out by telling you that this place is not for beginners. It's a tough, challenging mountain. Grooming is basically nonexistent and it lives up to it's nickname "Iceface", as there is a lot of ice on the runs from the freeze/thaw cycle. It is also windy and very cold. But to those of us who are good skiers in decent condition, it puts our skills to the test in an invigorating, exciting way. The nearby town of Lake Placid is a true mountain ski town nestled along the shore of Mirror Lake (which I thought was a little odd, because Lake Placid is a couple of miles away from the town). I only had a day to spend there, But there is lots to see and do and if I ever get up that way again I'd like to spend at least a week touring all of the Olympic attractions like the ski jumping complex, the bobsled and skeleton run over activities. On the way up, I drove the back way through the 6 million acre Adirondack Park, past beautiful mountains, lakes, and trout streams, all encased in arctic like cold. Driving was treacherous as it was snowing in sheets earlier in the day and was still coming down (though not quite as hard) as I made my way north. On the way back I drove down I-87 near the Vermont border and past Lake Champlain and Fort Ticonderoga. All in all I put 1600 miles on the Ford.

This is a river near the base of Whiteface. The scenic beauty of the place is astounding

The main street of Lake Placid on the night I arrived. Man it was coming down that night!

The Dancing Bear has $2 draft beers during happy hour, so you probably guessed where I was.

The Northwoods Hotel.

Whiteface mountain.

This is the top of the Cloudsplitter gondola, which takes you up 2,400 vertical feet in less than 15 minutes. There are three peaks to Whiteface. Little Whiteface peak (here) Whiteface summit (pictured) and Lookout mountain.

This is a blue run called Excelsior. Takes almost a half hour to get to the bottom.

Lookut mountain

Lake Placid and Mirror Lake 10 miles away.

1600 miles of winter dirt!

All in all a most awesome adventure.

Number 8

2010-11-08T13:03:00.002-05:00

This is a drawing that I did last night on my Intuous 4 Wacom tablet. It is from a photo of my son, Derek. He was on the JV football team this season and was presented two awards at the banquet yesterday. Ironman ( never missed a weightroom conditioning practice, field practice, or game) and the KLAA scholar athlete award ( have at least a 3.3 GPA) Mom and Dad are awful proud of our Number 8.

Father's Day

2010-06-20T12:01:00.000-05:00

Here it is again, Father's Day! All that I can say is that being a father of two wonderful kids is without a doubt the most important thing that I have done with my life, and the one thing that has given me the greatest joy and sense of pride. It is also a time to remember my father, Neil Gasco. Dad passed away far too soon at the age of 56 back in 1993. I don't think that a single day has gone by that he has not been in my thoughts, and I still miss him very, very much.

This picture was taken somewhere around 1969 or 1970. Little Timmy and Dad at the Horace Rackham Fountain located in the Detroit Zoo. It's a family tradition for Dad and the kids to gather here from time to time for a picture. I am looking forward to it being a "Grandpa, Dad, and the kids" picture in the future.

Following this tradition, This picture is of Dad (grown up Tim) Meredith, and Derek. I think it was 1997.

This more recent picture was taken three years ago. Meredith was 16 (she will be 20 in November) and Derek is not yet a teenager at age twelve. He has shot up and is now thinner than a rail. It is striking how quickly they both have changed in such a small amount of time.

So here's to wishing us Dad's a happy Father's Day! And thanks to all of the kids who make us so proud and provide us with such wonderful memories.

"Let me tell you a secret about a father's love,

A secret that my daddy said was just between us."

I said, "Daddies don't just love their children every now and then.

It's a love without end, amen, it's a love without end, amen."

-Aaron Barker

Aquaman

2010-05-24T10:51:00.001-05:00

Taken from the Aquaman Shrine

Park City Utah

2010-04-10T12:25:00.007-05:00

Derek and I went to Salt Lake City Utah during his spring break from high school to get in a little skiing. Although we had originally planned to ski Alta and Snowbird , Mother Nature threw us a curve ball and we wound up skiing for two days at the Park City Mountain Resort in Park City Utah, about a half hour drive through Parley's Canyon. Alta and Snowbird are in the Little Cottonwood Canyon, and wouldn't you know it, the night we arrived it snowed over two feet and the canyon was closed for two days. Totally cut off from any road traffic at all due to avalanche danger. Because of several other SNAFU's regarding rental cars, lift ticket refunds and what not, Tuesday morning was spent on the telephone rearranging itineraries, and replacing goggles that were scratched up beyond use by Delta Airlines baggage handlers (I'm really starting to not like Delta).

So we decided that we'd take a drive and see the Great Salt Lake.

In Prehistoric times, it was what we call Lake Bonneville today. It had a surface area of nearly 20,000 square miles, a depth of over 1,000 feet, and was comparable in many respects to the Lake Michigan of today. It was formed 32,000 years ago. Because of long term flooding, seepage weakened the lava dam and caused the release of 1,200 cubic miles of water, causing the lake to lose 351 feet of its depth and shrinking the size of the lake by over 60% to its current size, which fluctuates between 1,700 to 3,300 square miles, depending on the drought conditions in the area. The salinity is much higher than the oceans, but the lake is not barren. It supports brine shrimp, which in turn provide food for migratory waterfowl. However, some of these waterfowl cannot be hunted as there is also the highest ever recorded level of methyl-mercury, 25 nanograms per millileter. This is 25 times higher than the waters of the Florida everglades. There is an interesting story about a Chilean Pink Flamingo "Pink Floyd" who escaped from the Tracy Aviary in 1987 and liked living on the brine shrimp so much that he made his home at the Great Salt Lake until 2005. Looking at this liquid desert, it made me shudder to think what could happen to our lakes in Michigan if some natural and/or man made catastrophe like this were to happen.

This is the Eastern shore. To the right are the Promontory Mountains. This is a penninsula jutting out from the north shore. It looks like the Forbidden Zone from "Planet of the Apes".

On Wednesday, Little Cottonwood Canyon was still closed, so we decided to ski in Park City. Park City has three excellent Resorts. Deer Valley , which was voted the best resort in North America by Ski Magazine, the Canyons which is Utah's largest resort, and our choice, Park City Mountain resort, rated #4 in North America. First thing that I learned is do not buy your lift ticket at the resort. Go to any ski shop in Salt Lake City and you can get a better deal. We paid $64 each for a one day lift ticket, but if you buy it at the resort they are $86. You can probably also find a good deal if you go to the front desk of your hotel. We stayed at the Little America and found that it was very nice. About $100 a night, tax included. It's centrally located and many restaurants are within walking distance. Originally I had not planned on renting a car as there is a bus that will take you to Alta or Snowbird right from the hotel, but the hotel concierge recommended a car as it's much easier than taking the bus with all your gear. Also, there is not a bus to the Park City resorts. It's only 30-45 minutes to any of the resorts so you have much more freedom to try different places. Derek liked Park City so much that we decided to go back a second day.

The Wasatch Mountains may not be as high as the Rockies, but the snow is excellent and the views? Well I'll let you be the judge.

Little G. Kickin' it old school at 11,000 feet.

This was taken at the top of the run "Georgeann". It's about 3,000 vertical feet above the resort. I estimate it to be 7.5 miles or so to ski to the bottom. It took about 15 minutes to ski to the bottom.

The view from Georgeann.

Way down there to the right is Park City. Zoom in to get a good look.

The beginning of Georgeann. It veers to the left through those evergreens.

Derek skis in front of me.

The Great Salt Lake from the air.

The Wasatch range.

All that I can tell you is that my time there was way too short. I'm going back and skiing as many of the resorts as possible. And I'm taking some powder skiing lessons, too. If you think you're a good skier, come out here and take the Pepsi challenge. Believe me, there is no better skiing anywhere.

Shanty Creek/Schuss Mountain and Frankenmuth, MI

2010-03-08T08:55:00.000-05:00

The weather is turning warm and soon skiing will be through until after Thanksgiving. This is "Ski Mardi Gras" time in Northern Michigan. People dress up in crazy costumes, consume mass quantities of beer and try to ski across a 40 feet (best guess) rectangular pool of green water. Bright and sunny, nearly 50 degrees, and with snow soft and slushy, Derek and I headed north to get in one last trip before it's all over in Michigan and to test out our skis and polish up our technique before a planned trip to Utah on Easter Break (spring break for those of you who prefer to be politically correct).

Luigi and Mario of "Super Mario Bros." skiied across the water without wiping out. Not one drop of water! most others were not so fortunate...

The party animals in the lift behind us were having a great time! Note the case of beer on the lap of L'il Abner. Just police up your empty cans guys.

Spectators for the Submarine Races. Derek and I mostly watched from the lift. Better vantage point.

I think the Ol' Man wore him out!

On the way home we made a quick detour to Frankenmuth, a German themed town near Bay City.

This is the "Silent Night Church", an exact replica of the one near Salsburg, Austria, where "Stille Nacht, Hieliga Nacht" was first performed. One of the conditions for getting permission from the original was that this never be used for an actual service. As you walk up to it you are greeted with the hymn gently wafting through the air...

As you leave, you walk away very moved and in a peaceful state.

This is the covered bridge (Zwiebrucken) on the grounds of the Bavarian Inn. It spans the Cass River.

This is the Bavarian Inn. They are world famous the their German Cuisine and the famous "Frankenmuth Chicken" dinners. I must say that they are excellent! The Glockenspiel in the bell tower has dozens of bells and plays the "Pied Piper of Hamilen". It is quite impressive.

This is Zehnder's. They have equally good chicken dinners and are friendly rivals with the Bavarian Inn across the street.

Atlanta Aquarium

2010-02-24T21:30:00.004-05:00

I was just down in Atlanta for a company function and along with being able to have dinner and a few drinks with my old friend, artist Greg Theakston who just moved down there from the Big Apple. That was really fun, waxing nostalgic about being comics fans in the 70's and discussing the people and events of the time as well as just catching up with each other since the last time we saw each other over thrity years ago. He even gave me a painting that he owed me for some printing work that my parents did for him long ago. Greg did a lot of paperback book covers and had quite a run doing TV Guide covers in the 80's (Brian Kieth said he had the only artist that he wanted to paint him and he did 3 "Hardcastle and McCormick" covers). He is also well

known for being an expert on the life of stripper Bettie Page , and years ago published a magazine called "The Bettie Pages" which re-introduced Bettie to a whole new generation of fans. He actually was a consultant on the film "The notorious Bettie Page" . We promised each other that we wouldn't wait another thirty years before having dinner together again.

This is the book cover of the painting that Greg gave me. It was done in 1978. The painting is square shaped an does not have any lettering. It's a mixed media oil (the portraits) and acrylic (the spaceship and robot). I think I'm going to try to find an old copy of the book to display with it.

The second highlight of my trip was a dinner sponsered by my company at the Atlanta Aquarium. It was really nice. They hired the entire Aquarium after closing time and served cocktails and gave us a guided tour with volunteers explaining all of the exhibits before we retired to the lavish dining area facing the 6 million gallon tank containing two whale sharks that were both well over 25 feet long. To say that they were magnificent would be an understatement. Here we are, sipping drinks while these huge fish several times larger than us are gently gliding by us on the other side of the glass! It was amazing.

This is an Australian Sea Dragon. Much like a seahorse, but very wraithlike.

I don't recall the name of this frog, only that it it's poison is very lethal.

You could actually pet the rays and hammerheads! (no thanks!)

This ray has a wingspan of 10-12 feet.

This whale shark's tail is at least 5-6 feet high and there it is, right in front of me.

Truly an amazing creature!

Schuss Mountain, Bellaire, MI

2010-02-24T20:45:00.001-05:00

I did a trip for work up to Traverse City last month and took the weekend and skied Schuss Mountain. Let me tell you that Michigan skiing is nothing like Vermont or out west, but the snow is plentiful, the lift lines are non existant, lift tickets are a steal, and there is a good time to be had by all!

The lodge is done nicely in Bavarian style much like what you would see in Frankenmuth, MI.

A shot from the bottom of the Yellow Lift. The run to the right is called "Sarijavo". It's steep and tight. a go fast run. I was skiing from the left, building up speed and shooting sideways over to Sarijavo, popping some air and turning a hard right down the run. Lot's of fun!

This is the vista from the top. Very scenic and a wonderful bright shiny day. The best kind of ski day!

This is "Pink Schussycat" a fast run.

This run is "Suprize" which is that it starts out a little steep but once you round this corner you catch some air and go staright down. A favorite run for me.

Some friendly faces at the Red Lift.

Misc Christmas '09 Pics

2010-02-24T20:12:00.004-05:00

Cleaning out the digital camera

Jib Jab skiing!

2010-01-21T18:00:00.007-05:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

I just found this on Jib Jab. Yes, I really DO ski like this!

Move Your Money

2009-12-30T17:58:00.003-05:00

This pretty much hits the nail on the head. If you have an account at Chase, Citrgroup, or any other mega bank, consider going to a local bank.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T11:46:00.006-05:00

It's always sunny above the clouds :)

The last two weeks have been a blur! On the 15th I found myself flying to Wilmington, NC for an emergency service call on a Heater/Cooler via ATL (Hotlanta!).

The pesky Heater/Cooler

70 degrees when I got there. Fixed it and spent the night there, eating the Captain's platter at Hieronymus Seafood (a must stop meal whenever I'm in town there!)

Nothin' fancy, just great food and lots of it. Plus Johnny the bartender is a helluva nice guy!

Flew to Minneapolis on Wednesday (again via ATL). Thursday and Friday were spent installing equipment at a couple of local hospitals, one being directly across the street from where the Vikings play.

Friday evening I flew back to Michigan.

Sunset above the clouds is always inspiring

Saturday was spent driving to Crystal Mountain with my favorite skiing buddy Derek.

The view from above the Buck chairlift at Crystal. Very Christmassy with the lights and snow.

We skied there Saturday and Sunday, leaving Monday morning for yet another service call in Petoskey, MI.

Little Traverse bay.

Worked until about 9:30 Tuesday night while Derek swam at the pool and worked out in the hotel gym. After we checked out Wednesday morning, it was off to Nub's Nob! For four hours of skiing on pristine packed powder in the bright sunshine along the shore of "Michigami" (Ojibwa for the Great Water)

Behind us, the bay.

VIDEOS:

Derek tears up Dorie's Bowl at Nub's Nob

Tim cruises down Sno Pro at Nub's Nob

Twenty Fourth Christmas

Derek, Chris, Tim, and Meredith

Freedom

2009-11-27T22:15:00.002-05:00

I happened across the blog of a certain, 60 year old angry white police officer in California and he said that he was gripping "his freedom". And I thought to myself "this is so sad that certain people are having such a hard time with who the president is now. "I personally think he is superior to his precursor, but history will make the ultimate judgement on that. Like or dislike Obama, really, how much power does he really have? As Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2) said , there is "No fate but what we make".

I'd like to show you all a picture of my freedom:

Instead of a Smith and Wesson snub nosed .38. mine is a pair of Atomic Metron3 skis.

How many magical places that they have transpoted me to. Like this 2.5 mile run in Bristol Mountain, NY.

Or to this magical place in Colorado along the Continental Divide...

Or amongst the "Land of the Giants" at Aropahoe Basin...

Or maybe it's just at the local ski hill with my son, who is growing up to be twice the man I ever was, when school was cancelled because it was 25 degrees below zero...

Yes, there are those who will hate and sow discontent. Hopefully, there are many, many more like myself who love and appreciate the wonderful gift that living in this place and time offers us. I have so much to be thankful for in this holiday season. God bless us all!

Buffalo Bill

2009-11-26T18:00:00.008-05:00

As I returned from skiing in Arapahoe Basin last May, I stopped at Lookout Mountain, the gravesite of Buffalo Bill Cody and his wife Louisa. Like Custer, Cody had a storied life in the Old West, and also like Custer, was adept at promoting his exploits into greater fame and fortune.

Cody left home at the tender age of 11, working in Utah and other western territories in various jobs until the outbreak of the Civil War including being a rider in the storied Pony Express. In 1863 he enlisted in the Union Army as a private and was discharged at the end of the war in 1865, After the war Cody held various jobs, among them hunting freelance for the Kansas Pacific Railroad, he killed over 4,800 American Bison in less than a year. He also served as a hunting guide for well heeled tenderfoots from the east and overseas. He also was a freelance scout for the Army, and was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1872 for "gallantry in action" while scout for the 3rd Cavalry Regiment. This medal, along with over 900 others was revoked by Congress in 1917 as not meeting a high enough standard for such as prestigious award. It was re-instated in 1989 (probably more because of Cody's fame than for the actual deeds surrounding his getting it).

Buffalo Bill's greatest legacy of course was not anything that he accomplished in the Old West, but in keeping alive the image of the Old West with his Wild West Show that toured the country and later the world. Sort of a Western Circus with staged battles between the Indians and the Cavalry, and feats of marksmanship by the likes of Annie Oakley. He also fought for conservation of the near extinct American Bison, Native American rights, and the rights of women.

This is the view of the Rockies from Lookout Mountain. Only a few hours earlier I was skiing there and now, several thousand feet below it is 80 degrees.

To the east, the city of Denver. Possibly my future home someday?

A plaque with some background information on the site.

Bill and his wife Louisa at rest. It is an Indian custom to throw coins on the graves.

General Custer

2009-11-16T09:51:00.010-05:00

Recently I was down in Monroe, MI and took some pics of the statue of Gen. George Armstrong Custer. Custer has long been a hero of mine. His flamboyant style, reckless bravery, and the fact that he hails from my home state are all factors in my admiration of him. Yes, he miscalculated and was killed along with his entire command at the Battle of the Little Big Horn, but was instrumental in the Union victory at Gettysburg.
Although he was not a gifted student at West Point, he never the less was appointed to the rank of second lieutenant at the outbreak of the Civil War, and was attached to the Second Cavalry during the Battle of Bull Run. During the Peninsular Campaign, he was reassigned to the 5th Cavalry where he got his first chance to lead four companies of the 4th Michigan Infantry in a successful attack across the Chickahominy River. Although a minor skirmish, Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan, commander of the Army of the Potomac, was made aware of it and personally congratulated Custer. McClellan took a liking to Custer, and he was attached to his staff as an aide-de-camp. Custer then began to network with fellow officers of higher rank and embarked on a campaign to secure higher rank and eventually attained his own command. Although he had a penchant for over elaborate, showy uniforms, Custer won the respect of his men for his willingness to lead his men at the front of cavalry charges, never hanging back to avoid being wounded as other officers did.
At 23, Custer was promoted to Brigadier General.
Although many feel that Custer was reckless, meticulous planning preceeded each action that he led. As Marguerite Merrington explains in The Custer Story in Letters, "George Custer meticulously scouted every battlefield, gauged the enemie's weak points and strengths, ascertained the best line of attack and only after he was satisfied was the 'Custer Dash' with a Michigan yell focused with complete surprise on the enemy in routing them every time."
At Gettysburg, Custer and the first Michigan Cavalry thwarted an attack on the rear of the Union Army led by J.E.B. Stuart, breaking the back of the Confederate assualt.
Near the end of the war, Custer blocked the retreat of Robert E. Lee near Appomattox Court House, and received the first flag of truce from the Confederate forces.

The facts of the Battle of the Little Big Horn have been widely explored, and yes, Custer recklessly split his forces while facing an enemy that outnumbered him by at least two to one. I have to wonder if in the fog of war Custer's scouts provided him with faulty intellegence. In this day and age it is popular to view Custer's life through the lens of this one engagement without giving him credit for his deeds in the Civil War.

In his biography of Custer Son of the Morning Star , Evan Cornell wrote: "These days it is stylish to denigrate the general, whose stock sells for nothing. Nineteenth-century Americans thought differently. At that time he was a cavalier without fear and beyond reproach."

The U S Coast Guard forgotten on Veteran's Day

2009-11-15T12:46:00.005-05:00

This is a letter that I emailed to the Detroit Free Press (letters@freepress.com) They have seen fit to neither publish or respond.

Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2009, 9:22 AM

This letter is to inform the Free Press that it neglected to mention the fifth branch of the military on Veteran's Day. That is the United States Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard is very active in our state and throughout the Great Lakes Region. Unlike the other branches of the military, the Coast Guard performs a daily role right here in our community by enforcing maritime laws, maintaining the aids to navigation in all coastal waters, preventing smuggling, and engaging in life saving search and rescue missions.

Although I have nothing but goodwill and respect for our brothers in the United States Navy, the Coast Guard is a separate branch of the military. You would never dream of lumping in the United States Marine Corps (which actually is under the Department on the Navy, and trains its officers at the United States Naval Academy) as you did in your Sunday editorial chart outlining the deaths in each branch of the military in all of the wars fought by the United States ( in very small print "* Navy totals includes Coast Guard").

Every lighthouse, channel buoy and vessel tracking station on the Great Lakes is maintained by the Coast Guard. Icebreakers like the Cutter USCG Mackinaw (which I proudly served on in the 80's) keep the shipping channels open during winter.

Let us also not forget that during the botched federal response to hurricane Katrina, the Coast Guard was the only federal government entity that "got it right".

"Of the estimated 60,000 people that needed to be rescued from rooftops and flooded homes, Coast Guardsmen saved more than 33,500, including rescuing from peril 24,135 lives and evacuating 9,409 medical patients to safety. The rescue and the response efforts were some of the largest in Coast Guard history, involving units from every district as well as a total of 5,600 Coast Guardsmen" (source: USCG official website).

So next Veteran's Day, I humbly ask you not to forget to include Uncle Sam's Can-do Group.

Semper Paratus

Tim C. Gasco (Coast Guard Petty Officer 1980-1984)

Bird Hunter

2009-11-11T11:51:00.002-05:00

I'm starting to get the drawing bug again. This drawing is of a bird hunter from the 1930's in Idaho. It was inspired by an old photograph. Done on drawing paper with a no.2 lead pencil, the same kind that school kids use. I was initially going to do a pen and ink rendering, but liked the way it was coming along in pencil that I decided to stick with that.

Berlin Wall 1984. An Orwellian Adventure

2009-11-10T11:03:00.022-05:00

On the twentieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall, I'd like to share my memories of this place. As a young man of twenty three, I journeyed here as part of a three month holiday to celebrate my impending separation from the US Coast Guard and see some of the world before starting a career in civilian life. I had been all over West Germany, Austria and Switzerland at the time and wanted to see Berlin, the cradle of German civilization. West Berlin at the time was a cosmopolitan western city that was miles behind the Iron Curtain. On the train ride from western Germany I was struck by the desolation on the eastern side of the border. Miles of empty landscape as far as the eye could see. Upon arriving at the border, our train pulled into a checkpoint that looked like something out of Stalag 17. Dozens of East German soldiers (some holding the leashes of very large German Shepards!) surrounded our train and asked "papieren, bitte!" (papers, please! they did NOT have a pleasant manner about them at all). Eventually our train proceeded to West Berlin.

West Berlin was an island of freedom and prosperity amid a sea of totalitarianism. I snapped several pictures of the Wall and took a tour to East Berlin. My pictures there were extremely limited by our official "minder" that accompanied the tour bus.

These graves were near Checkpoint Charlie, the American sector entrance into East Berlin.

This small stone is engraved with "For Freedom" in German...
This sign is explaining to you that "you are not in Kansas anymore"
Checkpoint Charlie
Using a piece of broken glass, I etched my name into the Wall. It was totally approachable on the western side. On the eastern side it was separated from the public by barbed wire and a deadly "no man's land" patrolled by soldiers with dogs and machine gun towers...
Me, pointing to a portion of the wall. This photo gives you an idea of the scale of the wall...

This was taken from the third floor of a building on the western side. You get a clear idea of what a person wanting to cross from the east would be up against...

Peeking "over the top" at a guard tower"...

Seeing these photos, it's hard to get my head around the idea that this structure has been removed...

This is the Soviet war Memorial at Treptower Park . It is an impressive installation, constructed by the East Germans to thank their Soviet overlords for freeing them from "Militarism and Fascism". Although Nazi Germany was an evil empire I doubt the East Germans felt "liberated"...

This is the Monument to the Liberating Soviet Army. Guarded by two Red Army soldiers.

The trip into East Germany was surreal. It was as if upon waking, you realized that you were in an alternate reality where everything had been changed the night before. No billboards that say "Drink Coke" but ones that said "Support your leaders!", "Honecker and Chernyenko- two for peace!", "Increase industrial production together!"

No happy faces on the street. Everyone looking at the sidewalk and avoiding eye contact with the AK-47 toting, jackbooted police/soldiers that seemed to be on every street corner. I asked one of these soldiers if I could take his picture and he looked at me like I was insane and yelled "Nien! Raus!" (No, Leave!).

As our bus left to go back to the west, I could see some East Germans looking longingly, probably thinking "I wish I was on that bus".

These are my recollections of that time and place. Hope you enjoyed reading them.

Mackinac Island, MI

2009-11-04T07:44:00.017-05:00

Two weeks ago my wife Chris and I went to Mackinac (pronounced Mackinaw ) Island to run in the Great Turtle Half Marathon and 5.7 mile Race . We participated in the 5.7 mile race. It was a nice time and we did a little sight seeing (and of course bought some of the delicious fudge that the island is famous for).

This is Fort Mackinaw. It was built by the British in 1780 to protect the lucrative fur trade route of the straits. In front is a statue of Father Jacques Marquette, whose arrival predated the British presence on the island by over 100 years. Native Americans are believed to have settled the island around 900 AD. the Ojibwa tribe considered this place to be the home of the Great Spirit ( Gitche Manitou). Motor vehicles of any kind are not allowed so your only choices are foot, bicycle, or horse drawn carriage. This is St. Anne's Catholic Church.

This is Round Island, which forms the "tail" of the Great Turtle.

Post race celebration.

On the way back, we passed the channel buoy, you can see the fort on the island. You can also see the Round Island Lighthouse.

I went topside for the ride back. It was wonderfully bracing. Cold air 30 mph winds, 8 foot seas and plenty of spray. It made me miss my Coast Guard days. Chris thought I was crazy.

The recently retired USCGC Mackinaw (WAGB 83). My home for much of 1981. Now a museum. Sadly, she was closed for the season two weeks earlier. To stand on her decks once more...

New Iphone App

2009-10-16T06:24:00.002-05:00

I think my Troll would love to have this on his Iphone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_IAN081P8I&feature=player_embedded

Trolls

2009-10-14T20:15:00.001-05:00

Seems I have a troll. I'm going to lock down the comments for a while until he gets bored and decides to pester someone else. Most of you know how to get me on FB or through Email. I'll still keep posting, but for now I will disable the comment feature.

Democrats get tough!

2009-10-12T16:50:00.003-05:00

Rush-ing to judgment: National commentators don't understand Detroit's plight

2009-10-11T10:51:00.001-05:00

From Laura Berman at the Detroit News. I happened to be channel surfing the AM radio in rural Ohio while on the way to Buffalo and got to hear the great Rush Limbaugh make fun of my town and the people who live there. He makes millions off of the pain and misfortune of others. Is this really the Republican way? If so, I want no part of it.

Rush-ing to judgment: National commentators don't understand Detroit's plight

They came in droves.

By 10 a.m. Wednesday, Cobo Center was drawing a bigger crowd than you could squeeze into Comerica Park for a free Eminem concert.

All that was in the air was a whiff of hope -- the promise of help -- and that hope drew tens of thousands, so many people that 150 police officers arrived on the scene to contain people. There was jostling, minor injuries and the frenzy of a crowd excited about rumored promises that weren't going to be delivered.

What was just as predictable as Detroit's chaotic botched application process for Detroiters seeking access to federal stimulus dollars was the national and international response: Laughter.

Advertisement
Nobody laughs at Indonesians buried under rubble. They don't sneer at hurricane victims whose houses float away. But to the media conservatives who feed on the despair of the poor, Detroit's economic Katrina is an opportunity to stir up the rabble. In this week's case, it created a rush to Google and YouTube and provided fodder for fringe hate groups.

"Detroit's Model Citizens Line Up for Money from Obama's 'Stash' " is the way Rush Limbaugh's Web site headlined a story about the stampede for grant applications at Cobo. Two breathless days of commentary were devoted to the appalling greed of broke Detroiters. He also nationally aired WJR-AM's (950) onsite interview with a Detroit woman who explained she'd come to Cobo for "Obama money."

"Where did he get it?" asks WJR reporter Ken Rogulski.

"I don't know, his stash," the woman responds. "I don't know where he got it from, but he's giving it to us, to help us."

She added: "We love him. That's why we voted for him."

How did this woman's anticipation and excitement become a trigger for ridicule? For contempt and loathing?

From that brief exchange, Limbaugh extracted a wealth of knowledge about this anonymous woman. He went on to describe her as "dumb, uninformed, shockingly, saddeningly stupid, the model citizen for Barack Obama."

The truth is that her answer wasn't stupid: She believed she had a chance to qualify for assistance from the federal government. She received an application.

But she said, "Obama money," a phrase that he uses to then disparage the entire mass of people in attendance, people he assumes lack all good qualities, from work ethic to intelligence to education. Those are qualities he and his audience apparently share automatically, by virtue of their enjoying of his program and their shared ability to sneer at desperation.

This spirit -- of denunciation and contempt for poor, black people -- has been picked up by white supremacist sites that are unapologetically and openly racist.

Big surprise.

If Limbaugh came to Metro Detroit, he could visit virtually any street in any suburb and find unemployed engineers and teachers and executives who would happily walk to city hall for legally available grant money.

He could find hard-working, well-educated white people who have lost their jobs and whose seemingly guaranteed futures -- the reward for all those years of enterprise -- just ran out of warranty.

Why not sneer at them? Because most of them might become "us" at any moment? Because "we" need a "them" to keep the yawning abyss at bay?

I don't know WJR's hopeful woman whose sin is admitting on-air that she "loves" Obama. He's a United States president who signed a bill, passed by Congress, that may help her pay rent and utilities for a few months, assuming she qualifies for Detroit's $15.2 million share of $1.2 billion in grant money being doled out to 535 communities.

"The large number of people seeking to apply for this program demonstrates the breadth of the recession here in Detroit, and in the region," said a statement released by the mayor's office Friday.

Beyond her big moment, this woman is unlikely to receive a piece of the grant money: Only about 3,400 Detroit residents will get assistance. Already, the city has received 25,000 applications.

Everyone's had their fun at the expense of an impoverished city and a woman whose enthusiasm eclipsed her common sense.

Still, would a white woman's need seem quite so funny? Would Rush and Glenn Beck and the far-right-race-supremacists lagging just behind still leap to insult?

Poverty and despair aren't funny, of course. But hope? In Detroit?

Now, that's a hoot.

Laura Berman's column runs Tuesday and Thursday in Metro and Sunday online. Reach her at lberman@detnews.com or (313) 222-2032

The world has spoken on Obama’s hope, unity

2009-10-10T12:00:00.002-05:00

This is from today's Detroit Free Press. My sentiments exactly. Bravo! Rochelle Riley!!!!!!!

The announcement shook up the world. But the Nobel Peace Prize committee’s decision to honor President Barack Obama should have come as no surprise. Five years ago this month, the (London) Guardian’s home affairs editor wrote about a poll showing that voters in eight of 10 leading countries, including some of America’s closest allies, wanted President George W. Bush to lose in the 2004 presidential election. Yes, people outside of America believed that the Iraq invasion and subsequent war were wrong, and that America was becoming increasingly isolated. As a country, we didn’t seem to care what they thought. Our mantra during Bush’s two terms was “Damn the torpedoes. Full speed ahead.” But the world has spoken again. And the Nobel committee was its conduit, awarding the prize to Obama not so much for what he has done but for what he has made possible. Thorbjørn Jagland, chairman of the five-member committee, said Obama has “created a new climate in international politics.” It was a reminder that the Peace Prize, in the past, has been given not to those who forge forward with guns blazing and arrogance reeking, but to those who encourage restraint, unity, democracy: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and former President Jimmy Carter. Obama’s critics, including an increasingly cartoonish Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, just don’t get it. Steele and other Republican and conservative critics are playing the dozens while Obama is leading America to live up to its Declaration and its constitution. His missteps are to be expected. Every president has had them. But can his critics really compare a rough ride to universal health care with ensuring world peace? They don’t get it. But Obama does. He accepted the prize, in a modest Rose Garden speech, in which he made clear that he knows he was recognized not with a reward for what he has accomplished, but with an incentive to continue what he has begun. The Nobel announcement was stunning and unexpected. But it should not have been a surprise. Our last president took us to the precipice of World War III. Obama has joined a pantheon of thoughtful intellectuals who believe in putting peace first. And whether we pay enough attention or not, that is what most people around the world want, as well.

Why Obama is not a Nazi (but maybe Jackie Robinson)

2009-09-27T11:20:00.004-05:00

I love the new Doonsbury Cartoon. I concisely presents the argument against the rabid Right. It also expresses the frustration the Left has about Obama not having "a pair" and not "hitting back" when the Right constantly fights every move he makes. I must admit that, to paraphrase Bill Maher, like Muhammad Ali, Obama has a way with words. What really made Ali effective though, is that he also knew how to punch somebody in the face! I was speaking with a friend recently who I thought was onto something when he compared Obama to Jackie Robinson. Robinson also was urged to fight back when he was slighted by white players who attacked and disrespected him. Basically saying that, "If I respond that way, it closes the door for the next black player because they'll use that combativeness as excuse to keep others out". I don't know if this is a good strategy or not. I guess we'll find out down the line. Is Obama "running the bases first" and "getting a little dirt on my uniform" so that the next guy will have it easier? What do you think?

Hitler's true plan!

2009-09-19T10:05:00.003-05:00

Pure Michigan

2009-09-07T11:59:00.014-05:00

Labor day weekend spent at home enjoying the sights and sounds of the lake that I live on. Swans ducks and Canada geese were all in attendance as my wife Chris, son Derek and I relaxed and enjoyed the evening with our two dogs Bert (big stupid one) and Chet (serial carpet peeing, barks then runs and hides, infinitely irritating and all around pain in the butt).

Casting off from the backyard

Out on the Lake

Chris and " little Chettie"

Some ducks

Bert spys some swans with their half grown youngsters

They are irritated by our boat, and the fact that we have no food

Chester tries not to wet himself as we approach the swans

As we head home, the sun sets.

Funny Hitler spoofs on youtube

2009-07-30T14:29:00.005-05:00

Came across these via Danny Best, a facebook friend from Australia.

Hitler is upset that Michael Jackson has died and cannot perform at his birthday party.

Hitler loses it when he learns that he is banned for life from XBox Live.

UPDATE:

Hitler blows his stack when he finds out Sarah Palin has resigned.

X-15

2009-07-21T12:15:00.008-05:00

Yesterday, I was visiting Throwaway Blog, where Dmarks posted about the top ten (in his opinion) spaceships, real of imagined, to honor the fortieth anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing. I felt that he left out the (IMHO) coolest rocket plane ever, the X-15.

Launched from under the wing of a b-52, This plane quickly accelerated to unimaginable speeds of up to Mach 6.7 (4,520 mph). It also had the ability to ascend to altitudes as high as 67 miles (50 miles officially qualifies as outer space). This unique, ahead of its time rocket plane was nearly twice as fast as the SR-71 Blackbird, and almost as cool looking. Niel Armstrong was one of the first pilots of this amazing craft.

When my son and I were in Washington, DC. I snapped a few pictures of the first one ever to fly, which is on display at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.

General characteristics
Crew: one
Length: 50 ft 9 in (15.45 m)
Wingspan: 22 ft 4 in (6.8 m)
Height: 13 ft 6 in (4.12 m)
Wing area: 200 ft² (18.6 m²)
Empty weight: 14,600 lb (6,620 kg)
Loaded weight: 34,000 lb (15,420 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 34,000 lb (15,420 kg)
Powerplant: 1× Thiokol XLR99-RM-2 liquid-fuel rocket engine, 70,400 lbf at 30 km (313 kN)
Performance
Maximum speed: Mach 6.70 (4,520 mph / 7,274 km/h)
Range: 280 mi (450 km)
Service ceiling: 67 mi (354,330 ft / 108 km)
Rate of climb: 60,000 ft/min (18,288 m/min)
Wing loading: 170 lb/ft² (829 kg/m²)
Thrust/weight: 2.07

Pundit Kitchen

2009-07-08T07:19:00.003-05:00

A funny pic from my wife Chris

The Falcon

2009-06-30T15:39:00.010-05:00

This is a drawing of Captain America's 1970's era sidekick, the Falcon , as he appeared at the time. It was done by my friend, Arvell Jones . Arvell was at the time one of a group of comic book artists that came from Detroit. They were all friends of Rich Buckler (whom I have always been a great fan of, but have never actually met), and included other such notables as , Al Milgrom, Keith Pollard, Michael Netzer,Greg Theakston, and Jim Starlin.

I actually met Arvell, and his brother Desmond (a comics letterer) through my friendship with Michael Netzer who had not yet gone pro at the time. This drawing was published in my one issue fanzine attempt, Fantastic Fan Scene, of which I have the only known surviving copy. Unfortunately, it and several other pieces of artwork ( by Michael Netzer, Howard Chaykin, and my own considerable portfolio) were lost several years ago in a flood at my home ( I still get angry when I think of the inept dishwasher installers whose shoddy work destroyed years of memories).

It was a great time to be a comic book fan in Detroit. Many top artists hailed from Detroit and were more than happy to talk comics and art on the phone with this 13 year old fan ( The long distance charges back then! Detroit to New York). Imagine a film geek actually hanging out with the creators of the movie! That's what it was like for a comics fan back then.

Eventually, as all boys do, I grew older and my interest in comics waned, and I lost touch with these people as I graduated from high school and went into the Coast Guard. Although after awhile I found myself stationed in New York City (comics Mecca), my friends in the business had moved on to bigger and better things than the comics. Many moved to L.A. to work in films (storyboard artists and animators) and I was unable to reconnect with any of them in NYC. Still, I never forgot the pleasure those old comics gave me, and through the magic of the internet, Arvell and I have bumped into each other via Facebook.

Arvell is now back in Detroit and has taught at the Center for Creative Studies, a premier art college in Detroit. I am looking forward to having lunch with him someday soon and hopefully getting some artwork pointers, although my art career is now strictly for my own enjoyment.

Here you see the drawing as it appeared in Fantastic Fan Scene. The lettering at the bottom was originally diagonal on the left, but I have reoriented it.

This version I colorized using my WACOM Intuous IV tablet.

A wedding!

2009-05-30T09:06:00.010-05:00

Last Sunday Chris and I attended the wedding of my good friend, Lamont, and his Bride, Mary Beth. It was a beautiful occasion in a beautiful setting, the Nativity of our Lord Church on McClellan St. in Detroit. Lamont and I worked together briefly for Siemens at the Detroit Wayne County Airport and have remained friends for several years. I recently met Mary Beth this winter at their engagement party, and Lamont, you certainly found a keeper!

Although some took pictures during the actual ceremony, I waited to take this picture of the Sanctuary. There is a magnificent stained glass circular window at the opposite end of the room, but darn it, the picture was out of focus!

The wedding party after the nuptials were completed. The Good Lord blessed them with a sunny day. A good omen for a long and happy life together!
The bagpiper led the Bridal procession and played again as the wedding party emerged from the church.
Cutting the wedding cake!

Don't they look so happy and in love?

Man, those shoes are deadly! I want a pair!

It has been a while since I attended a wedding and the occasion helped to remind me how blessed I am to be married to such a wonderful woman these last 22 years. I hope Lamont and Mary Beth will find the happiness that I have had for all of these years.

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T11:07:00.008-05:00

As we are Bar-B-Qing our hot dogs, let's take a minute to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to keep our nation free.

Douglas Albert Munro (October 11, 1919 – September 27, 1942) is the only member of the United States Coast Guard to have received the Medal of Honor, the U.S. military's highest decoration. Munro received the award posthumously for his actions as officer-in charge of a group of landing craft on September 27, 1942 during the September Matanikau action in the Guadalcanal campaign of World War II.

He volunteered and successfully led five Higgins boats from the seaplane tender BALLARD to evacuate a detachment of Marines from a point where enemy opposition developed beyond anticipated dimensions. Munro's last words were 'Did they get off?'

The citation for the Medal of Honor, was presented in May 1943 by President Roosevelt at the White House. Accepting the award were his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Munro of Cle Elum, Washington.

"DOUGLAS ALBERT MUNRO, SIGNALMAN FIRST CLASS, U.S. COAST GUARD
For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action above and beyond the call of duty as Officer-in-Charge of a group of Higgins boats, engaged in the evacuation of a Battalion of Marines trapped by enemy Japanese forces at Point Cruz, Guadalcanal, on September 27, 1942. After making preliminary plans for the evacuation of nearly 500 beleaguered Marines, Munro, under constant risk of his life, daringly led five of his small craft toward the shore. As he closed the beach, he signalled the others to land, and then in order to draw the enemy's fire and protect the heavily loaded boats, he valiantly placed his craft with its two small guns as a shield between the beachhead and the Japanese. When the perilous task of evacuation was nearly completed, Munro was killed by enemy fire, but his crew, two of whom were wounded, carried on until the last boat had loaded and cleared the beach. By his outstanding leadership, expert planning, and dauntless devotion to duty, he and his courageous comrades undoubtedly saved the lives of many who otherwise would have perished. He gallantly gave up his life in defense of his country."

Douglas Munro's Medal of Honor is on display at the United States Coast Guard Training Center Cape May in Cape May, New Jersey.

In addition to the Medal of Honor Munro also received the Purple Heart, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, American Defense Service Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

Two ships, the Coast Guard's USCGC Munro (WHEC-724) and the Navy's USS Douglas A. Munro (DE-422), as well as a barracks building located at USCG Training Center Cape May (Munro Hall), were named in his honor.

Let us reflect for a moment on the sacrifices of the thousands of men and women who have given their tomorrows for our todays, especially the the men and women of the United States Coast Guard, who are ALWAYS READY (Semper Paratus) to save a life!

Greetings from 13,000 feet

2009-05-08T17:12:00.018-05:00

This is the 100th post of Timsblogfest. It has been a pleasure to share my journeys, artwork, and opinions. I never thought that I would have, by this time, gotten over 160,000 views! I guess you all like me! Please click on the first photo to get the full detail of this, my most amazing journey so far.

Our hero kickin' it at 13,000 feet.

After business meetings in Denver I took a few days off to ski in Arapaho Basin, which is on the continental divide 6 miles east of the town of Keystone. First let me tell you that a flat lander such as myself should NEVER go from sea level to this altitude without at least spending a day or two in Denver. Even though I did spend 3 days there before coming up here I was sick as a dog the following morning. Altitude sickness is nothing to fool around with. I had two beers with dinner the night I got here and had a SEVERE hangover (felt like I drank a fifth of Jim Beam on an empty stomach!). I took much Ibuprofen and drank over a gallon of water during the course of the day which only slightly helped. Loss of appetite is another symptom. I DID NOT, however, let that stop me from skiing (but let me tell you, I was not at my best). Exhausted, with a splitting headache, I finally gave it up after 3 hours. I got back to my hotel and proceeded to flake out on the bed (again, drinking copious amounts of H2O ). After about 30 minutes I had enough energy to take a shower and get something to eat. Dinner really helped (eat CARBS!). I actually felt human by bedtime and almost normal by morning. I skied again today and was feeling more like my old self (except that my legs were ON FIRE) , I swear, I'm bringing an O2 bottle next time. I stuck to the blue runs (which are like black ones back east) because man, my legs just don't work as good up here. It was all finesse and little power. Still, I skied well enough that I didn't embarrass myself. I'm skiing one more day so maybe I'll finally acclimate and get back to my usual crazy self. The weather has been spectacular! Highs approaching 60 degrees by noon. The only trouble is that it's like mashed potatoes by 3:30 in the afternoon. I'll be rising early to get there by 8:00 tomorrow.
This place is EPIC! first time in my life that I ever saw bighorn sheep standing by the road (sorry, too busy driving to take a picture).

This is A-Basin after hours. This is only the first chairlift. After you get off of this one you take a second one to the summit, where my first picture is taken from.

This is a little better shot of the Montezuma Bowl area. Way off to the left past the lake is the Breckenridge resort, which is closed for the season. A-Basin faces north, and therefore usually is skiable until June. You can ski here in the morning and golf in Keystone in the afternoon. What and amazing place. If you can see this and not believe in God then you just have no spirit. Simple as that. I thanked Him many times for the privilege of seeing, experiencing, and skiing this magnificent place.

This is the Black Mountain Lodge. It is at the top of the first lift, or just under 12,000 ft. You're only half way there! one more lift ride to the top.

Exhausted after three hours, I sunned my old bones on the patio of the Lodge, staring at the slow moving clouds. The serenity of the moment was shattered by an Air Force F-16 buzzing the resort. It was cool to see it. I bet the pilot was having as much fun as we were.

A-basin trailmap frontside.

Montezuma bowl, backside of resort.

Greeting from the Deep

2009-05-02T12:37:00.004-05:00

Just back from my annual pilgrimage to Myrtle Beach. Heading to Denver tomorrow and Arapaho Basin near Keystone on Wednesday for three days of spring skiing. Highs in the upper 50's and sun forecast for each day. I am just havin' to much fun!

Stuka in color

2009-04-18T11:31:00.007-05:00

I just got a WACOM Intuos 4 medium drawing tablet and I am learning how to use it. The one thing that I really like about it is that I can colorize black and white drawings with it like this one.

Black and white now becomes color!

Nub's Nob, Harbor Springs, MI

2009-03-26T16:53:00.006-05:00

Skiing is winding down (wah!) but me and friend Tom Danis loaded up the van and drove to Nub's Nob last weekend to take advantage of some spring skiing. It's great to ski in spring. Temps in the 40's and bright sunshine. I even got a little sunburned!

Two of Nun's black diamond runs, Scarface (left) and the Chute. The moguls far right are Twilight zone.

Little Traverse Bay, Lake Michigan, from the summit...

Two ol' mangy coyotes trying to look cool...

A great place to ski, maybe the best skiing in the mitten. No trailmap this time, because Nub's really needs a better one.

Holiday Valley, Ellicottville, NY

2009-03-07T12:47:00.004-05:00

Derek and I went to Holiday Valley to do some skiing a few weeks ago and we enjoyed it very much. although not as challenging as Bristol Mountain, the place was excellent as far as grooming, the lodge, and general quality of the experience. My son the skiing superhero. We actually do sort of look like Batman and Robin when we are festooned in all of our skiing regalia. Skiing is sort of like being a superhero! You get to dress in cool clothes in bright colors and perform superhuman feats of speed and even get to fly if you are brave enough. "To infinity... and beyond! "
This is the top of "Mardi Gras" the longest run at over one mile. A combo green/blue run...

This is the view from the lodge.

Getting on towards sunset, I took this photo from the top of the bowl on the left of the trailmap...

Holiday Valley trailmap.

Instinct

2009-02-20T12:53:00.008-05:00

This is a drawing that I did today based on a doodle from a few days ago. Illustration Friday has the topic of the day of "Instinct". Certainly instinct plays a critical role in skiing along with refelexes, coordination, judgement (or lack thereof for barrelling down a mountain on skis at bone breaking speeds at my age) and a Jedi like ability to control your fear. This self portrait was done in my usual style with Higgins India ink and a #1 American Painter brush.

Update: Watercolor coloring applied to reprint of original drawing.

House of Superman

2009-02-14T17:07:00.008-05:00

10622 Kimberly Ave., Cleveland, OH 44108

The boyhood and young adult home of Jerry Siegel, the writing half of Siegel and Shuster, creators of the most iconic superhero ever created, Superman. Is there anybody at all who has not heard of this fictional character? Well, I happened to be driving through Cleveland yesterday and decided to have a look at this place where one of the greatest characters of fiction was created.

It was then, and still is, a hard scrabble neighborhood in a beat up area of the city. Certainly, young Jerry must have been inspired by his surroundings to create a hero that could transcend these squalid streets and elevate his imagination to a higher plain. A place where Truth, Justice, and the American way prevailed. It is little wonder why his imagination transported him to this wonderful realm of fantasy. "Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! No! It's SUPERMAN!

Superman's house. As you can see, the current owner has tried to keep with the color of Superman's costume. You have the light blue reflected in the porch and gable, red trim, and yellow in the middle. There is a construction dumpster in the driveway, so evidently they are renovatting. It is fitting that such a historic place is not left to rot like so many things in our throwaway culture. Unforunately, it appears that they have a ways to go...

The house next door needs much more work to be presentable.

The street .

H/T to Daniel Best for the address.

Bristol Mountain, NY

2009-02-06T07:03:00.009-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I had the chance to ski Bristol Mountain in the Finger Lakes region of western New York. I was there in Syracuse on business and brought my skis for this side trip.

It was a little pricey ($50 for a 4 hour lift ticket), but the skiing was definitely worth it. With a vertical of over 1200 feet, it easily beats anything in Michigan, even in the UP.

It was a great experience, and a great way to further hone my skiing skills on some challenging runs. Even though it is a beginner run, their longest run "Milky Way" is over two miles long and took me over 7 minutes to get to the bottom, or three songs on the Ipod.

"Comet" was a double black diamond run that I enjoyed because it is by far the hardest run I have ever skied. It was extremely steep with large moguls and some sheet ice thrown in for extra terror! My skis were sideways and I was still going 35 mph! (Sorry, too busy not getting killed to take a pic!)

For skiing newbies, the trail color code is:
Green-beginner

Blue- more difficult

Black (1 diamond)-most difficult

Black (2 diamonds)-extremely difficult

Black (three diamonds)-experts only

These are two snowscupltures made by the lift operators. The shark had a really cartoony face but since I was loading on the lift I really couldn't get a detailed pic.

Bristol Mountain trail map.

Winter Wonderland

2009-01-17T09:47:00.009-05:00

Happy New Year to all my blogger friends. Well, 2008 is over. Good riddance! In four days America will end an error, the Big three have at least temporarily survived, and winter is in full swing. A temperature of -25 (with windchill) broke the record for the coldest day in the D (Detroit). It was not enough to stop me and my son, Derek from skiing at the local ski hill, Mt. Holly .

Me on the left, Derek on the right. Cold as it was, it was a bright, sunny day. Perfect for getting out and shaking off that cabin fever.

This is the top of Derek's favorite run, Canyon. The little shack you see there is the start of the shalom racing course. It drops off steep right past the shack and has a nice combination of speed and ridges on the run to make it interesting...

My favorite run is Thunderbolt. White Lightning is the run off to the left, Thunderbolt is on the right. You can't see the end of either run. The end is past those trees, about 1/4 mile (30 seconds or less). I've thought about trying snowboarding, but they are always sitting on their butts at the top of the hill reattaching their rear binding, which they must unhook at the bottom of the hill to board the chairlift...

The ski patrol. I'd love to join it, but there is a 16 week course that must be completed. Mainly it's first aid, but there are also techniques for transporting injured skiers down via toboggan and such. They are all volunteers, but the big plus is that you get to ski for free all season, on duty or off. It is also reciprocal anywhere in the US. If you are a ski patrol in Michigan you can patrol in Colorado, etc. So if you like to ski and like helping people it's a win win scenario. It would fit nicely with my Coast Guard experience. With all of the traveling I do I don't know how I'd ever get through that long course.

Mt. Holly trailmap.

Big Three Bridge Loan

2008-12-11T10:30:00.006-05:00

Normally, I do not like to comment on politics in this blog. Although I comment on political posts at other blogs, it really is not the reason that I started blogging.
So this post will be a rare deviation from the norm.
I am really starting to get fed up with the grand standing in the House and especially the Republican members of the Senate regarding these loans. They are literally a pittance when compared to the TARP funds that Congress has approved for the likes of AIG and the large banks.
Regardless of what you think of GM, Ford, or Chrysler's products, they are the main economic engine of the state of Michigan. We need this money from Washington ( I would like to point out that Michigan is a donor state to the Federal government. In 2005, Michigan got $0.92 for every dollar sent to Washington, while Alabama gets $1.66 H/T O'Tim).
These funds are not a "bailout". Even if these companies eventually do go out of business, the Federal Government will still get their money back as they will be first in line if a bankruptcy occurs, so there is no risk to the American Taxpayer.
I am now, and have always been, a "we're all in this together" type of person. Michigan has been neglected for years and years by the Federal government and it is time for that to stop.
The "Red States" of the south and west are always carping about paying taxes to Washington but by and large benefit from funds received from "Blue States" Like Michigan, California, New York" and others. Seventeen states pay more into Federal taxes than they get back in the form of Federal spending. They are all "Blue States" with the notable exception of Texas (whuch got $0.94 in 2005).
I will not go into all of the tax breaks that the foriegn auto companies got to locate their plants in non-union states in the south, both Federal and State.
If you agree with me that this is inherently unfair, especially in these extremely trying economic times for Michigan, Ohio, and other states, please write, call, of email your Senator and express your opinion.

I also encourage you to visit this website www.boycottalabamanow.com.

Here is the text of an email that I wrote to Senator Richard Shelby of Alabama:

Senator Shelby;

I am a resident of Michigan. Our state has been in recession since 2002. Although I am employed, many of our people are having trouble finding employment and if you insist on driving General Motors and Chrysler out of business, our unemployment rate could reach 15% or more.That's a depression.

Our state is struggling really bad, and we are all doing the best we can up here. When Wall Street had a crisis, you and others handed them 700 billion dollars. If you divide that up 50 ways, you get 14 billion. Okay, fine. Just give Michigan the money that we sent to Washington to keep our main economic engine alive and stop the grand standing. We are asking for a LOAN. This money will be paid back. I find the hypocracy of Washington politicians telling us that we overpromised workers and retirees ridiculous when your party has gone on a spending spree like a bunch of drunken sailors over the last eight years.I did not see one Wall St. CEO getting humiliated by congress for days on end when they got 50 times the amount of money from the government. You all just handed it over to them and they won't even lend it to anyone. They are using it at luxury resorts and to buy each other's bank, and not to stop the forclosure crisis.

I was disgusted to see how our business leaders were treated by you and others. It will be a cold day in hell before I ever set foot in your filthy swamp of a state. I will never buy anything that is produced by your state. I don't know why you feel that it is the right thing to do to attack a state that has never done anything to Alabama, but if trade war and boycott is what you want, then so be it.

Just remember, there may be a day when Michigan is in a position to help Alabama during a hurricane or some such disaster. I will say "let them suffer, they are not worth the dirt on my shoes".
You need to stop this opposition and not kick a fellow state that is down. We are in desperate need or we would never go through the humiliation you and others are subjecting us to. It is just plain sadistic.

Even President Bush has said that we must not let the American Auto industry die. He is the head of your party. Listen to him.If you do not, Michigan will never forget the mortal blow that you will inflict on us.
I don't know why I am bothering to write this. Someone as arrogant as yourself probably thinks that the "little people" like me don't count. We have seen how you and your corrupt ilk hold the common man in contempt.

Just remember, some day it could be Alabama on the ropes. When that happens, I will personally tell you to go to hell.

Very Truly Yours Tim Gasco, Lifelong Michigan resident and veteran

Duluth, MN

2008-11-13T15:17:00.007-05:00

I've still got a few pics from DC (Air and Space Museum, National Portrait Gallery, etc.) that I will be posting, but I've got some other interesting pics this fall. I was in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to visit my daughter, Meredith, who is an English major at Northern Michigan University. I snapped a couple of pics of the two lighthouses there and a few of the Lake Michigan shoreline that I will share soon.

These pictures were taken at sunrise on Lake Superior in Duluth, MN. This is a neat town, but I'll tell you, it's cold there all year. 70 degrees is a tropical heat wave, and it is painful to get into Lake Superior anywhere above the knees. I've been here a few times, especially when in the Coast Guard over twenty five years ago.I was there on November 10th, the 33rd anniversary of the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, probably the most famous Great Lakes shipwreck of all time, because of the Gordon Lightfoot song.

The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down of the big lake they called "Gitche Gumee."The lake, it is said, never gives up her dead when the skies of November turn gloomy.With a load of iron ore twenty-six thousand tons more than the Edmund Fitzgerald weighed empty,that good ship and true was a bone to be chewed when the "Gales of November" came early.
The ship was the pride of the American side coming back from some mill in Wisconsin.As the big freighters go, it was bigger than most with a crew and good captain well seasoned,concluding some terms with a couple of steel firms when they left fully loaded for Cleveland.And later that night when the ship's bell rang,could it be the north wind they'd been feelin'?
The wind in the wires made a tattle-tale sound and a wave broke over the railing.And ev'ry man knew, as the captain did too 'twas the witch of November come stealin'.The dawn came late and the breakfast had to wait when the Gales of November came slashin'.When afternoon came it was freezin' rainin the face of a hurricane west wind.
When suppertime came the old cook came on deck sayin'."Fellas, it's too rough t'feed ya."At seven P.M. a main hatchway caved in; he said,"Fellas, it's bin good t'know ya!"The captain wired in he had water comin' in and the good ship and crew was in peril.And later that night when 'is lights went outta sight came the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Does any one know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours?The searchers all say they'd have made Whitefish Bay if they'd put fifteen more miles behind 'er.They might have split up or they might have capsized;they may have broke deep and took water.And all that remains is the faces and the names of the wives and the sons and the daughters.
Lake Huron rolls, Superior sings in the rooms of her ice-water mansion.Old Michigan steams like a young man's dreams;the islands and bays are for sportsmen.And farther below Lake Ontario takes in what Lake Erie can send her,And the iron boats go as the mariners all know with the Gales of November remembered.
In a musty old hall in Detroit they prayed,in the "Maritime Sailors' Cathedral."The church bell chimed 'til it rang twenty-nine times for each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald.The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down of the big lake they call "Gitche Gumee.""Superior," they said, "never gives up her dead when the gales of November come early!"

Washington Monument and the Capitol

2008-11-08T09:54:00.007-05:00

This picture was taken from the steps of the Jefferson Memorial.

This, the most phallic of all monuments, is befitting the "father of our country"

A cool civil war battle scene on the Capitol grounds...

Dad and Derek near the Capitol steps...

Theodore Roosvelt Memorial

2008-10-24T10:48:00.009-05:00

This memorial is a little hard to get to. It's a good three or four mile walk from Arlington, on an island in the Potomac that is closed to all but foot traffic. It is a wildlife sanctuary, which is fitting for the greatest conservation president. I have always been very fond of TR. I'll let his own words on the tablets below speak for themselves.

Iwo Jima Memorial

2008-10-17T15:52:00.009-05:00

Just down the road from the gates of Arlington you will find the USMC Memorial. It is a brilliant work of art and holds a special place in my heart as two of my uncles are Marines. I come from a family where military service is practically expected as the price of being a free American. We did it proudly and with a joyful heart. Many times people have said "thank you for your service" upon finding out that I am a veteran. I am slightly embarrassed and don't feel right saying "you're welcome". I just say " I didn't do it for the thanks, but thank you for recognizing it. I did it because I love this land where I am living my life." My uncle Ray Nicol served in Nam and was wounded there. If you want to thank someone, thank someone like him. He would probably just say " It was nothing".

This is the west side of the statue, facing away from the street. The indian, Ira Hayes, is the man whose fingers are not touching the flagpole.

This is the east side, visible from the street...

detail of the south side...

a close up of the man in front...

Uncle Ray, it's like they had you in mind when they wrote this. Semper Fi!

Arlington

2008-10-16T11:29:00.009-05:00

Taking the Metro on an eight mile ride under the Potomac River is a very convenient way to see Arlington National Cemetery and the USMC (Iwo Jima) Memorial. The most striking thing about Arlington is the sheer size of it. Thousands of graves that stretch for acres and acres. While one does not have to be killed in battle to be interred here, one must either die while on active duty, have retired from the U S military, or be the spouse of a qualified veteran buried here. Alas, my bones will never lie here.

This is the standard headstone.

These are the graves of JFK and Jackie, along with young son Patrick, and a daughter...

This is the grave of brother RFK nearby...

This is the home of Gen, Robert E. Lee, whose land was taken to make Arlington. He would have to see the death that he wrought...

From Gen. Lee's front porch you can see the Lincoln Memorial dead ahead, and the Washington Monument off to the right. At the far right is the Jefferson Memorial. Between them lies the Capitol...

The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns (soldiers from WW1, WW2 and Korea, and Viet Nam).

Bettisville Ohio

2008-10-11T16:52:00.004-05:00

This is the heartland of Northern Ohio. Staunch Republican territory. Imagine my surprise when I saw this and lots of other Obama signs. It has been hit extremely hard by the current economic climate. There will be more pics of Washington, DC soon.

Jefferson Memorial

2008-10-05T21:21:00.011-05:00

If you look at my last few posts, you will see that all of these monuments are very close to each other and I have posted about them in the order that you see them as you walk from place to place. Bring good walking shoes! All of the posts that you have seen so far were all done in one day.

As you walk down the lane from the FDR memorial, you see this impressive building...

From the front the memorial is reminiscent of Monticello...

The statue of Jefferson is every bit as impressive as the statue of Lincoln, although, somehow, the seated Lincoln seems to have a little more "gravitas"

Somehow, with the revelation of Jefferson fathering children with the slave, Sally Hemmings, these words ring hallow. Yet they are great words. Jefferson is surely a flawed, but great man. Much like William "Jefferson" Clinton...

Truer words were never spoken...

What can I add in commentary?

I leave the rest to your comments...

FDR Memorial

2008-10-04T10:06:00.007-05:00

I liked this tribute to FDR very much. It is laid out so the you walk through it much as you would go through a museum exhibit laid out over several rooms. It is very understated, yet thought provoking at the same time. Each section highlights a different stage in the history of his presidency.

FDR in the waning days. Again, political correctness strikes. This statue is based on a photograph where FDR has a cigarette (in the classic style black holder) that was one of his characteristics. I don't like the way that history has been "airbrushed" to more fit our modern ideas of what's correct and acceptable.

This should serve as an admonishment to the golden parachute boys running Wall St. and wrecking our economy.

Will a figure emerge to set things right again?

Eleanor is honored with a life sized statue of her own. Truly she was one of our greatest first ladies.

Lincoln Memorial

2008-09-29T19:27:00.009-05:00

Okay ladies and gentlemen, this is the show stopper- The figure of Lincoln is amazing! He looks like he is going to get right out of that chair. The north wall is inscribed with the Gettysburg Address, the south wall the Emancipation Proclamation.

This beautiful temple is a re-imagined homage to the Temple of Zeus, in the ancient Greek city of Olympia.

Unlike the Zeus, Honest Abe would easily be able to stand without tearing off the roof...

Possibly the greatest speech ever written, at least in America...

To me, anyway, this statue was very ominous, kind of creepy. You feel like Lincoln is looking right at you ...

The preserver of our Union looks across the Reflecting pool at the obelisk honoring its creator...

Korean War Memorial

2008-09-10T16:53:00.005-05:00

This was not my favorite one, but was directly across from the Vietnam memorial. All of the soldiers have that thousand yard,

lifeless stare...

Vietnam Memorial

2008-09-03T19:12:00.007-05:00

These photos of the Vietnam Memorial were taken later in the day after visiting the WW2 Memorial. It is north of the Reflecting Pool, between the WW2 and Lincoln Memorial.

These life sized figures face the wall at the entrance...

This is the wall as you move past the figures. These people, like me, came to remember friends, neighbors, loved ones...

Lawrence "Larry" Poet is the person that I came to remember. He was the son of our next door neighbor, Ralph Poet. He was three weeks shy of his nineteenth birthday when he was killed. I was ten years old.

Washington DC:World War Two Memorial

2008-08-30T16:43:00.014-05:00

What a wonderful trip I had with my son, Derek in Washington, DC. The last time that I was here was well over thirty years ago when I was in the fifth grade. The mall has changed a lot since then, as well as the security at some of the sites.

The White House is completely unapproachable. I remember taking a tour bus right in front of it then, but now you can't get within a quarter mile of it. A shame.

The Capitol can be viewed from the outside, but you have to send a letter to your congress person for tickets to go inside. In fact, I happened to sit next to my congressman, Thaddeus McCotter (R- Livonia, MI) on the return flight. He was very friendly and told me to stop by his office before my next trip and that he'd make sure I got some passes to come in.

I'm going to be making a lot of posts on this trip as I saved over 300 photos (and took nearly 1000) during the five days that we spent there. I hope that you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed this trip! Click on any of the photos for a larger view.

This is the base of one of the flag posts that surround the memorial. It has the emblem of every branch of service at its base.

Located directly between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, the World War Two memorial pays homage to both the founder and preserver of our great union. This is the view looking to the west...

...and to the east...

This quote is from the famous "Day that will live in infamy" speech. I must say that I am amazed that the final four words from FDR's speech "SO HELP US GOD" were omitted (in some misguided attempt at political correctness, I suppose).

This arch to the south represents the Pacific Theatre. Its identical northern counterpart represents the Atlantic theatre.

These eagles laying a wreath are inside the arches.

There are 4,000 gold stars. One for every 100 lives lost in the war.

There is a column for every state and territory of America during the war. This one is from my home state.

A photo of my son, Derek, my the fountain.

Greenfield Villiage

2008-08-19T20:25:00.008-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I went to Greenfield Village in Dearborn, MI with the family. This "living museum" was created in the late 1920's by Henry Ford to encourage innovation and invention. It's an interesting place that has among other things the Wright Bros. bicycle shop and Thomas Edison's laboratory and workshop. It showcases the techniques and inventions of the late 19th and early 20th century. The glassblowing shop (above) is always one of my favorite demonstrations. Here are a few more photos:

This is the display case in the Wright Brothers bicycle shop. Note the early inner tubes and wrenches.

This is the "Invention Factory", Thomas Edison's workshop. One of the fascinating things for me is how all of the lathes, drill presses, and other machine tools throughout the workshop, and the entire village were steam powered. They would have a big boiler that would power a piston, that would turn a flywheel, which by the use of large belts, would turn a drive shaft that would run along the ceiling of the room. Belts connected to each machine would then be connected to this drive shaft . Later, these were converted to electric motors. Amazingly, these devices, apart from the mode of power, are easily recognizable as the ancestors of today's machine tools.

This is Thomas Edison's lab. At a this bench, he worked on the chemical composition for the filament in his electric light bulb. I have many other photos, but there just is not enough space here to show as many as I would like.

I'm currently in Washington, DC with my son seeing the sights, so expect several posts coming soon. Before I start on that, I wanted to share these. I downloaded them large size, so that you can see excellent detail if you click on them.

Wilmington, NC

2008-07-02T16:02:00.009-05:00

Back down I go to Myrtle Beach and Wilmington. Driving my white Mustang along the Intercoastal highway to fix a piece of medical equipment. Here are a few pics I took in Wilmington:

This is the bow of the WWII battleship "North Carolina" which cost 78 million 1937 dollars to build...

Panning down the side of this juggernaut, one is blown away by the sheer mass and size, well over 600 ft long and I'm guessing 7 stories abouve the waterline...

This is a detail shot of the forward 16" gun battery. Yes, I said, SIXTEEN INCHES.

This is the USCGC Diligence (WMEC-616). This is an ocean going, medium endurance cutter that has been in service since 1964. I once had a friend who served on her sister ship the Steadfast. This class of cutter is 210 ft. long and have a beam of 35 feet. She is based in Wilmington and is moored along the bank of the Cape Fear river across the way from the battleship. "Semper Paratus!"

If I was a terrorist...

2008-05-01T10:40:00.003-05:00

This is another forward from my wife Chris.

Did You Know; Shift Happens - Globalization; Information Age

2008-04-29T07:13:00.002-05:00

This was presented last night at my daugter's High School Honors Awards Ceremony. It is an exciting time that we live in!

Three pics.

2008-04-25T06:59:00.007-05:00

This is Cleveland, OH. You can clearly see Brown's stadium and the Rock and Roll hall of fame on the waterfront, and the Indians ballpark to the left, along with the "Q", where LeBron and the Cavaliers play. The Cuyahoga river snakes along the western edge of the city...

This bamboo grove is in the most unlikely of places, south eastern North Carolina west of Wilmington

One of the things that I really love when flying first class is the stimulating conversation of fellow passengers...

Tell me how this protects our Freedom

2008-04-21T23:22:00.006-05:00

This is from Yahoo news. We have many people from Germany and Italy that come regularly to work with us. We are owned by Italians, after all. And why must the travel businesses pay for this idiotic invasion of personal liberties to the tune of 2.7 billion dollars? Look, it has got to stop. This is ridiculous.

Feds want to require visitors' fingerprints when leaving US

WASHINGTON - The Bush administration would require commercial airlines and cruise-line operators to collect information such as fingerprints from international travelers and send the information to the Homeland Security Department soon after the travelers leave the country, according to a proposed rule.
The proposal, which will be announced Tuesday, will close a security gap identified after the 9/11 attacks and identify which visitors have overstayed their visas.
Airlines and cruise ship operators must already provide the department with biographical information on international passengers before they leave the country. But this rule would require biometric information — such as fingerprints — to be collected and then transmitted within 24 hours of a visitor leaving the U.S., according to a Homeland Security official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the announcement had not yet been made.
Over 10 years, officials estimate it will cost air and sea carriers about $2.7 billion to carry out the requirement. The department plans to enforce the rule by June 30, 2009. Some air carriers have complained the federal government should cover the cost of implementing this rule.
U.S. officials already collect fingerprints from visitors when they come into the country, but the administration has yet to complete the exit portion of the tracking program — known as US-VISIT.
Lawmakers, including Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., have pressed the department to roll out its biometric exit system for more than a year.
"Any uncertainty about who is entering and leaving our country is an unacceptable risk that must be addressed," Thompson, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, said in a statement Monday.
There will be a 60-day comment period for the proposed rule.

Travels through Chicago

2008-04-19T13:25:00.011-05:00

Last week I was asked to help our Chicago rep with a service call in LaCrosse, WI. I got a ridiculously low fare ($103) for a round trip ticket to Chicago so I flew in there and we drove to LaCrosse. Here are a few pics:

Interesting rock formation. About the only thing of interest on the five hour drive (yawn...)

Concourse A at Midway Airport (named after the famous WWII naval battle in which the city of Chicago played a pivotal role). The SBD Dauntless is an actual plane recovered from Lake Michigan where it sank during carrier landing training exercises. The Great Lakes US Navy base is located here.

Through the window of the plane. The Sears Tower is in the foreground, with the John Handcock Tower a ways behind. Both buildings are very similar, black with two white antennas on top.

The city of the big shoulders, the second city...

The Batcave

2008-04-19T12:53:00.009-05:00

I snapped these pics in the lobby of the Cleveland Clinic. This is exactly how I remember the show when I watched it as a kid in after school reruns. Comics fans enjoy.

If you click on the blueprint, you can see minute deatils of the blueprint.

The commander will go, the war will go on

2008-04-13T15:54:00.005-05:00

This is from the Detroit Free Press today, written by Mitch Albom. I'm posting it because it pretty much mirrors my feelings exactly. I grow tired of Bush's endless war and sabre rattling regarding Iran. I am ashamed of all of the suffering and and death that has been inflicted on Iraq in my name for what is, essentially a lie. Mind you, I fully back our decision to go into Afghanistan to oust the Taliban and destroy Al-Queda, but Iraq is nothing more than a personal blood feud between two families. This needs to end.

"The war in Iraq has been labeled many things: a mission, an occupation, a controversy, a black hole. But last week, it officially became something else.
An inheritance.
With President George W. Bush's decision to leave troop levels where they are, he ensured that Iraq would be someone else's problem in January. Unlike the Persian Gulf War, Kosovo or even World War I, Iraq soon will straddle two American presidencies.
That seems somehow unfair. This is Bush's war. He started it in his first term and continued it in his second. There is no end in sight. And he seems uninterested in exploring one. Instead, he will hand it off, like a baton, while he goes home to Texas and a rich, quieter life.
Now, I am not one of those people who think we should pack our bags and flee Iraq tomorrow. Like someone stuck on a flight he didn't want to take, I recognize the consequences of bailing out -- regardless of how little I wanted to be there in the first place.
But if last week was Bush's final door slam on an ending, then it warrants a look back on where this thing began.
One misstep after another. We went into Iraq to get the weapons of mass destruction. Except there were no weapons of mass destruction.
We went in to stop Al Qaeda's terror operations in Iraq. Except there were no Al Qaeda terror operations in Iraq -- until we got there.
We went in to take out Saddam Hussein, a tyrant in the region. Except we took him out, and now we fret over Iran, the new tyrant in the region.
We went in to protect and control a major oil supply. Except oil is now well over $100 a barrel and we are as enslaved to it as ever.
We went in to be greeted as liberators. But we are seen by most as occupiers.
We went in with the world's sympathy. We stay there with the world's scorn.
If you took this list of mistakes and changed objectives and squeezed it into a three-month time frame, Americans would be screaming over the failure. Screaming. Howling mad.
But the biggest danger of a long, prolonged war is how used to the morass you can get. How accustomed you grow to setbacks, negative reports, minimal progress or, worst of all, 140,000 of our sons and daughters stationed over there.
And now a new president will have to finish what Bush started.
Where would you begin?
The words of war. Remember, this president stood before a banner that read "mission accomplished." Later he said, "Stay the course." Last week he told reporters that Americans had been worried about "failure in Iraq" but today things were better. The fact that the president even acknowledged the word "failure" showed you how far across the table this plate had skidded.
Here is what hasn't changed since the day we arrived: You can't make people love democracy. You can't make them implement it. You can't get feuding sects that have battled each other for hundreds of years to suddenly forget it in a matter of months. And you can't tip the whole of the Arab and Muslim world by clamping down on one tiny part of it. Bush, always tone-deaf to the region, said of Iraq, "If we fail there, Al Qaeda would claim a propaganda victory," and "Iran would work to fill the vacuum."
Which made the cynical listener wonder whether these problems wouldn't go away with an Iraqi dictator who could frighten Iran and want nothing to do with Al Qaeda.
Which brings us back to where we started.
They say we can't leave or the place will fall. But they don't say it won't fall no matter when we leave. They call it war, but it doesn't play like war. There are no moving tanks, no land to capture -- just hidden bombs in fruit stands and on highways, plucking a soldier here and a soldier there.
Last week, Bush said, "While this war is difficult, it is not endless." Four years ago, an Al Qaeda newsletter told its readers: "This war has been going on since there first were the faithful and the unfaithful."
As we enter the sixth year, which best describes it?"

Skiing

2008-03-29T13:29:00.015-05:00

This winter I took up skiing and have been having the time of my life! I just wish that I had tried this 10 years ago. I've gone about fifteen times this year and am definitely hooked! I started out at the local ski hill 5 miles from home and have worked my way up to Crystal Mountain in northern Michigan.

I'm already planning a trip to Killington Vermont for next winter and am actually sad that it has stopped snowing and ski season is over. Obviously Michigan is no Colorado, but there are many resorts Up North and I encourage anyone who is physically active to get off the couch and get out there! Here are some photos:

Riding the chairlift up to the top of "Buck" one of the Black diamond runs. It's pretty steep so you need to either be very technical and make sharp turns to slow your speed, or go fast and not die. Guess which way I ski.

This is the top of "Loki" the trickster of Norse Mythology. As you can see, it's pretty steep.

Loki's brother, "Thor" is on the other side of the chairlift and is even steeper. Now I know how it feels to cross the rainbow bridge to Asgard!

Here is the view from the parking lot. Thor is on the right, Loki on the left.

This is the half pipe. It's pretty steep and is sort of like a bobsled run. You get going really fast and can ski on the sides or jump up in the air and do flips. You can also ski on the edge and then jump in getting some tremendous air.

This is "Main Street" an easy run that goes down the middle of the hill. I like the runs that go through the woods because they have lots of turns, and if you are really crazy you can weave in and out of the trees and make your own trail.
Here is the front of the mountain. The village is very nice. It's laid out so that you can ski to anything. Restaurants, and your room.
This is the back of the mountain. Lots of blue runs through the woods. Very relaxing...

Full PDF of Trail map

Ski magazine rated this as the best resort in the Midwest. I have to say that it was top-notch as far as quality of lodging, dining, pro shop, and grooming of the runs. There may be higher vertical drops and more challenging runs further north, but this is a quality place. They also have golf and mountain biking in the summer.

Bush Imitator

2008-02-18T16:43:00.003-05:00

This from my wife Chris. This kid really does deserve an Oscar! Bush is without a doubt the funniest (while trying not to be) person in the country.

Key Largo, Florida

2008-02-09T08:35:00.001-05:00

Well it's time for another post! I was down in the Keys for our East Coast Field Service meeting and enjoyed it very much. Here are the pics with commentary:

Here we find our hero kickin' it under a palm tree after lunch on the hotel beach. We stayed at a Marriott resort down there that was really nice.

These are my collegues Shanna, Mike, and Wayne. Wayne is the photghaphy king of our band. He regularly goes to zillions of rock concerts and has an excellent webite, http://www.waynedennon.com/ , where you can see his excellent concert photos. I'm telling you now, Wayne: I'm not taking over your territory when you finally go pro!

A couple of sailboats moored offshore from the hotel.

Outside magazine says that Key Largo has the USA's best sunsets. I would tend to agree.

The day before returning home, we took two boats out to the reef to snorkel, with me as captain of the second boat. Unfortunately, we had six to eight foot seas and 20 knot winds, which negated our ability to tie up to the mooring buoys much less go snorkeling. Our location was the John Pennekamp State Park, and Underwater preserve of breathtaking beauty.

Here are the guys in the first boat. Wayne is the one in the red trunks.

Yes, overall a great trip to a great place that I am definately planning on returning to. I'm planning to learn to scuba dive in the meantime and take another crack at that reef.

the AMERICAN COMIC BOOK a Detroit Perspective...

2008-01-20T11:31:00.001-05:00

Yesterday my son Derek and I went to an art gallery in Pontiac to view some local Detroit area "Comic Book" artists. I kind of had false impression that this show may have showcased some of the greats in the comics industry that hailed from Detroit and then went on to move to New York and find work for Marvel and DC. I knew several of these people when they were in their heyday between 1974-1980. Those would include my good friend Mike Nasser (now Netzer), Arvell Jones and his brother Desmond, Kieth Pollard (who did have a page from Iron Man on display, but I do not think that he was actually involved in the show, I believe that Marty Hirchak owned the artwork), Rich Buckler (who was truly a great artist on Fantastic Four, Thor, Deathlok, and many other titles) and to a lesser extent, Greg Theakston and Carl Lundgren (who is mentioned in the advertisement, but I did not see any of his work on display).

Although this was not the case, I enjoyed the show and recommend it to anyone who likes comics and want to see some good artwork.

Although many artists had their work on display I have to admit that some of the work was very amateur in character. About half of the featured artists were of professional quality.

The spotlight was fortunately on local artist Marty Hirchak, who draws an underground comic called Pop Art Funnies. Not only were his original pages for PAF very good, but he did some excellent paintings that were tributes to Spiderman creator Steve Ditko, one of the all time greats of the comics. These pieces were what really shined! One thing that I am a real purist about is staying faithful to the old fashioned way: drawn freehand with a pencil and inking the sketch with india ink and a number 2 brush (no Adobe Photoshop allowed!) and this is one area where Hirchak does not disapoint! His inks are excellent and his color paintings (done on laminated smooth wood) have the feel of the Golden Age era.

Greeting from Myrtle Beach

2008-01-20T10:57:00.001-05:00

For those of you who are freezing your asses off...

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T11:36:00.001-05:00

I received this excellent rendering from Michael Netzer in my Inbox this morning and thought I'd share...

Brilliant Disguise

2007-12-05T18:03:00.001-05:00

Although I didn't get tagged, Joe the troll, Paula, and O'Tim seemed to have so much fun with this I thought I'd play, too! Also, I'm tagging JimmyB

The rules:
1. Put your music player on Shuffle
2. For each question, press the Next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER WHAT (this is in capital letters, so it is very serious).
BEGIN
1. IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
I'm afraid of Americans (David Bowie)
2. WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
It's five o'clock somewhere (Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffet)
3. WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Born to run (Bruce Springsteen)
4. HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Are you gonna go my way (Lenny Kravitz)
5. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
Surfer Girl (Beach Boys)
6. WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
You can't hide your lyin' eyes (Eagles)
7. WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Miserlou (Dick Dale)
8. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?
Reach out (Cheap Trick)
9. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
You gotta fight for your right (ta party) (Beastie Boys)
10. WHAT IS 2+2?
Let love rule (Lenny Kravitz)
11. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Good Vibrations (Beach Boys)
12. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
In my room (Beach Boys)
13. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Veteran of the Psychick wars (Blue Oyster Cult)
14. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
It ain't over til it's over (Lenny Kravitz)
15. WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Take it easy (Eagles)
16. WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Sweet home Alabama (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
17. WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Little duece coup (Beach Boys)
18. WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
I belong to you (Lenny Kravitz)
19. WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Hotel California (Eagles)
20. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Where I come from (Alan Jackson)
21. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
One Bourbon, on Scotch, one Beer (George Thorogood)
22. WHAT SHOULD YOU POST THIS AS?
Brilliant Disguise (Bruce Springsteen)

New York

2007-11-24T16:56:00.001-05:00

Well, it's been a while, but here are some picks from the Big Apple. I went there because an old friend from thirty years ago was going to be there from Israel. He is comics artist Michael Netzer.

This is a shot of Mike sketching Dr. Strange

Having visited with my old pal from back in the day, My son Derek and I then went about seeing some of the sights:

First on the list was Times Square

Here is a shot of the Hard Rock Cafe

The next day we went down to Battery Park and I got this shot of the Statue of Liberty

We then went past ground zero (yes, five years later and there is still a hole in the ground)

McSorley's Old ale house. This place has been here for 153 years. The first time I was in here was 27 years ago. Unfortunately, my son was not allowed in.

Then we stopped by the Empire State Building (no sign of King Kong)

Fire station on 31st Street near our hotel. The heroes of 9/11 relaxing after a call

Yes, all in all it was a great weekend. My son got to see one of my favorite places in the whole world, I got to see a friend that I have not seen since high school, and the best part is that the flight and hotel were paid for by using points accrued while traveling for work.

Breckenridge/Vail

2007-08-27T06:15:00.001-05:00

Just got back from the annual Field Service Meeting and took these photos. I also went to the Detroit Zoo and have some photos from there, but I have a special post that I am going to do for that, requiring scanning in some photos from long ago as well as new ones.

This is the view from my balcony at Beaver Run in Breckinridge. Wonderful rainbow after a light afternoon rain. This is a great town and I'd love to live here! I must say though, for a flatlander, 9500 ft above sea level took some getting used to. It's almost twice as high as Denver.

This is one of the ski resorts in Vail, from the road.

We took a Jeep tour up into the mountains in Vail, going up to 12,000 feet.

Looking back down the trail we drove up. We drove through some really hairy stuff, rocky streambeds, deep rivers, etc. That Jeep 4.0L straight six and rugged suspension took a real pounding and didn't flinch! Toledo born, rockies tested, Jimmy!

Base camp above the tree line, looking in the other direction...

" I reached out, and touched the face of God..."

This shot in at the beginning of the trail back down. Breathtaking panoramas.

New photos

2007-07-28T10:51:00.001-05:00

It's been quite a while since my last post. Without going into a lot of detail, my life has taken " a thumpin" of late and I really have been a little off track. I'm not out of the woods yet, but it isn't all doom and gloom. I would really appreciate any of you who read this to put in a word with the guy upstairs to get me through the end of the year without anymore drama.

These are our dogs Bert and Chet. Chet is a new addition to the family. He's a little bit of a punk at times, but we've got him behaving himself for the most part.

This is my son, Derek. he "My Prince! My seed!" (he hates it when I say that, which is exactly why I tease him like that). He just came back from Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, which is a music camp over in the Muskegon, MI area. He plays the trumpet.

This is the shell at Blue Lake, where the orchestra gave their final concert after a week of practicing.

More Travels...

2007-05-21T14:50:00.001-05:00

This is a picture of Cleveland, Ohio. I took this in April, sometime after the backyard pics. It's from the top of the seven story parking structure of the Cleveland Clinic, where I was doing some repairs that day. I like Cleveland. It's a nice place with friendly people. They really are lucky to have such a cutting edge healthcare facility there.

My wife Chris and I went to Nashville during the last weekend of April. Used up a bunch of flyer mile, hotel and rental car points, so we only had to pay for of food and drinks, and other incidentals. A perk that I love! She participated in the Country Music Marathon (running the half) with an online group that she belongs to called the "Penguin Brigade". They are basically a bunch of later life athletes who didn't get into running until they were older. Most of them are a little older than us, but are a great bunch of folks.

This is from inside Jack's Bar-B-Que in Nashville. Supposedly, this is the very best place in the city for Bar-B-Que. I must have ordered the wrong thing, because I was unimpressed. I have gotten to be quite picky, I suppose, since I've been on the health kick. This was taken from the second floor window. It is a cool sign, and a neat place.

This is a picture of the Hermatige, the estate of Andrew Jackson. Unfortuneatly, I was not allowed to take any photos inside. It had a fascinating wallpaper in the foyer that depicted the portion of the Odessey where Telemachus is searching for his father on the isle of Calipso.

This is the final resting place of Ol' Hickory and his wife, Rachel. On the two crypts the first simply says:

GENERAL ANDREW JACKSON

Born March 15th 1767

Died June 8th 1845

On Rachel's, it says :

HERE LIE THE REMAINS OF

Mrs RACHEL JACKSON

wife of PRESIDENT JACKSON

who died 22nd Decr 1828- Aged 61

Her face was fair, her person pleas-ing; her temper amiable, and her heart kind; she delighted in reliev-ing the wants of her fellow creature and cultivated that divine pleas-ure by the most liberal and unpretending methods; to the benefactor; to the rich an ex-ample;to the wretched a comforter, to the prosperuos an ornament, her piety went hand in hand with her benevolence, and she thanked her creator for being permitted to do good. A being so gentle, and yet so virtuous, slander might wound but could not dishonour; Even death, when he tore her form the armes of her husband, could but transport her to the bosom of her God."

This is a full scale replica of the Parthenon of Athens, and my favorite thing about Nashville, being the Greek history buff that I am. I was crushed to find out that they were closed on Sunday. I was dying to get a good picture of the statue of Pallas Athene, which I saw on my last trip here 4 years ago. At least my wife got to see the outside "sigh".

This is the detail of the Friese above the entrance. You can clearly identify Zeus, Nike, Athena, Hermes, and Hera, off to the right. This really is a spectacular building. I can't believe that they once considered tearing it down!

Nashville from the airplane window. You can see the Cumberland river to the left.

More Backyard pics

2007-04-26T15:16:00.001-05:00

I'm putting up a few more pics at the request of Shyue Chou. Tomorrow I'm flying down to Nashville. Next week, It's back to Myrtle Beach, and Lumberton, NC. The following week I'm off to Minneapolis and St. Cloud, MN. Monday I flew into and out of Chicago in the same day. I'm really at it lately! Look for some pics from there, too!

This is the little pontoon boat ! It's 17ft long and has a 14 x 8 foot deck. It's like taking your patio out into the middle of the lake. A great fishing, cigar smoking platform. I'm toying with the idea of getting a Bar-B-Q for it.

This shot is looking across the river at the houses on the other side. That ol' beat up rowboat is fun to take up river northward where the pontoon can't go because you have to go under the bridge of a road. Those cat-tails broke free and I'll get them out of there before they take root.

View looking up from the dock. I made that walkway out of broken concrete that I got for free from somebody who was replacing thier driveway. See! I recycle!

That's my "Thinking rock"...

I think that picnic table is going into the bonfire this year...

Spring

2007-04-04T09:41:00.002-05:00

Spring is here early in Detroit. The Redwinged blackbirds are back with their gentle calls, and the songbirds as well. It is quite peaceful here and a great place to recharge after yet another long road trip. Soon, it will be time to put the boat in and get out the windsurfing equipment. Here are some pics from my back yard.

This is the Forsythia by the Back door. It needs a little pruning. That pine tree behind it has died and will need to be cut down. Very sad. The songbirds loved it.

First Croucuses of spring. They don't last long, so you have to see them the first day or two.

Canadaian Geese in the river behind my yard.

Rocky Mountain High

2007-03-27T19:05:00.001-05:00

On the road again! A week in Denver for some major TRAINING with my co-workers. We learned the ins and outs of a new database that logs events during bypass cases. Kind of similar to other things that I have worked on in the past while working with databases used in ID badge production. Anyway, had a couple of neat pics to share:

This is from the Worldclub of NWA at Detroit Metro Airport. I love having a membership here. You have a quiet place to wait for your flight, complementary drinks (Coffee is my personal fave in the morning), WI-FI, telephones, the Wall Street Journal, and Hour magazine. It is very civilized.

The Rockies are impressive. Truly breathtaking, especially for a flatlander like me.

No this is not a prank by the University of Michigan! This is the Colo. school of Mines, located in Golden, CO. Right down the street from Coors Brewery. I must say that their beer is much better when drunk near the source.