CAPTAIN RANDOM

Vintage

2011-06-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

Recently my Dad gave me my Great Grandfather's old camera. (A No. 1A Autographic Kodak Jr. to be exact.) The thing was definitely used and heavily worn, but the old girl sure has character! So I decided to break out my camera and introduce the film era to the digital age.

Below are a few pics for your nostalgic enjoyment.

Full set is here.

Flowers

2011-06-03T12:21:00.001-07:00

It's been a long, cold winter. And far too long since I posted up on here and took some photos. So I've remedied that. With summer now in full-swing I broke out the camera (and my new macro lens) and took some flower pics. Hope you enjoy.

Full set here.

Lake Harriet Rose Garden

2010-11-04T19:56:00.000-07:00

Before Old Man Winter came to town and killed everything, along with my spirits, I made it over to Lake Harriet Rose Garden in Minneapolis while the roses were still in bloom. I was surprised at how late the roses lasted this year ... well into October.

Below are few photos or a full set here.

10/10/10

2010-10-10T12:05:00.001-07:00

Today is 10/10/10. The only day like it this century. Enjoy.

Countryside

2010-10-04T19:08:00.000-07:00

Just a few more photos taken while I was out in the country enjoying the sun and fleeting warm temps. Goodbye summer. (tear)

Enjoy the photos.

Goodbye Summer

2010-09-17T20:23:00.001-07:00

Well my favorite season is coming to a close. The days are getting shorter ... and colder. Birds are gathering preparing to fly south for the winter. Hay bales are scattered across farmers' fields. And kids are back to school.

Before the summer is over entirely I took a trip with the camera out in the country and snapped a few photos. Enjoy.

So long summer, I'll be cursing the cold deathly chill of a horrible Minnesota winter until you return. Poop.

Flowers

2010-09-05T19:51:00.000-07:00

Last week it was my sister's birthday. Let's just say we celebrated her 21st birthday ... again. Below are some photos I took of the birthday flowers she received from a co-worker. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday!

Herbster, WI

2010-08-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I was able to get away up to Herbster, WI along the shores of Lake Superior with some good friends. A little swimming, canoeing, kayaking, relaxing, good food and friends. It doesn't get better then that.

Below are a few selects or view the full set here.

Zoo

2010-07-19T18:25:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks back I took a trip to the MN Zoo with a few friends to take a few photos to enter a photo-contest. We all had $1000+ cameras taking pictures to try and win a $500 camera. Seems a bit silly.

The morale of this story? People love free stuff ... and I like taking photos.

Enjoy the pics.

Lightning

2010-06-27T14:39:00.000-07:00

Last night there were some pretty severe storms rolling through the Twin Cities area. Luckily I had a camera in hand and was able to catch a few lightning strikes. Enjoy.

I'm back...

2010-06-21T19:16:00.000-07:00

It's been too long since I had the camera out so I decided to take a few photos this weekend. I took a walk through my parents' garden in the countryside. Up on the menu - flowers and birds. Perfect for a nice summer day. Enjoy.

Congrats

2010-05-17T17:43:00.000-07:00

A big congratulations goes out to my sister who just received her Master's degree in Nursing. Congrats sis, you deserve it!

New Lens continued ...

2010-04-05T18:21:00.001-07:00

Just a few more pics posted up from my photo adventure with the wide-angle lens (Canon 10-22mm) I borrowed. (See previous entry.)

New Lens

2010-04-02T22:30:00.000-07:00

I borrowed a wide-angle lens (Canon 10-22mm) from my friend Pete for a few days. Sure made me want to get one. Too bad they cost money!

Below are a few pics from my photo adventure. (A few more still to come.)

What's behind the blue door?

Around Town

2010-03-20T13:13:00.000-07:00

Got a chance to get out and take a few photos downtown Minneapolis.

Random Photo

2010-02-21T18:47:00.001-08:00

RAWR!

Palindrome

2010-01-11T16:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Palindrome Monday to all you folks out in internet-land.

01/11/10

Is your mind blown? Mine is. *BOOM!*

Happy Holidays

2009-12-28T13:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays everyone. Have fun, be merry and drink responsibly.

Random Photos

2009-12-08T14:37:00.000-08:00

A grab-bag of random photos today.

First up a pair of mischief makers. I snapped a couple of quick photos of two squirrels playing outside my window this morning running around on the rooftop and making all sorts of noise.

Next, I took a picture of a little green frog toy I bought from a vending machine when I was in Tokyo back in 2006. I've always liked this little guy and sadly it took me this long to take a picture of him.

Countryside

2009-12-03T12:49:00.000-08:00

Took a few photos last week when I was out in the country.

Full set of pics can be found HERE.

Sam and Charlie

2009-11-29T21:41:00.000-08:00

I was asked to take some photos for my girlfriend's brother of his two dogs. Both Labrador Retrievers. Sam (Yellow lab) who is 3 years old and Charlie (Chocolate lab) who's just a puppy. They are both great dogs, best friends and love attention. But hey, who doesn't?

For the full set of photos visit FLICKR by clicking HERE.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T22:16:00.000-08:00

"Please eat chicken!"

Grand Marais

2009-11-20T07:46:00.000-08:00

My girlfriend and I got a chance to take a trip up to Grand Marais, MN along the North Shore. It was a fantastic trip and great opportunity to recharge the batteries. Got some good photos.

For the full photo set on FLICKR click HERE.

Below are a few selects.

Up North

2009-11-11T20:26:00.000-08:00

I just got back from a much needed trip up to northern Minnesota with my girlfriend. Great trip and chance to clear the head.

More photos to come probably later next week.

Random Photo

2009-11-08T19:50:00.001-08:00

Out and about with my girlfriend, this past weekend, enjoying the unseasonably warm weather.

Little Planets

2009-10-27T18:20:00.000-07:00

Turned some of my photos into little planets. Enjoy.

The Home Planet

Happy Halloween

2009-10-25T11:05:00.001-07:00

Decided to take a self-portrait before a Halloween Party.

Happy Halloween everyone. Be safe and eats lots of candy.

The Mad Scientist

Random Photo

2009-10-22T18:45:00.000-07:00

Just a quick one I took on my latest trip to the MN Zoo.

City by Night

2009-10-20T22:35:00.001-07:00

Uptown

2009-10-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

Here in Minneapolis we finally had a few nice days and a break from the past 4 weeks of craptastic weather. So Mikey B and I headed out for Uptown to take a few pics.

For the FULL set click HERE.

Fall Weekend

2009-10-12T14:15:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was a busy one out and about enjoying the fall.

My girlfriend and I made it out to Aamodt's Apple Farm, and a few other places around the Twin Cities enjoying the fall weather. And we ended the weekend with a trip down to Mankato for a friend's wedding. Congrats Eric and Liz!

Below are a few photos from the weekend's adventures. For the FULL set click HERE.

Congrats Eric and Liz!!!

Red Wing / Winona

2009-09-27T11:58:00.001-07:00

My girlfriend and I wanted to get out of town last week so we took a trip to southern Minnesota to Red Wing and Winona to see the river bluffs.

I'd have to say that the highlights of the trip were the scenic landscapes and Red Wing. However, Winona the city was a bit of a snooze fest. Unless you know people in Winona there isn't a lot to do nor much help to find things when you are driving around ... lost.

After driving around lost without signs (looking for a few different parks and landmarks) I decided Winona's city slogan should be changed to, "Winona. You figure it out!" Despite the confusion we still did have a good time.

I was able to take a few good pics. For the full set on FLICKR click HERE.

Como Zoo

2009-09-25T13:37:00.000-07:00

Took a trip this week to the Como Zoo in St. Paul, MN or as I call it the 'sad zoo.' Since it's a free zoo the animals' cages are a bit smaller than your typical zoo in turn making the animals a bit crazy. Hence ... sad zoo.

Here's a few pics. Click for the full set HERE.

Wedding - Nick and Laura Anderson

2009-09-21T20:47:00.000-07:00

This post has been a long time coming.

My girlfriend's sister Laura and her fiance Nick got married back in August. I was the official photographer and got to shoot my first wedding. I don't think I'll do it full-time, but I definitely had a fun.

The wedding was held in the beautiful city of Bayfield, WI. This small sleepy town is found along the shores of Lake Superior in the Apostle Islands and attracts sail boats and tourists from all over.

But enough talk. Below are a few selects. Otherwise check out the full set of photos HERE.

New Car

2009-09-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

Hell officially froze over this weekend when I FINALLY bought a new car. As many of my friends and family know I've been talking about buying a new car for the last 5+ years. I shocked everyone when this past weekend I finally pulled the trigger.

I surprised even myself when I ended up with a 2009 Honda Civic (Sedan). After months of researching online, test driving quite a few cars, and listening to a lot of sales pitches the Honda Civic arose victorious for me for a number of reasons: roomy, great handling, fast, fun to drive, reliable, and reasonably priced.

The good folks at Walser Honda (in Burnsville, MN) set me up and I have to say I found the whole experience pretty enjoyable. With their one-low price there wasn't any hassling from the sales reps. They leave you alone, answer your questions, and don't pressure you. Overall a great alternative to the typical dealership. If you are looking for a new car, check them out at: www.walser.com

Below are a few pictures I took of my car today. For the full set on FLICKR click HERE.

MN State Fair

2009-09-01T08:54:00.000-07:00

The Minnesota State Fair.

Yesterday, my girlfriend and I made it to 'The Great Minnesota Get Together.' Truly a testament to food, capitalism and fat people everywhere. We had a great time and I snapped a few pics along the way.

The full set of photos can be found HERE. Otherwise there are a few selects below.

Bayfield

2009-08-27T17:03:00.000-07:00

This past weekend's travels brought me to sleepy yet beautiful little town of Bayfield, WI for the wedding of my girlfriend's sister. I was a photographer for the wedding and had a blast.

The wedding photos aren't quite ready yet, but here are a few photos I shot around town. Hope you enjoy. For the full set click HERE.

more kitteh

2009-08-17T20:19:00.000-07:00

Mix in two parts cat. One part camera. And a love of photography and you get this.

Kitteh

2009-08-03T15:15:00.000-07:00

I was hanging out at a friends' house this weekend enjoying some good times and comradeship. Turns out they have a brand-new kitty named Saffron. She's cute, mischievous, and full of energy.

Check out a few photos of her and her big sister (Inara) below or for the full set click here.

Saffron

Demon Kitty
Inara
The Outside World

Lake Monster

2009-08-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

For those in the Minneapolis area as part of an MPLS Art exhibit there is a Loch Ness looking lake creature on Lake Harriet.

I set out to get some photographic evidence of the mythic water-dwelling creature, and a few other sites along the way.

Hay Bails

2009-07-23T15:25:00.000-07:00

I visited my parents' house in the country and decided to go for a walk in a nearby field filled with freshly made hay bails (with camera in tow).

Enjoy the photos.

Vahn

2009-07-19T21:41:00.000-07:00

I finished up an engagement photo session for a friend today. My friend brought his very energetic Boxer 'Vahn' along for some of the fun. Vahn quickly figured out the latch and kept getting out of his kennel refusing to be contained and in turn provided us with some entertainment.

Here is a picture of the escape artist in question.

I can haz cheeseburger?!?

Photo of the Day

2009-07-02T07:24:00.000-07:00

Just a photo of mine for all you out in bloggerland.

I call this one ... OCD. I think we are all a little OCD in our own way.

Title: OCD

Out and About

2009-06-27T14:47:00.000-07:00

I've decided to post up some photos (big surprise) from this week's adventures.

The below photos were taken at the following locations:
- Around Lake Harriet in Minneapolis
- Lyndale Park Rose Garden (next to Lake Harriet)
- Out in the country at my parent's place (near Lakeville, MN)

Enjoy.

The Mullet

2009-06-26T22:06:00.000-07:00

The MULLET. Business in the front. Party in the back.

Truly, a hairdo that is a testament to no fashion sense, NASCAR fans and the redneck way of life. We all saw the rise to popularity of this misunderstood fashion statement in the 1980's. However, the Mullet may have fallen from grace, but it is still far from gone! I was reminded of the Mullet's presence and hold on America just the other day.

I was out and about in Minneapolis with my camera when I happened to walk behind a man who was sporting (what I could tell) was not JUST a Mullet, but a fashionable Mullet. (Check out the pics below for yourself.)

At first I couldn't believe my eyes ... a Mullet. After the initial shock (and a few giggles) I studied it a bit further and was amazed at the level of care that went into this man's Mullet. As you can see from the photos you will notice the 'perm' of the back of the mullet, while the top and front of the hair is neatly combed with an ample use of hair gel. I have to say I was amazed at this 'classed up' version. Could this be the Mullet for a new millennium? Well, probably not. It's still a disaster of a hairdo (in my opinion) the equivalent to a train wreck on someone's head. I wanted to look away. I NEEDED to look away, but I couldn't ... I JUST COULDN'T!!

Well to the gentleman in the below photos. I'm not sure if you are oblivious to your own hairstyle, hanging on to the past 'glory years', or simply just trying to resurrect a fad long gone. But my hat is off to you, literally.

So to the readers out there. What do you think of Mullets? (Underrated hairdo OR train-wreck fashion trend?) And is there a specific kind of mullet this guy is sporting? I'm far from an expert. Post up your comments.

The Fashionable Mullet
(A Mullet for the modern-day man?)
A Lady, a Man and his Mullet.
(Three is no longer a crowd.)
Nothing sets the mood quite like a Mullet.

The Giraffe's Many Moods

2009-06-23T18:37:00.000-07:00

I made a trip to the MN Zoo this past weekend and took a few pics. The Africa exhibit is finally open for the summer and with it brings many wonderful animals including ... the Giraffe. You can actually feed the Giraffes this year up close and personal.

Enjoy the Giraffe's many moods ... and a few more pics.

Mood: Hungry
Mood: Silly
Mood: Evaluative
Mood: Sad
Mood: Judgmental

Naptime

Beware ... THE CLAW!!

Vacation

2009-06-09T20:48:00.000-07:00

My girlfriend and I celebrated her graduation from college with a little vacation. Destination: Utah (national parks) with a little dash of Las Vegas thrown in for good measure. It was an amazing trip with a lot of great sites, hikes, wildlife and landscapes.

We visited Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Snow Canyon State Park, and Valley of Fire State Park. I'd recommend them all if you ever get the chance to go. Nothing better than taking in the sites and sounds of nature's beautiful landscapes and just getting away from it all.

Below are a few pics from the trip. Enjoy!

More MPLS

2009-04-23T15:33:00.000-07:00

This past weekend a friend of mine had his house warming party downtown Minneapolis, as he just moved into his new apartment. However, before the party got underway a few friends and I took a journey through downtown with my camera in tow.

Enjoy the photos.

Photo of the Day

2009-04-20T14:01:00.000-07:00

Coyote

Around MPLS

2009-04-08T21:42:00.000-07:00

I took some pics as I was out and about around Minneapolis this past weekend.

Most of the pics are mainly from the Sculpture Garden as 'The Spoon' is currently missing 'The Cherry' due to a restoration effort. I have to say 'The Spoon' looked sad without its longtime mate.

Spoon - Don't worry you'll see Cherry soon enough. Hang in there!

North Shore

2009-03-25T22:12:00.000-07:00

Last week my girlfriend and I needed to get away for a few days so we took a trip up to the North Shore around Duluth. The trip was a blast and perfect weather (high 40s/low 50s); the sun was out and it felt like springtime.

Some of the places we visited include: Canal Park, Gooseberry Falls, Tettegouche State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse, Lake Superior Zoo, and lots of good places to eat.

And with any occasion I had my camera in tow so below are a few pics from the adventure. Enjoy!

Villians EVERYWHERE!!!

Como Zoo

2009-03-14T21:54:00.000-07:00

Continuing the zoo adventures I decided to post a few photos from my trip to the Como Zoo I had back in February.

Truthfully, the Como Zoo has come along way (in terms of size of the animal enclosures) from when I was a kid, but it's still kinda sad. As by normal zoo standards the cages/enclosures still seem way too small and depressing to me. The animals are either bored, depressed or just have gone stir crazy. I guess that's what you get when upgrades depend on donations and not fees. So, next time you visit the Como Zoo be sure to make a donation for the animals' sake.

If you decide you don't want to be depressed and skip the animals all together you can still stop over at the conservatory and see all the exotic and tropical plants and flowers. Lots to see and a fun trip. A photographer's dream.

Enjoy the pics.

Walk with the Animals

2009-03-09T13:11:00.000-07:00

Looks like its been a while since I last posted up. So I've got some new material (mainly pics).

With this past weekend came a nice warm break to old man winter's frozen death grip on our Minnesotan climate. We are talking 40 degree weather folks ... a HEAT WAVE!! So my girlfriend and I got out to the MN Zoo (being members) to watch the animals and also enjoy the warmer temps.

I love the MN Zoo and every time I go I feel like a kid again ... and I can't help but take a zillion photos. The highlight on this zoo adventure would have to be the leopards in the new Russian exhibit. (Side note - If you haven't been to the new Russian exhibit to see the Grizzly Bears you are missing out.) However, every time I walk by the leopards they are always either asleep or just laying there bored. This time was different ... they were chasing after each other, pouncing all over the place and playing. It made for a much more enjoyable experience and better photos.

Below are a few pics of the latest MN Zoo adventure. Enjoy!

Watch out for ATTACK TURTLE!!!

A little more Florida

2009-01-26T20:55:00.000-08:00

Well I was bored ... so I decided to post a few more Florida trip pics. Enjoy!

Mine?!?
Dolphin Watchin'
Marsupial Meditation
Fruit Grenade?

Things I learned in Florida

2009-01-20T18:35:00.000-08:00

This past week I took a trip down to Florida along the Gulf of Mexico (Venice/Sarasota area) for a vacation with the girlfriend. I have to say it was VERY relaxing, scenic and just really nice to be somewhere warm during the coldest week in MN. No regrets.

The Venice/Sarasota area was really great and I'd recommend it to anyone. We got to see some great state parks, zoos, aquariums, great food, and gorgeous beaches along the Gulf.

However, while I was there in Florida I discovered some things that you need to do in order to blend in with the natives. They can be a bit annoying, but are important and are as follows:

THINGS TO DO TO BLEND IN AROUND VENICE, FL

1) Don't notice that the water smells like rotten eggs.
Commentary: Water in and around Venice, FL has a high concentration of sulfur giving it the fragrant aroma of rotten eggs. Mmmmmm.... PUKE!

2) You need to be 80 years old or older to blend in with the natives.
Commentary: It seemed to me over 90% of the population was there to retire or die. I was not, so I did not blend in.

3) Drive like a jack-ass at 90 miles per hour everywhere you go. Don't use turn signals. Cut other drivers off. It's all good and encouraged!

Commentary: I quickly discovered that NO ONE used turn signals, tried to cut me off at every opportunity, and with most of the drivers over the age of 80 and with poor eyesight and health, drivers usually just pulled out into oncoming traffic whenever they pleased. The roads at times became a scene from the movie 'Mad Max'. (I was Mel Gibson.)

4) If the weather gets colder than 70 degrees you must wear a parka and gloves and constantly complain about how cold it is and how bad you have it, while the rest of the country experiences -0 degree temperatures.

Commentary: Mary and I one day walked up to a restaurant for lunch and it was 68 degrees out. I was in shorts and a T-Shirt and Mary the same. We get to the hostess who was wearing a winter coat and gloves. I just about started laughing on the spot. Meanwhile, the temperature back in MN was -25 degrees during the day. Rock on!

Lastly, it just wouldn't be me if I didn't include some pics from my trip. So below are some selects from the Florida adventure.

Pictures from the Past

2009-01-09T20:26:00.001-08:00

My Dad flew to China today for a business trip, which reminded me of China's neighbor ... Japan. And my trip there a few years back.

I went through my pics and reminisced about the good times.

Below are a couple of my favorite pics from the adventure.

Question: What is the worst idea ever?

2008-12-28T11:17:00.000-08:00

Answer: To go to Mall of America on the Saturday after Christmas.

It's a decision I immediately regretted.

For some reason, the girlfriend and I decided to go to MOA on the Saturday after Christmas. The only problem is so did the entire world.

After reaching MOA and finally finding a parking spot (on the top level of the parking ramp) we only hit up two stores before leaving (H+M and Best Buy). We faced hordes of people, 30 minute check out lines, and crying and whiny kids. It sucked!

By the time we left MOA (20 minutes later) there was a 3-4 mile back up on Cedar Ave. to get onto the off-ramp for Mall of America. Just WOW!

People sure suck sometimes.

LASIK

2008-12-12T07:03:00.000-08:00

Well today I get LASIK eye surgery. By the end of this day I hopefully won't need glasses anymore.

I'm a little freaked out about it just cause of 'fear of the unknown' and also a laser cutting my eyes working its voodoo magic.

However, I have a GREAT doctor who is well known and respected in his field and I've spoken with lots of satisfied people that have had it done. It seems to be a no-brainier.

Here's hoping all goes well and I end up with Superman X-Ray vision, but I'd settle for 20/20 without glasses.

UPDATE - Sunday at 5:25PM CST

The surgery was a success! For the first time since 6th grade I'm glasses free. Pretty strange!

It's been 2 days since the surgery and I'm seeing good for the most part and without glasses!! My vision is a little blurry and cloudy at times (expected through the healing process).

However, I had my check-up appointment yesterday and it appears that I'm seeing at least 20/20 in both eyes and even 20/15 in my left eye so far. It'll be about 3-4 weeks before my vision improves and adjusts as I heal. However, so far no glasses and I'm seeing 20/20. Not bad.

How did we get here?!?!

2008-12-09T21:48:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday ... me.

Well I'm not entirely sure how I made it this far, nor do I want to quite believe it. However, I'm officialy 30 now. I'm not necessarly seeing 30 as old (although it kind of feels like it), but I'm trying to stay optimistic and enjoy the moment.

I say goodbye to my twenties. They were quick, young and fabulous and I will miss them. However, I now open a new chapter and look forward to some more mature, self-realized and fun years ahead in my thirties.

I must say I got to celebrate my b-day in style. My girlfriend threw me a surprise party last weekend and I had no clue! I had a great time and was once again reminded of what a great lady she is. I'll post a rather funny video of the "surprise" later this week.

Happy Birthday ... me.

Congrats Pete and Anne

2008-11-09T17:29:00.000-08:00

The past weekend was my friends' Pete and Anne's wedding held out in Bryant, SD. And a lovely wedding it was!

Good times, good friends, and witness to the start of a new life together.

Congratulations Pete and Anne!! I'm very happy for you both and wish you a wonderful and happy future together.

Below are a few pics from the past weekend.

The Drive Out
The Ceremony (my POV)

Me and My Girl
Eric and Liz

My kind of politics

2008-11-03T09:27:00.000-08:00

If you are like me you are becoming increasingly annoyed and overwhelmed with all the election coverage, political ads, commentary and everything else in preperation for tomorrow's election. So much so that if it weren't for a few key people in my life hounding me to vote ... I WOULDN'T!

Well as a bit of a reprieve please enjoy some "alternate" political candidates that you could write-in on tomorrow's election.

10 Sci-Fi Alternatives To Obama/McCain 08 (Click HERE)

(Article and image posted on http://io9.com/)

UPDATE - Tues, Nov. 4 at 10AM CST

We'll it's official. I voted! It took me over an hour of standing in line, but I got out there and voted. Hopefully, by week's end the onslaught of political crap will stop. Here's to keeping hope alive.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-30T10:00:00.001-07:00

Put on a costume, grab some candy and party it up!

Happy Halloween, everybody.

I have 3 Halloween parties over the next 3 days. Should be a blast.
Look for some picture updates to come...

Up North

2008-10-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

The girlfriend and I decided we desperately needed to get away from our busy lives and destressify (if that’s a word). So we escaped to northern Minnesota this past weekend. Destination ... Grand Marais (a sleepy little town on the shores of Lake Superior).

Friday
- We set out on our 5 hr trip up north and said goodbye to the city

- Stopped for lunch at Pizza Luche in Duluth. We had the worst service and waiter of our lives. I was convinced our waiter ‘Cheech’ was high on more than just life. He made us wait about an hour for our food only to give the wrong order “meat” to a vegetarian (Mary), of which we waited another 20 mins for them to get our order right. After giving the waiter a piece of my mind I decided I won’t be going back there ... EVER again!! Smok'em if you got 'em! Our waiter did.

- Made a stop at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park to get a bunch of pictures. Childhood memories came flooding back from when I was a little kid exploring the lighthouse and causing all kinds of trouble. I took a zillion and two pictures.

- We finally reach our destination ... Grand Marais, MN. Woo hoo! We checked into our hotel and it’s off to the Gun Flint Tavern for some eats. Good food!

Saturday
- Woke up around 8AM and grabbed a hotel breakfast. A host of bizarre characters awaited us in the line for the sub-par feast.Some of which are creepy, others smelly, and a few that should skip a meal or two. I down an English muffin and some granola and we set off on our day.

- First destination of the day … Judge C R Magney State Park. I’m was really excited to break out the DSLR camera and the tripod and take a bunch of pictures. We set out and got our hike on and finally reached our destination … Devil’s Kettle Falls. It’s an absolutely beautiful hike overlooking miles of river valley and you come to a huge beautiful water fall. A great hike!

- We come back to Grand Marais for some lunch and eat at Sven and Ole’s Pizza Tavern. After seeing all the bumper stickers over the years and hearing people talk about it .. it’s not at all what I expected. A pretty small unassuming place. However, Sven and Ole’s had really good pizza so I can’t complain.

- After lunch we explore Grand Marais’ shops for a while and then set out for another state park ... Cascade River State Park.

- Cascade River State Park. I bust out the camera and tripod (much to Mary’s delight) and we set out to hike to the Cascade Falls. Absolutely beautiful hike. 2 waterfalls and a billion pictures later we head back to Grand Marais.

- More exploring in Grand Marais. Sites include lighthouses, coast guard tug boat, random shops, and dinner at the Gun Flint Tavern.

Sunday
- After breakfast, we pack up and set off back for home.

- We decide to stop off at Tettegouche State Park for some last hiking and waterfall picture opportunities. If you get the chance the ‘High Falls’ is a nice hike and really beautiful. Just beware the hordes of Boy Scout troops lurking around … they are everywhere and annoying.

- Back on the road with lots of traffic. We stop off for some lunch in Two Harbors.

- 5 hours of driving, being cut off a couple of times, and a little road rage later we are finally home. The weekend went by too fast.

All in all, it was a great little trip and chance to get away. Like I said I can’t resist the opportunity to take a zillion pictures. So you can see them all by clicking here. Or there are a few selects below. Enjoy!

Cascade Falls
Split Rock Light House

Judge C.R. Magney State Park
Devil's Kettle Falls

High Falls - Tettegouche State Park

Little Things

2008-10-14T13:42:00.001-07:00

Random pic for everyone today. I took this one outside Bozeman, MT.

This pic reminds me that it’s a good idea to stop what you’re doing once in a while, take a step back and discover the little things around you.

Enjoy.

The Pickle Adventure

2008-09-23T19:47:00.000-07:00

I took these two pics next to a Dill Pickle Stand at the MN Renaissance Festival a couple of weekends back. Every time I look at these weird pictures it makes me laugh.

I must say it's a pretty ingenious way to get people to spend some time at your establishment.

Enjoy the Jedi Jesus Pickle Adventure/Massacre!!

The End of Summer

2008-09-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how it's possible but Labor Day weekend has come and gone. Now summer is over. (tear) Well not officially I guess, but pretty much. Truthfully, it feels about like it should be May or June to me, as the summer goes by so fast in Minnesota.

I ended up taking a few days off of work last week to make it a looong holiday weekend. I was able to go to the State Fair, MN Zoo, hang out on Prior Lake on my friend's boat, go fishing, and partake in some other random shenanigans. Good times were had by all.

Below are a few of the weekend's picks.

STATE FAIR
crowds suck
King of Machinery Hill
House of Butterflies
Mmmmmm....

MN ZOO

Psst...

MISC

Sammy at the Dog Park

Miscellaneous

2008-08-10T18:47:00.000-07:00

A few random shots from the weekend's adventures.

Goodnight Moon

Random Weekend Pics

2008-07-27T18:58:00.000-07:00

Just a few random pics from this weekend's adventures.

BTW - If you are one of the two Americans still left that has not seen The Dark Knight out in theaters. Drop what you are doing right now, and go see it immediately!! It will not disappoint.

Prior Lake at Sunset
Downtown MPLS

Madison, WI

2008-07-21T19:04:00.000-07:00

Mary and I went to Madison, WI for the weekend. It was my 1-year anniversary present from her, and I must say what a great present it was! We had a blast!!

Truthfully, I hadn't been to Madison since I was a kid and I didn't really know what to expect.

There were a number of things that we saw, but really the whole purpose of the trip was to see the House on the Rock in Spring Green, WI. I remembered seeing it as a kid and being fascinated and creeped out. For those of you who don't know what House of the Rock is ... well ... it's an eclectic tourist trap full of creepy collections and odd-misshapen rooms. It's probably most well known for the room of infinity. It was pretty much what I remembered from my childhood and the memories came flooding back. I was a little worried that Mary might think it was pretty lame, but she was also creeped out and enjoyed it quite a bit. After that it was off to Madison...

The rest of the weekend we stayed in a suite at the Radisson, which was huge! The hotel also came complete with a Daylily convention, which was a horde of 80-year-olds talking about flowers the whole weekend. Very entertaining!!

We also managed to take in the sights and sounds of Madison. Had some great food (Rocky Rococo Pizza, Frida Mexican Grill on State St.), went to Henry Vilas Zoo (FREE and WAY better than Como Zoo in St. Paul), experienced the Bargain Days on State Street, walked around the U of WI-Madison campus and ended with a tour of the Cave of the Mounds. There were other adventures along the way, but to sum up it was a great weekend and chance to get away.

It might be hard to believe but I had my camera in tow for most of the trip. For the complete pic collection click here (just click on one of the folders/collections you'd like to view on the left).

Otherwise below are a few selects.

HOUSE ON THE ROCK

The Ghost of Mary

STATE STREET

HENRY VILAS ZOO

Leroy

CAVE OF THE MOUNDS

Sheeba the Cave Cat

Montana

2008-07-20T20:27:00.000-07:00

This past week my work travels brought me to the wide open spaces of Montana. I'd never been to Montana, but have heard great things about its picturesque landscape. I have to say that everything that I heard still didn't do it justice.

I was in (and around) Bozeman, MT to shoot a couple of TV commercials against the beautiful landscape. With each location we went to it was more amazing than the last. I found myself saying "WOW" just about every 5 mins with my jaw wide open in amazement.

I loved that I could be in a totally remote location surrounded by a stunning landscape complete with snow-capped mountains one minute, and then downtown Bozeman sitting in Montana Ale Works (a GREAT restaurant) and all the comforts of the city the next minute. Country and the City; within minutes of each other. The best of both worlds. Truly a great state and one I intend to go back and visit, hopefully soon!

As always I took way too many pictures, to view the full album click here. Otherwise, below are a few selects.

Land of the Giants

A perfect sunset to end the shoot. Not too bad.

MN Zoo

2008-07-17T22:36:00.000-07:00

Last weekend took a trip over to the MN Zoo, scored a yearly pass, and saw the new Russia exhibit complete with Grizzly Bears. Since it's a new exhibit it was pretty packed on a nice Saturday afternoon, but still well worth braving the crowd of smelly, sweaty people to catch a glimpse of the Grizzly Bears.

There were three Grizzly Bears (that I saw) and they certainly weren't shy and felt like playing. I could watch those guys for hours; so entertaining!

Also, had to take in the other animal sights and sounds while I was there. Some of my favs include: the Prairie Dogs (very entertaining), Siberian Tigers, both River and Sea Otters, and the Gibbons. Truthfully, I wish all these guys could still be out in the wild in their native habitat, but since they aren't I'm going to enjoy the up close and personal view.

Below are a few pics ... enjoy!!

Weekend in Pictures

2008-07-07T18:31:00.001-07:00

Well hope everyone had a happy 4th of July weekend. I did! There's really nothing quite like celebrating our nation's independence by blowing a piece of it up. Aren't fireworks great?!?

This past Saturday the girlfriend and I took a trip out to Taylor's Falls for the day. Before making it there we stopped at a rather creepy sculpture garden. I must say some rather cool/odd creations.

After I snapped a few pics there we headed off to the MN-side of Taylor's Falls for some hiking (and more pics). All in all, a good day and a great weekend! It was nice to enjoy the long weekend and forget about the hectic place I call work for a few days.

Enjoy a few pics from the sculpture garden and Taylor's Falls.

Flowers

2008-07-05T15:00:00.001-07:00

In the ongoing proof that I like taking pictures ... I was out at the parents' house yesterday when I snapped a few pics of the flowers around their house. Purdy! Take a look.

The Weekend's Adventures

2008-06-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday was really nice out. The kind of summer day you dream and long for during a long Minnesota winter.

Got out and snapped a few pics around town.

Enjoy!
Whitey. The Albino Squirrel

35W Bridge Construction

Duluth

2008-06-23T18:28:00.000-07:00

About a week back the girlfriend and I celebrated our 1-year anniversary up in Duluth. What a great town and chance to get away! We stayed in a great hotel in Canal Park overlooking Lake Superior. Really was a fantastic time!!

Some of the highlights include: Canal Park, lighthouses, the Lift Bridge, Gooseberry Falls, seagulls, great food, and tons of stuff to take pictures of ;)

I’ve posted up the pics to my album, which can be viewed by clicking here.

Otherwise, below are a few of the pics.

Enjoy!

Mary took this pic. I love this one!

The (Utah) Salt Flats

2008-06-21T22:03:00.000-07:00

My travels this week for work took me from Salt Lake City, Utah to Elko, NV and back. Not really a vacation (or work) destination I’d recommend ... at all. However, duty calls and I answered!

I’d say the highlight of the trip was making a rest stop along Hwy 80 West at the Utah (Bonneville) Salt Flats. Miles and miles of incredibly white, flat salt. As far as the eye could see. It was the weirdest and coolest thing. It was amazing how bright and whiter than snow that salt really was.

Below are a few pictures from the week’s adventures.

Polar Bear?!?

Ramblings from a bored mind…

2008-06-18T21:16:00.000-07:00

Here I sit in my Salt Lake City Airport hotel room. I look out my window at an office park, a few birds, and a somewhat deserted parking lot with the exception of a few random unorganized cars.

The work trip. The purpose of this boredom. Here I sit waiting as time ticks away until the events of a busy tomorrow.

Why am I here in this sad place … this desolate place … this pathetic place?

Here I sit waiting for the occasional email or call.

I’ve explored all the nooks and crannies of my hotel room. For some reason I have 2 beds. Why? Is that if I really want to put my feet up, I mean really?

Who thought this was a good location for a hotel?

There is a creepy spider outside my window.

I’ve ironed 2 shirts.

I’m bored …

Can’t wait until this weekend and I’m back in Minneapolis!

Random Picture Day

2008-06-18T20:01:00.001-07:00

Ever been filming on a golf course in the middle of January? I have. ;)

Happy Anniversary

2008-06-15T20:23:00.000-07:00

Happy 1-year, baby. I love you!

Whole lotta shakin' going on

2008-06-10T19:28:00.000-07:00

I work downtown Minneapolis in a high-rise building next to the new Twins ballpark stadium going up. I work on the 9th Floor, and actually my company has a rooftop patio on the 13th floor (top of the building). Our offices are a decent way up off the ground, and actually it offers one great view of downtown!

However, it hasn’t been so great as of late. You see next to our building various construction workers, who happen to look like bright orange ants from our windows (not saying they are ants from a social-economic perspective, they just look like bright-orange ants cause we’re so high up – visual perspective; just stick with me here). Anyways, these construction workers have been busting up the pavement and concrete with some pretty big machinery right outside our office. As you may or may not know, it takes quite a big force or blast to bust up pavement and concrete. Which gets me to my problem. Our building is shaking!

So, I’m sitting at my desk in the middle of the afternoon answering emails when I hear a huge *BOOM* outside and the 9th floor solid concrete floor beneath my feet and brick walls beside me begin to shake. And not a small amount, but a decent unsettling amount enough that people start to stand-up from their cubicles so you see their head and shoulders *pop up* as they start to look around like a bunch of frightened Prairie Dogs sensing danger in the wild. Side note: This classic cubical / office maneuver (just described here) is what is commonly known as “The Prairie Dog”.

So back to the blast outside and my whole office shaking beneath my feet. Now I’m not freaking out running across the office screaming, “We’re all going to die!!!” or anything like that. (Actually, that could be interesting.) No, I’m calm. However as this BOOM and shaking is repeated about 5-10 more times it’s not the most comforting feeling in the world. Actually it’s pretty creepy! It forces me to look around the office for reassurance that I'm NOT going to die and the walls and floor around me are NOT collapsing. I'm writing this blog entry, so I guess I'm still alive.

I don’t know that there is really point to this story, or a morale. Other then the construction outside my building is freaking my co-workers out. I guess if you do work in a tall building, quite high up, and feel the office shake around you and beneath you. Here’s some advice. Don’t worry it’s okay to be creeped out, but be aware of your surroundings. You may not be dying outright! From say, umm, an earthquake. It may just be a non-related incident like a bunch of less than bright construction workers outside your building with dangerous machinery and what may seem to be dynamite. No big deal.

Weekend in Pictures

2008-06-08T17:31:00.000-07:00

Some random pics from the weekend's adventures ... enjoy!

Saint Anthony Falls Lab. Here's a river stream test my girlfriend is helping to build. Believe it or not, she drives the Bobcat! ;)

Hi

Bayfield, WI

2008-06-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

Mary and I went to spend the past weekend together in Bayfield, WI. For those unfamiliar with Bayfield (like I was) it's a small sleepy little town off the coast of Lake Superior next to Madeleon Island (one of the Apostle Islands).

We rented and amazing place complete with full kitchen, study, 2 bathrooms, master bedroom and living room. Way too much space for us, but it was still great! If you ever go I recommend The Winfield Inn and renting their property Ada O'Day #4. You won't be disappointed!!

Of all the sites we took in I'd have to say the highlight was The Old Iron Bridge, and hiking the path underneath it. You see, the hiking path underneath it lead into the woods and through a special creek. In the creek were tons of "stacked rocks" that had been meticulously stacked, by someone (or something), to balance perfectly. I still say Gnomes did it! It was amazing, tons of rocks stacked all over the creek as if someone had been at it for months. It was sooo cool!

And since I just got my new DSLR camera I, of course, had to take way too many pictures. I've posted them in an album you can view by clicking here. Otherwise, I've posted a few pics below. Enjoy!

Bayfield in Bloom

The Old Iron Bridge

Rock Gnomes?!?

beach

First Attempts

2008-05-28T20:14:00.000-07:00

Well been playing with the new Canon Rebel xsi over the weekend and here are a first few pics trying to get the hang of things.

(I'm going to Bayfield, WI this weekend for a little R&R. So hopefully more good pics to come ...)

In the meantime, enjoy!

'round the apartment

locked in

what?!?

ROAR!!

purdy

I bought something?!?

2008-05-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I finally broke down and purchased a higher ticket item. I bought a digital Canon Rebel XSI SLR camera, and Tamron AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR VC lens.

I'm VERY happy with my purchase and quickly learning that there are a lot of aspects that go into a good looking picture. You can't simply click a button and it's a work of art. I'm learning it all, but it's fun!!

As some of my friends know it takes me longer to make the purchase of "higher ticket" items, so I'm proud of myself.

Now if only I could purchase an HDTV and Car. I'm getting closer and plan to do both yet this year!!!

Will have to post up some pics later ...

Subaru TV Spots

2008-05-21T20:09:00.000-07:00

Wanna see what I was traveling 2 months for?

Check out the latest Subaru of America TV spots on YouTube. There are regular (:30 sec) and extended (:60 sec) versions.

If you have a higher connection speed, you can click on "watch in high quality" underneath each video.

Check 'em out and tell your friends. http://www.youtube.com/subaru

Back to normal?

2008-05-05T10:34:00.000-07:00

Well today marks my first "full" day back at work since my surgery. Hopefully, this week will go alright. I did a couple of half-days last week to ease myself back into the swing of things.

I'm not feeling 100% yet, but a little better each day. And I'm finally able to start eating things other than soup. I'd say I'm at about 75% the way there to being recovered.

If your an adult and don't have to have your tonsils out. Don't! It takes A LOT out of you. However, if you were as sick as I was, it'll be worth it in the long run.

In the meantime, looking forward to being healthy and enjoying the summer!

P.S. - Happy Cinco de Mayo!!

All you need is LOVE ... SUBARU

2008-04-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

Just like the Beatles said: all you need is LOVE ... and a BIG budget, and a lot of hard work and traveling all over the country to shoot TV spots.

Well at long last the campaign I've been working on (along with a lot of other talented folks) for Subaru has launched last Thursday (April 24th).

Here's the NY Times article that talks about the LOVE campaign we launched for Subaru (if anyone is interested):

Trying to Connect in a Crowded Market
By Stewart Elliot
NY Times
April 24, 2008

Chances are you may now even see a TV spot or two when you're watching TV. Hopefully, things will slow down a bit at work, but I'm guessing probably not.

Ouch!

2008-04-19T18:55:00.000-07:00

Well I successfully have rid my body of my tonsils and adenoids!!

The surgery Friday morning was a success. I woke up in the recovery room after the surgery to pain in my mouth of missing tonsils and adenoids, and not a pair of breast implants or an amputated foot or hand by mistake. So thank God for small miracles!

And even though I'm in a fair amount of pain and still out of it I'm surprised how well I'm doing with the recovery.

Thanks to all who have been sending well wishes and praying for me! It's appreciated!!

The Countdown...

2008-04-13T18:45:00.000-07:00

Well t-minus 4 days and counting until I go under the knife on Friday.

I'm ridding my body of the bacteria traps known as tonsils and adenoids. No I'm not five, but somehow they have made my life quite painful over the last 9 months and it's finally time for the little buggers to come out!!! I'm looking forward to it, and also looking forward to not being on antibiotics everyday and sick all the time. It'll be a lot of pain at first, but I say bring it on. It'll be well worth it in the long run.

Now I guess I get to test that "ice cream" theory.

Where the heck have you been?!?

2008-04-08T22:40:00.000-07:00

Good question! Since the last week in February (over a month) I've been traveling all over the US shooting TV spots for Subaru. It's been a lot of hard work, and fun at times, but haven't been home much and the title to this entry is a question I've heard A LOT lately. Let me just say it's good to be home!

Over the past month I've been in sub-zero temperatures, seen the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean (at times within the same week), been frostbit and sunburned, sick, been on more plane trips than I care to imagine, standing on cliffs, beaches and deserts waiting for the perfect shot ... even saw a few celebs along the way. It's been a wild ride!

All in all, mission accomplished and we got some good TV spots shot. Now we just need to put them together, sell them in and get 'em on air.

Well I've decided to share the past month's adventures with a few pictures below. Just click on each set "title" below to see more pics in each collection, or just click here for the full thing.
(For the interweb non-savvy, click on individual pics below to make them bigger.)

MAINE

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

BIG ASS TREE

The Goonies?

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Me and Wally Pfister (Batman himself. This is the Director of Photography who shot Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and the list goes on. Nicest guy in the world!)

Back in MPLS

2008-04-03T12:18:00.000-07:00

I'm FINALLY back in MPLS, and loving it.

Okay truthfully I'm exhausted, but it's good to finally be done traveling for work and be able to sleep in my own bed.

Pictures of my adventures are to come...

Sick Of Traveling

2008-03-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

Been doing A LOT of traveling for work this month with getting 7 TV spots shot ... in a month.

Click below to see the, rather hilarious, Ze Frank explanation of how traveling sucks.

If you are unfamiliar with Ze Frank's video blog. Familarize yourself here!

Busy with a Crackberry

2008-03-10T20:15:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been super busy at work lately traveling all over the US and going crazy to get 7 TV spots flimed inside of a month. I've come to the realization that seeing the Atlantic Ocean (Maine) and then the Pacific Ocean (California) within 3 days probably qualifies as too much travel. Well got 2 spots down and 4 more to go. Whoopee!!!

However, what adds injury to insult is that last Friday I was given a Crackberry ... err, I mean a Blackberry at work. While, seemingly cool at first (taking your email, and the internet with you wherever you go) it quickly becomes the WORST THING EVER as you learn that you now NEVER leave work. Your email and phone calls come with you wherever you go. NOOOO!!!! And it's all at the ease of your fingertips so you have to check that email every 5 seconds. "What's that I got a message? WHAT?!?! I have to get 'x' to John by 5pm? And it's a Saturday? Sh*#!"

Word of the wise, if you are given the option of getting a Crackberry at work. Turn it down! You'll be happier.

Not too uplifting of a post, I realize, but hopefully by beggining of April I'll be able to post some pics of the TV shoots and my travels and be in a better mood.

Later all!

Time for an Update

2008-02-23T23:05:00.000-08:00

Well I figure it's time for an update for all the family and friends out there.

Well here goes ... started a new job (a different ad agency - downtown MPLS) on Jan. 31st. Been several weeks now and so far, so good. I'm working for Carmichael Lynch on the Subaru Car account. So far everyone I work with is great, my boss is hilarious, and the clients are super nice. A HUGE difference from my last job. So I'm liking it. Only thing is it's a bit crazy right now as I have to get 7 TV spots shot by end of March. So tomorrow it's off to Maine for a week and then after that 3 weeks in California. Could be worse.

As you may or may not be aware, I've been sick off and on for the past 7 months. Whenever I go off antibiotics I get a crazy sore throat and a bunch of other symptoms. It sucks!! Well the doc finally decided it was time to put a stop to things and I'm officially getting my tonsils and adnoids out. I'm scheduled to go under the knife on April 18th, once the craziness at work dies down. Hopefully, I won't be in too much pain. I've been told it can be pretty bad as an adult, but I need them out so I'm ready.

Other then that, things are good ... can't complain.

Random Quote of the Day

2008-02-16T10:36:00.000-08:00

"Why you hatin' on that bear? He didn't do nothin’ to you?"

I was walking in the skyways downtown MPLS yesterday when I passed an African-American woman and her little son. On the floor was a GIANT floor graphic of a cartoon bear advertising some upcoming event. The little boy yells out, "I'm gonna get you bear!" and starts to stomp all over the cartoon bear in a display of young male testosterone. Then the mother asks, "Son. Why you hatin' on that bear? He didn't do nothin’ (pronounced – nofin) to you?"

It was truly a random and wonderful moment and I burst into laughter on the spot.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Tell someone you love them.

Best News Ever!!!

2008-02-11T21:00:00.000-08:00

Don't know if you've been to the Como Zoo lately, but if you have it's quite the depressing adventure. Sure it's practically free, and you can get really close to the animals, but there's a reason for that. The animals have VERY SMALL habitats, which in turn have driven most of them insane and stir crazy.

I went to the Como Zoo back in late October and one of the exhibits that made me the most depressed was the Polar Bear exhibit. The area in which the Polar Bears, "Buzz" and "Neil", currently live in obviously has made them crazy. You can tell this as they keep pacing to the point of repeating the same actions over and over and over again. It truly is quite the depressing adventure!

Well, there's some good news to this tale. I was extremely happy today when I read a Star Tribune article that tells of the Polar Bear exhibit getting an overhaul and will end up being 4 times the size it currently is. Good news indeed! Perhaps not perfect, but a dramatic improvement. In the interm it looks like Buzz and Neil will hang out at the Detroit Zoo for a while, until it's ready in 2010. Finally a piece of news that isn't depressing.

You can check out the Star Tribune article by clicking here.

New Job

2008-01-24T16:45:00.000-08:00

Next week I start my new job. I was contacted by a neighboring advertising agency in MPLS around late December/early January and they presented me with an opportunity I just couldn't pass up.

I'm sad to leave my last ad agency. I was fortunate to work with some wonderfully talented and passionate people. However sometimes certain opportunities look us right in the face and we know we can't ignore them. This was one of those.

I'll most likely have a tough road ahead of me in my new job, but what in life that's worth having is easy?

Wish me luck!

Random Thought #77 - Wes Anderson Films

2008-01-18T14:37:00.000-08:00

As I was getting ready for work this morning I was thinking (and quoting) movies, as I often do. And I quoted a great line from the movie Rushmore.

Max Fischer: "So you were in Vietnam if I'm not mistaken?"
Herman Blume: "Yeah, that's right."
Max Fischer: "So you were in the shit?"
Herman Blume: "Yeah, I was in the shit."

This made me remember how much I LOVE Wes Anderson films! He's easily one of my top 10 favorite directors. However, my favorite film of his is easily Rushmore. It's the first film I saw of his, and in the theater, and I instantly loved it watching the whole thing with a great big smile on my face. Everyone always says that their favorite film of Wes Anderson is The Royal Tenenbaums. I disagree. It's a great film, but I like Rushmore so much better.

Anyways, that's my random thought for today.

Someone cue the song "Making Time" by Creation. Rock out!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T17:00:00.000-08:00

It's that time to write '2008' on all your checks now (if you still use them).

I'm not quite sure how it can possibly be 2008 already, but somehow it is. So, I celebrated the coming of 2008 last night in style with a few good friends over at my friends' Mike and Aimee's house in Apple Valley.

Here's a few pics from the night's festivities. Enjoy the photo adventure!

The Gang

James displaying his Wii Bowling Skillz

Happy New Year, everybody. Goulet!!