Allison and our neighbor...
Our neighbor happens to be the pastor at our church. He gets dressed up each year and tries to scare the kids coming up for candy. Great scary costume. He is con-celebrating our wedding in 12 days with Allison's Uncle.
Drew's Photo-A-Day
Allison's Photos
Ah, I think my laptop is begining to show its age. The screen is now shifting randomly from time to time. We shall see what becomes of this over time. Hopefully a new laptop or a fix to this will occur soon. Good thing I only have two more weeks of work before the wedding.
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Today Allison and I took a ride over to the Big apple to pick up a pie and some apples. They make hommade donuts here. They were making a fresh batch while we were there.
Saturday, October 29, 2005
When I was a kid I loved the Ed Emberley drawing books. I would always get them from the library. The other day I made a purchase through Amazon.com and saw that if I spent just a bit more I would get free shipping. So I saw on my Amazon.com Wish List that I had a couple of Ed Emberley books on it, so I added them to the order. They just arrived.
I used the Ed Emberley's Halloween Drawing Book to make that black cat looking werewolf. Man, if I had had a computer and Photoshop and a scanner when I was 10 years old I can just imagine the fun I would have had with those books. Well, maybe my kids will enjoy them as much as I did, someday.
I have begun the Ed Emberley book collection for my future children. who knows maybe someday they can become talented artists.
The Collection now contains.
Ed Emberley's Drawing Book of Animals
Ed Emberley's Halloween Drawing Book
Ed Emberley's Christmas Drawing Book
Halloween is coming up so here is a black cat for you. Actually I am headed out tonight with some friends and probably won't be back before midnight to get the Photo-A-Day up. so Oliver volunteered to sit and stare at me for this picture. He's good at just sitting and staring and then turning his head at the precise moment you want to take a picture.
Friday, October 28, 2005
I stopped off at Hopkinton State Park on the ride home today. I picked up my car from the Honda Dealership and stuck to the back roads home till I felt comfortable that the car would not crap out on me at all, but they did a great job on it. I stopped off here to take today's Photo-A-Day, coming full circle, you know. I liked how these roots and the water looked against each other. One is hard and the other is yeilding but they mix well with each other. Both are mingled together in an interesting juxtaposition.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
I am in the Fargo North Dakota Airport, the Hector International Airport. I thought that this was an interesting looking plane. They have an aviation museum here on the grounds. I think this may be one of the earliest Photo-A-Day shots yet. I'm certainly up too early to be functional enough to take pictures.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
I am in Fargo North Dakota today. So this week I knocked off two states from my state map. I'm not sure how many more I have to go to have visited all 50 but I think I am about halfway there. Got a great pin from this shop. You can see it in my Harley-Davidson Custom Shop Pin Gallery.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Wow 200 photos. This means I have 165 photos left to go this year. This has been a great project and lots of fun.
I am in Baxter, Minnesota. The photo pretty much sums it up. I was up at 4:45 this morning checking the flights at PVD and making sure I would be flying out this later that morning. My flight from PVD to ORD was fine. I was in a window and had no one next to me in the middle seat. Then I flew from ORD to FAR, the flight was delayed a bit but we eventually got going. I was next to nervous leg shaking guy the whole way but luckily I fell asleep a few times. When I landed in Fargo, North Dakota I got in the rental car and headed for Baxter, Minnesota. The directions said 3 hours and 39 minutes. Luckily that was an overestimate, However I did not get to Baxter till about 4:00pm central. So I have essentially covered hundreds maybe over a thousand miles sitting in a cabin on my butt today. My demo is first thing in the morning and then a ride back to Fargo for an early flight on Wednesday morning. Glamorous, I know.
Monday, October 24, 2005
This morning I broke down in front of the Hopkinton State Park in Hopkinton, MA. I have a post about it on my blog. Read it here, The BenSpark: Breakdown. And I put some pictures up from the event on my Breakdown Gallery here in Buzznet.
I thought this would be an appropriate Photo-A-Day. You can read about my breakdown below.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Today while doing a little exploring the area we came across an open house for a place that shares this small beach between three houses. Interesting neighborhood is all I can say. Over to the left out of screen is a trailer that the owner uses in the summer. Neat little pond however.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Friday, October 21, 2005
Today I got to work and surprise, surprise my friend John picked up three new Transformers Altenators for me. Pictured are Prowl, Decepticharge, and my favorite Wheeljack. I've been on the lookout for Wheeljack since April when John first spotted him. And now I see Wheeljack everywhere. Oh well. I'm very glad I finally have Wheeljack.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Up the road from our house is some farmland. And there is a horse farm there. The horses are so beautiful. I love riding my bike out there and going for walks by the farms.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Three little pumpkins. Today I picked up a few decorations for for the house. I got a small bale of hay, and a large pumpkin and then I saw these little guys at 3 for a dollar. So I picked them up. The plate behind them was given to us by my Aunt Donna. Allison was happy to have some seasonal decorations around and very surprised that I picked them up.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Sorry Jack, looks like you ain't gonna see Halloween.
The rain destroyed this jack-o-lantern.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Today I took a number of photos of Oliver and Duncan as close as I could. Using the macro lens got me in very close to them and they were very cute today. It was windy out and they were very excited about the leaves blowing around outside. You can see the intensity in their beautiful eyes. They are such beautiful boys. I couldn't just feature only one of them. Ollie is on the left and Duncan is on the right.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Seating Chart. Yikes this isn't very easy. We are still waiting on a few responses but we have an idea of what the seating chart will look like.
Friday, October 14, 2005
I went and picked up lunch for folks at Kelly's Roast Beef over at the Jordan's Furniture store in Natick. They have all these Carousel horses all over the place inside. I liked this one.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Yesterday my Botcon 2005 package came in the mail. I was unable to attend this year's Botcon but maybe next year. I did however order he exclusive toys. And this year they did a fantastic job packaging the toys and coming up with a comic that tied the toys together into the Transformers mythos.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Flying, flying, flying, spent my whole day in the air. So I took a picture of the giant cloudfield that streched on as far as I could see.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Nothing says California beaches like the lifeguard stand and yellow truck. You can thank BayWatch for that. I took a stroll down the strand at Hermosa Beach CA today. Took a bunch of shots. They have been uploaded to my Flickr account.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Hermosa Beach, CA. Snapped a quick picture after a quick lunch and a quick return to the hotel to prepare for tomorrow's demo so I can go out to dinner with Uncle Jim tonight.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Tonight Allison and I went to the Trinity Repertory Theatre in Providence. We saw The Mystery of Edwin Drood, a Charles Dickens story that was unfinished and therefore the audience has to vote for the outcome of the story. Allison got tickets from her boss, so thanks Katie. We also met up with Mary, who works with Allison. It was a very entertaining show. The theatre is a great looking building, inside and out.
also today is the one year anniversary of our engagement. We didn't quite realize that until Allison was filling out the comment card at the Union Station Brewery, where we had dinner. The U.S.B. is part of John Harvard's. We had a very nice evening.
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Tonight Allison and I went with Tara and Erik and Mom and Dad to the local Animal Shelter's Golf Tournament dinner. Allison and I were supposed to be helping out at the tournament but it was rained out. However, the party still went on. They had this great cake. And it was tasty too.
Friday, October 07, 2005
This is the very from the Joy Wah in Bellows Falls, VT. It is a Chinese restaurant this is in an old farmhouse and barn. They seated me on the porch and there was this great view. I love the lamp post especially because I have been listening to the Chronicles of Narnia for the ride home. So appropriate.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Trinity Church in Potsdam, New York. There were so many trees that were turning to their fall colors around this church. I loved taking shots around this church. For the full portfolio of pictures, check my Flickr account.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Today I drove from North Attleboro, MA to Potsdam, NY. It was a long ride but very enjoyable because of the leaves turning colors on the trees and the lack of traffic on the road. I was also listening to the Chronicles of Narnia and finished The Magician's Nephew and three of the four CD's for The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. I had read these books back in high school and loved them very much. Neil and Andrea lent the CD's to Allison and I a while back and Allison has already listened to the first two books. I should be well on my way through book four by the drive home on Friday.
So On my ride up I stopped at many different areas to take pictures. I had lunch in Lake Placid at Jack Frost's and finally aririved in Potsdam to stay at the Clarkson Inn. If you would like to see the other pictures check them out at my Flickr account. I opened that account the other day. More photo's More places to put them.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Guess what we did tonight. Yep, we saw the finished product, Serenity. Back in May we saw a sneak preview of the movie in Boston and it was fantastic then. Tonight it was a great ride back through the 'verse. Joss Whedon is truly the master now, Lucas take notes. Anyway, this is Allison and Joanne, they both heartily approve of Serenity. You can visit Joanne on her blog Auntie Jo-Jo (She's listed under blogs of note on the sidebar) and of course Allison is part of this blog because she is my wonderful fiance. Also in attendance tonight were Neil and Andrea and Jenn. We all enjoyed the movie very much and a few of us became Regal Crown Club. It's a good deal and it is free. Tonight was free popcorn night for Regal Crown Club. Couple that with the discount passes from the Entertainment Book and it made for a very nice and fairly inexpensive evening.
Also of note is the Serenity Novelization of the movie. This was done by Keith R.A. DeCandido. Jenn was at a Browncoats event and met the author and she got our copy signed. Thanks Jenn and thanks for the goodie bag you brought us from the show. It has a "Joss Whedon is my Master" bookmark and a couple of posters in it, good deal, Shiny!
Monday, October 03, 2005
This weekend I picked up Altenator Swerve. That is the red corvette, and he came with the flame and Autobot symbol sticker. But that sticker belongs to Tracks. The blue corvette is Tracks. The black one is Ravage.
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Allison got her estrogen fix today and got to spend a couple of hours with baby Shane. Yep she's gonna be a great Mom someday.
This is going to be a super long post because I took notes throughout the entire show. Some low tech blogging while I was there. Notes are all over the menu, the schedule, the letter from the woman sponsoring the ticket contest and the envelope the ticket came in. So sit back and dig in for this read.
Last evening Allison and I went to see Ellis Paul, Christopher Williams (my inspiration for Photo-A-Day, see his Photo-A-Day project from 2002.) and Don Conoscenti play at Tupelo Music Hall in Londonderry NH. Allison won the tickets by answering a trivia question on the Ellis Paul message boards. Opening for Ellis, Christopher, and Don was Dan Cloutier. Dan opened for Vance Gilbert this past December and at that time we were not very impressed. But you know what Dan has vastly improved since then. His music is much more polished. Even songs that we did not really enjoy last time were so much more accessible. Dan has a good voice and his guitiar play is good. Some songs still feel like they ramble a bit, but we were not dissapointed. His songs still have too many refrains of the same exact thing. The refrain for Jerusalem repeated six times. It is a good song but the refrain six times is a bit much. Christopher Williams jammed with Dan on the last song that he played called "Soul of a Man" Allison heard that it was a cover but not who originally sang the song.
When we arrived at Tupelo we met this woman named Alice who is also a huge fan of Ellis Paul. She even went to a three day retreat with him in Stowe Vermont. I guess he does these retreats once a year or so. Not sure on the details, but basically you go and watch him perform for three nights and hang out with him during the downtime, it is limited to about 35 people so it is small and intimate. Sounds like a great time. Alice came all the way down from Montpelier Vermont. Quite the distance to travel.
We got in at 7:15 or so and were the second people through the door. We got our assigned seat, table 31 and lo and behold who is sitting there but Christopher Williams, we gave him a hard time about sitting in our seats and joked around a bit, then we talked with him about the upcoming wedding and the whole coincidence that our wedding date is the will be his 1st year anniversary. He is so laid back and cool. We can't wait to see him when he comes to Norton again to the Lyons Den at Wheaton college.
During a brief intermission we picked up a piece of Death by chocolate cake. We were able to bring alcoholic drinks with us to the show. We picked up a bottle of Moselland: Lighthouse series Riesling. At Tupelo if you bring alcohol with you it costs $3.00 per person. This must cover some sort of insurance fee or something. The wine was pretty good, cool bottle too.
Ellis was joined on stage by Don Conoscenti and Christopher Williams. He started the night off with Take All the Sky You Need from his American Jukebox Fables Album. He played this song on Thursday night's show on the Comcast channel with Barry Nolan.
Song #2 was Maria's Beautiful Mess from the Speed of Trees Album. Allison loves this song. I mistook the intro as the one to Roll Away Bed which is also on the Speed of Trees Album and a song we used in our super secret wedding project that I can't wait to talk about but I have to wait till the wedding. But I also like Maria's Beautiful Mess.
Song # 3 was Jukebox on My Grave from the American Jukebox Fables Album. It is funny to remember hearing this song when Ellis was still working the kinks out of it. During the song Ellis got so caught up in Don playing of the guitar that he lost his place. But ever the commanding entertainer he picked back up, made the crowd laugh and kept going.
Song #4 was The One Way from the Side of the Road album which was an album that Ellis and Vance Gilbert put out. The song was written by Mark Erelli, (someone I want to see live too. This song was written after the attacks on September 11, 2001 and is one man's response to the acts of terrorism. Just keep living and not to be afraid. Keep living and giving. Such a great message in this song.
Song #5 was 3000 Miles from the Stories, Sweet Mistakes and Live (Disc 1) Albums. There was a great extended intro to the song by Ellis and Don Conoscenti. This is my absolute favorite song by Ellis. When Christopher Williams kicked in with percussion it was very powerful. A great song about traveling and being on the road for such a long time and then things that one sees while being on the road. It really speaks to me.
Song #6 Ellis took to the piano for the song Home which is on Americna Jukebox Fables. A very powerful and moving song about losing your house to a fire, but not losing what is most important to you in that of your family, your wife in this case. And the fact that the house was just a building but you my wife are my home.
Song # 7 Ellis stayed at the piano and played what he called the greatest song ever written which was When Hank Williams came to town by Johnny Cash. I liked his rendition of the song very much. We are very excited to see the Johnny Cash biopic called Walk the Line.
Song #8 was God's Promise and it is on the Speed of Trees Album. The lyrics were written by Woody Gurthrie when he was about 35 while lying in a hospital bed. Did you know that Woody Gurthrie wrote over 200 songs but only recorded about 70 of them. The Guthrie family has commissioned songwriters to put Woody's words to music so that those songs are not lost forever. Ellis Paul makes God's Promise a collaboration and celebration with Woody Gurthrie. This song is also on the super secret wedding favor project. It is a very powerful and moving song and to listen to it and to think that this was written as Woody Gurthrie was in so much pain is incredible.
Song #9 was Sweet Mistakes from the Sweet Mistakes Album. The song was also featured in the movie Shallow Hal. Ellis told a funny story about how the movie was on one day and he hadn't seen it in a while so he decided to watch it to see his song featured and it got to the point where the cong comes in and they played 4 notes of the song and cut to commercial. The song was very appropriate to the movie, but alas network TV needs those commercials.
Song # 10 was If You Break Down and is on the Speed of Trees Album and was featured in the TV show Ed. It was funny because there is a long pause in the song and the crowd thought it was over and started clapping but the song wasn’t over, so we laughed and they continued to play the song after a moment of awkwardness and humor.
Song #11 was The Martyr's Lounge from the Sweet Mistakes Album and the Live Album Disc 1. This is such a great song. It talks about all the Matyr’s in heaven and how they hang out in a bar. There are some fantastic lines like, "Now Jesus don't need no introduction He's got a famous old man" and "Marilyn Monroe, Jacques Cousteau Talk about the sharks they used to know..." There was a tremendous jam session during this song. The crowd totally responded to that and it pumped up the feeling of the song as well. Even though it was a great song to begin with.
Song # 12 was Alice's Champagne Palace and is from American Jukebox Fables. Every time I hear this song I want to jump in a plane to go to this bar and see Alaska. That would be fantastic. This song also kinda makes me feel that Alice from Arlo Guthrie's song Alice's Restaurant (A thanksgiving day tradition is to listen to this in our household) sold the restaurant in Stockbridge, MA after the Thanksgiving incident and moved to Homer, Alaska to open a bar and welcome everyone in. It just has the feel to me.
Song # 13 was one of three acoustical songs. Ellis and Don Conoscenti and Christopher Williams unplugged and cae out into the crowd. They played Blacktop Train from American Jukebox Fables. This is a song about Route 66. The guys really let loose during the song and enjoyed themselves and the music. so much feeling in the music.
Song #14 was Bad, Bad Blood from American Jukebox Fables. An exposition of this country's obsession with true crime and live TV of true crime events as well as our voyeuristic nature to make reality and tragedy entertainment. And also about the need for 15 minutes of fame despite who it hurts, whether it be seeking the 15 minutes or contributing to it.
Song #15 was the official last song. Some great chatter amongst the guys as they returned to the stage to retune their instruments. There was even mention of the Red Sox and how they needed last night's loss so they could rise again today and beat the Yankees. The song they did was The World Ain't Slowing Down from the movie Me, Myself and Irene and from the album Translucent Soul and the Live Album Disc 2. The movie was filmed partially in Jamestown, RI and was one of the first songs we heard of Ellis’ in a movie. Ellis’ lyrics are infectious and smart. The crowd gave a standing ovation at the end and the guys dashed off to a side room for about 3 seconds and came back out to perform the first encore of the night.
Encore song #1 Conversations With a Ghost from the Say Something album and the Live Album Disc 2. Allison loves this song. Very mellow song, winding the night down.
Encore #2 not sure of the name of the song or what album it was from or if it was even one of Ellis’ songs either. The refrain said "I've been doing some hard traveling. It was a song that they hadn't done in a while and it was a great one for them just to jam on and end the night. It was performed acoustically.
Update: Allison did some research. The song is called "Hard Travelin'" by Woodie Guthrie.
After that the crowd gave another standing ovation and Ellis came back out for one more song and it was a Christmas song that he wrote in Texas. It was to the tune of a Dylan song, but we couldn't identify it.
After the show we waited around to talk with Ellis and tell him what a great time we had and that we saw him on CN8 the other night. He was very gracious and warm and we chatted for a little bit. Then we said goodbye to Christopher Williams and told him we would see him in December and he told us good luck with the wedding and to remember that no matter what happens on the day of the wedding we will be married when that day is done.
We had a great time at Tupelo. There are some other fantastic shows coming to the venue and we may go back to see Don White in February and Catie Curtis in December. We'll see.
Even though we love seeing Ellis play on his own, having Don Conoscenti and Christopher Williams there to play with him really added something special to the evening. The energy and enthusiasm of these three men playing together was infectious. The crowd gave two standing ovations. It was a fantastic night of great music.
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Tonight Allison and I went to see Ellis Paul, Christopher Williams and Don Conoscenti play at Tupelo Music Hall in Londonderry NH. We were the second people into the place. I snapped this shot of the stage before the performers came out. I just had a sense of energy about the stage, like it was anticipating the music that was to come.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Photo-A-Day #206 10/31/05
Ah, I think my laptop is begining to show its age. The screen is now shifting randomly from time to time. We shall see what becomes of this over time. Hopefully a new laptop or a fix to this will occur soon. Good thing I only have two more weeks of work before the wedding.
Wild Turkey Flock
Okay so I didn't take this actual picture but this morning as I was driving to work I went by a flock of wild turkeys and would have stopped to take the photo-a-day if I had the time. Maybe tomorrow or the next day if they were out again. There were about 15 of them all over this guys lawn. Wild Turkey Flock
Bachelor Party
Last night was my Bachelor Party. It was great to see everyone. The four Groomsmen Neil, Derek, James and Ken. My Dad was there and so was my grandfather Andrew Sr. and my brother in-law Erik. My uncles Wayne, Murph, Dave, Fred and Rich were also there. Allison's Dad and his friend Richie came down from New Hampshire. My cousins Nicholas and Justin came too. Uncle Paul D, Howard and Mr. K came out to have fun too. Then also Andy, Peter and Steve attended as well. Allison and Andrea came in to say hello and then spent the evening at the P.P. Mall doing some shoppping. Neil set up the evening at Dave and Buster's in the Providence Place Mall. We had two pool tables that were set up for dining and we had a great buffet.
The bachelor did not go thirsty throughout the evening. Uncle Rich gave me a ton of tickets so I could shop for some fun stuff at the winners circle. I got some Nerds rope, a superball and a Red Sox bear. Uncle Wayne gave me a fantastic photo book of a bunch of old photos of me growing up as well as some photos from our hiking trips over the years. There are great memories, sayings, advice and captions throughout the book. Thanks so much! And I ended up with about 6 powercards that kept me playing all sorts of games till 2:00am.
Thanks to everyone who came out, some from some pretty decent distances. I appreciate the chance to have an evening to talk with everyone and have a good time. Dave and Buster's was great, I actually ended up being there with a few of the diehards till about 2:00am when they closed. Then Neil took me home after a side trip to McDonald's. Bickfords for early morning BREAKFAST just wasn't feasible with so many people packing the parking lots.
Thanks again everyone for a great night.
The bachelor did not go thirsty throughout the evening. Uncle Rich gave me a ton of tickets so I could shop for some fun stuff at the winners circle. I got some Nerds rope, a superball and a Red Sox bear. Uncle Wayne gave me a fantastic photo book of a bunch of old photos of me growing up as well as some photos from our hiking trips over the years. There are great memories, sayings, advice and captions throughout the book. Thanks so much! And I ended up with about 6 powercards that kept me playing all sorts of games till 2:00am.
Thanks to everyone who came out, some from some pretty decent distances. I appreciate the chance to have an evening to talk with everyone and have a good time. Dave and Buster's was great, I actually ended up being there with a few of the diehards till about 2:00am when they closed. Then Neil took me home after a side trip to McDonald's. Bickfords for early morning BREAKFAST just wasn't feasible with so many people packing the parking lots.
Thanks again everyone for a great night.
Photo-A-Day #205 10/30/05
Today Allison and I took a ride over to the Big apple to pick up a pie and some apples. They make hommade donuts here. They were making a fresh batch while we were there.
Ed Emberley's Halloween Drawing Book
When I was a kid I loved the Ed Emberley drawing books. I would always get them from the library. The other day I made a purchase through Amazon.com and saw that if I spent just a bit more I would get free shipping. So I saw on my Amazon.com Wish List that I had a couple of Ed Emberley books on it, so I added them to the order. They just arrived.
I used the Ed Emberley's Halloween Drawing Book to make that black cat looking werewolf. Man, if I had had a computer and Photoshop and a scanner when I was 10 years old I can just imagine the fun I would have had with those books. Well, maybe my kids will enjoy them as much as I did, someday.
I have begun the Ed Emberley book collection for my future children. who knows maybe someday they can become talented artists.
The Collection now contains.
Ed Emberley's Drawing Book of Animals
Ed Emberley's Halloween Drawing Book
Ed Emberley's Christmas Drawing Book
Photo-A-Day #204 10/29/05
Halloween is coming up so here is a black cat for you. Actually I am headed out tonight with some friends and probably won't be back before midnight to get the Photo-A-Day up. so Oliver volunteered to sit and stare at me for this picture. He's good at just sitting and staring and then turning his head at the precise moment you want to take a picture.
Photo-A-Day #203 10/28/05
I stopped off at Hopkinton State Park on the ride home today. I picked up my car from the Honda Dealership and stuck to the back roads home till I felt comfortable that the car would not crap out on me at all, but they did a great job on it. I stopped off here to take today's Photo-A-Day, coming full circle, you know. I liked how these roots and the water looked against each other. One is hard and the other is yeilding but they mix well with each other. Both are mingled together in an interesting juxtaposition.
Yahoo! Games - Downloads - Miller Beer Run
Maureen of We're in a Fight found this fun little time waster. Yahoo! Games - Downloads - Miller Beer Run
Photo-A-Day #202 10/27/05
I am in the Fargo North Dakota Airport, the Hector International Airport. I thought that this was an interesting looking plane. They have an aviation museum here on the grounds. I think this may be one of the earliest Photo-A-Day shots yet. I'm certainly up too early to be functional enough to take pictures.
Photo-A-Day #201 10/26/05
I am in Fargo North Dakota today. So this week I knocked off two states from my state map. I'm not sure how many more I have to go to have visited all 50 but I think I am about halfway there. Got a great pin from this shop. You can see it in my Harley-Davidson Custom Shop Pin Gallery.
New Photo-A-Day Site
Please welcome Gabrielle Krupnick to the Photo-A-Day list. Check out her photos. Gabrielle is going to help me out and be a guest Photo-A-Day Photographer while we are away on our honeymoon. See Gabrielle's photos hereGabrielle Krupnick's Photo-A-Day site
Photo-A-Day #200 10/25/05
Wow 200 photos. This means I have 165 photos left to go this year. This has been a great project and lots of fun.
I am in Baxter, Minnesota. The photo pretty much sums it up. I was up at 4:45 this morning checking the flights at PVD and making sure I would be flying out this later that morning. My flight from PVD to ORD was fine. I was in a window and had no one next to me in the middle seat. Then I flew from ORD to FAR, the flight was delayed a bit but we eventually got going. I was next to nervous leg shaking guy the whole way but luckily I fell asleep a few times. When I landed in Fargo, North Dakota I got in the rental car and headed for Baxter, Minnesota. The directions said 3 hours and 39 minutes. Luckily that was an overestimate, However I did not get to Baxter till about 4:00pm central. So I have essentially covered hundreds maybe over a thousand miles sitting in a cabin on my butt today. My demo is first thing in the morning and then a ride back to Fargo for an early flight on Wednesday morning. Glamorous, I know.
Update on the Breakdown
Well, looks like my car has to have the engine control module replaced. Luckily I bought the extended warranty at the time I got the car and this is covered. I waited for a call from the Honda Dealership and one came later in the day to say I needed new brakes (which I knew was coming, 75,000 miles and this is the first brake replacement). And they said that the car was running. Sounds good. Then I got a call later to find out that they had gotten the car to "act up" for them. And that is when they foud that the engine control module needed to be replaced. Unfortunately that can't be done till tomorrow. Luckily the Honda Dealership got me a rental for he next four days for free. Good deal. So I am driving a Silver Jetta that has some kick to it and a funky smell. Good thing it is gonna sit in a parking garage for the next three days. Our driveway now looks like a Volkswagon dealership for real now. (With 5 of them.)
Tonight Allison and I looked at another condo in the same building complex as the one we saw yesterday. This one had a finished third floor and tile in the kitchen. Nice place.
Tonight Allison and I looked at another condo in the same building complex as the one we saw yesterday. This one had a finished third floor and tile in the kitchen. Nice place.
Photo-A-Day #199 10/24/05
This morning I broke down in front of the Hopkinton State Park in Hopkinton, MA. I have a post about it on my blog. Read it here, The BenSpark: Breakdown. And I put some pictures up from the event on my Breakdown Gallery here in Buzznet.
I thought this would be an appropriate Photo-A-Day. You can read about my breakdown below.
Breakdown...
So, I broke down in my car this morning directly outside of the Hopkinton State Park. I was scheduled for the car to have service on Friday because the engine light came on back on October 13th.
I had gotten back from my last trip and noticed that the light had come on when I started the car in the parking garage. I was nervous about it, but having been in cars with the engine light on before I didn't think it was that imperative. I mean all of the cars from Masscoach always have their check engine lights on. Regardless, I called for service first thing on October 14th in the morning to make an appointment. I was told by the service department that if the light was not blinking and if I did not notice anything unusual while I drove I should be fine. Also I should unscrew the gas cap and screw it back on because that will reset the light. I guess if the gas cap is not on tight enough that can set off the check engine light. Good to know. Well, I did that and a couple of days later the light went off. Good.
However, this morning as I turned off the highway to take the scenic route on route 85 through Hopkinton I noticed the light came back on again. As I was about to pass the entrance to the Hopkinton State Park the oil light came on, the car rumbled and the power steering cut out. Luckily I was able to pull off to the side of the road, put on my hazards and call for Triple A. I called Triple A, they told me that they were sending out Arts of Milford. The call to Triple A went in at 6:44am. I was told it would be about 1 hour. At 7:23am I got a call from Triple A to let me know I should be taken care of within a half hour. I called Triple A again at 8:22am and was told another half hour. I guess when one has plenty of time to wait around and can write their blog posts from their Pocket PC, they take notice of the details.
At 8:25am I got a call from Arts Towing to let me know that they are backed up and a truck will be along in a half hour. That truck arrived at 8:45am and I was on my way by 8:47am. The driver was really skilled at hooking up cars.
While I was waiting around I had my hazards on and I can't believe that a couple of cars pulled up behind me and honked because they thought I was turning into the park and was just sitting there waiting to turn. A school bus that wanted to pull in and turn around did this first and then an older man who must have been going for a morning walk around the park pulled up and waited for quite a while. I'm stopped my hazards are on. Guess what genius, I'm not going anywhere soon.
The tow truck driver brought me to the Honda dealership and I got checked in, the car may or may not be ready for me today, who knows. I got a quick ride over to work and now that is where I am.
But since I always have my camera with me, I recorded this morning's adventure. Check it out on my Breakdown Gallery at Buzznet. It is almost as boring as waiting there with me.
I had gotten back from my last trip and noticed that the light had come on when I started the car in the parking garage. I was nervous about it, but having been in cars with the engine light on before I didn't think it was that imperative. I mean all of the cars from Masscoach always have their check engine lights on. Regardless, I called for service first thing on October 14th in the morning to make an appointment. I was told by the service department that if the light was not blinking and if I did not notice anything unusual while I drove I should be fine. Also I should unscrew the gas cap and screw it back on because that will reset the light. I guess if the gas cap is not on tight enough that can set off the check engine light. Good to know. Well, I did that and a couple of days later the light went off. Good.
However, this morning as I turned off the highway to take the scenic route on route 85 through Hopkinton I noticed the light came back on again. As I was about to pass the entrance to the Hopkinton State Park the oil light came on, the car rumbled and the power steering cut out. Luckily I was able to pull off to the side of the road, put on my hazards and call for Triple A. I called Triple A, they told me that they were sending out Arts of Milford. The call to Triple A went in at 6:44am. I was told it would be about 1 hour. At 7:23am I got a call from Triple A to let me know I should be taken care of within a half hour. I called Triple A again at 8:22am and was told another half hour. I guess when one has plenty of time to wait around and can write their blog posts from their Pocket PC, they take notice of the details.
At 8:25am I got a call from Arts Towing to let me know that they are backed up and a truck will be along in a half hour. That truck arrived at 8:45am and I was on my way by 8:47am. The driver was really skilled at hooking up cars.
While I was waiting around I had my hazards on and I can't believe that a couple of cars pulled up behind me and honked because they thought I was turning into the park and was just sitting there waiting to turn. A school bus that wanted to pull in and turn around did this first and then an older man who must have been going for a morning walk around the park pulled up and waited for quite a while. I'm stopped my hazards are on. Guess what genius, I'm not going anywhere soon.
The tow truck driver brought me to the Honda dealership and I got checked in, the car may or may not be ready for me today, who knows. I got a quick ride over to work and now that is where I am.
But since I always have my camera with me, I recorded this morning's adventure. Check it out on my Breakdown Gallery at Buzznet. It is almost as boring as waiting there with me.
Sunday Open houses
So today Allison and I along with my Dad went to a couple of open houses. We saw a small model condo in North Attleboro. It was a very nice small condo however it was certainly too small for us. Then we went to a very interesting condex in Bellingham on a lake. That was a nice location; however, it just wasn't for us.
In the afternoon we went over to a three floor condo in North Attleboro that we really liked. It was very cute. Mom and Dad came along to check it out with us. Now if we can find a rich benefactor.....
Tonight Allison and I and Tara and Erik went and saw The 40 Year Old Virgin at the Route One Cinema Pub. A very funny movie. Could have been a bit less vulgar overall (A little vulgarity is fine, I am not easily offended it just made the point of juxtaposing the views of the guys vs Steve Carrell's character.) Overall the message was a very good one. Don't get me wrong we laughed like we were gonna pee ourselves.
In the afternoon we went over to a three floor condo in North Attleboro that we really liked. It was very cute. Mom and Dad came along to check it out with us. Now if we can find a rich benefactor.....
Tonight Allison and I and Tara and Erik went and saw The 40 Year Old Virgin at the Route One Cinema Pub. A very funny movie. Could have been a bit less vulgar overall (A little vulgarity is fine, I am not easily offended it just made the point of juxtaposing the views of the guys vs Steve Carrell's character.) Overall the message was a very good one. Don't get me wrong we laughed like we were gonna pee ourselves.
Photo-A-Day #198 10/23/05
Today while doing a little exploring the area we came across an open house for a place that shares this small beach between three houses. Interesting neighborhood is all I can say. Over to the left out of screen is a trailer that the owner uses in the summer. Neat little pond however.
Fall Karaoke 2005
Last night Allison and I went with Neil and Andrea to the Royal Panda in Cumberland, RI. We met up with Derek and Michelle and Jimmy, athy, Kerry and Kerry. I took tons of photos last night and posted them all up this morning on a Buzznet gallery. You can check them out here Fall Karaoke 2005.
The Royal Panda has a pretty good buffett that we took full advantage of. Their buffett included onion rings. They are traditionally Chinese you know. Not really but it was with the fried stuff. There was even enough selection as for the food to be deemed Neil friendly.
The Fall Karaoke 2005 photos tell the story of the evening. Enjoy.
Thanks for putting the evening together Derek.
The Royal Panda has a pretty good buffett that we took full advantage of. Their buffett included onion rings. They are traditionally Chinese you know. Not really but it was with the fried stuff. There was even enough selection as for the food to be deemed Neil friendly.
The Fall Karaoke 2005 photos tell the story of the evening. Enjoy.
Thanks for putting the evening together Derek.
Photo-A-Day #197 10/22/05
Had to upload via Flicker again. Tonight we went to do karaoke at the Royal Panda in cumberland, RI. This was taken after Derek said something very funny, notice ow red Neil's face is right now.
PRANGSTGRUP
I just found this site today called PRANGSTGRUP. It has a series of pranks that people are playing on unsuspecting groups of people. Nothing that is harmful in any way but rather a creation of very akward moments. For example. An impromtu musical in a college lecture hall. You gotta check this out. It is very funny. Make sure you look at the video archives.
Photo-A-Day #196 10/21/05
Today I got to work and surprise, surprise my friend John picked up three new Transformers Altenators for me. Pictured are Prowl, Decepticharge, and my favorite Wheeljack. I've been on the lookout for Wheeljack since April when John first spotted him. And now I see Wheeljack everywhere. Oh well. I'm very glad I finally have Wheeljack.
Grab Bag Comics: Online Comics: "Dumbstruck"
Allison turned me on to this web comic called "Dumbstruck". For the most part the comic is pretty good. I like many aspects of it. I could do without the politcal commentary ones but that is just me. Politics isn't my bag. But what is my bag is grocery shopping. I frequently do the grocery shopping for our house. I like knowing where you can find anything in the entire store. I try and pick up everything on the list in the most efficient way. Yes I am a geek. Check out the comic Dumbstruck to see one of my pet peeves at the grocery store.
Photo-A-Day #195 10/20/05
Up the road from our house is some farmland. And there is a horse farm there. The horses are so beautiful. I love riding my bike out there and going for walks by the farms.
Photo-A-Day #194 10/19/05
This is the sign of the comic book shop that I frequent. Wild Time Comics. Randy who runs the place is a great guy. It is a nice shop. I have subscriptions for G.I. Joe and Transformers titles. I also get the Joss Whedon penned Astonishing X-Men.
(Buzznet was down when I went to upload today's Photo-A-Day)
So True
Greg Dean is one of my favorite web comic artists. The concepts that he comes up with are very simple and humorous. The art is so crisp and clean and accessible. And if you can make an 80's movie joke now and again then so much the better. Check out this one.
Recipes : French Onion Tartlets : Food Network
Mo, of We're in a Fight sent me this. Check her site out it is very funny. She has a great post about the Red Sox and Nomar's rescue of a couple of girls last week. Funny Stuff.
Anyway, if you remember the whole French Onion, F.O. saga here is another recipe. Recipes : French Onion Tartlets : Food Network.
I'll be adding this to the F.O. list.
Anyway, if you remember the whole French Onion, F.O. saga here is another recipe. Recipes : French Onion Tartlets : Food Network.
I'll be adding this to the F.O. list.
Magnetic Poetry
How addicting is this. Pick A Magnetic Poetry Kit. Granted I have an entire side of the fridge with magnetic poetry on it and have yet to actually create anything. I thought at one time I would do some grand daily haiku thing each day and post that on the blog with magnetic poetry. Then I decided not to.
I forgot my manners and did not give credit where credit is due. This link was found by Mo of (We're in a Fight.) And since she was lazy and didn't put an actual link on her last reference to me but rather directed people to her sidebar for the link I will do the same. We're in a fight can be found on the sidebar under the Blogs of Note section.
I forgot my manners and did not give credit where credit is due. This link was found by Mo of (We're in a Fight.) And since she was lazy and didn't put an actual link on her last reference to me but rather directed people to her sidebar for the link I will do the same. We're in a fight can be found on the sidebar under the Blogs of Note section.
Photo-A-Day #193 10/18/05
Three little pumpkins. Today I picked up a few decorations for for the house. I got a small bale of hay, and a large pumpkin and then I saw these little guys at 3 for a dollar. So I picked them up. The plate behind them was given to us by my Aunt Donna. Allison was happy to have some seasonal decorations around and very surprised that I picked them up.
Walt Disney World Inline Marathon
I saw the Walt Disney World Inline Marathon about a year ago and wanted to do it then. However the timing was not right so I didn't participate, however this year I am going to do it. I booked the vacation yesterday. Allison and I are flying down on Song Airlines and are going to stay at the All-Star Movies Resort at Walt Disney World. We are very excited about this. Not that we don't have plenty of other things to be excited about at the moment. I mean with a wedding coming up and a honeymoon in Aruba how can we not be excited.
Despite all the other things to be excited about we are very excited about the Walt Disney World Inline Marathon because Disney holds a special place in our hearts. We have been to Disneyland in California and just this past January we were in Walt Disney World for the Walt Disney World 1/2 Marathon (I'm gonna finish this time. Hydrate properly without 15 thousand pee breaks and I will make it.)
So training will have to take place before this event. Not like my terrible efforts at training for the last endurance race. The great thing about this race is that it is on rollerblades. I love rollerblading and have had so much fun doing it. The bad part is that we live in New England and the rollerblading season is all but finished till April (And the Walt Disney World Inline Marathon is on April 2nd. Yikes). Let's hope for some sunny days so I can get to the Cape Cod Canal to get some practice runs in.
Despite all the other things to be excited about we are very excited about the Walt Disney World Inline Marathon because Disney holds a special place in our hearts. We have been to Disneyland in California and just this past January we were in Walt Disney World for the Walt Disney World 1/2 Marathon (I'm gonna finish this time. Hydrate properly without 15 thousand pee breaks and I will make it.)
So training will have to take place before this event. Not like my terrible efforts at training for the last endurance race. The great thing about this race is that it is on rollerblades. I love rollerblading and have had so much fun doing it. The bad part is that we live in New England and the rollerblading season is all but finished till April (And the Walt Disney World Inline Marathon is on April 2nd. Yikes). Let's hope for some sunny days so I can get to the Cape Cod Canal to get some practice runs in.
.::::.� PiNZ� .::::.� Bowling, Billiards, Gaming, Laser Tag
Maybe when this place opens we'll host a bowling night. .::::.� PiNZ� .::::.� Bowling, Billiards, Gaming, Laser Tag. This place used to be a Roller Skating place.
Flickr: Photos from Annie Mentzer
Another Photo-A-Dayer. Annie Mentzer. I have added her to the list of Photo-A-Day Blogs. Check out her photos here: Flickr: Photos from Annie Mentzer
Barney's Blog
So tonight I was watching one of the two funniest new shows on TV. "How I Met Your Mother" and if you are a frequent viewer of this show you will most assuredly know that Barney (Neil Patrick Harris' character) has a blog. It is here Barney's blog. Barney has referred to his blog a couple of times on the show so I finally checked to see if there was one, and yes there was one. It has only three entries so far and they are fairly humorous. I think it really needs Harris' delivery and the rest of the cast's reactions to really work well.
Someone has outbid me on the Neil Patrick Harris Teddy Bear on Lisa's auction. Get a Bear of Your Own.
Someone has outbid me on the Neil Patrick Harris Teddy Bear on Lisa's auction. Get a Bear of Your Own.
The Sun Chronicle Newspaper - Engagement Announcement
Our engagement announcement went up on Sunday in The Sun Chronicle Newspaper. Looks like they have to clean their scanner, the picture we gave them did not have the spots on it. I didn't even realize that it would be in this past weekend's paper. I wonder when it will appear in The Union Leader. Doesn't look like they post the engagements online however.
Photo-A-Day #192 10/17/05
Sorry Jack, looks like you ain't gonna see Halloween.
The rain destroyed this jack-o-lantern.
Drivers License Search - National Motor Vehicle License Bureau
Did you know that you can see your driver's license online. That should not be possible but it is. Check it out here. Drivers License Search - National Motor Vehicle License Bureau
(Found by Mo of We're in a fight)
(Found by Mo of We're in a fight)
Photo-A-Day #191 10/16/05
Today I took a number of photos of Oliver and Duncan as close as I could. Using the macro lens got me in very close to them and they were very cute today. It was windy out and they were very excited about the leaves blowing around outside. You can see the intensity in their beautiful eyes. They are such beautiful boys. I couldn't just feature only one of them. Ollie is on the left and Duncan is on the right.
Elizabethtown
Tonight Allison and I along with Andy and Rondi went to see Elizabethtown. The movie was directed by Cameron Crowe of Almost Famous. Cameron Crowe is a very good director and he tells a great story. This was a very toching movie about a young man who suffers an incredible failure and the journey he takes after that. Kirsten Dunst is spectacular as Claire, a free spirit who helps Orlando Bloom who plays Drew, a high powered designer of athletic shoes. The story is so ordinary and yet extraordinary sort of like Garden State was.
After that we went for dinner at Acapulcos in Franklin. Some good Mexican food. We hung out and chatted and had a great time.
Today I learned the sad news that the Zeotrope Theatre has closed. I liked tha theatre, great popcorn.
After that we went for dinner at Acapulcos in Franklin. Some good Mexican food. We hung out and chatted and had a great time.
Today I learned the sad news that the Zeotrope Theatre has closed. I liked tha theatre, great popcorn.
Photo-A-Day #190 10/15/05
Seating Chart. Yikes this isn't very easy. We are still waiting on a few responses but we have an idea of what the seating chart will look like.
Lisa's Photo_a_Day
I've found a fantastic Photo_a_Day web site. This one is run by Lisa Spodak. Lisa has kept up a Photo_a_Day blog for three years. That is a fantastic accomplishment. Another fantastic accomplishment by Lisa is participating in all 8 of the Avon 2-Day Breast Caner Walks. That is something that she accomplished this year, in fact she just finished the New York 2-Day on October 1 & 2. Lisa has been trying to raise the enormous sum of $25,000.00 in donations for all of those walks. She is now at $22,202.86. That is so close. I know she is going to make it because she has some great items for sale as well as a very ingenious auction.
Lisa has approached and photographed many celebrities as they autograph a breast cancer bear. And now she is auctioning off each of the bears, starting at $25.00 each. Check it out and support Lisa's goal of raising $25,000.00.
I am adding Lisa to my Photo-A-Day list and I also placed a bid on the Neil Patrick Harris bear.
Lisa has approached and photographed many celebrities as they autograph a breast cancer bear. And now she is auctioning off each of the bears, starting at $25.00 each. Check it out and support Lisa's goal of raising $25,000.00.
- Check out the bears left to bid on.
- Check out Lisa's Fundraising progress.
- Check out Lisa's Cafe Express Breast Cancer Store.
- Check out Lisa's Breast Cancer Walks Blog
- Check out Lisa's Photo-A-Day website.
I am adding Lisa to my Photo-A-Day list and I also placed a bid on the Neil Patrick Harris bear.
Photo-A-Day #189 10/14/05
I went and picked up lunch for folks at Kelly's Roast Beef over at the Jordan's Furniture store in Natick. They have all these Carousel horses all over the place inside. I liked this one.
Flickr: Photos from asvdw
I have found another fellow Photo-A-Dayer. Her name is Amy and she is chronicling her first year in a new city. Philly. Visit her Photo-A-Day Site. Flickr: Photos from asvdw. I've also added her to the Photo-A-Day list.
One Step Closer....
Tonight Allison and I filled out the marriage liscense paperwork. So we are one step closer to the wedding in 30 days. It is coming up fast.
A Photo a Day
Nope, this is not my Photo-A-Day site, this is a travel site with a photo each day. They are beautiful. Check em out. However, not a true Photo-A-Day site as there are some days without photos. Hopefully this will be more consistent over time, they are nice shots.
A Photo a Day
A Photo a Day
Photo-A-Day #188 10/13/05
Yesterday my Botcon 2005 package came in the mail. I was unable to attend this year's Botcon but maybe next year. I did however order he exclusive toys. And this year they did a fantastic job packaging the toys and coming up with a comic that tied the toys together into the Transformers mythos.
He-Man (2006)
I was reading an article about the upcoming SpyHunter III video game and there was a quick mention that in addition to directing the SpyHunter movie (starring the Rock), John Woo is also directing a He-Man movie. Check it out on IMDB He-Man (2006).
Scamper
My sister Tara sent me this e-mail about a band called Scamper.
Hello friends, acquaintances and people I don't really talk to much anymore,
My band Scamper is in a contest to open for the band Hanson (yup - that Hanson) at Avalon on November 4. If you could vote for us at
http://www.hanson.net/OpeningBandVote/datedisplay.aspx?d=boston, it would be greatly appreciated.
If you haven't seen Scamper yet, our next show is with OK Go! and Juliette Lewis (yup - that Juliette Lewis) at the Middle East Downstairs on October 27.
Thanks so much for voting. We appreciate your support.
Brendan Clarke
Scamperwww.scamper.net
Hello friends, acquaintances and people I don't really talk to much anymore,
My band Scamper is in a contest to open for the band Hanson (yup - that Hanson) at Avalon on November 4. If you could vote for us at
http://www.hanson.net/OpeningBandVote/datedisplay.aspx?d=boston, it would be greatly appreciated.
If you haven't seen Scamper yet, our next show is with OK Go! and Juliette Lewis (yup - that Juliette Lewis) at the Middle East Downstairs on October 27.
Thanks so much for voting. We appreciate your support.
Brendan Clarke
Scamperwww.scamper.net
Photo-A-Day #187 10/12/05
Flying, flying, flying, spent my whole day in the air. So I took a picture of the giant cloudfield that streched on as far as I could see.
I have to wait longer...
I want a new phone, and I want a treo but I don't want the Palm operating system. I run windows now on my pocket PC and have many programs for it. I want a phone that can run many different programs as well as have a camera phone. Just want it all in one place. Looks like this may be what I want. The Palm Treo 700w (aka Treo 670) - Exclusive first look! - Cellphones - cellphones.engadget.com
Flightplan
Tonight I went to see Flightplan with my Uncle Jim. We were two of 6 people in the theatre. The movie was actually better than I expected. Yes there were some formulaic parts of it and the real baddies were sort of a surprise to me when finally revealed because I had another one in mind. Weird, usually I am good at that. But the movie was decent. If you want to see a fairly decent thriller check it out.
Photo-A-Day #186 10/11/05
Nothing says California beaches like the lifeguard stand and yellow truck. You can thank BayWatch for that. I took a stroll down the strand at Hermosa Beach CA today. Took a bunch of shots. They have been uploaded to my Flickr account.
Serenity Book
I completed reading the Serenity novel on the flight from Providence to Chicago and then from Chicago to Los Angeles. After I finished that I began reading Dirk Pitt Revealed.
Serenity Novel - This was a very good novelization of the movie as well as some additional backstory that really tied the movie with the TV show and the comic book. A very good job, not perfect but a good job. We have a signed copy of the novel that was signed by the author. Thanks again, Jen! I'd reccomend that if you liked the show and movie you should give the book a read.
Guess what, the author of the Serenity novel is writing another one, an all new adventure called Mirror Image.
Dirk Pitt Revealed - I've read through the introduction and the interview with Clive Cussler and some Dirk Pitt Trivia. Very interesting stuff. I loved the dream sequence where Cussler walked through a party at Pitt's hanger and talked to some of the major players from the books and the conversation between Cussler and Pitt was priceless. I forgot how much I loved these books, such a great series, such action and adventure. Looking forward to getting into the next Cussler novel.
Serenity Novel - This was a very good novelization of the movie as well as some additional backstory that really tied the movie with the TV show and the comic book. A very good job, not perfect but a good job. We have a signed copy of the novel that was signed by the author. Thanks again, Jen! I'd reccomend that if you liked the show and movie you should give the book a read.
Guess what, the author of the Serenity novel is writing another one, an all new adventure called Mirror Image.
Dirk Pitt Revealed - I've read through the introduction and the interview with Clive Cussler and some Dirk Pitt Trivia. Very interesting stuff. I loved the dream sequence where Cussler walked through a party at Pitt's hanger and talked to some of the major players from the books and the conversation between Cussler and Pitt was priceless. I forgot how much I loved these books, such a great series, such action and adventure. Looking forward to getting into the next Cussler novel.
Prius Dash
Tonight I went for dinner with my Uncle Jim at Souplantation. It is a big buffett, they do however have some good breads and soft ice cream. Uncle Jim has a new Prius. It has lots of cool features, like two glove compartments. And there is the in dash GPS system and car energy monitor. Some neat stuff. Good thing that some features are only available when you stop at a light, because there could be trouble otherwise.
Photo-A-Day #185 10/10/05
Hermosa Beach, CA. Snapped a quick picture after a quick lunch and a quick return to the hotel to prepare for tomorrow's demo so I can go out to dinner with Uncle Jim tonight.
Photo-A-Day #184 10/09/05
Tonight Allison and I went to the Trinity Repertory Theatre in Providence. We saw The Mystery of Edwin Drood, a Charles Dickens story that was unfinished and therefore the audience has to vote for the outcome of the story. Allison got tickets from her boss, so thanks Katie. We also met up with Mary, who works with Allison. It was a very entertaining show. The theatre is a great looking building, inside and out.
also today is the one year anniversary of our engagement. We didn't quite realize that until Allison was filling out the comment card at the Union Station Brewery, where we had dinner. The U.S.B. is part of John Harvard's. We had a very nice evening.
Not a Lady Golfer....
Tonight we went to the Animal Shelter Golf Tournament Banquet (See Photo-A-Day). Proceeds were donated to the Animal Rescue League to help animals that were displaced during Hurricane Katrina. They had a raffle and you could buy tickets and toss them into cans for the prizes you wanted to win. I put my tickets into the cans for restaurant gift cards, a movie basket, and other fun things. I listened to the names called for each of the prizes that I tried to win. And when each of those were done being called I stopped paying attention. So imagine my surprise when I heard my name picked. Contrary to what the folks at the Animal Shelter Golf Tournament think, I am not a lady golfer. Yeah, tonight at the Animal Shelter Golf Tournament I won the Lady Golfer Basket complete with soothing candles and glasses with a trivet. Man that was one fun walk up to the front of the room to receive that raffle prize. And a long walk back when I got the basket. The funny thing was that I did not put any of my tickets into the can for that prize. so someone had alot of fun at my expense this evening. But we all had a good laugh.
Each Table had a Jack-O-Lantern
and a picture of an animal rescued during Hurricane Katrina.
Each Table had a Jack-O-Lanternand a picture of an animal rescued during Hurricane Katrina.
My very nice Lady Golfer Basket.
Help Animals displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
Photo-a-Day #183 10/08/05
Tonight Allison and I went with Tara and Erik and Mom and Dad to the local Animal Shelter's Golf Tournament dinner. Allison and I were supposed to be helping out at the tournament but it was rained out. However, the party still went on. They had this great cake. And it was tasty too.
Gandalf and some hikers
From the There.. And Back Again memories shop. Made a special stop for this photo.
Photo-A-Day #182 10/07/05
This is the very from the Joy Wah in Bellows Falls, VT. It is a Chinese restaurant this is in an old farmhouse and barn. They seated me on the porch and there was this great view. I love the lamp post especially because I have been listening to the Chronicles of Narnia for the ride home. So appropriate.
You'll Have That
One of my favorite web comics is now going 5 days a week. It is called You'll Have That and is about Andy and Katie a young recently married couple. Wes Molebash has a great group of characters and a fantastic art style. This guy is going places. And he is also a very nice person.
I bought a piece of original art from Wes. It arrived today. I am not home but Allison showed me the envelope on the web cam. Wes put a nice little sketch on the envelope. What a great personal touch.
Check out Wes's strip and make sure you vote for him on the Web Comic's list. We'll get him to number one!
I bought a piece of original art from Wes. It arrived today. I am not home but Allison showed me the envelope on the web cam. Wes put a nice little sketch on the envelope. What a great personal touch.
Check out Wes's strip and make sure you vote for him on the Web Comic's list. We'll get him to number one!
The '80s are coming
Just some of the 80's properties that are going to become movies soon. Where is G.I. Joe?
USATODAY.com - The '80s are coming
USATODAY.com - The '80s are coming
Photo-A-Day #181 10/06/05
Trinity Church in Potsdam, New York. There were so many trees that were turning to their fall colors around this church. I loved taking shots around this church. For the full portfolio of pictures, check my Flickr account.
Potsdam Pictures
More fun with Flickr. I finally figured out how to put the pictures in the order I want them to be viewed. I have to saw that the interface is much better than Buzznet, but I'm sticking with the old Buzznet thing through the whole Photo-A-Day Project.
I had a great little walk around Potsdam, New York. It is a fantastic little town, a real college vibe to it. Some eclectic shops but not enough places to eat. There are 3 pizza places and a Pizza Hut here. Certainly a college town.
Photo-A-Day #180 10/05/05
Today I drove from North Attleboro, MA to Potsdam, NY. It was a long ride but very enjoyable because of the leaves turning colors on the trees and the lack of traffic on the road. I was also listening to the Chronicles of Narnia and finished The Magician's Nephew and three of the four CD's for The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. I had read these books back in high school and loved them very much. Neil and Andrea lent the CD's to Allison and I a while back and Allison has already listened to the first two books. I should be well on my way through book four by the drive home on Friday.
So On my ride up I stopped at many different areas to take pictures. I had lunch in Lake Placid at Jack Frost's and finally aririved in Potsdam to stay at the Clarkson Inn. If you would like to see the other pictures check them out at my Flickr account. I opened that account the other day. More photo's More places to put them.
Flickr Photos
The other day I signed up for a Flickr account. And today I took my first stab at using it. It went smoothly except the photos were uploaded in reverse order. Here is photo number one. To see a bunch of really nice shots in Upstate New York click on the photo and then look at the other photos in the set by going to the previous photos in the set. The good thing that Flickr does is it gets the timestamp correct. Buzznet doesn't get that right at all. I've put in a message to the help desk but they haven't fixed it. No matter when I post on Buzznet it is 6 hours off when I blog the image to this site and 3 hours off when I blog it to the Buzznet site and there is no fixing the times.
Photo-A-Day #179 10/04/05
Guess what we did tonight. Yep, we saw the finished product, Serenity. Back in May we saw a sneak preview of the movie in Boston and it was fantastic then. Tonight it was a great ride back through the 'verse. Joss Whedon is truly the master now, Lucas take notes. Anyway, this is Allison and Joanne, they both heartily approve of Serenity. You can visit Joanne on her blog Auntie Jo-Jo (She's listed under blogs of note on the sidebar) and of course Allison is part of this blog because she is my wonderful fiance. Also in attendance tonight were Neil and Andrea and Jenn. We all enjoyed the movie very much and a few of us became Regal Crown Club. It's a good deal and it is free. Tonight was free popcorn night for Regal Crown Club. Couple that with the discount passes from the Entertainment Book and it made for a very nice and fairly inexpensive evening.
Also of note is the Serenity Novelization of the movie. This was done by Keith R.A. DeCandido. Jenn was at a Browncoats event and met the author and she got our copy signed. Thanks Jenn and thanks for the goodie bag you brought us from the show. It has a "Joss Whedon is my Master" bookmark and a couple of posters in it, good deal, Shiny!
Flickr: Photos from Kym Rohman
Connected by our fondness for Christopher Williams' music. Meet Kym Rohman, she also maintains a Photo-A-Day site through Flickr. Check out her great photos at Flickr: Photos from Kym Rohman.
Kym contacted me by leaving a comment on my recent post about the latest Ellis Paul show that Allison and I saw on Saturday at Tupelo Music Hall. I checked out her site and guess what she is a Photo-A-Day enthusiast as well, and another person who was inspired by Cdub's Photo-A-Day. Sweet.
I have created a new list of links and will be adding to it when I find more people who participate in Photo-A-Day.
If you or someone you know was inspired to create a Photo-A-Day project please let me know so I can add them to the growing list.
Kym contacted me by leaving a comment on my recent post about the latest Ellis Paul show that Allison and I saw on Saturday at Tupelo Music Hall. I checked out her site and guess what she is a Photo-A-Day enthusiast as well, and another person who was inspired by Cdub's Photo-A-Day. Sweet.
I have created a new list of links and will be adding to it when I find more people who participate in Photo-A-Day.
If you or someone you know was inspired to create a Photo-A-Day project please let me know so I can add them to the growing list.
Sci Fi Wire -- The News Service of the Sci Fi Channel
Apparently flight attendants didn't make much of a difference to their boycott of Flightplan. They should have voted with thier feet and checked out Serenity.
Serenity Opens at #2.
However opening at #2 is a decent showing.
Serenity Opens at #2.
However opening at #2 is a decent showing.
Photo-A-Day #178 10/03/05
This weekend I picked up Altenator Swerve. That is the red corvette, and he came with the flame and Autobot symbol sticker. But that sticker belongs to Tracks. The blue corvette is Tracks. The black one is Ravage.
Gas Prices - MSN Autos
Want to know who has the cheapest gas prices before you go looking. Check out Gas Prices - MSN Autos to find those low prices.
Legostar Galactica version 3.0 - Sunday, October 2, 2005
Just another fan who knows what he is talking about in regards to Serenity. And check out his Lego comic. Some funny stuff there.
Legostar Galactica version 3.0 - Sunday, October 2, 2005
Legostar Galactica version 3.0 - Sunday, October 2, 2005
Photo-A-Day #177 10/02/05
Allison got her estrogen fix today and got to spend a couple of hours with baby Shane. Yep she's gonna be a great Mom someday.
Our Night at Tupelo Music Hall
This is going to be a super long post because I took notes throughout the entire show. Some low tech blogging while I was there. Notes are all over the menu, the schedule, the letter from the woman sponsoring the ticket contest and the envelope the ticket came in. So sit back and dig in for this read.Last evening Allison and I went to see Ellis Paul, Christopher Williams (my inspiration for Photo-A-Day, see his Photo-A-Day project from 2002.) and Don Conoscenti play at Tupelo Music Hall in Londonderry NH. Allison won the tickets by answering a trivia question on the Ellis Paul message boards. Opening for Ellis, Christopher, and Don was Dan Cloutier. Dan opened for Vance Gilbert this past December and at that time we were not very impressed. But you know what Dan has vastly improved since then. His music is much more polished. Even songs that we did not really enjoy last time were so much more accessible. Dan has a good voice and his guitiar play is good. Some songs still feel like they ramble a bit, but we were not dissapointed. His songs still have too many refrains of the same exact thing. The refrain for Jerusalem repeated six times. It is a good song but the refrain six times is a bit much. Christopher Williams jammed with Dan on the last song that he played called "Soul of a Man" Allison heard that it was a cover but not who originally sang the song.
When we arrived at Tupelo we met this woman named Alice who is also a huge fan of Ellis Paul. She even went to a three day retreat with him in Stowe Vermont. I guess he does these retreats once a year or so. Not sure on the details, but basically you go and watch him perform for three nights and hang out with him during the downtime, it is limited to about 35 people so it is small and intimate. Sounds like a great time. Alice came all the way down from Montpelier Vermont. Quite the distance to travel.
We got in at 7:15 or so and were the second people through the door. We got our assigned seat, table 31 and lo and behold who is sitting there but Christopher Williams, we gave him a hard time about sitting in our seats and joked around a bit, then we talked with him about the upcoming wedding and the whole coincidence that our wedding date is the will be his 1st year anniversary. He is so laid back and cool. We can't wait to see him when he comes to Norton again to the Lyons Den at Wheaton college.
During a brief intermission we picked up a piece of Death by chocolate cake. We were able to bring alcoholic drinks with us to the show. We picked up a bottle of Moselland: Lighthouse series Riesling. At Tupelo if you bring alcohol with you it costs $3.00 per person. This must cover some sort of insurance fee or something. The wine was pretty good, cool bottle too.
Ellis was joined on stage by Don Conoscenti and Christopher Williams. He started the night off with Take All the Sky You Need from his American Jukebox Fables Album. He played this song on Thursday night's show on the Comcast channel with Barry Nolan.
Song #2 was Maria's Beautiful Mess from the Speed of Trees Album. Allison loves this song. I mistook the intro as the one to Roll Away Bed which is also on the Speed of Trees Album and a song we used in our super secret wedding project that I can't wait to talk about but I have to wait till the wedding. But I also like Maria's Beautiful Mess.
Song # 3 was Jukebox on My Grave from the American Jukebox Fables Album. It is funny to remember hearing this song when Ellis was still working the kinks out of it. During the song Ellis got so caught up in Don playing of the guitar that he lost his place. But ever the commanding entertainer he picked back up, made the crowd laugh and kept going.
Song #4 was The One Way from the Side of the Road album which was an album that Ellis and Vance Gilbert put out. The song was written by Mark Erelli, (someone I want to see live too. This song was written after the attacks on September 11, 2001 and is one man's response to the acts of terrorism. Just keep living and not to be afraid. Keep living and giving. Such a great message in this song.
Song #5 was 3000 Miles from the Stories, Sweet Mistakes and Live (Disc 1) Albums. There was a great extended intro to the song by Ellis and Don Conoscenti. This is my absolute favorite song by Ellis. When Christopher Williams kicked in with percussion it was very powerful. A great song about traveling and being on the road for such a long time and then things that one sees while being on the road. It really speaks to me.
Song #6 Ellis took to the piano for the song Home which is on Americna Jukebox Fables. A very powerful and moving song about losing your house to a fire, but not losing what is most important to you in that of your family, your wife in this case. And the fact that the house was just a building but you my wife are my home.
Song # 7 Ellis stayed at the piano and played what he called the greatest song ever written which was When Hank Williams came to town by Johnny Cash. I liked his rendition of the song very much. We are very excited to see the Johnny Cash biopic called Walk the Line.
Song #8 was God's Promise and it is on the Speed of Trees Album. The lyrics were written by Woody Gurthrie when he was about 35 while lying in a hospital bed. Did you know that Woody Gurthrie wrote over 200 songs but only recorded about 70 of them. The Guthrie family has commissioned songwriters to put Woody's words to music so that those songs are not lost forever. Ellis Paul makes God's Promise a collaboration and celebration with Woody Gurthrie. This song is also on the super secret wedding favor project. It is a very powerful and moving song and to listen to it and to think that this was written as Woody Gurthrie was in so much pain is incredible.
Song #9 was Sweet Mistakes from the Sweet Mistakes Album. The song was also featured in the movie Shallow Hal. Ellis told a funny story about how the movie was on one day and he hadn't seen it in a while so he decided to watch it to see his song featured and it got to the point where the cong comes in and they played 4 notes of the song and cut to commercial. The song was very appropriate to the movie, but alas network TV needs those commercials.
Song # 10 was If You Break Down and is on the Speed of Trees Album and was featured in the TV show Ed. It was funny because there is a long pause in the song and the crowd thought it was over and started clapping but the song wasn’t over, so we laughed and they continued to play the song after a moment of awkwardness and humor.
Song #11 was The Martyr's Lounge from the Sweet Mistakes Album and the Live Album Disc 1. This is such a great song. It talks about all the Matyr’s in heaven and how they hang out in a bar. There are some fantastic lines like, "Now Jesus don't need no introduction He's got a famous old man" and "Marilyn Monroe, Jacques Cousteau Talk about the sharks they used to know..." There was a tremendous jam session during this song. The crowd totally responded to that and it pumped up the feeling of the song as well. Even though it was a great song to begin with.
Song # 12 was Alice's Champagne Palace and is from American Jukebox Fables. Every time I hear this song I want to jump in a plane to go to this bar and see Alaska. That would be fantastic. This song also kinda makes me feel that Alice from Arlo Guthrie's song Alice's Restaurant (A thanksgiving day tradition is to listen to this in our household) sold the restaurant in Stockbridge, MA after the Thanksgiving incident and moved to Homer, Alaska to open a bar and welcome everyone in. It just has the feel to me.
Song # 13 was one of three acoustical songs. Ellis and Don Conoscenti and Christopher Williams unplugged and cae out into the crowd. They played Blacktop Train from American Jukebox Fables. This is a song about Route 66. The guys really let loose during the song and enjoyed themselves and the music. so much feeling in the music.
Song #14 was Bad, Bad Blood from American Jukebox Fables. An exposition of this country's obsession with true crime and live TV of true crime events as well as our voyeuristic nature to make reality and tragedy entertainment. And also about the need for 15 minutes of fame despite who it hurts, whether it be seeking the 15 minutes or contributing to it.
Song #15 was the official last song. Some great chatter amongst the guys as they returned to the stage to retune their instruments. There was even mention of the Red Sox and how they needed last night's loss so they could rise again today and beat the Yankees. The song they did was The World Ain't Slowing Down from the movie Me, Myself and Irene and from the album Translucent Soul and the Live Album Disc 2. The movie was filmed partially in Jamestown, RI and was one of the first songs we heard of Ellis’ in a movie. Ellis’ lyrics are infectious and smart. The crowd gave a standing ovation at the end and the guys dashed off to a side room for about 3 seconds and came back out to perform the first encore of the night.
Encore song #1 Conversations With a Ghost from the Say Something album and the Live Album Disc 2. Allison loves this song. Very mellow song, winding the night down.
Encore #2 not sure of the name of the song or what album it was from or if it was even one of Ellis’ songs either. The refrain said "I've been doing some hard traveling. It was a song that they hadn't done in a while and it was a great one for them just to jam on and end the night. It was performed acoustically.
Update: Allison did some research. The song is called "Hard Travelin'" by Woodie Guthrie.
After that the crowd gave another standing ovation and Ellis came back out for one more song and it was a Christmas song that he wrote in Texas. It was to the tune of a Dylan song, but we couldn't identify it.
After the show we waited around to talk with Ellis and tell him what a great time we had and that we saw him on CN8 the other night. He was very gracious and warm and we chatted for a little bit. Then we said goodbye to Christopher Williams and told him we would see him in December and he told us good luck with the wedding and to remember that no matter what happens on the day of the wedding we will be married when that day is done.
We had a great time at Tupelo. There are some other fantastic shows coming to the venue and we may go back to see Don White in February and Catie Curtis in December. We'll see.
Even though we love seeing Ellis play on his own, having Don Conoscenti and Christopher Williams there to play with him really added something special to the evening. The energy and enthusiasm of these three men playing together was infectious. The crowd gave two standing ovations. It was a fantastic night of great music.
Photo-A-Day #176 10/01/05
Tonight Allison and I went to see Ellis Paul, Christopher Williams and Don Conoscenti play at Tupelo Music Hall in Londonderry NH. We were the second people into the place. I snapped this shot of the stage before the performers came out. I just had a sense of energy about the stage, like it was anticipating the music that was to come.
The New York Times Likes Serenity
I just read an article about Srenity in the New York Times. They like it. And you will like it too. Go see Serenity.
And yes I will keep asking, begging and cajoling until everyone I know has seen this movie.
New York Times Article.
And yes I will keep asking, begging and cajoling until everyone I know has seen this movie.
New York Times Article.
Daily Trivia for September Recap
September 05 Trivia brought some new faces to the game and new winners too.
67 players played during the month.
1. johngalt (375 points, 7 wins)
2. tvossen (354 points, 3 wins)
3. dbarryzzz (342 points, 2 wins)
4. roller74 (321 points, 1 wins)
5. super stud (302 points, 1 wins)
6. Jim (287 points, 1 wins)
7. genabean (284 points, 2 wins)
8. pinkpiratepants (260 points, 0 wins)
9. ekstaron (245 points, 2 wins)
10. abennett48 (239 points, 0 wins)
67 players played during the month.
1. johngalt (375 points, 7 wins)
2. tvossen (354 points, 3 wins)
3. dbarryzzz (342 points, 2 wins)
4. roller74 (321 points, 1 wins)
5. super stud (302 points, 1 wins)
6. Jim (287 points, 1 wins)
7. genabean (284 points, 2 wins)
8. pinkpiratepants (260 points, 0 wins)
9. ekstaron (245 points, 2 wins)
10. abennett48 (239 points, 0 wins)
