I'm Back!

I'm back from my wonderful vacation. Sorry to anyone who has been looking for updates since Sunday. However, I did get some great pictures of New England. This is a shot from Alive @ 5 a few weeks ago. The guy in the red costume is the Key Bank Key.

Talk about a watering hole

This appears to be a large watering hole that is below the Empire State Plaza. However its got some nasty green water sitting inside.

The Egg...again

This is a shot of The Egg again, but a little closer shot.

Corning Tower

This is a shot of the Corning Tower on the Empire State Plaza. It's a great pattern that is very similar to the architecture at the World Trade Center.

Greetings from Lewiston, ME!

The Egg

As a follow up from the initial Egg picture, here is a full picture of The Egg at the Empire State Plaza.

Greetings from Bangor, ME!

Empire State Music Series

This picture is from the Empire State Music Series from last week. Since I'm out of the Albany area, I'm filling in with photos I've taken over the past few weeks. This shot gives a full view of the Empire State Plaza full of people.

Greetings from Lincoln, NH!

Greetings from Northampton, MA

Tonight I'm in Northampton, MA. Walked around this afternoon and ran across this neat mural on Main St.

The Egg won't fit...

...through the door frame. The Egg stands out as one of the iconic structures of the Albany skyline. So much so that They Might Be Giants even wrote a song about it, and in doing so bring to light a concern that we should all worry about. Where are the fire exits? The Egg is home to world class acoustics and hosts a wide array of talent from musical acts to dance troupes. It is truly an experience worth partaking in. Could the egg really have been named 'The Grapefruit'?

I begin vacation tomorrow so updates may be infrequent for the next week.

German Chocolate Cake

Today concluded a weekend full of birthdays. In honor of these momentous occasions, a German Chocolate Cake was prepared (and quickly eaten). If you think it looks good in the picture, it was 10x better to eat. If you don't think it looks good, then you are crazy.

I'm taking orders now!

Typical Night in Albany

What do you do on a Sunday night in Albany, NY?
- Go over to friends house
- Chill out on the porch
- Play board games (Taboo & Cranium)
- Tell stories & eat food

Many times you find this same scene around downtown Albany. People inside their house on a warm night while others are outside on the porch playing guitar and telling stories. No A/C? Open those windows and let the night air cool you off.

Kurver Kreme

It's summer. It's hot. You want to cool off. Chill out with homemade ice cream from Kurver Kreme. With tons of flavors available, everyone is bound to find something they want. Be sure to eat up during the summer. Before we know it September will be here and they will be closed for the winter. Boooo!

Holbrook Lumber Company

I frequently drive by the Holbrook Lumber Company and felt the urge to stop by today and investigate. With all the stacks of wood there were plenty of interesting pictures to take.

You Got The Moves

Lorraine-Michaels Dance Centre is committed to helping people experience the joy of dancing.

We do this by offering many different styles of dance that develop the body, mind and soul. Whether you’re an experienced dancer looking to improve your moves and learn new dance steps or a beginner with “ two left feet”, we have the experienced instructors and dance programs, that’s just right for you.

Dancing is a great way to meet and socialize with people. We encourage this through our classes and dance parties which are comfortable for all levels of dancers.

We look forward to sharing the fun, excitement and our passion for dancing with you.

Summer At The Plaza Concert

Tonight featured Robert Randolph &The Family Band with special guests, Arrested Development and Danielia Cotton at the Summer at the Plaza Concert Series. This is a shot of Danielia Cotton from New York City. I first saw her in Camden, NJ at the WXPN All About The Music Festival. Overall the shows tonight were solid and had a large turnout.

Is that a crack in the moon?

So tonight isn't a full moon, but its sure close. I figured I better capitalize on this moment in case it's cloudy on the night of the full moon. Not the greatest picture (I should have used my timer) but fun nonetheless.

Construction Site

This is an Exxon gas station that has been shut down for about 2 months. I'm not sure what the plans are for this site, but they have dug up the storage tanks and now they have torn down the store front. I felt like this picture gave a good perspective of the site.

Albany City Hall

Albany was a chartered city settled around 1624. The charter was granted by Governor Dongan on July 22nd 1686. The state's legislature has been held in Albany since 1797. There have been 4 buildings for the Albany City Hall, with the current building erected in 1883 and sitting on this site. This picture shows the Carillon of 60 bells as a gift from the citizens of Albany.

To learn more about Albany go here.

Here is a sight you won't see anymore

The old Rensselaer Junior-Senior high school which was started in 1969 will not be standing much longer. This shot was taken about 2 weeks ago at Alive @ 5 to preserve the memory of seeing this school from the western side of the Hudson River. Get ready to make way for a like this.

Stuff White People Like

We've all seen these. Cars with lots of bumper stickers on them. I personally love them. Recently it was featured on the "Stuff White People Like" blog as the #100 Thing that White People like. So show your pride by voting Ron Paul, sharing the road with cyclists, recycling cans, and making the earth a better place. Also...support Nanotechnology? Okay, we'll give you that one as well.

Need a good place to find cool bumper stickers? For starters go here or here. You'll be sure to attract someones attention.

Photovoltaics

Today's word of the day kids is Photovoltaics. The College of Nanoscale Science & Engineering had their New Energy New York Symposium the past two days with the main focus on Phtovoltaics (aka...Solar Cells). Most of the discussions dealt with the current state of technology, commercialization of these technologies, investment into renewable energy, energy efficiency, transportation applications, and global climate impact. If you didn't have solar panels on your house before the symposium, you probably want to get some now. The image at left is a picture of a Photovoltaic (Solar Cell) up close. One thing to take away from it all.....Germany is WAY far ahead of the US and is looking to make an even larger impact. If you are concerned with global warming or the climate crisis, change to an energy efficient light bulb and writer your local representative. You can make a difference even if you don't drive a fuel cell or hydrogen vehicle. Every little bit helps, and it all starts with small steps. Today is just as good as any other day.

State of New York Court of Appeals

State of New York Court of Appeals.

New York State Capitol

Capitol or Capital?

If you are from 'The City' (aka: NYC) and have never been to see your state Capitol, this is what it looks like. Seeing as how New York state seems to divide itself into two regions (NYC and Upstate New York) I recognize the fact that many folks from 'The City' would despise of making a trip to Albany. (That's right I just call you whippersnappers from NYC 'folks'). So why don't you venture north of I-84 and rent a car in Poughkeepsie. Drive the Taconic Parkway up the eastern side of the Hudson River one Sunday afternoon and make a visit to your state capitol. Let's all show some state pride.

D^3

Daily Dumpster Diving.

I know what you're thinking...

...enough with the garden updates. Sorry, but I'm just a little proud of the garden we have going. It's been doing quite well. This squash I found today while watering and it's almost ready to pick. Happy eating!

My spoon is too big...

My spoon is too BIG...

My SPOON is too BIG...

I am a banana!

(Follow the link is you don't understand)

Happy 4th of July!

Happy Birthday America!

Books!

If Elvis were still alive, I bet he sure would like this place. There is a great bookstore in downtown Albany that is very low key. The sign to the store only states "Books". No flashing lights or spiffied up exterior trying to lure you inside. From the looks of it, it seems to be a great place to find old books. Unfortunately it was closed when I went past. Maybe someday...

Peas

Today I tasted the first fruits of our garden by pulling a sugar pea. It was wonderful. Currently we have some squash, tomatoes, green onions, and pea plants that have fruit. This is a picture of a flower from the pea plants we have.

Passion Back to Albany

Spitzer sure brought the passion back. No further explanation needed.