This is a church down the street from where I lived for a while on General's Highway in Crownsville, Maryland.

It's a long exposure, and the colored streaks in the sky are created by the full moon illuminating the clouds as they pass by.

Since I don't have a digital camera [yet] all my photos are taken by a 20+ year old Minolta X-700. With some slow film [usually Fuji Reala 100] and a shutter release, I've been able to get some really cool exposures at night.

And now, after several months of the constant daylight, nighttime has returned to Anchorage. Today the sun will be above the horizon for just under twelve hours. By this time next month, we'll lose three more hours of daylight; take away another two hours of sunshine by the first of December.

Not only is the daylight fleeting; the sun does not ascend very high in the sky, either. This weekend the sun will climb to 25° above the horizon. When the dead of winter rolls around, that figure be a mere five degrees, plunging us back into darkness around five and half hours after it first appears.

At least it will give me plenty of time each week to take long exposure "nighttime" photos, even if it's during the day.

The Cursing Well, run by this guy at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. If you check it out, you'll find the well at the Museum of Unnatural History. I don't think the same caretaker is there anymore.

I guess you can call this the end of the Insta-lanche.

Continue reading "The end of the Line"

A few years ago, my buddy Filipe and I went hiking in Maryland. We stumbled across this tree, with at least a half dozen names of lovers carved into it over the years.

The oldest pair of names on the tree belong to Leo and Edna, dated 4-27-45.

I wonder what became of Leo and Edna? Perhaps Leo had recently returned from the European Theatre, where victory was declared less than two weeks later. Could he have been a veteran of Normandy, or the Battle of the Bugle? He might have served as an enlisted aircrew on a B-17 Flying Fortress, or as an officer piloting the P-51 Mustangs that escorted them on the daylight bombing runs.

While the war was winding down in Europe, the deadliest battles in the Pacific were just getting under way. That afternoon in April of 1945 might have been Edna's last meeting with her beau, as he headed off for Okinawa, or duty aboard the USS Indianapolis.

Maybe Leo and Edna are still out there somewhere.

Here's a photo of Mount Rushmore from the big road trip with Darf. Taken at night with a long exposure, the stars are able to slowly drift across the frame.

I'm going to have to ask someone geeky if they can estimate the length of the exposure, perhaps Space Weather would would know.

I dozed off for a little while during the shot; the camera was on a tripod next to the car, and I sat back in the passenger seat for a little while. My best guess is the shot was 30-45 minutes long, but I can't say with certainty.

I took several photos of the stars that night, but this is the only one that came out. At that time I knew next to nothing about star trails.

Now I still know next to nothing, but I've got one good photo under my belt. And there's always Dan Heller's tutorial, for the next time I venture out to give star trails a try. Check out his photo from the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Amazing.

Here's a photo of Washington's profile, taken by QT Luong.

I've got a cheap scanner that's a couple of years old. The scan really does no justice to the print. Maybe I should have someone scan the negative in.

Before moving to Alaska, I never gave much thought to the idea of owning a gun.

Continue reading "Defending yourself"

I saw the Insta-dude's post about N.Z. Bear's PorkBuster page. I took a look at the finalized version of H.R. 3. I found it was easiest to click on the printer friendly version in the top left-hand corner. Then I searched within the page for all the instances of "AK" -- a case sensitive search will save you time when searching for your state.

For the Knik Arm Bridge, I've found five entries, which total $231,425,000.

Now, I've only lived in Anchorage for a little over six months, and I'm not very knowledgable about the debate surrounding the proposed Knik Arm crossing. The Anchorage Daily News [free registration required] has a page with their coverage of the debate.

In light of the anticipated cost of rebuilding the areas devastated by hurricane Katrina, I believe every state and local project that receives federal funding should come under some scrutiny. Despite what some Congressional-types might say, there is pork to be found. Unnecessary projects should be slashed, period. Beyond the ridiculous and unnecessary budget items, some projects will merit federal funding. Even those initiatives should garner a second look. Can the funding be suspended for a period? Would it be reasonable to re-allocate that chunk of federal tax dollars towards southern Louisiana? Hey Congressman [or Congresswoman], that empty stretch of real estate you've been wanting to turn into a highway off-ramp will still be there next year. The Port of New Orleans might not be.

I like the Insta-dudes idea of offering the delegates an opportunity to pick their own pork. Don't wanna give up your pet project? Fine. What will you give up, Congressman [or Congresswoman]?

Update: Monday, 7pm ADT
W.H. Burney links to my post on Bridge(s) to Nowhere, and adds a link to the Pork Reports blog. Check it out.

Knik Arm Bridge funding from H.R. 3 in the extended entry.

Continue reading "Pork Busters"

UPDATE 18 Nov 2006: Check here for more on the trip to Tightwad.

Road trips have always appealed to me. As a kid, vacations always had their genesis in the Dawson Family Truckster. From our home in New York, we traveled up and down I-95 from the Canadian border to Florida.

Traveling by air is quicker, but the only scenery is the back of the seat in front of you. A road trip allows you, quite literally, to see where you're going. Getting there is half the fun.

I also enjoy the independence of being behind the wheel, or at least riding shotgun. There are major attractions, unusual stops, educational and historical sites, and scenic wonders to be taken in. Where next? Priorities are set, and decisions are made, and a course is plotted. One hundred miles down the road something unique catches your eye, and the plans are adjusted. In a way, it's a bit like surfing from link to link across the web, except at 55 70 100 mph.

When Darf and I set out on the big 28 state road trip in 2003 we put Tightwad, Missouri on our list of destinations. The original plan was to open a checking account at the Tightwad Bank. Unfortunately, there was no longer a "Tightwad Bank." I didn't see the point in opening an account in the Tightwad Branch of UMB Financial. On top of that, the bank's office was closed. The drive-thru was open, and we were able to liberate a few souvenir key chains.

A local remarked that she found it funny when tourists stopped to take photos of the city limits sign. We were a little frustrated that Tightwad didn't have a post office, and after a quick stop at the general store we headed out towards St. Louis.

Earlier that day we witnessed a Pontiac Firebird going the wrong way on Highway 71. Considering we were in the city of Peculiar, it shouldn't have been a surprise.

My e-mail to the editor of the Anchorage Daily News:

Perhaps in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, Alaska can step up and offer to suspend the Gravina Access Project and other federally funded plans. Regardless of one's views on the projects, the money ear-marked for such endeavors could be re-allocated towards a more pressing need: rebuilding the areas of southern Louisiana devastated by the recent hurricane. By delaying or eliminating one or more federally funded projects Congress can avoid adding to the ever increasing deficit, ensure support for vital programs and services, and keep from raising taxes.

Such an approach could be embraced by those both in support and opposition to such projects.

It also helps to keep in mind that next large scale natural disaster in the U.S. might be an earthquake, tsunami, or volcanic eruption right here at home.

JP Dawson,
Anchorage, AK

Glenn Reynolds, the Insta-dude, posted an e-mail from one of his readers; read it for yourselves. In summary, Mr. Butler brings up the possibility of bloggers from each state putting pressure on their Congressional delegations to suspend federal funding for some local projects. This money can then be reallocated to help rebuild the areas devastated by hurricane Katrina. As an example, he lists bloggers in Alaska and the federal funding of the "Bridge to Nowhere."

I think the idea of suspending the federal funding of local projects is a sensible idea in the aftermath of Katrina. I'm sure some projects are reasonable, while others are mere pork; but even federal funding for a sensible project can be put off in light of the anticipated cost of bring New Orleans back to life.

Likewise, the suggestion that blogs could influence the decision makers [or influence those who influence the decision makers] is also on target, and for more than one reason. Collectively, weblogs do have the ability to inform, fact-check, refine arguments, and to persuade. This plan presents another benefit: different factions within the blogosphere could have a common objective. Liberal-leaning bloggers who would normally advocate increased federal funding for social programs might be on board with moving some money away from such programs -- temporarily -- in order to meet more pressing needs in Louisiana. I'm sure they would also want to protect certain services, and would sacrifice unnecessary and costly pork to ensure social programs stay funded. Bloggers to the right of center who naturally lean towards reduced federal spending could push for delaying or denying the funding of projects that threaten to ballon the ever-increasing deficit. Reducing the overall size and scope of the federal government would also be a motivation for conservative bloggers. Even non-partisan and single issue advocacy blogs could get involved. Want to ensure your program stays funded? Time to get on the bandwagon and strip the funding from obviously unnecessary pork projects in your state.

The goal would be the same for all groups: help [or force] Congress to re-assess spending priorities in light of the massive rebuilding necessary in southern Louisiana.

One more thing: which "Bridge to Nowhere" are we discussing? The Copper River Bridge? The Knik Arm crossing? The Gravina Access Project?

Alaska even has the "Last Train to Nowhere" -- a not-so-shrewd transportation initiative from the last century.

In fairness, I'm not sure if any federal money was spent on the repairs to the Copper River Bridge. And while I don't buy the rationale behind the Gravina Access Project, there are arguments for and against the Knik Arm crossing that seem reasonable at first glance. Having recently moved to Anchorage from Maryland, I haven't heard enough of the debate to form an opinion yet.

I do believe that in the wake of Katrina that Congress must re-prioritize, and no state or local project that receives federal funding should be exempted from the scrutiny. Let's hope the blogosphrere can have a positive impact.

Update: Saturday, 1:30pm ADT
Welcome Instapundit readers. I've been blogging for about 12 days now. I had 196 hits as of last night, in the ballpark of 500 today thanks to the Instalanche.

Update: Sunday morning
A little over 1,100 hits yesterday. Mister Snitch has some thoughts on the subject, too. 15 minutes, now back to obscurity. Heh, as they say.

Update: Sunday 2:15pm ADT
Some more folks are looking to differ federal funding ear-marked for their states, to help pay for the rebuilding of southern Louisiana. Jay Tea at Wizbang leads the charge. Impossible Scissors talks about suspending our race back to the moon. Stupid and Wrong wants to know who's calling to see those bridges and highways to nowhere scrapped. The Conjecturer believes that Rep. Tom "ongoing vicory" Delay has no shame. Elephant in Exile thinks the President should have called out some Congressmen and Congresswomen by name, specifically Rep. Don Young from here in Alaska. Division of Labour details some good things happening in Bozeman, Montana. And of course the Insta-dude has a great round-up of other blogs looking to cut the fat in the wake of Katrina, and some sound advice for Monday morning.

Update: Monday, 7pm ADT
W.H. Burney adds a link to the Pork Reports blog. Check it out.

My buddy Darf and I stumbled across this gem in Mount Vernon, Illinois a few years ago, about half-way through our 28 state road trip. We needed to fuel up the Darf-mobile, and pulled into a gas station right along side this beauty.

There was a tall lanky fellow walking across the parking lot decked out in an ankle-length trench coat [with ruffles], a "shirt" made of what looked like fishnet, and some heavy mascara. Inquiring about the car and its owner, he directed me to see Beefie, who was running a register inside the gas station.

I asked Beefie [or Beefy? I didn't ask about the spelling] if I could take a few snapshots of his Picaso-on-wheels. He didn't seem to understand why someone would want to photograph the vehicle. Is it possible that this poetry in motion was not so much an extension of the Beef-man's personality, but merely a means of transportation?

I asked the Beef-meister if I could snap a quick portrait of him, and his eyes lit up. "Lemme show ya my ink!"

Continue reading "Beefie and the Beav"

GeekSoapBox believes only one man can save the Mets. Personally, anyone who could make it to the World Series with a starting outfield of Jay Payton, Benny Agbayani, and Timo Perez is one heckuva manager.

Meanwhile, Mets Geek leads a discussion on the kid gloves that Willie Randolph has received from the New York press. Maybe Willie's a registered Democrat?

Geez. I spend part of my morning solving gratuitous math problems and then I link to a pair of guys named "geek." Bullseye, save me from this fate! [warning: Bullseye is the blogger your mother warned you about. His site is Not Safe For Work, children, people with heart conditions, and those offended by cussin' and misspellin' -- you were warned!]

Good news, folks! I've got a three day weekend, and I'm starting it off right -- at the range! I'll be getting together with a few guys from work and sending a small portion of yesterday's paycheck downrange at roughly the speed of sound.*

For those who are not able to enjoy a few hours exercising your Second Amendment rights today, here's some websites to peruse.

Alphecca [who was kind enough to add me to his blogroll] highlights the courageous statements by the Mayor of Montgomery, Alabama. People like Michael Moore will always whine and complain about the culture of guns in America. Where was Michael Moore in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina? Did he provide the unarmed citizens of the devasated areas with security? Via John Lott I found this piece in the San Fran Chronicle, rich with links that describe the fates of those who armed themselves, and those who didn't. I don't listen to the emotional appeals of those who fear guns, and I know that the gun control lobby will not be there to save me.

Bruce from mASS BACKWARDS focuses on a story where a homeowner fought back against an illiterate criminal. You'll have to read the link to see why I'm assuming the guy could not read. At a minimum, he misunderstood what the homeowner meant by "gun control." Keep an eye on Bruce's site; it's one of my favorites. After reading a few of the "Massachusetts Gun Control Success Stories" you will understand why he labels this incident a "happy ending." You'll also note the episode took place in gun friendly New Hampshire, rather than Massachusetts.

Finally, stop by and gawk at the September Playmate of the Month Triplets at American Dinosaur.

Continue reading "Off to the range"

I'm not sure where I first found the Jets Blog. It's a great site.

Via the Jets Blog I found NFL-Giants.

Also via Jets blog I found this entertaining [and slightly disturbing] story over at Heels, Sox & Steelers about some chucklehead who played himself off as Ben Roethlisberger in an effort to woo the ladies. Both blogs linked to the NY Times' story [free registration required] about people who impersonate sports celebrities.

A few years back I used to drink for free at a bar in north Jersey by claiming I was Scott Norwood. Well, not really. But I bet some Giant fans would have bought me a beer if I had. Except maybe my buddy who stood to have won some big money in a Super Bowl pool if Norwood had split the uprights. Talk about mixed emotions.

Have you ever stumbled across a Muffler Man in your travels? Roadside America has an entire web portal dedicated to tracking the elusive giants, which can be found in almost all of the lower 48 states.

Technically, this guy in the photo to the right is considered a "lumberjack" or "Bunyan" -- a subspecies of the classic Muffler Man. You probably didn't know it, but there's a diverse fiberglass ecosystem out there along the nation's highways and byways. You've got Uniroyal Gals, Happy Halfwits, Big Chiefs, and some strange mutants.

This bad boy towers over the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds in Crownsville, Maryland. I snapped this shot two years ago [almost to the day].

Sadly, there are no known Muffler Men here in Alaska. Probably for the best. The environmentalists would be complaining that they frightened the caribou during breeding season.

I can't say I'd blame them -- having one of these monsters look in on you would be a total mood killer.

Continue reading "Muffler Man"

I moved to Anchorage this past February, after being assigned to a base in Maryland for almost six years. Of all the things I miss back east, the Maryland Renaissance Festival is at or near the top of the list. I'm not the only one who misses it; someone set up a 12-step program to deal with RenFest withdrawl.

This character to the left was the curator of the Museum of Unnatural History. Well worth the one dollar entrance fee. I didn't see him guarding the gate to the museum last year, and I have no idea if he'll be present this year or not.

If you do go to the RenFest, do not miss Hilby. The RenFest has plenty of entertainment, but Hilby was always my favorite.

Well, Hilby was my favorite performer. I think the giant turkey legs were my favorite. I heard a rumor they were actually ostrich legs, but that didn't bother me at all.

Continue reading "I miss the RenFest"

Back in the summer of 2003, my buddy Darf and I embarked on a 28 state roadtrip. Darf was excited to put the pedal to the metal in Montana, where he believed there was no speed limit.

What he was envisioning is the period in the late 1990s when the daytime speed limit in Montana was "reasonable and prudent." After a few years, someone challenged a speeding ticket, and it went all the way to the state Supreme Court. The court struck down the "reasonable and prudent" speed limit, claiming it was too vague. It took several months for the state to come up with a numerical speed limit; for the next five months or so, there was actually no daytime speed limit in Montana [outside of urban areas]. In 1999, Montana settled on 75 miles per hour, and they've been out of the news ever since.

75 MPH is where the speed limit stood when Darf and I made our way to Big Sky Country. We cruised south from Billings towards the Wyoming border at what seemed like a reasonable and prudent speed. With the sun shining, the top down, and the radio blasting out some tunes, who would dare disagree?

Continue reading "Reasonable and prudent"

September 10th, 2001 was my first official night of training with the Anne Arundel County Fire Department. There was an orientation for Firefighter I the previous week, but the evening of the tenth was the night that the books were opened and the class really started.

Continue reading "Four years ago"

There's been a great deal of coverage concerning the right to keep and bear arms in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. People in areas around New Orleans are arming themselves, while people inside New Orleans are being disarmed.

Continue reading "Confiscating guns in New Orleans"

A photo of some Cat 777's on the Alaska Highway, near Kluane National Park and Preserve. Those tires are 104 inches tall -- over eight and a half feet.

The photo was shot with Fuji Velvia. I have rarely used slide film, but figured I'd give it a shot. The lab that I use here in Anchorage [D&M Photo] made some prints for me for practically nothing. As if they didn't have my business locked up to begin with.

We passed through that stretch of the Yukon on a weekend, and very little road work was being done. We didn't fare as well on the way south from Fairbanks, where we seemed to spend half the day tied up by construction on the Parks Highway.

These sleeping giants had the day off, however, and I got to sneak up and take some photos.

On this date in history, during the second term of President Teddy Franklin Roosevelt, my dad was born. As I get older and wiser [read: less unwise] I realize how much I've learned from my old man. Some of it is just common sense -- if I put a jacket on, I won't have to listen to my mom telling me to put a jacket on. Perhaps I would have eventually figured that one out myself.

Continue reading "Happy Birthday, Dad"

My brother Joe talked me into joining a Fantasy Football league. Actually, he did more than talk me into it. He paid the $20 entry fee, and drafted the team for me.

I'll have fun with it, but for the most part, I've never enjoyed Fantasy Football. I'm such a die hard Giants fan, that the idea of rooting for Donovan McNabb or Clinton Portis makes me nauseous. It's not enough for me to root for McNabb to have a great game AND pull for the Eagles to lose. Maybe I'll find someone willing to take McNabb or Portis off my hands. If I can unload them before October 30th [for Portis] and November 20th [for McNabb] to avoid having to play them against the Giants. Any takers? [they won't come cheap]

The whole team is in the extended entry...

Continue reading "Fantasy Football"

This is my first real post with the new weblog. It's going to take me some trial and error to figure out how to use Movable Type; I figure after a few weeks of playing with this I should be good to go.

Many thanks to Lisa at Elegant Webscapes for the design. As soon as I get a few posts up, I'm going to leave some well deserved kudos in her testimonials page.

Feel free to drop by as I work out the bugs, and figure out how the heck this internet works. Thanks for stopping by. --- jp