photo supplement

Best Labor Day Weekend Adventure pt.2, Sept 5th & 6th

2010-09-15T01:59:00.000-07:00

Sunday. Back up to Highland for family dinner and to celebrate sister Emily's birthday. Barely any pictures were taken.

Made "my" corn for everyone to try. So much easier when there's three people who want to cut of the kernels, chop the green onion, and mix the butter and miso.

The kid's table.

Monday. Labor Day. We went to Brighton to take this "hike" designed for children, the elderly, and the handicapped on a boardwalk. There were lots of people out enjoying their Labor Day there.

First, some animal rules and a little looking around at the Visitor's Center.

And now, nature.

This duck was a huge draw. Caused a major traffic jam on the board walk.

Would you believe I had to choose this picture from three, all this good?

Later in the day we weren't sure what to do, so we went to Temple Square. And when we got there we weren't sure what to do then, either.

Conference Center tour? Why not.

Sorry, Baker. Doesn't look so good for you.

All the corpses at the bottom of the painting are left out of the picture in your Book of Mormon.

Ahem. Knock it Off, you guys.

Halfway through they switched our tour guides on us. Tour Guide #1 wasn't able to finish the tour before her shift ended. Read into that what you will.

Couldn't believe there was an apostle that looked like this. Guess I don't know enough church history.

Finished my Utah trip at Red Iguana with the family. I had a serious Mole Amarillo craving to deal with.

Who's the moron that parked Grandma's car like this? Oh . . . wait. Nevermind.

In my defense, everything looked so different before dinner when the lot was packed.

Best Labor Day Weekend Adventure pt.1, Sept 3 & 4th

2010-09-13T13:31:00.000-07:00

Like I've been telling you, I spent Labor Day weekend in Utah. Like my Disney trip, I had been putting off deciding to go out for my nephew Blake's baptism but then, at the last minute, got jealous of everyone getting to be together and decided to fly out.

I wanted to cook "my" special corn for the family, so the very first thing I did upon arriving was use Andrew's iphone to locate some sort of Oriental market. Oh! There's a place called Oriental Market? That will do.

Inside it was an absolute wonderland. So many ingredients dying for a Momofuku cookbook owner to find them.

With a little time to kill we hit the 4th South DI. Didn't find anything as good as the last time, but it wasn't a total loss.

RIP DJW, I suppose.

2004 was a good year for the Jingle Ball. This seemed to be a pirated Jingle Ball t-shirt, the result of iron-on paper from an inkjet printer.

Bad news is this is the back of a band shirt. Like, school band.

DI seems to be down with the 90s nostalgia.

$100 collector plate, so that's pretty cool.

Brings to my the question: What does it take to be considered a novel?

Then met up with most of my dearest relations at the SLC Bombay House.

About to fight or about to hug?

Andrew lives super close to Grandma's now. He read to me from his thesis.

Saturday. Let's start with a picture of Grandma's back yard:

Drove out to Highland to sister Kristen's house for all the baptism-related activities. They asked us to grab a couple things from the super market.

Utah. Your Super Markets are OUT OF CONTROL.

At Kristen's house Dad was helping the kids with the science of fire.

Ellie.

Rachel.

Owen drove us in my car to Kristen's church.

Dear Auto. 12 years old and not quite 80,000 miles on it. A keeper.

Baptisms, a reverent time. No photos.

But afterwords, photo battles involving the whole family.

Something I've learned: While extremely photogenic, niece Rachel HATES participating in family portraits.

Back at Kristen's house there was a big post-Baptism celebration. I spent it battling with Rachel for the iPad. All she wanted to do was NetFlix Scooby Doo on it!

That night, back in Salt Lake: Cindy takes Andrew and I on a taco tour of her neighborhood with a visit to the Mexican market to begin.

First taco spot, Chunga's. I agree with their philosophy and am totally down with their excellent outdoor seating area but had a tough time with their muy authentic portions and muy New York prices.

Up the street Cindy took us to a place where some dudes sold tacos from a counter in front of a van. A buck a piece with a cooler full of salsas. This is how it is done.

Partyin' Supplement, August 21 - 31

2010-08-31T17:28:00.000-07:00

Hello, I'm Brigham and I've been partyin' so much lately.

For example, two Saturdays ago I attended a Breakfast Party at this French place in my neighborhood. Why breakfast, why not brunch? Because we got there so early they weren't even ready to brunch us.

Helen.

Roommate Nate.

Lindsay and Hilary.

Then, two Monday nights ago, I got to go to Aubrey's Birthday Dinner Party at Home in the West Village.

Since Aubrey is a headband enthusiast the funny joke, ha ha ha, was to have all the guys wearing headbands when she got to dinner.

I would NOT be showing you this picture if I hadn't made such a beautiful peacock.

Partied with a crispy duck salad,

And a steak, since it had been so long.

After the party: High Contrast Black and White Photos, the solution to all my low light photography needs.

By now you should know everyone's name here except for Jen in the middle, in case you're meeting everyone for the first time.

That there on the left is Aubrey, fyi.

Then last Wednesday night I went to a going away party for Sarah who had been nannying for a family in Tribeca.

Look, there's Kim.

Listen, this is not a post where I try to show off a couple of stranger's gigantic, super-nice totally awesome amazing apartment. That's not my game. (but this is a different room from the one pictured above)

(And I did wash my hands in this bathroom)

Friday night I went to Josh's rooftop movie party. We watched Days of Heaven. Longest hour and a half film you'll ever see, but I liked it. Because it had symbolism. And because it was beautiful.

Saturday afternoon Nate and I held a two-man Whopper Bar Party. What's a Whopper Bar? A "special" "nice" Burger King that just serves "fancy" Whoppers you "can't get" anywhere else. Year round, at least.

Nate partied with the Bourbon BBQ Whopper.

I partied with the California Whopper plus Jalepeños (because they were free! and brought it together nicely enough)

Saturday night I was involved in that awesome Ma Peche Party I tried telling you about on my other blog.

Sunday afternoon you could say I threw a Jonah Fever party in Sunday School because I had a bad case of Jonah Fever.

Sunday night I partied at the Aubrey and Hilary Joint Big Birthday Party. More black and white solutions to struggling ISO problems.

Eric. He's been in my grandma's backyard.

Beth, illuminated by iPhone.

Adam admiring baby carrots raised on the roof. What? You can't see them? Too baby?

How about now, can you see the carrots now? JB can.

Beth, Chris, Tyson.

Casey. S'up, bra?

Don Sadler.

Lauren, 1L.

And Monday night, everyone who was anyone was at the Stake FHE at the 15th Street building. I shared my camera with a lot of people who couldn't focus, but these two shots from the 3 Train After-party turned out all right.

Vanessa.

Yours truly. Thanks for stopping by and checking out this party post.

Governor's Island, August 7

2010-08-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

Remember when my brothers were in town and we went to Governor's Island two years ago for the Civil War reenactment stuff? Well, I did it again a couple of weeks ago.

Ferry from Manhattan

What a coincidence! Amigos aboard the same vessel (the curly hair in the corner was a part of the party too).

Found our party enjoying the shade.

There was some . . . art? Nature? One of those two nearby, I investigated.

Back to the friends.

Union forces advancing.

(Steven is reaching for a child)

Drum and Fife demonstration.

And another sort of soundcheck near the ferry launch.

Beautiful People, Beautiful Places Supplement. Mid-July to Present

2010-08-11T16:00:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since my last supplement. Here are some things to show you.

Some Sunday in Central Park with Emily, Andrea, Tracy and others.

Among the others: Ex-Roomie Adam, working on Helen's bike.

QUICK!

A couple of Fridays ago, good old Ali was in town. She may have even moved back to New York by now, I don't know. No one told me.

We kicked it '08 style and went to the Noodle Bar. The brisket was fine

But the roasted corn in miso butter? Criminally good, so glad to finally try it.

My roommate Spence joke-gave me his watch (I think) so I'm joke-wearing it until he takes it back. Finally, I'm in fashion.

A Saturday BLT from Frankie's.

Corn dog lunch with Broek last week (Not Shown: Corn Dogs).

And a Wednesday night trip to Coney Island (the purpose? a baseball game). . .

Baseball is for buddies.

Someone from Jeff's ward hooked us up with our tickets AND it was 2 for 1 Sausage Night (a.k.a. "Weiner Wednesday")

Just about the best seats in all of the minor league. Our Cyclones really socked it to the Muckdogs.

Stadium in a near total-panic over free t-shirts.

Rue du depart

Thursday, ran into Alyssa at the Apple store. Created electronic infinities while trying out iphone video chat.

Friday, Chris and Camille were in town again, I wound up in a Times Square situation with them. Now there's this video camera that broadcasts everything within it's view up on a giant screen, it drives people as crazy as t-shirt tossing at a minor league baseball game.

I'd show you what it looked like but this jerk painted over the whole screen.

Broadway show negotiations in effect, this lady (the white haired one) drove a hard bargain.

Wound up with some budget Mary Poppins tickets

We watched it from the clouds, just like Mary would have.

After the show, Pinkberry and Youtubes.

Lastly, I need you to know that lately my "balcony" has been very popular with the birds. But here's just one.

Late June to July 17th Supplement

2010-07-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

I get up real early some mornings.

The Strand.

I've got a new favorite Mexican place in Brooklyn. This is the restaurant that's next door to it.

Following photos: Taken while I walked home from seeing Toy Story 3 in Harlem.

4th of July photos:

Lars.

Lars and wife.

Son of Lars.

We had a pretty good spot, it didn't get too crowded.

5th of July:

Check out this great flag action.

Patriot!

The new Lego store at Rockefeller Center features a Lego Rockefeller Center.

With details like rooftop Darth Vader whipping the plants.

and dancing pirates.

Prometheus unbound.

There is also a pretty big Atlas and many other Rockefeller Center landmarks replicated in Danish brick.

And then there is a dragon.

After Lego store you can go to the Nintendo store just a block away and feel tempted, so very very tempted, to just get yourself a Wii.

And now some pictures from just wandering around:

Don't worry, I checked on your bike. It's fine.

Saturday the 17th:

Looking for lunch after Inception. Doesn't it look like Ryan and the stranger behind him are singing a duet? Back to back?

We wanted to try the Whopper Bar but it's still. not. open. For crying out loud!

A portrait.

Again, Ryan. Hadn't seen the little guy for a while. But do you know who I hadn't seen for even longer? Look behind him.

Or check this crowd of people grabbing at free Dr. Peppers

Bryant! Bryant is who none of us had seen for so long! He was in town on business, it was great. I got to hang out at the Waldorf Astoria. But that's not where we are now. In these pictures we're having Korean fried chicken.

My chicken came with a glove (not in the chicken, but for eating it with). No one else's did. It was, as the youth say, "so random."

Some perspective is at play here but truthfully, my chickens were surprisingly small.

Sudden Vacation Supplement, June 7-9

2010-06-12T12:55:00.000-07:00

Newark.

Los Angeles.

Best Lemmon.

Snack.

LA Style.

Sights unfamiliar

and well known.

Amigos at Grandma's.

Tuesday morning.

Loaded into the car.

Serious chauffeur,

serious about our destination.

All right, what's happening here is that I found out my family was going to Disneyland last Tuesday, I got jealous (and curious), so I flew out for the occasion. Little weekend getaway in the middle of the week, that's all.

If you've seen any of my previous Disney posts, you know they can get verbose. Where are all the words in this post? Trust me . . . some words are coming. Not today, not tomorrow, but someday, there will be words.

People say I have my mother's ears.

Not too bad for someone who didn't know he was supposed to be shooting triangles and diamonds.

I was very keen on checking out Star Tours one more time before it closes for much needed renovations and updating.

Something like 23 years ago I waited in line 2 hrs. TWICE to ride this thing. This trip, I waited in line for 5 minutes twice. Things done changed.

And here we go. Do we make it to Endor? Still have no idea.

Ellie wanted to ride with me on Autopia. She picked me! Of all the people, she picked me!

I drove, she jabbered. Great times.

20,000 Leagues gone Nemo.

Adios, Tomorrowland.

We had the most spastic Jungle Cruise guide. So much yelling!

A sale! Two of his heads for one of yours! (classic.)

Lot of lies told to children to get the whole family on Pirates of the Caribbean.

Such a confusing menu! Fortunately, my family on the left was confused less than the family on the right.

I like your box.

The castle . . . it's so small. Did they remodel it smaller?

Almost all I wanted from this trip was to take some pics of Monstro.

I had no Bengal Barbecue, but their tiger tails are my favorite Disney food.

I drove! On Indiana Jones, I drove!

We got taught a lesson. A wet, wet lesson.

What? It was the perfect time for the Pledge of Allegiance. I don't know what you're talking about.

Rediscovery of the Trip: Casey Jr. is a great train ride!

Dumbo. Merciless towards mouse ears.

Peter Pan. Terrifying. Just ask Ellie.

You know what? The Matterhorn is just the best. And I think there's more Abominable Snowmen in it now. That's the feeling I get, or has there always been more than one?

There's Emily.

Here's me

Rachel was the bravest of her siblings, but, as you can see from her unwillingness to permanecer sentado, the bobsleds were a bit much for her.

Parade.

I think it was really the real Kermit. That's the feeling you can't help but get. Did you know I went to see him get his star in Hollywood in 2003? I did.

This pair, they're documenting the whole thing on their Sidekicks or whatever. How'd that awesome video turn out, guys?

Do you see what's happening, they're getting a wheelchair off Small World.

This is the special Small World wheelchair boat. Incredible, right? Do you call ahead for this?

Did you know now there's cameos from other Disney characters in Small World now? Made the ride fun, keeping a key eye for all of them. Here's just a few:

Time to try to take a family picture.

After a long day of fun, it gets hard.

Yadda yadda yadda,

Great time, let's all go home.

Gramercy Park Supplement, May 30

2010-06-05T00:05:00.000-07:00

Hello. It's me, Brigham. Behind me please observe the gate to Gramery Park, Manhattan's only private park——the one you can only get into if you live right there and have a key. But behind me you'll notice you do not observe Gramercy Park itself.

Why?

BECAUSE (thanks to the son of Punk Rock Royalty) I'M INSIDE THE PARK!

On the inside it pretty much looks like how it looks on the outside (as it's not a gigantic park) but you can get closer to everything.

Also found on the inside of the park: Various troublemaker friends with tales to share and photos to take.

But Rebekah (in town for the weekend) isn't always that serious. If you know her, you know the laugh.

Sheesh, come on. Get it together.

Back to my other blog.

Various Things Worth Supplementing from the Last Few Weekends

2010-06-01T00:05:00.000-07:00

Weekends. That's when stuff happens. Let me show you . . .

Four Saturdays ago—well, you know you're at the right barbecue if Don (back in town for a spell) and Lars (back in town for good? I hear?) are there.

Along with other visitors from Utah

and good ol' friends like Kim.

Back inside we partied like it was 2007.

Three weekends ago . . . jam packed! Brooke and Brynne were visiting Grace, made friends out of strangers.

And, as usual, explained focusing my camera.

Rode a bus,

Saw the birds inside Belvedere Castle.

And back at home roommate Nate (seated here with neighbor Aubrey) had visitors of his own, including . . .

. . . Debbie (I won't writer her last name so she can't be googled up over here, but if you know it, imagine I'm saying it)! From Sophomore and Senior Year! (at BYU!)

Turning the tables, I learned my lesson.

Then, two Saturdays ago (the day after the LCD Soundsystem show) I happen to snap this photo on my way to an important lunch appointment . . .

The lunch appointment? Momofuku Fried Chicken Dinner Number Five! I was invited by Liz and Mark. Remember Liz, from 2008? Don't know about Liz and Mark? Now you do.

Chicken graveyard.

And then Saturday night, and I still can't believe it, dessert with Kat! Perhaps the highlight of 2010?

(folks, don't let the framing fool you, she's losing her mind over pie, not forks)

And then this last weekend, the one that just happened, these are things I saw on my way to meet up with another ex-New Yorker in town for a spell. . .

Well, guess I'll never get to Cafe Colonial now.

(if you see something, say something, Lady.)

. . . and this is the very former New Yorker spoken of, the one on the right, Miss Rebekah (imagine I'm saying her last name) back in town to torment us all for a spell.

Back to my other blog

Chicago Supplement, May 1 - 2

2010-05-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe, but just slightly two weeks after it happened, here's the final Chicago Photo Supplement. This is what happened on Saturday and Sunday, the first two days after my birthday.

Another day started with breakfast burgers. This time we went to my beloved Culvers.

And then hopped onto the Lake Street El for a trip downtown.

First, we went to the Sears Tower. That adventure was recorded here.

Then we ducked into the Art Institute for a minute so Collin could have his Cameron moment.

And then it was over to Milennium Park with us.

The Cloud Gate!

Merman!

It might not look it, but a lot of time and walking passed between these pictures. We were exhausted!

We made friends for members of some unidentified Scouting organization . . . they may have been foreigners, there did seem to be a lot of Polish Nationals about.

Jared split to associate with artists, Collin and I met my family and the Mulcock family at Las Fuentes, our Number One Mexican Destination.

And here's young Max.

Everyone had a chance to get to know the fine little fellow.

This is my sister, Emily, in case you didn't know.

I'm holding a chip! And a baby! Two of my favorite things!

And, yeah, here's those famous Las Fuentes Nachos.

Collin vs. Best Enchiladas

The Max-admiring carried over to the parking lot.

Went home, watched Dark Knight, then had various floats at the kitchen table late at night.

Saturday morning we had to see Jared off at Midway.

And then I familiarized Collin with some key Chicago landmarks.

Went to church and then after church we visited Al Capone's grave . . . depending on who you ask, some might tell you its location is a secret. But I just saw that it was listed on Wikipedia. So it's about that secret.

Life . . . it can be so fragile. Sort of just makes a fellow think.

An Oak Park Landmark: The Darth Vader House.

Saying goodbye to the cat . . .

Saying goodbye to Dad

Saying goodbye to the cake. And Emily.

Saying goodbye to the house.

And let's all say goodbye to Chicago Supplements.

Chicago Supplement, April 29 - 30th

2010-05-09T15:37:00.000-07:00

So yes, I went to Chicago for my birthday. Collin drove over from Bowling Green and beat me there by thirty minutes or so. Once I finally made it home I took him over to Johnnie's for an Italian Beef and Sausage Combo. This is a sandwich you do not mess with and it smells so good.

The next morning we picked Jared up from a friend's house. He was in the city for an artshow. This is how birthday weekend super-adventures come together, so happenstantially that they begin to seem perfectly orchestrated, like an Oceans 11 movie.

We headed downtown and had breakfast burgers (meaning burgers way too early, not burgers with eggs on them) from M Burger.

And hiked over to Navy Pier, Chicago tourist central, to fulfill a birthday dream . . .

Watching the Hubble 3D IMAX movie! It's like watching the biggest, most incredible screen saver you'd ever seen.

Followed with some Navy Pier pokings around. Some pokes are tentative . . .

Some are daring!

This sign . . . this sign is weird. Inside I opted to not go overboard.

This Guy, this Guy was screaming, no, hollering the whole ride. A video was made to capture the sound of his shrieks, but wind dominated the recording.

Yes, but how far to Bowling Green? And in which direction do I head?

We leave the pier and head back into the city part of the city.

This is me celebrating my birthday phonecall from Don. He called me a stud!

Necessary curiosities to share.

Necessary snakes to introduce. Chicago certainly isn't afraid of the over the top chain restaurant.

Put our feet up for a minute at Rock n Roll McDonalds.

Rock n Roll McDonalds is very not rock n roll anymore. It's stupid Euro-designy McDonalds now. I don't want your gellato, Design McDonalds. I was looking for McPizza, which they used to have here. Seriously.

Then we went down to Jared's art show. His new direction . . . I was taken aback at first.

Just kidding! I'm down, I'm down.

Now, deep inside, hidden away . . .

You'll find a green Bible. I gave the secret away! Secrets out now! Out and all over the internet!

Let's see what else they had there.

Now . . . performance art. How does this work, if I want to buy the piece? Do I take everyone home? Even the volunteers from the audience?

Now this here, this photo with the drawing? This is art. You owe me $100 for just having looked at it, $200 if you drag it to your desktop.

Having our fill of art, we rushed over to super-popular Torta shop Xoco to meet up with Mom and Dad for a very late lunch (or extra-early dinner?) because basically that's the only way you're getting a seat in under an hour and a half there.

From now on I only eat sandwiches if they're served in a half-filled bowl of broth. I'm not eating like an animal anymore.

Passed the building where the Boy Scouts of America were organized 100 years ago. That's one thing that I did approve of in Iron Man 2, that he donated his modern art collection to the BSA.

And then we turn an unassuming corner and . . . SURPRISE! Happy Birthday Brigham! A new car? For me? Oh, you shouldn't have. You shouldn't have.

I'll be back soon with the final two days of this Chicago trip and my first ever photos of Maximilian Mulcock.

New York City Birthday Supplement, April 28th

2010-04-30T00:27:00.000-07:00

Wednesday night I had the good fortune of celebrating my birthday with good friends and tacos. We met at my neighborhood taco truck and then took our dinner home to the apartment.

Jeff was the mastermind of the operation.

Patricia, my oldest New York friend (by "oldest" I mean "longest" but really she's normal height)

That's Steven.

There's Kim.

And Duane!

Casey

Chateau

Roommate Nate.

Deathface.

Chat and Casey talking business.

Grace, Celebrity.

Steven, Chris, Conversation.

Bryndee, still reeling from experiencing the new 96th Street Station.

Brazil Travel Companions.

A boogie board in front of a church in New York city, that's normal.

Up in the crib we've got Andrea,

Broek

Di and Karrie

Me and Noelle from Brazil. We were playing a game, we were supposed to look scared,

And then hungry?

Sara, being a monster, not making air quotes.

Ongoing Elmarit Supplement

2010-04-22T04:11:00.000-07:00

I didn't have time to put these in order, but here's a few of the 650 or so pictures I've taken over the last week as I've been testing out a new lens I may or may not be keeping . . . lately I've been leaning towards "may."

This is my first ever night time long exposure picture I've taken on my M8. 9 months and only one?

Andy said to me: "Why don't you take a picture of yourself for once?"

How's the lens different? It's a Leica 28mm Elmarit f/2.8, so it's wider but slower than the Zeiss 35mm f/2.0 I've been using. The lens is smaller and MUCH lighter than my Zeiss, this is something about the lens that I'm very into.

Carol's Roof, April 11

2010-04-11T19:23:00.000-07:00

Sunday evening potluck, up above Gramercy.

On the way over . . .

And now, up on the roof . . .

Was there an iPad in attendance? Yup.

UWS, April 3

2010-04-03T13:46:00.000-07:00

Conference weekend, the city has started to look like this again:

Caught taking pics nonstop at the Lincoln Square farmer's market.

Had to dip into the Apple Store after the AM session to get a look at everyone getting a look at the iPad.

What are you doing, guy?! Don't teach the Smoke Monster to use an iPad!!

Here's the truth: I'm totally down. If I traveled more and didn't just check my email on my laptop anyway I'd be in line for one.

Bumped into old roommates out and about. Now we're neighbors but never ever see each other.

Chicago, March 19-21

2010-03-22T19:32:00.000-07:00

Super-quick, super-brief trip to Chicago for a little family vacation in our hometown.

Sunday morning, a visit to the Chicago temple. Too snowy and cold for a family picture outside.

Kristen and Cory left their kids at home in Utah, here Cory is being a father and checking on them.

Just things you're used to seeing on rides home from the temple if you grew up in Chicago.

Of all the people that wanted the BEAST license plate for their Hummer, this guy was the one who got it.

If you're from where I'm from, it's a little sad to see the old Kiddie Land sign now that it's closed forever...but it's not like I would have ever gone there again.

In line for Johnnie's.

Saturday evening we went downtown for dinner. It's a little hard to get seven in a sedan, Owen was a trooper and a quick thinker.

Yes, really. We drove around with him in the trunk.

The police wouldn't believe that just because it's on the internet, right?

Dinner at Shaw's.

Owen's guess at the size of his jumbo lump crabcake (proved to be a little smaller.)

Turns out you can't pick whatever fish you see to eat.

AND Emily banned you guys from the table, so I had to trust some sight unseen seafood.

Out into the city once more.

Had to hustle a bit...

To make it to the show on time. That's really why we were in Chicago, because Dad wanted us to all come with him to the Marriage of Figaro. Okay, I'll do it (I did it.)

Opera lobby from the stairs.

Opera bar from the bathroom line.

Sunday. All right, I know all you New Yorkers had a beautiful sunny warm weekend. We? In Chicago it was snowy. And cold. And ridiculous.

But by Sunday afternoon? Melted!

Assembling for family photos.

Dad and Cat.

Mom.

Mom and Dad and Cat. Would you believe he's 20? yeah, I guess that's pretty believable.

Family walk before dinner, we're running out of Oak Park visit time.

This is where I got my High Schoolin'. This is the part of the school with art classrooms and auto shops. I should have learned how to fix a car in High School.

Just some homes I'm used to seeing.

We've got Fairy Tale houses where I live.

(On the prairie)

Armory Art Show, March 4

2010-03-10T07:30:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday I met up with Jeff, Dave and Jared at B&H because Jeff was buying a camera.

Jared was in town for so many art matters. I went along with him to the gigantic Armory Art Show where galleries from around the world promote themselves within the confines of a gigantic convention space.

These are some things that I saw:

This crow talked and moved. A little crow robot. I bought four!

This one was called "Surf and Turf"

This was actually technology, not necessarily art. This capsule was full of T1000 oil that would wrap itself around that bit and turn all spikey. We're in the 21st Century now.

Waiiitt one second...what do we have over here...

Oh man!

I've got bad news. This art is so much better than your art.

What's everyone photographing?

Just this wild mirror.

My turn.

Dirty art deals done dirt cheap.

Joseph Smith Baseball Cap, Rest in Piece.

Andrew Visit Supplement, February 11-14

2010-02-28T19:00:00.000-08:00

Country Music Hall of Fame Supplement, February 6th

2010-02-22T17:59:00.000-08:00

Today I'd like to talk with you about the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee which I visited on the morning of Saturday, February 6th 2010.

Jeff had received a hot, hot tip from our buddy Paul that that day was the Museum's free day. The tip was true. As an essentially non-country music listener, I would have never considered going to that museum for $30, but for $0? I'd definitely have a look.

Let me drop a spoiler on you: The museum is great. Just great. Exhibit after exhibit about things I thought I didn't care about rendered suddenly so interesting. Consider the special exhibit on Brenda Lee they had. Walking into it, I barely knew that there was a person called Brenda Lee. But it had me right away.

She hit it big as a kid and just kept going

And do you know how she met her husband that she's still married to? She was singing in a show, saw him in the audience, and sent him a note. Three or six months later, they were married. Just like that.

Now here's an idea for a box-office smash:

Mrs. Lee made this diorama herself for the exhibit.

On to the rest of the museum, we'd later learn this portion of the museum was designed to resemble a hayloft.

Jeff likes to make sure his museums are visited very carefully. This is no place to miss something that may be of importance.

Just cases and cases of great old stuff that had belonged to people I may or may not have heard of.

All well-labeled and well-displayed to maximize interestingness.

Along with video after video of great downhome music acts.

Really, to me, it was a museum of fun stuff to look at. Someone famous probably wrote something famous on this typewriter. But, to me, it was just a typewriter famous for being painted cool.

I guess I proved to myself that day that I could look at sharp honky tonk suits all day.

A lot of these were designed by "Nudie, the Rodeo Tailor." I bet you anything that's where the name of that jeans company comes from

Something that didn't hurt the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum's interest level at all: the close connection between early Rock n Roll and Country Music.

The best thing to see at the museum? Webb Pierce's gun-adorned and silver dollar-inlayed convertible.

Guns absolutely everywhere. A saddle for a center console, and horse shoes for gas pedals (you'll have to trust me on that).

Back to the classy clothes.

This is Elvis' "Solid Gold Cadillac"

A little ho-hum compared to the gun car, but I suppose it was all right. A lot of gold in there, plus a record player.

Old NASA consoles...no, wait. Old music-recording consoles.

Walls and walls of Platinum and Gold records.

Some information on Hee-Haw.

A little exhibit on that horrible terrible manager Elvis had.

Didn't he know he repped the King of Rock n Roll? That it wasn't necessary for him to cheapen the brand by walking around in hand-painted promotional coats?

There was a big exhibit on Hank Williams.

Hank had his ups and his downs, to say the least, but how can you stay mad at a fellow that shot a bunch of squirrels then had his taxidermist turn them into a little musical group?

Hank, like Elvis, had some Mom-issues.

How was it she was described? As a stern, broad-shouldered woman? Or did I just make that up from the photo?

The exhibit was actually about the Williams family legacy. As you can see here, Jeff has now joined the Williams family.

These were Hank's wife's boots.

And these are some of Hank Jr.'s clothes. This is the only stuff about Hank Jr. you'll find in this post because I don't care about Hank Jr. He's a face of the part of Country I don't care for that I do can recognize.

After the Hank exhibit it was actually lots of recognizable stuff for me. Johnny on the left, Dolly on the right. No matter how big the star or how popular they are right now the museum treated them all pretty evenly. Oh, those are Willie's sneakers at the bottom of the picture.

This friendly fellow walked up to us and started teaching us so much...like that the upper part of the museum was designed to resemble a hayloft.

Gabe showed up towards the end of our visit and joined us for our visit to the actual Hall of Fame part of the Hall of Fame.

A place to reflect upon the legacy of your Country Western heroes and to look up...

At the big needle about to get us all.

The big needle, from a safer position.

No, Thank You, Country Music Hall of Fame, for being a totally excellent museum with interesting exhibits with fun stuff to look at and listen to that's also full of super friendly helpful workers.

And, for your reference, this is the gift shop.

And this is the lobby.

Even though you know everything there is to know about the Country Music Hall of Fame now, I still recommend you visit someday if you're in Nashville and you've got $30 burning a hole in your pocket.

Boston Supplement, January 26 -28

2010-02-13T22:04:00.000-08:00

Shortly after returning to New York I got a generous invitation down to Boston from Carol who was there on business (and by business I mean "Protecting America"). I got there by Amtrak, I hadn't taken an Amtrak train in 20 years. Really.

I was obviously the new guy at Penn Station but I learned about the waiting games you play.

City...

gave way to country...

which gave way to seaside.

Tuesday night we had EPIC burgers at a place called Circumference. No, wait, Radius. One of those terms. But this beauty was one of the best fancy burgers I've had in ages, nice and moist and topped with an awesome horseradish mayo. I can recommend.

My home away from home: The Copley Marriott.

View from the room.

Out by the elevator

Out the window

In the lobby

The hotel was in a mall.

The mall had a waterfall.

I had the worst breakfast there.

After conquering the mall I headed to the Boston streets without a clue.

There, way off in the distance, is where the Red Sox play.

Err...maybe I went into a Best Buy and played video games for a little while? Sometimes I worry I'm so close to buying a PS3. I better get a busy job soon.

Even without a clue of where I was or where I was going I liked Boston. It's got old stuff everywhere. I need a wider lens, though.

I like taking pictures of statues but it's kind of cheating.

Probably my favorite sight in all of Boston?

After a day of wandering I met with Carol to go see Cambridge and all the nerds at Harvard.

Boston, your subway, (the T?), is so weird to me.

So this is Cambridge.

Following a hot tip we checked out the sandwiches at Pinocchio's. Carol isn't pointing at her face, she's pretending to have a long nose.

Don't sleep on this hot steak and cheese sandwich!

Here we go.

Love the mayo.

Some nerds right by us ordered a whole giant pizza and ate the whole thing as they talked about their study groups and book reports. Nerds!

On to Harvard. I'd often heard talk of this "Harvard Yard" but didn't want to ask what the Harvard Yard was, I didn't want to seem dumb. But my guess was it was pretty much the quad and it was full of brainiac nerds.

Turns out I was right.

Here I am with John Harvard.

Here's the Harvard church.

My guess is this is the Harvard Field House. It seemed to be about the right size.

Some Harvard columns.

I had Oreo Cake Batter ice cream. Carol had reverse Oreo ice cream. This place we went, it essentially only had Oreo-inspired flavors.

Harvard might be full of geniuses but that doesn't mean they can't park like idiots.

Fact: This Wednesday that all the pictures were from was the day the iPad was announced. I was out and about when it happened, but I definitely noticed when people had started talking about in the stores and on the streets.

After we had Wagamama I wasn't allowed to stare at this cat shirt all night.

I had most of Thursday to explore Boston aimlessly again.

This is the big park of Boston.

Not a Swan Boat in sight.

But there's George.

And another dude.

Look out! A mine!

Thinky Frog. I also saw a statue of a panther attacking a bird but those pictures didn't turn out so good.

Wait...is Boston the capital of Massachusetts? Because this was the capital building, or something.

Probably a relative of Carol's.

I tried following the freedom trail but I did a terrible job of it. I kept getting lost! How do you get lost when you're supposed to just follow a line on the ground? I don't know, but I did it.

Maybe I got lost so much because of little guys like this dude.

Not a part of the Freedom Trail.

Eventually I got superlost, but fortunately I was in the idyllic part of town.

Eventually I found signs of civilization.

I had no plans on seeing Cheers but stumbled across it anyway. Did you know those people were always drinking across the street from the park? They were!

At this point I know I know where I am, I also know I need to hustle a little to make my train.

Wish I could have stayed and watched the Chowder-Eating contest in the mall.

I had my own Boloco eating contest at the train station.

This man must have invented Boston trains. Or Boston trainstations?

Here it comes!

Don't worry, Lady. It'll stop.

SLC Supplement, January 8 - 20th

2010-02-07T20:30:00.000-08:00

January 8, 2010: I fly from Newark to Salt Lake City via Houston.

I completely miss my connection in Houston and wait 10 or 11 hours for the next flight to Salt Lake.

Cindy picks me up in Salt Lake and we hit a Beto's, except it's a Ranchito's or Alberto's. I don't understand what has happened to all the Beto's, but I'm always down for 5 Rolled Tacos for $4.

See? Cindy. I wasn't lying.

I sleep in Cindy's basement, in the morning the treasures of her home:

Rested and ready for Utahr!

Andrew drove down from Logan to pick me up, but before we can go, a tune must be selected.

Cindy's dog, puppy-proofed.

The wonders of a retractable (or extendable?) stove top.

"Hmmmm..."

"Hmmmm..."

"Well, I suppose you have a point."

At the D.I. Andrew is skeptical of my insistence that this is how you find out if pants will fit or not.

A visit to the state capital.

Brigham finger.

Thoughts turn to democracy.

Brother Farnsworth! I also saw your statue in Washington DC.

Looks like I straightened this all the way into another lean.

Me inside Nielsen's custards.

Up in Logan, we visit Andrew's parents. This was the dog's idea. I was there first.

"What'd you say?"

"Pfff, whatever."

Andrew's dad saw my camera and said "Hey, I've got a Leica, too." He disappeared into the basement for 15 minutes and resurfaced up with this beauty. It had been his father's. I believe this is an M3.

Slipped out and hit up the Wall of Values.

The view from Andrew's backyard.

Descending to his lair,

Gentlemen welcome gentlemen with a cold Stewart's. That's how it's done.

Did any of you email? Nope.

Sunday morning, up the block to church.

Let's hear it for chapels with Scouts Rooms.

Back to Andrew's folks' house for Sunday dinner.

The ultimate honor: A request for a recipe. Here I write it down.

And my reward? All mine to lick.

Fire became necessary.

A favorite landmark at the Berthrong home.

Monday. In n Out in the West Valley. Now I've seen it all.

And at night, Bombay House with family and friends.

Indian food can be SOOO boring!

Owen lends me my car. We finalize the transaction with a handshake.

Tuesday. The view at the Cancun Cafe.

Tuesday night I went to the Mayan. But on Friday (yes, here I jump ahead in time) I went with Maria to the Desert Star Playhouse to see "Twi-Lite: I Was a Teenage Vampire." Holy Smokes. Words cannot describe. But talk with me and I'll try.

Back to the timestream: Wednesday night? A huge night! Beatle's Rock Band at Don's.

Nothing but a brotherhood of rock n roll.

Jared knows something that we don't yet, that he loves to sing "Don't Let Me Down."

After the excellence? Del Taco.

Spent the night on a recliner in the Clark family basement.

Thursday. I return to Brigham Young University for a look around. I am totally freaked out by how everything is the same but everything is different. I realize it's been a long time since I graduated and that I probably looked like a total goof limping around in my beard and camera ensemble.

So...here's your art?

Spotted in the wild: Unicyclist!

Turns out this building has been there for 5 years? But it's new to me every time.

Now this is art. Apparently the mustache bursts into flame every night at 7?

Car transferred back to Owen. Take care of her, Lando.

Jared gave a lecture and fielded questions.

This kid wanted to know if it'd be all right if he did graffiti. Stay advised, Provo Police Department.

Zip up to creepy Salt Lake so Jared can participate in a discussion at a show he was in.

A Council of Artists. Talking and talking. And talking.

Jared's work.

Cher came down. Doesn't this look like a picture from the New Era? "All my friends are doing this-and-that but if I tell them I don't do that will they still be my friends?"

A miracle. Bitty. And Ali. (She prefers to be photographed on her Blackberry)

One last Jared Art.

On Friday: Smashburger!

I love the Mountains, oh.

While driving through Salt Lake I notice something at East High. Curiosity triggers a far-off parking job and a long walk to investigate.

And would you look at that? "Where Amazing Happens"

Please, find Audrey's dog.

A Sure Shot Owl was my mission camera.

Getting a wash for Grandma's car.

My S90 insists on going macro all the time.

Saturday. Blue skies at last.

Travel companion suggestion.

So this is where Strength Shoes come from!

Saturday night? It's Ashlee's birthday. From the Avenues.

Monday night, Asian ribs with family in Highland.

Ellie was yelling at me about taking a picture of Blake.

Which I got around to later.

Ice Breaker confounds all ages.

Do not forget time spent with your greatgrandmother, listening to stories. This is valuable time.

Saying goodbye to Grandma. What a wonderful trip I had.

Picking up a fine donut for the road.

And jettin on back to New York. Thanks for the good times, Salt Lake City.