Louis CK

Thanks to the Cranky Flyer, where I found this.

Airplane Geek Stuff

In case anyone is interested:
My ride from MEL-SFO.



A 747-300. Not so common, these days.



A Ted winglet on a mainline bird. I didn't know they were bolt on.



My ride from Philly to Raleigh. If you look closely enough, you can see my snowboard bag.

Perpetual Motion

What a busy few days. Obviously, I flew into San Francisco, per my coffee discussion prior. Then it was off to Maryland for a little family time. Then off to DC to visit friends and see the District in it's festive holiday glory. Naturally, I left my camera at home that day...

Then off to New York via to see friends. NYC always amuses me. You see stuff like this, and people don't think it's abnormal.



Finally, a quick flight down to Raleigh, and it's here I park it for a bit. Naturally, since it's Christmas time, it's 70 degrees. Note to Raleigh: this is not Melbourne, but thanks for trying.

Tomorrow's Christmas. So Merry Christmas, everyone. If Christmas isn't your scene, enjoy the day off.

Update: Forgot to mention that lunch was at Resto when we were in NYC. Great beer list, solid menu.

City Attitude

I've been told a few times that people in San Francisco have attitudes, and I've tried to defend the city on numerous occasions. However, the other day while looking for a way to escape a cold, rainy San Francisco Sunday, I happened (not accidentally) into Farley's coffee shop on Potrero Hill (north slope, natch).

Now, I realize that black coffee is somewhat passe. But, let me give you some advice, Mr. Hipster Barista. Don't give me a hard time because I want a large black coffee and not a large triple soy nonfat organic latte with no foam. If you want to have that kind of pretentious attitude, may I suggest that you take your painted on jeans over to the Mission, where someone might give a crap.

Until then, get bent, give me my damn coffee, and quit making San Francisco look bad.

San Francisco Time Lapse

Nice little SF skyline video...



Dawn and dusk in mini San Francisco from captin nod on Vimeo.

Originally seen on Mission Mission.

Ho Ho Headlights

Ikea

Ikea designers from Denmark? Pshh.

What's Ours Is Ours Again

It's amazing how nice it is to have our stuff in the house. A real bed - I haven't slept this well in months. Dishes and kitchen supplies - it's actually not a chore to cook. The grill - oh man, we had this out on loan in San Francisco. Words can't describe how good it is to have it back. It's mostly almost a house! Visitors now welcome.

Also, here's a picture of festively large booze, spotted at Dan Murphy's.

Moving In

After being in our apartment for six or seven weeks, all of our things from San Francisco have finally arrived. It's amazing to be able to have dinner at a real table, work at a real desk with a real chair, and sleep on a real bed. Much like moving out of our SF apartment, it was lovely to have someone move our stuff in. We didn't have the guys unpack all the boxes, but with it all moved in, we were much less tired, and more interested in unpacking promptly. I think there are only two boxes that aren't unpacked at this point, and even though there is still a lot of stuff to put away, it's really starting to come together well.

I'll post pictures of the place once it all is in place. That will probably be next year though, since it looks like this will be the week I fly back to the US for Christmas.

Abnormal Access

The local moving company called today. They told me that since we live on the 2nd floor (really third, in US-Speak, G-1-2), that they had to charge us A$275 for abnormal access. They told me that this fee is assessed for any place above the first floor. But, see, we have a lift. It's not like they are coming up the stairs.

So you're telling me that pressing 2 instead of 1 is worth A$275? Bloody rubbish.

Our Stuff!

It's coming Saturday! I think that's actually 56 days of the promised 40-55. Think I can get a refund?

This of course makes me very glad that we didn't opt for the "significantly slower" method...

Gap Year

Why doesn't the US promote this concept to our young people? So many other countries do, and it seems invaluable to see the world and open your eyes to what else is out there. They certainly promote it here in Australia.



Shannon and I have met people in different places around the world, who have come from many places, who are off on a gap year. Not only do they seem to be having a blast, but they have recounted great experiences to us. While my job has put us in a unique and fortunate position to travel more than most people our age, we both recognize how much we have not yet see.

Without sounding like a total celebrity fanboy, I happen to agree with Matt Damon on this issue:

Damon believes in the power of travel to transform people. He wishes that Americans were less insular, and quotes the fact that only 21 percent of Americans have passports. "I think many of our problems as a country would be solved if people had thick passports," he says. "There's just no substitute for actually going and seeing things."

Full article available here, if you want to have a read.