beat the heat

It’s hot out.

this guy

Fan fair’s in town, folks — which means a veritable cornucopia of tourists offering photographic opportunities. Not this guy, though. I think he’s probably a local.

two for the price of one

I’ve been busy working on a photo project, so I haven’t had a lot in the way of photoblog material. So, here’s some crappy rainbow.

things we lost in the flood

So, Nashville is under water. For those of you not from around here, Nashville had a “1000 year flood event” caused by around 16″ of rain in a 48 hour period. I assume this is one of those “oh fuck” situations they use in the Army Corps. of Engineers basic training (do they have that?) to scare the newbies. (YOU CALL THAT A TRUSS, SOLDIER?! THAT TRUSS AIN’T FIT TO SUPPORT YOUR MOMMA’S BE-HIND!! DO IT AGAIN!!) I haven’t had much of a chance to get out and help, much less take any proper pictures, because I’ve been dreadfully ill and cooped up at home, shivering and sweating while my friends and colleagues bravely sandbagged and soldiered on (easily one of the most frustrating and helpless weekends of my life, but anyways). I had to get out today and see some of it for myself. The above picture is where I used to live, Market Street Apartments. While I was out, I ran into a friend that still lives there on the first floor — leaning against a wall on 3rd just crying her eyes out. Shit’s real. It’s not getting a lot of national attention, but it’s real.

How can you help? Well, just go here. Also, keep your eye on this. And if you’re in the Nashville area and I catch you watering your lawn, I’m gonna forcefeed you pictures of the Ghost Ballet until your eyeballs explode.

Gabriel

Meet Gabriel. Gabriel allowed me to take a few photos when I ran into him manning the elevator at the Hotel del Coronado this week.

gird yourself

… for a really terrible pun. Sorry, that was bad, but truss me — I won’t do it again. So yeah. I will not miss sitting in traffic at this particular intersection, but at least it’s photogenic now and then.

New Orleans

I had the opportunity to visit New Orleans for the weekend: a quick whirlwind of food and drink to celebrate the Chinese new year. On Saturday, after a healthy (i’ll keep telling myself that) quantity of food and drink, I got a kind offer from a local to visit a spot he knew on the river with a good view of downtown. He said he enjoyed showing off his town — a sentiment I can relate to. I wish I had more time to explore.. Next time!

snowy broadway

a race car

I find myself taking pictures of cars a lot lately, for some reason. And snow, but that one’s a little easier to explain.

rear end

street

In which I inadvertently channel Edward Hopper.

colors

last call

In no way am I trying to capitalize on the popularity of Jersey Shore, I swear. Back when I worked on second avenue, my office was above a coffee/ice cream shop that capitalized on its location on the weekends by selling “last minute” beer. When 2:50AM or so rolled around, the coolers would be emptied of ice cream, six-packs of hard lemonade and cheap light beer would magically appear, and a queue would form — mostly people that needed anything but more alcohol. The questionable wisdom and legality aside, it sure attracted a motley crew, as this picture can attest.

sunrise

frost

It’s cold out. The formerly slush-like blood of my Wisconsin childhood has thinned out into a runny mockery of its former self.. Nothing a thick cardigan can’t fix, though.

no re-entry

curry village

I took this picture in Yosemite at curry village last year — you know, back in the aughts. It drives me nuts that it’s not in focus, but I still love it anyway. It was one of those “la la la oh crap i really need to be taking a picture of this with my camera that is TOTALLY NOT READY” moments.

union station

a foggy day

… in London town. It had me low, and it had me down. Okay, technically I took this last night. And it’s Nashville, not London.

WKDF

I spent some quality time in the rain with my new best friend.. I really wish the radio station advertised on the top of the Stahlman building was one cooler than WKDF. You know, like some imaginary radio station that’s actually still cool.