On the Teleportaloo

The view from King Mountain, Autostitched on iPhone

2010-07-25T08:18:00.001-07:00

The view from King Mountain, Autostitched on iPhone
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

This was the steepest hike I think we've ever done! 2000ft in 2.5 miles.

Waiting for an iPad ebook reader

2010-05-08T15:22:00.000-07:00

I've been reading eBooks for years, ever since I had a Handspring Visor in 2000 and got my books from Peanut Press and Fictionwise.com. Peanut Press became eReader.com, and I read their books on my Pocket PC when I got that, I went through two Pocket PCs, in 2005 I got a Dell Axim X50v (still sitting on my desk), and I read many eBooks on that too. Then I got an iPhone. When apps became available it took a while, several months I think, before eReader got their act together to make an iPhone app, so in 2008 I could stop using my Pocket PC. It was great! I read even more books, really long books too, and things were good. Stanza came out which was a better app, and eBooks seemed to be coming into their own. Now *everybody* is doing eBooks. Amazon Kindle, Apple's iBooks, Barns and Noble's Nook, and the venerable eReader still exists. Things started to happen:

Amazon purchased Stanza.
Fictionwise purchased eReader.
Barnes and Noble purchased Fictionwise.
The iPad came out, and Apple started iBooks.

I emailed Fictionwise last week, to find out when they were going to do with the iPad. Other people say that Fictionwise is dead, and that they have no plans to update any eReader software for the iPad. However, this is response that I got:

We have not announced a date for native support of iPad at this time. Look for future announcements in our newsletters.

Calm down people! It took a while for eReader to get their act together to get their reader on the iPhone. I reckon it will take time for Barnes and Noble/Fictionwise/eReader to get their act together to get an eReader for the iPad. I can be patient.

Green Means Go!

2009-09-13T17:16:00.001-07:00

Green Means Go!
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

It was fun getting VIP tickets on the first Green Line train. (To get the tickets you just had to go to a store in downtown Portland and say the secret password - "Green Means Go!").

However, I imagined VIP meant champagne and nibbles. Actually it meant we got a seat, which was really great as the train was very full indeed. Very full.

Herne Bay Cat Flap

2009-08-09T17:25:00.001-07:00

Herne Bay Cat Flap
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

That is one hell of a high cat flap.

Behind every great man...

2009-07-19T00:21:00.001-07:00

Behind every great man...
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

... is a lawyer?

Try missing a few payments

2009-07-19T00:20:00.001-07:00

Try missing a few payments
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

It's been a long time since I posted. Maybe it's the twittering and the facebooking....

30th sign on the B-H

2009-02-07T17:31:00.001-08:00

Procrastinate now don't put it off
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

This is the 30th different sign I have photographed on the Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway.

Who doesn't love a baby elephant?

2009-01-02T20:17:00.001-08:00

Samudra - Oregon Zoo's Baby Elephant
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

The zoo was really empty last week. Lots of building work, but no rain. Samudra, the baby elephant was out playing with some Christmas Tree foliage. So cute!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, we need to brush the snow off thee

2008-12-14T10:41:00.001-08:00

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, we need to brush the snow off thee
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Our Christmas Tree has been delivered...

One year ago today...

2008-11-16T16:57:00.001-08:00

Lover's Cove Panorama
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

... we were on an Island on the great barrier reef, snorkeling from a coral beach, lazing around and relaxing.

I remember it well, as it was my 39th birthday and we were in Queensland, Australia, just hanging out.

PDX Bus application & a new blog

2008-09-15T20:10:00.000-07:00

I've written an iPhone app! It needed a support web page, so I gave it its own blog. Here's the blurb from the iPhone app store:

PDX Bus is an application that displays arrival times for public transport in Portland, Oregon.

This little application quickly accesses TriMet's tracking data displaying arrival times perfectly formatted for the iPhone. It allows you to bookmark frequently used stops, displays recently accessed stops, and gives details for arrivals which are en-route.

It also works with Google maps, showing locations of stops, and when available, the last known position of the bus or train.

Route and arrival data provided by permission of TriMet.

Eagles may soar but weasels don't get sucked into jets.

2008-09-11T22:26:00.001-07:00

Eagles may soar...
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

The sign is in Portland, Oregon. (On the Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway, between Portland and Beaverton). I have no affiliation - I just drive or ride the bus past the sign most days. The sign is located here (via mapquest).

Oregon State Fair Pictures! Dogs, Piggies, Goats.

2008-08-31T18:12:00.001-07:00

Dog agility at the state fair
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

The Oregon State Fair was everything I expected it to be: terrible food, fun animals and scarily maintained fairground rides!

I loved the dog agility trials. I wonder what a Great Dane would make of all the jumps and stuff?

I created a Flickr set of my favorite pictures.

Portland sign has letters stolen! Bettr Return 'Em

2008-08-10T15:54:00.001-07:00

Stolen Letters! Bettr Return 'Em
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Someone stole some letters from the Courtesy Autocare Sign. Please bring them back. We like the sign! I like the BETTR Internet contraction. Maybe they didn't have enough Es left?

The sign is in Portland, Oregon. (On the Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway,
between Portland and Beaverton). I have no affiliation - I just drive
or ride the bus past the sign most days. The sign is located here (via mapquest).

Here is a cool link to Flash Earth which gives a satellite image of the sign!

Two rays of sunshine attract a cat each

2008-07-26T23:48:00.001-07:00

Two rays of sunshine attract a cat each
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

What can I say? They likes a ray of sunshine.

Sign offering a free ride in a police car...

2008-07-19T20:09:00.001-07:00

Free Ride in a Police Car
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

... but only if you shoplift. Pity the store was shut as this seems like a great offer!

Sped up video of 4 mile long bridge

2008-07-14T19:48:00.001-07:00

Astoria-Megler Bridge
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger

Another speeded up video. This one is of driving along the Astoria Bridge. It really does look 4 miles long when you get to the top and look down!

Dismal Nitch Sign

2008-07-13T20:44:00.001-07:00

Dismal Nitch
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

This place is actually quite nice - shady with good views of the Astoria bridge.

Funny name.

Part of the Lewis and Clark National Park. This site is in Washington.

Today's Sad iPhone Story

2008-07-11T20:39:00.001-07:00

Guard iPhone
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Today I left home at 6:30 and got in line at the Apple store for a 3G iPhone. I was there at 6:45, listening to my old phone and ready to wait (no coffee!). I was excited; I don't usually do this sort of thing, I thought it would be fun to be part of the moment (especially as I had been there when Steve Jobs announced it).

At 7:54 they opened the doors and the first people went in. We watched and waited... and waited.. at 8:45 some of them came out, it was taking 45 minutes to activate the phones! Wow. At this point several people left the line, including some people in front of me. The Apple staff were very friendly, told us what was happening and saying they hoped it would get better.

It got better. By 9:30 I was in! The Apple employee who helped me had purple hair and sparkly purple boots, he seemed as happy as I was. I picked my phone and additional stuff (Apple Care etc). Then I tried to pay.

The computer said no.

The computer said that I had a corporate discount so I needed to go to an AT&T store to buy a phone. Nooooo! I used to have a corporate discount but it didn't apply to the iPhone so I wasn't using it. So they gave me a phone to call AT&T, who said they had taken off the discount. Still no joy. They called AT&T. They put them on to me. It was not possible to activate at the Apple store period. They put me on hold and called around. The local AT&T stores were already out of phones. They had no process for me to buy a phone at the Apple store but activate it at the AT&T store. I was not allowed an iPhone.

So I left the Apple store and went to the AT&T store. I waited another 30 minutes to pre-order an iPhone which will take 10 days to arrive. (I didn't want to wait again and AT&T stores have so little stock).

Maybe one day I will have a new iPhone... I'll think twice about waiting in line again. I blame AT&T. Interestingly the Apple people did not blame anyone - the AT&T people blamed Apple. I blame AT&T's crazy processes.

Little video of my first spore creature!

2008-07-04T13:43:00.001-07:00

My first spore creature
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger

Isn't he sweet? www.spore.com.

Yet another funny portland sign, "A word to the wise..."

2008-06-29T00:04:00.001-07:00

A word to the wise...
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

"A word to the wise is not necessary the stupid ones need it"

Latest sign on the Beaverton-Hillsdale highway.

The sign is in Portland, Oregon. (On the Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway,
between Portland and Beaverton). I have no affiliation - I just drive
or ride the bus past the sign most days. The sign is located here (via mapquest).

Here is a cool link to Flash Earth which gives a satellite image of the sign!

Charging station at Sacremento Airport

2008-06-22T10:58:00.001-07:00

Charging station at Sacremento Airport
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Lots of different plugs and wires for the dedperate gadget lover!

Sea Lions look like Sea Dogs to me!

2008-06-20T22:38:00.001-07:00

Sea World: Another Sea Lion
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Here is a picture of a Sea Lion I took at Sea World. They look so much like dogs!

(A few other pics from Sea World here).

Morning View in SD

2008-06-20T07:50:00.001-07:00

Morning View in SD
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Not too shabby. But what is that strange tower exactly?

Pixs of Amazing Blown Glass, San Francisco

2008-06-16T22:53:00.000-07:00

In San Francisco I took some pictures of the totally amazing Chihuly glass exhibition. Here is a Flickr Slide Show of the best pictures. The exhibition was awesome!

WWDC: Bare Naked Ladies, from behind!

2008-06-12T21:46:00.001-07:00

WWDC: Bare Naked Ladies, from behind!
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

San Francisco.

My current iPhone wallpaper... Tonks!

2008-06-11T15:15:00.001-07:00

My current iPhone wallpaper... Tonks!
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Tonks reaching out to grab the phone! Her ears make me laugh.

WWDC pic - see the nerds, all in a row...

2008-06-10T22:30:00.001-07:00

See the nerds, all in a row...
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

A row of people using the plug-in station at WWDC. Laptop batteries do not last all day.

Waiting for Steve Jobs: 24s video - huge Press Corp and Japanese reporter

2008-06-09T22:00:00.001-07:00

Waiting for Steve Jobs: 24s video - huge Press Corp and Japanese reporter
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger

I was sitting right next to the press. There was a Japanese reporter trying to do something but the music was so very loud.

(Taken at the Moscone West Conference Center, San Francisco).

Waiting for Steve Jobs: 14s panoramic video of crowd while waiting

2008-06-09T21:58:00.001-07:00

Waiting for Steve Jobs: 14s panoramic video of crowd while waiting
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger

The music was really loud. Steve Jobs was about to come on and announce the 3G iPhone.

(Moscone West Conference Center, San Francisco).

WWDC: view from my seat, just sat down. 4 hour wait...

2008-06-09T10:47:00.001-07:00

WWDC: view from my seat, just sat down. 4 hour wait...
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Just sat down; starts in 5 mins!

WWDC line has been herded - 4 people wide now...

2008-06-09T06:46:00.001-07:00

WWDC line has been herded - 4 people wide now...
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

We are now 4 people wide as line was too long.

People are throwing T-Shirts at us. I think I'm relatvely close to the
front. I've been photographed & videod too. Crazy world!

Nerds in line for WWDC keynote

2008-06-09T05:53:00.001-07:00

Nerds in line for WWDC keynote
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

5:50am lone for 10am Steve Jobs keynote. I'm there too. Tired but
excited!

WWDC here we come! It's huge!

2008-06-08T18:29:00.001-07:00

WWDC here we come! It's huge!
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Taken outside the conference center, San Francisco. This is Apple's
big conference. I'm excited & worried,as I need to line up at 5am for
a 10am keynote. This is a lot of waiting!

(test) A funny Sydney Sign

2008-06-01T16:44:00.001-07:00

(test) A funny Sydney Sign
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

This post is to test Flickr, Blogger & Twitter. This should post to
all 3 services with one email from my iPhone. I'm testing it as I'll
be using it next week.

The sign was in a Sydney train station. I thought it was funny as it
rules out all kinds of smoking just in case anyone wasn't sure.

Max: 38 minute train ride reduced to 67 seconds

2008-05-03T00:11:00.001-07:00

Max: 38 minute train ride reduced to 67 seconds
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger

I've been having fun with a little video recorder. This *was* a 38 minute video of my ride to work from PGE Park to Fair Complex on the Blue Max Line. I speeded it up to 67 seconds. The sqeaking is a conversation. The train sounds like a dentist drill.

I also did a 7 minute long version on YouTube.

Hai Mister Rat! Jump this way pleez

2008-04-30T21:59:00.001-07:00

Hai Mister Rat! Jump this way pleez
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Couldn't resist. They love the TV now.

Extreme Pessimism

2008-04-27T17:37:00.001-07:00

Extreme Pessimism
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Wow - talk about talking ourselves into a resession!

Flickr does video; coincidentally I got a video camera

2008-04-13T18:49:00.001-07:00

Flip Video: Tonks has a little tail
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger

Just as I decided to buy a $140 "Flip Video Ultra" camera, Flickr decides to support short videos. Here is my first posting - one of my cat's deformed tail.

Her tail has a little kink in the end too, but this is normal for this mutation.

Marital Strife?

2008-04-12T14:44:00.001-07:00

Marital Strife?
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Saw this near my house. Made me laugh. :-)

Sammy

2008-03-16T17:24:00.001-07:00

Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

My friends had a baby yesterday. Ken is holding him. Ken didn't want anyone else to hold him!

Flash Mob in front of Powell's Books

2008-02-24T22:45:00.001-08:00

Frozen Flash Mob 4
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Yesterday I was "tipped off" about a possible Flash-mob outside of Powell's books - it was hinted that they would freeze like some folks did in the Grand Central Station in NYC.

So at 3:15 I was there with my camera and they did it! It was weird, suddenly it got crowded, then they stopped, then just as suddenly they all started moving again. There were people eating bananas, kissing, pointing, taking photos, busking, smoking, all frozen.

I love Portland.

(Some more Flickr pics here, obviously the pictures don't do it justice!).

Red Moon

2008-02-20T21:26:00.001-08:00

Eclipse
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Sweet Eclipse! (Taken by lugging tripod to Gabriel park and standing in the cold while talking to dog-walkers).

20th Picture of that sign!

2008-02-14T23:43:00.000-08:00

Wow - that was there 20th picture of that sign on Flickr. Here is a slideshow!

The sign is in Portland, Oregon. (On the Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway, between Portland and Beaverton). I have no affiliation - I just drive or ride the bus past the sign most days. The sign is located here (via mapquest). Here is a cool link to Flash Earth which gives a satellite image of the sign!

Unlogical

2008-02-14T22:35:00.001-08:00

Unlogical
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Sign on the Beaverton Hillsdale library, which I think is actually totally wrong. The world is logical; it is people that are not!

Got Domesticated!

2008-02-09T18:10:00.001-08:00

Got Domesticated!
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Oregon's new Domestic Partner Law suddenly came into effect on Monday (yeah!) but we couldn't get hitched then as we the prof had to teach. So we made plans to do it first thing on Tuesday so he could go to work in the afternoon.

But the plans had to change as our car broke down. I had it towed away on Monday night. So, I went by bus and the prof cycled down to the county offices which are over the river from our house. We got there just before it opened and so were the first ones in line, but actually there wasn't a big crowd. It was really cold and wet, not a nice day at all. There was a bunch of very helpful volunteers there to help out (the form needed to be notarized by a volunteer), but we had all the forms printed and filled out online, so we just chatted with the volunteers until the doors opened. Then we went to the clerk who stamped it and gave us certified copies. It was a bit like going to the Post Office! On the way out the volunteers all clapped and we exchanged some rings (Ken doesn't like to wear rings so he has the option to wear his on a choker). They took a photo for us but I don't like it much... then we went to work - I was only an hour late!

Now we get to be able to visit each other in hospital if we ever needed to. The ring feels funny, and will probably vanish in a puff of smoke when we cross state lines.

p.s. the car has been fixed.

Getting Hitched on Tuesday

2008-02-03T12:05:00.001-08:00

Squared Circle: The Wedding band will be used!
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Yea! The judge decided that Oregon's initiative process is fair after all, so after 20 years we can get some legal recognition in the jurisdiction that we live in. The ring will vanish in a puff of smoke as we cross state lines, so I guess we'd better not leave Oregon again...

We can't do it on Monday as the Prof. has to teach. We'll be doing it at 8am on Tuesday (at the Multnomah County Clerk's office), then we'll both go to work as normal, weighed down by our new bling.

Dot Mac

2008-01-27T15:22:00.001-08:00

DOT I signed up for Doc Mac which means I get even more web space to play with in addition to space from comcast, this blog and my domain provider. Does anyone have any ideas what to do with it? So far I put up a few pages to play with iWeb, but it there is no content there. I have no more content! See http://mac.teleportaloo.org.

Hallo! Does I look fat in this box?

2008-01-06T23:53:00.001-08:00

Hallo! Does I look fat in this box?
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

That cat will jump into a box of any size. (This is the box for a TiVo external hard drive).

Squared Circle: Unusable White Gold Wedding Band

2007-12-30T00:06:00.001-08:00

Squared Circle: Unusable White Gold Wedding Band
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

I was going to use this wedding band on Wednesday after getting an Oregon Domestic Partnership. Now I can't as a judge blocked the law over an initiative counting procedure.

Meet Tonks!

2007-12-17T13:33:00.000-08:00

On Thursday we went to the Oregon Humane Society and picked up a second cat as "company" for our 7 year old cat Snitch. We are slowly introducing them, using a protocol recommended by the Humane Society and our vet - the new cat lives mostly in one "safe room" and we introduce them slowly. So far, Snitch does not seem happy with the idea of a new cat in the house and hisses whever she sees Tonks, so we are taking it even more slowly...

More Oz Pics: Signs and Skies

2007-12-11T15:38:00.000-08:00

I created two more sets of pics: Australian Skies, just like the one below: ... and Signs and Squircles like this evil Koala:

Aussie Zoo Animals

2007-12-03T22:55:00.000-08:00

Here is a Koala and her little baby (aaaw!). Today's pix are Aussie Zoo animals...

Manly Lifeguard

2007-12-02T22:15:00.000-08:00

There is a place near Sydney called Manly. Naturally they have lifeguards on their beaches. Here is a picture of a Manly Lifeguard :-) I've posted my beach pictures to flickr.

Sydney Opera House Pictures

2007-12-01T23:39:00.000-08:00

I've posted some more pictures from Australia. This set has a bunch of pictures of Sydney Opera House (inside, outside, and from the harbour!).

Paronella Park Pics Posted

2007-11-29T22:54:00.001-08:00

Flying Fox Yawns
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

I've posted a second set of pictures from Australia - these were taken at Paronella Park, Queensland. This is run-down tropical castle and grounds, built by sugar cane farmer, and very photogenic!

See this Flickr set...

Wild Wallaby and Joey

2007-11-28T23:59:00.000-08:00

Wild Wallaby and Joey
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

On my birthday (November 16th) we stumbled across this Wallaby and her little joey on Daydream Island, Queensland, Australia.

We are back now from sunny down-under, and I am uploading photos. The first batch has been uploaded - Wild Animals (not zoo).

Fancy a swim, anyone? (by iPhone)

2007-11-19T22:51:00.001-08:00

Fancy a swim, anyone? (by iPhone)
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

This sign is near the beach close to my house... The beach itself
looks lovely, yet is deadly!

Taken in Mission Beach, Queensland, Australia.

Sea Monster

2007-11-15T00:01:00.001-08:00

Sea Monster
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Taken between Snorkel sessions on the Great Barrier Reef near the
Whitsunday Islands, Queensland Australia.

Morning view by iPhone

2007-11-12T23:08:00.001-08:00

Morning view by iPhone
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Not bad to have to wake up to this! Tomorrow we go snorkelling on the
Great Barrier Reef. Can't wait!

Koala encounters iPhone

2007-11-11T01:56:00.001-08:00

Koala encounters iPhone
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Sydney Zoo offers Koala encounters for $20, and we couldn't resist. No
touching allowed! This 2 year old marsupial wasn't impressed by the
phone.

Sydneysiders can hug trees (by iPhone)

2007-11-10T12:52:00.001-08:00

Sydneysiders can hug trees (by iPhone)
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

This is the sign posted by Sydney's most famous park. I was amused
because American signs usually say more about what you can't do!

Sydney Opera House by IPhone

2007-11-09T14:26:00.001-08:00

Sydney Opera House by IPhone
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Taken at night then emailed! Sydney very friendly and interesting.

Australia here we come!

2007-11-07T12:08:00.000-08:00

I'm on vacation - I may send iPhone pictures occasionally! Here is my twitter feed:

Twitter Updates

Tea Bag

2007-11-03T17:04:00.001-07:00

Tea Bag Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Friday was my last day at work this year! No, I'm not changing jobs or getting laid off, I work for a company which gives its employees a two month paid sabbatical after every 7 years of service. When I left work on Friday I had this whole bag of stuff that I use to make tea - and stuff left over from other activities. There is tea that I got on-line from ww.adagioteas.com, a tea maker, several cups (one of tea, one for coffee), and lots of empty tins from tea samplers. A coworker offered to help me carry it all out to the car! Hmm. I feel I need a cup of tea right now.... p.s. I'm off to Australia next week.

Never Say Anything... and Google Streetview

2007-10-14T22:48:00.001-07:00

Never Say Anything
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

"Never say anything more predictive than watch this"

This sign is now on Google Streetview, but I'm not sure what it says!
StreetView.

WiFi problem

2007-10-06T13:58:00.001-07:00

Fuzzy WiFi problem
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

I is on yr wifi
killin yr tubes

Cute Doggie!

2007-09-28T08:19:00.001-07:00

Cute Doggie!
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

All the pictures of China are now posted on a Flickr, but every now and again I post a new one.

I think this looks like Phoebe. Maybe.

Chinese Demon Head

2007-09-16T10:39:00.001-07:00

Chinese Demon Head
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

We are now back from China, jet lagged, and with nasty colds. I've started to post pictures to Flickr, just one set so far - a broken down theme park to Chinese hell. These photos were one of the main reasons for going - we had to hire a driver to take us there especially, which was an adventure in itself as we nearly lost him!

Gone to China

2007-09-03T09:04:00.000-07:00

I'm off to China for two weeks vacations, and hopefully lots of nice pictures! Here is my Twitter blog for this trip - http://twitter.com/bobrew. Below is a automatically updating copy of the last 5 entries:

China Trip Twitter Mini-Blog

Dogs just want to have fun

2007-08-26T22:35:00.001-07:00

Run away, before she shakes!
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Watching a dog play in a mountain lake is amazing, they look like they are having the time of their life, It reminded me that simple things can be the most fun.

(This is Meghan at Mirror Lake, near Government Camp, close to Mount Hood, Oregon).

Starbucks Bike Blender

2007-08-19T12:17:00.001-07:00

Starbucks Bike Blender
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

This is me blending a free Blueberry Frappacino in Multnomah Villiage. I think this is not a good way to lose weight as I'm sure the sweat beverage provides many more calories than I burned.

(It did prove, however, that my back is better enough for me to ride a bike, so I used the stationary bike at home. I need to lose some pounds now, and I have no excuse).

I should have been doing the bridge pedal

2007-08-12T12:50:00.001-07:00

Bottleneck getting on the Springwater Corridor
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

I've participated in the Providence Bridge Pedal nearly every year I've been here (except 2 now). This year I chose not to do it as I have a bad back. In fact I spent Sunday morning lying on the floor of my sun room, wondering if I was going to be able to get up soon, as my back had a painful muscle spasm. I did make it up after about 90 minutes, but it wasn't fun. The Vicodin and Flexeril don't seem to be doing their job any more, and it has been a week now... I'm not good at being ill! :-(

Portland Oregon: TriMet Max Lines Cross

2007-07-29T16:45:00.001-07:00

Portland Oregon: TriMet Max Lines Cross
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

All the trains have stopped today - one new train line is being built across the others.

Strange Mirror Boxes, Downtown Portland

2007-07-29T16:37:00.001-07:00

Strange Mirror Boxes, Downtown Portland
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

What are they for? How very mysterious!

Youth and Skill are no match for old age and treachry (sic)

2007-07-16T23:10:00.001-07:00

Youth and Skill are no match for old age and treachry (sic)
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Spelling?

Sunset behind Astoria-Megler Bridge

2007-07-16T08:03:00.001-07:00

Sunset behind Astoria-Megler Bridge #1
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

A weekend in Astoria on the Oregon coast included this light show behind the bridge to Washington. Everyone had their cameras out.

Guard iPhone

2007-07-13T15:38:00.001-07:00

Guard iPhone
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Taken with my iPhone...

iPhone test picture

2007-07-08T21:57:00.001-07:00

iPhone test picture
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Sent from my iPhone

Which way to go?

2007-07-01T22:37:00.001-07:00

Hamilton Mountain sign
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

You have to choose between long and difficult, or short and more difficult. We chose the more difficult one to go up which I why my legs hurt now. The pictures from the easier one were better!

My first laptop

2007-06-17T09:36:00.001-07:00

Three Operating Systems at once
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

I bought my first ever (personal) laptop this week. I crossed over to the other side and purchased a MacBook Pro, which uses Intel's Santa Rosa platform. I can run Mac OS, Vista and Linux, all at the same time using Parallels, and I can book to Vista to play cool games.

The laptop is a little big, but so far I'm very happy with it. Nice new toy!

Whatever hits the fan will not be evenly distributed

2007-05-13T23:41:00.001-07:00

Whatever hits the fan will not be evenly distributed
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

This is so true - some people are like Teflon...

Another reason why I have an indoor cat...

2007-04-21T11:06:00.001-07:00

Hawk eats pidgen on my front lawn
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

This hawk was eating a pigeon on my front lawn on Friday evening. He wasn't too worried about the two mad photographers trying to get as close as possible, until one got just a little too close:

(p.s. I know it needs mowing again).

I've been Boing Boing'd!

2007-03-13T13:13:00.000-07:00

My panorama's of the Reed College flags have been mentioned on Boing Boing - one of the most visited blogs in the 'verse. Fame at last! Pity I'm at home sick so I can't really enjoy my 15 minutes of fame. :-(

Update 1: As mentioned on Boing Boing: The numbers are derived from the highly controversial Lancet study that used unverified sampling methodology. Iraq Body Count, which documents verifiable deaths, currently places the number of civilians killed at over an order of magnitude less—at maximum, 64,444. This is why I mentioned that I wasn't sure if the numbers were correct. See here. Also, I feel I should point out that the red flags were not distributed evenly amongst the white; there was a large square of them.

Update 2: There is some debate at BB as to if these numbers are good or not, it seems that the controversy could be more political than scientific . Their methodology may not have been so suspect...see This American Life.

The voices are not real but they do have some good ideas

2007-03-11T14:19:00.001-07:00

The voices are not real but they do have some good ideas
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Finally. a sign I can really relate to!

Photogenic war protest and memorial

2007-03-10T17:03:00.001-08:00

360 Panorama: Reed College War Memorial and Protest Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

I stumbled across this protest/memorial at Reed College today, as I was looking for something to photograph with my new Canon XTI Digital SLR. This is a 360 degree panorama of the front of the college after someone had placed 123,000 little flags on the lawn. (You can also see it displayed in a viewer, or much bigger). Each red flag represents a US solder who has died in the war; each white represents 6 Iraqis who has died. (I can't vouch for the accuracy of the numbers). The sight was impressive and quite moving.

Things they don't tell you when you go skiiing for the first time

2007-03-04T08:06:00.000-08:00

(View of Mount Hood from Bruno Ski Lift)

It's a different world up there, like the rules of physics were replaced with more slippery ones.
Try not to lose your ski pass while being distracted by equipement. (I found it again!).
The boots come in half sizes. (My big toes hurt all day - I wasn't sure if that was normal, really I needed a half size bigger).
The bunny slope is the most crowded part of the resort.
Some ski instructors are experienced, patient and helpful. continuing to give you tips and help after the lesson is over. (Unlike some snowboard instructors I could mention).
How do you decide to leave the bunny slope and go on a real one?
The "Pucci" run in Timberline isn't totally an easy "green" slope. Part of it is blue. There is no green slope all the way to the bottom. It seems very, very steep compared to Bruno.
Light snow is great fun to fall into.
The "Pucci" run is fantastic fun in light of (8) and (4) especially if you have a little confidence and don't care about throwing yourself down if you feel out of control, and you have some more experienced friends to encourage you (I only threw myself down 3 or 4 times!).
The "Pucci" run is scary and not fun if you aren't quite ready and you don't want your friends to watch. (One of our party not have a good time on that slope, we waited at the end).
Bruno seems tame after Pucci, but there is nothing in between, and so even the people who didn't like Pucci realized that Bruno is dull but Pucci is still to advanced.
They forgot to tell us about sunburn. I look like a raccoon now, and my face hurts more than my legs, back and toes ache!
Another go on the mountain with some more lessons is a MUST, especially a lesson on a real slope.

(Update: looking at the map today, it seems there are easier runs (e.g. Glade). Next time we'll check the map!)

By the time you make ends meet they move the ends

2007-02-03T17:17:00.001-08:00

By the time you make ends meet they move the ends
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Latest sign no the Beaverton-Hillsdale highway.

The sign is in Portland, Oregon. (On the Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway,
between Portland and Beaverton). I have no affiliation - I just drive
or ride the bus past the sign most days.

Here is a new feature of Flickr - a map with photos on it. Nice!

Skiers expecting to ski down Pill Hill

2007-01-27T18:54:00.001-08:00

Skiers expecting to ski down Pill Hill Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

This group of skiers, all dressed up for the new tram which goes to the, er, hospital. They had loud music and danced; they spoke with German accents and were very excited about "ze ski jumps" and snow which would be greeting them at the top. This was taken from the tram on the way down, so I knew what would really be greeting them. Taken on the Grand Opening Day of the Portland Aerial Tram, see the full set of pictures on Flickr. Here's another one:

Surprise Chelsea Buns came in the mail!

2007-01-20T13:15:00.000-08:00

We got a very, very nice surprise on Friday, a little bit of England arrive in the mail. A slightly heavy small box sent via airmail...

Which turned out of be four Fitzbillies Chelsea buns from our good friends The Wartnabies! How very nice indeed.

We heated up two of 'em and ate 'em after dinner, while watching an Inspector Morse from Netflix. Very, very tasty indeed, it brought back so many memories of the 5 years we lived in Cambridge.

Adam, my room mate (now moved back to NZ) worked in Fitzbillies for a while and we'd often take visitors there. It is opposite the Fitzwilliam Museum, which we visited in January. We didn't make it to Fitzbillies so this was a special treat.

Thanks Very Much Clare, Charie, Georgie and Ros, what a lovely surprise!

Yeah! A snow day in Portland

2007-01-16T14:47:00.001-08:00

Up the Garden Path
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Here is my garden in the snow, this almost looks black and white. I worked from home but did manage to go out and have some fun in the snow. I always feel guilty on snow days, especially as this is the time of year when I have the most work.

Snow is getting rarer and rarer it seems, so for once I'm happy to make the most of it.

Updates done - label cloud added

2007-01-14T17:50:00.001-08:00

Mauna Kea Clouds, Hawai'i
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

All done now! Tweaking the styles has it almost like it was before, but now I can more easily add sections, and I've added a label cloud which shows all the labels and allows me to characterize each posting.

My favorite cloud is is Autocare Sign.

Normal service will now be resumed.

This blog will look a bit wobbly while I update it!

2007-01-14T16:45:00.000-08:00

I'm working on modernizing the technology used for this blog, but without changing the actual layout just yet. For a few hours this blog will look funny as I sort it all out and re-work my layout using the fancy new interface.

Moved!

2007-01-13T17:50:00.000-08:00

http://blog.teleportaloo.org

UPDATED!

I moved the blog to my own domain, as the domain wasn't getting used much, and I might as well use it. I also didn't like the name of the old blog very much, the domain name is funnier.

Update 1: Originally I tried hosting the blog myself, but it is already too big! I'm editing this post as I try different things. Right now I've set up a new domain so that the http://blog.teleportaloo.org will work. Currently I'm waiting for the DNS changes to propagate; once they are done I'll make the switch. The link won't work until I do!

Update 2: After a couple of hours the subdomain started to work, so I did do it right. I'm going to delete all the files from my ISP as blogger is actually hosting them still. Links to the old page will still work too, so this is pretty groovy. Google rocks!

Update 3: And I changed the name of the blog. Why not? It has been 3 years now, and I feel like a change.

Taken in Canterbury, England:

It's a sign!

2007-01-12T18:14:00.001-08:00

Comet McNaught cropped Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

This is Comet McNaught over Gabriel Park, Portland, Oregon. We got to the hill about 10 minutes before sunset, and then about 25 other people turned up with binoculars. The tail was very visible. Just before we left (about 5:30) a man turned up with a telescope and son in tow but he was too late, the time in the Oregonian had been wrong! Here is a bigger version:

Here is one with an airplane (to the right and above the aircraft):

I've seen the truth & it makes no sense, winter tire and service

2007-01-09T22:08:00.001-08:00

I've seen the truth & it makes no sense, winter tire and service
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Maybe I'll need those winter tires - snow is on the way, it was hailing tonight.

Back in PDX, took a few pictures...

2006-12-31T12:51:00.001-08:00

London in the Fog
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

So we are finally back in PDX fron the UK, probably too jet-lagged to stay up tonight, but after two weeks of visiting I'm not too bothered about one early night.

The journey back was not fun: 2 and a 1/2 hours in the line for security at Gatwick - door-to-door (Cambridge UK to Hillsdale OR) it took 24 hours. We had special searching from the Dept. of Ag. because of the food we brought back (pickles, mostly), and after customs you have to go thru security again, so you must remember to re-pack your duty free you just bought in the checked luggage as suddenly it isn't safe any more (it was safe accross the Atlantic!).

The nice thing was that the pet sitting neighbors left milk,eggs,bread and juice which was very welcome indeed.

(Blogged from my Nintendo DS, using their Opera web browser, not available in the US, probably won't post from it again, keyboard is awkward, browsing is quite nice).

Foggy Christmas in England

2006-12-25T05:34:00.001-08:00

Foggy Christmas in England
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

(This picture will get updated later with a bigger one).

This was taken from the London Eye. I was lucky not to get caught in the big transport problems, the day after I landed all London all the London airports were closed.

I got a SIM card for my phone - data rate is 0.73p per kb - that about 1.46c - it is amazing how quickly that adds up!

Mobile blogged via Flickr.com to

http://majorclanger.blogspot.com

Detroit Airport

2006-12-19T16:02:00.001-08:00

Detroit Airport
Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

I found some free WiFi outside a premier lounge. 5 hour layover on the way to UK, got some exercise walking the concourse...

Pic: nice fountain and Christmas music

Mobile blogged via Flickr.com to

http://majorclanger.blogspot.com

Andy Warhol is a Scream!

2006-11-25T16:06:00.001-08:00

Andy Warhol is a Scream! Originally uploaded by Major Clanger.

Made using an electronic Andy Warholizer (Ha! Another noun which has now been verbed. Calvin and Hobbes had it right when they said "Verbing Weirds Language").

So, what next? An electronic Picasso or Beethoven?
BTW - I'm sick - cough and cold, so I'm spending more time inside playing with the Internets. Can you tell?