This is great.

Flick

I recently watched a movie called Once. I must say that this movie was original both in plot, format, and cinematography. It was truly a different picture. Not only was it different, but it was superb. If you have a chance, I recommend taking the hour and half out of your day to relax and enjoy this flick.

Rainier Beer - The Rave

I found this as well. It is also a classic.

Two of the greatest things in the world, beer and bikes

This is for those that might not understand the title of my post below.

Raaaaaaaiiiiii niiiiieeeeeeeeeerrrrrr Beeeeeeeeeerrrrr

I just discovered this this morning.

It makes me sad and I feel as though I needed to share this news.

I am sure that in a couple of years I will have forgotten this landmark that draws on my imagination to depict images from decades ago. I understand that the building was "dangerous" in its current condition. I might even think that what goes in the place of Rainier Cold Storage's place is an improvement. But today is a day that I need to mourn.





Though many might not even know of these buildings, I used to drive by them daily. They spoke of a different Seattle each time I drove by... often we over-state the truth in these matters, claiming something happens more often than it actually did. But in this case I am not. That is why I have such a connection to these buildings. Every time I drove by these giants of a century past, I was transported to Old Seattle. A place filled with people that were survivors. A population of worn and weary survivors. Gold miners from Alaska, loggers moving west, and sailors hailing from the reaches of the globe found Seattle. They made their homes in the place we call home, they conquered the mountains that surround our Eastern limits, and they returned to drink the sweet nectar that became Rainier Beer. Men with rugged beards and hands that would hide a Granny Smith or a Red Delicious. There were many tough generations that endured the dreary winters, finding solace in the aluminum can with a golden mountain and a scrawled red "R". These buildings transport my mind to the days of Seattle's Skid Row and . A time that shaped the city I love.



Yesterday, one of these buildings was destroyed. I am not sure if others will follow. Either way, a piece of Seattle's history was lost. A giant that looked down on Seattle's Hooverville is gone today.

Puppy Love

Well, I guess these pictures speak for themselves, my brother, Greg, and my dog, Walter. They seem to be fond of each other.

A Beautiful Danger

I am sure that many of you have heard about the large amount of accidents that have occurred this year in the great NW. Since this year has been such an exceptionally heinous year for snow-pack, I feel obligated to share my recent experience of an avalanche course. Last year we began in the classroom hearing lectures and reading books and packets. We went through our existing gear (transceiver, probe, and shovel) and talked about travel planning for the wintery backcountry. It was a great experience and I thank the instructors who offered their time and knowledge in an effort to save lives (they also happen to be volunteer ski patrol and search and rescue). Unfortunately, last year we had some poor weather conditions and were unable to perform our field day, we were forced to put it off for an entire year. However, that turned out to be a blessing in disguise. This year could not have offered a better snow pack for training (however, not for backcountry travel). Here are some pictures from our field day. On a side note, I would like to encourage everyone who reads this and enjoys winter sports (even snowshoeing and especially snow mobiling). I even ran into a group that had a person who had avalanche training, but had not checked forecasts, recent weather trends, or even examined the local snow pack at the trail head. Bottom-line, if you do decide to go through a class, remember that the information only helps if you apply it. Have a great time out there. I shall now leave me soap box.

A new vehicle

Well, I finally decided I could take it no longer. I just can't justify paying three dollars per gallon to not exercise and contribute to the congestion of the city. So I bought a bike and started riding to work. I bought this bike in mid-June (really it was a birthday present from Beth), and have already logged almost 400 miles. It has been awesome to ride to work throughout the last month or so. I only hope that I will be able to keep up the riding throughout the rainy months. I think that I will probably need to put some fenders on though. Possibly get a couple lights too.

See ya' on the roads.

A New Langlais...

Well, as you might have guessed, there is a new addition to our family. It took a long time, but Beth was finally able to convince me that the benefits would outweigh the costs. It is my pleasure to introduce to you, Walter Langlais. He loves sweaters and hates the cold; a wonderful mixture of Beth and I. Walter is by far the smallest addition to our family, but I am sure we will all be surprised by his future growth spurts. I know what you are saying at this point. "Eric, this is completely unexpected!" Well, I will be honest, Beth and I have been thinking about this for awhile now, though we have used some of our friends as spring boards for our thoughts and emotions, we have been, overall, fairly quiet about this decision process. Ultimately, I am sure that you will embrace him as part of our new family. Here are some pictures of Walter for your enjoyment.