Langlais Blog

This is great.

2008-03-20T19:01:00.001-07:00

Flick

2008-01-31T22:19:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-20T12:05:00.001-08:00

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

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

2008-01-20T11:59:00.001-08:00

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

Raaaaaaaiiiiii niiiiieeeeeeeeeerrrrrr Beeeeeeeeeerrrrr

2008-01-20T10:18:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-18T20:12:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-14T22:41:00.000-08:00

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

2007-07-21T18:52:00.000-07:00

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...

2007-01-07T14:42:00.000-08:00

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.

So, I know I am not the news, but...

2007-01-01T13:34:00.000-08:00

I do realize that this is not breaking news, and I am not a journalist. After some contemplation, I realized that this Blog is about my reaction to personal, local, and world events and how they might affect me. This is my forum to my friends. So it is in that vein that I am writing about this event. It is an event that has grabbed my attention. I must admit that I am deeply disturbed in two distinct manners with two very different causes.
The initial thought that I have regarding this is probably obvious. I am very concerned that global warming is occurring faster than anyone anticipated. Though I understand that we can reverse much of the damage, I am burdened with the thought that we are approaching the point in which too much damage has been done... I wish I had some whitty remark to say beyond that, but I suppose that my feelings, concerns, and thoughts are summed up succinctly with just those words.
My second concern is one that may magnify my initial. I have spoken to my friends about this (what I believe to be) noteworthy event, and they have not heard about it. But more disturbing, is that they don't care about it. Many people that I have talked with lately don't see global warming as an issue, or don't think that gloabl warming is an issue that really involves them. I don't view myself as an activist, tree-hugger, or hippie but I seem to be getting those looks from my friends when I bring this up.
Though I really wish that I had some other poignant words to share with you, I find myself lacking.
I urge you to read the following story though.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16390346/

Spoiled Felines

2006-10-16T22:00:00.000-07:00

Well, It's official. Our cats are the most priveleged beings on the face of the planet. We went out and bought them a new kitty gym. Needless to say, there has been a cat on it since. Check out some of these hilarious pictures. For those that might not know, Rainier (the cool cat) is the multi-colored cat and Lucy (the extremely moody cat) is the black one (with the small head). Enjoy.

1st Anniversary

2006-09-19T23:34:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Beth and I celebrated our first anniversary. We spent Saturday night at the W Hotel, which was incredible. And on Sunday we took a ride on The Spirit of Washington Dinner Train. Though the food was decent and the wine was alright, I don't think that we would do it again. Beth and I were nauseated about halfway to our destination. Ultimately, the weekend was tremendous. We ate our cake top and it was terrific. Thank you everyone who called or sent us a note.

Tough Morning

2006-09-09T20:38:00.000-07:00

Well, apparently it isn't a good idea for you to have a couple of Optimators (a strong, dark, German beer) on an empty stomach. Lucky for me, my wife is a nurse. I guess I will toss this in the lessons learned pile of memories...

P.S. That is blood on my pants (from starting the IV) and the wet spot on the couch is from the clean-up of blood on the couch.

P.P.S. This is the best cure for a hang-over I have ever found.

Blade Bicuspid

2006-08-27T18:09:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, I went on a backpacking trip through the Sawtooth wilderness in Idaho. The trip was about 40 miles, we spent four days and three nights on the trail. Though it was tough, it was one of the most beautiful trips that I have been on. Here are some pictures from the trip...

twenty six years

2006-06-07T23:01:00.000-07:00

Recently, I had the pleasure of celebrating the beginning of my 26th year on this planet. My family and I went east to our lake cabin. It was a relaxing trip that ended a little early. As usual, we spent time eating great food, reading great books, and playing games that spure on topics of conversation that are soon forgotten. The lake is definitely the best place to celebrate any occasion, I hope that all my friends and family will have the experience of a week at the lake.

tiptoe through the tulips

2006-04-13T17:49:00.000-07:00

The other day, Beth, Megan (Beth's old room mate), and I all went to the tulip festival in Mount Vernon. I must say that it was a great deal better last year. Last year there was only one place that chose to charge for entrance (we weren't too happy to hear about that). This year, there wasn't a place that didn't charge. I fear that soon all the small festivals that were fun because they were easy to go to and free, will go the way of Bumbershoot (a local music festival) and go corporate. Well, here is a picture of the Tulip Festival.

a new doma

2006-04-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

This is our new home. We have purchased a condo in Greenlake and love it. The cats seem to be a little more playful too.

2006-03-11T20:14:00.000-08:00

For those of you that weren't able to be there, this is my wedding day with Beth. Currently, it is my biggest and best adventure yet.

2006-03-11T19:43:00.000-08:00

My lovely wife and me in our favorite city, Seattle. You should come here and visit us someday.

2006-03-11T19:35:00.000-08:00

I will also post this picture of my brother, our good friend and essentially family member Meg, and myself at our lake cabin in Eastern Washington

Hello

2006-03-11T19:08:00.000-08:00

This is my first attempt at posting anything on the internet. It was inspired by John Leavell and Travis Strickland. I hope that you enjoy my future postings.