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Helmet Cam of Scaffolding Workers, High Atop the Washington Monument

2013-05-17T13:04:33Z

Originally posted on the National Mall and Memorial Parks Facebook page, this helmet cam video shows a group of construction works setting up scaffolding high atop the Washington Monument.

Full screen recommended (although I had to look away more than once).

In addition to the dizzying heights, the guy who puts his foot up on the monument and yanks the scaffolding backwards totally freaked me out (0:25). Good lord.

Here’s a pretty interesting mention, from the people maintaining the FB page, about the spikes at the very top of the monument:

The spikes at the top are part of the lightning rod assembly for the monument. The actual tip of the monument is the symbolic feature. It is made of aluminum, at the time it was one of the rarest metals in the world. That particular part was the largest casting of that rare metal at the time.

While watching this, I kept wondering how awesome it would be to be a part of this crew. Not because of the heights (though if I could still my terror for a moment, I’m sure the view was phenomenal). But because of how few people I think have ever seen or touched the top of the monument. And how few ever would, in total.

There are jobs, and there is this job. Pretty cool stuff (even if it makes me clutch my chair, and a little sweaty).

[via MetaFilter]

David Bazan: Priests and Paramedics

2013-05-15T12:34:38Z

Since Monday, I took to listening to Control, by Pedro the Lion again. I think that Ben was the first person to introduce me to this album, many years ago… and it’s remained a favorite of mine ever since.

It’s been a really long time since I last listened to it, and hearing a few specific tracks again felt incredibly refreshing. Lately, as is my habit, I’ve been looping one song in particular, over and over again: Priests and Paramedics.

It’s a pretty dark song. And I remember discussing this (vaguely) with Ben, about how in the song the paramedics were offering comfort by lying, but the priest was doing just the opposite. Beyond the lyrics and the story though, I just seem to find the melody of this song incredibly attractive.

The song is within my range, and it’s difficult sometimes to not just start singing this song while listening to it, walking down the street. But I have to stop myself, because other people would just see some random guy walking around singing We’re gonna die, we’re all gonna die… could be twenty years, could be tonight.

I’d be singing it well, mind you. But still, probably best I keep it to myself for now.

For those curious to learn more about the song, check out this video featuring Bazan talking about the backstory.

Discovering a Warren of Baby Rabbits in the Backyard, Frankfort, IL

2013-05-14T18:57:17Z

In Frankfort, while visiting Bob and Julie… Liz and I got to see something pretty cool. Out in the backyard, Julie showed us a small patch of ground by one of her bushes.

There was a small bit of ground that was pulsing a little, moving around every so often. I didn’t know what was going on, but Liz (with a lot of hesitation) started to peel back the ground a little bit… and this is what we saw:

A warren of baby bunnies! For some reason, I initially thought they were squirrels, as I couldn’t really see anything other than a mass of fur. But after one or two of those guys started moving around, I saw a few legs and a few bunny ears.

We were very careful not to touch them, for fear that if we got our scent on the rabbits… the mom might not take care of them. But after watching them shiver in the cold for a bit, we tucked the ground back down and let them be.

The video doesn’t really do this justice – I’m not sure how many guys were tucked in that small patch of ground, but they were really packed in there. With the weather getting warmer now, I’m sure those guys will be out and about in the next few days.

Mother’s Day at the I-80 Flea Market

2013-05-13T13:20:36Z

Like last year, Liz and I went down to Frankfort to celebrate Mother’s Day at the I-80 Flea Market with Liz‘s mom. This flea doesn’t start until 7AM, but given the travel time… we still got up pretty early to get down there.

It was a surprisingly cold morning, given that it’s almost mid-May. And despite the fact that it was Mother’s Day, there was a decent-sized crowd that eventually filled the place.

Liz and Julie, with the long shadows of the morning, head out to check out their first vendor.

I parted off on my own, and wandered around a good deal. It had been a long time since I’d been to one of these things, and I felt awkward pulling out my camera and taking photographs. But eventually I started talking to a few vendors, and got into the old habit again: striking up conversations, asking questions, and then asking permission to take photos.

I had forgotten how friendly and nice most vendors are – if you express an interest in an item, they’re usually more than enthusiastic about telling you its history, how they acquired it, what they know about it. While some vendors are simply selling off old junk to get rid of it, many of them are collectors – passionate about a particular type of item, and very into the things they place on their tabletops.

On walking by this table, I spotted what looked like a set of vampire stakes. I had a hunch this was from the movie Blade, as there were a few other items around that were also from the movie (along with a pretty mint-condition bust of Wesley Snipes).

When I asked the vendor about this item, he told me that he collected lots of Blade memoribilia. He told me he bought two of everything, and when I asked him if he always kept one for himself… he told me that “one goes in the archives.”

I found out his name was Eric D. K. Reed, and that he normally sets up shop at Montana Charlie’s. But he was planning on cooking for some people later today, and needed to get an earlier start… and set up shop here, instead.

I also found out that he has a few “Blade guys” here at the I-80 Flea. And from what I saw, he had a ton of Blade-related stuff.

Case in point: the sword from Blade.

For whatever reason, when I go to flea markets… one object or one type of object usually catches my eye. It’s a bit like a theme that presents itself. And once I spot that thing, I’ll end up seeing it and focusing on it for the remainder of my visit. Starting with Eric’s table, I kind of marveled at all the various weapons that were available – and I ended up seeing weapons all over the place, at all the other vendor tables.

An interesting question that usually only gets asked at flea markets, I wondered to myself “Is $25 a good price for a spiked mace?” In hindsight, I think it was, and maybe could have talked Eric down to $20. I walked away, but as I did the 16-year-old in me was asking me what I was doing, if I was crazy, and why I was leaving our mace sitting there, unclaimed, on the table.

Funny thing I saw – next to the mace and other assorted weapons, I spotted a few first aid kits. Which makes a little bit of sense, if you stop and think about it.

Eric also had several old consoles for sale as well. While there aren’t a ton of PS3 items floating around, I definitely saw a good number of retro consoles and games. But Eric was one of the few vendors that had multiples: a Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and two Sony PS1′s.

If you’re interested in Eric’s stuff, he’s usually at Montana Charlie’s. But you can also get a hold of him via email or phone (708.334.1017).

At a nearby booth, I spotted two older telephones – and thought of our recent trip to Michigan, and how I kept seeing phones everywhere in all the antique stores we visited.

These two were the real deal – not replicas, and the older models where you’d have to click the mouthpiece holder a few times, to get connected with the operator. Who most likely was manning a switchboard (which I also stumbled across in Michigan).

Also spotted this box of old bottles. It made me think of my friend Maureen’s book, Killer Stuff and Tons of Money… and how her friend Curt Avery began his career collecting old bottles.

I found out from the vendor that these bottles were worth about $3-4 apiece. And look at that, they’re from Terre Haute, IN no less!

At first glance, the reversed text was what caught my eye. It was a strange thing to realize that the images were actually iron-on transfers… but that they were included with regular notebook paper, for schoolkids.

I was really torn about getting these, and should have asked how much the vendor was asking. Instead I just snapped a few photos. I’m guessing I could have maybe gotten them for $5 apiece, and maybe all three for $10 if I was lucky. But I have no idea – really should have asked.

A quick check on ebay shows that one of these guys is currently going for $12 and another is going for around $29. Missed opportunity?

A larger copy of an old Sears catalog. It’s similar to the one I found, as it’s also a replica of an older edition.

Who knew that there was a Welcome Back, Kotter board game? I saw a few episodes of this growing up, but never got into it much (beyond recognizing a few character’s names). Notably, the show featured an incredibly young John Travolta.

I wonder what the rules were to this? And again, in hindsight, I should have asked how much the vendor wanted for this game. I kept forgetting to do that.

In talking with the vendor, I found out he owns an Auction House nearby, along with a few other sellers. It’s the Frankfort Auction Gallery at 25109 S. Lagrange Road.

Also: a quick scan of e-bay shows that this game goes for around $20.

A series of older home catalogs. The vendor here spotted me eying these guys, and offered to sell all three to me for $5. They were cool, but I think I’m all catalog-ed out.

Spotted this small, toy sewing machine (Little Modiste). The seller was telling me it was a “Nazi” item, and pointed to the eagle logo on the cover. Not sure of this item’s true origins, as I’ve found a few other versions of this machine online that don’t seem to be specifically German.

I brought Liz back here to check this thing out, but she ended up passing on it (the seller wanted $50). But as luck would have it, she ended up buying a few storage boxes for $10.

A quick view of the growing crowd. Though it doesn’t look like it, there were a decent amount of folks here (the vendor rows are pretty spread apart from one another).

More weapons! This collection was from a kid who was moving out to Arizona, and was trying to get rid of some items so he wouldn’t have to pack them up. I asked if he was attached to any of them, but he seemed ok parting with most everything on the table.

At another table nearby, I find yet another spiked mace, but this time for $15. It’s a little smaller and less spikier, but that difference is reflected in the price. Flea markets and maces – who knew?

The selller at this table was named Daniel, and he was kind enough to let me photograph several of his items.

Not sure what this guy is, but it looks like a cross between Wolverine and Freddy Krueger.

This piece definitely drew a lot of comments and pauses, from people walking by. Situated strategically at the edge of the booth, it caused a lot of people to stop and stare.

It wasn’t until later, after I got home, that I realized this was a comic-related item… and that the metal chain thing is associated with Ghost Rider.

A case of throwing stars, which actually looked pretty darn neat. $8 for one seemed reasonable.

But if $8 was too much, you could get a basic throwing star for $2. On seeing these, I joked with Daniel that he was intentionally trying to make it so I’d buy a throwing star.

If you like what you see here, check out Daniel’s other items on Ebay.

Growing up, I remember somehow getting my hands on a catalog that featured a ton of weaponry like this. In addition to ninja stuff, the catalog also had replicas of medieval swords. And more than just your regular ceremonial sword that a king knights someone with… this catalog also had monstrous two-handed swords with blades the size of Volkswagons.

All those swords were way out of my price range, being a middle school kid… but man, did I really want one.

Walking around today, and seeing all manner of knives and swords (and maces) available, I was taken back to that time. And though I would have no use for them now, nor any way to display them, I still felt that younger me pulling at my coat sleeves. I could hear my younger me, asking But haven’t you always wanted a spiked mace? Wouldn’t it be cool to have your own katana?

Flea markets tend to stir up old histories – for the seller, as well as the buyer.

David Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” As Performed By Astronaut Chris Hadfield in Space

2013-05-13T02:18:40Z

This is all sorts of nerdy awesomeness: Commander Chris Hadfield performs a modified version of David Bowie’s Space Oddity while aboard the International Space Station.

I saw one or two links posting to this video, and figured I’d watch a few seconds and quit. But the backdrop of the ISS (and the views of the Earth) made it simply impossible to pull away. I ended up watching the entire video, all the way through.

Hadfield is incredibly adept at social media, and this video is just an excellent note to go out on, as he is departing the ISS soon. And his voice isn’t too shabby, either!

[via @Colossal]

32 Hours, 7 Minutes T-Shirt From Cory

2013-05-13T01:58:46Z

Got a surprise in the mail over the weekend – an official 32 Hours, 7 Minutes t-shirt from Cory!

And rumor has it that there might be a 3207 screening here in Chicago! Nothing definitive yet, but I’ll definitely post up something here if I find out anything for sure. I had a blast watching this documentary on my TV at home, and would love the chance to see it on the big screen.

If you didn’t catch it before, check out the links below as to what the movie’s all about. It’s a great doc, and I can’t say enough good things. More soon (hopefully).

Framed: Panel-Shifting Game Where Different Configurations Result in Different Outcomes

2013-05-13T01:52:11Z

Framed is panel-shifting game where you alter the storyline by playing art director. Different combinations result in different outcomes, as your decisions help shape the way the story unfolds.

Under development by Loveshack, Framed is one of those games that just seems so obviously great… you wonder why no one’s made the game before now.

Looking forward to playing this thing when it finally gets released, and just started following the devs on Twitter. It sounds like there will be multiple platforms available, but my hunch is that it’ll be stellar on an iPad. Can’t wait.

[via @bit101]

Hidden Popsicle Ghost, Logan Square

2013-05-10T12:25:29Z

Spotted this guy a few days ago – a small bit of artwork that was artfully tucked by a door. Looking at it now, he almost seems like he’s hiding from someone.

To get this photo, I ended up having to lie flat on my stomach. It felt a little awkward doing this, as there was a small group of people sitting outside at New Wave Coffee – but I don’t think anyone took much notice. Still felt like kind of a crazy person.

It’s funny how I’ve walked past this stretch of Logan Boulevard countless times, but just noticed this out of the corner of my eye recently. As weathered as this looks, it seems like it’s been here a good while. I wonder how long he’s been hiding, and I also wonder how many of my neighbors even know he’s there.

Related:
Bird on a Bench, Logan Square

Candy Box: Addictive Text-Based Background Browser Game Involving Candies, Lollipops, and Talking Frogs

2013-05-08T12:17:15Z

Candy Box is a ridiculously basic yet ridiculously addictive text-based game that you play in your browser. I use the word “play” loosely here, as a part of the game involves just having the game open in a browser tab, running in the background.

The two main items in this game are Candies and Lollipops. You slowly accrue them at a certain rate, and there are things you can do to increase this rate. It kind of just builds from there. I won’t say too much more, and just let you experience the progression yourself.

To me, this game is a ASCII-version of Mafia Wars, using candy as currency in a D&D environment. And the whole slow accrual thing is what hooked me in – I’ve been playing this thing for nearly two days now.

A small note on saving: When you click the “save” button, you’ll be shown a dialog box with a small code in it. Copy and save that code somewhere. If you want to load your game from that save point, use this URL: http://candies.aniwey.net/index.php?pass=XXXXX

I accidentally lost some progress when I first was figuring out how the save worked, as an FYI. This game has kind of been a small, background obsession… and I need to finish it, so I can get this monkey off my back.

Harvey Silverglate: On Talking to the FBI

2013-05-08T11:52:47Z

Professor Harvey Silverglate provides some advice on talking with the FBI: always have your lawyer in the room, and always have a tape recorder running.

The details about how the FBI work to turn informants is a tricky bit of legal wrangling. Seeing this also reminds me of an excellent talk by Professor James Duane on why you should never talk to cops.

[via BoingBoing]