North America
(Un)welcome to the United States
Since 9/11 I’ve reentered the United States from travel abroad more than a dozen times. Each time, it is more unpleasant. Many people I’ve met in other countries who have … Read more
Niagara Falls from the Canadian Side
The Horseshoe Falls of Niagara Falls. The view from the Canadian side is pretty impressive. Especially when you see those boats sneaking up on the cascade. The Canadian version of … Read more
Niagara Falls From the US Side
Niagara Falls, and the Canadian hotels across the river. For a view of the Canadian Horseshoe falls, here you go.
Back in the USA, Lily, South Dakota
Small home with American flag, Lily, South Dakota. Lily has a population of 7 year-round residents. Which is not much fewer than most of the towns around it. The combination … Read more
Lily Pads in Minnesota
Lily Pads and fog at sunrise. Lake Sweeney, Golden Valley, Minnesota. July 2012. Sunrise makes this shot. The color, and especially the oblique light which highlights the edge of the … Read more
Balloon Vendor, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Balloon vendor, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. February 2009.
Just a Little About Las Vegas
Being back in the United States makes me feel two ways: it’s like vacation so I don’t feel like posting, and it’s just not that damn interesting anyway. So, a … Read more
Sometimes You Have to Go Home
I grew up in Council Bluffs, Iowa. According to my grandfather, Council Bluffs was, “the only town that ever hurt Chicago.” I’ve given his pronouncement a lot of thought over the years and I’ve still never quite figured out what it meant.
Maybe it was because Council Bluffs made fun of Chicago on the playground when they were kids. Or maybe it was because someone from CB wrote a letter once to someone in Chicago saying that having broad shoulders and being hog butcher to the world wasn’t really that great. Especially when Carl Sandburg went on to mention that it was also the city of skanky whores and slimy gangsters.