Dear Santa. a change of plans I purchased the Vado HD

Dear Santa, I have a late change in a previous request. The good news is it is a cancellation, I no longer want the The Flip Mino HD . I actually decided on a Vado HD and decided to get it myself for our family Christmas ski trip.

It was a tough decision, the Vado was just recently released and clearly has superior features to The Flip Mino HD . However the video quality is said to be just a close second in quality. You can view the Vado HD's output at vimeo.com, do a search on "Vado HD".

After much debate I decided on the Vado HD for a few specific reasons.
1. The rechargeable battery is removable, the flip is not
2. The Vado HD has a recording capacity of 4 hours versus the Flip's 2 hours in HD format.
3. The Vado HD is rated superior for indoor recording by PC Mag

I am looking forward to playing with my new pocket cam and sharing the footage. It will be posted to vimeo.com and embedded here.

The proposed American Commerce Center

The proposed American Commerce Center will join the ranks of superstructures Taipei 101, the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, the Sears Tower and the Empire State Building. The ultramodern architecture and sheer magnitude of the skyscraper is a truly captivating symbol of arrival for Philadelphia.

With its 300 ft spire piercing the skyline and its glass exterior, the 1,510 ft American Commerce Center will reinvent the skyline. The unique shape of the building will include a 63-story Tower for Office space with public gardens, movie theaters and high-end retail and restaurants. A 2-story skybridge will overlook the city streets and connect the Tower to a 26-story, 5-Star hotel, while the shops and gardens on the first levels.

Progressive in every element of its design, Philadelphia's newest skyscraper is aiming for LEED Gold Certification in an effort to not only mitigate the skyscraper's impact on our resources but also to positively benefit the environment.

Black Friday with "Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom" and good friends

Yesterday, on Black Friday, the much anticipated "Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom" opened at one of the Landmark theaters here in Philadelphia. I previously purchased tickets online to ensure that we could see the film opening day. Upon arrival at the 3:35 viewing I was disappointed to see that it was not sold out. I prefer to think it was because of Black Friday is indeed was the busiest shopping day of the year.

Fortunately, I decided to catch the commuter rail into Center City, Philadelphia. I was amazed at the volume of people I encountered at the train station and on board for a mid-day excursion. There were dozens of families with children, folks headed to the airport, and a several international visitors headed for a walking tour of our historic Philadelphia. The city was packed both with pedestrians and cars clogging the sidewalks and streets alike. Christmas truly is in the air, with hundreds of children headed to see the various Christmas attractions. The most popular by far still is the Wanamaker's, now Macy's, Christmas light show. It has ranked number one since my childhood in the 1960's and the only to survive that long. Our newest attraction is the dazzling display in the lobby of the the still new Comcast Center, the 10-million pixel video wall also known as the largest four-millimeter LED screen in the world, measuring 83.3ft x 25.4ft. This technological marvel runs 18 hours a day with shows beginning each hour on the hour.

I arrived at the theater approximately 45 minutes before the ticketed showtime. Bradley, my dearest friend and soul mate, was already there waiting. I picked up the reserved tickets and joined him Bradley at a seat to watch the men pass by while we played catch up. After awaiting the arrival of, Robert and PJ, I decided to head down the escalator and into the theater to secure four premium seats.

Before the escalator reached bottom I saw him. I say "him" because I am always confused for an instant as to exactly how I should address him. No, I am not being shady, upon making his acquaintance initially his name was Ricky. However when I took him to a pool party as my date he corrected me and said his name was Thomas, or was it TJ. It was at the moment of embarrassment that I heard the bell toll for him.

I reached out and grabbed his arm before he could pass. I now believe he saw me but preferred to slip away unnoticed. He glanced at my eyes and looked away smiling. I forgot how he could not hold eye contact. We exchanged pleasantries and spoke of the film, he enjoyed it and assured me that I would as well. We exchanged sincere wishes for the Holiday and embraced awkwardly.

I will not ruin the film by revealing any plot lines or character development. The film opens on a ferry to Martha's Vineyard in winter. I have always found something quite magical about the beach in winter; such a beautiful place, peaceful, serene, and displaying a hypnotic beauty.

It is at this beautiful shore in winter that our story unfolds with our usual cast of suspects. I quickly suspended all reality and settled in to be entertained. There is more than enough drama for your nerves, campy lines, and some truly surprising developments. One moment in particular was a kiss, but not just any kiss. It was a moment when the audience gasped and leaned forward in our collective seats.

Personally, my continued discomfort with the Baby Gat character remains. He has never worked for me, I have always felt he was woefully miscast. Even with my suspended reality he seems like a caricature out of place.

Several years ago, during the Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Bradley and I had the pleasure to meet Patrik-Ian Polk, Jensen Atwood, and Rodney Chester. This was well before the LOGO broadcast deal was finalized , Polk then was planning on releasing the show through mail order by DVD. One of the topics that he spoke on was piracy and supporting what he and the cast were attempting to accomplish. After a screening and Q&A session, we met with the director and cast members. Since that moment I developed a sense of admiration for them. my brothers who pursued a dream in spite of the many obstacles they faced.

After the film I met with my own cast of characters over cocktails. We caught up on the holidays, laughed and embraced. We deconstructed Noah's Arc, Quantum of Solace and Twilight. We shared and were distressed to learn of one of our own recent diagnosis with prostate cancer. It was at that moment time seemed to stand still and I realized the beauty of our friendship and camaraderie. We did not cry but instead we hugged and made plans for our next get together in two weeks.

Dear Santa, I have totally flipped for The Flip

Missing In Action, lost in my own clutter

I have been absent for the past few days doing some much needed de-cluttering. I have not completed the process but what an improvement daily effort and discipline have made. Oprah consistently states that a cluttered environment is a reflection of our state of mind.

My greatest challenge was scanning of travel mementos, and documents. Then shredding or filing those documents, and placing mementos into scrap books. I backed up all of my computer files to an external hard drive. I finally got around to ordering an internal drive for my 17 inch HP which has been on the shelf for 11 months collecting dust.

This is embarrassing but i will admit to finding a $200 American Airlines voucher that expires in 90 days, 3 used underwater disposable cameras in need of development, a dozen unlabeled Cd's, cash, coins from around the world, and a joint. Along with that I have two AC chargers that I have no idea what they are intended for.

Beginning to place things into their proper places has been such a source of relief.

"The most important part of this simple practice is the leaving of empty space. This is not just about drawers and closets. Many of us live lives that are way too cluttered — with things, activities, obligations. We tend to fill everything up, including our calendars."

"We need openness in our lives, breathing space, unfilled time. These function as reminders of new possibilities, signalling that we have room to grow, and that we can indeed grow."

New Pyramid found in Saqarra, Egypt

In April of this year, 2008, I traveled to Saqarra, Egypt to see the worlds oldest pyramid. It is the unfinished step pyramid of Sekhemkhet designed by the great Imhotep. My photos above give you a brief view of Saqarra, the first photo is of the step pyramid. I have hundreds more photographs should anyone be of interest.

Earlier today another pyramid was discovered beneath the sands of Saqarra. The 4,300-year-old monument is believed to be the tomb of Queen Sesheshet, the mother of Pharaoh Teti, the founder ancient Egypt's 6th dynasty. Nearly five stories tall, the pyramid—or at least what remains of it—lay beneath 23 feet of sand as well as a small shrine and mud-brick walls from later periods.

My excursion to Memphis and Saqarra from Cairo was rich in culture and history. It was an unbelievably moving experience to walk amongst the tombs and architecture of our ancestors. I remember my first night in Cairo, standing on my balcony overlooking the Nile, listening to the call to prayer echoing over the sounds of traffic and weeping.

Love Lock Down - Kanye West

Material Culture presents All Of India

One of my favorite stores to explore Material Culture is hosting a special event on November 15. Their is a lecture by Pravina Shukla followed by party and exhibitions. I highly recommend that you stop by anytime the store is amazing. Hoping to see you there!

U.S. Takes to Air to Hit Militants Inside Pakistan

According to American and Pakistani officials, attacks by remotely piloted Predator aircraft have increased sharply in frequency and scope in the past three months.

The decision to focus on an intensified Predator campaign using Hellfire missiles appears to reflect desperate measures on the part of the White House for striking a blow against Al Qaeda in the Bush administration's last days in office.

Through Sunday, October 26th, there were at least 18 Predator strikes since the beginning of August, some deep inside Pakistan's tribal areas, compared with 5 strikes during the first seven months of 2008.

At the same time, however, officials said that air strikes alone, would be unable to weaken Al Qaeda's grip in the tribal areas permanently. Advocates of ground raids have argued that only by sending Special Operations forces into Pakistan can the United States successfully capture suspected operatives and interrogate them for information about top Al Qaeda leaders.

Pedal Power - Going Green - Getting Healthier

I purchased my bicycle today, it is a 2009 DIAMONDBACK OUTLOOK. Thank you to my friends Obediah, for the kick start, and to Otto, for all of your support.

I am one of the last members of my family to get back on the bike. My Aunt, Sister, and Brother-in-law are all avid cyclists and it has done wonders for their health.

Check out Guys Bicycles

Flames lick close to the Getty Center in Los Angeles

A wildfire burned 100 acres of brush and grass near the world-famous Getty art museum before it was doused early Thursday without causing any damage or injuries, fire officials said.

The Getty Center is absolutely and unforgettable experience and collection. The architecture and design are phenomenal. I hope to repeat the experience.

Ohm, my my!

Simmons Green Collection: Ohm Pendant

Barnes Musem breaks ground on the Philadelphia Benjamin Franklin Parkway

The Barnes Foundation, currently located on the Main Line, is home to one of the world's largest collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings, with extensive holdings by Picasso, Matisse, Cézanne, Renoir and Modigliani, as well as priceless African sculpture.

Yesterday, the Barnes Foundation took formal possession of its future home on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway; the former Youth Study Center is pictured above. Construction costs are expected to total between $100 million and $150 million. The new facility is scheduled to open sometime in 2011. The Barnes is paying $1 a year to lease the site from the city, which moved the juvenile jail earlier this month to a temporary location in East Falls. A permanent facility is planned for West Philadelphia.

Timeless Treasures From World Cultures

Fabulous and fascinating decorative objects, textiles and wearable art from the artistic traditions of Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas. An exciting exposition of beautiful and unusual art works, jewelry, clothing, carpets, furniture, sculptures, silver, ceramics, woven goods and more for show and sale in the magnificent setting of the Museum’s famous Asian and Egyptian galleries.

TO BENEFIT

University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
LOCATION

University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104(across from Franklin Field)

For Tickets and Information click here

ART for OBAMA

ART FOR OBAMA represents over fifty prominent artists, and photographers who have donated their work in support of the Obama Campaign. Bidding closes October 10, 2008 5PM EST.

Design by Sacha Lakic

Sacha Lakic, french designer, created the Speed Up line for Roche-Bobois. I adsolutely love this Meridienne chaise lounge. The entire line is simply beautiful.