Self-Congratulations

I was visiting Baines up in Portland so we took a drive up to Seattle. I'd never been up in the Space Needle, so we decided to check it out. It was actually a beautiful day by Seattle standards and we had a wonderful view of the Puget Sound--over our shoulder there is where they filmed part of Sleepless in Seattle. As with all great attractions, you exit through the gift shop. I was particularly taken by these hats:
I almost bought one. But I didn't think anybody else would understand the humor. You see, you ride an elevator to the top of the Space Needle. That's right, a hat that brags about your accomplishment of riding an elevator. Beautiful.

Always Open, Now Closed

I was in Texas, just outside of Dallas. It is a place that looks like civilization just vomited. It's ugly. And miserable. And just when you think that this wretched landscape has nothing to offer, there it is. An abandoned 24-hour diner, with the only intact pane of its sign claiming "Always Open". I found it pretty damn appropriate. So I took a picture with my phone. William Eggleston, eat your heart out.
Note: If you click on the picture, you can see a much larger version and appreciate the busted out sign with its erroneous claim.