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.

The Art of Robert 7

Last summer I visited my friend Joe Adams, the Prince of Folk Art, in North Carolina and shot some video of him talking about his vast art collection. One of my favorite artists that he collects is named Robert 7. I have one of his spoon men. Previously I posted a clip of Joe talking about his Chicken room.