Calgary Stampede 2009

Yesterday, I went to the Calgary Stampede for the first time. Definitely a great experience, with many interesting venues, events, and a lot of people! Here are some choice photos from the rodeo itself. We were up on the top level of the grandstand, but fortunately in the front row, so we had a pretty good view of the action. There were some new and different foods available at the Stampede this year: deep-fried jellybeans, deep-fried oreos, deep-fried coke, beef sundae, and probably some others that I am forgetting. We tried the deep-fried oreos. They weren't bad, but they were very sweet... I think I prefer my oreos "natural".

 

 

 

 

iPod Touch

Today a big update was released for the iPod touch/iPhone software. Lots of fun little updates. Anyways, I'm not going to detail the changes, but I just wanted to say that I do really appreciate my little toy, so I figured I'd put together a little post about it. Here's some screenshots and a little video. I don't know exactly what it is about it, but the interface is so smooth and pretty. It works well... very very well. The touch controls and accelerometer are impressively sensitive. Also, with the wireless features, it has internet access and a pretty complete browser, so you can do almost anything on it that you could do with a full-sized computer.

When locked, this is the screen it shows.  

One of the new features is the ability to search for anything on the device.  

Shot of my home screen.  

The mobile version of gmail within Safari. Though I can also access the full/normal very of gmail if I want to.  

Field Work in Summit Point (Oregon)

Just a quick update and some photos. Rowan and I have been in Oregon since this past Saturday. We are here working at one of her field sites. It is wonderful being away from everything. Fresh air, beautiful scenery, and adventure... sounds good to me!

 

 

 

 

Santa Ynez Winery Trip

It has been a few weeks already, but I didn't have much to report or too many photos, so I have been putting off reporting on this. I will say that both Rowan and myself had a very relaxing weekend trip out to the Santa Ynez county. It started out with a wine-tasting picnic hosted at one of the wineries. It was a gorgeous location and in attendance were 13 other wineries from the region. BBQ lunch, live music, essentially unlimited tastings, scenic views, and of course horses! Apparently, they provide care for old race horses. The main building of the winery, Bridlewood, is highlighted by the first photo.

Earthquakes Galore!

Within the last few days, I have experienced my first earthquakes in person. A very strange experience. Both times I have not really been concerned, but it definitely leaves me a little nauseous. Sunday night Just a few minutes ago

Universal Studios

 

Did I mention yet that we did a lot this week? It was a fantastic time, in case I haven't said it enough yet. My thanks to the Martindales from coming down and visiting. I think one of the funniest moments during our visit to Universal Studios was the Frankenstein Monster. There was fairly tall guy with big shoes and the whole deal, but when you are tall like a Visser, being only fairly tall doesn't cut it. So, after some prodding, I walked up next to Frankenstein and got a picture with him. Moments after the picture was taken, a few girls come up to me and want their photo taken with me. I guess when you are as tall as Frankenstein you become a bit of an attraction yourself.

Disneyland and Medieval Times

 

Another collage, this time from Disneyland and Medieval Times. Incase you are wondering when this stuff all happened, it was the 2nd week in April, when Bill, Serena, and Branwen came to visit. It was a very exciting and action-packed week! For the Medieval Times, our knight was the Red Knight, and he completely dominated the field. I don't know if cheering actually affects the outcome of who will win or not, but our knight definitely got knocked down and hacked up a lot, but everytime he did we screamed for him to get up, and he always did. Needless to say, I was very hoarse for the next few days :D