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Friday, May 31, 2013
Tech Wounded Knee: Drama, rumors and a deadly sin
Posted By Desiree Kane on Fri, May 31, 2013 at 12:44 PM
Everything here is a little over the top. The sunsets ...
... the land before time ...
... and the history unfolding here. Most dramatic of all, though, is the greed displayed by one man.
Image: Native Sun NewsI want to introduce you to the 2013 American Douchebag of the Year, James Czywczynski. But first, let's back up a little bit for context.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Tech Teeter tiler: Thomas Thoune
Posted By Desiree Kane on Wed, May 29, 2013 at 6:30 AM
Walking around Plaza Midwood with photo journalist Grant Baldwin and video journalist Kevin Beaty the other day, we stumbled upon his workshop: the front yard of his studio.
Photo: Grant Baldwin PhotographyMr. Thoune has been working for months on the art that will unveil today at the new Harris Teeter on The Plaza.
Photo: Grant Baldwin PhotographyMonday, May 13, 2013
In the presence of giants: War machines
Posted By Desiree Kane on Mon, May 13, 2013 at 9:35 AM
The aircraft and aerospace industries have been cash crops for the desert town of Palmdale, Calif., since the 1950s. On the very off, very random chance to have a private tour of Lockheed Martin's awe-inspiring UAV and jet manufacturing facility called Skunk Works, I leapt at the chance, not knowing what to expect.
Palmdale is known as the aerospace capital of the U.S., and while info about the city is readily available, accessibly details about the facility are limited. The things they're manufacturing in this place are of national importance. Since only one building is really visible from the road, some locals spend their whole lives growing up nearby, wondering what all goes on over there.
Image Credit: Desiree Kane
Skunk Works is an official alias for Lockheed Martin's Advanced Development Programs (ADP), formerly called Lockheed Advanced Development Projects. Skunk Works is responsible for a number of famous aircraft designs, including the U-2, the SR-71 Blackbird, the F-117 Nighthawk, and the F-22 Raptor. Currently its largest officially known project is the F-35 Lightning II, which will be used in the air forces of several countries. Source: Wikipedia
There are way more buildings than just the one. Upon entering the facility (which requires an escort), the only place photos are allowed is where everyone is screened and given a badge, which must be visible on each person at all times. Most of the buildings are for maintenance. Some are for HR, some are simply where they put paint on the aircraft. But there's one building in particular where good stuff happens.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Do before you die: Springtime in Anacortes
Posted By Desiree Kane on Thu, May 9, 2013 at 10:34 AM
There are places in this world that are devastatingly breathtaking, and the San Juan Islands in Washington state is one of them. By far one of the most beautiful places in North America, if you find yourself making plans for a springtime vacation, one of the first places to consider in the Pacific Northwest is here.
Rows and rows of daffodils and tulips line the roads of Anacortes, Washington's surrounding area called LaConner. It's a farm community and so idyllic it is ridiculous. The tulip festival happens annually in April, and the daffodils keep on blooming until the middle to end of May.
Even tons of snow geese flock there for spring.
Deception Pass, a short drive from Anacortes and the pass with the most badass name for miles around, is a place that connects Fidalgo Island and Whidby Island. When you walk over the bridge, you're compelled to curse at how unbefuckinglievably beautiful nature can be. I was able to be there with friends and they experienced the same compulsion. If you need a staunch reminder of how small we really, really are, all you need do is visit Deception Pass, aptly named for being, well, deceptive. All appears calm, the water and the trees. Then, it happens. You're in the middle of the bridge finding yourself barely able to walk in any direction from the blasting, encompassing wind. It's well worth the battle with the wind to get to the view, though:
Everywhere you turn in this region is blooming and beautiful, so pop that Allegra and get on out to this stunning location.