Restoring a 1928 portable turntable – Columbia Model 161 – 78 RPM

(Updated April 2022) I’ve just posted a video on YouTube so you can see the player in action! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU_twixVhc8 This is the story of one of my latest restoration project – something I’ve wanted to acquire for a long time. While in Newport, Oregon (a recommended destination!) I was in a large antique store and […]


See Full Size...

Harvard, Massachusetts History: The “Brown Building”

Not alot of dramatic things happened in Harvard when I was growing up. It was a small town so we got used to small things having relatively big importance. So when they decided to raze the grade school I attended for three years, I got out my camera and shot an *entire roll* (12 exposures) […]


See Full Size...

Antelope Canyon = Another World

Took a trip last winter to Antelope canyon, and it was extraordinary. Amazing to think that just 20 years ago, the site was largely unknown except to Native Americans and a few select photographers. I’m not sure if that’s the reason they built a massive power plant only a few miles away from this amazing […]


See Full Size...

“Grand” is now a verb?!?

Saw this sign on the local BevMo. I didn’t know that grand had become a verb? Obviously it has seeing as they’re “re-granding” their store!!


See Full Size...

Crater Lake Panoramic Photo

Our visit to Crater Lake over 4th of July weekend was awesome in terms of weather, sights, sounds and spirit. Here’s the best panorama, taken by Manu. Click the thumbnail for a full size view!


See Full Size...

Lassen Volcanic Panorama

For the 4th of July I went to Lassen National Park and hiked the Bumpass Hill trail to the remnants of a volcano. What’s left is numerous fumeroles, hot springs and mud pots. A very cool bit of nature, and preparation for my next trip to Yellowstone! Click the picture for a full size panorama.


See Full Size...

Presidio sunset

Visiting a good friend in the VA, I was treated to this amazing sunset walking back to the bus stop. Amazing sunsets are one of the treats of San Francisco.


See Full Size...

Greek Orthodox Mosaic

One weekend a year, the Greek Orthodox church in Belmont, CA opens its doors for two lucky groups of people to catch a glimpse at its amazing interior. The series of Mosaics have been in progress for decades and are yet to be completed. However the vivid colors and unique designs make it worth putting […]


See Full Size...

Frost (in french, givre)

This picture was taken on a windshield in Prescott, Az December 26th. It was bitter cold, but somehow there was enough moisture in the air to create some beautiful ice patterns for those early risers willing to look close enough. This was taken with a simple Canon point and shoot.


See Full Size...

What is a “snowshadow”

Traveling through Bryce Canyon National Park in December, we witnessed a neat combination of temperature, snow and sunshine. A brief snow shower coated the pavement, but since the air was so dry, any snow in the sun almost instantly evaporated. The result makes it look like it only snowed in the shadow of the car:


See Full Size...