By Scott Shephard
In the early 60s all the talk about "sex, drugs and rock 'n roll" was baffling to me, but I did think the Space Needle was awesome when my parents took me to see the Seattle World's Fair in 1963.
I'm pleased to say that when I returned to Seattle last year (2008) and went up in the Space Needle, I still found it awesome. It occurred to me that the Space Needle is the West Coast equivalent of the Eiffel Tower. Both towers were considered offensive to the aesthetic tastes of some. Both towers were considered technical marvels at the time they were built. Both towers "lived" to see another century. And both towers have become iconic. The view from the top of the Space Needle was amazing. (click)
You are looking at mature Cascade hops growing outside the Red Hook brewery near Seattle, Washington. Hops give beer a slightly bitter taste, which some beer connoisseurs crave. We are looking at flowers, too. As with many things that humans eat or drink, I'm left wondering who had the idea to put these brown buds in beer to see what it did to the taste?
Having been put in charge of finding a place to stay near Siena, Italy, I was very proud to have secured lodging in a well-kept Villa a few miles away from the city center. On the grounds of the villa we stayed in a small cottage that had once been a grainery. Just a few feet away from the cottage was a large swimming pool. There was also a main house that had been converted into 4 more apartments. But for two days we had the place to ourselves. The cost per night was $100!
I think I've mentioned that I enjoy taking candid photos in art museums. This photo was taken in Tacoma, Washington, at The Museum of Glass. This art lover seems exhausted by the experience of seeing all that glass. He's sitting on a glass, leather and chrome bench.
These two were part of a crew of "panhandling jackasses" working the crowd in Custer State Park. Donkeys are not regal animals but how can you not think that this couple isn't photogenic? I like the white hooves of the little one. In a few short years 
Yesterday was the first day of school and in about two weeks it will be time to celebrate our annual Homecoming week. Students - especially seniors - look forward to the week and many teachers and administrators dread it, largely because events occasionally take precedence over the important task of teaching and learning.
My wife tells me the purple flowers are called umbrella flowers, though when I do a search, I find that there are many types of flowers called the "umbrella flower." I would never challenge the authority of my wife. Nor would I challenge the authority of Nature - who provides such photo opportunities as this one.
