The Eagle One from 1974's Space: 1999.
Vital statistics
Mass: 31,551 KG
Size: 34 meters
Thrust main: 990 kN
Thrust hover: 495 kN
I still wonder the outcome of the Eagle One versus a Tie-Figher, though believe the latter would have proven superior given its greater maneuverability and canon. Plus Luke loaded R2-D2 in for added sensory feedback and performance while the Eagle's computer systems would struggle with 'pong.'
Kate and Chas in Big Trees, where our families spend the weekend together. On Friday, Kate's company Real Girls Media attracts $6M in her series A round with Walden and 3i the institutional limited partners. Kate is an hold-hand in the start-up game having founded and sold Lot21 in 2002, then the leading online advertising agency. The Thorps have three kids and a dog, live in Northern California and generally lead the good live in our sun-baked, sunshine culture. This photo taken on the stump of Old Sherman (diameter: 28 feet), chopped down in 1853 by Pacific Sierra Logging; Conner in the background.
Chas and I met in college when we painted houses together in Providence. During those miserable summers I contracted and he became my production manner, freeing me up to do what I enjoyed or was good at - selling the business. Chas concentrated on keeping the workers stocked up with paints, brushes, Kodiak and Marbreds. He also planned out the summer's schedule which we maintained in the "action room" of his top flooer flat - pictured a wall of calanders mapped by house and crew. Because of Chas, the summer was butter and we painted 52 houses, if I recall correctly. We also received various recognitions while our summer business made >$200,000 in two and a half months.
A self-photo I like. How quickly I revert to California. In London, which is way more formal, I am confined to professional attire and certainly would not consider facial hair for God's sake. When I founded my internet company in '99, I was tempted to throw out my suits & ties, but fortunately Sonnet prevailed and I kept several which I now use when travelling or with clients. I must believe that our Act III will be played out on the Pacific Coast.
This photo from earlier summer '06 and taken during Friday "movie night", where the kids pick one special DVD from the library. Generally, TV is allowed Friday and Sunday morning for cartoons, but this may expand depending on my and Sonnet's level of generosity (or more likely fatigue). Here, Eitan shields me out as I take a shot; beloved Doggie and Teddie are happily tucked away for the screening.
Eitan and Madeleine in the same spot where I took the 2004 Xmas photo, sent to some 400 family, friends and colleagues (3/8/06). Since '04, by my records, Eitan has grown16 centimetres and 3.2 kg while Madeleine has sprouted 10 cm and gained 1 kg.
Eitan shot using my Olympus Camedia with 3.0 mega-pixels. While not a SLR or semi-pro camera, I find that the device takes adequately clear pictures and matches my need for convenience and storage (the memory card holds about 200 images). Plus it was cheap. This shot taken mid-day, under an awning at the cabin and the light against the cherry redwood plays nicely against Eitan's colours. While I try to include hands and appendages in all my photos of children, the close-up portraits I was after prevents this.
This photo at Big Trees state park in Calaveras county, California (4/8/06). After buying groceries at the large town Arnold (pop. 4,107), we drive route 4 to the park entrance around susnet so that I can take black & white photographs during the prime light. The trail wanders through the ancient sequoia grove for three miles. Fortunately for Sonnet, looking after the kids while I disappear for several hours, Eitan discovers my digital camera "Look! Look! I love to take shoots (sic)" - of mostly feet, mid-sections and out-of-focus objects but hey, this may lead to a joint hobby and lifetime affair together.
This hamburger joint is in Arnold, CA,and remains the favorite spot for a traditional "burger and chips". Usually we stop here on our way down from the mountains and a nice friendly way to wrap up a vacation.
The past two years I've had two fund clients in Paris - Astorg Partners and Edmond de Rothschild (11/11/05). When visiting this favorite place, I stay at Le Faubourg near the Place de la Concorde and Jardin Toulouse. I make a point of knowing at least one museum or gallery each pass, and my early morning runs take me thru the Louvre and up the Seine to La Cité and Notre Dame cathedral. This photo taken on a dreary winter morning from the Champs.
Sonnet, Madeleine and Grace, representing over 120 years of one gene's earthbound journey, pose on the deck of 2501 Shashone Dr. Grace covers the kids with love and attention, baking a apple pie, peanut butter cookies and strawberry shortcake - all from tried-and-true recipes I grew up with. She is careful each child receives equal attention while Sonnet and I appreciate what we miss from the U.K.
The kids soak up the sun, and this photo taken durina a sun and pool "time-out" (we spent 7 hours at the Bear Valley rec center yesterday). Swim lessons begin at 10AM sharp, and both Eitan and Madeleine enamoured with the older, teenage lifeguard instructors who use words like "dude" and "totally". Eitan practices his Californian tongue but so far with little success.
This is Bru (19/5/06). Bru is Sonnet's cousin and son of Missy, who I met in London in '98. He lives in Rome with his Italien girlfriend Manuela, and has two flats next to the Piazzo Campo dei Fiori not far from the French embassy. From upstate New York, Bru followed the Greatful Dead for a number of years, then applied to Cornell where he received his undergraduate degree. A room-mate introduced him to the Vatican, where he worked in the bursor's office reimbursing Cardinals and Bishops their expenses. Bru's expressive personality is best suited for the Mediterranian, and we have taken joy visiting him on several occassions in Rome, where he has opened the city to us. This photo taken in Colorado at Maire's wedding by Stanfill M. Stanfill - and demonstrates one interpretation of 'cowyboy chic.'
Sonnet, who returns to top running form now that kids etc. allow her to do so, shows her stuff. From London, her exhibition at the V&A "New York Fashion" will be funded by clothing retailer Ecco, which she learned while in LA at Catherine's wedding.
Madeleine shows off her bravery and pool-diving skills. Before we allowed her into the Deep End, I made sure she could swim a full lenght of the 25 meter pool doing the crawl. Her dog-style persists, but we are reasonably happy with her progress, and the many swim lessons in London pay back in droves.
Madeleine and Moe share a special moment. She: "Moe! listen to me talk under water!" Various whale and porpoise noises are made, which are interpreted as conversation somehow.
Sonnet and I leave the kids with their grandparents and drive to the trailhead, departing the cabin at 6:00AM. We have done this route before, pre-kids, which concludes at an alpine lake at about 8,000 feet. The weather is fine and summer-like, and the path winds through alpine terrain, forrests and open meadows. We are treated with wildflowers, which open their blume on our return once the sun has warmed the ground.
This an archive photo I like - Madeleine willingly includes her most expressive possession in this early morning portrait of her, on our way to Montessori school.
Madeleine (and Eitan) discover a pine cone. London does not offer many opportunities to explore nature unless you consider Hyde or Richmond Parks. Both quickly adapt to the setting, however, even if they seem a bit cautious by many of their new experiences. My dream is to walk the John Muir trail with them one day.
Eitan finds his spot at the cabin (27/7/07). Not surprisingly I suppose a battle broke out between the kids on usage time - settled with the kitchen timer (Madeleine can be seen waiting in the background).
