Biking in Downtown

No matter what people tell you there is a lot to do in downtown Rochester. There are lots of museums, parks and weekend activities. Last Saturday Rachel actually had off so we went downtown on the bus and took our bikes along for the ride. The idea was to ride around and see some things we normally take for granted in Rochester. This was the first time with the bikes on the bus and every time we hit a bump I peaked my head up over the seat thinking I’d get to witness them shattering all over 490. Luckily they made it in one piece.

Our first stop was the Center at High falls where we got an awesome 10 minute taxi cab tour of the city including the now closed silver stadium! The Center also hosts a photography gallery on the 2nd floor which we took in and learned that Rochester’s main street completely flooded in 1865. From there we headed out across the footbridge to take in High Falls itself and then we were off for lunch.

While eating inside, the Hail started and WOW! I went outside to grab a few pictures and got nailed with one in the leg. It left a mark! Don’t worry, as always in Rochester Ny, If you don’t like the weather just wait 10 minutes, it’ll change. It did, but not much. We decided to play it safe and hop the next bus.

This trip was short, but not for lack of things to do. Next trip we’re heading to the Eastman House, Memorial Art Gallery, Susan B Anthony Park, among several others. We’ll also be making the trek up to the lake along the river if we have enough time. If not, we’ll catch it next time!

Utilizing the bus and our bikes to make these trips is very satisfying. I only wish they ran on Sundays too.

Windy City

The wind in Rochester was incredible today. I’m not sure how high it got up to but it knocked over some newspaper stands just as I left work and I was greeted with flying newspapers.

Flying Newspaper

Vintage Views of Rochester

A short time ago I found a website that has lots of historical photos and postcards along with time-lines named Vintage Views of Rochester. Apparently I’m the last person in Rochester to find it, but i thought I’d share it anyway. The following is a postcard depicting the aqueduct (broad street) as well as the building I work in (the large brick building in the center of the postcard).

Genesee River and Aqueduct

Hit and Run or…

Hit and RunNot sure what happened I just saw the aftermath. I think this guy might have gotten hit by a car in a hit and run. It all went down at Broad and Exchange in downtown Rochester. In either case the medical personnel didn’t want to move him. Hope he’s ok.

When I got home I grabbed my camera and took Denver for a walk. along the way I caught a few shots of the moon reflecting in the canal. Very beautiful but also very hard to capture.

The Moon Reflected In the Canal

The Red Front

Front Moving in From the NorthLast week on the way into work I noticed a front moving in from the north. It spread from one end of the horizon to the other and was bright orange. Unfortunately the skyline of Rochester limits visibility quite a bit. As soon as I got to work I headed to the First Federal building. It’s the highest building in Rochester and I figured It would be a great vantage point. I was able to get to the 19th floor easy enough, however once I was there both ends of the elevator hallway were key coded and I could go no further. It’s too bad the restaurant at the top is closed, it would have been a perfect place to take the picture from.

I was able to get this shot over the river. For those of you who don’t know the First Federal building is the tall one on the left with the circular top (which used to be a rotating restaurant).

Spring is nature’s way of saying “Let’s party!”

Is anyone interested in participating in the MS Pub Crawl? It’s for a good cause AND its a reason to drink all day. What more of a reason to participate do you need?

from mspubcrawl.com:

WHO: Everyone is welcome to join the MS Pub Crawl. Please help us spread the word.
WHAT: The Pub Crawl is our way of getting people together and making money for a good cause. We’ll head down Monroe Ave stopping at the bars along the way, 10 in total (see the map). You can stop at every bar, or just the ones you choose. Travel with the group or go at your own pace. To participate you need an MSPubCrawl bracelet – available online; or at Jeremiahs, Oxfords, Spikes, Avenue Pub, O’Callaghans, and Woodys. The bracelet get’s you great food and drink specials.
WHEN & WHERE: Saturday, April 28th 2007. The Crawl goes all day. The first stop is Jeremiah’s from noon to 2pm – then we spend about an hour at each bar along Monroe Ave and end at Woody’s at around 10pm.
WHY: To support the National MS Society

Work the Google on the Internet Machine

Last night I went saw Blades Of Glory with some friends. I give it a 7/10. Lots of good quotes. Some of my favorites:
– you put the bone in zamboni
– Work the Google on the Internet Machine
– Mind-bottling. Like your mind is trapped in a bottle
– It makes my hair shine like the Belt of Orion

Afterward we went downtown. I read this on the wall at O’Callaghans and thought I’d share:

Irish Diplomacy – The ability to tell a man to go to hell in such a way that he looks forward to the trip

Ryan came up with an Idea for Guitar Hero. Not going to mention any details but we may be asking for help from everyone so be prepared.

I just read this morning that Michigan is thinking about spending $38 million to buy all of its students IPods? How freaking crazy is that. I’m all for new an innovative ways to teach, but IPods? I don’t get it. When I took calculus it was required that I buy a Graphing Calculator, the state didn’t buy it for me.

Dan’s Video of the day for Friday: Internet Sys Op. Pretty damn funny if you ask me.

Matt introduce me to the New York State Real-Time Transportation Status site. Pretty slick. I can now check to see if it’s worth leaving work or if I should just wait a while until traffic picks back up.

Check out the video below for an innovative 3D desktop idea or for more info check out bumptop. I think it would work great with the multi-touch panels that have been getting so much press recently.