House isn't a home until it has...

Skiing ist gut!

Finishing up a tour of the alpine slopes sandwiched between visits to the alpine Hubs.

First, 14 hours in Vienna. In, twist, out. No time for documentation.

Then off to Engelberg outside of Zurich, home to a 12th century monastery and a gorgeous ski resort named--somewhat unfortunately--Titlis.

But the unfortunate nomenclature couldn't spoil our fun. Not even the roaming packs of feral Germanic teenagers could. The snow was so fluffy, the sky so blue, the slopes so empty, the temperature so warm, and the scenery so glorious, a good time was had by all.

Titlis is home to the world's first rotating cable car, which spins as it ascends the mountain, offering every passenger a stunning 360 degree view. This was ostensibly a major draw for the Korean tour groups that ride up the mountain to buy overpriced watches at 3020m.

Other technological wonders included a ski locker that dried and warmed your boots overnight. Only in Switzerland.

Then it was off to Zurich, officially the *best* city in the world, according to Monocle Magazine.

The city is indeed a paragon of efficiency and luxury, a happy little hive of productivity for a cosmopolitan and wealthy population. We obviously stayed on the less salubrious side of the tracks (literally and metaphorically) in a bizarre B+B run by an authentic Crazy Old Lady named Susanne.

A death march pleasant evening stroll to find a restaurant afforded an opportunity to befriend some locals.

Best city in the world? Maybe not. But any place inhabited with giants gnomes scores highly in my book!

Things you find in hotel rooms

In DC to save the climate. But what should I discover in my hotel room...

rrrrrraaaaaawwrrr

Everyone needs a trusty steed

Shimano, a bit used, zippy. We're going to have lots of fun together.

2010: Change and Continuity

It's been a year of change, but also continuity.

I started 2010 with a concrete and extensive dissertation plan about which I, my advisers, and others were excited. I ended 2010 with a concrete and extensive dissertation plan about which I, my advisers, and others were excited. They were not the same. There was some confusion in between, about six months of intellectual homelessness.

I started 2010 living in one of my favorite cities in the world, a bustling cosmopolitan capital. I ended 2010 living in one of my favorite cities in the world, a bustling cosmopolitan capital. They were not the same. There was some confusion in between, about six months of literal homelessness.

I started 2010 with a Very Special Person in my life. I ended 2010 with a Very Special Person in my life. They were the same. Some confusion, to be sure, but also 12 months of real happiness. The same goes for all the other Special People in my life. The continuity I value most.

2011 will bring more changes. I'm going to nearly finish this dissertation. This means that, having exhausted all reasonable educational opportunities, I will need to figure out what to do with my life, at least for the next little bit (suggestion box is now open). I'm also going to be thick into my other projects, of the climate-changing and chicken-frying varieties. And at the same time, a new Special Person is arriving on the scene, a little bundle of joy and terror, but mostly joy.

Big changes, then, bringing big rewards and big risks. How they're going to unfold, I really can't say. Confusion, there will be.

But I wouldn't have it any other way. Change tests and invigorates. The granite endures, the limestone erodes. I wouldn't want to end this or any year with a limestone life, now matter how smooth and familiar.

So, onwards and upwards. But I'm just damn glad I get to do it with you!

The Holidays in Hats

Warmth in the winter, shade in the summer--a hat is a useful and stylish accoutrement. There were plenty to be seen the last few months, and together they capture the Thanksgiving - New Year period quite well...

Flowery chic

Tang Dynasty Bronze Ding
Double trouble

Double inversion

Gnawing her way out of the trap

Pip pip!

Magical unicorn

Bad boy

Bad-er boy

Santa makes his own fun

Battle-ready

A ray of sunshine
Pimps 'n ho's, as imagined by Jules Verne

Giving thanks

So much to give thanks for this year.

Family.

The attack of the giant robots.

Roast baby with winter vegetables

Kitty fairies

So much gratitude for these blessings.