Fun with Photo Booth

I'm still learning all the cool stuff that's on my new MacBook Pro, like the Photo Booth program that takes pictures with the built in iSight camera. It has some cool effects, like this comic book effect that makes me look waaaaay cooler than I really am.

On Top of the World

I was lucky enough to climb to the top of the Capitol Dome on the last night of session this year. Here is a close-up of the Quadriga - the Golden Horses. One of the intangible perks of the job - as this opportunity to climb the Dome is not open to the public.

Surprise!

My niece - best facial expressions ever.

Editorial Cartoon

This is an editorial cartoon that I sketched out one day out of frustration at the House Republicans. For those of you who follow Minnesota politics on a state level, there was a bill debated recently on the Minnesota House floor about property tax relief. The original bill, by Republican Rep. Phil Krinkie, basically allowed rebate checks to be mailed to property tax owners (coincidentally, the timing of the check arrivals would be right before the election). DFL members attempted to amend the bill to make it more substantial. However, each amendment that was presented was shot down by the Speaker of the House by ruling it not germane - a thinly veiled disguise at not even allowing the amendment to be voted on by House members. Makes you wonder what they are so afraid of - it actually passing?

DFL Fundraiser

Another photo from the DFL fundraiser with Sen. John Kerry.

Give me a Hand

I love fat, pudgy, kissable, baby hands.

Photo was taken at my Uncle Charlie's 60th birthday party. It is however, not his hands in the picture - but my baby cousin Sammy's.

John Kerry and Al Franken

Sometimes with my job connection, I get asked to volunteer as the photographer for some local Democratic fundraisers. The last one I did had Sen. John Kerry as the guest speaker. Part of the "grip & grin" session, I shot this photo of local celebrity, comedian and satirist Al Franken with Sen. Kerry. It's rumored that Franken might actually run for the U.S. Senate in 2008.

Ooooh, my very first blog post...

My introduction post where I state something very witty and pithy. Instead I'll just babble on and post some pictures that I've taken. This picture was taken at the Como Zoo Conservatory. (Don't ask me what orchid, or what shutter speed or aperture setting I had it on - I never remember.)