Views from Airplanes -- Newark to DFW

Coming home from a long week of work meetings

Looking out towards the United Connection regional jets on the other side of EWR Terminal A

Pushed back from the gate about an hour late and then EWR shutdown westbound departures because of line of storms extending from Toronto to Florida. Good times.

Hour and half later -- still waiting and very thankful I had scored an rare upgrade to first class. Spent much of it listening to the pilot chatter via the LiveATC phone app. Sounded like there were about 25+/- outbounds on hold at one point. Finally got released after a two hour hold just as the rain started to fall.

Three hours late, finally made it to DFW Terminal D around 1am.

Our flight seemed to be the last coming in for the night

After about six & 1/2 hours, finally getting off the plane.

Views from Airplanes -- DFW to Newark

Heading out for a week of meetings at the HQ Office in Somerset, New Jersey

Looking over at the American MD83 next door at DFW gate C16

Sun was trying to break through the clouds

Ahh the glory that is Newark Airport

Pulling up to the gate with another AA MD83 parked on the apron

All the baggage cars were lined up between us and the vacant next door gate

Finally time to get off the plane

Views from Hotel Rooms -- Residence Inn Austin Round Rock

Looking south out the third floor window of the hotel room towards a very noisy State Highway 45 interchange with Interstate 35

I really liked this Residence Inn, but there wasn't any real view out the window. The SH45 interchange with IH35 looks like it came after the hotel. Wonder what I could have seen before it was built.

Looking towards IH35 across the lobby roof

Looks like the dryer vent sneezed up some lint.

Austin2012 -- Nerdist Podcast

Many many many many rows back from the stage at the Nerdist Podcast Live Show recording

Chris Hardwick, Jonah Ray, and Matt Mira

Austin2012 -- Random Night Stuff

A few random pics taken along the walk from a dinner to the show

While eating at Iron Works BBQ, we saw a couple of raccoons walking down the creek trail that goes below and behind the back deck. Half an hour later, saw this one come up into the parking lot looking for a quick meal.

Not to be messed with

Looking up at the nicely lit Frost Bank Tower from Congress Avenue

Neon signs looking north down Congress Avenue. Wish more stores and whatnot maintained the old 50's style signage like Joe Korn and Son Jewelers has done

Lit up front of the Paramount and Stateside Theatres, along with a random 23 above and beyond

Paramount Theatre Historical Marker -- "Originally called the 'Majestic' this theatre was erected in 1915 by businessman Ernest Nalle (1876-1950). Designed by the Chicago architectural firm of Eberson, Fugard, and Knapp, it was constructed under the direction of local architect George Endress. During the 1930s, the theatre was renamed the "Paramount" and was lavishly remodeled. Since it's opening, the theatre has been a showcase for traveling vaudeville shows, dramatic and musical stage productions, and motion pictures." (Recorded Texas Historic Landmark 1976)

Closeup of the old style neon at the 77 year old Stateside Theatre

Stateside and the Paramount from across the street after the Nerdist Podcast Live Show

More old 50's style neon above the Kruger's Jewlers storefront

Austin2012 -- Random 23

More examples of how the number 23 has randomally reappeared throughout my life

Random 23 in the Texas State History Museum ticket number

Random 23 in on top of the building just north of the Stateside Theatre where the Nerdist Podcast Show was beign recorded

Austin2012 -- Con Artist Squirrels

The squirrels on the Capitol Grounds apparently have little to no fear of humans and know just what to do to get a snack. We came across this one on the way back to the car

Snacking on something he found before walked up, he starred us up and down to see if we were packing something tasty

He was about 20-30 feet away at this point

The Master Con Artist has recognized an opportunity

Step 1: Play coy and act uninterested

Step 2: Get in their face to grab their attention

Step 3: Act surprised when you have your mark on the hook

Step 4: Come over and appear hungry and malnourished

Be careful not to be distracted by an itch

Step 5: Wait patiently while your mark breaks off a piece of whatever they now feel compelled to give you

Step 6: Look your mark in the eye as to will them into giving you a bigger piece of food

Step 7: Defend your mark against any other critters encroaching on your turf

Damn Mockingbirds

Step 8: Prepare for your well deserved win

Step 9: Enjoy your prize

Step 10: Repeat steps 1-9 until your Mark has nothing more to give

Bonus Step: Make sure to give your mark the creepiest look possible while they are taking pictures

Step 12: Dump your Mark without saying a word and being searching for a new one to mooch off of