Like a Kid in a Toy Store

I finally made it to the Lego store at Eastview Mall for the first time this past weekend.  I've been wanting to go since it opened months ago.

Legos were my favorite toys growing up, and I still love playing with them.  Seriously - the only thing that's been stopping me is a skyscraper I built a few years ago that I haven't had the heart to take apart.

Time to Start Blogging Again!

It might be a little early for New Year's resolutions, but I've already come up with one of mine.  I've let this blog go for far too long, and it's time to start writing again!

Expect more posts soon about the latest happenings in Rochester, plus thoughts on anything else that crosses my mind.

I have a feeling that going forward this site is going to be a little less "newsy," a little more fun, and a lot more of me.  I want to bring this back to where it was when I was blogging from my semester abroad in London - a sense of adventure, a little bit of commentary, and regular updates.

So...we'll see how it goes!

~Nathan

Mister Rogers Remixed

I'm still not quite sure what to make of this.  I loved watching Mister Rogers' Neighborhood while growing up, and it's great that his legacy is being kept alive.  But I have to admit, I find this new video a little creepy.  I can't quite put my finger on it, it just seems weird - not to mention a little trippy.

Cancer Centers Growing in Upstate NY

Earlier this week, Buffalo's Roswell Park Cancer Institute unveiled its latest expansion plans. According the Buffalo News article, the $40 million addition will be 11 stories, and will house new clinical space as well as offices.  Construction is expected to begin next winter.

Links of the day

• High school students in the Capital Region are suspended for a senior prank involving thousands of post-it notes.
• A Syracuse group that has spent 6 years volunteering in New Orleans now looks to help a neighborhood in its own backyard.
• London archaeologists unearth Shakespeare's first theater.
• Car Talk brothers announce retirement, rebroadcasts to continue on NPR stations.

What's wrong with this picture?

It was one of those rare occasions when I actually picked up the latest edition of the Rochester yellow pages from Rochester Tel! Frontier.  When I did, I looked at the skyline on the cover and knew something was off.  It took me a minute, but then I figured it out.  Can you find what's wrong with this image? 

From Instamatic to Instagram: Keeping up with the changing world of photography

Kodak EK4 Instant Camera

When Kodak launched the Instamatic camera in 1963, it was hailed as a cheap and easy-to-use alternative for the average photo-taker.  An instant success, Kodak went on to produce 50 million of them by 1970.  When a pocket version was introduced in 1972, it took just under three years to sell 25 million.  That was back in the era dominated by the "Kodak Moment", back when the iconic brand commanded 90% percent of film sales and 85% of camera sales in the United States.

TECH: Google and Flickr April Fools' pranks

Two tech companies known for their pranks in the past are back at it this April Fools' Day.  You'll notice some "new" features today for Google Maps, as well as for photo-sharing website Flickr.

SHOPPING: NYS changes clothing tax

The next time you buy a pair of shoes or pick up the latest spring fashions, you may be paying less in sales tax.  Starting April 1st, New York State will drop its 4% tax for all shoes and articles of clothing that cost less than $110 (individually).  That's double the current limit of $55.