Earthquake Record

The recent earthquakes in Haiti and now in Chile I'm reminded of something I came across recently--the only recorded visual record of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. No not sound, or photographic or film recording, I'm talking about the scientific recording that preceded the distinctive squiggly lines on a circular drum that we've all come to know.



This is how earthquakes were recorded around the time of the 1909 San Francisco earthquake. Typically the discs were brushed off and reused. This one wasn't, and is the only such record in existance. It's on display at the Mt. Hamilton observatory above San Jose, California.

Large Tracing Paper Prints

For scale here is a picture of me with the recent print of 'Da Vinci's Wing'. More detail?


Too close?


Here's a side angle shot of 'Big Fish'.


And here's a detail shot showing the translucency of the coated tracing paper.


As it appears on the studio wall.

World's Most Handsome Man

When I noticed this obituary of a man named Charles Atlas and showed it to a friend, I realized my friend didn't recognize the name as the promoter of manly strength in a series of ads frequently seen in comic books of a bygone era.



In an attempt to explain the connection I took out my iPhone and searched for 'Charles Atlas'. In addition to the above image the search resulted in locating another less well known photo of Mr. Atlas who seems to be also Angelo Siciliano 'The World's Most Handsome Man'.


Nice socks Chuck.

UPDATE: I've been informed by a comment to this post that Charles Atlas® is a registered trademark. They also maintain this website which has additional information about Charles Atlas®, however it doesn't include any reference to Angelo Siciliano who Wikipedia claims became Charles Atlas®. More fun stuff here including this ironic quote:

"Our women are too selfish. Mothers going here and there, wearing pants like a man, showing their backsides to people. What is this? They should be home cooking real food and feeding their families instead of out showing their backsides."

Bubbles Bernini

Piazza Navona in Rome has a large fountain with a sculpture created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. A passing demonstration, complete with ballons, added what could be thought of as bubbles...or clouds.

Large Head Missing Leg

Madrid seemed to be hosting a convention for the direct appeal trade.