Tice.us

This is the payload of a high-altitude balloon experiment carrying an amateur radio APRS station. The box is made up of expanded foam for low weight and insulation. A digital camera (upper right with fingers on it) takes video during the flight, which reaches "near space" before the weather balloon bursts and the payload parachutes to Earth. The APRS station allows for tracking during the flight, so that the chase vehicles can be near the landing site. Note the hot glue that secures wiring to prevent violent flapping and possible failure due to stress during the flight and descent.

Hey, ham radio isn't usually dangerous enough to don a construction hat, but just in case...

Here I am posing by a Honda driving simulator in Chitose, Japan. The car rental agency had one, though we were not asked to try it out. I wonder if they get some really tentative drivers who might need a bit of training before heading out to drive on the left side of the roadway, as is done in Japan. Chitose is the city just southeast of Sapporo on the island of Hokkaido. The international airport for Sapporo is at Chitose.

Our car's GPS really helped, but it would have been even better had it spoken English!

Once again the mundane is beautiful - it's just how you look at it.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Generations of blind and visually impaired Americans have dedicated their passion and skills to enhancing our national life -- leading as public servants, penning works of literature, lending their voice to music, and inspiring as champions of sport. On Blind Americans Equality Day, we celebrate the achievements of blind and visually impaired Americans and reaffirm our commitment to advancing their complete social and economic integration.

This maple tree is in Seasons Park, Woodbury, MN. It has a pretty even red-green distribution this year.

Jasper pulls some lifeguard duty in Bayfield, WI.

Jasper has a view from this rock near the walking path near Wilmes Lake, Woodbury, MN.