The new Apple Store at Grand Central, New York. In retrospect, I'd never have imagined a computer store would be so grandiose.
And a video tour too.

Some trees in my backyard started changing colors :) Primarily, there were two trees I liked - a scarlet maple, and a golden willow tree.

Kauai - as close to the Garden of Eden as some of us will ever get. It's a truly beautiful island with tons to do like ocean rafting, kayaking, helicopters, snorkeling, and hiking. I took a helicopter into the Mount Wai'ale'ale crater, which was very mysterious - you don't realize just how many waterfalls Kauai has until you get airborn. Check out the video below for some of the footage. Also, we were lucky this time of year to still be able to enter some of the sea caves along the Na Pali Coast on a boat, as winter in Hawaii often means monstrous 10-15 ft waves. For that reason, many boat companies usually stop operating tours by October - we went with Napali Riders, which operated a high-powered Zodiac raft. It's a lot more agile, plus the speed is tons of fun. The double door Waiahuakua sea cave contained a waterfall inside - quite an amazing sight that Nature had in store for us. There is also the Waimea Canyon, which is like the Grand Canyon. The Kalalau Lookout had some nice hikes along a ridgeline with nice panoramas of the Na Pali cliffs. There was also great food. I found myself compelled to wake up at 5am for the sunrise nearly everyday, or I'd at least catch the sunset... (more)

November 2, 2011 - I just got back from the Occupy Oakland General Strike this afternoon, which will last into the night. Here are some photos. There was not a policeman in sight! It was a bit odd. The day so far had been very peaceful, resembling a fair with posters, art supplies, chalk drawings, painters, food, music, dancing, and speeches. This is how conversation should flow and it was really good seeing people discussing real issues openly.

World-heritage site Alhambra in the city of Granada, capital of the Moorish Kingdom for 250 years.

Scenes from Sevilla, Spain.

World-heritage site, the Mezquita de Cordoba. The cathedral began as a pagan temple, then converted to Christian, and then Moorish (Muslim). Beautiful place, quite magical in the mornings, at least before the tour groups get in. Not a bad place.

Glorious beasts in the prime of their lives charge out of the gates and are then reduced to death within minutes. I feel like I can see the bull's life unfolding, all of its vigor and strength in each charge. But the show is torturous to watch. At times, it seems as if the bulls are even confused, actually protecting the matador from the cloth that he waves.
To the credit of one of the matadors, he would greet and battle the bull on his knees. He could easily be trampled - and was. Several minutes later, he came back in a bloodied uniform. After a series of graceful moves in which he seems to twirl the charging bull around him in circles, he plunges the sword deeply into the bull in a swift move. The audience applauds to both the matador's bravery and quick execution. In an age where the practice of bullfighting is likely to continue for years more at least, a skillfully executed quick death is all we can hope for.

Scenes from Madrid, capital of Spain.

The residence of old Spanish kings, it is the Escorial.