One of My Favorite Photos

Not to ring my own bell, but I really like this picture I took this afternoon at the Ft Roberdeau historic site in Blair County, Pennsylvania. I haven't touched it at all. This is just as it came from the camera. Click it to see a larger image.

From FortRob

Canoe Creek Photos

I have finally finished processing all the photos I shot at Canoe Creek State Park on July 12.



Some I am very proud of, some not so much.

Thunderstorm Video

I captured a bit of video of last night's (Jul 21) thunderstorm. The Weather Channel predicted the storm would hit about 8:40 pm and they were spot on!

Out to Pasture

I snapped these photos of grazing horses in Scotch Valley yesterday just before I got to Canoe Creek State Park



Some I think turned out quite nicely. More pictures from the park will be coming.

July 4th Photos

This huge dog mural is located in the historic district of Hollidaysburg, PA.


This flag flies over the James E. Van Zandt VA Hospital in Altoona, PA.

This little buddy is hanging out in my backyard.

Flag Day 2009

Flags being displayed in the neighborhood on this Flag Day, June 14.



Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the United States flag on this day in 1777. Pres. Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation in 1916, that officially established June 14 as Flag Day. In August 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress, though Flag Day is not an official federal holiday. However, on June 14, 1937, Pennsylvania became the first (and only) U.S. state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday.

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City of Champions

From Blogger Pictures

I put this together Saturday morning to celebrate the winning of two major championships, the Super Bowl and the Stanley Cup, in one city, Pittsburgh.

The Pepto-mobile

This is my second sighting of this bizarrely painted Toyota Prius, or what I like to refer to as the Pepto-mobile.

A Tragedy in the Neighborhood

I shot these pictures at the 58th Street Subway, the seen of a deadly shooting Monday afternoon. The store is only 6 or 8 blocks from my home and I was an occasional customer. As you can see, the shop is closed temporarily and there have been makeshift memorials placed in front of the store.

We're Off to See the Wizard ...

The wind is howling like an angry monkey! Gusts up to 60 mph. If you go out better put some rocks in your pockets!

Free Grand Slams at Denny's

Slideshow of images from the Grand Slam giveaway at Denny's in Altoona, PA, 3 Feb 2009

Circuit City Closing

Pictures from the first day of Circuit City's liquidation ...

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After the Storm

A short walk through the neighborhood this morning following last night's snowfall ...

After the Storm from Thomas Boito on Vimeo.

Public Wi-Fi Hotspots in Altoona

Updated map of public wi-fi hotspots in Altoona, PA

View Larger Map

Who'll Start the Rain?

I captured this short video this afternoon at the Bellwood Reservoir which is part of the Altoona City Authority water system. For the past 5 years, I have driven past this reservoir several times a week. I have never seen it as low as this. We really need to get some rain into here before it turns into real winter.

October Friday Night

The sun sets through the tree tops between the goalposts at the Bellwood-Antis HS stadium

I wonder what would happen if you tried to hold them to this offer?Less than 50 cents a meal! That IS what the sign says.
Grammar Police! Grammar Police!

An Icy Blast

The morning of December 13, 2007, saw a blast of wintry precipitation that left everything coated with a frigid layer of ice.

Bocce Ball

Earlier today, my uncle Jim introduced me to the Italian game of bocce at the Buccinese Club in Altoona. I can recall as a little kid, going with my Dad when he played bocce outdoors in Coupon on Sundays.

My experience today was enjoyable. I didn't actually play any contests. My uncle met me there about an hour early and gave me some coaching as well as a chance to practice on the court. In some ways it reminded me a lot of putting. You have to read the surface and work out the speed and the break.

I then met most of the participants and watched a contest between my uncle's team and another of the club teams. I might be interested in getting into this when the winter leagues form.

Pennsylvania's Bridges

Of 22,291 total bridges in Pennsylvania, 42.9% are either structurally deficient (5,532) or functionally obsolete (4,028). (1)

Definitions -
A structurally deficient bridge is closed or restricted to light vehicles because of its deteriorated structural components. While not necessarily unsafe, these bridges must have limits for speed and weight.
A functionally obsolete bridge has older design features and, while it is not unsafe for all vehicles, it cannot safely accommodate current traffic volumes, and vehicle sizes and weights.

For a county-by-county list of such bridges in the state, see
Deficient major bridges in Pennsylvania - Bridge Collapse - MSNBC.com