Moving on

Well it has been almost two weeks since I gave notice to Philly.com. Today I signed and mailed the offer letter from Jorge Scientific Corporation with a start date of January 25. Just in case you haven't heard, I'm leaving Philly.com and Knight Ridder after eight years, and taking a job as a contract photographer with the Office of Naval Research (ONR). The Alligator expedition I photographed in August was for ONR, only that time I was on Active Duty.
This was a tough decision, but in the end, shooting photographs on a daily basis won out. I have been thinking a long time about shooting again and when this opportunity arose I couldn't pass it up.
Will post all new contact information when available.

Tradition continues

Patrick and I spent last weekend in Snow Shoe, Pa., hunting deer in the same spot that my Grandfather hunted for over 60 years and that my brother and I hunted for 27 years. Despite weather that went from rain to snow and temperatures that ranged from 41 to 24 degrees, we were incredibly comfortable in our tent. In fact I got some of the most relaxing and restful sleep that I've had in a long time. All of our cooking was done in the foyer and with the heater going in the tent we were quite cozy. I have always loved winter camping. And even though we only saw a few tails in the distance early Saturday morning and didn't come away with a buck, we had a great time. In fact, the camping and spending time with Patrick was better than coming home with a deer.

Thanks

Lots to be thankful for this year. Started the day hunting pheasant with Patrick at Lake Nockamixon. Didn't see anything, but weather was warm with great light. Rain came suddenly, but we were just about finished. Of course the real reward is spending quality time with my son. Stopped hunting when Patrick was born and really never missed it, until this year when I started hunting with him, and then I remembered all the good times I had with my Grandfather and Brother.
Had dinner with family at my Grandmother's house. Also celebrated Patrick's 14th Birthday. One of the gifts I gave Patrick was his own spot on the Web, patrickawilliams.com. He's not real sure what to do with it, but I think after I get him started and show him how change the page he'll enjoy it.

Hot Spot Journalism

What is Hot Spot Journalism? This project will take me to Wi-Fi Hot Spots around Philadelphia, where I will post a photo and write a few words. I love the idea of free Wi-Fi around Philadelphia and it is the one Mayor Street initiative that I can fully support, and the one thing that I don't mind paying taxes to support. Of course there are detractors to this idea. Read recent coverage.
11/24 - Consumer Watch | Phila.'s plan for Wi-Fi access deserves a chance
11/23 - Lobbyists Try to Kill Philly Wireless Plan
11/23 - Telecoms lobbyists push to quash Philly's muni wireless plan
11/20 - Bill's passage may not hurt Phila.'s 'Wi-Fi' plans
11/20 - Lawmakers OK wireless bill
11/19 - City 'Wi-Fi' plan hinges on Pa. Senate debate
Lots of articles to read, I know, but they do provide some background on this issue and some of the give and take involved. Let's see how convicted the Mayor and Governor are to this idea, or as I suspect, is it all lip service designed to get companies such as Verizon, to pay up.
So far the following locations are supposed to offer free Wi-Fi.
- Love Park, 15th and JFK Blvd
- Ben Franklin Parkway, Love Park to Boat House Row
- Reading Terminal Market, 12th and Arch Streets
- Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street
- South Street District, 2nd and Pine Streets
You can see from a previous post that I was successful from Love Park. I was not able to connect from Reading Terminal Market, but will try again. Stay tuned as I visit and report from the other locations.