2014's Previously on Previously on Driveway Cam
Tuesday December 30th, 2014 ~
(will be back as soon as we can be...... meanwhile, enjoy the snow (yay!) and the views ~ )
Wednesday December 17th, 2014 ~
A very Happy Birthday to Haydon today!!! Hope it is a wonderful day for you Haydon and the start of an amazing year. It was certainly the start of some amazing things when the Wright Brothers (in Haydon's honor of course)
completed their first successful flight at Kitty Hawk this very day back in 1903. That 12 seconds and 120ft distance changed everything. So a quick look at
Kitty Hawk and then it's off to the views which this time of year really need to include the snow watching sites,
the fairs in Europe, the hunt for
penguin chicks, along with any of the other seasonal views in addition to your
usual view hopping. The blurb division is taking a few days off but the driveway cam should keep working, and the other cams out there will be available too. So enjoy the views and we'll be back in a few
days ~
Tuesday December 16th, 2014 ~
Once again we come to another Pinkies Up Day as it was 241 years ago today that we (the totally non royal we in this case!) held the first (and some say best)
Boston Tea Party ~ so throw some tea into some boiling water today, unless you are a purest and want to head down to a harbor, and raise a cup
(or two) in the general direction of England. Peppermint or Cranberry teas make lovely 'Thanks for taxing us into existence' brews this time of year :) And both are lovely brews for viewing
this time of year as well, so enjoy a cuppa while checking out the snow, the fairs,
the penguins,
any of the seasonal views, and all of the other views as well.
Monday December 15th, 2014 ~
"Stand before the people you fear and speak your mind - even if your voice shakes. When you least expect it, someone may actually listen to what you have to say." ~ Maggie Kuhn.
And today is the perfect time to speak your mind ~ even if your voice shakes ~ to celebrate the 223rd Anniversary of the
Bill of Rights becoming law. While that trumps almost anything we can think of today is also
the 402nd anniversary of the day Simon Marius, namer of Jupiter's 4 inner satellites, became the first person to observe
the Andromeda galaxy
through a telescope. We hope you enjoy your right
to view, and that amid whatever views we have today, we all find something previously unseen to us ~
Sunday December 14th, 2014 ~
First things first ~ it's HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ADAM DAY TODAY!!!! Hope it's a very happy day and the start of a great year for you Adam!!!! There was another first this day back in
1911 when Roald Amundsen became the first explorer to reach the South Pole. There was also a last this day back in 1972 when the last moonwalk took place ~ the mission was Apollo 17, and it was the longest
and most successful of all the Apollo missions. Commander Eugene Cernan holds the distinction of being the last person to set foot on the Moon (42 years ago!!!). So a couple of quick
looks in at the south pole, with another lovely view here,
with a check in on the moon as well and then at last ~ it's on to the views ~ Enjoy ~
Saturday December 13th, 2014 ~
It's 12/13/14 ~ we do love days like this (and it's the last consecutive day date this century (so party on!)) ~ and tonight to celebrate, with luck, we may all be able to see a lovely meteor shower
as the Earth passes through a stream of debris from "rock comet" 3200 Phaethon ~ forecasters expect to see as many as 120 meteors per hour when the shower peaks on Dec. 13th and 14th. Slide down to the
bottom of the page for yesterday's blurb and links and don't forget you can
watch the Geminids online as well as
listen to them online in case your skies are cloudy. A magnetic storm happening out there might make the
Aurora Cams fun viewing as well (they are below the driveway picture). And if you have room in your schedule, be sure to play a game of tic-tac-toe today as it's
Tic-Tac-Toe Day and, of course, the last one of those this century too! So get out there and
nought some crosses!!!! (the other side of the pond,
due to their date configurations, celebrated their last one of the century last year)(but we hope they will join in the party anyway). On to the views ~
Friday December 12th, 2014 ~
It was 113 years ago today that radio waves were first sent across the Atlantic ~ Marconi insisted that the curvature of the earth wouldn't stop them despite the prevalent theories at the time. He and the
theories were both right. He did get the morse signal for the letter "S" to travel more than 2,000 miles from Poldhu in Cornwall, England, to Newfoundland, Canada tho' it was said it couldn't
be done ~ but the signal did so by first heading off into space when it then bounced back down off the ionosphere. Other things flinging about the skies this weekend include
the Geminids ~ that lovely winter
meteor shower that should peak this weekend! It won't be Santa and Reindeer out there but the meteors should dash across the sky at a rate of anywhere from 20 to 60 per hour on December 13 and 14. Head
outside around 8:00 (dressed warmly and have some hot chocolate!) and look up! The Geminids hit the atmosphere at around 20 miles (30 kilometers) per second, creating beautiful long arcs across the
sky—many lasting a second or two. Happy viewing ~ meteor shower is online for watching
and/or listening in case your skies are cloudy ~
Thursday December 11th, 2014 ~
Running late ~ there are snowflakes outside and hopefully today we will achieve snowflaking inside too. Enjoy the views ~
Wednesday December 10th, 2014 ~
The Nobel Prizes are being awarded in Stockholm starting at 10:20 (am) EST, which is 4:20 (pm) CET
in Stockholm and you can watch right here. It was on this day in 1906 that Teddy Roosevelt became
the first American to win the Nobel Peace Prize (in case you were wondering). Today is also the birthdays of Emily Dickinson, and Huckleberry Finn
~ first published on this date 130 years ago!! (and for you sticklers out there (we see your hands up and waving) it was first published on this date in England and Canada, but
not published in this country until the following February). And it is the birthday of the man who helps us find all of them and more in the library ~ so cake and ice cream all around for Melvil Dewey too!! However,
the real story and joy this morning is the snow ~ we are supposed to get just a bit today and we couldn't be happier about it (unless of course we were going to get more than a bit and then we'd be more than a bit
happier...but we digress) Enjoy the views ~
Tuesday December 9th, 2014 ~
It is Take Your Mouse to lunch day as it was 46 years ago today that the first demonstration of the use of a computer mouse was given by Doug Engelbart (it's inventor). He, and a small team of
researchers from the Stanford Research Institute, stunned the computing world with
their extraordinary debut of the computer mouse, graphical user interface, display editing and
integrated text and graphics, hyper-documents, and two-way video-conferencing with shared workspaces. All of which help bring you drivewaycam each and every (poetic license people, don't roll your eyes) day.
It is also the birthday of one of the people who helped invent the modern computer and also, directly or indirectly, got us to this very post on this very day ~
Grace Hopper! (thank you Grace). And because of the penchant of the blurb division to sleep in a quick note
that tomorrow the Nobel Prizes are being awarded in Stockholm ~ it's always a wonderful ceremony to
watch, which you can, right here. There are also ongoing
talks there to check out here if you want to take a break from cat videos (which we are pretty sure Englebart, his team, and almost certainly Hopper,
did not envision) :) Enjoy ~
Monday December 8th, 2014 ~
Hope you are enjoying all the seasonal views ~ it's a balmy 30 degrees at the nesting site in Antarctica
(which is warmer than it is here at the moment), the Christmas Goat in Sweden survived another weekend, and
the fairs are bustling
as we try to hit the week running (before the week hits us at a gallop). But before we all head out to some bustling of our own... a Very Happy Birthday to James Thurber! A major favorite
here on the driveway ~ we'll take a look in at Columbus (his hometown) and
here is a link to some reading
for your breaks in viewing ~ Enjoy! ~
Thursday December 4th, 2014 ~
Unfortunately the launch didn't happen this morning ~ but they are going to try again tomorrow morning! 7:05 launch is planned, coverage on NASA TV, and
right here, starts at 6:00 am eastern. Hopefully.... Meanwhile, once again it's Hat's Off Day!! ~ for Chester Greenwood,
on his birthday ~ (Chester is the guy who, at 15, designed and patented earmuffs) ~ with over 100 patents to his name he is ranked by the Smithsonian Institution
as one of America's 15 outstanding inventors. Chester Greenwood Day (complete with Parade...one of these days we'll get
there) is this Saturday in case you are in town (said town being Farmington Maine). [If you perhpas happen to be in Russell KY today ~ be sure to go to
their Christmas Parade!] And because it is also National Cookie Day
(which we think is everyday) we are bringing back out a couple of recipes in Chester's honor:
these and of course
these too! ~ Enjoy
both making and eating these cookies, along with the views ~
Wednesday December 3rd, 2014 ~
Busy day today ~ first up a Happy 196th Anniversary of Statehood to Illinois!!! (we swear you don't look a day over 195) Next up (grid willing) is the
first Orion test
launch! This inaugural Orion ~ scheduled for a 7:05 a.m. EST lift-off tomorrow (so we're telling you now) ~ will carry no crew during the 4½-hour test flight and will be confined to Earth orbit. "But it
will aim for a high point of 3,600 miles on the second loop of the planet, setting the spacecraft up for a 20,000-mph, 4,000-degree re-entry.
Splashdown will occur in the Pacific, 600 miles southwest of San Diego" . Our last trip to the moon (and the last crewed capsule to leave Earth's immediate vicinity) was
Apollo 17's launch on Dec. 7, 1972 ~ it's time we get back out there!!!! You can watch all the activity on NASA TV, and right here.
And just in time (so to speak) the new countdown clock is
installed and working (although the PC here is fighting me about showing it at the moment...
hope you have better luck!) Fingers crossed for Orion and enjoy the views, which hopefully will include people on Mars before too long (2035 isn't that far away you know) !!
Tuesday December 2nd, 2014 ~
A very Happy Birthday to Amy today!!!! Hope it's the start of a great year for you Amy ~ in your honor the Geminids Meteor shower is getting underway a little early. It doesn't peak until the 14th but
is showing up (see http://spaceweather.com) already just to celebrate! The Auroras are going to be kicking it up a bit tonight, and the next
couple of nights, in Amy's honor too (check out the aurora cams below the driveway picture). And last, for even more celebrating today, the Seasonal Links (aka Holiday Links) are ready! They are also
posted under the driveway pictures. So cake and great viewing (inside and out) all around ~
Monday December 1st, 2014 ~
It's December on the Driveway! We are working to get the Holiday Links vetted for the season (as they say) and will get those posted this evening ~ meanwhile the rush to Christmas begins. Yay! Enjoy
all the views today as you plot your pathway to the end of the year, and as you perhaps partake in Cyber Monday. Until the seasonal links are up ~ here is a
look at the worlds tallest lighted Christmas Tree in Blue River, Oregon ~ live ~ and a peek in at a
Christmas Market in Monschau Germany (both new views to drivewaycam) ~
A quick look in at a pendulum ~ this being
the 163rd anniversary of the day Napoleon Bonaparte ordered that Foucault's pendulum demonstration cease, flexing his little (but strong) muscles on his first steps towards becoming emperor. Now it's time
to get to the first steps in December ~ break out the peppermint tea and Enjoy!
Sunday November 30th, 2014 ~
November is leaving (here anyway) like a lamb this year as temperatures are supposed to soar into the 50's! That isn't the case everywhere as there are
wind chill warnings up in the Plains and gale warnings
on the northern Great Lakes (and in Alaska, and high wind warnings on most of the coasts) ~ so there is weather to watch out there,
just not here today! And with the lull in the winter like conditions we
are heading out to get our Christmas tree hopefully, and maybe even get some lights put on the bushes...it all could happen, and you'll see it here in 9 minute increments. Before we go a very Happy Birthday
to Winston Churchill and Mark Twain (who was only 39 years older than Churchill!)(that sort of surprised us) who couldn't be with us in person today but we wish them well anyway, and of course thank them
for the excuse for cake and ice cream! Also, today the Christmas Goat debuted for the season in Sweden ~ how long will it last?
Who knows, better check it out while it's still there! Enjoy the views ~
Saturday November 29th, 2014 ~
A very Happy Birthday to Cheryl and Mary Quinn! (hope it's the start of a great year for you both) And also to Louisa May Alcott (and her Dad Amos), and to Madeleine L'Engle ~
Cake all around!!! Today is also
Square Dancing Day ~ who knew? (we did not, just found out) So we'll do-si-do out of here and leave you to enjoy the views with your cake while
you allemande right ~
"Life, my brethren, is like plum-cake" ~ Louisa May Alcott from An Old Fashioned Girl (chapter XVII. Playing Grandmother)
Friday November 28th, 2014 ~
The blurb division was either out shopping early this morning or merely sleeping in ~ we don't know which, we just know they didn't show up to blurb. So a quick catch up blurb (over a lovely plate of
leftovers) to say Happy Birthday to Alan Lightman, who is turning 66 today (if you haven't read Dance for Two...today would be a great time to do so)(can't find it online, but your library will no doubt have it, as does almost
any bookstore...or stop by for some pie and you can borrow the copy here!) and Happy Birthday to Jon Stewart (he's 52 today) and last but certainly not least ~ a very Happy 432nd Anniversary to Bill
and Anne Shakespeare! Here's to many more birthdays and anniversaries all around! Enjoy the views
(and the leftovers.........)
Thursday November 27th, 2014 ~
A very Happy Thanksgiving to all. We wish you could all join us for dinner, or at least for some pie. We'll be thinking about each of you and hope your views today are warm, and tasty! (And not of
rest areas on highways or pre-boarding areas of airports) With parades and cooking feasts to watch you may not have time for driveway and other cam viewing (you can of course watch the
Macy's parade online in between your other viewing ~ right here)
~ but there are some lovely views out there where ever you look so enjoy and let the eating begin!
Wednesday November 26th, 2014 ~
Well it's here ~ the busiest grocery shopping day of the year. We will be entering the belly of the beast ourselves at least once, but probably several times today as
pumpkin pie construction gets underway. We hope the weather holds where ever you are to allow
you to get what you need for tomorrow, and to get where you are going for tomorrow. If you are heading out on the road ~ be careful out there! And if you are staying in...
well the same applies! Enjoy the views ~
Tuesday November 25th, 2014 ~
Running late again..... but before we dash off into the views ~ Here's to you Joe DiMaggio! Today is the 100th Birthday of the Yankee Clipper and
over-rated (!?) or not here is to cake all around (and
to some humming that we try, but can't avoid)(and may we just add how much we hate the ads on YouTube?). Hey, hey, hey............
enjoy the views ~
Monday November 24th, 2014 ~
Spring has sprung today (very limited engagement but here today none the less) and with the 60+ temperatures comes a high wind warning as well.
Gusts up to 60+ as well they are saying ~ so you could see just about anything blow past the driveway. Might as well check out views in all the windy spots
all over the place ~ including even interpretively!
or a favorite that is a bit more locally minded... hang on to your hats and enjoy the views ~
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war.
We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor
power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God,
shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. Abraham Lincoln November 19, 1863
Tuesday November 18th, 2014 ~
It was 151 years ago this morning that President Abraham Lincoln boarded a train for Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He managed to catch it on time even though it would be 20 more years (to the day) before the railroads
ended the confusion of dealing with thousands of "local" times and began using four continental time zones.
At exactly noon on this day, in 1883, American and Canadian railroads put the time zones into effect keeping us much more in sync with each other. Before we head off to look for snow we want to wish Margaret Atwood
(poet and novelist extraordinaire), Alan Shepard (America's first man in space), W.S. (William Schwenck) Gilbert (of Gilbert and Sullivan), and Mickey Mouse, who is turning 86 today (and who was "born" 5 years after (!)
Alan Shepard (which is an odd fact to think about)) all very Happy Birthdays ~ cake and ice cream all around (and while we do love icing, right now we will just wish for a little extra snow as we blow out the
candles!) Enjoy the views ~ and some
pictures from KY ~
Monday November 17th, 2014 ~
All we can say is............... YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bring out the soup, the sweaters, the shawls, the socks, and the scarves ~ it's snowing! And with the snow, there is joy on the driveway! Please
send us pictures of your snow if you are also getting flaked (especially you viewers in Louisville where we noticed some of the white stuff falling). We are off to do the happy dance ~ and then to enjoy the views
in person and online ~ we hope you'll join us in both endeavors ~ (Louisville, I64 at 264 this morning)
Sunday November 16th, 2014 ~
The 2014-15 Snow Watching Links are Up and ready to be watched! (and are located below in the table, with the leaf peeping links)
With snow expected all over the place, you'll want to check them out, as well as the leaf peeping links, the traffic links,
along with the lakes, the shorelines,
and any river views in the path of the snow. Any of the other links on drivewaycam that are in the path will work too. You can spend the day watching it
snow out your window if you are lucky, or right here on your PC (where no shoveling is required)(just another service of driveway cam) ~ Enjoy the views ~
Saturday November 15th, 2014 ~
Half way through November and still running late ~ oye ~ but we will take time to offer up Happy Birthday's to Petula Clark and will also offer up the
Downtowns Views in her honor. (you know you can forget all your troubles and forget all your cares while viewing
(and singing) Downtowns!) Enjoy all of the views on this
lovely Saturday, don't hang around and let your problems surround you when you can wander them all with abandon and enjoy the trip ~
Friday November 14th, 2014 ~
Still working on vetting the snow links ~ but there is much snow to be seen wandering the links below so you won't miss out. But we don't want to concentrate on the cold and snow (although we love it), because
today is the birthday of Louise Brooks! Get thee to the google with her name and you'll have a great day of reading and
pictures to review along with your link hopping. A quick reminder that it is whale watch day
(in honor of the publishing of Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
back in 1851). The white whales may be harder to spot with all
the snow blowing about,
but if one crosses the driveway you should see it just fine (bereft as we are of flakes here)(quit your snickering) ~ and for goodness sake if you do see one on the driveway...let us know! It is also the birthday of
Aaron Copland so enjoy humming Simple Gifts in his honor. Bundle up, grab some hot chocolate, and on to the views ~
Thursday November 13th, 2014 ~
Okay, so we lied about the snow links getting posted ~ maybe later today (?) ~ but you'll want to wander the links we do have for the Pacific Northwest and the High Plains as well as the Mid West as the snows
move in, quite heavily in spots. We may even get a flurry here too if we're lucky. So check out the air quality links (in those areas),
the traffic links, the various mountain and costal links below, and any others you find as
you wander our links, and the 'net in general. (and if you find any you love, please share them!)
Wednesday November 12th, 2014 ~
Today the ESA's Rosetta spacecraft will drop a lander named "Philae" onto the surface of Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko ~ first time EVER that a spacecraft will have landed on a comet. Should be amazing, and
we can watch! Check out the live streaming now, here (or also mirrored here.) You can
also watch on NASA TV (starting at 9:30AM). Landing signal is due to happen at 16:02 GMT (11:02 am (eastern)). Complete
schedule for viewing is here. [Slooh will be showing transmitted images live starting at 2:00 pm (eastern).
Did you know that 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko has been singing? (you can listen to it's song on that link).
When the Philae probe releases from Rosetta it will be the first time in 10 years that it has left the side of Rosetta(!). We have all our fingers crossed that all goes well and that the landing is
perfect (okay, we'll take less than perfect, just want it to be a safe landing!) Read more here or
google around ~ it's an amazing story and we wish Rosetta, Philae, and The European Space Agency all the best ~ (we're sooooooooo excited!!!). Enjoy!
Tuesday November 11th, 2014 ~
This year is the 100th year anniversary of the start of World War I ~ the war to end all wars. And today is the day it ended back in 1918. If you haven't seen the memorial at the Tower of London,
be sure to check out this link, and/or google for more pictures. It's a remarkable and
overwhelming tribute to the losses suffered, just in England. It's hard to comprehend the losses world wide. It's a good day for remembering all who have served ~
"At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the Great War ends. At 5 a.m. that morning, Germany, bereft of manpower and supplies and faced with imminent invasion, signed an armistice
agreement with the Allies in a railroad car outside Compiégne, France. The First World War left nine million soldiers dead and 21 million wounded, with Germany, Russia, Austria-Hungary, France, and
Great Britain each losing nearly a million or more lives. In addition, at least five million civilians died from disease, starvation, or exposure. (from
This Day in History)"
Monday November 10th, 2014 ~
Such a busy day we don't know where to start...first off it's Women And Cars day as it was 111 years ago today that the patent office awarded
U.S. Patent No. 743,801 to a Birmingham, Alabama woman named Mary Anderson
for her "window cleaning device for electric cars and other vehicles to remove snow, ice or sleet from the window." (though during her lifetime she was ridiculed for such a useless and potentially accident causing
distracting idea). As an aside, in 1917 Charlotte Bridgewood patented an automatic wiper system that used rollers instead of blades and her daughter (actress Florence Lawrence) invented the turn signal. Today is also the 39th
anniversary of the disappearance of the Edmund Fitzgerald in a November gale not unlike the one that may be
churning up there today or soon (with other views of the north coast here). And last, but by no means
least, today is 45th (!!) anniversary of the debut of "Sesame Street" (draw your own conclusions as to celebrating or bemoaning that factoid). Our conclusion is that it's time to get to the views ~
Sunday November 9th, 2014 ~
Busy day today on the driveway, as well as all around (and above) the driveway ~ starting at 3:45 NASA TV (and this link) will
provide coverage of the departure of the team of Expedition 41 from the ISS. Full schedule is here, which includes
3:45 p.m. - Farewell and hatch closure coverage. Hatch closure at 4:10 p.m.; 7:15 p.m. - Undocking coverage. Undocking at 7:30 p.m.; 9:45 p.m. - Deorbit burn and landing coverage. Deorbit burn at 10:05 p.m.,
with landing at 10:58 p.m. Today is also the birthday (would have been his 80th) of astronomer Carl Sagan, now out in the Cosmos. In weather news there is a storm a'brewing in the plains and heading towards
you this week pretty much no matter where you live. The snow watching links will be out tomorrow, you can check in on Wyoming, Montana (and Minneapolis we hear) and others with
the air quality links or last year's snow links (which haven't been vetted for this year but are out on the
retired links page) or as always the traffic links which
are eternally fun to watch. So get yourself some hot chocolate brewing and enjoy the views ~ "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known" ~ Carl Sagan
Saturday November 8th, 2014 ~
Though they never showed up on drivewaycam... there were snow flurries in with the rain yesterday! Much celebrating ensued!! (that was also not on driveway cam, due to an unfortunate court order).
However, there was stay-on-the-ground-and-look-beautiful-snow up in the hills (see pictures below), which you can
check in on right here at Bristol Mt. Still cold today so keep the covers on while enjoying the views. Enjoy some birthday
cake and ice-cream too for English astronomer Edmond Halley, who was born in Shoreditch, London, in 1656. Didn't find a camera in Shoreditch, but
this one is only 18 miles away and is live of St. Albans, and it's always fun to watch what is going on there.
Halley did more
than name a comet (which he never got to see, it returned exactly when he predicted it would, but he died years before it came back that Christmas Day in 1758) ~ He produced the first actuarial tables,
published the first meteorological chart, captained a British Navy vessel on a scientific expedition, and established accurate latitude and longitude measurements for his various ports of call.
He determined the distance from the Earth to the Sun based on his observations of the planet Venus as it passed in front of the Sun. As well as invented two types of undersea diving bells. (with thanks
to Writer's Almanac) And at this point, he would have been on to the views,
so we are too.... Enjoy ~
Friday November 7th, 2014 ~
On this rather overcast and rainy Friday we think some hot Miso Soup would be lovely, to fight the weather and any radiation that might be lurking out there in honor
of the birthday of Marie Sklodowska Curie. Madam Curie discovered the mysterious element radium which opened the door to deep
changes in the way scientists think about matter and energy as well as led the way to a new era for medical knowledge and the treatment of diseases. It is also delicious soup to celebrate other birthdays
today including those of Albert Camus and Joni Mitchell ~ so triple the batch as you enjoy the views ~
Thursday November 6th, 2014 ~
Apparently today is National Nachos Day!?! So it's off to
Piedra Negras, Mexico where they are said to have originated. Couldn't find any camera of Piedra Negras, but found those 4 with views from Piedra Negras. Today is also the day of the full Frost (or Beaver) Moon,
full at 5:23 pm eastern this evening. This night the full moon shines from dusk until dawn … unless you live north of the Arctic Circle.
(that far north, the moon simulates the midnight sun, staying out for 24 hours around the clock.) There is also much wind to watch today as there are strong winds off the coast of Alaska that will be
here next week ~ always fun to watch their travels. And, before we head to the views, a quick Happy 200th Birthday today
to Antoine-Joseph Sax who invented the saxophone! Busy day of viewing ahead ~ Enjoy ~
Wednesday November 5th, 2014 ~
Remember, Remember the 5th of November ~ Gun Powder, Treason, and Plot!!! That's right,
it's Guy Fawkes Day(Night)!
So build your bonfires and party on! Here is a quick look in at the Parliament
buildings that did not get blown up this day back in 1605. And if you want to check in on what is going on inside those said same Houses of Parliament ~
you can, right here, live (it won't disappoint). And now it's off to gather wood for
the bonfire.... Enjoy ~
Tuesday November 4th, 2014 ~
Vote early, vote often, but get out and vote ~ only if you are registered of course ~ and when not voting..... enjoy the views!
Sunday November 2nd, 2014 ~
It's a beautiful sun-shiny day (even if it is a little windy and cold) for the 2nd day of November. We got to see
Hannah (and Dan) on the Bourbon Street Web
Cam last night! You can keep an eye out for them too
right here. Enjoy all the views
today as you adjust to the extra hour of daylight we have (?) ~
Saturday November 1st, 2014 ~
November blew in this morning as October was heading for the hills ~ and it brought some rain and cooler temperatures with it. It also brought with it
the 21st birthday of the European Union which went into effect this day back in 1993 [12 countries ratified the Maastricht Treaty on European Union:
Great Britain, France, Germany, the Irish Republic, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Denmark, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands ~ with others
joining later]. And in 1930 a couple of nations joined together as well when the Detroit Windsor Tunnel was dedicated
by President Herbert Hoover who turned a telegraphic "golden key" in the White House to mark the opening of the 5,160-foot-long
tunnel. We like to check in on the tunnel and the international comings and going there along
with checking all the other November views today ~ Enjoy ~
Friday October 31st, 2014 ~
Jack-o-lanterns are ready here ~ hope they are at your house too! We'd love to see pictures (a not too thinly
veiled plea to see your completed carvings) ~ Meanwhile, it's Halloween!!! Who knows what may appear on, over, or come up through the driveway today.
You'll know, in 9 minute increments, and if you see anything untoward please let us know!!!! You can also
watch for ghosts here
if you can tear yourself away from the driveway. Have a frightfully good day and enjoy whatever views may sneak up on you and say BOO!!!!
Thursday October 30th, 2014 ~
Somehow the week went by with the blurb division in a blur. And not because of
an invasion of Martians is underway
(as Orson Wells convinced the nation on this very day 76 years ago today with his
radio broadcast of War of the Worlds!), no matter what
they try to tell you. They are currently writing "lines" in the corner
("we will show up for work" 500 times) so for the rest of us it's clear sailing, with actual real time views of the driveway, and with voting
on your favorite Halloween candy: (vote early, vote often for) ~ Butterfingers; or Snickers; or
Reese's; or Milky Way; or 100,000 Grand;
or Kit-Kat; or All of the Previous...and more!; and practicing
pumpkin carving online before
carving your pumpkins if you haven't already! Carving
will be happening this side of the driveway this evening. If you are in the neighborhood....
stop by for some cider and donuts and pumpkin seeds! Happy All Hallows Eve Eve ~
Sunday October 26th, 2014 ~
Today is the 189th anniversary of the opening of the Erie Canal. So if you've got a mule and her name is Sal....take her to lunch! If not you can still have lunch at a number of places along the 360 miles
of canal, or you can just check in on it here. And since today is not only
National Pumpkin Day but also
Howl at the Moon Day it's time to head out to the pumpkin patch to see what's
taking shape. One of our favorite collections of ideas each year is Extreme Pumpkins ~ this site
has some great (and scary) ones too. So it is
pumpkin lattes, bread, and soup all around and enjoy the views
Saturday October 25th, 2014 ~
At some point soon we hope to be back to regular (daily even) updates ~ but luckily the blurb division fought their way in today because it's St. Crispin's Day (for the patron saints of cobblers)
~ when the Battle of Agincourt was fought in 1415 ~ and as Will once mentioned about the day..."
Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by, From this day to the ending of the world, but we in it shall be remember'd;"
Poetic allowances aside, a toast all around today for all of us on this lovely St. Crispin's Day. While throughout history this has been quite the day in fighting history...it is also the 160th anniversary
of that famous knitting battle The Charge of the Light Brigade; and it is the 153rd anniversary of the day the keel of the Union ironclad Monitor is laid at Greenpoint, New York changing naval warfare
forever.... may we suggest an approach more to gentle all our conditions? A look in, perhaps, at the restoration of the very same Monitor at
our favorite Turret Cam site. Or maybe some light reading on some knitting, or perhaps sort through your shoes and
make a donation of some of them (or maybe even buy a new pair to donate) ~ whatever our merry band
of viewers gets up to today we hope you all enjoy the views ~
Wednesday October 22th, 2014 ~
In just a few minutes (it's 8:27 now, show starts at 9:AM (EDT)) NASA Television
will broadcast live coverage of a six-hour spacewalk by two Russian crew members aboard the International Space Station. Honestly it doesn't get more entertaining when it comes to
space walks than it does with the Russians. And tomorrow, at sunset, there is going to be a partial eclipse of the sun.
It will be visible from all of the United States except Hawaii and New England. Coverage ranges from 12% in Florida to nearly 70% in Alaska.
Weather permitting, almost everyone in North America will be able to see the crescent. Both the Meteor shower and the eclipse will be shown on
Slooh's website so you won't have to miss either one. (times are on the website). Today is also, just as an aside, the anniversary of the very
first parachute jump of note which was made by André-Jacques Garnerin from a hydrogen balloon 3,200 feet above Paris, back in 1797. So for Garnerin, enjoy
watching leaves fall, astronauts not
fall, and anything else that might wander into view today ~
Monday October 20th, 2014 ~
There is a lot going on is space this week ~ Earth is entering a stream of debris from Halley's Comet, which brings us the annual
Orionid meteor shower. Forecasters expect the shower to peak before
dawn (which is why we mention it now) tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 21st.; while on Wednesday, October 22, starting at 9:AM (EDT) NASA Television
will broadcast live coverage of a six-hour spacewalk by two Russian crew members aboard the International Space Station which is always great entertainment; and finally at sunset on the 23rd
(we'll remind you again) there is going to be a partial eclipse of the sun.
It will be visible from all of the United States except Hawaii and New England. Coverage ranges from 12% in Florida to nearly 70% in Alaska.
Weather permitting, almost everyone in North America will be able to see the crescent. Both the Meteor shower and the eclipse will be shown on
Slooh's website so you won't have to miss either one. (times are on the website). And because this is the
anniversary of the opening of the Sydney Opera House ~ a look in before going off to the other views ~ Enjoy ~
Sunday October 19th, 2014 ~
Big day on Mars today as Comet C/2013 A1, also known as comet Siding Spring, will pass within
about 87,000 miles (139,500 kilometers) of the Red Planet ~ less than one-tenth the distance of any known comet flyby of Earth. The comet is about the size of an Appalachian Mountain.
This an event that only happens once every million years, and scientists are waiting with anticipation. Everyone on Mars (!) will be watching (from protected advantages) and we can watch too thanks to
the wonderful folks at Slooh. They will be hosting two shows of the event: The first show "Close Call — Comet Siding Spring zips by Mars" will begin
at 2:15 EDT (11:15 PDT). The second show "Comet Siding Spring — The Outcome" will start at 8:30 pm EDT (5:30 pm PDT). You can watch both shows live on Slooh's website.
Other Web casts are at:
Astronomer Gianluca Masi will broadcast from the virtualtelescope.eu
observatory (broadcast starts at 11:45 EST / 16:45 UT)
ESA Livestream with lots of experts (broadcast starts at 1:50 EST / 17:50 UT) ~ Keep your heads up (or at least your monitors on) and enjoy this
amazing view (along with all the others) ~
Friday October 17th, 2014 ~
Today is the 3rd of 5 Fridays in October; it is the day that in 1956 the Queen opened Calder Hall, which was the first gas-cooled, and Britain's first ever, nuclear power station; and, as it turns out,
it is also the date back in 1604, that Johannes Kepler witnessed the last supernova ever observed in the Milky Way! So keep your eyes peeled ~ you never know what you might be seeing the first, or last, or 3rd of
today ~ in general or while out wandering the views! Enjoy!
Thursday October 16th, 2014 ~
It is National Feral Cat Day once again ~ so take a feral cat to lunch (and to get neutered). It is also
World Dictionary Day on the birthday of Noah
Webster born this day in 1758. Noah worked tirelessly to give this new country it's own voice (and is the man we can thank for CENTRE being CENTER on this side of the pond! (if only we could shake his hand)).
After publishing a first book on standardizing American pronunciation and spelling he then spent 45 years researching his dictionary. From Writer's Almanac (with thanks):
"During that time, he traveled abroad, read countless original sources, and taught himself 26 languages in order to better understand English. The dictionary contained 70,000 entries, thousands
of which had never appeared in a dictionary before. He added new American words like skunk, chowder, and squash. He simplified some spellings, like musick (he dropped the "k,"); and others he made
more phonetic, like changing centre to end in "er" instead of "re," or changing plough to plow with a "w." Some of his changes didn't catch on, like changing women to wimmen, or tongue to tung."
We have it on good authority (okay, so we are making it up but that doesn't mean it isn't true) that Noah loved all cats and was a big support of the Trap-Neuter-Release program
for feral cats. :) While you ponder that, and wander through a dictionary today, don't forget to enjoy the views ~
Wednesday October 15th, 2014 ~
A rainy start to this Wednesday on the driveway which is good because it will keep down the hordes of killer bees that began their assault on the US this day back in 1990, when they spread up from Mexico
into the first state to be affected, Texas, specifically, into the city of Hidalgo. You can watch today's arrivals and departures
to and from Hidalgo right here (click on the white arrow in the blue box below the eye).
You can also just watch some bees right here. And if you accidently run into some killer bees (yep, they are
still around, and still moving north, although none have ever been seen on the driveway, so you are perfectly safe viewing it) here are
some tips on what to do ~ Enjoy ~
tuesday october 14th, 2014 ~
monday may have been a blur ~ tho' drivewaycam managed to keep it in focus ~ but today we're going to focus on e.e.cummings who would be turning 120. happy birthday e.e.!
writer's almanac said that at his death in 1962, he
was the second most widely read poet in america, after robert frost. we'd like to encourage that trend with a link to some of his works ~
and hope you will take time out during your viewing to
enjoy some of the views of his poetry (they are fun just to look at even if you don't read them)
(not the first poet to use a typewriter, he was certainly one of the first to understand it's potential). hope it's a poem of a day for all of us ~ cake all around and enjoy the views ~
listen; there's a hell of a good universe next door: let's go. ~ e. e. cummings
Sunday October 12th, 2014 ~
Today is supposed to be perfect weather for leaf peeping ~ there is frost on the lawn (and on the pumpkins!) this morning, and it's supposed to warm up to the mid 70's by afternoon. So some of us
are heading out to do some on site leaf peeping, instead of online. Although...we will be online too with a lovely prize to anyone who finds us (and copies the picture to send in) out there. We
are going to Bristol Mt to take the Sky Ride ~ There are 4 cameras there,
there will be 7 of us going (in chronological order we are: Jim, Deb, Amy, Em, James, Haydon, Lindsey), and we should be there around 1:00(ish). There are also Scottish Games going on
there today so it should be good viewing no matter what. Hopefully you can get out for some peeping too ~ but online or off... Enjoy the views ~
Saturday October 11th, 2014 ~
It's a beautiful autumn day here on (and about) the driveway ~ and with any luck we'll get a blurb posted AND the drivewaycam back up and working. Meanwhile, get out and leaf peep when you can,
or stay in and peep here. Today is moving day for Ms. Hannah and we wish her good weather and few bruises! Today is also the birthday of the man who founded the YMCA, Sir George Williams, who was
born in 1821 in Dulverton, England. You can check in on a lovely view of the YMCA in the Rockies while humming Happy Birthday
(or whatever song may be stuck in your head) if you like.
Enjoy the day and the views ~
Thursday October 9th, 2014 ~
Hit and Miss (the 2 folks that seem to make up the blurb division) made it in this morning, just. And it was just in time to wish everyone a
Happy Leif Ericson Day!. So take a Norseman to lunch and then explore the
shores of the American Continent in person (please send us postcards) or from the driveway (either way you can always send postcards) via the many links
found all over driveway cam as well as the costal ones specifically: the South Coast Waves
~ the East Coast Waves
~ the West Coast Waves ~
and of course the ~ North Coast Waves. And we can't resist, sorry ~ if you want to do some
leif peeping along the way we've got you covered (okay quit groaning, we're done now) ~
Tuesday October 7th, 2014 ~
Monday came and went in a blur (and in a stopped driveway cam (sorry!)), but it's on to Tuesday and the 55th anniversary of the dark far side of the Moon being photographed for the first time. The pictures were taken
and relayed back to Earth (on October 18th) by Russia's Luna 3 spacecraft. In honor of that, while we won't see the dark side (can't really), early, early tomorrow morning, or late, late tonight, we will see a lunar eclipse!
Full information can be found at space.com, and/or at spaceweather.com.
And the wonderful folks at Slooh and NASA are doing webcasts online ~ NASA's begins at 3 a.m. EDT (0700 GMT) on Oct. 8, with Slooh's starting at 5 a.m. EDT (0900 GMT). You can watch both lunar eclipse webcasts on
Space.com, or directly through
Slooh and
NASA. So no matter which side of the coin you are on (the stay up late or get up early) get out there (or online here)
and enjoy the eclipse and the "selenelion effect," a phenomenon that celestial geometry says cannot happen! Thanks to Earth's atmosphere, the images of both the sun and moon are apparently lifted above the horizon
by atmospheric refraction. This allows people on Earth to see the sun for several extra minutes before it actually has risen and the moon for several extra minutes
after it has actually set. And speaking on behalf of the people on Earth (and the driveway) we say Yay! map of eclipse:
Sunday October 5th, 2014 ~
Today is the day, back in 1926, that Robert Goddard completed the first successful launch of his liquid-fueled rocket in Auburn, Massachusetts. The rocket reached a height of 41 feet and an average speed of 60 miles per hour,
and opened the door for space travel that he had begun dreaming about after reading H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds.
He began to plan how to build a rocket in 1899 the year after reading that book (which was published in
1897). Goddard died before space travel became a reality, but we thank him (and H.G.) for it ~ and as it is also Goddard's birthday today we say it's the perfect day for some
out of this world cake ~ (WITHOUT the coconut of course!).
Have a blast today and enjoy the views ~
Saturday October 4th, 2014 ~
Not only was the day before yesterday not Wednesday, as the blurb division claimed (although if any month could have 2 Wednesdays in one week, then October would be it), they didn't show
up for work yesterday (although the intrepid driveway cams did) so today is Saturday. And not only is it Saturday but it's the birthday of the man who started an empire that still sells about
6 million books each year.
Those books include his creations ~ Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Dana Girls, Tom Swift, and The Bobbsey Twins. We love Edward L. Stratemeyer (or Carolyn Keene, or Laura Lee Hope, or Victor Appleton, or
which ever name you know him by) and hope to have cake for his
152nd birthday today! (maybe even Fat Cake?) So grab one of his many, many books from his legacy (he wrote 150 books on his own before starting up the ghost writing syndicate)
and enjoy whatever autumnal views you wander through today ~ and if you are in the neighborhood stop by for some cake and a Nancy Drew book to read, we'll be here....
Wednesday October 2nd, 2014 ~
Birthday cake today for Graham Greene (it feels like a perfect day to curl up with one of his books), who would be turning 110 today, for the comic strip "Peanuts" which made its debut this day in 1950,
for Groucho Marx (born in 1890), and for Gandhi (born in 1869) ~ and if you can figure out a perfect cake for that lot please let us know ~ meanwhile it's off to the views for
leaf peeping,
penguin hunting, and a special bonus
new Trial Link sent to us by Catherine (Thanks Catherine!!) for a whole
new look in on a lovely spot while on our general wanderings of the planet to see who is doing what where, when we get there. Meet you at the pool......
Wednesday October 1st, 2014 ~
Not only is it the first day of October (YAY!) when things start to go bump in the night (Ditto!) but it is also the day, back in 1890, that an act of Congress (yes, they actually used to do things)
created Yosemite National Park. So we'll head out that way (with 4 views including
our old favorite)
and then it's on to October's views ~ Enjoy the views and of course the bumps in the night ~
Tuesday September 30th, 2014 ~
If you haven't gotten a library card yet ~ today is your last day to do that during Library Card Sign Up Month. You
can, of course, be a rebel and sign up tomorrow as any day is a good day to get a library card, but why wait? It was
this day, just 79 years ago, that that the Hoover Dam was dedicated by President Franklin Roosevelt in Boulder City, Nevada. Couldn't find a Dam Cam there, however... here is a great dam cam in
Puerto Rico to check out. And
a weather cam in Boulder City to check as well. (we've added the
Arizona traffic cams here, and to the traffic cam collection as well in case you just want to wander
the byways there). And yes Virginia, the leaf peeping page is out there ~ check the table below column 1 row 11 ~ (still a work in progress but out there none the less) ~ Enjoy!
Monday September 29th, 2014 ~
Today is not only what's believed to be the birthday of Miguel de Cervantes back in 1547,
it is also International Coffee Day so
have a cup of Joe before you head out to the views or to the windmills that need tilting ~ or if you are more into tilting with
turbines, here are a couple to check out while you enjoy your coffee: in Delaware, and this lovely view
in New Jersey. No, we didn't get the leaf peeping link out there, but it will be there tomorrow, really!
Sunday September 28th, 2014 ~
First a very Happy Birthday to Catherine!!!! Hope it's a great day and year for you. And secondly, it's Baseball's last day of the season today and today Derek Jeter will play in his very last MLB game,
in Boston (on the 54th anniversary of the very last MLB game Ted Williams played ~ also at Fenway Park). It is also the 73rd anniversary of the day that Ted Williams got six hits in eight trips to the plate,
boosting his batting average to .406 and thereby becoming the first player since Bill Terry in 1930 to hit .400 and also, just saying, becoming the last player (so far) to do so! And while we are on Williams
~ today is the 948th anniversary of the day William the Conqueror of Normandy arrived on British soil, but we
are pretty sure he didn't play any baseball so it's back to the last day of Major League Baseball for 2014 and then it's on to the playoffs! Enjoy the games
(GO TIGERS!!!), some birthday cake, and the views ~
Friday September 26th, 2014 ~
Somehow the last weekend of September is upon us ~ we promise the leaf peeping page will get posted this weekend. You can, of course, leaf peep without it by wandering the views, and/or
wandering outside. (amazingly, that works too) :) Today is the birthday of one of driveway cam's favorites,
Thomas Stearns Eliot (TS to his readers). It is also the birthday of
Johnny Chapman (Johnny Appleseed to all of us!) You can read more by, and
about, them at your local library when you take yourself there while out looking at leaves. So take your library card for a walk and yourself for a read, and if you don't have a card yet well
then you need to get there faster because Library Card Month is winding down and you don't want to find
yourself at the end of September without a library card! Enjoy the views ~
If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are? ~ T. S. Eliot
Thursday September 25th, 2014 ~
It's a busy day today... it was this day in 1789, that the first Congress passed the Bill of Rights — 12 amendments to the Constitution designed to protect the basic rights of U.S. citizens. However,
only the last 10 of the original 12 were ratified by the states, including the First Amendment, which includes freedom of religion, speech, the press, and public assembly. (Thanks to Writer's Almanac).
It is also the birthday of Shel Silverstein who showed us Where the Sidewalk Ends (Many thanks Mr. Silverstein), and last but by no means least ~ today NASA Television will televise
of the launch of the three crew members of Expedition 41/42, as they begin their planned six-hour journey to the International Space Station. NASA Television coverage starts at 3:30 p.m. EDT and you
can watch right here as Barry "Butch" Wilmore of NASA and Alexander Samokutyaev and Elena Serova of the
Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 4:25 p.m. (EDT) ~ Enjoy the views, which are our "something silly in the world..."
Wednesday September 24th, 2014 ~
Welcome to Wednesday on the Driveway ~ today we'll be featuring several visits, several trips out and back, and sunshine galore (the stage name of someone we're sure)
if the rumors are true. It is also take your punctuation to lunch day as it is
National Punctuation Day!?! Throw in that it
is also Greta's birthday and you'll be busy celebrating, punctuating, and viewing all day ~ Enjoy!
Tuesday September 23rd, 2014 ~
A little late but the views are all there for the ... well for the viewing! It's a sunny beautiful day here on the driveway, hope it is where you
are too. And a little celebration if you will for Neptune, the 8th planet from the sun which was discovered by German astronomer Johann Gottfried Galle
this date in 1846 at the Berlin Observatory. It's location was postulated by the French astronomer Urbain-Jean-Joseph Le Verrier, and verified by
Galle. Enjoy the views and the knowledge that Neptune is out there! Where out there? Check
here for a map and here
for more information.
Monday September 22nd, 2014 ~
While the blurb division took yesterday off ~ NASA did not and
MAVEN entered orbit around Mars!!! They also
(along with the SpaceX people and the Dragon(!))
launched 5000 lbs of cargo
on a resupply mission to the ISS. But the really B.I.G. news is that this evening at 10:29 PM Autumn Arrives!!!!! We get a temporary break from those
lovely 23 degrees of tilt and we can embrace the balance ~ so set your clocks and welcome Autumn ~
Saturday September 20th, 2014 ~
Apparently it is International (!) Eat An Apple Day ~ so by all (and any) means, get out there and Eat An Apple! Here is a look in at
HoneyApple Hill in NY,
but for the best apples, aka actual apples.... leave the viewing here for a while and get out to a market to buy some fresh, crisp, hmmmmm apples!
Tis the season! Then of course when you are done with that, the views will be waiting (they will even wait if you want to bake
an apple crisp, or something (they are most accommodating
that way)) ~
Friday September 19th, 2014 ~
The U.K. has survived, and while we didn't have a horse in that race we are very relieved with the results. However, we do hope that England and Scotland can work out their many differences. While
the results sink in to both the Yays and the Nays we are going to spend today wandering views of Scotland ~ like this amazing one in Edinburgh, as well as these
in the mountains, and/or the Shetland Islands we hope to
visit one day (soon) (love the music on this one too). There is Stonehaven, along with another great view, this one
of Eilean Donan Castle. And of course we can't
forget the ever wonderful Loch Ness(ie) Cam we visit almost every day... Finally there are the
traffic Cams in Scotland which are always a treat ~ it's a beautiful country so enjoy the views ~
Thursday September 18th, 2014 ~
A very happy birthday to Jean Bernard Léon Foucault, best known for originating the pendulum that demonstrated the earth's rotation. In his honor today we'll just settle in and
watch the as the earth rotates (one of our favorite sites!) and
watch while things on the rotating earth rotate (they've changed
the cams there, you have to go to the page and then click on the cam, and the image updates every 12 seconds) and enjoy the ride (hang on to something if you are prone to motion
sickness) Oh! And enjoy the views too! :)
Wednesday September 17th, 2014 ~
It was just 38 years ago today, in 1976, that NASA publicly unveiled its first space shuttle, the Enterprise, during a ceremony in Palmdale, California. They just announced yesterday that Space-X and
Boeing would be the providers of personel carriers to the ISS so that by 2017 we are shuttling crews without the help of Russia or other nations. The
Dragon will fly even more (yay!). Looks to be
a lovely day on the driveway and hopefully where you are too. If you haven't gotten your library card yet... what the heck are you waiting for? Enjoy the views and
get your card....
Monday September 15th, 2014 ~
It is a beautiful day on the driveway (don't look at the radar) as it should be for today is the birthday of our favorite mystery writer Agatha Christie, born Agatha Miller in Torquay, England, in 1890 (with
thanks to The Writer's Almanac). So it's a lovely day to curl up with one of her 66 mysteries (and countless other plays, novels, poetry, short stories, essays....) and even to
check in on Torquay ~ Enjoy ~
Sunday September 14th, 2014 ~
Well we missed the auroras (cloud cover), and in fact we missed all of Saturday (luckily the camera division keeps on plugging even when the blurb division slacks off) ~ and while we didn't get to see this first
hand yesterday we are more than pleased to announce, and imagine that you will be more than pleased to hear, that...............
THE PENGUINS ARE BACK!!!! So enjoy as we continue
the fall into autumn this week ~ checking for auroras, leaves turning (leaf peeping page will be up soon but there are turning leaves all over the links), and the return of
the penguins. Hot cider, warm sweaters,
a library card, and great views all around ~
"The contents of a library can take you further than your own imagination could begin to imagine. To open a book is to open your mind." ~ Amberle Cianne
Friday September 12th, 2014 ~
There was a large solar flare on the Sun on Wednesday which could lighten up the night skies here on Earth tonight. If you are not in the aurora circle,
or you have cloudy skies don't forget that you can check out the aurora cams to watch online. (slide down the page a bit, the aurora cams are right above the start of the table of links). And indeed if you
feel the need you can take out your aluminum hats and wear those during the storm's fall out. (it's only prudent). Happy Friday and Enjoy the Views!
Thursday September 11th, 2014 ~
"Democracy depends on an informed population. And where can people get all the information they need? At the Library.” ~ Elliot Shelkrot
“Illiteracy is no less than a threat to our national security. ~ Thomas Jefferson
“If information is the currency of democracy, then libraries are its banks.” ~ Senator Wendell Ford
Visit your library today and enjoy all of the views there and from the driveway ~
Wednesday September 10th, 2014 ~
While the Blurb division is up to their old tricks and played hooky yesterday, NASA is on duty and is sending a crew home from the ISS today as NASA astronaut Steve Swanson, Expedition 40 commander,
along with cosmonauts Alexander Skvortsov and Oleg Artemyev, both flight engineers with the Russian Federal Space Agency, return to Earth after six month aboard the International Space Station. You can
watch on NASA TV or right here (schedule is:
3:15 p.m. - Farewells and hatch closure coverage (hatch closure at 3:35 p.m.) ~ 6:45 p.m. - Undocking (undocking at 7:01 p.m.) ~ 9:15 p.m. - Deorbit burn and landing coverage (deorbit burn at 9:31 p.m.
and landing at 10:23 p.m.)). Today is also the 201st anniversary of the first unqualified defeat of a British naval squadron in history, when U.S. Captain Oliver Hazard Perry lead a fleet of nine American ships
to victory over a squadron of six British warships at the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812.
So a look in at Lake Erie and a note that you can find out more about the battle at the library
when you go to get your card, or walk your card if you already have one ~ Enjoy ~
Monday September 8th, 2014 ~
While we usually look to see what has happened this day in the past today we are looking toward the future ~ so mark your calendars and meet us here on September 8th, 2040 because
the first visible conjunction during the 21st century of the crescent Moon with the five naked-eye visible planets - Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn - will occur then. They will be seen
clustered within a small distance of each other in the early evening sky, well east of the sun. When a similar grouping happened in the sky on 5 May 2000, the Moon and the same five planets were
lost to view because of the glare of the Sun from among them. We'll have wine, bring a snack to pass! Oh and speaking of the future... the last of the trio of SuperFullMoons for the summer is tomorrow.
Shine on and enjoy the views ~ "Knowledge is free at the library. Just bring your own container." ~ Anon
Sunday September 7th, 2014 ~
A late start to a beautiful (so far) Sunday on the driveway ~ as we ponder the fact that it was this day back in 1909 that the first junior high school in the United States, Indianola School, was opened
in Columbus, Ohio. Well, we have to ponder something while waiting for 2014RC to make it's closest approach, at about 2:18 pm EDT based on current calculations. At it's closest the 60 feet in size asteroid will
be about 21,000 miles above the surface of the Earth. Slooh, our favorite online telescope, will be broadcasting replays
today of last nights live show, so if you didn't get to see it then you can put on your hats and watch now.
Enjoy all the views today ~ on the driveway, at the library, and everywhere else as well ~
Saturday September 6th, 2014 ~
A lovely, lazy Saturday is underway on the driveway and we hope on your driveways as well. That gives you plenty of time to work on your aluminum foil hats for the asteroid 2014RC which is going to
zoom by here tomorrow ~ The asteroid will be roughly over New Zealand at the time of closest approach, which will be about 2:18 pm EDT based on current calculations. Astronomers estimate that the
asteroid is about 60 feet in size. How close? About 21,000 miles above the surface of the Earth. Slooh, our favorite online telescope, will be broadcasting live
starting at starting at 10 p.m. EDT tonight! So put on your hats and watch. 394 years ago today a smaller vessel
from a foreign land headed this way too as the Mayflower left Plymouth England with 102 colonists bound for the new world. You can
check in on Plymouth and see who might be leaving there today ~ (save the picture and you'll be able to see it more clearly(larger)).
Enjoy the views, being lazy, and going to the library, but keep an eye on the skies.....
"A library is the only single place you can go to learn something new, be comforted, terrified, thrilled, saddened, overjoyed, or excited all in one day. And for free." ~ Amy Neftzger
Friday September 5th, 2014 ~
37 years ago this very day Voyager I was launched (after Voyager II it's true but hey, time is relative) and it is still going strong and has
crossed over into interstellar space!! 20 years (to the day)
prior to that (and no doubt giving NASA the idea of hitting the interstellar highway) Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" was published. Dr. Zhivago was first published in the US on this day 1 year
after "On the Road". Both these books and information about the Voyager mission can be found at your local library if you (and your Library Card) take a trip there today (you can fly, walk, or
go by troika) ~ which would be a lovely way to celebrate day 5 of Library Card Sign Up Month ~
enjoy the views here, and along the way ~
Thursday September 4th, 2014 ~
It was on this day in 1882, that Thomas Edison switched on the world's first commercial electrical power plant (which would later become Con-Ed) flipping the first light switch, in J.P. Morgan's Wall Street
office, at precisely three o'clock p.m. It is also the day, just 6 years later, in Rochester, New York, that George Eastman received a patent for his new, easy-to-use camera, the Kodak. So let your
light shine today on whatever kodak moments you find ~ wandering the views, wandering around, or wandering with your Library Card in your Local Library
~ Enjoy ~ "Nothing is pleasanter to me than exploring in a library." ~ Walter Savage Landor
Wednesday September 3rd, 2014 ~
Sadly today is the day that Amy heads back home. We (and the driveway) are going to miss her (and her Scion) but you can watch for her on her way home by following
the traffic cams between here and there ~ In between watching for Amy don't forget to go to your library, to celebrate
National Library Card Sign Up Month of course as well as the anniversary of this day in 1822 when a wagon train containing three tons of books arrived at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA.
Donated to the library there by James Winthrop who was a descendant of John Winthrop, first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. You can check in on
Meadville right here to watch for any additional wagon trains of books that might be
arriving (and if you see some arriving on the driveway let us know!) Enjoy the views ~
Tuesday September 2nd, 2014 ~
It was 113 years ago today that then Vice President Teddy Roosevelt advised Americans to "speak softly but carry a big stick" ~ Couldn't find a web cam in Big Stick (WVa) but did find
this one just 9 miles out of Big Stick (hopefully it will update). School is starting today in
Webster (and tomorrow in Rochester) so traffic watching once again includes busses for all you traffic fans ~ and if would rather be out in
traffic instead of watching it then get thee to your library and get your library card as the 2nd day of
National Library Card Sign Up Month, and the 245th day of the year get underway ~
"Walking the stacks in a library, dragging your fingers across the spines -- it's hard not to feel the presence of sleeping spirits." ~ Robin Sloan
Monday September 1st, 2014 ~
Happy Labor Day and welcome back to the "ber" months! There is great rejoicing on the driveway as September is here and as autumn starts tip toeing in. It is also the start of
National Library Card Sign Up Month another favorite on this side of the driveway ~ so,
if you don't have a library card yet, be sure to get one tomorrow (it is a holiday today after all) and then work on wearing it out! A quick Happy Birthday to Lily Tomlin (born in
Detroit in 1939) then it's on to the library links, and all the other links as well ~ Enjoy ~
Sunday August 31st, 2014 ~
The last day of August is here and we are sad to see the month end (but pretty excited about what tomorrow might bring in it's place). Today is also the day Cheryl is leaving and we hate to see her go
(drivewaycam will miss the extra car and the car shuffling as well)(we are working on convincing Cheryl and Amy to move here (check the driveway later to see if we had any success)). Meanwhile, today
is the day in 1852 that the United States Congress passed legislation creating the first prestamped envelopes (!) ~ so use one if you have one (or buy one on Tuesday for some retroactive celebrating).
It is also the day in 1942 that the caped crusader (aka Superman) started on network radio and we heard "Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman!" for the first time ~ so while
viewing, keep an eye out on the skies in those views for any capes you may see zoom by. Take a deep breath of August as it departs and enjoy the views ~
Saturday August 30th, 2014 ~
First and foremost ~ Happy Birthday to Linda today!!! We all wish her the happiest of days and the start of a excellent new year! (and we thank her for the opportunity for cake today!!!) Long time
drivewaycamers know that today is also National Toasted Marshmallow Day...but did you know it is also International Bacon Day!?!
Put those 3 things together and what do you have? That's right ~ Chocolaty Bacon Birthday Cake with (of course)
Toasted Marshmallow Frosting!!! (served with a side of insulin we hope). And have a 2nd piece of cake for
Shirley Booth (aka Hazel) who was born 116 years ago today! Now it's off to the views and to get a strong cup of coffee
to counteract just thinking about 2 pieces of that cake....
Friday August 29th, 2014 ~
The long weekend is upon us ~ yay! And as it's the last official holiday of the summer it's time to put the brakes on and slow things down a little, which works out well because it was this
very day, in 1828, that the first U.S. patent for a brake of any kind was issued to Robert Turner of Ward (now Auburn), Mass.
It was for a "self-regulating wagon brake." Today is also the day back in 1971 that Hank Aaron broke a record and became the first baseball player in the National League to drive in 100 or more runs in each
of 11 seasons! (in case you were wondering). So enjoy this lovely 241st day of the year, enjoy the weekend, enjoy the views, and enjoy taking things s..l...o....w.....l......y ~
Thursday August 28th, 2014 ~
August seems to be in a big hurry to get out-of-here but there are still a few days to savor the waning of National Catfish Month ~ so don't delay!
And while we haven't found a Catfish Cam per se... there are fish out there for viewing ~ at the Bonneville Dam in Portland,
or you can check in on some sturgeon in Lake Superior. Speaking of cats (?!) today is the birthday of
Sir Godfrey Newbold Hounsfield who shared a Nobel Prize for the creation of
computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanners. He originated the idea during a country walk in 1967 ~ so be sure to take notes on what you are thinking while viewing or walking today....
Wednesday August 27th, 2014 ~
We're back, sort of. The Blurb Division is moving slowly but then they always did ~ They (and we) would like to wish Theodore Dreiser a Happy Birthday. He would be turning 140 today if only he
could. So cake and ice-cream all around. Today is also the start of the Tug of War World Championships (!!) in Wisconsin ~ which is just screaming
to be on a webcam, but we haven't found one...yet. (if you find one let us know!). So grab on to the rope, hold on tight, and it's off to the views ~ Enjoy ~
Thursday August 21st, 2014 ~
The blurb division is taking some time off ~ so for the next few days or so enjoy wandering the views (they should all still work), and watching the driveway (we're hoping that drivewaycam
and our cloud cam cooperate), and exploring old favorites, or finding new favorites. Speaking of favorites...today is the birthday of
the real Christopher Robin, the inspiration for Winnie
the Pooh's best friend ~ So tea with honey all around and we'll be back soon ~ Enjoy the views!
Tuesday August 19th, 2014 ~
Today is the birthday of the father of Star Trek ~ Gene Roddenberry, born in El Paso, Texas, in 1921. His original science
fiction show Star Trek never received good ratings and only ran for 3 seasons ('66-'68) but blasted off in syndication and began an entire Star Trek industry of TV shows, movies, conventions, toys,
accessories, and the list goes on from here to the moon and back. It is also the day
2 dogs named Belka and Strelka,
along with 40 mice, and 2 rats, were launched into orbit 54 years ago (and 6 years before Star Trek launched) aboard Sputnik 5(2?)
and happily became the first animals to return alive. (none of which would have been possible without the efforts of today's other birthday boy
Orville Wright.) In honor of all of them we're re-posting
the link for watching those that watch space ~ Hope it's a lovely viewing day all over the universe. Enjoy ~
Monday August 18th, 2014 ~
A tip of the hat to the
19th Amendment to the Constitution
which was ratified this very day back in 1920, giving women, that is acknowledging, their right to vote. Thank you
Suffragettes!!! With many Thank Yous to Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton who drafted the amendment and first introduced it in 1878(!?!?!) And while we are tipping hats, let one of them be a party hat
because it is, once again, Happy Birthday to Delores (Pat) Beedle Day! Hope it's a gloriously gorsen-spotted day for you Delores ~ and for us all ~
Sunday August 17th, 2014 ~
Rumor has it that it was this day in 1877, that Asaph Hall discovered Mars' moon Phobos ~ tomorrow morning however (pre-dawn people, set your alarms now) it's not Mars but
Venus and Jupiter that are going to steal the show. Tomorrow (early) morning, about 30 minutes BEFORE dawn, Venus and Jupiter will be just two-tenths of a degree apart.
Should be lovely. Mars and Saturn will have their own show later in the month but for now enjoy the views today and then get to bed early so you can catch the 2 brightest
planets in the solar system in conjunction ~ ps: Venus is the brightest of the 2 ~ Enjoy ~ (click picture for larger view)
Saturday August 16th, 2014 ~
Caught the Blurb Division napping (after the Where's the Blurb Division Division woke us up and pointed it out) yesterday... they are back today. Which is good because today is
Brannaman is going to College Day! He is off to Northern Kentucky University and we are all so excited for him we can't hardly stand it! Have a great time today Brannaman!!!
So far the closest view we've found is here, about 2.5 miles away but we'll keep looking. Today
is also cousin Kristi is getting Married Day!! Congratulations Kristi (and TC) ~ much happiness and we hope it's a most wonderful day for you. We hope it's a great day out there
for everyone ~ So Happy Saturdays all around and enjoy the views ~
Thursday August 14th, 2014 ~
Not only is it National Navajo Code Talkers Day (with thanks to the Code Talkers for the only unbroken code in Military History!)
but it is also the 126th anniversary of the day Oliver B. Shallenberger, of Rochester, PA, received a patent for the electric meter (#388003)
...and they've been spinning ever since ~ thanks so much Oliver ~ Might as well keep Oliver's invention cranking by taking a look at some great views
in and around the Navaho Nation and then
TEHI    HAL-ZID    DI    KA-YAH     TA-BILH ~
Wednesday August 13th, 2014 ~
Cloud Cam (click the link on the date) might be fun today as a front (or two) moves through (the camera is looking north toward the lake). It is also a good day to take a look in at
Berlin today as it is the 53rd anniversary of the beginning of the Berlin Wall, when in the early hours
of the morning, East German soldiers quietly began laying down barbed wire and cinder blocks: a hundred miles of it just inside the border of East Berlin. If you are in the
just-getting-or-recently-got-a-whole-lotta-rain areas... be careful out there, stay in and enjoy the views (many of which
have no rain in them at all) and/or squelch the desire to drive out in mess by watching the traffic cameras ~ We'll end on
a cameo appearance of Hitchcock in honor of his birthday....
Tuesday August 12th, 2014 ~
It is a rainy World Elephants Day here on the driveway ~ and as it is also the 33rd anniversary of the introduction of the IBM PC
we can celebrate both by watching Elephants gambol in Tennessee via computer. If you have clear skies where you are this evening,
it's a good night for Meteor viewing out there (especially around 3-4 AM)(oye) as
the Perseids are peaking ~ don't worry if you have cloudy skies
where you are too... it's a good night for meteor viewing here too starting at 9:30 PM (Eastern).
Enjoy the views ~
Monday August 11th, 2014 ~
A very Happy Birthday to Marty today is first on the list! Hope it's a great day for you Martha. In other news, we'd like to say that somehow the first use of the S.O.S radio distress
call (this very day in 1909, by the liner S.S. Arapahoe) was somehow connected to the patent which was awarded (this very day in 1903) for instant coffee but it's a stretch even for the
Department of Totally Unconnected Connections (a subsidiary of the Blurb Division). However both things did happen on the same day so in the minds of the DTUC ~ they're linked. [Instant
coffee was actually introduced at the Pam-American Exposition in Buffalo in 1901, but the patent (No. 735,777) was not awarded
until 1903.] If you figure out the connection please let us know, meanwhile... enjoy the views and a nice cup of coffee (hopefully the SOS signal will not be needed today!)
Sunday August 10th, 2014 ~
It's Super Full Moon day ~ if you have clear skies and can get out as the moon rises today would be the day to do just that. And the
Perseid Meteor Shower is peaking so you might
want to make up a thermos of Hot Chocolate and head out this evening for some sky watching. (perfect for celebrating the birthday of Henri Nestlé, born August 10th, 1814 (yep, that Nestlé, the
one who started the company that now buys up more than ten percent of the world’s entire crop of
coffee and cacao beans !) It is also the birthday of the Man who invented Daylight Saving Time, William Willett, born in 1856, so another round of hot chocolate is in order while
watching for meteors ~ or while checking out any of the views today ~ Enjoy ~
Saturday August 9th, 2014 ~
There is an abundance of Super Full Moons this summer ~ but the one this weekend is the Super'est ~ Sunday night the moon will likely appear 30% brighter and 14% larger than normal.
The moon will be at perigee just 23 minutes before it hits "full" and will be 356,896km away from Earth - only 496km (a little over 300 miles) from the closest it can ever get to us.
There will not be a closer full moon until November 2034. What all that means is that moon watching will be good in the early evening hours of Saturday and Sunday as it comes up large,
and very F U L L! Fingers crossed for clear skies. Perseid Meteor Shower is peaking
this weekend too, under the bright light of the moon, but meteors should still be visable so get out there and look up ~
Friday August 8th, 2014 ~
The blurb division got a little lazy yesterday ~ and haven't shown up for work so far today either. So as it is the 2nd Friday of the month already we are repeating
a blurb from a previous August 8th: Today is a good day for 2nds ~ it is the birthday of Svetlana Yevgeniyevna, the Russian cosmonaut who was the 2nd woman in space, and its
the day that the 2nd teacher to go on a shuttle, Barbara Morgan, launched on the U.S. Space Shuttle Endeavour. As it turns out it is also the day, back in 1876,
that Thomas Alva Edison, obtained patent #180,857 for a “method of preparing autographic stencils for printing,” or, a mimeograph machine... It is also
National Zucchini Day (aka "Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day") so it is the perfect day to re-purpose those green baseball bats you have
growing in your garden ~ and speaking of seconds ... today started
with 18,975,721 seconds of the year behind us, with about 12,560,279 seconds left ~
which means it is time to pour that 2nd cup of coffee and get on to the views ~
Wednesday August 6th, 2014 ~
Ten years ago this past March there was a launch ~ it was of the European Space Agency's Rosetta probe which started
it's mission at that point to meet up with (and eventually land on!) the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. After being re-awakened back in January of this year it was given it's last commands
to enter the orbit of the comet this morning while most of us were still asleep. It is now in orbit (!!!) and is the first probe ever to orbit a comet. It will continue to collect data until the
lander is sent down to the comet's surface this November. You can follow Rosetta via it's blog. They (the blurb division) would like
to claim they were up early and following the events and that is why they forgot to post today's blurb... but instead they will say Congratulations to the ESA and enjoy the views ~
Tuesday August 5th, 2014 ~
First off, happy birthdays to Wendell Berry and ~ Neil Armstrong. In
their honor, and because August is a great month for looking up, the view from the camera on the date link is now a view of the clouds and will be looking North, toward the lake, and just above the tree line (so you can be looking
that way too with just a click on the date). For more looking up this month remember that the Perseids
are heating up and if we ever get a clear night around here we're heading out to watch. The ISS is also visiting these parts, and maybe passing overhead near you too ~
to find out check here.
Enjoy the views ~ and last words to Mr. Berry: “I have always loved a window, especially an open one.”
Monday August 4th, 2014 ~
The first week of August is underway and rolling down the driveway ~ if you haven't been to the Google yet today you should go. It's a cute doodle for the 180th birthday of John Venn
and can easily fill up some time when otherwise you'd be stuck working. :) It is also Louis Armstrong and President Obama's birthday, so cake all around! In honor of the day Elvis released
Hound Dog, which was this very day back in 1956, we'll end with a link to watch some happy hounds... while you
sing along (or not, viewers choice). Enjoy the views ~
Sunday August 3rd, 2014 ~
A quiet Sunday on the driveway ~ we'll be looking for dinosaurs today as it was this very day in 1769, that The La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles,
California were first noticed by a Spanish expedition member Juan Crespi, a Franciscan friar. Please notify us of any dinosaurs, movements in the tar, and/or friars you may spot on the driveway today. Or that you may see at
the Dinosaur National Monument
~ make sure you settle in with some snacks and drinks... it took about 106 years to find the fossils in the tar pits... Happy Hunting and
enjoy the views ~
Saturday August 2nd, 2014 ~
It's Take Your Anti To Lunch day as we celebrate the 82nd anniversary of the day physicist Carl Anderson discovered the first physical evidence that antimatter was more than just an idea.
Although given how our Antis can sometimes act when we meet up with them maybe a better idea is to take someone
else's Anti out to lunch. :) The 1st Saturday of August is also National Mustard Day so be sure to indulge
in some of it along with your usual Saturday condiments ~ They are giving away free hot dogs at the National Mustard Museum (yeah, we have one of those) in Middleton, WISC so if you are in
the neighborhood there be sure to stop by. Enjoy the day and the views ~
Friday August 1st, 2014 ~
Welcome to August ~ of course there was a little rain this morning but it's looking like it's clearing up now ~ It's also Happy Birthday Herman Melville Day so it's also Watch for White Whales
on the Driveway Day (or watch for them here). Enjoy the views (and the evaporation!)
Thursday July 31st, 2014 ~
And just that fast the last day of July is upon us. You can check out the last look at July today anywhere you like, from the driveway, and as it turns out on the driveway in
9 minute slices ~ or 2 minute slices if you use the camera link on the date ~
Wednesday July 30th, 2014 ~
The penultimate day of July is here, ready and waiting for inspection ~ and while you are out inspecting and perusing it
keep an eye out for Jimmy Hoffa who disappeared on this date in 1975. Missing now 39 years he
was last seen in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, near Detroit, and could be anywhere. And luckily that
is exactly where all of our cameras point. If you can, try to get out tonight to watch for the
Perseid Meteor Shower underway now. (It peaks during the Super Full Moon coming up
August 10th so viewing is actually better now) ~ Enjoy the views ~
Tuesday July 29th, 2014 ~
NASA is turning 56 today as it was this very day in 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed an act that created the National Aeronautics and Space Administration!
In their honor we have cleaned out a space in our table by retiring the Nesting Links for 2014 (they'll be back next spring, and currently are on the retired links page
if you are longing to look at empty nests) and putting the Webb Telecope Constuction Cam in that spot. Today is also Will It Rain day in Waynesburg, PA.,
where it has rained on 113 of the last 140 July 29ths! Check in to see what happens today, (does look rather sunny there)
but as always, please... no wagering (unless you cut us in)! And before you wander off to the views, it is also National Chicken Wing Day,
so find your wings today, and enjoy the views ~
Monday July 28th, 2014 ~
It's raining. A lot. So join us as we watch the last Monday of July run down the driveway in 9 minute increments (drivewaycam is still celebrating Lexi's birthday it seems). Jessie
is back in Kentucky (welcome back Jessie!) from Colorado so we've moved her Near Jessie Geographically links to the
retired links page.
Which means while watching the weather on all the links today you can also watch the weather where Jessie had been. On to the rainy views ~
Sunday July 27th, 2014 ~
A quiet day on the driveway ~ as the last day of the last weekend of July dances through. We are wishing we were in Cooperstown for
the Hall of Fame induction... it
is going to be a fabulous day there (you can watch here)... and while we're talking Hall of Fame... it was this day in 1984 that Cincinnati's Bad Boy, Pete Rose,
collected his record 3,053rd career single. There are games, and future hall of fame-ers, to be watched/listened to for all of us who are not in Cooperstown. Here is a link of stations
for catching the games by radio
should you need it. So it's off to the views and the games (and of course the last day of the Blueberry Festival) ~ Enjoy ~
Saturday July 26th, 2014 ~
Happy Aldus Huxley Birthday Day! Now, if your big brother radar is going off it's not Huxley (that was Orwell anyway) but.... The FBI was founded this very day in 1908, as was the
Department of Defense and the CIA (established this very day back in 1947). It's also the birthday of the US Postal System (turning 239) ~ so send cards to one and all if you like.
Have a great Saturday and enjoy the views. (ps the Blueberry Festival continues).
A pause to ponder quote from Neil Postman on Huxley: "Orwell feared those who would deprive us of information. Huxley feared those who would give us so much that we would be reduced to
passivity and egoism."
Friday July 25th, 2014 ~
The last weekend of the month has come around somehow, and with it the start of the 34th Ely Blueberry Arts Festival ~ so we'll keep an eye on it from
our favorite Ely corner. And speaking of coming around... it is the 143rd anniversary of the day the first U.S. patent for a carousel was issued ~ it was given to Willhelm Schneider of Davenport, Iowa
(No. 117,336) and
was described as a two-story 'carrousel' or rotary pavilion used in public parks or other places of amusement. Plus it is the 160th anniversary of the day Walter Hunt of New York City was awarded the first U.S. patent for
a paper shirt collar (No.11,376). (Walter is perhaps best known for his invention
of the safety pin). To round out your viewing today...it's lawn mowing day *AND* there is a garage sale going on across the street. Pace yourself when viewing or your head will be spinning by the end of the day ~
Thursday July 24th, 2014 ~
The 34th Ely Blueberry Arts Festival gets underway this weekend, and it's always fun to watch the preparations
(and the festival) from the Corner of Ely and the Driveway. It's also the birthday Amelia Earhart one of the world's most celebrated aviators, who was the first woman to fly alone over the Atlantic Ocean and
who was born this day back in 1897. [The closest webcam we could find to her home in Atchison KS
(it's about 25 miles away) is the one on the Kansas Traffic Cams at Levenworth (north of Topeka)]. Last (for now) but certainly not least, not
only is this the day the Apollo 11 astronauts splashed down from their trip to the moon 45 years ago, it is also the 64th anniversary of the first
successful launch at Cape Canaveral! And you can always check in there on the Today at the Beach camera below, and
right here. Wherever your wandering takes you today, enjoy the views ~
Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 ~
Supplies will be heading to the ISS today ~ the ISS Progress 56 resupply ship will launch at 5:44 p.m. (eastern) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan (3:44 a.m. tomorrow in Kazakhstan),
with about 5,700 pounds of food, fuel and supplies for the station's Expedition 40 crew. Launch coverage begins on NASA TV at
5:30 p.m. Progress 56 will make its four-orbit, six-hour trip to the space station and dock at 11:30 p.m. (eastern) Docking coverage will begin at 11 p.m. Perfect mid-week viewing ~ And a late but well intended ((we
got the date wrong) ~ sorry Prince! ~ heads will roll, okay maybe not roll but there will be a) Nod of the Head to Prince George who turned 1 yesterday! Cake all around ~
Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 ~
A late start so a quick blurb ~ It would be rude not to point out that today is the birthday of Amy Vanderbilt, as well as being the 78th (!) birthday of Tom Robbins. So pinkies up
when you enjoy your cake and ice-cream today and when you aren't eating or enjoying the views you may want to read some Robbins (we suggest starting with Still Life with Woodpecker, moving on to
Even Cowgirls Get The Blues, and/or any and all of his books you can find). Please note: Pinkies can be up or down for both viewing and reading ~ Last words to Tom:
It's never too late to have a happy childhood ~ Tom Robbins
Monday July 21st, 2014 ~
Been a big couple of days for space ~ and still is as the resupply ship that has been at the ISS since April will undock from the space station's Pirs docking compartment at 5:44 p.m. EDT
today and NASA TV coverage of the undocking will begin at 5:30 p.m. (The new resupply ship is launching
on Wednesday, coverage of that starts at 5:30 PM)(more on Wednesday). Today is also, as it turns out, the day in 2011, that NASA’s space shuttle program completed its final, and 135th, mission,
when the shuttle Atlantis landed at Kennedy Space Center. The shuttles in their time carried more than 350 people into space and flew more than 500 million miles. Also completed on this day, in 2007, was
the Harry Potter series when the seventh and final Harry Potter novel, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, was released, a mere 10 years (!) after the first Harry Potter book had been published.
The books have sold more than 400 million copies worldwide and an interesting side note: on the release of Goblet of Fire, 9,000 FedEx trucks were used with no other purpose than to deliver that
book. But enough of endings, it is the start of a new week and so on to the views ~
Sunday July 20th, 2014 ~
Incredibly it was 45 years ago today that we, in the persons of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, landed on the moon. Michael Collins remained aloft to bring them all safely home. It was,
and still is, simply amazing. Slooh is holding a live celebration with a moon rise broadcast starting at 8:30 PM Eastern ~ there are
some great pictures here, there is
mission information here, and an
interactive trip to the moon here. You can check out what the
view from the moon would be right now as well as a representation of what the
moon looks like right now...so enjoy the views and remembering....
Saturday July 19th, 2014 ~
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEXI!!!!! Ms Lexi is turning 9 today ~ so get some cake and ice-cream and join in the celebrations ~ for Nine is a pretty big deal ~
In J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, there are nine rings of power given to men, and consequently, nine ringwraiths
and The Fellowship of the Ring consists of nine companions, as a positive mirror of the nine ringwraiths. (today is also,
just fyi, the 60th anniversary of the day The Fellowship of the Ring was published). Nine is the number of innings in a regulation, non-tied game of baseball as well
as the number of players in the batting lineup. Nine is strongly associated with the Chinese dragon, a symbol of magic and power. There are nine forms of the dragon,
it is described in terms of nine attributes, and it has nine children. There are 9 planets in our solar system (we love you Pluto!) And if you multiply nine by any whole number
(except zero), then repeatedly add the digits of the answer until it's just one digit, you will end up with nine (eg: 234 × 9 = 2106 (2 + 1 + 0 + 6 = 9)) So let's all enjoy the
start of this magical year for Lexi (and the views of course, in 9 minute intervals in her honor)
Friday July 18th, 2014 ~
It's Re-Opening Day in Major League Baseball, as we head into the 2nd half of the season. The perfect way to start a weekend ~
We'd also like to take a moment to wish Joe Torre a very Happy 74th Birthday today too! (and while we are on Birthdays ~ a Happy Birthday to John Glenn turning 93, Nelson Mandela who would have been 96,
and Martha Reeves (of the Vandellas) turning 73) Add to that the fact that it is the day back in 1898 that Marie and Pierre Curie discovered
Polonium and it's a day for dancing in the street!
So enjoy the return of baseball, some cake and ice-cream, the day, and the views ~ but stay away from the Polonium...
Thursday July 17th, 2014 ~
It's a good day to make some noise for the birthday of the Belgian astronomer Georges Lemaître, born on this day in 1894.
Georges (and not Edwin) was one of the first to propose the big-bang theory,
maintaining that the universe originated with a gigantic explosion and that the universe continues to expand (with thanks to
the Writer's Almanac).
If you wander out this evening (and the driveway cam legal department hastens to emphasize that we do NOT recommend star gazing during daylight hours ~
(use this link instead)) to look up at the ever expanding universe and its
stars, keep an eye out for meteors too as The Perseids are active (although they don't peak until near mid August, more on that then). Enjoy the views ~
Wednesday July 16th, 2014 ~
Hard to believe but it was 16,436 days ago this morning (or 45 years!??!) that we watched the
liftoff of Apollo 11 on it's way to the moon with
Neil A. Armstrong, Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr., and Michael Collins aboard ~ more
views of the event here as well as
here. Those certainly were some amazing days...
Enjoy the views, past and present ~
Tuesday July 15th, 2014 ~
Back in 2008 when we first mentioned marking your calendar we thought it was soooo far away and yet it is only 363 days until
New Horizons makes it's closest fly-by of Pluto!!! In the excitement of Bastille day yesterday we neglected to mention it but the clock is running and
July 14th, 2015 is the date. If you haven't marked your calendar yet.... we'll wait here while you do! If you are waiting with us you can check out
where New Horizons is now, or any of the other views. Don't forget (easy to do with all the New Horizon news) the All Star game is tonight,
on Fox, 8:00 ~ (Jeter in his first All Star game in 1998, and getting ready for his last All Star game tonight (click either for larger view))
Monday July 14th, 2014 ~
Once again it is time to wish Un jour Bastille très heureux à chacun! It was 225 years ago today, that an angry French mob
stormed the Bastille prison in Paris,
fingers crossed there will be no storming of the driveway today ~ although... there is the chance for storming all across the map ~ so be careful out there.
We'll take a quick look in at Paris and the Eiffel Tower ~ check
here for catching fireworks later today (their tonight). And don't forget to check in with Home Run Derby tonight as
well where is sure to be some firecracker hitting. (stop your groaning we are done mangling metaphors and stretching similes, at least for today). Enjoy the All Star Break and a very happy La Fête Nationale to all ~
Sunday July 13th, 2014 ~
The resupply launch to the ISS is still on (at the moment anyway), weather permitting, and is scheduled for 12:52 p.m.
NASA TV is airing launch preparations feeds,
and other footage related to the mission, beginning at 11:30 a.m. today. Actual Launch coverage on NASA TV
begins at noon ~ we're expecting showers and/or storms on or about the driveway today (as is much of the country)
so it might just be a good day to curl up with a good view ~
Saturday July 12th, 2014 ~
The first of the summer's 3 consecutive "Super Full Moons" is tonight ~
because the full moons will be occurring during Perigee, the point in the Moon's elliptical orbit closest to Earth, they will appear bigger and brighter especially at Moon rise
so get out there starting around 8:30 pm and check it out, the illusion being best when the moon is
nearest the horizon. (cloudy in your area? it is
always clear here) The resupply launch to the space station was
postponed until tomorrow ~ NASA TV will air a comprehensive video feed of launch preparations
and other footage related to the mission beginning at 11:30 a.m. Launch coverage on NASA TV will
begin at noon ~ until then enjoy the day, the full moon shine ~ and of course all the views ~
Friday July 11th, 2014 ~
Ready for the weekend? If you are still looking for something to do may we suggest heading to the library for a copy of To Kill a Mockingbird? It was published on this date in 1960, and
54 years later still makes for great summer reading in a hammock, on a porch swing, under a tree... Hopefully you won't have to share trees as it was this day in 1967 that the Population Division of the UN named
as The Day of Five Billion which is what the population reached then. It is currently at 7 Billion+, which also hopefully
does not reflect the size of the wait list for the book at your library (if it does, check here
to add the book to your views). So enjoy stretching out your body (in more ways than one as the 7-11 chain is giving away
free 12-ounce Slurpees today from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (available in the usual flavors: blue, purple, green,
yellow, orange and red))... your mind and your viewing today ~
Thursday July 10th, 2014 ~
The skies seem to have cleared here, and may stay clear all day ~ plus its cooler. Perfect driveway viewing weather
(inside or out!) Today is 'Don't Step On A Bee Day' ~ to remind us during these barefoot days of summer not to step on bees (seems like good advice any day, shoes or no) ~ so to keep you from wandering
outside looking for a bee to not step upon (we know our viewers) here are some bees you can watch without having to worry about getting stung.
Bee Cam One....
Bee Cam Two....
Bee Cam Three....(you may not see a bee on this one, but it's oddly hypnotic)
And when you are wandering around outside today (if your weather is as nice as ours is you are going to have to get out there), bee careful ~
Wednesday July 9th, 2014 ~
From Writer's Almanac, today is the day back in 1776 that the Declaration of Independence was read to Washington's troops who needed some inspiration at the time to rouse them to
defend their fledgling nation. And defend it they did. They were defending us (US as it were) from the relatives of some of the crackerjack
British cryptologists who, with help from Polish cryptologists, would 165 years later, to the day, break the
secret code, the Enigma Key, used by the German army to direct ground-to-air operations on the Eastern front. Luckily by then that whole "revolution" thing had been (almost) gotten past
... :) So in between views and pondering the power of words, some inspirational reading today, of
The Declaration of Independence as well as of
code breaking
~ (and if anyone wants to go to Bletchley Park let us know)
Tuesday July 8th, 2014 ~
Paris is "officially" turning 2063 today (although it is actually older than that)(settled probably around 250BC,
Julius Caesar had taken it over by 52 BC and it became the capital of France in 987AD)(it's been a busy little town). On it's official 1825th birthday (and just after our first!),
a 2,000-pound copper-and-tin bell now known as the “Liberty Bell” rang out from the tower of the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall) in Philadelphia, summoning citizens to the first
public reading of the Declaration of Independence. (We had a hard time finding a working camera in Philly but you can
watch the traffic zoom around there, here) And we would be remiss if we didn't mention today is also the 67th anniversary
of the UFO crash in Roswell (not that there was one our Official Government Version Division tells us) so
if you can't get out there to look around you can almost get there and
look around here.
Monday July 7th, 2014 ~
Running late (surprise, surprise)(and then forgot to push the blurb out there so it's even later) with just enough time to say that this is the day, back in 1941, that the US occupied Iceland ~ taking
over their protection, and the protection of their waterways, from Britain which had to protect it's interests in the Mediterranean. Because we love watching Iceland anyway here are
some links to check in on them 73 years later ~ enjoy the views: Iceland ~
More Iceland ~ and even more Iceland ~
Sunday July 6th, 2014 ~
A very Happy Birthday to Mark who was born on the 22nd anniversary of the very first All Star Game ever. Hope it's a great day for you Mark and the start of an excellent year.
Today, to celebrate both Mark and the first All Star Game, they will be announcing the All Star Teams
that will play in Tuesday's game. While originally just meant to be a one time game called the Game of the Century, this year's match up will be held on July 15th and hopefully the American League will win, just as they
did at the first game (4-2) 81 years ago, and the last game (to date)
(3-0) just 1 year ago ~ Enjoy the views
and the day ~
Saturday July 5th, 2014 ~
Well... it's the 77th anniversary of the introduction of precooked pork and ham, with a little potato starch, salt, sugar (and sodium nitrate to make it pink instead of grey) being
pressed into a can and sold ~ and we are still waiting for volunteers to go to the SPAM (There's no consensus
on what the name actually stands for but whatever it stands for, Hormel specifies that it should be written in all caps) museum with us! A lazy day on the driveway is unfolding
today, as we try to unfold from yetserday's celebrations. Hope everyone can still count to 10 on their fingers this morning. Relax, feet up, and enjoy the views ~
Friday July 4th, 2014 ~
First and foremost a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Ellie!!! Have a grand old day Ellie and we all hope it's the start of a great year for you!!! Then there is the little matter of
the 238th birthday for the United States! (we hope it's a grand day and the start of a great year for it and all of us too). Happy 4th of July ~ be careful with the fireworks people
(and don't forget whatever your weather, fireworks are a click away)
Enjoy the day and the views ~ of the Statue of Liberty; of fireworks... the cams for
watching fireworks, can be found here; and of course of the 4th via Coy Cam!
And from Writer's Almanac:
Today is Independence Day. On this day in 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, and the United States officially broke
from the rule of England. The document was approved and signed on July 2, and was formally adopted on July 4. John Adams always felt that the Second of July was America's
true birthday, and he refused to appear at Fourth of July celebrations for the rest of his life in protest.
Thursday July 3rd, 2014 ~
We are still celebrating THE RETURN OF COY CAM ~ but also want to remind everyone that voting for the All Star Game ends
tonight at 11:59 PM Eastern!!! So get out there and vote!!!
In each league, you may select one player for each infield position and up to three outfielders. For the American League, you can
also vote for a designated hitter. Vote for your favorites ~
or if you don't have any favorites let me know or.... you can vote for my favorites! (not sure why my 3B picks didn't
show up... hmm... they were Trevor Plouffe (MIN) and Todd Frazier (CINC)) In any case ~ today is the last day to cast your votes so in-between views
fill out a ballot! :)
Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 ~
It has been 77 years since Amelia Earhart was last heard from, somewhere over the Pacific ~ and each year on this date we hope that she
is located, and yes, we do hope it's on or near the driveway, so help with the hunt and keep looking! Stranger things
have happened. And it's a great day for returns and new sightings as we are very happy to announce ~ THE RETURN OF COY CAM!!!!!! Yes it's back !!!!
In all it's glory ~ with up-to-the-minute action at the Pond ~ in 5 minute increments!!! Pace yourself, and brace yourself too because while we work on getting the Coy Cam picture larger we are also pleased to
point out that driveway cam's vision has cleared up as well. So here is to the return of Ms Earhart, the pond, and the driveway ~ Enjoy the views ~
Tuesday July 1st, 2014 ~
Bunny Bunny Bunny! And welcome to July on the Driveway ~ we've done a little cleaning up for July... for those of you who practice pernoctational viewing (!)
there is a page of links to watch all night just below the Near Jessie link which is just below the driveway pictures ~
Brannaman's graduation link is now working (as are several other graduation links, (and a couple of Christmas links) that had been languishing on the Family Pages
page ~ and the Plaza Cam had quit working so it's been replace by Needle Cam ~ see link in table below. The Heat Index here, and for most of (both of?) our viewers, is supposed to top out over 100 today
so we suggest starting July with a pitcher of ice tea or lemonade and a comfy chair on the veranda, under a shady tree, or in the basement ~ stay cool and no zipping around (like the mail did starting 51 year ago
today when the post office introduced the ZIP code) ~ enjoy the views ~
Monday June 30th, 2014 ~
The last day of June, along with the last day of the first half of the year (!) is upon the driveway (as well as littered about the rest of the planet). Back in 1908 the celebration
for the passing of June included a large explosion over Tunguska Siberia ~ rumors are it may have
been a comet, an asteroid, a black hole, a wandering bit of antimatter, a visit from some intergalactic teens racing around the universe spinning their tires (or proton accelerators) over
Siberia, or maybe even an incomprehensibly large piece of bubble wrap being popped by who knows who/what/or where ~ in any case... no crater was ever found and the debate continues. The
debate over June ending however is long since settled and without question this is your very last chance to check out the driveway and the views in June of 2014 ~ so enjoy!
Sunday June 29th, 2014 ~
Happy Log Cabin Day ~ a day to encourage us to step away from a world of computers (??!!??), electric lighting and the likes, to embrace and experience a simpler existence. But
just in case you can't embrace stepping away from the views (which we understand) ...A live look in at a Log Cabin,
some information about Log Cabin Day in Detroit, a look in (when the sun gets there) at
Log Cabins in Hawaii (that's what we said), and last, but certainly not least, an amazing
view from a log "cabin". Now get out there and enjoy the views as well as a simpler existence ~
...to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time ~ John Lubbock
Saturday June 28th, 2014 ~
It's the last Saturday June will ever have this year so make it a good one ~ take in some views virtually, or in person, or on the back of your eyelids as you nap.... If you see
a Corvette wish it a Happy 61st Birthday (as it was on this day in 1953, that workers at a Chevrolet plant in Flint, Michigan,
assembled the first Corvette) and if you see Henry VIII today... well, among all the things you might say, wish him a Happy 467th Birthdy. And for the now fading National Rose Month,
it is said that it was his father, Henry VII, who created the Rose of England (Tudor Rose) by crossbreeding other Roses. The camera on one of Henry's favorite spots (true for many of the Tudors)
isn't working, so instead of checking in at the Tower of London, we'll leave you with a look at Tower Bridge ~
now Off to the Views!
Friday June 27th, 2014 ~
Somehow the last weekend of June is already upon the driveway ~ and so is some sunshine and soon the "spring" yard clean-up guys will be here too. So much to fit in you may want to get a
pitcher of ice tea ready and waiting on the veranda. And to help you remember to slow down and to stop to smell the roses (well, it is still National Rose Month after all) a note that
today is the 362nd (!!) anniversary of New Amsterdam (now New York City) enacting the first speed limit law in North America ~ “no wagons, carts or sleighs shall be run, rode or driven at a gallop.”
195 years later (in 1847) on this same day communications there sped up when New York and Boston were linked by telegraph wires. And today, and through the weekend, they will be linked by
the sound of "Play Ball" as the Red Sox head to the Bronx for an always entertaining series with the Yankees. Thank goodness that no galloping around law was repealed...
~ I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck ~ Emma Goldman ~
Saturday May 24th, 2014 ~
If you see Jim-bo-billy-Bob out and about today be sure to wish him a Very Happy Birthday! Send him a postcard, drop him a line, stating point of view ~ Indicate precisely what you mean
to say because now he's 64!!!!!! What more can be said? If you want to get him a little something for
his birthday think islands... as it was 388 years ago today that Peter Minuit bought Manhattan island from the local Indians for a load of cloth, beads, hatchets, and other odds
and ends then worth 60 Dutch guilders. Or maybe think lights as it was 79 years ago today (tonight) that the Cincinnati Reds beat the Philadelphia Phillies 2-1 in Major League
Baseball’s first-ever night game, played courtesy of recently installed lights at Crosley Field in Cincinnati. (Cincinnati is playing St. Louis this evening under the lights).
Or maybe just think some cake and ice-cream all around ~ and enjoy the views!
Friday May 23rd, 2014 ~
It's the start of the weekend that bridges Spring with the unofficial start of Summer ~ which makes sense since it's also the 125th anniversary of the
opening of the Brooklyn Bridge over the East River in New York City, and the
146th anniversary of the opening of the Westminster Bridge over the River Thames in London.
104 years ago today Margaret Wise Brown was born, and in anticipation of her books needing a place to go, 103 years ago marked the opening of the
New York Public Library (we're pretty sure it was M.W.Brown who gave libraries the idea of
old ladies whispering hush!) ~ It is also the birthday of the man (Edward Norton Lorenz) who gave us
Chaos Theory in an attempt to explain
weather forecasting ~ so check out all the views today for butterflies,
with an eye on what effect they'll be having on other views tomorrow...for
a larger view click on the picture which is from ImagieNations
Thursday May 22nd, 2014 ~
Sometimes the days go so fast they seem to not have been here at all, but today is Thursday and a lovely day for watching the world revolve
(around the driveway, or just from the driveway) if there ever was one. It is the 2nd anniversary of the appearance of the Hyundai on the driveway as well as the 52nd anniversary of the dedication of the first
revolving restaurant in the us ~ the SkyCity restaurant in the
Space Needle in Seattle, Wash.
It continues to rotate 360 degrees every hour, and we'll try to continue to show you the driveway as it rotates (with the rest of us) all day. Each shot in 10 minute increments shows the driveway (and you) having rotated
approximately 166.6 miles since the previous shot ~ (as well as having moved approximately 11,846.6 miles further around the sun). You'll get dizzy if you think about it too much so just sit back (fight the urge to tie yourself
to the chair) and enjoy whatever sites come into view ~
Tuesday May 20th, 2014 ~
There are so many riveting views out there ~ it's hard to know where to start. The nest cams are
mostly full of fledglings, or chicks about to be fledglings and are always good viewing. And here are 2 more cameras that are "nearby Jessie geographically"
NJG camera three and NJG camera four.
We were all riveted 24 years ago today when the Hubble Space Telescope sent its first photograph from space, an image
of a double star 1,260 light years away. But the riveting that we all know, and love, almost every single day was begun this very day, 141 years ago, when Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss
got the patent for work pants reinforced with rivets. A few views of Levi(s) for the
road ~ here, and here,
and here ~ enjoy the views!
Monday May 19th, 2014 ~
It's "2 Late 4 A 2 Dor" Day.. as it was on this date back in 1987 that Chet Flemming received patent
US # 4,666,425
for keeping a severed head alive. Unfortunately it came 451 years (to the day) too late for the young Anne Tudor (nee Boleyn)
who lost her head, because her husband lost his mind (and his heart to another), on this date back in 1536. It's also the 40th anniversary of the Rubiks cube which may make you lose your mind (but
hopefully no heads will roll) while you try to solve it on google today. Heads up...it's addicting! Enjoy oh and be sure to click on the picture to get the details :)
Sunday May 18th, 2014 ~
A quick look at Broomfield Colorado Airport today...where Jessie may have landed yesterday (!)(sorry we missed it!)
although she may have landed in Denver (hopefully not at that terminal) we're just not sure ~ she is out there for the summer
(we are quite jealous) on an internship and if we hear of any opportunities for a sighting we'll let you know, however to keep up with her generally... here are 2 cameras that are "nearby Jessie geographically"
NJG camera one
and NJG camera two. In other news, today is "International non-profit permanent institution in the service of society and its development, open to
the public, which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment for the purposes of education, study and enjoyment" Day! AKA ~
International Museum Day ~ so take one to lunch or visit one today! Or you can control a camera around
the Titanic Museum, or visit a children's museum
(from 12-5 Pacific), or watch an exhibit undergoing conservation for eventual display
(should be ready in 15 years)(!) right from the driveway if you can't celebrate IMD in person today. Enjoy ~
Saturday May 17th, 2014 ~
Happy Saturday ~ the rains have stopped, at least around here, and hopefully things will start to dry out. Meanwhile, there are views awaiting ~
views, on this Antikythera Mechanism Day, brought to you by the ancient Greeks.
We want to take the time today to thank those 2nd century BC Greek geeks for starting it all and providing us with
the groundwork to bring you Driveway Cam [or as it was known then] ~ In return, we'd like to provide a view they would enjoy, a live look in at the
Temple of Apollo (built just 200 years before the approximately
2300 year old computer that was found this very day in 1902) ~
Friday May 16th, 2014 ~
Late start, which can't actually be blamed on all the local flooding but the blurb division gloms on to any excuse they can and they are sticking with it. It's a good day for
singing in the rain, not only because of all the rain but also because it was 50 years ago today (!!) that Motown Records (then 2 years old) got it's very first #1 hit ~
My Guy by Mary Wells topped the charts and the rest, as they say, is history. So don't fight the tune
now running through your brain ~ just grab your umbrella and sing out!
Thursday May 15th, 2014 ~
With all the rain and flooding, we could all use a Rainbow right about now. And if you happen to spot a rainbow today you just may want to wander somewhere over it in honor of the birthday
of Lyman Frank Baum who was born in Chittenango, New York 158 years ago. We'll continue our search for a Rainbow Cam (guessing it would be mobile) but until then take
this handy weather map
with you when you head out to the views ~ with a prize to anyone who finds (and takes a screen shot of) a rainbow in one of the views today (~ one small hint ~ at least one of the views you'll
find here quite frequently has a rainbow, but we're not saying which one it is) ~ Happy Hunting!
(ps ~ The "date" cam (the one on the date link) is tree cam while the tree is blooming ~ just fyi)
Wednesday May 14th, 2014 ~
The 134th day of the year is here, and what a day it's been throughout its history. On this date: in 1840 ~ Lewis and Clark and their Corps of Discovery began their expedition; in 1856 ~
Charles Darwin began writing his book, The Origin of Species; in 1932 ~ there was a day-long Beer Parade,
in New York with over 100,000 people cheering for the legalization of beer (as well as 40,000+ at a similar parade held in Detroit at the same time (even tho' Henry Ford had said if prohibition was repealed he would
get out of the car business rather than put automobiles into the hands of "a generation soggy with drink")); and in 1942 ~ Harry Truman signed the bill establishing
a rocket test range at Cape Canaveral. All of which led, (directly (or not)) to the successful launch, of Skylab, America's
first space station, on this very day in 1973, and in some smaller way (perhaps) to the views here on driveway cam today. With all that historic effort getting us here.... be sure to enjoy the views!
Tuesday May 13th, 2014 ~
Rumor has it that it was this day, in 1637, that the table knife was created by Cardinal Richelieu in France. The rounded ended knives soon replaced the daggers previously used
to cut meat. We have no idea what to do with that information, but upon asking The Google we were given 3 lovely views that we now offer up.... the first is
of the Knife River, in Minnesota, the second is 46.6 miles outside of
Dagger, Arizona, and the last baffles us but earthcam swears it is from
Dagger, Iran (not that we can find any map reference to such a place). Before we
end up being even later than we already are we're going to cut out the chit-chat and turn you over to some slices of life on the driveway and beyond ~
Monday May 12th, 2014 ~
The blurb division was off yesterday, and apparently so was the camera. Sorry about that ~ We are working to get all the piecey-parts of Drivewaycam International working together
smoothly again ~ fingers crossed it can only get better! We would like to wish Yogi Berra a very Happy Birthday,
along with Florence Nightingale.
And if you go for a drive or ride today be sure to tip your hat to the Odometer which is celebrating it's 127th anniversary of being invented by Mormon Pioneer William Clayton this very day
in 1847 (while migrating from Missouri to Utah). However far you travel today, enjoy the views along the way ~
Saturday May 10th, 2014 ~
It's starting out a sunny Saturday ~ though it may not stay sunny for long (rain is the rumor). Having to postpone the original date of May 8th because of rainy weather that day, it was on this
very day, back in 1869, that America's coasts were joined together at the Golden Spike ceremony in Promontory Utah as the first Transcontinental Railroad was completed. And it was just 8 years later to the day
that President Rutherford B. Hayes had the White House's first telephone installed in the mansion's telegraph room. At that time the White House phone number was "1". :) Building on that
initial numbering scheme, if you'd like to leave a message for the White House (and or the President), the number is now 202-456-1111 (if you need to call otherwise, the switchboard number is 202-456-1414).
Don't forget to
stop and smell the lilacs whenever possible today, and enjoy the views ~
Thursday April 10th, 2014 ~
On this on this very day, back in 1912, the Titanic set sail from Southampton,
England with 2,228 passengers but life boats for only half that many. Enjoy all of the views, including this one of the
port at Southampton, and please, while viewing or heading out today, make note of your nearest exits,
and the location of your life jackets and lifeboats today...it's only prudent.
Wednesday April 9th, 2014 ~
The Blurb Division is standing in the corner today and are unable to come out to blurb because of their actions yesterday when they announced Kathy T's birthday.... a day early.
So today, after wishing Kathy a Most Happy Actual Birthday (!), we leave you with a reminder to check in on the Cherry Blossoms,
as well as a note that there is a new trial link in the table below which the blurb division forgot to mention...(we may have to hire a whole new group of blurbists) Enjoy the views ~ and the
4 extra minutes of daylight we have today here on the driveway and perhaps where you are too. (don't worry if you miss them, they'll be back again
tomorrow and will be bringing 3 more new ones back with them!)(minutes that is...have to see if the blurb division makes it back...)
Tuesday April 8th, 2014 ~
How does it get so late so early? It is of course the birthday of Kathy T (Happy Birthday Kathy!!! Have a great day!!!) as well as the day 110 years ago that
Longacre Square in Midtown Manhattan was renamed Times Square. We (still) haven't
found a Kathy Cam per se (the search continues) but she is somewhere in the vicinity of this view.
However there is a view of Times Square, here. There are also
cherry blossoms (finally) blossoming (which are beautiful),
nests to watch, and
rain in the forecast
out there even if the blurb division is running a wee bit behind in here. Enjoy ~
Monday April 7th, 2014 ~
There is a parade in Benton Ky today at 11:00 and we wish we could be there because it's Tater Day!! (Sweet Potato) Tater Day is celebrated on the first Monday in April but the
festivities go on the whole weekend before ~ leading up to the actual day of the parade. While we don't know if the parade will pass by this view ~ we did find an active camera
in Benton right here! Since it is also the birthday day of
William Wordsworth with a quick look in at some daffodils,
and a quick recipe for some (Sweet)Tater Cake to celebrate all around it's off to
read some Wordsworth, check the views, and start a brand new week ~ Enjoy ~
[ps ~ great day at the ballpark yesterday but the Red Wings lost 8-6 to Buffalo...in 13 innings! (however, the sun left our section and so did we after 5 innings)] :)
Sunday April 6th, 2014 ~
It's here! The Red Wing's Home Opening Day ~ Take Two ~ as yesterday's game was called on account of weather.
But it's a new day, with new weather (sunny and heading to the 50's), so it's Play Ball redux! And again, you can watch, on any browser except IE, we think,
right here. Still will be partially bundled but we're heading out for
the cowbells, the first pitch, and of course for some peanuts and crackerjacks. Besides, it really is true that nothing says spring like the first home game of the year. :)
Enjoy your Sunday and some baseball, major, or minor, league, it's all good
because it's Opening Day (again)!!!
Saturday April 5th, 2014 ~
It's here! The Red Wing's Home Opening Day ~ which you can watch, on any browser except IE we think,
right here!!. Doesn't matter if it is 37 on it's way down to who knows where and raining (at least its rain until
the snow starts) because ~ it's Opening Day!!! Some of us are trekking out to get in on this great American tradition.... watching the first pitch of spring bundled up against the
elements with winter coats, hats, scarves, mittens, hand warmers, feet warmers, blankets.... clutching a hot chocolate! Yep, nothing says spring like the first home game of the year. :)
Enjoy your Saturday and some baseball, major, or minor, league, it's all good.
(ah... just looked and the snow is starting to mix in with the rain (@ 9:14) for the boys of summer who start the season at home at 2:05, gates open at 12:30)
Friday April 4th, 2014 ~
It was on this day, back in 1818, that Congress decided the U.S. flag would consist of 13 red and white stripes and 20 stars, with a new star to be added for every new state. Which
makes this a Grand Old Flag Day ~ with some Grand Old Flag views to end the week and start the weekend ~ here at the Capital,
and here at Chimney Rock (although it wasn't up yet this morning when we looked and their time stamp seemed to be
in the exact wrong location.... but none the less a lovely view). Enjoy all the views today ~
Thursday April 3rd, 2014 ~
A very "Hippo Birdy Two Ewes" to Ms. Sandra Boynton (who coined that phrase), and to Washington Irving, a drivewaycam favorite, who coined the phrase "the almighty dollar", gave
NYC the nickname Gotham and it's residents the nickname Knickerbockers (first name of the Yankees, and current name of the NBA team there) ~ that's a lot of coinage. The amount of coinage required to send a letter
via Pony Express (which started
154 years ago today) started at $5.00 per half ounce and was later reduced to $1.00 per half ounce to compete with the telegram. However letters were sent (and received)
with only .10 cents postage on them so it was a sliding scale at best! :) ~ A couple of looks in at St Joseph Missouri (where the very first run started) and then it's off
to the views ~ here is the City Center Park and the Nature Center River Cam
(they load slowly but are worth the wait) Enjoy ~
"For the nineteen months that the Pony Express was in service 308 runs were made (westbound and eastbound) for a total distance of 616,000 miles. A total of 34,753 pieces of mail
was carried. Of that number 18,456 pieces of mail originated in San Francisco, 4900 originated in Sacramento. At the same time San Francisco received 9553 pieces of mail from
the east; Sacramento received 1844."
Wednesday April 2nd, 2014 ~
Running late (you are all shocked no doubt), but there are great views all over the place so even with a late start to watching the driveway there is plenty to check out
on this lovely 92nd day of the year. And even though it's late, it is of course Take A Homicidal Computer To Lunch Day in celebration of the world premiere of the film
"2001: A Space Odyssey" on this day back in 1968... if you've already had lunch, rather than make your local Homicidal Computer angry, just take it to dinner (or drinks if nothing else).
Enjoy the views ~ and for goodness sake, don't annoy your PC (or your cell phone for that matter) today (just saying).
Tuesday April 1st, 2014 ~
All of the fools on this side of the driveway wish all of you (fools, or otherwise) a very Happy April Fool's Day ~ and as it is also the start of
Mathematics Awareness Month we say grab a pencil and enjoy (really,
we aren't fooling, grab a pencil and click on that link) ~
Monday March 31st, 2014 ~
March may be wandering down the driveway and out-of-here today but that's okay because before it goes it's making sure Baseball is underway again! (YAY!) There are 13 chances
to hear "PLAY BALL" today, but the game that counts as the Official Opening of Baseball Season (at least to those of us on this side of the driveway) is the one that
starts at 4:10 in Cincinnati ~ it ain't baseball until Cincinnati says it's baseball (after all). So grab your gloves (well, and your mittens too) and some hot chocolate (becoming the official beverage of Opening Day's
in many cities) and let the season begin ~ The Cubs are playing in Pittsburgh today but we'll take a look in at Wrigley
just because we can. (the game there starts at 1:05, just fyi) ~ Enjoy
Sunday March 30th, 2014 ~
As spring is plowed from the streets we remember that the first patent for an egg incubator was issued 171 years ago today ~ you can watch one of the descendents of
that patent on the Nest Links (below and here) or jump straight to it
here. Today is also the day, 151 years ago, that Vincent van Gogh was born ~ it was on his 4th birthday,
in 1867, we bought 586,412 square miles, known as Alaska, from Russia ~ for 2 cents an acre (there just aren't sales like that anymore (of course, given current political (aka Russian) climate I do
hope we kept all the paperwork!)). There are views enough to keep you busy watching our amazing 49th state all day. With
thanks to William Seward it is time to get on to the views ~ Enjoy them all today, enjoy the final two games of the final four, and if you head out shopping keep an eye out for bargains, you just may
stumble upon something that would be
sheer folly not to buy! ~ (click the picture for a larger view of that section, and/or see the
full article here)
Thursday March 6th, 2014 ~
A Happy 63rd Anniversary to our favorite dilatant fluid ~ which, as of July 2009, sells in quantities of twenty thousand eggs of it daily (that is 575 pounds
of Silly Putty sold... each day)! Don't know if that is still true, but that is a lot of Silly Putty covering the planet! And if it's not quite enough in your estimation.... you can
make your own. Checking in with the Iditarod ~ the leaders are just over 1/2 in the race, checking out of the Cripple
Checkpoint (the official 1/2 way point) yesterday, with many arriving (and leaving) today. You can follow along at the Iditarod site.
With a quick Happy Birthday to Michelangelo ~ he never likes us making a fuss ~ it's on to the views!
Wednesday March 5th, 2014 ~
Rumors are, it's going to warm up eventually. Meanwhile, how cold has it been? Cold enough to freeze much of the water in the Great Lakes *and*
slow down Niagara Falls a bit ~
Check out both (all?) from space and somewhat
more locally here, as well as this lovely live view,
or this excellent one of both falls (with another view here).
Some also quite lovely snow (compliments of Lake Ontario)(and compliments of the fact it hasn't frozen over yet) is falling on the driveway as we celebrate the cold (might as well);
the birthday of William Oughtred (one of our heroes as he invented the Slide Rule (plus he has a great name)); and the Hula Hoop, patented
just 51 years ago today! So
cake all around and enjoy the views ~
Tuesday March 4th, 2014 ~
Happy Mardi Gras!!! Be sure to check in on New Orleans today. The last parade 'hosted broadcast' starts this morning at 10:00AM (central) which you can watch on
Parade Cam. However the cam is on all the time and watching the crowds gather and then be a crowd is equally entertaining!
Posted some pictures from some of the earlier parades here.
There are links to other New Orleans cams on the parade cam page and Earth Cam also has
a Mardi Gras cam worth checking out, it's view on Bourbon Street. Stay warm, enjoy Mardi Gras, throw some beads,
and....of course...enjoy the views ~
Monday March 3rd, 2014 ~
Winter, Snow, Ice, Warnings, Wind Chill, Freezing Rain, Frostbite, c'mon, join in ~ we've all learned the lyrics to the latest verse of the song that the weather is singing out there ~ and almost anywhere
you look you're going to see some weather that will make you glad you are inside watching it and not outside in it (hopefully you're inside). So check out any and all of the views in the path of
the latest blast racing across the mid states, pull the covers up, pile on the sweaters, and stay warm (as warm as you can!). And since it's
Read Across America Day today might as well just grab a book and some hot chocolate to go along with the views ~
below is Washington DC at 7:45 this morning on the Air Quality Camera (the Washington Monument is usually in view)
Sunday March 2nd, 2014 ~
"They are pretty good views", said young Gerald McGrew, "and the people who find them seem proud of them too."
"But if I found the views", said young Gerald McGrew, "I'd make a few changes. That's just what I'd do..."
The penguins and mountains and that kind of stuff they have up here now
are not quite good enough ~
You see things like these in just any old view, they're awfully old-fashioned. We want something new!
A new view to say Happy Birthday To You! To You Dr. Seuss on your birthday today...
We want a new view to say HIP HIP HOORAY!! ~
After searching and searching, both low and then high, we found a new view that does not show the sky,
A view that we never have shown here at all, not in Summer, in Winter, in Spring or in Fall. After
looking and looking we at last found the cam, yes we finally found one that does give a Dam.
So cake all around, we'll get out of your hair, you can get to your viewing, to explore if you dare ~ (with apologies (as always) to Dr. Seuss ~ who would be turning 110)
“From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere.”
Dr. Seuss
Saturday March 1st, 2014 ~
With a turn of a page... it's March! And it's time for the Iditarod which starts today ~ Curt Perano will be the first musher
out (at 2:00PM EST) and the ceremonial start will be live online right here. During the race there are 25 checkpoints
on the northern route (used this year and all even years), including
the start in Anchorage and the finish line
in Nome. We're checking out views along the way ~ with a look in today (along with the start and end views already listed)
at the 9th checkpoint. The
race lasts somewhere from 9 to 15 days so we'll be keeping tabs ~ Happy March!! Now mush you huskies and embrace the winter!! (might as well, doesn't seem to be leaving) ~ Oh, and enjoy the views ~
Friday February 28th, 2014 ~
And here we are on the last day of February ~ the sun is shining, the snow is blinding, and the cold is numbing. So stay inside and take in the views... or
brave the cold if you can as the year has twisted back around to Take A Double Helix To Lunch Day! It was 61 years ago that Watson and Crick announced that they had found the
elusive structure of DNA. Their discovery answered some of the riddles of the ages, including this one ~ Why did the geneticist go to dental school? You (and both of your helices)
have to decide if you are sequenced enough to also find out that answer, or not, by clicking or ignoring this link) Whatever the 3 of you decide...
Enjoy the views ~
Thursday February 27th, 2014 ~
The parade-cam in New Orlean has started working (YAY!) and there are still parades to watch (with one of our personal favorites, the Muses, tonight!!)
..but until then we are going to celebrate International Polar Bear Day and wait to see if a parade of them wanders by
the driveway ~ the weather is perfect for them (in fact, it is their weather specifically that is here right now), and with all of their weather we've all had this season they have
a lovely frozen parade path almost directly to all of our driveways!?! A look in at the shores of Gichigumi too, in
honor of birthday boy Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, with other views available on our North Shore
Links page. And a look at all of the Great Lakes from space to watch them continue to ice over (making that Polar Bear path even more
complete) Stay warm and enjoy the views ~ (below are the Great Lakes yesterday)
Wednesday February 26th, 2014 ~
With the wind-chill sitting at -6 all we can say is Baseball is back! Well spring training is ~ with games getting underway today!
That plus the posting of the 2014 Nest Watching links reminds us spring is out there... just not out here yet.
In other national news ~ Today is the 95th and 85th anniversary of 2 National Parks ~ The national monument designated in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt, the more than 800,000 acres of
the Grand Canyon, was designated a national
park by President Woodrow Wilson this day in 1919 (after 30 years of opposition to doing that). Ten years later to the day, President Calvin Coolidge signed into
law a bill passed by both houses of the U.S. Congress establishing the Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Enjoy watching the views
in our parks on the antepenultimate day of February ~
Monday February 24th, 2014 ~
So ~ the Olympics are over (for a while) with just 892 days until the next ones, the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, and 1,446 days until the next Winter Olympics, in Pyeongchang, South Korea. For
some other Olympic numbers check out this site ~ you'll love it. Now it's back to catching up on our usual viewing, with the return of an annual
page that might get you thinking spring, even while the return of the arctic is happening ~ that's right it is the start of the
2014 Nest Watching Season! (the leaf peeping link below was retired to make room for the nests)
So one last look at Sochi, and
Olympic Views there, and then it's off to the rest of the views ~
Sunday February 23rd, 2014 ~
Sunshine abounds today on the driveway (belying the fact that the Arctic is on its way, again), and in Sochi ~ belying the fact that this is the last day of the Olympics. Closing ceremonies
start tonight at 8:00pm here in the US on NBC, or live at 11:00am online
(They start at 20:14 Sochi time) :) ~
We are going to miss watching the happenings both on TV and around the venues on the web cams. And while the flags
will be coming down on the Winter Olympics today, it was this day 69 years ago during the battle for Iwo Jima that
U.S. Marines raised the American flag atop Mt. Suribachi, the highest point on Iwo Jima.
When asked for a webcam on Iwo Jima google suggested this in a list of "closest to" cams (?) ~ so we'll
take a look in at Kyrgyzstan (a mere 3,915 miles from Iwo Jima), complete with flag, in lieu of any
Russian History today, and then it's off wander the views ~ Enjoy ~ (Watching the Sochi webcams on closing day, this was at 8:30am Eastern ~ click for a larger view, or
here for a live view (loads slowly, worth the wait)) ~
Friday February 22nd, 2014 ~
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood ~ 44 and sunny ~ the winds are blowing in a change in the weather but for now, it's lovely! We're very late today so a quick Happy Birthday
to George Washington and then it's off to the views. The Olympics are, sadly, running down. Tomorrow is the closing ceremonies (which we are told
you can watch online here ). But until then, there are
other views out there a'waiting ~ including an eagle in Minnesota in a snow covered nest ~ (haven't been able to
get to the cameras in Colorado recently but we're hoping too) ~ Enjoy ~
Friday February 21st, 2014 ~
Happy Birthday Aunt Joyce!!!! We hope that it's a wonderful day for you and that your whole new year ahead is a great one. In our look at Russian history today we find it was this day
in 1613 that the then 16 year old, Michael Romanov, became the first Russian tsar in what would become the Romanov dynasty. Closer to home, geographically and chronologically, it
was this day in 1878 that the first U.S. telephone directory, listing about 50 names, was issued by the New Haven (CT) Telephone Company. (raise your hand if you even remember what a telephone book is)
And today is also the 83rd anniversary of Alka Seltzer! Which can only lead us to this view,
before heading off to all the rest ~
Thursday February 20th, 2014 ~
It's a beautiful day on the driveway ~ hope it is where you are too. Quick Happy Birthday to the Post Office today as they are turning 222! With a thanks to George Washington for
establishing the department. When you aren't enjoying the views why not send a letter or card or postcard today ~ it will make the folks at the
over 20,000 (we are guessing) postal outlets in the US happy. (and it will keep them busy because we really don't want to lose the Post Office)
(plus if you mail it to us, it will make us very happy!).
In our Russian History section of today's blurb ~ a look at the cost of Russian postage through the ages. :)
So with that, and then a quick look at a Post Office in Oregon.... we'll turn you over to the views ~
Wednesday February 19th, 2014 ~
The time has come around again to wish a Happy Birthday to Nicolaus Copernicus who figured out our trips around the sun,
and around our own axis. He'd be turning 541 today if time hadn't attached itself to those trips around the way it has. It is also the birthday of Charles de L'Écluse,
the French botanist who introduced the tulip to Holland ~ which became the only thing more iconic to Holland than
Olympic Skating Medals ~ He'd be turning 488. Tulip season is on it's
way and here is a look in at a Flower market (okay, so it's actually not in view but it is nearby) in Holland to enjoy while
we all go on skating round our axis, and the sun. For some actual flowers (L'Écluse also cultivated hyacinths) check out
the Greenhouse Cam. You can also just
watch people wander 'round the oval in Sochi (while they are wandering around our axis and the sun)(why aren't they dizzy yet?)
or any of the other views in Sochi, or around the driveway ~ enjoy ~
Tuesday February 18th, 2014 ~
Running late (surprise, surprise, surprise) ~ but there is enough time to mention that a) our date cam
is 1 year old today and b) Pluto was discovered
just 84 years ago today ~ and from here on the driveway it still looks like a planet ~ which deserves our favorite
Pluto cake and ice cream to celebrate! It's also the day that Huckleberry Finn was first published so enjoy knowing that even down south the winter
has taken care of white washing the fences so you can just read about it instead of having to find someone
to talk into doing it! ~ Enjoy ~
Monday February 17th, 2014 ~
As the Olympics enter their last week, our look at Russian (?) history is at this day in 1947 when, with the words, "Hello! This is New York calling", the U.S.
Voice of America (VOA) began it's first radio broadcasts to the Soviet Union. The news was dry but American music
helped with thawing throughout the cold war. In other news, it is also the day back in 1904
that Giacomo Puccini's opera Madame Butterfly premiered at the La Scala theater in Milan, Italy ~ so
before we head off to our regular views, a quick stop in for (perhaps)
some other butterfly debuts :)
~ enjoy all the views (and the bit of a thaw that is due in the Cold War going on this winter)(with the temperature currently sitting at 6, we are hard pressed to believe
it but that is the rumor) ~
Sunday February 16th, 2014 ~
So as not to waste a lovely napping, curling up, moment of the penultimate Sunday of February, we suggest
wandering the views at your leisure, reading, napping, or getting outside and getting cold so you can come back in and get warm. Might be a good time to check out the
snow depth around and about (currently
(or is that still?) 49 of the 50 states have snow somewhere in/on them ~ Florida is the hold out), with other fun snow graphs here,
you can always check in on the Great Lakes, from space, to see how the icing over is going (click on a lake,
or synoptic for all of them), and of course there are Olympic games happening out there to watch as well.
Whatever your views today, enjoy them ~
Saturday February 15th, 2014 ~
What a viewing day ahead ~ there are the Olympics of course and their associated webcams; there is
the arch to check in on (here, as well as
here), on the 250th anniversary of the founding of St.Louis; we must make a stop off at
Parliament Hill
where the brand new Maple Leaf flag was raised for the first time, this day in 1965, as the Official Canadian Flag, (which has been raised 4 times already
in Sochi as well) ~ and last but certainly not least... it's PARADE TIME IN NEW ORLEANS!!! That's right Mardi Gras fans ~
parade viewing starts this evening at 5:30 (eastern) with the
always entertaining Krewe du Vieux parade!! Hopefully our favorite viewing spot (Fat Harry's) will be operational.
There are other New Orleans Cams that will only get more and more interesting as we count down
the next 16 days to Mardi Gras ~ So, put on your party beads, pile in the supplies, and get ready for a lovely day of viewing ~
Friday February 14th, 2014 ~
A very Happy Valentine's Day to all ~ we hope everyone gets what
they would love today
.... books, auroras, their electricity back (rumor is an estimate of 550,000 homes still without power),
chocolates, pastries, flowers,
Olympic medals, enjoyable views, no traffic jams...
In Russia, celebration of the foreign holiday is varied (from banned to embraced) however, it was this very date
in 1918 that Russians finally adopted the Gregorian calendar and chose to wake up on February 14th after going to bed on January 31st the night before! And we love that ~ Enjoy the day, and
the views ~ ps: the originating source of that chart can be
found at: http://www.statista.com/chart/906/most-popular-valentines-day-gifts-in-the-united-states/
Thursday February 13th, 2014 ~
We hope all of our viewers in the ice storm and blizzard areas are inside some where warm, and not stuck on roads, or without power. Although
many of the roads last night and today were and are remarkably empty looking out there (which is good). If you still have power, pull up the blankets and watch the Olympics along with all the
other views. Here's what's happening there today. Today is the day, back in 1633, that Galileo arrived
in Rome to face the Spanish Inquisition for saying the Earth revolves around the Sun. (On a side not
it was just 3 days ago that a paper was published that finally, after 400 years, explained,
and answered, Galileo's puzzle... so... only 395 more years until Quiz #10 of '09 gets answered?)
And for our look at Russian history ~ today is the day, in 1956, the Soviet Union set up its first research station on the Antarctic,
Mirny, still operational.
(interesting site here). While you're there, don't forget to
check in on the penguins!
Wednesday February 12th, 2014 ~
A busy day for viewers ~ if you are in the south (and other locations) you are busy in your own Ice Olympics ~ please be careful, stay in, and watch the views (we'll keep our fingers
crossed your electricity hangs on) ~ if you are anywhere outside of that weather you are busy watching the weather cams and
traffic cams in those iced areas, and if you are a fan of birthday cake you'll be busy working
on Abe's cake (bottom of page 2, you'll need
205 candles today)(which will help keep you warm since the temperatures are rather low all over the place (it's 6 currently on the driveway)). Our Russian history for the day
is that this is the 40th anniversary of the day Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn was arrested and expelled from the Soviet Union. A look at some of the
webcams in the region where he was born and then it's off to the rest of the views ~ Stay warm, be careful, enjoy the views ~
Tuesday February 11th, 2014 ~
Today's Gold Medals go to Jessie, who, after 7670 consecutive days of training (!), is turning 21 today!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESSIE!!!!!!!
In other news (not that there is any news that can compete with that) Archie Comic Books are turning 72 today; and for our look in at Russian History today is the birthday of
opera singer/author Feodor Ivanovitch Chaliapine (he'd be 141 years old). We will turn you over
to the daily views with this look in at some Kazan (where he was born) webcams ~ now it's off to the views and to the birthday cake! Enjoy ~
[in case you are wondering what the alligator was singing....click here....and if you don't know what the heck
we're talking about you didn't click all the links in the blurb above :) ]
Monday February 10th, 2014 ~
Sorry about Sunday slipping away, the camera was running, the blurb division was down for the count. However ~ hope springs eternal ~ there is a beautiful new snowfall out there and at the Olympics,
Curling gets started today (YaY!). And...in honor of the Olympics and for catching up on our Russian history... today
is the birthday of the man who wrote Doctor Zhivago, Boris Pasternak, who was born in Moscow in 1890. It is also the day author Aleksandr Pushkin died, following a duel in 1837, and the day in 1900
that Vladimir Lenin returned to Saint Petersburg following a 3-year exile in Siberia. Here are some
webcams near the village where he was exiled (as near as we could get which turns out to be 1077 miles
from Shushenskoye) ~ and here are some Polar Bears in a Siberian Zoo!
With a look in at Moscow in honor of Pasternak we now return you to the views, the Olympics, and a lovely wintery day on the driveway ~
Saturday February 8th, 2014 ~
Loved (*LOVED*) the Opening Ceremonies!! (hated (HATED) NBC's coverage of them) ~ the games continue fully underway and promise to be excellent. Another webcam nearby (in Sochi, just not at the Olympic Area) to check on
weather if you are so inclined is here ~
with additional weather cams here. The cold weather seems to be sticking around so brew up some tea or hot chocolate, settle
in with a blanket and enjoy the views ~ Olympic or otherwise!
Friday February 7th, 2014 ~
Bahm-Bahm-BahmBahmBahmBahmBahm-BahmBahmBahmBahm,BahmBahmBahmBahmBahmBahmBahmBahm! ~ That's right, the Olympics have started!!!! The Opening Ceremony will
be shown this evening starting at 7:30PM on NBC. [There are some live, online viewing options,
some of which can be found here (don't know if they work, may give them
a try when the time comes). The live viewing starts at 11:00AM (eastern)(8:00 Sochi).] Other sites you may enjoy wandering ~ The main Sochi Olympic site is here,
while the main NBC site is here, there is an interesting site about the preparations here (has a lot
of information about the venues there, the interactive map is good), and there are supposed to be webcams....here... ~ work best (and only?)
during the day. Regular viewers know that Drivewaycam International loves the Olympics ~ but we won't neglect our mission of bringing you the driveway during the games ~ well,
not any more than we neglect it on any given day. :) On to Sochi ~
Thursday February 6th, 2014 ~
49 years ago this very day....The SS MAASDAM, (the very same SS MAASDAM that just 3 years earlier had ferried Lee Harvey Oswald back to the States) headed out of NYC on it's way to
Southampton England ~ where 7 of the pilgrims aboard ship would disembark and make their way north, stopping briefly in London while suitable lodging was found and then stopping for
a while at the village of Radlett (which evidently lost the toss in the "where will they settle" coin throw). It was just 13 years (to the day) into the reign of Elizabeth II and the
effects of all these events, good and/or bad, linger on... Enjoy the views ~ on land and the high seas!
Wednesday February 5th, 2014 ~
Running late as usual ~ but since there is so much snow out there to watch we are sure you barely noticed that the driveway cam wasn't
updating yet (don't forget you can always click on the date to get the latest picture...that camera runs all the time and isn't connected to the ever petulant driveway cam computer).
Drive carefully youse guys in the south who are having to deal with the snow, and youse guys up here in the north too who have seem to forgotten that THIS ISN'T UNUSUAL WEATHER UP HERE GUYS...
so quit freaking out on the roads! Better yet, instead of driving, stay in, brew some tea, and watch other people drive all over the place ~ or
watch the launch and arrival of the latest supply ship heading to the ISS (it launches today at 11:23 and arrives at 5:25) ~ enjoy ~
"On Feb. 5, the ISS Progress 54 cargo craft will launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 11:23 a.m. (10:23 p.m. local time in Baikonur) on an expedited, six-hour journey
to the space station. NASA TV coverage of the launch will begin at 11 a.m. Progress 54 will dock to Pirs at 5:25 p.m. NASA TV coverage of docking will begin at 4:45 p.m.
The spacecraft is loaded with 2.8 tons of food, fuel and supplies for the station crew."
Tuesday February 4th, 2014 ~
Here's a surprise ~ we're running late here on the Driveway... A quick Happy 76th Debut Anniversary to Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, as well as a very Happy 198th
Publishing Anniversary to The Last of The Mohicans. Enjoy watching the weather, the traffic, the penguins and all the views ~
Monday February 3rd, 2014 ~
In just 596 minutes from now (give or take a minute or two for typing) we will reach the 17,881,599 minute mark since the song of the Wee Beastie was first heard on the land ~ if
that song were radio waves it could have made 10,281,011,192 round trips to the
Cat's Eye Nebula
while she has been making her trips around the sun (you'll have to do the math to find out how many trips she's made). Happy Birthday Em ~ hope it's a great day out there and the start of an
extraordinary year zooming through space for you (and your song)! :) (A galaxy of Ems is a click on the picture away)
Sunday February 2nd, 2014 ~
So... Punxsutawney Phil is rumored to have seen his shadow on this Groundhog's Day which means 6 more weeks of winter. We think he's right (and we're happy) but we also wonder
how he saw his shadow when it was raining there..? But no matter what you use for divination ~ there is snow out and about
and we are hoping that some of it wanders this way. Have a very Happy Groundhog Day and don't fear the shadows, view them! (this one being a lovely
view from Shadow Ridge in Idaho)
Saturday February 1st, 2014 ~
Welcome to February on the Driveway ~ hope everyone's Year of the Horse is starting out great and that last night's celebrations didn't keep you up too late! (in case you were not aware,
the new year, 4712, started yesterday). Were you aware that today marks the 130th anniversary of the day the first part of the first edition of A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles;
Founded Mainly on the Materials Collected by The Philological Society (aka The Oxford English Dictionary as it would later be called)was published? Today is also the start of
National National Awareness Month Awareness Month so take some time today to be aware as you
take in the views ~ Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Friday January 31st, 2014 ~
The last day of January is upon us, and the driveway ~ and so are spring like temperatures (it's already 33!). Today is the birthday of Ann: Happy Birthday Ann! Hope it's a great start
to a great year ahead for you. There is still much snow and winter to watch out there, but there are also other hints of spring ~
the penguin chicks are as cute as ever, there are
chicks out and about in the incubator, and storks have been seen
visiting their nests in Germany. Much to watch, and many days to go before egg season hits full swing but in case you are one of those
people who for some unknown reasons doesn't like winter, there will be warmer weather, many nests to watch, and the start of spring training.
Until then of course we say Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow ~ Enjoy the views ~
Thursday January 30th, 2014 ~
The temperatures are slowing rising to reasonably seasonal levels, the traffic jams in Atlanta are slowing getting sorted out, and most people who left work there on Tuesday to avoid the
storm are almost home (if you haven't been watching the traffic cams you've been missing some excellent theater of the absurd!)
...but before we all lose our heads in excitement over that ~ a brief note that it's the 365th anniversary of
King Charles I losing his head
over a bit of a dispute with Oliver Cromwell ~ as well as the 81st anniversary of the day we first heard "Hi-ho, Silver! Away!" when the Lone Ranger made his debut on WXYZ radio in Detroit.
And so a look in at a camera about 5 miles from Sleepy Hollow,
in both of their honors (!) and a look in at Detroit just because ~ Enjoy!
Wednesday January 29th, 2014 ~
January (and the arctic blast, at least this one) are on their way out of here (it's already up to 2!) but meanwhile there are sites to see and warmth to keep, or find.
Candles on birthday cakes always warm things up so light up 154 of them today for Anton Chekhov, author of many stories
and plays including The Seagull, and The Cherry Orchard. So in his honor, a couple of views ~ one in Maine, and another that is
in D.C.. Why these? As you puzzle over that (we know you'll figure it out),
puzzle over this for
National Puzzle Day ~ (if you see the completed picture when you get to the puzzle page ... click on the gear symbol on the lower left). Enjoy the puzzles and the views ~
(clicking on picture also gets you to the puzzle)
Tuesday January 28th, 2014 ~
This weather has made for lots of lovely traffic and snow cam viewing (almost every cam around has been a snow cams at some point) ~ and today should be no different. If you haven't
gotten addicted to traffic cams yet... give 'em a try. Click on a picture to see a larger view of each shot (of Finland, Nebraska, Minnesota,
Canada, and Wyoming this morning). Check the weather for prime viewing spots or just
jump on in and explore the open roads yourself, with no snow or ice to clear off your car, the best MPG you'll ever get, and no danger of
slipping, sliding, or getting stuck ~ Stay warm!
Monday January 27th, 2014 ~
We're running late today, and were blaming it on the weather. So, it's cold...not a news flash but for some perspective, up in space (where there is a Russian spacewalk underway (a staff favorite
here at driveway cam (the astronauts have about 4 1/2 hrs of work left to do) watch on NASA TV or right here!)), the
temperature there is approximately -454.81. Some places in the US may feel like that today ~ if you don't
have a spacewalk suit to put on, just stay under your covers and enjoy the views ~ And if you happen to catch sight of a white rabbit out there in the snow please note if he is wearing a pocket watch...
then please let us know. Today is the birthday of Lewis Carroll and we've heard rumors of a party and we don't want to be late for that too!
Sunday January 26th, 2014 ~
It's warmer and brighter (it's 11 already! at 11:26) and should be a beautiful day on the driveway. Which got plowed ~ yay! It was also a lovely day (in essence if not in fact)
back in 1802 when Thomas Jefferson signed the Library Act making it the first law establishing the structure of
the Library of Congress. Throw in that just 35 years later
in 1837, Michigan became our 26th state and some Michigan
watching is in order today... here, on our usual Detroit River Cam as well
as checking out their traffic cams in Detroit
as well as in the U.P.. And given the blizzard warnings
out and about in ND, SD, IA, and MN ~ traffic caming in general will probably be interesting today, along with all the other views.
Stay warm!! Enjoy ~
Saturday January 25th, 2014 ~
Lots of errands and therefore trips out and back today ~ hope the weather cooperates. While we at drivewaycam international are loathe to give investment advice, and in fact are legally
forbidden to do so by our cracked legal team, if you want to make a quick 6 cents tomorrow, on every dollar you invest today... all we are going to say is go to the post office...
With postage due to go up tomorrow buying some forever stamps today only makes sense! (and to our legal team, that's not advice it's simply stating fact) Meanwhile, the cold and
snow seem to be here for a while, although it's warming up here today almost to the 20's (the wind is annoyed and is working very hard to keep the numbers lower so that's the
atmospheric struggle around here, and maybe there, today). Wherever you are, stay warm, drive carefully if you have to go out, and most of all... enjoy the views ~
Friday January 24th, 2014 ~
Today is the 106th anniversary of the start of the Scouting Movement ~ and if you see a Boy Scout out and about please send him over to the driveway to shovel our walk! It's
a beautiful day out there with the sun sparkling on the snow and the temperature working hard to get up to 7. It's also
National Peanut Butter Day which is also fairly beautiful in it's own way. Apparently
Americans eat enough peanut butter in a year to make more than 10 billion peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!?! So why not help keep our numbers up and enjoy a lovely
PB&J today while viewing ~ grilled of course because it's cold outside
(and then some hot chocolate to dunk it in.... hmmmm). Enjoy ~
Thursday January 23rd, 2014 ~
Happy Birthday Patti Beth!!!! Hope it's a great day and the start of a most wonderful year for you!! In your honor NASA is going to launch
a communication satellite tonight ~ coverage starts at 6:30PM (and is on until 11:00PM) ~ the launch window opens at 9:05 PM Eastern, and you can
watch right here. Also, in your honor of course, it is
National Pie Day!!! Whatever pie is your favorite,
here is one you probably haven't tried and is the perfect accompaniment to today's viewing ~ Enjoy! (and if you
make this pie today... be sure to have some ice-cream and cake as well!)
Wednesday January 22nd, 2014 ~
It's 2 degrees here, but at least the sun is shining? You'd think that something
as big as the sun, with a core that is somewhere around
27 million degrees F, though much cooler near the surface at a paltry 10,000 degrees F in the photosphere, would be a match for the arctic air traveling about, but apparently you'd be wrong. And
compared to many, our 2 is a heat wave. So break out the thick socks, hot comfort food (stews, soups, tuna noodle casserole, or the hottest food known to man...chicken potpies (whose core
temperature rivals the sun's)), blankets, hot water bottles, pots of tea, and/or hot chocolate, and spend the day link hopping (if you aren't spending the day unfreezing pipes and digging out).
Stay warm and enjoy the views ~ At least we got some snow as a consolation prize! Hope you did too ~
Tuesday January 21st, 2014 ~
How cold is it? It's stupid cold (which converts to 8 degrees fahrenheit here this morning). And "moderate to heavy snow is expected today from the Mid-Atlantic to
the Northeast with below average temperatures across the Eastern U.S." according to the National Weather Service ~ so stay in, check out the views (warm and cold) and think warm thoughts.
If the cold gives you a headache, you can celebrate the birthday of Felix Hoffmann back in 1868 as he is the German chemist who discovered aspirin. And if all this cold makes you
want to fly away, it's a good day for it as it was this day in 1970 that the first 747 was put into service (first flight was between New York and London),
and 6 years later to the day the Concorde began it's passenger service with two simultaneous Concorde flights. (One left London's Heathrow Airport for Bahrain.
just as the other took off from Orly Airport outside Paris to Rio de Janeiro.) Here are some fun flight links for ~ you can
watch planes arrive and take off in Tampa, you can watch animation of
all flights in the US (gets mesmerizing) and this link is just nuts with other links (stick to the ones
at the very top in the red border and you'll be lost for days watching radar and airports, and listening to air
traffic controllers all over the place!) Enjoy ~
Monday January 20th, 2014 ~
Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day ~ and happy IT'S SNOWING day here on the driveway!! There is a winter weather watch in the
Mid Eastern/Atlantic states and the temperatures are falling today all over the place which makes this a perfect day to celebrate
National Soup Month while watching the snowy views. And just because it is one of our favorite
soup links ever, here again is the Carnegie Mellon's School of Computer Science Soup Collection ~ So make
some soup today, even if the only ingredients you use are a can of Campbell's and a can opener. :) In sports news, it was on this day in 1892 that the first official game of basketball
was played in Springfield, Massachusetts ~ so dunk some oyster crackers or croutons in that soup and enjoy the views ~
Sunday January 19th, 2014 ~
Through the icy air of night, we've gotten a bit of a crystalline delight.... which only seems right as it is the 205th birthday of Edgar Allen Poe.
And as the cold and snow (YAY!) have returned in another arctic outbreak (as they say), and there are gale warnings and small craft warnings on
all of the coasts,
it's a good day to forget taking out the kayaks (!?) and join us staying in, and reading some Poe. Or, as it is also
the 99th anniversary of the patent being awarded for Neon Tubes
(# 1125476), just stay in, stay warm, read some Poe and ~
Saturday January 18th, 2014 ~
Couldn't be later this morning (since it's well after noon already) the blurb division got caught napping ~ but a quick Happy Birthday to A.A.Milne and thereby to Winnie the Pooh too sort of,
as well as to Peter Mark Roget who not only gave us a thesaurus (a 12 year project he started after he retired by-the-by) but also gave us the version of the slide rule we all
knew and loved (well those of us old enough to remember slide rules that is...
here is a working one in case you want to wander down memory lane). So
settle in, read some Milne, or
calculate some logs (or maybe take a hint from the
blurb division and
saw some, it is Saturday after all) and enjoy all your views today ~
Friday January 17th, 2014 ~
Nevil Shute, author of 'On the Beach' (among many others), would be turning 115 today if he could. Benjamin Franklin would be turning 308! Popeye is celebrating an anniversary
too as today marks the 85th anniversary of his very first appearance. And it is 95th anniversary of the day Edwin Hubble let us know the
universe is expanding, right before our eyes.
Amid all that celebrating (and cake, naturally) a quick look in at
a beach (in Australia of course),
and, a telescope in progress (due to launch in 2018) and then it's off to the regularly scheduled views ~ enjoy ~
Thursday January 16th, 2014 ~
We finally spotted the chicks!!!! If you haven't seen them yet it's well worth the trip to Antarctica to do so ~ they are
already quite big and so very cute. :) (pictures are updated there every 15 minutes) And as we got such a late start today we're taking the pen out of the hands of the blurb division right now and letting you go
directly to the views ~ Enjoy ~ [here is the current view (it's 11:26 here) from Antarctica]