Pittsburgh at night

Pittsburgh at night, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

Again, it seems hard to imagine that 200 years ago we lived in a world lit by fire and not by electricity. It seems hard to imagine that these buildings weren't always here. It seems hard to imagine that there isn't some degree of permanence in this image of the Pittsburgh Skyline.

This city and this view are amazing to check out. It is amazing that the people of mount washington let people come and go all through the night to enjoy this amazing view. Pittsburgh sits down in the valley where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers join to form the source of the Ohio River. I live just a couple hundred miles downstream. Once people floated the river in canoes--now we fly or drive everywhere.

How quickly the times change. Have you ever imagined yourself without the ability to travel so far so quickly? What would happen if your daily commute to work was on foot, by boat, or on horseback? Less than a hundred years ago it probably would have been.

That seems unimaginable to me. I wonder in what other ways our imagination has been stifled and enlivened by the convenience and technology we enjoy. Something to think about as you read this blog and enjoy this picture on your computer. . .

Pittsburgh jamie and ryan

Pittsburgh jamie and ryan, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

Just a quick pic of my friend ryan and his best friend jamie. Jamie lives a five minute walk from this view, so it isn't as big of a deal for him as it is for me.

What views and places do you take for granted because they are so close?

Hollywood at Night

Hollywood at Night, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

This photo was taken last week from the roof of the New Hollywood Apartments in Thai Town. In the background is Century City. In the foreground you can see a number of small shops/restaurants across the street.

Back in West Virginia, the night sky doesn't look bright grey. It is filled with stars. Even on a cloudy night it looks dark, and not an ominous grey.

Light pollution. The Bible talks about light exposing the evil deeds of darkness. Maybe all of the brightness in the sky is indicative of places that need to be exposed. Or maybe the brightness is meant to be a reminder not to lose hope. Or maybe the light is a reminder that Los Angeles' deeds, whether good or evil, are being exposed for the world to see.

What do you think?

Night Time in the City of Angels

Night Time in the City of Angels, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

What a beautiful sight. This is the night time view of the city from the place I have been staying. Spent some time on the rooftop reflecting last night. It's amazing how bright the night sky is in a city of this size. Although I love the wilderness, there is a captivating beauty in seeing a skyline like this.