Fire on the Mountain

Looking to the south-east here from the Herzog Cowen offices, a big fire has sprung up on the Hollywood Hills today.

Photos taken with my laptop camera, so no zooming or easy framing. This is probably about 2 miles away, and has been spreading fast. Wild. Reminds me of fire season 2 years ago, when, while working the night shift, the mountains to the north looked exactly like volcanos. The fires were that big and bright.

We're safe here in the office, though, and while it's a windy day, the wind is not blowing the fire towards us here at work, nor is it in the direction of my apartment. Winds blowing North/East, and West Hollywood is South, so that's comforting.

Tracy just found this link to a KTLA news post about the fire.

I feel bad for anyone whos home is near this raging beast.

EDIT: This is about 30 minutes later:

Word is that Warner Brothers and Universal have evacuated. Totally nuts.

Christmas Photos

Posting a little behind schedule; it's been a busy two weeks, and I had a one-two punch of flu followed by cold. Still working on the cold.

Anyway, here're some photos I took using PhotoBooth on my new laptop; lots of style and effects applied. My usual digital camera has been broken for a month or two now, so this is all I'e got for the moment. I'm thinking I might put some Christmas money towards a real digital SLR, most likely a Nikon to be compatible with the 35mm camera and lenses I already have.

Pay special attention to my brother's photogenic smile.

Tracy. Looking inquisitive.

John, Andy, Ian, & John K. in my parents' kitchen.

And again.

Tracy & her Dad.

Tracy & me.

Ian.

Me.

John.

Caitlin.

Andy.

Ian.

Tracy.

Me.

Tracy.

Caitlin.

A Wicked Good First Post

Howdy, Everyone-

My New Year's Resolution, 2007 Edition, is to get better about communication. As all of you have certainly noticed, I have been all too frequently remiss when it comes to staying in touch with friends and family. I am bad about returning calls, replying to e-mails, and making plans with those I leave close to.

Please trust and believe me when I say it isn't personal, and I love you all.

So, in an effort to get better about all of this, I welcome you to come and check out The Wicked Good Blog. I intend this weblog to be just another in a stream of personal journals people self-publish to the Internet-- basically an informal journal about me, what I'm doing, and anything that happens to be on my mind. Sometimes it'll just be general thoughts, other times I'll have specific comments for some people, news on big events in my life, pictures when I have them, links when they're appropriate. A way to stay updated on the life and thoughts of Hutson Hayward.

Now, don't worry, this is not the only strategy I plan on using in my goal to meet my resolution; this will not replace either phone calls or e-mails, as I intend to up my rate of both. Rather, this is a good way for me to get into the habit, and think about ways to put myself out there and get in touch.

I can't wait to hear from you all, and invite you to comment whenever you feel the inclination, be it to mock me, say hi, or respond to a thought.