Biosphere 2 is a semi-derelict bio-architectural experiment in the Arizona desert that was sold to private developers in 2007. I’d be surprised if this isn’t used for a film setting at some point.

You can check out even more photos on Noah’s website. (via Boing Boing)


(Photos: Noah Sheldon)
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I just wanted to pop in and let you all know that all is generally good. In July, I was back in Banff and Canmore for some exciting video production work and was fortunate enough to be able to visit with some close friends and family in both Calgary and Edmonton as well. It seemed like such a short trip, and it was so great to see everybody, especially finally meeting the little cutie, Ciara Ann Moynihan! I’m already missing her and those awesome parents she has! Hopefully, I’ll get a chance to visit everybody again soon!

Destiny has been guiding me very interestingly this year (when isn’t it?) but there’s been some very solid constants in my life too. I’m thankful to have some amazingly close, supportive friends and family out here and back in Alberta, a few interesting projects to challenge me, and the breathtaking B.C and Alberta scenery to explore.

Life is also directing some absolutely positive energies and wonderful people into my life and that is what excites me the most. It’s great to be in the same city again with two of the most awesome hombres from my Edmonton days. They’re both extremely creative people who I can chat with for hours. John and Malcom: thanks for making me feel like I’m at home here and hanging out with the best and the brightest!

Between reconnecting with my Vancouver pals and all the new friends I’ve made here, I’m really feeling even more welcome in this vibrant city. Much appreciation goes to Ron (you creative low-stress genius), to Nis and Jessica for opening their hearts and introducing me to such an amazing soul, to Matt, Paul and the rest of the Z2H crew for introducing me to the Vancouver working atmosphere, and to Sebastien for some great career guidance and life insight.

And, of course, big hugs and many cheers to Andrea and Jakenator for making me smile again, laugh so hard until my cheeks and sides ache and for making me feel like Vancouver really is the place to call home.

I’m actually working on some new posts from home base here in Vancouver, so there will hopefully be more insightful content, stories, photos and links for you all. I’m just trying out WordPress for the iPhone to create this post actually and it should allow me to do some more posts remotely. Though I’m sure I’ll have to do a few corrections on the computer, but it looks like it will work.

While you wait for some more posts, follow me on Twitter or look at some of the photos I’ve been snapping during this year’s adventures on my Flickr photostream. A small sampling of the photos are below.

Be well and stay positive!

THE MERMAID OF JOHN LAWSON PARK

THE JOLLY ROGER OF WEST VANCOUVER – 02

WEST VANCOUVER PIER – 01

WEST VANCOUVER CEDAR TREE

SIGNS

PACIFIC CENTRE DOME

ENGLISH BAY BEACH

SUNSET AT ENGLISH BAY

THE GASTOWN STEAM CLOCK

Whether you’re enjoying the treats, scaring the kids, dressing up for the fun of it, or watching some great Halloween themed movies, I hope you have a great All Hallow’s Eve.

And if it’s your birthday too…well have double the fun!

This year’s jack-o’lantern turned into Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Happy Haunting from April and I!

Phaeton Group’s Dr. Michael Ryan with Albertaceratops nesmoi skull.

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My good friend, Dr. Michael Ryan of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Southern Alberta Dinosaur Research Group, and Phaeton Group, has described a new type of dinosaur, Albertaceratops nesmoi. The fossilized remains of the ancient Ceratopsian was discovered near Manyberries, Alberta about six years ago. I was fortunate enough to be able to witness some of the research that went into the discovery and was asked to photograph (above) Dr. Ryan and the fossilized skull for the press release and public relations use.

Michael has informed me that the photo has been featured in a press release and, beginning this weekend, has spread to newspapers and websites around the world courtesy of Associated Press.

Along with a front-page blurb and large article spread on A3 of the March 5 edition of the Calgary Herald, it has shown up on Yahoo! News, CNN, USAToday, CBS News, Science Daily, the International Business Times, and many more. You can find the articles by doing a search on ‘alberta dinosaur‘ in Google News.

If any of you wonderful DDM blog readers find the photo in your local paper, please send me a copy of the article. I can provide a mailing address when you contact me.

Though this isn’t the first time I have had something published internationally, I believe it may be the first photo of one of Michael’s discoveries I have had displayed in international newspapers and some major websites.

For more information on Albertaceratops nesmoi be sure to check out the Southern Alberta Dinosaur Research Group website.

Congratulations to Dr. Ryan and his palaeontological teammates and thanks to him for the photo recognition.

BNMI – 01, originally uploaded by macjeep.

The Banff New Media Institute Accelerator team.

Banff 2007 – 184, originally uploaded by macjeep.

Bow Falls. Filming location for the Marilyn Monroe movie River of No Return.

Banff 2007 – 187, originally uploaded by macjeep.

The Bow River near Bow Falls.

Banff 2007 – 194, originally uploaded by macjeep.

Me in front of the Bow River near Bow Falls.

Banff 2007 – 207, originally uploaded by macjeep.

Bridge over Spray River.

Banff 2007 – 221, originally uploaded by macjeep.

Sulphur Mountain Gondola.

Banff 2007 – 222, originally uploaded by macjeep.

Brewster ICE Explorer for the Columbia Icefield on display at the Sulphur Mountain Gondola.

Banff 2007 – 165, originally uploaded by macjeep.

The Professional Development Centre at The Banff Centre.

Banff 2007 – 167, originally uploaded by macjeep.

C.P.R. Coolie by Garry Williams

Banff 2007 – 168, originally uploaded by macjeep.

A door guardian?

Banff 2007 – 170, originally uploaded by macjeep.

“Chaos is the natural order of the universe.”

Banff 2007 – 150, originally uploaded by macjeep.

Me in my office at the Banff New Media Institute yesterday.

Banff 2007 – 152, originally uploaded by macjeep.

Cascade Mountain in Banff, Alberta.

Banff 2007 – 159, originally uploaded by macjeep.

View from the 4th floor of Donald Cameron Hall at The Banff Centre.

Banff 2007 – 148, originally uploaded by macjeep.

First bit of hoofed wildlife I’ve seen since I arrived at The Banff Centre. And they decided to use the sidewalk too!

Banff 2007 – 137, originally uploaded by macjeep.

Bow Falls.

Banff 2007 – 142, originally uploaded by macjeep.

Jay and I did our part to help preserve the beauty of the National Park and hauled up some computer parts that people had thrown over the side of the mountain. Unbelievable.

Banff 2007 – 146, originally uploaded by macjeep.

Thanks for coming out to Banff to visit me Jay! It was definitely a nice way to spend Family Day!