using the self timer, and the same statue from the other side... Rolf and I at the state capitol

The King family refused to allow use of his "likeness" without payment of what I think wound up as a 6 figure licensing fee. It was a case of outrageous greed. I support the recognition of him and what he did but I'm sorry someone with a clearer head wasn't in a position to pull the plug on completing the monument. Solely because of the extortion by his family. Edited to add link to NYTimes article with the correct information ML King fees

Great photo of the boats in snow - they look so festive on a dreary day! Moni, those big ornaments are so cool - I've really enjoyed seeing them in your photos the last few days. Jim, that's an intriguing photo - one can't help but wonder where the stairs lead.

When we were at the Gatun Locks our guide pointed at the "mule" at the tail end of the ship that was transiting and said the smoke around it was because the ship was currently rubbing along the edge of the canal, and said the canal operating crew was probably already talking with the ships captain to pay for damage to the ship. He also pointed out that Panamax ships (the maximum size that will fit in the locks) are 13 containers wide, and they have these circular connection points on the stern of the ship for attaching the cables for the mules. This image also shows how tight the fit is. There was less than 6 inches gap on each side.Also the mules only keep the ships centered in the locks, the ships must provide their own power to move forward through the locks