The Voyage of Macgellan

Report: Highland Night

Last night I attended "Highland Night" in Pitlochry, Scotland. Although I shot a lot of video, I decided to focus mainly on the bagpipe and drum marching band. I'm not sure exactly why, but I find such bands to be quite remarkable. Perhaps it is because of their inherent contradiction: On the one hand, the bagpipe melodies are so inspiring and the drum rhythms are so moving. On the other hand, the droning of the bagpipes can become very annoying. Perhaps this is why they have been such a famous part of Scottish battle history: They inspired the Scots and drove the enemy crazy! I hope you enjoy this "Highland Night" Report from The Voyage of Macgellan!

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Report: Welsh Folk Song

I was sitting at the kitchen table with two of my young Welsh friends -- talking about how they are fluent in Welsh but their parents don’t speak a word of it -- when their father suggested they sing me a Welsh Folk Song so that I could hear how the language sounds. As soon as they began I knew it would be something to share with you, so I fired up my camera and let the video roll. Whether you are interested in Welsh Folk Songs and how the language sounds or just want to enjoy three minutes of video that are guaranteed to make you smile, this Report is for you! (Note: My favorite moment is about two-thirds of the way through when “sisters will be sisters”... You’ll know it when you see it. Also, don’t miss the proud father in the background... Who can blame him?) Enjoy!

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Report: Five In The Fifth

During my exploration of the London suburbs of Walthamstow and Chingford, there just happened to be a dog racing stadium across the street from where I was staying. I’d never experienced dog racing before, so I decided to check it out! Here is my Report from The Voyage of Macgellan! Many thanks to Jeff Tolbert for the great background music! (Note to Podcasters: Jeff’s music is clean, tight and varied. Check it out, you’ll love it!)

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Report: Deleted Scenes IV

Changing countries is a good time for me to do iLife housekeeping, backing up and clearing out “old” stuff to make sure I’ve got room for “new” stuff on my Mac. While doing so this weekend, I came across some video clips from France that I’ve made into another episode of “Deleted Scenes.” Without any further ado, here are a few vignettes from France that I think you might enjoy from The Voyage of Macgellan!

Report: Paris Air Show

Like most guys, I have been fascinated -- maybe even in love -- with aircraft ever since I was a kid, and I have wanted to attend The Paris Air Show -- the biggest, most famous aerospace exposition in the world -- for as long as I can remember. Today was the day it finally happened on The Voyage of Macgellan! For all you guys who love aircraft -- and all the women who have had to compete with them for your attention -- this Report is for you! (Special thanks to Curious for the perfect soundtrack song. Click the link to check out her website and be sure to look for her music on iTunes!)

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Report: Blues-en-Provence

Imagine yourself sitting in a 14th century underground wine cave, having dinner and drinking some really good wine. Now imagine the music starts. What do you hear? Well, while I was in this situation in Aix-en-Provence the music was Blues! Somehow the juxtaposition of dining in ancient surroundings in the South of France and hearing Blues music strikes me as worth sharing. I don’t know much about Blues, but these guys seemed pretty good to me. I regret that I never figured out who they are, but if you are ever in Aix be sure to ask around. I hope you enjoy this little musical anachronism from The Voyage of Macgellan!

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Report: Drive To Town

This Report started out as just a special little treat I was going to put together and send to a few of my friends who are avid drivers. As I worked on it, I started thinking it might have broader appeal. The instant I put a couple of great Jonathan Coulton songs into the soundtrack, I was convinced that many of you might get a kick out of it. So, with no further ado, you are cordially invited to join me for the “Drive To Town” from Les Plantiers to St-Jean-du-Gard here in the South of France on The Voyage of Macgellan! Note: If you are prone to motion sickness, you might want to pop a Dramamine before viewing! (PS - Special thanks as always to Jonathan Coulton for the use of his songs. You really rock, and your “Thing A Week” campaign still amazes me!)

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Report: Gomera Whistling

During my tour of La Gomera in the Canary Islands, we stopped at Las Rosas restaurant for lunch and a demonstration of Gomera Whistling -- a communications system that was developed and used on the island prior to the introduction of the telephone. This was easily the highlight of the tour and a little something different that I think you will find very interesting from The Voyage of Macgellan!

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Report: Run Yertle Run

During our stop in Fernando de Noronha we visited a turtle conservation area. Here is my Report. (Thanks yet again to Stephen Jacob for another fabulous piece of music -- I wish I knew what the name of it is!)

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Report: The Booby Snatcher

Start with a funny little event that I just happened to catch on video, add some cameo roles played by a few of my good friends on Polar Star, then finish with some goofing around in iLife and... well... you get this Report. I don’t know how well it will “translate” for those of you who weren’t there, but I can tell you it was a big hit with all of the folks aboard ship. So, with no further ado, I offer you a little “film noir” from The Voyage of Macgellan. Enjoy! (Many thanks to Birdman John, Ravishing Rita, Professor Gary, Belle Joyce, He-Man Ehrland, Officer Evelyn, Cookie Queen Betty and, of course, Crazy Chef Paul for playing along and for all the fun aboard Polar Star!)