Congressman Gerry Connolly Speaks at Naturalization Ceremony

July 17th 2012 was a special day for some 700 immigrants and their families in the Washington DC metropolitan area. On this day, in a spacious and well appointed auditorium in the Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria, VA, the large crowd consisting of family and friends of the 700 immigrants to the United States gathered for the solemn oath ceremony which marks the acquisition of US Citizenship.

It was a very joyful and friendly atmosphere which prevailed as a senior executive of the USCIS office efficiently directed staff, to help in getting all in place for the solemn ceremony which began at precisely 11AM. Immigrant came from 98 odd countries.

The keynote speaker was Congressman Gerry Connolly of Virginia's 11th Congressional District. In a very inspirational and lofty speech, he spoke from the heart, spurring the soon to be minted US Citizens to aspire to greatness, for it is achievable here in the USA. He spoke from the heart, sounded sincere, and his connection to the full auditorium was palpable.

And then, the oath was administered, the pledge of allegiance was said, the "Star Spangled Banner" sung, and Congressman Connolly very graciously stayed back to take photographs with the newly minted US citizens.

All in all, a very efficient ceremony, where people of all religions, creed, and political ideologies came together to celebrate America - that shining city on the hill!

Please click for larger pictures.

Congressman Gerry Connolly

Close up view of the Google StreetView Car

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Ever wonder how images for Google StreetView are made?

Well, Google has a complex integration of imaging and spatial locating sensors mounted on vehicles that drive around. These could be boats in the amazon forest, or the ancient narrow streets in old European villages. Using high definition cameras, still images are taken, with their exact GPS locations embedded.


Clever software then seams these discrete images together, creating the cool, close-up user experience you get on your computer or smartphone when using Google StreetView.


I recently got a close peek of the Google car. I took the opportunity to shoot some close up pictures of the car. Here they are...