Nov. 11. US "Sound of the Smiths" release!

I'm heading to Amoeba to get my full disk copy!

I feel like an awkward nerdy teenager again. I recall my excitment in buying Smiths Albums, little changes.

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REVIEW AFTER LISTENING TO COMPILATION:

Wow! This is beautifully remastered. The track order is brilliant and flowing. Tracks have been well balanced and reemphasized that only comes with maturity and wisdom of an accomplished musician like Marr.

I feel sixteen yet mature in my listening taste buds which make this compilation delectable.

Looking forward to our listening party with my brothers (longtime Smiths fans) to sing our hearts out and drink merrily.

Sturm und Drang in Los Angeles:Wagner Rings Festival

It's about time that one of the Largest International Metropolitan Cities strives to host a world class International Arts and Cultural Festival specific to an artisan like Wagner. Excellent choice. Salzburg has Mozart and Los Angeles will have Wagner.

Waiting and hoping for Wagner to appear in LA Phil and Opera's repertoire will be no longer and the "fest" shall ensue.

P.s. Thanks to all those with the foresight like L.A. Opera General Director Plácido Domingo, my county Supervisors Gloria Molina, Zev Yaroslavsky, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and philanthropist Eli Broad.

Footprint Challenge Update: Walking

It's been two weeks since the begining of my Carbon Reducation Footprint Challenge:

Here is my walking data:
Week One: 10/16 - 10/23
steps: 83,235
miles: 42.3
calories: 2365


Week Two: 10/24 - 10/31
steps: 63,591
miles: 30.8
calories: 1716

Powell endorses Obama for president

Colin Powell is a respected figure in America and in American history. I have always felt that Powell has been the social conscious in the Bush Administration, at best under the circumstances.

Powell tells it straight, with honesty, and with great concern for the conscious and future of America.

I almost weeped with pride for Mr. Powell. I hope that those who maybe undecided look at this as a sign to do the right thing for America.

30 Day Carbon Footprint Challenge

For 30 days I'm going to significantly reduce my carbon footprint by doing the following:

1. Walk to local places around the community within 4 miles. (Markets, etc)
2. Use local transit for distances more than 4 miles.
3. Use regional tranist (Metro rail) to get to places more than 8 miles.
4. Cutting plastic bag use from market shopping.
5. Requesting recyclable materials from establishments I frequent.

At the end of the 30 days, I will total the miles walked, travel using public transit, use of recyclables and calculate my carbon footprint.

"The Sounds of the Smiths". Compliation Release

I was always reluctant to purchase compilation releases, especially unsanctioned. However, I'm certainly going to acquire this Smiths compilation and possibly the box set.

I grew up with the Smiths. As my karate students and karate peers in the 80s would attest, the dojo was filled with Smith tunes before classes. I was in about 8th grade when I was introduced to the Smiths by my elder brother who was attending Whittier College and active with college radio. All my formats where on tapes and I had warn the hell out of them till they stretched and winned.

The sounds of my youth!

From Manchester United to Westham to Millwall: Where's your Hooligan Pride?

Moz cant be loyal to one crew? May the best hooligans win.

No One Likes Us, No One Likes Us, No One Likes Us – We Don't Care! (Millwall)

Yosemite National Park via Amtrak

If you want to reduce your carbon footprint trekking to Yosemite via Amtrak is an excellent way to do so. Conscious if the many motor vehicles that burn fuel and spout exhaust throughout the beautiful national park, I wanted to reduce my own carbon footprint. Amtrak.

The Route
With backpack gear and all, Norwalk Metro Greenline Station (Blueline to Redline) to Union Station Downtown Los Angeles. Board Amtrak thruway bus (spacious I might add) to Bakersfield. Board Amtrak Train to Merced. Merced board YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transit) to Curry Village where the adventure really begins. Lou from YARTS was very cool and friendly. I missed my bus back at Curry Village (coming down from the backcountry) but Lou picked me up and gave me a ride to the Lodge where I met my bus. Thanks Lou!

The connecting Train and busses are cordinated well and no worry in missing connections because Amtrak assures that (they own the busses, to from Bakersfield and LA). Very smooth.

I offset my carbon footprint. By car I would have burned 0.200 tonnes: 772 miles.

By rail burned 0.075 tonnes of carbon: 772 miles

If it were up to me, I would close access to motor vehicles and restrict access only to busses and shuttles. If.

Off I go to Yosemite

Packed and ready to hit Yosemite via rail. Near Carbonless.


View Larger Map

McCain's Stroke

If you have HD TV look at McCain's pupil dilation for over minute. It's irregular and it apprears that he may have had a stroke or may have one impending. If you know the symtoms of stroke, McCain is a prime example of one.

SHould this occur before the election, America may be spared of Palin. If a larger stroke occurs after, get use to President Palin.

Chicken McCain, Not a Multitasker

McCain and GW are shameless in using the "Bailout" as the "September Surprise". They were looking for something to shock and panic the American people and here it is. Sure, we are facing a huge problem but he is doing his best to save McCain and distract Americans entirely. Bush is only creating more panic.

Obama, go the Bush meeting, work on a financial legislative package and go to the debates!

Obama-Biden Let's Get Going!

Hell, yes! This is an awesome and motivating ticket. What class and strength. Biden is the attack dog we need with gravitas. I'm so ready to hit a battle ground state. Californians need to get their crap togther and realize that if they really want to win this, get off your arse, get out of California, and contribute in a significant way.

We have all heard local democratic activist, espcially the able bodied, say they did there part. Some have even said "I was thier in the begining", but never really did anything where and when it counts.

So pack your bags and get ready to elect our next President of the United States. We are going to change our country. See you on amtrak!

Karate Kids Kick at Demonstration

A small group of my students from our Dojo (Tai Crane Karate) did a Karate Demonstration at Mayberry Park's Summer Concert in the Park and was a great success. Students are learning well. This is one way of observing whether students are learning and training at a competent level or whether their Sensei is teaching them correctly. So far so good.

I applaud all my students and their parents for doing a great job! Most, if not all, Parents attended with great enthusiasm.

The Dark Knight: Batman Made His Choice, or Did He?

Batman was my favorite DC hero as a child. A hero that, as children, we fantasized being and roll played with friends and siblings. Superman didn’t do much for me. Speed racer was the guy I loved as a kid, but Batman hit something deeper, at the core.

My brother and I had a very thick encyclopedia of DC super heroes that sketched, in cartoon, how and why they become who they are: heroes. I don’t know if that book is around, but as a kid it allowed us to understand a hero and to identify with one or more. Batman was my guy in this book.

The new release of the “Dark Knight” was a solid philosophical return to why Batman is who he is: a dark hero. It was no surprise, but it was great to see it played out for people to meditate on. I didn’t quite pay attention to the chronology of these movies and or whether this was an early story of his cape career. However, I believe he made the underlining philosophical choice earlier then this movie cut.

The decision was made at the point of his tragedy. He later came to a realization who he really is, what he must do, how and the balance he maintains within himself.

In the movie, Bruce Wayne says: People are dying, Alfred. What would you have me do?

Alfred Pennyworth replied: Endure, Master Wayne. Take it. He'll hate you for it. But that's the point of Batman, he can be the outcast. He can make the choice that no one else can make, the right choice.

I believe that there is more here. Batman realizes who he is and what he can’t be (especially to others). The realization that he is both Dark and light. In this realization, he knows that he must be, at time and in perception, Dark and only he and a few know the intensity of his light. Esoteric Budo, Taoist at heart.

Batman is forged fudoshin.

Film: "Tabarly" - Magnificent! Score by Yann Tiersen

Tabarly - bande annonce
Uploaded by -Addison-

A Legend and an extraordinary adventurer. I'm in awe of people like Tabarly who make adventure (sailing) a full time occupation, immerse their whole being in it, and are free in doing so.. When you see and hear this man, his soul speaks to you.

"For the 10th anniversary of Eric Tabarly's death, a famous skipper from Brittany (Northwest of France), the director Pierre Marcel and Galatée Film release a biography of this unsurpassed sailor on June, 11. Galatée Film did not hesitate at all to suggest another exceptional Breton (from Brittany), i.e. Yann Tiersen to compose the soundtrack of this outstanding film. As usual, Yann Tiersen did not just make a music that illustrate the film, but he made a full-fledged, independent, personal and powerful music. Yann made an instrumental music that gives pride of place to the piano and to the intimist melodies which will delight his biggest fans. This record is a kind of bridge in the artist's evolution, from his first loves to his new folk trend. Under this peacefull, mastered and warm movie soundtrack, lies actually a new allbum. After Eric Zonca's « la vie rêvée des anges » , « Amélie from Montmartre » and « Goodbye Lenin », Yann Tiersen composed his fourth soundtrack and as the previous films, it is a safe bet that it will be a success! The record has been initially made for vinyl and the mastering has been made from this vinyl. The sound is therefore warm and powerful."

http://www.myspace.com/yanntierseninprogress

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From Wikipedia:

Eric Tabarly's boat Pen Duick II in Port Haliguen.Éric Tabarly (July 24, 1931 in Nantes – June 14, 1998) was a notable French sailor.

A former officer in the French navy who is often considered the father of French yachting, Tabarly was a record-setting distance sailor who won several notable races aboard his boats, all named Pen Duick. He was lost at sea when struck by a gaff during heavy swell and knocked overboard from his yacht near Wales while on his way to the Fife Regatta in Scotland. His body was recovered five weeks later off the coast of Ireland by a French fishing trawler.

Hiking and Camping at Little Harbor was Paradise!

Little Habor, Catalina (Hike-in). Paradise! My "Moon's, California Camping", book was right and then more. It's rated a 10 and exceeded all, if any, expectations.

I arrived through Two Harbors which is a beautiful little harbor and pier. The people were very pleasant. I had a bite to eat at the little restaurant. The Kobe hamburger was killer!

When entering the Little Harbor, the little harbor ocean view opened up beautifully. Amazing place with fantastic and grand views. It has everything, swimming, hiking, kayaking, fishing, and other naturalist thing to do.

There is just too much to mention. Ranger Gilligan is the Ranger for this site as well (Blackjack). Again, the coolest down to earth guy you can BS with and he is very informative and helpful.

Blackjack Hike-In Camp: Dam it was hot!

Just got back from camping on Santa Catalina Island’s Blackjack campground on the highest point and wooded part of the Island. Best part of Blackjack is going through Avalon. Worst part of Blackjack is Blackjack.

It was over 100 degrees! I just had to choose high noon to hike in with my pack.

It was ok. I was pretty hot when I arrived. No one was in my immediate camp, not within view. Soon after pitching my tent the coolest Ranger Gilligan stopped by and told me where the rinse showers where. Ahhhhhhhh! That cold outdoor shower was heaven! No it's not a nudist camp, not normally.

That early evening a bachelorette party of about 8 women camped out. Strange things occured and I will never talk about what happened.

Mendez Wins Top Spot in Democratic Party Race, 56th Assembly District

Thank you Democratic Voters of the 56th Assembly District for returning me to the Los Angeles County Democratic Party Central Committee.

I'm also very privileged to be re-elected for a third term and with the highest number of votes (#1) three elections in a row. It's a great empowering feeling to have that much confidence from the Democrats of the 56th Assembly District.

I will do my best to represent you and continue to advocate on issues that create greater access to the Democratic Party and gear up for the general election fight.


COUNTY CENTRAL COMMITTEES - 56TH DISTRICT - DEMOCRATIC

Candidate Votes Percent
GARY MENDEZ 3,989 8.57
MAUREEN ALLEN 3,840 8.25
LILLIAN M GONZALES 3,576 7.69
DENISE STABILE 3,415 7.34
MARISELA CERVANTES 3,355 7.21
ANTHONY ARMENDAREZ 3,298 7.09
RAUL P GONZALES 3,094 6.65
FLOYD ALLEN 3,011 6.47
FRANCIS CARBAJAL 2,384 5.12
GEOFFREY M MARKELL 2,306 4.96
HANNIBAL AGUILAR 2,220 4.77
DELTA E DUVALI 2,177 4.68
CESAR DIEGO JAMES 2,158 4.64
CHARLIE ARA 2,000 4.3
JIMMY MENDOZA JR 1,589 3.42
C J DUVALI 1,523 3.27
HUMBERTO B LUJAN 1,391 2.99
LEEA HALMETOJA 1,202 2.58

VOTE FOR NO MORE THAN 7
Registration 71,449
Precincts Reporting 166
Total Precincts 166
% Precincts Reporting 100



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Last Updated: 15:35 06/13/2008
June 3, 2008 - Los Angeles County Primary Election

Bill Richardson for Secretary of State!

Bill made the right decision to back the best candidate for President of the United States. It takes great gravity and foresight to put oneself out and do what's right for the country while anticipating the harsh criticism from the Clintons.

I would love to see Governor Bill Richardson as Vice President and if that's not workable without doubt as Secretary of State.

Bills credentials in the international community is unquestionable and the most qualified of any other choice. He would be of great benefit to Obama and our country in bringing back respect and integrity to our country reputation throughout the world.

Please, please, please Obama, make Bill Richardson a priority as VP or Secretary of State.

Yes! Obama Secures Delegate Threshold

Despite a long and bitter battle, Obama comes out on top. I admire him greatly for keeping his cool and responding with finesse when assaulted by Clinton. Clinton really tried hard to incite Obama and get him on defensive and offensive.

Now, I really hope the party comes together and Clinton repairs her damage and does not depart or demand things in spite and poor sports ship.

Onward and forward!