Wednesday, December 21, 2011

The way it was done in the 7th Century, Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

The Holiday's & New Year are approaching! As humanity turns the corner of what is to be another exciting year on this Earth!, thinking of those less fortunate than us is something to take to heart.

Adopt a Family through the Salvation Army is something I've already donated to this Season..

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf

My extended family selects a charity every year for Christmas to give to instead of spending money for individual gifts for everyone. This year, 2011, the Patriarch and Matriarch of the Family chose a Navajo Techical College.


http://www.navajotech.edu/

  In years past, I chose:

http://www.bgca.org/Pages/index.aspx

And I advocate for:


http://hollyhockhouse.net/


My own Father & Mother have positively provided countless time, money + energy into these worthy causes: 

http://www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.mtJSJ7MPIsE/b.5301295/k.BE9A/Home.htm

http://www.givingbacktoafrica.org/

  

http://www.bbbs.org/site/c.9iILI3NGKhK6F/b.5962335/k.BE16/Home.htm

http://lotusfest.org/


 Having known too many people with debilitating illnesses such as Cancer or HIV/AIDS and knowing stories of such hardships or death, it's hard not to want to give back. Just yesterday I learned of an acquaintance just diagnosed with bone cancer. It's not that I believe people ask for sympathy or to be felt sorry for, rather, I believe it's a responsibility for those who have more to help fight these unfortunate events with research, education + cures. No matter what the good cause may be, it benefits directly + indirectly for all.

Encouragement provided, choose one of these fantastic organizations or one that's closest to your own heart for donating your time or money.  

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Having the pleasure of viewing some thought provoking exhibits at LACMA during the not so distant past of Thanksgiving weekend- a new perspective was gained at the Museum during our 4-5 hour visit.The exhibit to see was, in conjuction with;

California Design, 1930–1965: "Living in a Modern Way" at:

Los Angeles Contemporary Museum of Art

"This exhibition is the first major study of California midcentury modern design. With more than 300 objects—furniture, ceramics, metalwork, fashion and textiles, and industrial and graphic design—the exhibition examines the state’s role in shaping the material culture of the entire country..."
 
The highlight for me was the re-creation of the Charles + Ray Eames House- pioneers in working with fiberglass, molded plywood, plastic resin, etc. & with accomplishments in architecture, short films, textiles + furniture design. These are the quintessential American Designers who have influenced the world round.

Eames Case Study House -actual



Eames House, on left, created for LACMA exhibit

 Of course other exhibitions were present at the facilities which proved to be a bit difficult in its wayfinding methods, nonetheless, a variety of art subjects were found as expected.
 

A few of my favorites- Contemporary Indoor + Outdoor installations

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

As the Holiday Season draws near with cheer in my mind, it wanders to childhood.

Akward!

A good sitcom really makes me laugh and one I remember is the blue collar, totally American adventures of Laverne & Shirley set in Milwaukee, WI. If you've ever been (which I have + my sister lived there), it's certainly capable of producing a pair like this!

The double trouble. No sense of entitlement without warrant, which I love.



One of the better moments for Laverne & Shirley. Sweet.

 



Thursday, December 1, 2011

Been a while since I posted last! The week preceding Thanksgiving came fast with social outings & with a friends company + his gifted VIP pass @ the W Hotel in Westwood, seeing the new(er) band:

I highly recommend if you enjoy melodic music on the softer side with a touch of indie + sounds of classic funk soul music. Then, a spectacular Black Tie Wedding for good friends...

at the Majestic Halls in downtown LA on November 19th, 2011......



Event space as it was transformed to formal yet not short on party mode, reception

All of this took place (not to mention a busy work week, well, mentioning it now) before my brother arrived at LAX on the 20th as it poured all day with rain doing errands before the parents arrived on Monday to spread some Thanksgiving cheer!

An affordable stay in Santa Barbara at the Beach House Inn allowing furry friends, was a short walk to the pier + harbor marina with gorgeous days abound.

A longer than expected (..ahem, pardon me) but nice road trip down the PCH really put the family in the mood for their California getaway eating Fish tacos + Tamales at the Ventura pier and Googling/YouTubing an old classic recalled by the younger years of the parents;

Good call Mom! A hit with me, the bro + Dad

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5I0d29s6GCc 

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

A brit of brilliance by Banksy in 2006

Always loved this piece but I understand the controversy for the animal lovers, which I am. I can overlook this for the sake of the piece. It is brilliant.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Let's talk the Simpsons. After meeting the favorable Yeardley Smith, the voice of Lisa, I felt compelled to write as throughout my childhood and adult years, the Simpsons have always been pleasurable to watch. Its diverse characters are well developed and well scripted. With the Simpsons debut on the conservative broadcasting station, FOX, in December 1989, it continues to create new episodes today.

Picture courtesy of Wikipedia.org  

Evidently, in October 2011 (-just last month!), Fox announced that The Simpsons had been renewed for a 24th and 25th season.

Next, can you say NBA lockout?!? What is going on with this?!?! With our country still not back in a secure position, our athletes command more money? It is hurting us all by those who are economically supported by such professional entertainers. I for one do not believe this sets a good example, it's another example of American Greed. As a child looking up to NBA stars this is not a role model I would consider a good one. Meanwhile, common American people are continuing to occupy Wallstreet as the '99%' to cry out for unjustice. A big difference in what is considered unjust.

Today, it is mentioned how NBA players are considering an appeal to the National Labor Relations Board for decertification of the players' union. A law suit? C'mon. This is sports, an entertainment occupation, play or leave the court.

Life continues as the weekend stares me in the face on this rainy Friday afternoon and I look forward to it!

Friday, October 28, 2011

I've long since admired the Hologram by the late Alexander McQueen of Kate Moss. It's simply stupendous + evokes my airy being today.

YouTube link (full version):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1mcmgJe3Ks&noredirect=1

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

As I consider new places to go & new places to see within the next year and beyond, my top picks to date are:

1. GREECE

2. THAILAND

3. CUBA

   4. BRAZIL

5. NEW YORK CITY

   (most immediately) 

.....then it would be Alaska, Papua New Guinea, etc., etc., etc...................

Monday, October 24, 2011

2 incredible highly eccentric movies about true events of amazing adventures in human lives were watched by me this past weekend. i would watch 1 again and again. the other, once is enough. both i would highly recommend on equal levels, however, the latter significantly troubled and disturbed my sleep.

starting with the astounding trials + tribulations of one man, Steven Russell, is, "I love you Phillip Morris". a very dramatic movie all the way through with a high pace certainly evokes a mood (understatement) to whomever watches. fantastically played by 2 great actors of our time, Jim Carrey + Ewan McGregor.

secondly, the movie which is almost equally dramatic in an entirely different direction, in my opinion, features the lives of the Beale's of Grey Gardens. true life personalities which are played out in this 1975 documentary (i've also seen the HBO movie with Drew Barrymoore + Jessica Lange portraying these women exsquisitely) show how life can pass by in the blink of an eye. 

insight into the world of interesting real people + their lives always captivates my attention. as i am also partial to reading non-fiction, these movies not only inspire in variety of ways, they tell true stories of which i and all else can relate on some level. disturbing as they may be, these examples truly show Americanism in all its shame + glory. that, i find profound.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Homage cleverness at it's finest;

Cover of The New Yorker portrays Steve Jobs at the pearly gates, with St. Peter using an iPad to check him in.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

I had a strange dream the other night. I was having a clear, concise and in-depth conversation with a robot- no joke. Intelligent responses were given to questions and topics were discussed as brought up by the robot. I woke up thinking about when that will actually happen.

Friday, October 7, 2011

As the Wall Street protesters preside in the streets of New York and encouraged similar undertakings in Los Angeles, Boston, Washington D.C., and other cities, I look forward to a weekend after a long week of work.

It is no wonder to me that this protesting has taken place and I do not see why it would be to anyone else. After all, Gaddafi protests in Libya took place in February of this year which exemplified to commoners all over the world to take action to say 'no' to unjusts. Americans have voices too. It's something to consider for the future while in our infancy of the 21st Century.

Heavy subject matter continues with the passing of iconic Steve Jobs for Apple. An impressive man and my words would not do justice for his contribution to our world. Life is to be enjoyed and I would think Mr. Jobs would have concurred.

With the drab I cannot forget to add the fab!

This year, the Tour de FAT, brought to us by Fat Tire Beer and the New Belgium Brewing Co. brings their festive tour to L.A. Historic Park. Celebrating (& fundraising) the beauty of bicycles and supporting the love of bicycles and bicycle advocacy.

 Let us not forget the monthly Flea Market in Pasadena.....

Fall is being well received this year and the momentum of summers end pushes us through the last few months of the year. Happy Weekend!