Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Today is my father's 60th Birthday! A Happy Birthday to him!

Starting my day with the usual coffee- a fairly recent addition to my day- followed by the Birthday wish phone call to Dad. 

For a Tuesday, this early day of the week was productive with challenges. Mainly with communications involving phone & email with various departments in different companies. At the end of the day prior expectations weren't met by those departments but tomorrow is another day!

More good news is that for various reasons (like a new driver's license) and a little of which due to 'Movember' (the month of November to recognize male health issues such as prostate cancer, etc.), I have a mustache! 

Being compared to the likes of this man via co-worker compliment;

Tom Selleck- for the Mustache of course, not the shirt!

...or this guy (another comparison by a co-worker);

Clark Gable

....I'm quite liking the Stache!  Albeit the likenesses are far too gracious but I could not refuse the courtesy.

And for that extra push on my Tuesday, I had the fortune of somehow shopping almost aisle by aisle (she has great taste!) at Michael's craft store to none other than- the only 'The Hills' star who showed America how to be authentic- Lauren Conrad!

TV Personality, Author, Fashion Designer & All American Girl

http://laurenconrad.com

Sunday, October 13, 2013

This weekend was the last in this years 2013 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon which took place for the first time in Irvine, CA. It occurs every 2 years in the States and has only been held in Washington, D.C. since 2002. There are actually 3 Solar Decathalon events worldwide which also include SD Europe and SD China.

"The Solar Decathlon challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive." 
-US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon Visitors Guide 2013

http://www.solardecathlon.gov

Team Austria won and UNLV got 2nd place. It was discovered through asking questions  each home cost between $200,000.00-$350,000.00 for the maximum allotted square footage of 1,000 sq. ft.

One of my favorites was Washington, D.C. who ironically never participated when the Decathlon was in the Capital. 

Team DC. Exterior- stained reclaimed wood 

Fixed outdoor table with water feature to capture rain run-off.

Tour guide describing interior louvres that open and close automatically based on interior & exterior  temperatures.

Exterior- Team North Carolina

Exterior- Team Stevens Institute of Technology

Exterior- Team U of L & Indiana- Butler

Exterior- Czech Republic, placed 3rd!

Interior- Team Alberta

Living walls, water collection/efficiency, reclaimed materials and of course, solar panels both on the house and constructed as part of walk ways were all present. The living wall was a well repeated popular feature for most houses. 

Exterior- Team UNLV took a different approach for a desert retreat.  They used steel and reclaimed weathered barn wood. This home was designed very well for the exterior and interior with great use of materials. However, a desert retreat to the Mojave seemed nice but maybe not so popular.

Perforated dye cut steel providing shade (worked quite well) with visual interest.

UNLV 'DesertSOL' exterior with steel clad framed windows & drought tolerant native plants.

Reused shipping pallet wood used for interior flooring. 

Solar Decathlon in Irvine. 'Village Powered By The SUN'

I first saw a televised segment about this event held in D.C. a couple of years ago and thought to myself that I'd probably not get a chance to take a look anytime soon. So glad the event came to Irvine shortly thereafter. An event not to be missed! Looking forward to the implementation of these ideas for new construction! 

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Autumn has started and the September month is almost over. With an end of Summer visit to the Midwest for an extended family reunion and 60th pre-Fall Birthday's for the parents, in addition to celebrating their 40th Wedding Anniversary, Summer ended with a bang! Louisville was the place of the celebration staying at a river front hotel and brunch at the Galt House downtown. 

Rivue for Sunday Brunch. Louisville doesn't get much more spectacular.

The pooch was taken off my hands by a local dog walker while our party brunched and later met up at WorldFest Louisville 2013.

Loved the Waterfront 'Belle of Louisville' tooting old-time  tunes while we walked around at World Fest.

The middle of July was a long awaited trip by my sister's family with a visit hosting in LA and to Santa Barbara for other fun. Universal Studios, LA Farmer's Market, Santa Monica, etc., etc.!

Back in the saddle with work and other things, a lot of events have been taking place. My favorite of the summer was America's Cup in San Francisco Bay! Have you seen the new sailboats? Simply Amazing.

The race has been going on starting America's team, Oracle Team USA. A penalty violation was upheld which was against America putting them behind for their first 2 victories. Well, today, USA beat New Zealand for the 34th America's Cup!! Hydro foiling upwind at 30-32 knots, never seen before in America's Cup. It took USA 8 consecutive victories to take the title race!

 The new Sailing, 21st Century style.

Oracle Team USA- America's Cup Champs 2013
Such exciting races! Sailing, creme de la creme!

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Starting with the #3 song at the top of the Billboard chart right now, "Radioactive" by Imagine Dragons, climate change is on the very forefront of my mind. It should be on the forefront of everyone's mind any time they breathe in air. 

Recently, I heard about the California coast having a ban on offshore drilling since the 1969 oil spill off the Santa Barbara coast which ranks 3rd largest in American history after the Deepwater Horizon spill in 2010 & the 1989 Exxon Valdez disasters and is said to have attributed to the start of the Environmental Movement. The California offshore drills still standing are grandfathered in.

Offshore Fracking is now in the news for the California coast.

On-shore Fracking diagram.

I first head of this method for extracting Oil on the Jimmy Fallon show with Yoko Ono & Sean Lennon singing 'Don't Frack My Mother'. It surprises me that the 2 conversations I had with adult acquantances in the last 2 days had no concept or clue of what I was talking about. It helps our consumption of oil but does not help our environment. Taking too much of anything can be a very bad thing.

Today, on NPR, I was listening to a report regarding the Fukushima Power Plant which has been spewing radioactive contaminated water which leaked tons of water from their storage tank which is now in the Pacific Ocean. New York Times -Japanese Power plant

Now I am not one who has been convinced of environmental issues because others say I should be or that it is something you can believe in or not. I was a believer in the 3rd grade when I wrote my report on the deforestation of the Amazon Rainforest. The impact it has on its native peoples, environmental destruction it has for the native species and animals as well as the destruction of trees depleting oxygen levels in that remote part of the world. This I learned at the age of 7. 

I was further educated with the banning of CFCs -chlorofluorocarbons- because of their destructive makeup which helped create a hole in our Ozone layer. Then, or somewhere around the same time, Recycling was taking the stage in my hometown which was way ahead of the curve. Going on to College, my first degree of choice was in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs. The first subject tackled was Global Warming as a scientific fact not a belief.

CFCs- Hairspray of choice for the 1980's

A report was leaked today on the study of human environmental impact with Anne Curry reporting Carbon Dioxide Emissions directly impact the heating of our atmosphere caused by humans, specifically.

It's easy to be apathetic and ignorance is bliss. However, the environment won't be the problem of the living people today but after we are gone. I'm not a dramatist of our environmental issues but find it to be quite unhealthy to spread any non-caring attitude to the problem. Just like anything, face the challenges and conquer them.

Friday, July 5, 2013

It's the day after 4th of July. Bratwurst, Potato Salad & Lemonade. Fireworks & Music. Nothing says Liberty so much as a $199.00 deductible to replace an iPad screen :(

or, find out on the 4th that your rent has increased....

...Liberty is of course one of the greatest achievements of America. Though the lady liberty was conceptualized & gifted by the French, she is all that represents America and its finer points. 

Sometimes liberty presents challenges but the pursuit of happiness remains. 

One band I'm totally in love with for the last several months is the LA band, Dawes. It's not usually the music which is my cup of tea but I do have a side that speaks loudly to kicking back on a porch in the summer months & taking in the summer breeze. This is the band which is great for that or good for a great summer potluck!

...from a window seat is a perfect tune.

Monday, May 20, 2013

City elections for Los Angeles tomorrow which includes our next Mayor. Get out and vote Angeleno's!

Devastating to see and hear about the Tornado's ripping across the country. If you've ever been in or near a Tornado- it is terrifying. Especially, when it's nighttime. My heart goes out to them.

No Thanks!

Last night was the Billboard Music Awards- who knew? I hadn't seen any  advertising or media relaying the event. With so many ways to advertise, social media & entertainment television shows, you'd think one would hear about it. I'm not too far from the pulse of Pop Culture.

At 54, it's Madonna

Either way, it opened with Taylor Swift. Toward the middle to end it was Madonna & Justin Bieber. The end, Nicki Minaj. Quite a range of diverse talent and say what you wish but it was way more interesting & fun to watch than the finale of Celebrity Apprentice- All Stars!

It's almost June! Time fly's. Summer will be here before we know it. Looking forward to it!

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Paper Aeroplanes.

Tangible yet imaginative. Realistic but figurative. Playful with err on the side of serious. Escapism and not too far.

Light. Material accessible. Sense of adventure.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

I can say I'll be voting for Wendy Greuel for Los Angeles City Mayor in the next elections. However, not because she is female. Simply because she has been city controller and has a handle on finances for the city plus I think she is the strongest candidate. I heard a spot on the local news about feminism and how she basically needs to be elected because she is a woman. That's what I got from it anyway. This is after Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg was standing up for women's rights on 60mins. recently. She's got one of the best ranking jobs in the world- and she makes her husband do the laundry. What is it women are asking for?

Wendy Greuel

The message gets mixed when supporters argue women need to be included simply because they are women. We've got great women in our world and to me, I see women rising through our ranks every day (my own mother proved to be an example of a breadwinner- she's also a feminist too so I should watch it- but I am giving praise). This may not be true in other countries and a woman has not been US President or Vice President but it can happen in due time. 

Women had a set back way back when the kitchen was the only place for them- we've come a long way. If a woman isn't a feminist, I see a problem there but men must stick with men on the same level. It's a modern world but I'm afraid I won't be supporting others based on race, orientation or gender, ever!

This is not at all what I was going to write about on my entry today but after waking up early to do household chores, I turned on the TV for Meet the Press & thus politics started with my day. 

Do you think Los Angeles is becoming more walkable? Hardly. I woke up this morning feeling like the air was clogged- oh, yeah, that was smog. Evidently, Ed Bagley, activist and actor thinks LA is becoming more walkable. It is by choice as he said. Live closer to work so you can walk more and have shorter commutes. This has always been my motto. If you work in the city, live in the city. If you want to live in the country, work in the country. If you live in one city and work in another city- change it. It's not healthy for you or others around you.

Walkable and Los Angeles shouldn't be used in the same sentence.

I wanted to write about paper aeroplanes, fruit smoothies, fabulous spring weather and my new iMac. C'est La Vie!

Monday, April 1, 2013

April showers bring May flowers- happy April 1st! Spring is definitely here & to stay....until Summer that is!

Last week was big news in gay politics. It's gone to the Supreme Court of the United States! Challenging the Defense of Marriage Act of 1996 which restricts the right to marry only between a man and a woman. Evidently the Supreme Court is finding itself in 'uncharted waters'. I won't divulge into debating this issue until the ruling. I for one support gay marriage. If people defend marriage so much to exclude others who would like to have the same opportunity- someone needs to be explaining divorce in as clear a manner.

Pop culture has embraced marriage equality by using this symbol on Facebook showing solidarity.

The subject matter is poignant on the heals of the Pope being replaced after questionable resignation from the church with strict reference to contemporary break down of the Catholic religion. In addition, the Boy Scouts of America delayed the decision to allow (openly) gay scouts. With this, Madonna made a fashion choice last week in a scouts uniform to protest the organizations antigay policies at NYC's GLAAD Media Awards.

Openly gay Anderson Cooper & Madonna on March 16th

Oz the Great and Powerful was observed this weekend with no preconceived notions. A wonderful cast and some scenes were completely enamoring & I was mesmerized. On the flip side, many costume choices were lacking in construction or appropriateness & believability of characters at times were compromised in part by the choices. A very imaginative movie with some really incredible parts, others, not so much. This was a major motion picture and for that, I don't discredit but raise my expectations. I would rate this movie 3.5 stars out of 5- with recommendation. (3D version might be nicer)

Yellow brick road leading to the notorious Emerald City of OZ.

Spring is an awakening which should inspire & bring a new. Take advantage. Fresh flowers always exemplify these charactaristics of the season. I bought some myself!

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Rooting for my Alma Mater today as they enter the sweet sixteen in March Madness NCAA basketball, I'm pleased to say they won by ten to knock out Temple from the tourney. Go HOOSIERS!

Without 6'5" Guard, Victor Oladipo- Indiana University Basketball 2013 season would not be the same. He defends on one end of the court & goes coast to coast for stunts like this!

Will Sheehey is a 6'7" Forward and is the other favorite of mine to watch. He holds his own & is a consistent player. Great win today!

Switching subjects entirely:

As I prepare for the week ahead, I've gone through my 'chores' & found some time to read a great article from a Hawaiian publication my brother sent me about a tree called the Wili Wili. I acquired a forever lei on my recent trip to Hawaii made of its precious seeds.

This highly prized seed lei of Hawaii is  found from a tree which cannot be identified by its exact age. My lei is much larger but basically looks like this. It's really a 'natural wonder' tree. 

Found in remote, arid climates of Hawaii, the endangered tree is becoming scarce without having too much knowledge about it.

Find more information on Facebook.com to support the mission,

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wiliwili-Trees/72224533106?sk=info  

or read the article with Hai On, here;

http://wiliwilitrees.wordpress.com



Me with my Wili Wili lei & other forever lei's. Mahalo!

(check out my new post on http://diversifiedmanner.blogspot.com)

 

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

'The Life of An Icon' by David Gest is the only documentary that I know should be watched over all other regarding Michael Jackson. It's an insightful story about the King Of Pop and his life. His story is so much more understood by me after this viewing. As a child in the 1970's & adolescence of the 1980's, I always thought I had descent understanding of MJ. When his hair caught on fire in 1984, I never knew he needed reconstructive surgery for example. Or that he also had a sister named Rebbie.

This article points to these very facts:

http://www.contactmusic.com/news/david-gests-michael-jackson-documentary-premieres_1254643  

 

Michael Jackson, a Thriller he was.

Today's Mid-Week music goes to Glenn Miller, Anvil Chorus: Part 2 -unbelievably good.

This old rendition was discovered recently on an old mixed Maxell Cassette tape from 1986 (given to me by my brother who keeps these things in great condition, passed down from the father of the house). One of the best tapes to record on at the time. It could take hours making a mixed tape for friends but one of the best gifts to give because everyone knew it took thought & energy. Luckily, my Volvo S60 is equipped with a cassette deck!!

Thanks Maxell!

This was probably inspired by my adoration of the Pasadena Swap Meet Victrola cylinder recordings being played by a local vendor selling these ancient looking relics last weekend. 

It's been a while and I desperately wanted to report my thoughts on the Oscar's this year since they were the absolute BEST I've seen at least in the last 5 years (we do love Billy Crystal). Media downplayed the event in an ever so band wagon rant of disregard which was completely unfounded.

The only rant I would have to say was for this;

Multi award winner, Meryl Streep- ahem, ...wedgie?

...and for this genius;

Flawless Hollywood Entertainer, Seth Macfarlane

oh yeah, I voted in the primaries last week, did you?

Friday, February 8, 2013

After the wayy too long Superbowl last weekend with all of it's hype and light's going out in the middle of the whole enchilada- we have the Grammy's to look forward to this weekend.

I have to say, my favorite parts of the Superbowl was for one, it occurred in New Orleans in the same week as Fat Tuesday! Two, the amazingly touching, classy & poise of Jennifer Hudson's performance with the children's choir. Finally, the end to end TD by the Baltimore Raven's who took the title.


Jennifer Hudson & the Sandy Hook Children's choir.

At the Grammy's, risque wear is being banned. The Star's don't get to wear whatever they want this year. A first step toward keeping the awards classy not trashy. We'll see how everyone takes it.

I've got news to report on the dog. A most recent picture will be posted soon. On command, he can now lay-own, sit, give paw, shake, high five!, stand & twirl. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?!? Ha!

Monday, January 21, 2013

For those who care, and many don't, today was a very important day for America. Setting an example for the world and to those who are too shallow to recognize triumphs of overcoming, scraped to the core of our bones as humans, dignity is what was represented today.

Some are not prepared for the changes which are taking place in this country which highlight minority groups such as black people, Hispanics & the gay community. All of whom are our brothers and sisters, sons & daughters.

It may not be the focus of power & money higher society has hoped for but it is a day of change for peoples who have long been patiently building & waiting for their turn. Struggles can come again, but today was a day of recognition and leadership that has been stifled throughout history.

One of America's greats, Martin Luther King Jr., had his birthday and accomplishments recognized today as our National Holiday. "The Time is Always Right to Do What is Right"

His dream is coming true.

We've come a long way from this....

To this....

 

President of the United States of America

Then, our President, Barrack Obama, was inaugurated for his second term in the Oval Office. Swearing in with his hand placed on President Abraham Lincoln's & Martin Luther King Jr.'s stacked bibles was a gesture showing how far we have come in the face of many challenges as a country.

I am so proud to be an American today.
If anyone is hung up on the state of the economy today or what lies ahead for our fiscal future is undermining the magnificence of these current events which is an insult to our nation but mostly themselves.