Friday, August 17, 2012

Starting the weekend off right! by a swim of about 200 freestyle and 400 breaststroke. I love freestyle it's my absolute favorite. I don't know what I would do without it. I am best at breaststroke but it is not my favorite. 

The stroke I admire the most is butterfly. As far as I'm concerned, the backstroke you can take it or leave it.

A medley relay is really the absolute best and probably the most fun to watch with all four strokes combined. The individual medley was never for me of course since, well, what I mentioned above. And the pool.....

 The City of LA could benefit for charging admission to those seniors or 17 & under who swim at the outdoor pools for the operating season of June 23 - Sept. 3rd. Adults are charged $2.00 with library card for a 1hr. lap swim. Call it an absurd notion but I think school lunches could probably get a little better.

When I swim, I enjoy the pace and keep track with a pace clock. I saw a huge billboard for a watch which got me thinking about time. Watches went out of trend when cell phones came on the scene and especially when the iPhone came out in 2007. I believe they are back with vengeance and here to stay.

A few styles, ahem, I like are.....

 

 

Sunday, August 12, 2012

A get away from the hot summer days, I find relief in music, a movie in air conditioning or a good book to read outdoors for succor under a nice Palm or sprawling Madrona  tree. Granted I've been in an artistic mood which my volition reflects.

For about a week now, I've been listening to an old favorite of mine. Discovered at the turn of the millennium, it was recommended to me by a Brit I'd known from Soquel, CA and later in London, UK. Track #2 is my first choice yet the whole album both disc A & B are best listened to in the manner of which the title of the album suggests.

LTJ Bukem's "Logical Progression", a purists drum and base album highly recommend as an introduction to this electronic genre.

I chose a couple of obscure movies and I'll only mention one here. The one faded greatly toward its end but still worth a look for artistic merits and as recent historical reference. The title eludes to fabulous but not to be deceived as the main character is well known for her fame + troubles. 

American avant garde film

I'm totally excited about my new book, from Amazon.com for only $5.00! The bargain price purchase was made upon recommendation by a dear friend. Derived from a few discussions with different friends at different places and times about architecture or what it lacks in Los Angeles. 

So far, its comprehensive judgements seem to be based on facts. However, I'm curious to read much more in reference to the author being known to apologize for Pop Art. Furthermore, his assessment of what is referred to as "Dingbat architecture of freeway land" is an intriguing subject and how it may relate to those noteworthy structures not to be belittled.

Los Angeles - The Architecture of Four Ecologies by Reyner Banham

Last, as the 2012 Olympics close today- the Americans, without a doubt, dominated. I have to say, I was awestruck by this guy and his performance on the uneven bars. Many moments were favorites but this one tops the list.

The Netherlands' Epke Zonderland
won the Olympic gold medal in the men's gymnastics horizontal bar.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

It's the 1st of August & summer is right here, right now.

Addicted to the Olympics. It's as if nothing else matters. So impressed by the athleticism.

Having played team sports starting at an early age, soccer, swimming, cross-country, basketball and a smidgen of gymnastics (hardly worth mentioning, a very memorable experience because I was horrible), I have a huge respect for such world renowned athletes.

U.S. gymnasts, left to right, Jordyn Wieber, Gabrielle Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Alexandra Raisman and Kyla Ross on the podium for Gold, not since 1996!

 

A well deserved Sports Illustrated Cover, before we really knew.

Men's synchronized diving is incredible to watch- such a challenge.

Michael Phelps leads the world in holding the most Olympic medals,19 medals &counting. The proof of excellence which people sometimes love to hate. I am a full supporter of excellence in the positive realm. So glad an American can prove that on the world stage and be a game changer.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Today I spent:

Groceries- $140.00

Laundry- $10.00

Car Wash- $10.50

Gas- $50.00 

Today I did:

Took a dog walk

Took a shower

Grocery Shopping

2 Loads of Laundry

Car Wash + Vacuumed

Got Gas

Made Blueberry + Banana Pancakes with eggs

Cleaned

Talked to the bro

Did dishes

Olympics on television non-stop

Went for a run with the dog

Took a nap

Talked to the parents

Watched Judge Judy

Listened to Pandora- the Shins

Had a Malibu rum w/coke + ate cashews 

It's only 6pm-

What I think I'll do next:

Make dinner, Tortellini with sauteed vegetables

Call a friend

Watch 60 mins., Antiques Roadshow + the Goodwife

Walk the dog

More Olympics.....

This week.....

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Let the games begin! With the London Olympic Games 2012 opening ceremony out of the way (always long with unnecessary moments), the competition starts.

My top three favorite highlights for the official opening were;

Forging of the Olympic rings

A tree of life, symbolic in more ways than I had imagined. At first glance, I believed the tree to be a unifying element to the games as it represents the hierarchy or podium for medal ceremonies. It appears most effectively as shown with National Flags to signify a peaceful + unifying element.

With some sleuthing, since I had not watched the opening in its entirety, I discovered;

Glastonbury Tor, a hill at Glastonbury, Somerset, England features a roofless St. Michael's Tower

This opening portion was named, the “Green and Pleasant” theme, which is a line taken from a William Blake 1808 poem, “And did those feet in ancient time”, from a collection of writings known as the Prophetic Books.

Last;

USA look's great in their Ralph Lauren over-dramatized Chinese made uniforms. Go America!

With a follow up to a successful 5th Birthday for Rex, he met a new friend that day.

A Lion & Rex

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

  

MR. REX 'roo roo' 'bidexti' 'lil'man' 'peanut'
'sexy rexy' MADDOX

This is an old picture (2yrs old) & Rex was certainly out of his element while in this canoe on a frigid Cascade Mountain lake but today we celebrate his 5th Birthday!

Celebrating with a nice hike, new treats, definitely some high-fiving + a big ol 'bone.


Happy 5th Birthday REX MADDOX !!



Sunday, July 8, 2012

Sunday Funday!

The Fairfax Highschool 'Trading Post' happens every Sunday and benefits the LA Unified School District since 1997. With Vendors of all sorts, a food court + music just a short walk to Melrose, it's easy to understand why it attracts those lazy days of summer shoppers! The most fashionable flea market for sure makes for good people watching.

The Shopping

The Place

Saturday brought some well needed R&R along with some good order in food from Kitchen24 + the long overdue watching of Netflix movie, Man on Wire. Both were extremely good but the movie takes the cake! Truly a magnificent accomplishment which is both unimaginable and amazingly well executed- a must see.

Kitchen24 has an inventive menu but these fixtures are the most appropriate I've seen for a Diner style restaurant with a great full bar as well.

Man on Wire, fascinating story + incredible performance.