P I X E L S

IMGP4837

2011-03-24T12:53:00.001-07:00

IMGP4837, originally uploaded by casual clicks.

I think she looks like Elizabeth Taylor.

Who Are You?

2010-10-11T22:56:00.001-07:00

This image was taken at sunset overlooking Tenaya Lake in Yosemite National Park.

I haven't written in months so thought I should update just to keep my mind from atrophying.

In my last post about meeting my niece, Sara, I joked about having two readers. Turns out I had 246 "page views" last month and 13 have actually left comments since I started this blog a long while ago.

Since I haven't yet figured out how to know who my readers are, if you are AJJ, or one of the 6 anonymous commenters, drop me a note and let me know who you are.

Sara

2010-03-10T23:06:00.000-08:00

I'd like my two readers to meet the niece I never knew I had.

Though we have not met yet, Sara is a part of me and the Lowe family.

Sara is a wonderful young lady. She has a heart of gold and a lively spirit that brightens the darkest day. Her social conscience challenges injustice where ever it rears its ugly head. Her sense of humor and hugs melt life's worries away while her can-do attitude inspires. Quick to smile, faster to forgive, Sara is a young woman who is touching lives forever.

Raised by her mother, Sara entered my life when my wife, daughter and sister were nosing around trying to find a way to reach out to her on Facebook. I friended Sara with a heart felt message and she aswered everyone's wish by opening her heart to my family.

Notes back and forth have continued for just a few weeks and a welcoming gathering will take place very soon. I can hardly wait!

Welcome to the family, dear Sara.

Uncle Jeff

BOOS!!!

2009-12-15T14:11:00.000-08:00

Big BOOS to the State of California for instituting a $6 day use parking fee at the new Baldwin Hills Overlook. This site is at the top of a hill that allows unparalleled views of the entire LA basin. There is a visitor's center that has never been open when I've been there and yet the enemy imposes a fee so one can walk up a little hill and see the city unfold before you. BOOOO!

Went there today and there were handprinted signs warning me to pay the fee. "Stop, fee parking only. Stop, have you paid your parking fee?"

Stop, State of California...these parks are what my taxes are supposed to pay for.

grrrr

Working Back Into Shape

2009-08-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

It's been frustrating.

After walking marathon distance, then back-to-back uphill hikes, something happened to my left knee. Blew it out or some such thing. But it sure was painful and so I couldn't really push it so my walking and hiking was suspended.

But, in the last week, the knee has felt reliable and the pain and tenderness has healed. And so, I've slowly been testing its integrity by walking on the level and the last two days, up and down trails in Kenny Hahn State Recreation Area. It has held up just fine.

But that frustration comes from realizing how much stamina I've lost in 6 weeks. I had gotten to the point where I could do 5 miles up and down hills without a problem. Not today. Hahn kicked my ass. First day...easy trail. Day two...Ron's Trail...had to stop three times compared to zero before injury. Day three...Ridge Trail, City View Trail, and Fire Road...had to stop too many times to catch my breath. Shirt off. Got a good sweat going. Hot sun, High humidity.

But I still got my ass kicked.

And then I met John. Walking the level path around the old earthen reservoir. We exchanged hellos while we both pulled up signaling our mutual wish to chat. As are so many who walk at Hahn, he is diabetic and told me to make sure my sugar is level. Asked about my story. Yes, everyone at Hahn has a story.

And his advice rang true:

Take it easy.
Don't do too much.
You'll get back soon enough.
Watch your food.

Thanks, John. See you soon.

"My" Gallery

2009-07-01T20:33:00.000-07:00

All photos are framed and have been hung for display in my temporary "gallery" (see previous post). I'll spend tomorrow pricing and naming. I'll try to take pics and post them in the next few days.

Don't Know If They'll Sell

2009-06-29T23:00:00.001-07:00

My wonderful sister has helped me select 60 images and complementary frames to exhibit in a store display window and perhaps the store itself, though that isn't likely.

The deal? Shopping center owner thinks the empty store might look better with my photos in the windows and so I was asked to put a display together.

Only 24 will fit in the 6 large windows so I'd love for management to see all 60 and say I could open the store as a mini gallery of my images until they find a rent-paying tenant. That idea has a snowball's chance in hell of happening but that's the direction I'm hoping to move their thinking.

It's costing me $1300 to mount the 'exhibit' and I'm hoping to sell all of them...hahaha though I don't think that likely. But I gotta give it a shot. Free, some visibility, maybe make some connections...who knows.

Though it's only me sitting barefoot in an empty store framing away listening to my computer's iTunes, I put up OPEN signs in the windows and had some Italians visiting America come in and was pleased they actually marveled at many of the photos.

I need to start taking lira.

Ciao!

Michael Jackson Didn't Beat It...Dead At 50

2009-06-25T15:38:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson finally found a way to get out of debt.

Big loss but he'll stand tall in music history.

Father's Day

2009-06-21T13:26:00.001-07:00

Just staying home for father's day. Scott and Lauren will be over to eat the chili and chicken tortilla soup I just made. They both go well with the fresh bolillos I just got at the local Mexican bakery. Eating in will be a lot more enjoyable than fighting a crowd somewhere and getting mediocre food.

I called my Dad earlier to wish him a happy day and to invite he and Ginger to eat with us. They probably won't since they go visit Ginger's bed-ridden daughter in the convalescent place everyday and are pooped out afterward.

Pop

2009-06-17T08:24:00.001-07:00

We celebrated my Dad's 86th birthday on Sunday. All his 4 living kids were there with our families. Ginger, his lady friend of many years also attended. Jim bbqd dogs and burgers per Dad's request. I burned a few special cds for atmosphere. Everyone had a good time.

At these family gatherings I can't avoid remembering my dear Mom and best friend/brother David, both of whom died within days of the other in 1988.

The family is blessed that Dad is still of right mind and body. He is active and vital mentally and physically. Sure he is slowing down a bit, moving a bit more slowly...cautiously...but, he's 86!

Dad is a man of his word and he has always said he will live to 104. So, Dad, here's to many more wonderful years ahead!!

Dad, of course, is my hero along with my Mom...as is the case with most kids and their parents. Dad, a WWII war vet, a life spent trying to provide for his family...day in day out...no complaining...just doing his job as Dad.
His life and example are a testament which I try to honor every day but too often fail.

Congratulations, Dad. And, happy birthday!!

Lakers Take Title. Still...Who Cares?

2009-06-14T19:40:00.000-07:00

As the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA championship a few minutes ago and idiots in the neighborhood start exploding hugely loud shells more even than on July4th, watch as fans lose any shred of civility they had as they start rioting around the city.

Late update: Just saw a public service announcement by the Laker coach a few of the Lakers appealing to the fans to show the world how Laker fans celebrate by doing so with dignity.

Hahahaha

Another Obese Guy

2009-06-09T15:28:00.000-07:00

Seems this is the week for meeting obese people who need encouragement.

I met another one today, Mark. 6'2", 371 pounds, age 51. Walked past he and his pals moaning and groaning on a trail. He was stopped and hunched over gasping. We talked for 30 minutes about exercise and the weight loss battle. We shook hands and he thanked me profusely for the help. You go, Mark. Connect anytime.

An Odd Day

2009-06-08T16:43:00.000-07:00

Meet Preston. Preston and I met two weeks ago. I was walking hills and so was he...sort of. Hunched over, gasping for breath, I stopped and offered him a couple encouraging words.

An hour later we chatted for while longer....exchanged mini weight loss summaries, he took my number and I offered some concrete suggestions learned from my weight loss journey.

Got a call and plea for help before sunrise this morning from Preston. We set a time to meet at the place we both exercise. He was late but while I was waiting I met Cordelia. I don't have a photo of her but that will come.

Cordelia walked past me and we exchanged pleasantries and I commented on the notepad and pencil she was carrying. Ten minutes later. Preston still late. Cordelia
returns my way and approaches me asking if she can talk to me saying she is confused about some things. Though I'm trusting, I'm figuring scam in the works. Clothes, clean and current. Diamond or fake diamond necklace. Nail polish well chipped.

For the next 30 minutes Cordelia tells me stuff about her life...job, daughter, ex, mom, housing situation, a passion or two, interests. I listen and ask questions and make an observation here and there. I suggest she jot down a couple of the key points I'm guiding her to understand. She does. I see her mind working. Her eyes brighten. She asks for a card and I offer her my photo cards. She sees I'm a photographer and she brightens even more saying she just got a camera
and has always wanted to learn photography.

Preston arrives and I introduce him to Cordelia. She asks if she can contact me and I assure her that would be fine as she departs.

I walk Preston around the 1/2 mile loop. He sweats profusely on level ground which is normal for his level of obesity. I confirm his doctor has completed an EKG and cleared him for walking.
We chat about weight loss, redirecting his life related to it, his bad knees and burning back, what methods he's already tried and failed at, and more.

He then introduces me to his pal, Rodell who is waiting for him back at the car. He's up for a field trip so I take him to Inglewood Park Cemetery for his next lesson on weight loss and related concepts. I ask to see Rodell walk since he had a muscle removed from his leg. He has a pronounced limp.

Next stop on the fieldtrip is to Trader Joe's where we walk the entire store stopping at many items where he learns how to read product information labels...looking for portion size, sodium, fat, calories, etc. He seems to get it. Rodell says he enjoyed walking around the store. That he felt good doing it. I told him that was his exercise for the day and only then did he realize that he had walked more than he had in a long time.

Returned to Kenny Hahn where I asked if I could take Preston's photo and blog about him. He said sure.

I hope he makes it. It will take him a few years. I offer to meet he and/or his wife anytime to give cooking/shopping tips. I've been there and am still on my journey but perhaps he can benefit from my experience. He's 5'8" 365. 18 months ago I was 6'4" 365 when the heart attack hit.

I hope he calls again...anytime.

You can do it, Preston.

Proud Dad

2009-06-07T18:11:00.001-07:00

I've always been proud of my kids but Lauren just graduated from university and celebrated by spending a week in San Francisco and a weekend with the bf going to concerts in San Diego. Scott just completed a 70 mile bike ride today and a 60 miler on Tuesday. Keep going, kids.
Love you! Dad

Passing On Timidity

2009-06-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

I try not to write about or reference in conversation, my brush with death 18 months ago, but it's a part of my life that I can't run from and it is making me a bit less shy related to my photography.

I always knew life was short, but in the last several months it seems my interest in many things has exploded...including being hyper-sensitive to time and wanting to do certain things...now.
I have also worked hard learning and practicing a relatively new craft, my photography.

Since I have actually started to sell a few photos and given many more away around the world, I am increasingly aware of many holes in my portfolio and what I am also now starting to think of as inventory. Those holes being: live model experience both clothed and unclothed (and variations on the term 'partially'), abstracts, image series, project studies, and studio knowledge.

To fill some of these holes it means throwing a bit of my shyness out the window and not resorting to casual shots grabbed from strangers here and there.

Since photographing people in natural light is of interest to me, I am now either letting people know that I take pics or I am asking people who interest my photographer's eye to let me photograph them. They could have something physical, a certain energy, vibe or spirit, an elder's life experience carved into their face...any variety of characteristics might catch my attention. They could be family, friends, people in my life or the lives of my family, strangers...makes no difference. I am starting to ask folks who have a certain "something" if they want to "model" for me.

Happily, (and perhaps to the dismay or shock of some around me), more and more people are saying yes. Some eagerly say yes with an "I'd LOVE to", or, "I DEFINITELY want to". Others eagerly agree after seeing some of my portraits on one of my websites www.flickr.com/photos/casualclicks. When asking folks (not that they need it), I give them permission to decline kinda like 'no harm, no foul' in basketball, and so some say no. But that's ok.

As of this moment, I have six people who want to get together for photo shoots either right away or after finals or when their work schedule permits or they will be in my area.

But, I still most wish a certain someone would let me photograph her without sticking out her tongue. But that's ok too.

Lakers...Who Cares!

2009-06-04T10:06:00.000-07:00

As Laker frenzy starts to smother Los Angeles like a dense, Central Valley fog as the NBA finals begin, why should anyone really care about guys and an organization making 100s of millions of bucks for playing a game? Really!

If everyone boycotted exorbitantly priced leisure activities like the sports teams and entertained themselves for free by walking, or biking, or volunteering or in 100s of millions of other ways, society would benefit and common sense perspective might be regained.

Finish

2009-05-25T12:33:00.001-07:00

I finished walking the LA Marathon route yesterday. Took me 8.5 hours. I'm too cheap to pay the $100+ entry fee but still wanted to challenge myself and I really don't need the zoo
of activity. This was also my little protest against the marathon's commercialism and it being moved from cool weather March to hotter May.

I had only done 26.2 once before about a year ago so wasn't sure I could do it. Stepped off at 6:21 a.m. Nice and overcast which lasted to mile 13 when the sun and heat hit. I hit my first wall at 16 and then another at mile 23. My pace slowed from my normal 120 steps/minute to about 80. It was a very boring course.

I was surprised when a hummingbird came out of nowhere near a USC dorm and banged full speed into my chest. We said, hi, then he flew off. Surprised there were so few food aromas to distract a bit...smelled bbq and Korean a couple of times and that was it. Korean kid reeking garlic from his pores was the strongest smell and I wondered if he dates and figured the Korean girl probably reeks too so they'd be a wash.

A few homeless/drunks passed out face down in dirt or sidewalk. Sorry to the dead-like guy with his feet wrapped in rags who I had to step over...nothing I could do for him anyhow and had to keep the body moving.

A couple interesting signs...."burning desirables", "best deer antler company", "my child says daddy", "twin trees 1922" on the front of a little house but no trees in sight, "my child says daddy" on a storefront for a parenting org.

Took the train there and home. My wife cooked a great spaghetti dinner with corn-on-the-cob for dinner when I got home. Yum. I got encouraging texts and kind words during the marathon from my family. It made the distance go by faster. My son was on his way to go hiking from about 6-10,000 feet on Mt. Baldy. Amazing feat of his own!!! Way to go, Scott...inspiring to me the way he's lost weight and worked himself into shape in the last few years...hiking, wilderness training, rock climbing, biking!!! The kind of hero a dad needs. Someone to set the bar high for me to strive for.

Then at 8:30pm went to county hospital to sit with an alone friend with kidney problems. Got to bed about 3am.

Not to babble philosophical, doing the 26.2 is likely my way of pushing back and not wanting to admit I'm getting older. I'm hoping getting into shape will help delay aging a bit and maybe position my body to be better prepared to fight if another heart attack hits. I also have seen in others that decline really begins with one's loss of mobility.

Not at all sure, but I'm thinking about whether I can make it to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite with Scott sometime.

A TIme For Yosemite

2009-05-23T18:29:00.000-07:00

Headed up to Yosemite for 5 days with my wife and then I returned 2 days later by myself.

I had the chance to try some new photo taking techniques and to visit places I hadn't been before and to get in some hiking.

The photo at left is of Fern Spring which I've passed for years on the way out of the park. The barns are in a large meadow in an area called Foresta.

The photo at left is Bridalveil Fall. World famous since it is the first waterfall that people see as they exit the Wawona Tunnel and stop at tunnel view, another famous landmark.

This photo is unique in that Bridalveil was catching the sun perfectly to create a beautiful rainbow that started at the base and migrated toward the top of Bridalveil.

Sis's Store

2009-05-23T18:21:00.000-07:00

My wonderful sister, Julie, hosted an open house at her home accents and decor store. Rooms To Roam was always a buried dream that became reality just over a year ago.

Featuring some of my photos, wine tasting, a jewelry show and invited guests, everyone had a fun time!

I wish Julie every continued success. In the photo above are Julie and Alan and Judy, the shopping center manager (in green).

Gonna Go For A Walk Now

2009-05-23T18:08:00.001-07:00

Gonna go for a little walk tomorrow morning about 6. My anti-LA marathon...the day before since I didn't want to pay the $100 or whatever entry fee.

Though I've walked 26.2 miles once before, I want to see how far I can go again. After the last endurance test, I swore to myself never again. But, for now, I don't regret the thought. But tomorrow will likely be a different story.

Walking, especially distance walking, is a very solitary activity. I remember on an 8 mile training walk a few weeks ago, I was powering past stalled early morning traffic and total strangers in a car yelled, "Looking good". I was surprised how two words lifted me with a new burst of energy to make it the last mile.

Though I've told family and a few others and posted here and there my intentions and route link to the marathon site, I fully expect that no one will find me on the route, drive by and honk or yell an encouraging word. Hell, I can't even get anyone to drop me off at the starting point 20 minutes away. So, I'll catch the metro train and an hour later the challenge begins.
Oh well. Like I said. Solitary.

I'm walking to honor my family...my wife and kids who I put through a kinda hell via my heart attack. I'm walking to honor my Dad and late Mom for being great parents! I'm walking to honor my late brother, David. No finer brother and friend will there be. I'm walking to honor my family...brothers and sister who support me in all I do. I'm walking for the children of the world who are powerless over their dire circumstances be it famine, war, disease, abuse, poverty...and the list doesn't end.

Chrissie

2009-04-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

I was honored that Chrissie allowed me to practice my portrait techniques with her at a photo shoot last week. Despite the chilly, windy weather, she did a great job! Thanks, Chrissie!

Friendlier Folks

2009-04-21T18:34:00.000-07:00

Between walking along the Strand in Manhattan Beach or Kenny Hahn Recreation Area, Hahn wins hands down.

Dad Time

2009-04-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

I got to spend a few hours with my Dad today chatting and doing computer stuff with him.

Time together is precious and passes all too quickly.

He's 85 and still going strong...active mentally, socially and physically.

I'm hoping he passed on some of his longevity genes to me.

Photo: My Mom and Dad just a few years ago.

Expanding Skills

2009-04-01T20:08:00.000-07:00

I've joined the local LA Arboretum which allows admission to other local gardens. So in the last 10 days I've taken photo walks to the Arboretum, Descanso Gardens and the South Coast Arboretum with two goals in mind. One, scout shooting locations at each in case I happen upon someone who would like to model for me. I haven't really done many live model shoots and want to expand my skills in that area. Second, I'm building my skills and portfolio/archives at the same time and learning more about my capabilities and those of my camera.

26.2 - One More Time?

2009-04-01T19:55:00.000-07:00

The first and last time I walked 26.2, I vowed never to do it again. I had already proved to myself I could do it.

The urge is returning.

The LA Marathon is at the end of May. Organizers just posted the route online and though I've been doing lots of cardio hiking, I'm thinking of expanding my distance walking in the next 5 weeks.

Though in no way a game, I'm toying with the idea of walking the marathon route the Sunday before the real marathon...kinda an anti-marathon. I've walked that distance once and it was tough. But I did it.

So, back to walking 18 miles and then 20 and finally 26 miles until that early morning in late May when I'll traverse the streets of LA in my attempt to accomplish another personal goal...one more time.

Hoooo...Hoo Hoo...Hoooo

2009-04-01T19:37:00.000-07:00

I've gotten back on track with eating properly and exercising. I hike 4-5 miles up and down
hills at Kenny Hahn Recreation Area every morning starting about 6 a.m.

Since it's usually still dark, I can enjoy the quiet hush of the city which is just rising from slumber.
The owls are at their grandest with a long hoooooo two short hoos and then one more long hoooo.

Sometimes the fog blankets the ground and smothers any noise, except the owls. At the bottom of gullies where the go is thickest, the temperature drops about 10 degrees until I climb out.

In addition to the distance, my main goal is a heavy duty cardio workout....getting the heart pumping hard and sustained for a few minutes and then leveling out a bit so it can recover.
Repeat.

I hike various routes but always get three big hills in...Kick Butt Hill, The Executioner, Killer Hill,
or Grand Pain Grade. My goal is always to try and do each hill without stopping.

The wildflowers are so profuse and the trails often so narrow that the 6 foot tall growth creates a corridor for parts of my walk.

Everyone is pretty friendly thought there aren't many folks I come across before sunrise. But those I do all say hi. Not so much as a greeting but rather a kind of warning radar letting the person you pass know you are harmless.

I've come across Bob and Paul, two older guys 60 and 66. Nice guys who stop and chat a bit.
Willis is an 80 year man who shuffles along with his cane. And on the highest trail I once came across three old ladies 82, 84 and the 85 year old walking her little poodle and using her cane.

More later.

P I X E L S: CA Governator Signs Overdue Budget - How To Stop It From Happening Again!

2009-03-07T20:48:00.000-08:00

P I X E L S: CA Governator Signs Overdue Budget - How To Stop It From Happening Again!

Choosing Sides

2009-01-13T16:42:00.000-08:00

Who do you support? Which side are you on?

To try my hand at documentary photo taking, I attended both the pro Israel and pro Palestinian/Hamas rallies at the Federal building in Westwood, California over the weekend.

It was interesting to observe and compare both events but I wasn't expecting I'd have to declare which side I was on.

And yet, on Sunday a couple of hours before the Israeli rally was to begin and organizers were setting up, a lady approached me as I walked toward the Jewish encampment and asked,
"Which side are you on"?

Taken aback, I stated, "I'm on the side of photography and am here to take pictures having attended the pro Palestinian rally yesterday." What I really wanted to tell her was that in the United States, one has freedom of choice and freedom of staying neutral and freedom of speech and...well, you get the idea of all those Constitutional guarantees.

Upon hearing I was at the Palestinian rally, the nice lady said, "We might have problems today and we're being asked to determine sides". Interesting mission I thought. And seeing she didn't have time for a discussion, I provided logistical observations that might be helpful before she walked off to talk to the police who were finishing donuts, soda, coffee, chips and sandwiches before the action started in an hour.

It was obvious to me that the Los Angeles Police Department learned a lot from the Pro-Palestinian protest on Saturday. They adapted their tactics. One of the main strategies centered on keeping the two different factions separated on Sunday. I had thought that the pro Palestinian rally had been held the day before and Sunday was to be pretty much the exclusive time for the Jewish side to rally. I was wrong. I didn't know that the pro Palestinian folks had been given a permit to hold another rally side by side the pro Israeli rally.

Well, maybe the LAPD didn't learn all that much.

The PP folks had been a volatile, confrontational bunch and a few arrests were made. 50 cops on bikes, hundreds others, 16 mounted horse units, helicopters circling, streets shut down, LA Sheriff deputies engaged, etc. But they were pretty much alone with only about 20 Jewish folks mounting a small counter protest which the police easily contained.

At Sunday's Israeli/Palestinian combo rally, the LAPD kept the peace by creating a no-go-zone of about 50 feet between the groups with no way of getting to the opposition other than through the many police officers that were stationed in the NGZ behind yellow tape.

And, they started guiding people at the street corners and parking lots based on people's side.
It usually wasn't hard to tell who was whom. The flags and scarves are very different. But, what about those folks who fell into the not easily profiled category?

On a philosophical and good ole' American civil protections scale, the question was very disturbing and off the scale.

Of course, keeping the peace (which was the LAPD's main objective for the safety of all) was paramount. But, as a tall white guy with white hair and camera in hand and carrying no politically identifying items like a flag, who wanted to be on the side of photo journalism, how should I answer?

I didn't. I freely wandered between both sides walking way around the barricades to 'change sides' without being challenged.

And so we get into the controversial practice of racial, cultural, religious profiling in broader terms. But this practice made me stop and think.

Should I have told the authorities, if questioned, that I am an American with Scottish, Jewish roots who was born 4 miles away from the Federal building and that our country has something called the Constitution and Bill of Rights and that people have died to protect me and everyone from having to submit to being profiled in such a manner?

Of course, I had no real objection since the practical reality in dealing with the masses, both sides of whom are passionate and can be militant about their beliefs, was to keep the peace and separating people by compromising a civil right was the most effective way to accomplish their goal and keep everyone safe.

I'm all for keeping the peace. Sometimes.

1 of 365 in 2009

2009-01-01T03:02:00.000-08:00

A happy, healthy, prosperous and peaceful 2009 to you!

I kicked off the year by power walking along the beach in Manhattan Beach. Sure it was very late at night on new years but there are usually a ton of people out exercising...biking, jogging, walking. I only saw one other person during my entire walk. Kinda eerie.

Unrelated, my wife and I rode the metro, something we haven't done in years. We took the gold line to Pasadena and wandered around looking at the city hall, a couple of cool, activist churches, all the people gathering along Colorado Blvd to watch the Rose Parade. But the Soap Kitchen store was closed. Took a few good shots and will post later.

Will be making a big pot of chili using my late Mom's recipe. Will go to the local panaderia to get freshly baked bolillos for 20 cents each and will watch the Penn St / USC game.

New Year Plans

2008-12-30T00:27:00.000-08:00

As I approach the start of 2009, a couple of aimless thoughts wander through my mind.

I always overdue the food preparation for New Year's Eve and Day, especially since no one ever shows up to eat it. Everyone is out doing their own thing. And that is fine. Yes, I will make my late Mom's chili with fresh rolls and maybe some chicken to nibble on.

But, this year I am starting a new tradition. Since I always go to the Manhattan Beach Pier early Christmas morning, and since I've now thrived for just over a year since my attack, I will do what has gotten me back into shape...walking. And so, on New Year's Eve/Morn, I will be distance power-walking along the ocean-front Strand in Manhattan Beach when midnight strikes...maybe even walking on the pier as the new year starts.

You are welcome to join me.

Peace

2008-12-24T12:07:00.001-08:00

Peace to you on this day before Christmas.

This photo was taken at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California...the Disneyland of cemeteries. Walt Disney is actually a permanent resident.

While running errands this morning, I was pleased to see a line of cars waiting to get into our local firewood lot. Selling firewood in the desert of Los Angeles must be one tough gig and so, with the incoming rainstorm due to hit tonight, the aroma of burning wood mixed with car exhaust added to my spirit of Christmas.

Everyone experiences the Christmas season in different ways. For me, despite not getting a Christmas tree nor decorating (I do have large white Christmas lights lining the porch year round), the spirit of Christmas still lives within. My daughter, son and wife still love and care about me. I am still alive and thriving in my ever emerging year-old fitness. All of us are healthy. I am the luckiest man in the world to have them. We have a warm home, a weather-tight roof over our heads, food in our tummies and the list could go on forever.

All in all, the spirit of Christmas for me, comes not from a religious context, but from loving family, warm feelings of gratitude and contentment, giving in small, personal ways to other people, listening to my hundreds of Christmas songs played year round, a few candles glowing in the house at night or a solitary candle providing a soft glow balancing the harsh glow of the computer monitor, the simple $10 Trader Joe's holly/pine wreath on our front door (I would have gotten a tree if I'd found one for $10...I did search these last two days). But after rejoicing in seeing forests of them in the high country, I've come to believe it's best and "green" to enjoy trees in their natural environment anyhow), a lone walk midst the bustling metropolis, and my mini non-tradition of getting up at sunrise on Christmas morning to go for a walk on the Manhattan Beach Pier to watch the dawning of a new day...a new day (I hope of many) for which I am eternally grateful!

Peace be with you.

The Little Mermaid

2008-12-15T10:47:00.001-08:00

I happened upon this young girl standing reverently, gazing toward the sea and setting sun.

2008-12-10T04:38:00.001-08:00

Scott invited us to stroll Los Angeles's Department of Water and Power's annual light festival before it was opened to cars only. With all the free parking at the zoo, it should never be opened to cars...it should be walk/bike only 100% of the time.

So why isn't LA's #1 icon (the Hollywood sign) lit up at night?

The LAX display showed a sequence of a jet taking off with a streaking strobe showing the runway.

Thanksgiving Begins and Ends

2008-11-27T14:12:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving has begun and the turkey usually takes center stage.

Here's our bird as I pulled it out of the oven a few minutes ago. I'll let it rest for a while before carving it but will cook the potatoes and veggies and other treats while waiting.

Marilyn made an apple walnut cake which will be available ala mode with vanilla ice cream or plain.

We had twelve family and friends and everyone enjoyed the delicious food and visiting. Scott's Anne made a delicious pecan pie and Scott made the coffee. Our adopted daughter Christine made yummy garlic rolls (knots), cranberry sauce, and chocolate walnut cookies, our daughter Lauren made the sweet potato casserole, my Dad and his lady friend, Ginger made the trifle and my sister and hubby brought the relish tray. Add some stuffing, peas, corn, creamy, tasty homemade gravy courtesy of Marilyn, mashed potatoes, crescent rolls, and a few other bits and pieces and we all once again, over indulged.

Is It Just Me Or...

2008-11-27T13:59:00.000-08:00

are people decorating their homes earlier and earlier for Christmas?

For the past two full weeks before Thanksgiving (Nov. 27), it seems people have already put up their lights and decorations. Christmas decorating used to start the weekend after Thanksgiving. Of course, stores now decorate well before Thanksgiving. I was in a Walmart around Nov. 12 and it was not only fully decorated and stocked, but Christmas music was already playing. I guess I can't complain about the music since I used to start playing Christmas music in October when I was teaching third grade.

Maybe people, despite hurting, are looking to the future with hope and what better way to say that than with holiday decor.

I Get Teary

2008-11-25T14:38:00.001-08:00

IMG_0686, originally uploaded by meekorouse.
First, thanks to meekorouse for snapping this shot!! It means a lot to me.

My son, Scott, and I, finished an 18 mile walk from downtown LA to Santa Monica. Though I've done other walks in the last year, it was this walk with Scott that meant everything to me.

Exactly a year ago, I picked up Scott and Anne (his wonderful girlfriend) after last year's walk. At that time, I had just gotten out of the hospital after having a pretty bad heart attack. When picking them up, I made a secret pact with myself to be able to walk this year with Scott.

Scott's own physical turn around has been a big motivator and inspiration to me. Thanks, Scott!!

The Wendy Family Tour

2008-11-21T19:22:00.001-08:00

I just returned from a great tour with a wonderful family! The Wendy family, Wendy, daughter Shelley, mom Ethel and dad Willie, are fine folks who welcomed me into their family from the moment we first met in Las Vegas. Their attitudes were warm and gracious with a large dash of flexibility and trust thrown into the mix.

The custom designed, private tour included too many exciting sites to mention, but in addition to Vegas, included Los Angeles, San Francisco and a million other exciting and interesting stops along the journey. Everyone had various interests that I tried my best to fulfill...the daughter loved Charmed and Buffy, the mom loved shopping, dad enjoyed churches and boats and Wendy wanted as much sun as possible.

On the way to the Grand Canyon, I pulled over in the town of Williams so Wendy could fulfill a wish, to get her kicks on Route 66. Wendy even adjusted the mirrors before starting to drive her very first automatic. Despite being exhausted (she had gotten up at 4 to watch Arsenal beat Manchester United), she displayed real grit and joy while staying awake during the very long day.

Shelley had dreamed of seeing the house used in filming the TV show, Charmed. Pretending to be lost, I asked everyone to be on the lookout for someone that we could ask and just happened to stop across from the house. I still tear up remembering the tears Shelley shed.

A surprise awaited as I took them to meet my son, Scott. I'm sure they thought I was a bit daft, but I remembered they said they loved the Mr. Men characters and it just happens that Scott's studio is producing the TV show. On secret cue, Scott came out to meet my new family and just happened to have a custom designed art piece of all the characters which he presented to them. They asked him to sign it for them.

Mom and daughter were able to get some beach time in and became real California beach babes...California Girls as the Beach Boys sing. I had also presented two sets of a 4 CD collection of songs especially chosen to reflect the itinerary. We enjoyed listening to it on the trip.

As we explored further afield, we stopped at Hearst Castle which was bathed in glorious sunshine and a gentle breeze.

In San Francisco, I presented the ladies with flowers for their hair. The worldwide hit, "San Francisco" (Wear Flowers In Your Hair) became an anthem of the hippie generation promoting peace, love and tolerance.

I thought the ladies would enjoy an added memory so I presented each with a little bouquet I put together in my motel room that morning after shopping at the local florist. Fun for all!!

After enjoying a bit of pool time at the hotel, it was time to start seeing some sights.

After seeing Wendy pointing a couple of times at a line drawing of the beautifully painted Victorian homes that are in the opening scene of Full House, I drove around while they enjoyed pool time and eventually found the location at Alamo Square. I had researched it before departing but had forgotten my notes except I remembered the word Alamo and so was able to find it on a map.

It was a fun trip for me and for my new family.
We all got along fine and I sure hope they return to America soon so we can meet again and spend time enjoying some more exploring.

I was able to give my new little P&S camera a bit of a workout and an added bonus was that Shelley had an interest in photography and so I was happy to give her a few tips here and there. I had brought my back-up camera and so she was able to use that in addition to her own camera.

And so, I leave you with a photo of the quintessential icon of the San Francisco skyline.

President Elect Obama

2008-11-04T21:29:00.000-08:00

As I write this, strong winds are gusting outside. My wife said they were the winds of change.

As Barack Obama said in his victory speech, he will be everyone's President. Not just President to the blue states or red states, but to the entire United States.

With tears in my eyes, I was touched by the images of inclusive diversity in the faces of the hundreds of thousands watching his speech in person and across the country. Their heads were uplifted, beaming with smiles on their faces and in their hearts.

Faces of hope faced with great challenges requiring sacrifice and hard work and our historical attitude and creed...yes, we can!

I was also very proud of our country for the seamless transfer of power. It was only a few minutes after the closing of the polls in the west, that Obama was declared the winner. Ten minutes later, John McCain conceded and within 30 minutes of being declared President Elect Obama, our next President was speaking to the nation and world.

Not a shot fired, no violence, no dispute, just a clear message to the nation and to the countries of the world that the United States of America is still the greatest democracy in the world.

And now, the celebration continues as I watch images of people around the nation and world taking to the streets with joy in their hearts.

One Nation Yet Divided In The Eyes Of A Party Running Toward Extinction

2008-11-04T20:37:00.000-08:00

McCain just conceded!

And yet, he still doesn't get it. The 99% white Republican party still doesn't get it.

In his speech, though mostly gracious in defeat, he began by congratulating
Barack Obama and African Americans for their victory before touching on the historical moment.

They still don't understand that McCain's defeat wasn't rooted in race bias, but in hope for everyone and in unifying all citizens of our nation regardless of race.

Sadly, the Republican party has its feet mired in the tar pits of extinction.
I had previously mentioned the obvious racial purity (exclusion) of the Republican party in this blog while watching their convention.

And I mention it now. One nation! One people! Not red, not blue, simply red, white and blue under the flag of the UNITED States which was created, bought and defended with blood and sacrifice that we must not disgrace by continuing to play the race card.

Colorblind hope for all Americans as we meet the challenges ahead.

Here's To Hope

2008-11-04T07:42:00.000-08:00

I'm not a drinking man but I'm hoping I'll be able to uncork
the bubbly tonight!

OBAMA:

Vote hope, not fear.

Vote informed, vote Obama!

Put America first...vote Obama for the change we need!

Vote Obama to restore America's standing in the world!

Vote Obama for a president for whom you can be proud and for whom you don't have to apologize to people from around the world.

Vote Obama to grow our (and the world's) economy!

Vote Obama for a president who will be honest with us!

Vote Obama to put intellect, wisdom, moderation, and a deliberate, thoughtful, demeanor in decision making into our White House!

Let's all uncork our bubbly tonight!

Lynched Obama Effigy

2008-10-30T17:16:00.000-07:00

http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/ci_10856975

Read all about the McCainiac soccer mom in Redondo Beach, CA and her lynching of Barack Obama for Halloween. Death by lynching with a knife in his neck, too. Wrong, sick...yup.

And this woman has kids.

At least the gay couple in West Hollywood who caused an uproar with their hanging of Sarah Plain (which was equally wrong and revolting) doesn't have kids.

Maybe marriage and breeding between a man and woman should be outlawed?

No on prop 8.

New Obama Sign!!

2008-10-30T11:16:00.001-07:00

Made a new sign to replace the one stolen by a McCain thief.

Hope this one lasts longer than a few hours but I don't think it will.

It must be tough for those McCainiacs who come from a place of mindless fear instead of informed hope.

Vote Obama on November 4!

Our Obama Sign Was Stolen

2008-10-28T22:38:00.000-07:00

This original art was created by the very talented Anne, my son's wonderful girlfriend.
http://pinkdiamond2.blogspot.com/

She created it for him after he was recently admonished by a rabid McCain supporter to let Jesus into his heart and Jesus would tell him how to vote. Her equally crazed husband wearing bib overalls told us "I love America", "I love my guns", "I hate abortion" and "I hate everything Obama stands for", and that "You Californians should stay in California".

You can steal our signs but not our votes!!!

I put an Obama sign on my front lawn this afternoon and it was stolen within a couple of hours.

This thievery confirms many polls pointing to McCain's embarrassing loss on Nov. 4th and how scared his supporters are.

Disappointingly, this person succumbed to the McCain campaign's incessant messages preaching fear, divisiveness, racism and intolerance. Whoever stole the sign practiced the McCain tactics and his message by exhibiting dishonorable conduct and in the process simply proved themselves to be an uninformed, common criminal.

Read more about the stealing of Obama signs in a great piece here http://open.salon.com/content.php?cid=29149

I also did an unscientific study by searching on the Flickr photo site using the words "Obama sign stolen" and "McCain sign stolen". 82 results showed Obama signs stolen...0 for McCain. Hmm?

I'm Back

2008-10-28T17:06:00.000-07:00

October was a blur. I was out of town guiding a tour and then took a week to enjoy Yosemite National Park with my wonderful wife before heading to Las Vegas with my son to do some important work to improve the future of our country and world by working a bit for Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

McCain's Condescension and Rudeness In Debate

2008-09-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

The #1 guys competing for the presidency and one of them conducts himself with honor, dignity and respect for his opponent. The other is rude, aloof and condescending
continually repeating variations on...what he doesn't understand it____; or, he still doesn't get it____; or, he can't seem to understand...

If McCain treats a highly educated, experienced, polite, American Senator (and likely future president) in such an insulting manner, patient and tolerant citizen candidate that way, I worry how he will deal with other lawmakers, heads of state around the world, not to mention what contempt he will demonstrate toward the average United States citizen?

John McCain needs to return to kindergarten to learn how to play well with others and
demonstrate kindness and tolerance of others' ideas.

Back Soon

2008-09-28T07:01:00.000-07:00

I'm off on a brief photo safari to California's farmbelt, the central valley, where I'll not drive the major highways 5 or 99, but rather, meander the back roads and fields from Bakersfield to points north.

After that I'll be guiding a tour to San Francisco, Yosemite, Monterey, Big Sur/Highway 1, and then into Los Angeles.

A whirlwind 7 days.

Let me know if you have any "must see - must shoot" locations in the central valley.

Debate Point

2008-09-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

As I watched the debate and McCain/Obama facing off and spewing historical and present day information about hot spots around the globe, I kept thinking how well Joe Biden
could contribute to the debate.

Could Sarah Palin have held her own and contributed? Nope.

Republicans...Talk About Ethnic Cleansing...Still 99.2% Lily White

2008-09-28T06:50:00.000-07:00

Did anyone else notice that in the hours and hours of tv shots from all the media at the Republican convention, that the overwhelming majority of delegates were white folk, often older men and women?

After some digging for facts, turns out less than 1% of the delegates were people of color. Republicans...not really representative of the broad melting pot of today's American ethnic and cultural face.

Talk about ethnic cleansing!

McCain's Next Lie

2008-09-28T06:39:00.000-07:00

McCain has emphasized his campaign is about straight talk. But, sticking to his (and Bush's) pattern of saying one thing, meaning another, and then doing the opposite, McCain has outright lied, been deceptive and left out the whole truth more frequently than not.

Numerous objective fact checking sites have documented this fact. As recently as the first debate, Obama repeatedly had to attempt to inject the facts, the whole truth that McCain simply chose to ignore while repeatedly over speaking Obama and the moderator.

So, the next big lie. When the Wall Street bailout bill is finally done, McCain will claim to have had a major, direct role in the negotiations (which couldn't be further from the truth when many of his own Republicans and Democrats have stated the exact opposite) and thereby saving the American economy from a meltdown.

He will go on to spin that Obama stood on the sidelines while the economy spun out of control and will bait the public by asking what kind of champion of change Obama really is.

McCain Shows Age, Spews Prematurely...Wins Debate Before It Takes Place

2008-09-26T10:44:00.000-07:00

In a stunning lack of judgment or just plain ole' stupid error, McCain and his senior campaign staff announced that he won tonight's first debate with Barack Obama!

According to his campaign manager, Rick Davis, McCain won the debate "hands down".

It just gets better and better.

But still in my cynicism, right wing, religious Americans and bitter, sexist women are still ignorant enough to vote for McCain/Palin.

Obama's Thursday In Washington

2008-09-26T10:12:00.000-07:00

Barack Obama met with President Bush and other bipartisan leaders at Bush's invitation.

Obama said he decided not to insert himself into the bipartisan bailout negotiations being conducted competently by Congressman Chris Dodd. He consulted by phone with Democratic leaders and Administration officials throughout the day and made himself available to assist in any way needed.

Obama told CBS's Katie Couric,

"It's important not to inject presidential politics into this...because I think sometimes that prevents things from getting done. It's amazing what you can get done wehn you're not looking to try to get credit for it."

McCain Continues Lying, Playing Politics For Personal Gain

2008-09-26T09:42:00.000-07:00

So much for putting country first.

John McCain has reversed course (lied) again. After vehemently stating that he would not appear at tonight's debate unless an agreement had been reached on the bailout, John McShame just announced that he will take part in the debate.

Of course there was never any doubt. After all, McCain majored in theater in military college and knows how to stage a good play, especially one based on lying.

Has an agreement on the bailout bill been reached? Um, no.

Did anyone not understand McCain's words when he said two days ago that he called a press conference to announce that he was putting country first thinking he could play Mighty Mouse, fly into Washington inserting himself where not needed to save the day and so was suspending all campaign activities...events, speeches, fundraising, advertisements, etc. McCain holds no committee assignments that would have helped the debate.

Well, it appears McCain and his campaign people didn't understand the memo. All campaign activities continued while McCain posed and postured in Washington. All campaign offices continued doing busy as usual...perpetuating the McCain lie machine's assault on America's intelligence.

What did McCain do Thursday after bursting onto the scene? According to bipartisan sources on that scene,

-- Republican lawmakers said they hadn't seen or heard from McCain.
-- He had lunch with Senate Republicans.
-- He did not participate in a bipartisan meeting with senior lawmakers on the bailout.
-- He met for 30 minutes with the Republican House Minority Leader.
-- He met with other lawmakers in a meeting called by President Bush.
-- He did not state his position in the Bush meeting on the bailout proposal.
-- He had not read the 3-page bailout proposal as of Wednesday.
-- He did state that lawmakers have to come together to make a deal.
-- Many lawmakers thought Republicans balking at a settlement deal, did so as a ruse to make it look like McCain didn't come to Washington for nothing and that his coming to Washington was another theatrical campaign stunt.
-- McCain's senior campaign staff accompanied him everywhere during his 'McCain goes to Washington' day.

Palin - Opens Mouth, Speaks, Says Nothing

2008-09-26T09:01:00.000-07:00

In only the few weeks since being nominated to be just one heart beat away from leading the world's superpower, Sarah Failin' Palin has equaled George W. Bush in something coined as Palin-Speak.

Yes, she's already proven to be a pro at the Republican practice of lying, saying one thing and then doing another. After all, she has been interning under the table while being hidden from public scrutiny and, just today, learned that lesson once again as McCain reentered the debate. After insisting that he would not participate in tonight's debate unless there was agreement on the bailout bill, old droopy eye is now doing the opposite and appearing for the debate.

Sarah was recently interviewed by Katie Couric. Here are some of Palin's non-answer answers. Frighteningly, she is has been a quick study in opening her mouth, talking, and saying nothing.

Couric found Palin to be rambling, marginally responsive and even more adrift than during her debut interview last week with ABC’s Charlie Gibson. On "The Early Show" Couric reflected on the interview and said charitably that Palin is "not always responsive when asked questions, and sometimes does slip back to her talking points."

It's downright scary that Palin thinks she is unblinkingly ready to lead America.
You can tell by her answers that she is obviously ready for prime time on the national and world stage.

Palin started her incoherent ramblings with,

"That's why I say I, like every American I'm speaking with, we're ill about this position that we have been put in . . ."

before continuing further incomprehensible mutterings,

" . . . where it is the taxpayers looking to bail out. But ultimately, what the bailout does is help those who are concerned about the healthcare reform that is needed to help shore up our economy. Um, helping, oh -- it's got to be all about job creation too. Shoring up our economy, and putting it back on the right track. So healthcare reform and reducing taxes and reining in spending has got to accompany tax reductions, and tax relief for Americans, and trade, we've got to see trade as opportunity, not as a competitive, um, scary thing, but 1 in 5 jobs being created in the trade sector today. We've got to look at that as more opportunity. All of those things under the umbrella of job creation. This bailout is a part of that."

In Palin speaking about Alaska's proximity to Russian and how that boosts her foreign policy qualifications, she told Couric,

"Well, it certainly does," Palin replied. "Our next-door neighbors are foreign countries, there in the state that I am the executive of."

"We have trade missions back and forth," Palin told Couric. "We, we do, it's very important when you consider even national security issues with Russia as Putin rears his head and comes into the airspace of the United States of America, where, where do they go? It's Alaska. It's just right over the border. It is from Alaska that we send those out to make sure that an eye is being kept on this very powerful nation, Russia, because they are right there. They are right next to, to our state."

James Rainey in the Los Angeles Times observed about her comment,
"Certainly, Russia's prime minister, Vladimir Putin, has demonstrated his willingness to invade its small neighbors. But have I missed news of recent provocations by Russian bombers over Kiwalik or Aleknagik? And if Palin has been intensely interested in her neighbor across the Bering Strait, that also has escaped the reporters who follow her most closely.

In fact, a veteran reporter from her home state, Hal Bernton, reported in the Seattle Times this month how Russian politicians had sought more contact with Palin, but in vain. The governor cut funding and her office's participation, it seems, in the Northern Forum, which promotes relations between regional governments in the Northern Hemisphere."

Couric asked Palin to explain what measures McCain had pushed in the past to prevent the economic breakdown since McCain is trying to portray himself as Mighty Mouse, flying in to Washington to save the day.

Palin mentioned McCain's support of Fannie and Freddie but then spout forth when Couric asked for more examples given that McCain has been in Congress for almost 30 years. Palin went blank and then sounding as if she had just stepped out of the movie, Fargo, said in a faux folksy drawl,

"I'll try to find some and bring them to ya" while beaming her unblinkingly assured grin at Couric.

Stay tuned for more Palin-speak.

McCain Seeks Debate Delay - Obama Responds

2008-09-24T14:25:00.000-07:00

In a calculated move that appears to portend a funeral coach approaching his campaign, Juan Bush McSham(e) requested Friday's presidential debate with rival Barack Obama be postponed so he could return to Washington to help save the United States from its second great depression.

Barack Obama, in an 8:30 a.m. phone call to McCain (which McCain didn't return until 2:30 p.m.), had suggested both candidates issue a joint statement about the economy and the bipartisan effort in Washington to resolve the crisis before tonight's address to the country by President Bush.

Without notifying Obama in the phone call it came as a surprise when McCain responded 20 minutes later by announcing he would suspend all campaign activities, events, fund raising and advertising to return to Washington to improve the bipartisan effort required to pass the Bush administration's $700 BILLION bailout of Wall Street that is before Congress. His photo-op return and any resulting vote will mark the first time he has been in Washington to vote on legislative matters since early April.

In watching opening statements made by every Congressional (Republican and Democrat) member of the hearing committee formed to assess and make recommendations on the administration's bail out proposal, this writer actually had a bit of his pervasive cynicism about government restored. Every committee member spoke eloquently and clearly to the issue before them (us). Thoughts, ideas, suggestions were articulate and concise and bipartisan in their uniform agreement on the key issues, ideas, and safeguards on how to resolve the pending economic crisis centered on Wall Street but headed to America's Main Streets.

In response to McCain's announcement, Barack Obama indicated his campaign will continue and that he speaks regularly with Congressional leaders and administration officials including Treasury Secretary Henry Paulsen and Federal Reserve chairman, Ben Bernanke. He indicated he would return to Washington to vote on the final bail out bill.

Obama, in response to McCain's request that the debate be delayed declared,

"It's my belief that this is exactly the time when the American people need to hear from the person who in approximately 40 days will be responsible for dealing with this mess." "It's going to be part of the president's job to deal with more than one thing at once."

continue to have the debate," he said. "I think that it makes sense for us to present ourselves before the American people, to talk about the nature of the problems that we're having in our financial system, to talk about how it relates to our global standing in the world, what implications it has for our national security, how it relates to critical questions, like the war in Iraq and Afghanistan."

And if it turns out that the candidates must be present in the Senate on Friday, "We've both got big planes. We've painted our slogans on the sides of them. They can get us from Washington, D.C., to Mississippi fairly quickly."

Nevertheless, Obama and his senior campaign aides were roiled by rival John McCain's announcement, describing it as a stunning twist to what they had thought was unfolding as a quiet and deliberative effort to show bipartisan solidarity before Bush's speech tonight.

In back-to-back news conferences on Tuesday, Obama and McCain outlined nearly identical priorities for what should be included in the bailout legislation, including benefits for taxpayers, restrictions on executive pay, and bipartisan oversight. Later that evening, Obama received a phone message from Sen. Tom Coburn, a conservative Oklahoma Republican he had worked with on previous bills. According to Obama, Coburn suggested that a joint statement outlining these shared principles might be helpful.

Obama raised the issue with a few of his aides, who concurred. At 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning, Obama placed a call to McCain to run the idea by him.

"There are times for politics, and then there are times to rise above politics and do what's right for the country. And this is one of those times," Obama explained.

At about 2:30 p.m., Obama was leaving a rally at a minor league baseball stadium in nearby Dunedin, Fla., when McCain returned his call. In a conversation that lasted about five minutes, Obama said the two men discussed the joint statement idea and exchanged contact information so their campaign aides could follow up.

Obama said McCain also raised the idea of suspending his campaign and delaying the debate. Obama said he didn't rule out either option, but told McCain he wanted to see how events unfolded and suggested the candidates first address the immediate priority of speaking with one voice before Bush's address.

But by the time Obama returned to his hotel, about 20 minutes later, McCain had made his announcement. "I thought this was something that he was mulling over," Obama said. "Apparently, this was something that, you know, he was more decisive about in his own mind."

Obama said he was in daily contact with Democratic leaders in Congress and with Paulson, and said he would return to Washington if he thought his presence would be useful in striking a deal. But Obama said that, given the stakes, he viewed the debate as a valuable use of the candidates' time.

"It is going to be part of the president's job to deal with more than one thing at once," he said. "I think there's no reason why we can't be constructive in helping to solve this problem and also tell the American people what we believe, and where we stand, and where we want to take the country."

He continued, "So in my mind, actually, it's more important than ever that we present ourselves to the American people and try to describe where we want to take the country and where we want to take the economy, as well as dealing with some of the issues of foreign policy that were initially the subject of the debate."

"There's something bigger going on here," said David Axelrod, Obama's chief political strategist.

Indeed.

Joe Biden's List Of World Leaders He's Met

2008-09-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

[From the Washington Post, 9.24.08]

Meetings with Foreign Leaders? Biden's Been There, Done That

By Glenn Kessler
Maybe it's just a coincidence, but after two weeks of requests for a list of the world leaders that Democratic vice presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden, Jr., has met with, his office released one -- on the very day GOP vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin met with her first world leaders.

Judging from the eight-page document -- which Biden's office said was only a "partial list" -- Biden has quite a headstart on Palin.

As of September 23, his office says, he has met with the leaders of nearly 60 countries, territories and international organizations (such as the United Nations and NATO.) The list of names runs to about 150 people -- including nine Israeli prime ministers (ten if you including prime minister designate Tzipi Livni), four Soviet leaders and two Russian presidents, a few kings and a queen (of England), Pope John Paul II and the Dalai Lama, and even a few tough guys like Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi and Serbian president Sloban Milosevic.

The complete list provided by Biden's Senate office is below:

As of September 23, 2008

Senator Biden/Meetings with World Leaders

This is a partial list of world leaders that Senator Biden has met with at least once over his nearly 36 year career as a United States Senator. As mentioned, this list is not exhaustive. As chairman of the subcommittees on Europe and Africa earlier in his career, the list is certainly much longer. ****The dates listed indicate when the foreign leader was in office.

Iraq
Prime Minister Iyad Allawi (May 2004 - April 2005)
Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari (April 2005 - May 2006)
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki (April 2006 - Present)
President Jalal Talabani (June 2005 - Present)
Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barzani (June 2005 - Present)
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani (March 2006 - Present)

Israel
Prime Minister Golda Meir (March 1969 - June 1974)
Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin (July 1992 - November 1995)
Prime Minister Shimon Peres (November 1995 - June 1996)
Prime Minister Menachem Begin (June 1977 - October 1983)
Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir (October 1986 - July 1992)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (June 1996 - July 1999)
Prime Minister Ehud Barak (June 1996 - July 1999)
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon (March 2001 - April 2006)
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (April 2006 - Present)
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni (January 2006 - present)

Palestinian Territories
Chairman Yasser Arafat (September 1993 - November 2004)
Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (November 2004 - Present)
Prime Minister Dr. Salam Fayyad (June 2007 - Present)
Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei (October 2003 - March 2006)

Jordan
King Hussein (August 1952 - February 1999)
King Abdullah (August 2005-Present)

Egypt
President Hosni Mubarak (October 1981 - Present)
President Anwar Sadat (October1970 - October 1981)

Libya
Prime Minister Col. Muammar Qaddafi (March 1977 - March 1979)

Lebanon
Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri (October 1992 - December 1998)
Prime Minister Najib Mikati (April 2005 - July 2005)

Bahrain
Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa (March 1999 - Present)

Syria
President Bashar al-Assad (July 2000 - Present)

Turkey
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan (March 2003 - Present)
President Ahmet Sezer (May 2000 - August 2007)
Prime Minister/President* Abdullah Gul (November 2002 - March 2003, Current President)
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit (January 1999 - May 1999)
Prime Minister Demirel (November 1991 - June 1993)

Greece
President Kostis Stephanopoulos (March 1995 - March 2005)
Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis (March 2004 - Present)
Prime Minister Kostantinos Mitsotakis (April 1990 - October 1993)
Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou (October 1981 - July 1989)
(October 1993 - January 1996)

Cyprus
President George Vassiliou (February 1988 - February 1993)
President Glafcos Clerides (February 1993 - February 2003)

Afghanistan
President Hamid Karzai (December 2001 - Present)

Pakistan
President Asif Ali Zardari (September 2008 - Present)*
Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani (March 2008 - Present)
President Pervez Musharraf (June 2001 - August 2008)
Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto (December 1988 - August 1990, October 1993 - November 1996)
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif (November 1990 - July 1993, February 1997 - October 1999)

India
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (May 2004 - Present)
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee (May 1996 - June 1996)
(March 1998 - May 2004)

Sri Lanka
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe (May 1993 - August 1994)
(December 2001 - April 2004)

Russia
President Vladimir Putin (May 2000 - May 2008; current Prime Minister)
President Boris Yeltsin (July 1991 - December 1999)
Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev (March 1990 - December 1991)
Soviet Union President Andrei Gromyko (July 1985 - October 1988)
Premier of the Soviet Union Alexey Kosygin (October 1964 - October 1980)
Premier of the Soviet Union Leonid Brezhnev (May 1960 - July 1964)

France
President Jacques Chirac (May 1995 - May 2007)
Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin (May 2005 - May 2007)
President Francois Mitterrand (May 1981 - May 1995)

U.K.
Queen Elizabeth (February 1952 - Present)
Prime Minister Tony Blair (May 1997 - June 2007)
Prime Minister John Major (November 1990 - May 1997)
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (May 1979 - November 1990)

Ireland
Prime Minister Bertie Ahern (June 1997 - Present)
Prime Minister John Bruton (December 1994 - June 1997)
Prime Minister Albert Reynolds (February 1992 - December 1994)
Prime Minister Charles Haughey (December 1979 - June 1981)
(March 1982 - December 1982)
(March 1987 - February 1992)

Germany
Chancellor Angela Merkel (November 2005 - Present)
Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder (October 1998 - November 2005)
Chancellor Helmut Kohl (October 1982 - October 1998)
Chancellor Helmut Schmidt (May 1974 - October 1982)

Italy
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi (June 2001 - May 2006)
(May 2008 - Present)
Prime Minister Romano Prodi (May 2006 - May 2008)
Prime Minister Cossiga (July 1989 - April 1992)

Serbia
President of Serbia Boris Tadic (July 2004 - Present)
Prime Minister of Serbia Vojislav Kostunica (March 2004 - Present)
Prime Minister of Serbia Zoran Djindjic (January 2001 - March 2003)
President of Serbia Slobodan Milosevic (May 1989 - July 1997)

Yugoslavia
Premier of Yugoslavia Josip Broz Tito (January 1953 - May 1980)

Croatia
President of Croatia Franjo Tudjman (May 1990 - December 1999)

Slovenia
Prime Minister of Slovenia Janez Drnovsek (December 2002 - Present)
President of Kosovo Ibrahim Rugova (March 2002 - January 2006)
President of Slovenia Milan Kucan (October 1991 - December 2002)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
President of Bosnia Haris Silajdzic (November 2006 - Present)
President of Bosnia Sulejman Tihić (October 2002 - November 2006)
President of Bosnia Alija Izetbegovic (March 1992 - October 2000)

Kosovo (as an independent nation)
President Fatmir Sejdiu (January 2008 - Present)
Prime Minister Hashim Thaci (January 2008 - Present)

Poland
President Lech Walesa (December 1990 - December 1995)
Prime Minister Wlodzimierz Cimoszewicz (October 1993 - March 1995)

Czech Republic
President Vaclav Havel (February 1993 - February 2003)

Hungary
Prime Minister Gyula Horn (July 1994 - July 1998)
President Arpad Goncz (August 1990 - August 2000)
Prime Minister Viktor Orban (July 1998 - May 2002)

Finland
Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen (April 1995 - April 2003)

Romania
President Ion Iliescu (December 1989 - November 1996)

Georgia
President Mikheil Saakashvili (January 2004 - Present)
President Eduard Shevardnadze (October 1995 - November 2003)

Kazakhstan
President Nursultan Nazarbayev (December 1991 - Present)

Ukraine
President Viktor Yushchenko (January 2005 - Present)

Canada
Prime Minister Paul Martin (December 2003 - February 2006)
Prime Minister Brian Mulroney (September 1984 - June 1993)

NATO
Secretary General Lord George Robertson (October 1999 - January 2004)
Secretary General Javier Solana (December 1995 - October 1999)
Secretary General Manfred Woerner (July 1988 - August 1994)
Secretary General Lord Peter Carrington (June 1984 - July 1988)

China
President Jiang Zemin (March 1993 - March 2003)
Premier Zhu Rongji (March 1998 - March 2003)

Hong Kong
Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa (July 1997 - March 2005)

Taiwan
President Chen Shui-Bian (May 2000 - Present)

Korea
President Kim Dae Jung (February 1998 - February 2003)

Singapore
Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew (June 1959 - November 1990)
Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong (November 1990 - August 2004)
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (August 2004 - Present)

Indonesia
President Megawati Sukarnoputri (July 2001 - October 2004)
President Bambang Yudhoyono (October 2004 - Present)

Australia
Prime Minister John Howard (March 1996 - December 2007)
Prime Minister Paul Keating (December 1991 - March 1996)

Philippines
President Gloria Arroyo (January 2001 - Present)
President Fidel Ramos (June 1992 - June 1998)

Vietnam
Prime Minister Phan Van Kai (September 1997 - June 2006)

East Timor
President Ramos Horta (May 2007 - Present)

Tibet
The Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso (1950 - Present)

Colombia
President Alvaro Uribe (August 2002 - Present)
President Andres Pastrana (August 1998 - August 2002)
President Cesar Gaviria (August 1990 - August 1994)

Mexico
President Vincente Fox (December 2000 - December 2006)
President Ernesto Zedillo (December 1994 - November 2000)

Bolivia
President Jaime Paz Zamora (August 1989 - August 1993)

South Africa
President Thabo Mbeki (June 1999 - September 2008)
President Nelson Mandela (April 1994 - June 1999)

Liberia
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (January 2006 - Present)

Lesotho
Prime Minister Leabua Jonathan (July 1965 - January 1986)

United Nations
Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (January 2007 - Present)
Secretary General Kofi Annan (January 1997 - January 2007)
Secretary General Boutros Boutros Ghali (January 1992 - January 1997)

Vatican City
Pope John Paul II (October 1978 - April 2005)

Slovakia
President Rudolf Schuster (June 1999 - June 2004)

Turkmenistan
President Saparmurat Niyazov (October 1990 - December 2006)

*Senator Biden met with leader before he or she became head of state.

What Was Sarah Doing In 3rd (and 2nd, and 4th, and 5th and...) Grade?

2008-09-24T08:00:00.001-07:00

When I was teaching third grade, I provided my students (and often the school) with an extensive library of over 3,000 volumes. Despite offering this remarkable resource in my room, I also took my kids to outstanding public, private and university libraries all over Southern California.

I tried to impress upon my students the value of reading well not only in third grade but that reading would be important throughout their lives. The children learned that reading comprehension at their young age poured a foundation of future literacy, success and fulfillment. They learned that reading, understanding language, and a well-rounded vocabulary were crucial building blocks to not only lifelong literacy, but also their self-esteem and gaining respect by writing and speaking well.

Sarah Palin speaking about the economic meltdown:

“Well, you know, first Fannie and Freddie, different because quasi-government agencies there where government had to step in because the adverse impact all across our nation, especially with homeowners, is just too impacting.”

I wonder what Sarah was doing in third grade that prevented her from building her foundation?

I’ve listened to her interviews before and after her selection as McCain's VP nominee, and none gave me the impression that she was skating on anything but a very, very thin layer of ice on understanding the issues facing the country she unblinkingly insists she is prepared to lead.

Consider this exchange in the recent Hannity Palinmercial:

Hannity: What is our role as a country as it relates to national security?

Palin: "Yes. That's a great question, and being an optimist I see our role in the world as one of being a force for good, and one of being the leader of the world when it comes to the values that -- it seems that just human kind embraces the values that -- encompass life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and that's just -- not just in America, that is in our world.

And America is in a position because we care for so many people to be able to lead and to be able to have a strong diplomacy and a strong military also at the same time to defend not only our freedoms, but to help these rising smaller democratic countries that are just -- you know, they're putting themselves on the map right now, and they're going to be looking to America as that leader.

We being used as a force for good is how I see our country."

Instead of Palin power dating at the United Nations and flashing her smile and eyes and legs at guys from countries outside of Mexico and Canada, she would benefit everyone...her family, Alaska and the United States by returning to third grade and building a better foundation.

Duck, Duck, Palin #3 - Palin Speed Dates Guys At The UN - McCain Keeps Lying And Hiding Palin

2008-09-22T23:02:00.000-07:00

Sarah Failin' Palin still isn't being allowed to meet the American public, the media and ordinary folks (that aren't Republicans) in non-scripted, non-contrived campaign events.

And yet, in another manipulative move choreographed by the deceitful McCain machine and his lifelong Bush/Republican advisors, the lipsticked bitch pit bull will be speed dating a few foreign guys visiting at the United Nations.

While in New York for the kickoff to a new United Nations session, leaders from the middle east (and Henry Kissinger, too!), will be taking Palin to school so McCain can keep telling America how experienced she is in foreign affairs and how she's ready for prime time.

Come on John, please start respecting the American public. Finally begin putting country first before your own personal political gain!

Americans deserve to get to know the REAL Sarah Palin if you're so very proud of her character, experience and other qualifications.

And while you're at it, can you recall your Republican operatives from Alaska who are obstructing the truth from surfacing in the evolving TrooperGate? The truth isn't anything to be frightened of, is it?

Better that the truth surface now so you can retire to Arizona and Sarah return to recall, than putting America through the pain of probable impeachment if you get elected!

Put America first! Stop lying!

CA Governator Signs Overdue Budget - How To Stop It From Happening Again!

2008-09-18T17:12:00.000-07:00

After 90+ days of playing chess with the lives of thousands of Californians who's incomes rely on state funding, the end to the budget impasse finally arrived.

After a long and contentious battle marked by partisan bickering, the budget stalemate is over. Citizens from state workers to those who receive state funding for services and/or products, are breathing a bit easier.

How can future budget problems be eliminated?

1.

Any governor or legislator who is in office in a year a budget isn't in place by the constitutionally mandated deadline would be evicted from office on a staggered schedule. The day after the missed deadline, a lottery style drawing would be conducted by the Secretary of State with the first 50% of legislator names drawn being evicted January 1 in the year after failure. The second 50% would be evicted from office March 1. All of the names would be announced during the lottery, kind of like the NFL football lottery. A special election would be held with all seats being filled within 30 days of the lottery.

2.

The governor would also be evicted with the second 50% and his/her replacement would be selected in the same election.

3.

Additionally, the governor and all legislators would not receive any compensation or benefits during the period of impasse. They would forfeit $2 for each $1 of salary, immediately lose all benefits including health insurance, pension, oer diem and all other perks. Any housing, travel or other expense payments or benefits would also cease immediately.

Hell And Back 26.2

2008-09-14T23:38:00.000-07:00

Marathon 9/13/08 Dedications:

In Memory Of: My Mom and My Brother, David...ALWAYS IN MY HEART, ALWAYS REMEMBERED!
Dedicated To: My Wife, Marilyn, Son, Scott, and Daughter Lauren, with my deepest apologies for the hell I put you through on September 5, 2007. I LOVE YOU!
Dedicated To: My Dad for being a great Dad through all the years...doing so much for no recognition! THANKS and I LOVE YOU, DAD!
Dedicated To: My Sister Julie, and brothers Jim and Rob for their ongoing support and love! Thanks for the encouragement.

I didn't tell anyone about the dedications until after I finished because I had a few doubts that I'd be able to finish 26.2 miles despite filling my brain in the weeks before with positive imagery.

3:33 a.m. to 11:48 a.m. - 8 hours 15 minutes

A few not so earth-shaking thoughts:
> The iPod my kids & sis got me for Xmas was a big help!
> I like walking in the middle of the night.
> Listening to Close Encounters of the Third Kind by deserted sand dunes was cool.
> At mile 18 when I really wanted to quit, I heard Mom and David saying I had done enough but they encouraged me on.
> The Venice Boardwalk is still a pit...homeless sleeping everywhere and dirty.
> I passed two open donuts shops. I didn't stop.
> The jet that appeared out of the fog from behind the sand dunes made me grin.
> Drank 68 ounces of fluid...34 more after I finished.
> As I crossed the Ballona Creek Bridge and saw the Marina channel, a part of me wished I swam well enough to get across but realized that would mess up my mileage.
> Took nuts/raisins, a banana, an apple and 2 energy bars. Had a few raisins/nuts at the end.
> I walked facing oncoming traffic in the street whenever possible and safe.
> I stopped for 30 seconds about 6 times to stretch on a bench or using a pole.
> Came upon lots of LA Leggers on the Venice Boardwalk training for the LA Marathon.
> Didn't find any golf balls for Scott around the Brentwood Country Club.
> I walked topless from the very beginning.
> In the last mile, my legs hesitated a few times and I had to will them on.
> I walked at half pace the last 1/2 mile and was pretty tired.
> Overall, I felt good from the very beginning.
> I thought I might have gotten a bit emotional at the end. I didn't. It was almost like walking 26.2 was just another task I had to get done.

About 5 hours later, I got some energy and went outside to clean up palm tree debris and hose down the front yard. My big mistake was trying to whip the hose to get it over the spigot because I ended up breaking it and sending a geyser 3 feet into the air. So, to celebrate, I spent most of the day after my walk, doing battle trying to get plumbing fixed. Thanks for helping, Dad!

Until a few hours ago I said I didn't need to do another marathon.

For some reason, now I just might.

Palin Attempts Blow Job On America

2008-09-12T19:52:00.000-07:00

Gibson was the professor and in her ineptitude, Palin was the student offering (America) a blow job to get a passing grade. Disappointingly, Palin's lip service demonstrated her lack of knowledge and inexperience, was downright scary and painful, and so, class, she earned an F.

In this interview segment with Charlie Gibson, Palin flounders when trying to provide knowledgeable, informed answers to direct questions about the Bush Doctrine, Israel, Pakistan and more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z75QSExE0jU&feature=related

Charlie Gibson, civil and professional in his conduct of the interview, finally imposed the mercy rule for Palin after she fumbled and mumbled and danced and dodged when not having a clue about the critical Bush Doctrine...a philosophical and very real and dangerous policy practice.

During the entire interview (not just this segment), Gibson provided repeated opportunities for Palin to demonstrate her command of issues facing the United States and world. Far too frequently she dodged and hemmed and hawed...like a student when called on by the teacher after not doing her homework or, being all that good of a student in the first place.

McCain/Palin Hide And Seek

2008-09-12T10:05:00.000-07:00

That's right, the McCain machine are dodgers with a small d.

In hiding Palin from media and public scrutiny on the issues, McCain is showing a total disregard for the Constitution, the will of the people and a right for us to learn more about Palin's qualifications to be VP and perhaps, President.

If Palin and McCain are reformers...mavericks as they say, why hide the person up for the #2 most powerful slot in the nation?

It simply is NOT ok that the American people be made to wait to hear from a nominee for VP who claims she is qualified to lead the country. One interview in a structured setting is not enough; it is the manipulation of the press, of the American people and subverts the purpose of election process timeline.

Disappointingly, McCain is counting down the days to the election not only so he can get elected, but so he can hide Palin once and for all from the public's eye by sliding her into the VP's office hidden well away from the White House.

If McCain was truly about putting "country first" as he preaches...
If McCain was truly a man of honor and service as he preaches...
If McCain was truly experienced as he preaches...
If McCain was truly a supporter of the Constitution as he preaches...
If McCain was truly a man who respects the American people's right to know...

...he would stop hiding behind the (off limits to factual parsing) skirt of his lipsticked, bitch, attack dog and put her into public (and media) view without controls or restrictions.

But he'll never do that.

Obama Dog Talks About Pigs And Lipstick

2008-09-11T22:14:00.000-07:00

Funny and short.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nTGF3Jp_PM&NR=1

McCain/Palin - Using The Same (Bush) People

2008-09-11T19:45:00.001-07:00

It is well documented that McCain is really no maverick and no different than Bush or any other Republican. Despite his lips saying he's not at all like Bush, McCain is tightly intertwined with George Bush.

According to several news reports, McCain has hired several veterans from President Bush’s campaigns, making them part of a team dedicated to defending Ms. Palin from Internet reports, Democratic attacks and potentially damaging news reports about her record produced by the investigative journalists now in Alaska.

McCain’s campaign has dispatched another team to Alaska to respond more rapidly to such reports. It is headed by Taylor Griffin, who had worked for President Bush’s 2004 campaign. Another former Bush campaign aide, Tracey Schmitt, is now Ms. Palin’s traveling press secretary.

Tucker Eskew, a veteran of Mr. Bush’s primary season campaign against Mr. McCain, has been advising Ms. Palin this week while reading briefing materials or receiving tutorials from policy advisers.

On Wednesday night, three of them were on the plane to Alaska with Palin: Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Mr. McCain’s economic adviser; Steve Biegun, a former staff member of Mr. Bush’s National Security Council who has taken leave from his Ford Motors job to advise Palin; and Randy Scheunemann, Mr. McCain’s senior foreign policy adviser.

Also accompanying Palin to Alaska as she prepared for her interview was Nicolle Wallace, a communications director for Mr. Bush’s 2004 campaign and, later, his White House. Ms. Wallace’s husband, Mark Wallace, Mr. Bush’s deputy campaign manager in 2004, is helping prepare Palin for the debates.

McCain advisors have developed a set of presumed questions and answers that they are walking Palin through. Aides traveling with Palin have said she is a fast study — asking few questions of her policy briefers but quickly regurgitating their main points.

A former aide in Alaska who had helped prepare Palin for her campaign debates in Alaska said she had a talent for distilling information into digestible sound bites.

Just what America needs most!

A Question About Qualifications For VP

2008-09-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

The McCain braintrust said that it sequestered Palin and spent several days preparing her for the interview with ABC's Charles Gibson.

I wonder if Joe Biden would have to be prepared by Obama's advisors in the same way?

Palin - Gibson Interview - Very Scary

2008-09-11T16:14:00.000-07:00

I just listened to a preview of just two questions from tonight's Gibson/Palin interview and came away even more frightened for America's future if McCain/Palin get elected.

Who knew a lipsticked, bitch pitbull could be so scary!

A master of double-speak, and avoiding direct answers to direct questions, she did boxer Muhammad Ali proud by dancing and dodging like a butterfly.

Believe in the separation of church and state? Forget it. Lots of religion mixed into the answers I heard.

Listen. Listen very carefully to what she is really saying.

Let the truth seeking and vetting begin though don't have much confidence that the media will dig deeply nor quickly enough.

Certainly, McCain and his people won't let the truth surface...dodging, hiding, scripting Palin while twisting and lying about Obama and Biden!

Vote Obama for:

> hope
> decency
> intelligence
> integrity
> accomplishment
> ideas
> honor
> respectful conduct
> respect for all Americans
> positive change
> clear thinking and speaking
> concensus building skills

America, push the RED STOP button!
No way, no how, no McCain/Palin!

Walking A Mile (or 26.2) In My Shoes

2008-09-11T12:15:00.001-07:00

Don't know that I can accomplish it, but this Saturday I'm setting off at 4:30 a.m. to see how far I can quick walk.

I've gone as far as 15 miles non-stop. But, I feel I need to try to go further. Though I've been doing 30 miles on the exercycle and/or walking 5-8 miles daily, I just feel my walking stamina has diminished a bit in the last couple of months. I don't want to take any steps back toward where I've come.

And so, I've mapped out a route from my house to Santa Monica that totals 27 miles. I need to walk at least 16 and hope to go further, 10.2 miles further.

Dear Santa, Please Help, A Lipsticked, Bitch, Pit Bull Has Attacked America

2008-09-09T14:28:00.001-07:00

A week has passed since right-wing America's favorite poster dog was let loose to bite and attack at will. Here is my greatest wish:

Dear Santa,

Can you please issue an immediate recall on the two top dog, intellectually defective McCain/Palin robots your wonderful elves built and delivered recently? The recall should also include their millions of believers across America.

Independent testing has documented that excessive lead has poisoned their brains and paralyzed their critical thinking and truth telling skills. Their Republican brains have lost the last of the little common sense they had. Santa, it seems like the elves accidentally inserted air-filled, puffy white marshmallows into their little craniums. to match their lily white bodies.

Santa, I've always believed in you. I still remember when you gave me the first gift of Christmas so many years ago. I know, I lost the bell on the train, but you gave me a second chance when you returned it to me on Christmas morning.

The big robots and all their little robot clones can't hear the tinkle of the bell anymore. That's why I'm hoping you can fix them in your recall. It's too late for John McCain and seems to be too late for the bitch pitbull with lipstick, but the little robots need to try real hard to understand that America needs a VP who has been thoroughly vetted over a period of time greater than that measured in hours?

Santa, if the recall doesn't happen soon, then you will likely be forced to retire and believers especially children all over the world will lose all hope in a better world.

I know the recall might take a while, Santa, so in the mean time, could you do a few more favors for all the true believers before America becomes even more of an embarrassment around the world especially if McCain/Palin continue to be so mean and deceitful?

Could you please start by vaporizing the tight choke collar and leash McCain and his Republican handlers have around Sarah Palin's neck? After all, what kind of highly qualified VP nominee like Sarah Palin allows herself to be muzzled? If she is as fantastic as all the robots say, she would be highly capable of speaking for herself without scripted speeches written by Republican/Bush loyalists.

And maybe, just maybe, Sarah Palin would be able to answer questions from all over America and the world so we can get to know each other better before we're forced into a shotgun wedding.

Santa, Santa, are you there?

McCain POW Life - Spin or Fact?

2008-09-09T12:29:00.000-07:00

How much of McCain's POW story is spin and how much is fact? And, does it have anything to do with his qualifications to be President?

Read the two direct accounts linked below to get a different version of McCain's main claim to fame, that of being a POW hero.

In the first, "Why I Will Not Vote For John McCain", by Dr. Phillip Butler*, a highly decorated naval veteran, Butler speaks of his first-hand experiences with McCain from living with him at the US Naval Academy to being POWs together.

http://209.85.141.104/search?q=cache:qq-1iVKbZIIJ:www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,164859_1,00.html+why+did+John+McCain+become+a+POW&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=15&gl=us

A few highlights:

"We experienced injuries and malnutrition that are coming home to roost. So I believe John's age (73) and survival expectation are not good for being elected to serve as our President for 4 or more years"

"I can verify that John has an infamous reputation for being a hot head. He has a quick and explosive temper that many have experienced first hand. Folks, quite honestly that is not the finger I want next to that red button."

"It is also disappointing to see him take on and support Bush's war in Iraq, even stating we might be there for another 100 years. For me John represents the entrenched and bankrupt policies of Washington-as-usual. The past 7 years have proven to be disastrous for our country. And I believe John's views on war, foreign policy, economics, environment, health care, education, national infrastructure and other important areas are much the same as those of the Bush administration."

"I'm disappointed to see John represent himself politically in ways that are not accurate. He is not a moderate Republican. On some issues he is a maverick. But his voting record is far to the right. I fear for his nominations to our Supreme Court, and the consequent continuing loss of individual freedoms, especially regarding moral and religious issues. John is not a religious person, but he has taken every opportunity to ally himself with some really obnoxious and crazy fundamentalist ministers lately. I was also disappointed to see him cozy up to Bush because I know he hates that man. He disingenuously and famously put his arm around the guy, even after Bush had intensely disrespected him with lies and slander. So on these and many other instances, I don't see that John is the "straight talk express" he claims to be."

*Butler is a 1961 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a former light-attack carrier pilot. In 1965 (almost 3 years before McCain) he was shot down over North Vietnam where he spent eight years as a prisoner of war. He is a highly decorated veteran and POW.

In a second account, an article http://www.wvwnews.net/story.php?id=3172 by Col. David Hackworth, a highly decorated veteran officer of the Korean and Vietnam Wars, states among other detailed research findings, "McCain certainly doesn't appear to be a war hero by conventional standards, but rather a tough survivor whose handlers are overplaying the war hero card."

With one foot in the grave, it is finally time to acknowledge John McCain for one of his finest accomplishments in life...being a POW, yes, and then spinning us with it over and over and over again. Since his capture in 1967 during the Vietnam War, McCain hasn't missed a chance to tell (boast) us his story of capture, torture and heroism with a touch of mock humility thrown in when crediting other prisoners for his very survival.

My Comment Censored by Republican Party

2008-09-09T10:35:00.000-07:00

It seems the Republicans are at it again....this time eliminating free speech. The site is gopconvention2008.

When looking for the Sarah Palin biography puff video on YouTube to link here, I tried to post the following comment since EVERY other comment was 100% pro Palin...all, obviously screened by the RNC. I thought I'd try to post a different viewpoint. No luck.

"And here I thought John Wayne was dead! Who knew he'd be reborn as a lipsticked, bitch-bulldog with bad attitude, poor people skills (she failed the "plays well with others" part in kindergarten), a vindictive mean streak, weak academic/intellectual credentials, and a weak backbone who can't stand up to McCain's guards filling her mouth with scripted speeches with no confidence she can be let off her bulldog choke-chain leash to be vetted by the American people through a free press. "

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddRoiVWfLyU

All I got was a message, "comment pending approval" which according to YouTube means"

"If the grayed out tab reads "Comment Pending Approval," this means that the uploader of the video needs to approve the comment before it is posted on the site. If the user declines your comment, removes it, or doesn't actively approve it, your comment may not appear."

McCain/Palin Swine Multiple Choice Quiz

2008-09-09T09:56:00.000-07:00

swine (n) - person (s) regarded as brutish or contemptible.

It's been a week since McCain chose Sara Palin to be his VP running mate and we've read tons about his choice and selection process.

Running as a "maverick", McCain's craving for political power has seen him throw his convictions to the wind over and over. After his first two VP choices were vetoed by the Republican right, McCain, after "extensive and thorough" vetting of Palin (ahem - well, maybe for a few hours), chose Palin apparently because he (here's the quiz part):

a) a bulldog with lipstick on a tight leash is his fave pet
b) has a not-so-secret hair-in-a-bun beauty queen fetish
c) is really just Palin's bitch (POW-prisoner of woman)
d) needed to prove an old dog can learn new (dirty) tricks
e) in his brief meeting with Palin, had ED and the bulldog demanded the VP slot to keep his secret.
f) all of the above and any more you want to add

Feel free to add your own thoughts about what makes McCain and Palin swine for America.

"Duck, Duck, Palin" - McCain/Palin Update #2

2008-09-03T14:21:00.001-07:00

While the McCain (now McCain/Palin) campaign continues to reel after the numerous and previously undisclosed revelations about McCain's choice for VP, Sarah Palin, here are a few ramblings.

McCain's new "country first" theme was rolled out at the convention. Putting country first is a concept the Republicans have seemingly declared exclusive to them.

If McCain truly wanted to put country first before personal political convenience, he would stand together with Palin on stage at the RNC tonight and deliver a speech withdrawing Palin as a candidate for the VP job.

For me, it's not really about Palin and her unsettling history and do as I say not as I do ways. Nor is it about the continuing revelations of family turmoil, her past abuses of power or hiring lobbyists to generate earmarks she took, or the pending investigation (s?) against her, and all the other matters that have thusfar been so widely written about and those yet to be uncovered.

(5) It has to do with qualifications and trust. Who is most trustworthy in decision-making? Who has the most thorough experience, knowledge, intelligence and reasoning ability, education, maturity, stable under fire, and the mental and emotional stability to assume the Presidency? Who is secure enough to surround himself or herself with smart, wise, experienced people who are encouraged to be forthright even blunt in advising the President?

The Presidency and VP positions are not positions to be learned on the fly or from campaign aides on the McCain's private jet or in Palin's hotel room or campaign bus.

Look at what we got with George. With the most recent exception of Bill Clinton, Americans, generally, demonstrate uninformed judgments about candidates' qualifications for elected office. A frightening and growing majority of voters are increasingly issue (and just plain) illiterate usually putting convenient sound bites above substance. The MTV generation of empty non-thinkers.

Bush has destroyed so much that once made me proud. I am still proud of America and can cry at the playing of our national anthem and be as patriotic as anyone. I still support our presidency and system of governance and all Americans working hard to better our country here and abroad.

Bush is leaving office with our country saddled with deficits in the trillions. His lies, power players, and self-deceit have cost America dearly. Thousands of our soldier's killed and maimed, thousands of their family members devastated by their deaths and mutilation in wars we have not and will not win.

Despite the mightiest and most technologically superior military in the world and fighting against third world enemies, The United States people have not been relieved of our suffering caused by the stupidity of an intellectually/judgment compromised President, his "yes" men and other guilty players in his administration.

Bush leaves record unemployment with millions of jobs sent oversees. He leaves record profits for his oil friends while the American public suffocates under record high gas prices. He leaves a record high number of Americans without decent health coverage. He leaves a record number of ERs shuttered and our health care costs soaring while insurers reap record profits.

He leaves a destroyed New Orleans because he convinced himself FEMA and our American government were doing a great job in response to Katrina while he celebrated with his friend John McCain at his birthday party in Arizona.

He leaves America's worldwide reputation for trustworthiness, compassion, morality, and economic strength won with our blood, sweat and tears, in a shambles.

Bill Clinton, despite inheriting record deficits from the previous Republican administration, concluded his term with record surpluses. He strengthened America's standing with our ally nations around the world. He revitalized the hopes of our citizens. Blowjobs in the Oval Office? Doggy-style over the bidet? I'm ok with that if it strengthens our domestic economy and enhances America's standing in the world.

Palin...no substantial, relevant knowledge/experience on nationwide domestic issues nor dealing with them on a national level, nor any relevant knowledge/experience in international relations and global issues.

McCain...a maverick, loose cannon who usally fires from his emotional hip. A consumate politician and manipulator. Why else would an Arizona senator go to the gulf coast during a storm other than to showboat? He has some of the qualifications but he always seems to arrive at the wrong answer on so many issues. And, when is he ever going to stop playing the
40+ year old Vietnam War POW card? Some, think it was his "maverick" actions on that mission that got him shot down. He suffered tremendously. Sure, but it has little to do with being President in a 21st century America and world.

Biden...he has all the qualifications in abundance.

Obama...see paragraph (5).

Expectant Mothers - McCain/Palin Update #1

2008-09-03T13:15:00.000-07:00

"Expectant Mothers" - The very latest shocking revelation about Sarah Palin/John McCain?

In yet another clear abuse of power, Palin has ordered the parking lots outside the Alaska governor's mansion and captitol building provide reserved spaces for her expectant 17 year old, unmarried daughter, Bristol. Citing the ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) and using funds earmarked from Washington, Palin indicates Bristol will use the spaces now, soon to be followed by Sarah (as she and DUI hubby want to have a healthy kid they can name POW Duhbya Palin to honor her nomination), to be followed soon by Willow (14) and then Piper (7).

Ok, so one of Sarah Palin's kids got herself knocked up at age 16. Really, it happens to the very best of Republican families. Especially those who preach that Republican social conservatism.

How about this for logic in the McCain campaign's decision-making camp...Bristol Palin (the pregnant one) has decided to keep the baby. According to her very proud parents, it was "Bristol's decision" to do so. McCain's campaign aides unequivocably agree with that statement in declaring that Bristol made the decision to keep the baby on her own . Her decision seems to imply that no political pressure was applied by her mom, the VP nominee nor the McCain campaign, who vetted (yup, they claim they knew all about Palin) Palin and her family thoroughly.

Wait a minute!!! I am so confused because neither McCain nor Palin believe that the law should allow Bristol Palin that choice at all...being pro-life and all! You know, that part about not giving the pregant woman any choice in matters of her pregnancy, not even if, in this case, Bristol, had been raped or had screwed with her dad or brother or cousin or...John McCain himself.

These compassionate, conservative Republicans can be so confusing some times.

Giant Glowing Tomatoes

2008-09-02T13:27:00.001-07:00

These 'bigger than your fist', bright, glowing tomatoes in my garden, had a finish as deep as the finest paint job on an expensive car.

One Game Won, A Season To Go

2008-09-02T11:53:00.000-07:00

I'm not a big sports fan but I enjoyed UCLA's unexpected win on Labor Day over #18 Tennessee. Sure, my late brother David was a graduate and UCLA is a public school compared to USC's private elitism. UCLA, holds more national championships in all sports than any other university in the country. But in football, it has always seemed to find a way to pull defeat from the jaws of victory despite a periodic win here and there. Kinda' like the Democrats.

Despite everyone writing off UCLA for the next 2-3 years while rebuilding their program under their new head coach, Rick Nueheisel, the university recently placed the full page ad at left in the Los Angeles Times. Positive thinking is great, but, come on, this seemed a bit much given USC's local and national dominance, always being ranked in the top 3, and contending for the national championship while bullying UCLA on its march.

Even before the first game against Tennesse, UCLA was down to their third string quarterback, had key, experienced starters out with injuries, and were forced to play several freshmen. The picture didn't look promising. In fact, prospects were so bleak that even staunch UCLA supporters thought the ad was 3 years premature. But the Bruin players, coaching staff and university leaders had heart.

UCLA demonstrated physical and mental toughness and a huge heart! They clawed and scratched and kept battling until winning in overtime.

One game won, a season to go.

Go Bruins!

99 Cent Store Ad In Today's L.A. Times

2008-09-02T10:09:00.001-07:00

So glad to see someone working at 99 Cent Stores has a sense of humor.

Barney Smith Not Smith Barney Speech at 2008 DNC

2008-09-01T22:00:00.000-07:00

This average guy from Indiana brought the crowd to its feet with his brief speech.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuAVw_v3br8

Sen. Joe Biden's Speech at the 2008 DNC

2008-08-31T18:41:00.000-07:00

Sen. Joe Biden's speech to the 2008 DNC.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvY9HxFJymY

Dennis Kucinich's Speech at the 2008 DNC

2008-08-31T18:39:00.000-07:00

Dennis Kucinich speech at the 2008 DNC.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVp9cWOcZ7g

Gov. Brian Schweitzer's Speech at the 2008 DNC

2008-08-31T18:35:00.000-07:00

Gov. Brian Schweitzer's speech at the 2008 DNC:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNHysr_IluI

Hillary and Bill Clinton's Speeches at the 2008 DNC

2008-08-31T18:26:00.000-07:00

Hillary:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeFMZ7fpGHY

Bill:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_6IXjUNP84

Barack and Michelle Obama's Speeches at the 2008 DNC

2008-08-31T18:20:00.000-07:00

Barack:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ato7BtisXzE

Michelle:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=790hG6qBPx0

My Labor Days Past

2008-08-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

When I was teaching 3rd grade, Labor Day (and basically all summer) was filled from sunrise to midnight with last minute preparations to receive my new students. I always took pride in creating an environment that promoted intellectual discovery and that was welcoming and safe.

The photo above shows just one corner of my classroom. You can see that I really encouraged reading by offering a comprehensive library of over 3,000 volumes. I'm lucky the fire inspector never visited. I'm certain I would have been required to get rid of the plant and the bright twinkling Christmas lights the children loved so much. They always wanted to do their studies under the lights.

Another teacher who was recently forced out as I was, asked me if I missed teaching...missed the Labor Day rush to be ready. I told her what she already knew, that she will especially miss the kids who were eager to learn and discover new things but will not miss the incompetencies of principals and administrators.

In my 15 years, I think I am proud of many accomplishments. A few include creating an environment that made my students (and parents) always feel welcomed, loved, unique, smart/capable, and appreciated. My carefully designed curriculum enhancements were unique, fun, relevant and challenging for my students. Of special note are my creations such as the 1,500 square foot garden I built for my students (you can see a photographic history at http://www.jefflowephotography.com self-published, 200 page interactive texts on sea life/whales, Santa Catalina Island and many more, as well as special units on wonderful literature and plays such as "Where The Red Fern Grows" and "Phantom of the Opera".

Some ask me if I miss teaching. My answer? I think you already know.

How Flies Escape Our Swats

2008-08-30T10:03:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know that's a bee. I didn't have a photo of a fly.

I've always wondered how flies are able to escape death by hand, magazine, newspaper or anything else within reach. We've probably all tried...sneaking up from behind, trying not to cast an alerting shadow, etc.

According to an article in today's L.A. Times, flies are the ultimate gold medal gymnasts. 200 milliseconds before
the death attempt, "the fly's tiny brain calculates the location of the threat, then manuevers its legs into the optimum position to jump out of the way." Depending on the direction of the threat, the fly moves its legs and then leans in varying directions before leaping away from death's door.

What does this mean to you and me? The article suggests that if you want to kill a fly, you should lead it as trap shooters do, trying to anticipate the fly's jump. Personally, I try to grab them with one hand mid-flight thus taking their legs out of the equation.

McCain Desperate In Selecting Sarah Palin

2008-08-29T11:34:00.000-07:00

John "Out of Touch" McCain, in an act of desperation, has selected Sarah "PP"(Perpetually Pregnant - ya' gotta do something on those long, boring dark nights and days in Alaska) Palin as his choice for Vice President.

At McCain's age, Palin is only half a heartbeat away from the Presidency. When McCain kicks the bucket after being exhausted by the first month of presidential duties, Palin is not ready to step into the Presidency.

McCain's dogged attempts to blast Obama's inexperience and not being ready for the Presidency are now a reality in his selection of Sarah Palin.

Palin doesn't really seem to know what the V.P. position entails. In an interview last summer with CNBC when asked if she was qualified to be McCain's running mate, Palin responded, "I'll tell you, I still can't answer that question until someone answers for me what it is exactly that the V.P. does everyday? We want to make sure that the V.P. slot would be a fruitful position especially for Alaskans and the things we're trying to accomplish up here for the rest of the U.S.".

Palin has no experience of any state, regional, national or international scope that would qualify her for the Vice-Presidency let alone the Presidency. She has under two years of basically part-time experience as governor in a state with a mere 670,000 people who reside at an astounding density of 1.1 people per square mile. According to the 2006 U.S. Census, there are 55 American cities with greater populations. As mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, Palin governed a village of about 8,400!

Alaska's major contributions to society? Big government and its spending come in at #2 just behind mining. For a party that prides itself on small government, Alaska and Palin are abysmal failures. Alaska ranks #1 in the U.S. in chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease! Other major Alaska contributions to society include tourism, snow, alcoholism and depression. Retail provides the largest percentage of jobs...those high-paying ones.

In 2007, Palin signed into law, Alaska's largest budget ever at $6.6 billion dollars but at the same time drastically cut spending for infrastructure improvements such as road construction . A few months ago in response to Alaskans facing higher gas prices, Palin proposed that every Alaskan receive a direct grant of $1,200 and has rescinded the state's gas tax.

Sarah Palin placed second in the Miss Alaska beauty pageant but received a scholarhip that helped put her through college where she majored in journalsim and minored in politics. She worked part-time as a sports reporter in a small town before becoming mayor of the booming 8,700 person metropolis of Wasilla, Alaska. Her husband works as a fisherman weather permitting and then switches to working for British Petroleum on the North Slope. Is he ever home to really parent his kids?

Palin is currently under investigation by the Alaska state legislature for abuse of power. She fired a State commissioner who refused to fire an Alaska State Trooper who is locked in custody battle with Palin's sister.

Palin says she has tried marijuana but didn't like it.
Some have questioned how long she used before deciding she didn't like it. Though it was legal in Alaska, federal law prohibited its use. In California, the feds have raided and closed numerous clinics where marijuana is distributed by medical prescription.

McCain defines anyone earning under $5,000,000 a year as middle class. As governor, Palin's $83,000+ salary could theoretically put her squarely in McCain's non-existent poverty class though with her husband's wages from big oil and fishing, they might still be in McCain's middle class.

Palin and her husband have five children, Track, Trig (ger?), Piper, Bristol and Willow.

Woman in Mourning

2008-08-20T23:25:00.000-07:00

I recently completed a photo shoot for a Jewish newspaper (www.jewishjournal.com) with eight images accompanying a series of three articles related to funeral practices.

The woman in the photo was in the midst of her own very personal mourning having recently lost her husband and son. She is sitting in the Caves of Abraham at Mr. Sinai Memorial Park (www.mountsinaiparks.org), Simi Valley, California. The "caves" (crypts) sit in a stucco structure built into a hillside.

I Sure Miss David!

2008-08-19T00:33:00.000-07:00

It's been 20 years since David (left) died unexpectedly. He was my older brother and best friend. I miss him, dearly. The photo was taken at the rehearsal for my wedding in 1975.

My Hippie Days

2008-08-19T00:29:00.000-07:00

No, I never was regarded as a hippie though it appears from the photo, I did wear my hair a bit longer than it is now. Color has changed a bit, too. A sparse mustache, big glasses and I don't think I see any gray. I even had a high powered motorcycle for a while.

When I got married I was about 170 ish as I am in this photo. I don't think I can make it to that weight again, but I'll keep trying.

My wife will be able to tell me to the day, when and where this was taken but I don't have a clue.

You're Invited

2008-08-19T00:18:00.000-07:00

You're invited (not that anyone reads this) to the grand opening of my new website http://www.jefflowephotography.com

So far, I've posted about 1,500 of my better images and most are available for purchase. Stop by and browse. You will be able to control your viewing experience. I hope you find my images provide a brief respite from life's daily challenges.
Merced River
Yosemite National Park, California
2008

Back on Track

2008-08-19T00:07:00.000-07:00

Farmer John's friend in the photo is how I've starting feeling in the last couple of weeks.

It started a few weeks ago when I tried to increase my walking regimen to about 7 miles every other day. I must have pushed my right foot too hard after doing 26 miles in one week and it got very painful to the touch and to walk on. Self diagnosing tendinitis, I've not been walking faithfully like I'd been doing before the injury and have not been as rigid in my eating.

The result? I feel like a porker having regained 5 of the 95 pounds I've lost and have been very frustrated after reinjuring the foot by trying to get back to walking too soon, etc.

Mentally and emotionally, it's been a refreshing awakening to find my emotions and state of mind so closely tied to my work and accomplishments in creating the "new" me. Since changing my eating habits and power walking, I've felt great...successful!

But, the lethargy I've felt in the last weeks not walking for fear of having to extend my healing/inactivity still longer has been frustrating. Though staying active (but not aggressively) my energy level decreased and my motivation to keep working hard seemed to lag.

Enough is enough...I've come too far to retreat though I'm the first to know I have a lot more to accomplish. I've GOT to test the foot. So, I got in 4.71 miles tonight and the foot feels fine. But the real test will be when I walk 5 miles on Wednesday. I think I will get on the exercycle tomorrow and try to go 26.2 miles and see how the foot responds. I NEED to be able to walk 7-10 miles every other day. In my mind, I want to be able to walk 10 miles EVERY day!

And the battle continues.

5.4 Earthquake Jolts Los Angeles Basin

2008-07-29T13:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this is a famous photo from our last big earthquake here in the Los Angeles basin. But, we were jolted by a 5.4 magnitude quake at about 11:45 a.m. today. Though not a biggy, lifelong residents were even a bit startled which is surprising given that most of us locals tend to sit and sit and sit (or stay in bed if it's early in the a.m.) waiting to see if an earthquake warrants us actually moving our bodies to the doorway.

Photo: The Interstate 5/14 interchange, north of Los Angeles, was one of only seven overpasses to collapse in the devastating 1994 Northridge earthquake. January 17, 1994. Magnitude 6.7

Bush: Worst Fiscal Squanderer in White House History

2008-07-28T16:37:00.000-07:00

Dems: Bush most reckless spender in White House history

1:31 PM, July 28, 2008

Last week, in off-the-cuff remarks not intended for prime time, President Bush blamed Wall Street for being "drunk" with greed and urged the financiers to "sober up."

Today the Office of Management and Budget acknowledged that its budget projections for 2009 will be even higher than expected -- now estimated at a record $482 billion.

The White House blamed a weak economy, noting that "the housing slump, tighter conditions in credit markets and continuing energy price shocks have cut into the expected growth rate." And the OMB also lowered its economic growth forecast to 1.6% for this year.

But Democrats, led by Steny Hoyer, the Maryland Democrat who's No. 2 to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, were incredulous. Rejecting White House arguments that the increased deficit stemmed from an economic stimulus package enacted by Democrats, Hoyer cited the numbers as "further evidence that the Bush administration is the most fiscally irresponsible administration in American history." Hoyer also said:

"George W. Bush inherited a projected 10-year budget surplus of $5.6 trillion, which he proceeded to turn into a projected deficit of more than $4 trillion. When President Bush took office in January 2001 the Congressional Budget Office projected a surplus of $635 billion in 2008 and $710 billion in 2009. Now, OMB projects deficits of $389 billion and $482 billion in those years respectively -- a swing of more than $1 trillion in each year."

Even Republican John McCain, campaigning for the White House as he seeks to distance himself from the incumbent, greeted the news as a bad report card on President Bush. The new estimates, he said, are a sad legacy. "There is no more striking reminder of the need to reverse the profligate spending that has characterized this administration's fiscal policy," he added.

But the line of the day goes to House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel, the Illinois Democrat who once worked in the Clinton White House. Alluding to the surplus that Bush inherited on taking office in 2001, he said:

“The president who repeatedly pledged to cut the deficit in half has instead brought it to a record high. President Bush squandered a $236 billion surplus, ran up record deficits and added nearly $4 trillion to the national debt. Mr. President, we will be forever in your debt.”

-- Johanna Neuman

16 Feet to 16 Miles - Part 2

2008-07-01T23:25:00.000-07:00

When I got out of the hospital a few days after the attack, my son brought me home and then we went to Trader Joe's to buy food and start me on my journey to a new, healthy lifestyle.

At Trader Joe's, I had to stop after 16 feet just walking across the parking lot. While shopping, I had to stop after 16 feet and lean against the freezer case. You get the idea.

But today, the number 16 means something different.
Last Friday, I power walked 16 miles in about 4 hours.

It didn't just happen. I started slowly though I was determined to push myself hard. I paid close attention on every walk and every moment in rehab...listening to and learning from my body. I tried to find my physical and emotional limits along the way starting from a 3 minute stroll on the treadmill.

Over time, I've now biked miles with my son, hiked in Yosemite, climbed hills in a cemetery to push my cardio workout further and to condition my legs for stamina. I moved on to climbing 600 stairs every morning while starting on longer walks...1 mile, 3 miles, 5 miles, then 8 miles to the beach and back and around the neighbor hood.

And then, I thought I'd try and walk 14 miles to celebrate Father's Day. And then, last Friday...my first attempt at power walking 16 miles.

16 feet to 16 miles in 10 months.

Toss in losing 95 pounds and I'm off to a good start. Of course, I'm not done. I have 75 more pounds to lose and I want to keep my power walking regimen going strong. Yea, I battle daily with plateaus on the weight loss but none of it measures up to the amazing little girl, Mia, and her battle against her acute myloid leukemia.

16 Feet to 16 Miles - Part 1

2008-07-01T23:07:00.000-07:00

After a serious heart attack (my one doc called it "massive") on September 5, 2007, I committed to starting from scratch. I won't bore you with all the introspective reflections I've tossed through my head and heart since then. There have been plenty of awakenings.

The silent killer grabbed me in the middle of the night, knocked me to the bathroom floor and the damn elephant decided to sit on my chest for a long while. My wife and daughter fought by my side with my daughter saving my life by yelling at me to keep my eyes open and stay alive.

I said my goodbyes to them and to my son, apologized for my failings while the paramedics worked on me and hauled me to the ER. Yea, I moaned and groaned. The pain was intense.

A freelance angel named Dr. Juma Bharadia inserted a stent and sent me on my way cautioning me to stay away from cheese. The guy knows his stuff. At the time, he thought the other two substantial blockages could be managed with diet, meds and exercise. Nope.

So, a few weeks later, I drove myself back to the ER for an encore appearance. Going back in, I told Dr. JB to do whatever he had to do to accomplish my one goal...not having to wait for the other shoe to drop...for the next big one. Fix ANY blockages NOW! He inserted two more stents into the two arteries which had gone from 50% blocked to damn near 100% in such short order that he said he'd never seen anything like it. Those aren't the words you want to hear from your heart doc.

Yea, I owe him my life. And, the guy interrupted his family vacation in Santa Barbara 2 hours away to come and bestow life giving gifts numbers 2 and 3.

I am deeply repentent for putting my family through this trauma. Sure, facing death and trying to figure out how to say so long to your loved ones isn't easy, but, I deeply regret putting my family in that predicament on my account. I have apologized at every opportunity and will always remember the pain, suffering and fear I have caused them because of my stupid past lifestyle...bad eating habits, zero exercise and a head-in-the-sand approach to my health care. Throw in bad heart genes and I deserve what I got.

But I also got chance number 2. And so, to honor my family and to make them proud and to try and do a little bit to redeem my stupid self in their eyes, I move on to 16 Feet to 16 Miles - Part 2.

Mia Juliette - 2006 - Before her stem cell transplant

2008-07-01T23:02:00.001-07:00

Mia Juliette, originally uploaded by Julie Cotton.

See my original post about Mia below.

Mia, age seven, in the hospital with acute myloid leukemia, asleep with her toy cat. Her eyebrows and eyelashes later fell out. Photo by Grammy Bonnie, January 8, 2006. Mia said today, May 30, "We were pretending the cat was real."

Mia Update - After - "Birthday" 2008

2008-07-01T22:37:00.001-07:00

mia brings in her cake, originally uploaded by Julie Cotton.

This May 8, 2008 photo shows how far Mia has progressed in her battle
against her cancer. She is now in remission and is moving on with her life...family, friends, good food, school mates and surrounded by those who love her and have been by her side during her personal war.

Congratulations to Mia! She is a brave and beautiful little girl who inspires all those with whom she comes in contact.

Her Singing Tears Me Up

2007-03-30T00:06:00.000-07:00

Lauren and Her Chocolate Fountain

Listening to: Santa Monica High School Chorale

Tears slowly roll down my cheeks when my Lauren sings. In the beginning, I tried to hide my tears by subtly wiping the corners of my eyes. I tried to hide my shallow weeping and sniffles...silent mini sobs trying to be held in check by tightening my ample tummy.

I couldn't and still can't stop when she sings. Even now, remembering, I tear up as I write.

It started six years ago as she strode onto the very same risers upon which I had stood 37 years earlier as a lanky seventh grade kid and opened my mouth for the first time in Boys' Chorus.

Lauren rose from her seat in unison with her choir mates, stepped onto and strode the wooden risers and sang her heart out. And that's when it happened! By precious daughter made me weep and her heart stole mine.

Her first performance was the first of many in which she triggered my streams of tears.

I quietly wept as she touched my heart and turned her old man into mush. Her mouth shaping sounds in the way she had been trained. The tilt of her head. The joy in her face. Her intensity in performing to the best of her ability, achieving excellence. Staring intently at her choir director not once glancing away. Until song's end. And then it happened.

Our eyes met and she gifted me with her gloriously sweet smile. I tried to smile back but don't think I managed, my prideful smile probably looking more like a pained grimace...the edges of my mouth turned downward in my hopeless attempt to dam the flow.

My heart was filled...bursting with joy and pride and love and every one of the deepest possible feelings a dad can have for his amazing daughter. My tears flowed mightily, as salty as the Pacific.

I think that's when I first knew I had to create a secret signal to send Lauren's way on stage when I was too much of a mess to make my feelings clear by doing something normal, like smiling at her. After each song, I placed my hand over my heart while tears moistened my cheeks. She sent back beautiful smiles from her pretty face and my heart embraced them as we connected in these special daddy daughter moments.

Lauren sings and I weep. That's the way it's been since 9th grade and is to this day at her university choir concerts. She's known it and I hope she still knows. She hears it in my blubbering voice and when I pull her close after her concerts too choked up to speak like a normal person.

Lauren's heart, her soul, her singing touch me in a deep place only a loving, tenderhearted daughter can reach.

This is her gift to me. She speaks to me and I receive each gift with open tear ducts. I love her and am so very thankful!

Lauren, even as you mature, you will always be my little girl and I will forever be listening for your beautiful voice.

Love,

Daddy

Precious Mia

2007-03-23T23:16:00.000-07:00

Precious Mia!

Mia is in first grade and has acute myloid leukemia.

While wandering around Flickr, I came upon brave, little Mia.

Tears fall each time I look at the photos of this amazingly brave
little girl. I don't know much, but I think she was diagnosed
in 2005 and spent six months in the hospital unable to come
home for Christmas.

Since then, it's been a roller coaster.
In and out of the hospital, all too brief periods of "wellness"
and then relapse. Through it all, Mia keeps battling this
hideous, deadly disease with bravery and grace. Transfusions of
bone marrow, chemo, seemingly endless battles in her
life and death war.

Mia smiles a lot. Her smiles are contagious to those around her.
Her glorious spirit is contagious, too, even to those
around the world fighting for her in anonymity.

Oh, dear, precious Mia!

Proof there is no god.

Jeff/Casual Clicks

800...3,000...60,000

2007-03-23T22:21:00.000-07:00

Nice, Even Numbers...So What? So Irrelevant!

Listening to: Hem, Eva Cassidy, UCLA Marching Band, Canadian Brass and Page France

The screen capture above shows a couple of things. In red, it says my photos have been viewed 60,000+ times in the last 11 months that I've been putting my photos on Flickr. Of course, that could mean 60,000 folks stopped by for a look and left right away. I prefer to think a few visited and stayed to take a bit more of a look around my gallery.

The first photo of the airplane coming out from behind a building has been of interest to me if no one else. This week in Los Angeles, the new world's largest civilian aircraft flew into LAX. The Airbus A380 has two decks and is pretty damn big.

The photo has been the most viewed of the photos I posted of it landing and departing the next day. As of today, four days after its landing, that photo has been viewed almost 800 times. It was viewed 600 times in the first 48 hours. The photos in the series have been viewed a combined 3,000 times starting Monday about 2 pm.

Nice numbers, I guess, and it's nice to have folks looking at my photos even if these aren't all that artistic though a few are creative enough.

Makes me wonder if I should post the only photo I've really been holding back and have never really published. It's called Suicide Tide. It did appear only once along with two of my other photos at an exhibition (no big deal, all could submit photos for inclusion) at an art museum in Switzerland a few weeks ago.

But all these nice even numbers don't mean a thing when compared to little Mia and her daily war against death...the subject of the next entry.

Jeff/Casual Clicks

Simple Pleasures

2007-03-01T02:04:00.000-08:00

Sky Delight

Jeff Lowe

Sky Delight was created at sunset just after the passing of an ominous cloud formation covering the entire Los Angeles basin. The unusual, wavy fingerling clouds at the lower portion of the image create movement and an almost whimsical element. Please stop by my Flickr photo site to view my photographic essay of the huge, ominous cloud over a two hour period at sunset.

Listening To:
1. An assortment of Hawaiian slack key guitar selections,
2. Jubilant Sykes, an amazing baritone and former school-mate,
3. The Dale Warland Singers performing traditional American music post Civil War,
4. Chase, a band from my youth her were all killed in a plane crash.

SIMPLE PLEASURES

I'm taking increasing pleasure in life's simple things.

Another birthday passed a few days ago and my son and daughter (who are 24 and 20 respectively), made the effort to be home despite both living very busy lives. Dinner and a chocolate cake so ablaze an extinguisher was mandated by the fire department, didn't match the immense pleasure I received by their very presence and that of my loving wife.

It's like that now. Simple things or acts give me all the pleasure I need. Kids stretching their wings as they prepare for leaving the nest. I know, life's course dictates their eventual departure. Yes, though we had to raise them to be able to fly away and though they may soon not live under our roof, I'm hopeful both will always know the way home. I'll even pay for their gas or airline ticket.

And, not just for our kids. I once overheard some of my daughter's girlfriends chatting about our little house being their safe haven...the place they come to escape their own parents if but for a wee while. We're regarded as the cool parents. Simply put, that means we offer a friendly welcoming cocoon in which to hang out (we never know who may be sleeping on the couches or floor each morning). In fact, I gave house keys to two of them, a simple act of trust which has never been abused by either. Mix in generous dashes of unconditional love, acceptance, counsel when asked (my wife does that part since all the gal pals seek her wisdom and not mine except for driving directions)...oh, and food, too! Alas, many have gone hundreds and thousands of miles away to university across the country. But, the simple fact is, all are also always welcome.

My children showing up for a lunch to visit with my late brother's wife and her husband who had a window of a few hours. I derived pleasure from the family being together to dine and catch-up. The kids made the effort to meet the time window recognizing the importance of family being together.

Don't tell anyone, but I admit crying quietly to myself, tears wetting my cheeks during my daughter's choir concerts in high school. A simple pleasure listening and watching my baby growing up and producing beautiful music. My daughter reaching out beyond her very close circle of friends to take sailing lessons with a whole new group of people. Despite my fears of having my daughter in a tiny craft over deep water and she not all that good of a swimmer and despite the life jacket, I'm simply pleased for her when each Sunday rolls around and her next lesson commences. Simple pleasures of her growing up.

My son, achieving excellence in his profession at a very young age and enjoying rewards and recognition. All his doing including his simple yet generous acts of giving...buying dinner, offering a gift, sitting and talking with his dad late into the night. Simple pleasures of time spent with him.

Sky Delight, shot during a three hour outing to try and catch the clouds with their pink bellies from before sunset until the moon was well overhead. At the mouth of the marina with few people passing, I enjoyed taking photos of sights that took my breath away. I hope they provide you a moment of simple pleasure.

Jeff/Casual Clicks

Best of Friends

2007-02-09T23:35:00.001-08:00

Best of Friends
Jeff Lowe

This young girl was not posed nor did we make eye contact. I captured her posing like Goofy, lost in her fantasy at the happiest place on earth.

I visit Disneyland infrequently (perhaps once every 15 years) though I live within an hour's drive. I love going and I'd like to go every week. It's just that I insist that three key criteria be met simultaneously before I'll consider going.

First, I have to get in for free or under $10. Second, the weather has to be on the cool side. Third, the odds have to be at least 90% that it won't be jammed to the gills with people.

With these conditions met, Disneyland can be the happiest place on earth especially if they'd fix the long wait times for a tram and cut their food prices 50%.

So, if anyone has any free tickets, let me know. I'll start watching the weather forecast. Be sure to visit my photography website www.flickr.com/photos/casualclicks if your want to see more Disneyland photos.

Jeff/Casual Clicks