Whale Wars

For those who haven't heard of this new series on Discovery Channel, it is a documentary about the crew of a ship called the "Sea Shepard". This crew of volunteers, captained by the co-founder of Greenpeace before he was asked to leave because of his aggressive tactics to protect what he believes, sails the Southern ocean of the Antartic for Japanese whaling ships. They feel that the Japanese are killing whales illegally (part of a worldwide ban on whaling), but the Japanese state what they are doing is legal, (they say they are collecting tissue samples, and according to many experts the Japanese are not breaking any laws)
I find that the tenacity and beliefs, not to mention the inherent risks these brave people undergo absolutely enthralling. They created worldwide media attention (although I don't remember hearing anything about it here is the USA) when two of their crew members boarded the Japanese ship, and were then tied to the outside rails of the ship by the Japanese crew (after first almost being thrown overboard while the ship was going 17 knots!)
here is a picture of the Japanese crew tying the two Sea Shepard crew....

Although I don't completely agree with some of their methods, I can not help but be in awe of their commitment, bravery, and passion. I hope this will raise awareness of the extermination of species in our oceans, and what drastic actions people are taking to protect them....

*Please click on the link provided if you want to find out more about the show, whaling, etc...WHALE WARS

The journey of Adaptation

Last night while enjoying the peacefulness of the evening, i thought about adaptation (brought about by me watching a movie of the same name...) and my own personal metamorphisis of the past 38 years. I wondered about the relationship of the insect world to the flower. Did you know that each flower has a corresponding insect that is it's mate, and that without the lovemaking that one does with the other, none of what we have would exist? Simply beautiful. I would like to think that my own personal adaptation would be to eventually evolve into a relationship such as that. Could that be my ultimate goal here on the planet? interesting concept...

I would like to disengage from all the meaningless thoughts that can creep into my head, or adapt if you prefer, into a state of being whereas the focus of purpose can be akin to that of the insect and the flower.

Proud to be a part of History

So on November 4th, 2008, America voted and elected Barack Obama as America's new President. I want to make it official that i fully support our new president, and am thrilled to be alive to witness the first african american president in our history of this country. I have a copy of the US Today newspaper that was released the following Wednesday morning, and will keep it next to my newspapaer released on 9/11/2001.

Whether him and his administration will be able to make the changes his campaign outlined will remain to be seen, but something needed to be done about the current state of affairs in this country. if not, i would be moving to Canada.....

Best video for the phrase WTF?

So you think you know the real Sarah Palin? click on the link below to see if you can tell of the two video clips which is the true woman of Alaska guarding us from Russia...

Sarah Palin vs. Sarah Palin?

Reason #1 why I love the Legacy Highway

So i finally drove on the Legacy highway the other day, and was more than a little surprised with the phenomenal job the good ole gov't did on this project. The big surprise for me though was finding Bountiful lake. I've been hearing for years that it was out here somewhere, but before the highway was built, i couldn't ever figure out how to get there. It's now as plain as Jane to see thanks to Legacy. Today i decided to take a little bike ride out there from my house. (about a 6-7 mile round trip journey)

The lake has these decks that you can walk out to get better views of the lake and the bird wildlife in the area. This was at the East end of the lake.
Good shot of the bountiful bench and mountains in the background. Stunning view.
There are plenty of picnicking areas for families, and geese a-plenty looking for a free meal. I had nothing to offer, so they chased me! Note to self, bring bread next time to avoid rioting birds....

This is the lake from a dirt trail that i rode. People were fishing (in the background) and were having a pretty good day. There are Rainbow trout, White Bass, massively ugly carp, and catfish that you can catch.
Nothing better than good music to listen to, nice shades, and a reliable bike to cruise around the afternoon on.
Me and my bike, Old Haus.
The lake has a paved bike trail that covers half way around the lake, but then turns into this cryptic path with the plants easily over 6 feet high. It can also be very marshy in spots so my bike got stuck a couple of times (fair warning fellow bikers)
Stopped at the scenic spot for a few minutes to rest and take in the beauty of nature. So serene. Good Times.

Three Kings

I finally was able to see this movie this weekend. it came out on October 1st, 1999 to critical reviews and acclaim, but not much box office appeal. That seems to be the case for movies that try to tell a side of Middle East that most Americans do not see by just watching CNN or their local news. This story was compelling, heartful, and eye-opening to me. Much like the movies Charlie Wilson's War, the Kingdom, and the book The Kite Runner , it enlightens you to situations over there you may not have been aware of. And since knowledge is at least enlightenment, if not power, i recommend this movie to those who might be looking for such things....

Sleep....it's subliminal

So many people are always looking for alternative ways to improve various aspects of their lives i.e. :

*More confidence
*lose weight
*Better Romance
*Brain Power
*Better at Sports
*Stress management

If you are one of these people (and you are lying to yourself if you say you aren't) you might want to look into SUBLIMINAL TAPES . The mind is such a powerful organ that most people don't or can't use to their full potential. My mom had me use these when i was a kid to get more confidence to play sports in junior high. What i will attest to is the power of each person's mind can be an unstoppable force. Sometimes you just need the right tool to unlock that power and potential.

End of my rant on that.

Remember "The Verve"

Back in the 1990's with Seattle Grunge, Hip Hop growing globally, acoustic "unplugged" rock and roll being the hip thing to do, and alternative rock becoming more and more mainstream, there was a little band called The Verve that came out with an album titled "Urban Hymns" that took all who listened to it to a whole new stratosphere of music. Well friends, they have a new album out "Forth", that is also worth listening to. Don't expect another Urban Hymns, but this CD is just as good.

Check it out. download it today. you won't regret it.

What was your favorite part of the Olympics?

So many good stories came out of the 2008 summer games.... the Russian woman pole vaulter, the Jamacian fastest man X 2, the success's of women's gymnastic's, etc,etc, etc..
But my favorite has to be Michael phelps (as I'm sure is most Americans and people who love sports in general.

many people wonder or have theories as to how Michael Phelps was as successful as he was. Well it all started at the very beginning.....

Thanks CJ for the good laugh!

Bella Karolyi

So although i have been enjoying the Olympics, I have to say that Bella Karolyi's commentary about Gymnastics, and his world political views are somewaht contradictory to the spirit of the Games. I must say that Bob Costas summed up Bella's commentary nicely one night by looking straight into the camera after Bella was done with one of his rant's about how everyone is out to get the U.S. with one big world conspiracy, and Bob looks at us all and in one prophetic word, states, and i quote, "WOW" and cut straight to commercial. Classic Mr. Costas, Classic.

Tim Burton - Genius or whack job?

So last night after i got home from a friend's funeral, I couldn't sleep (restless mind). i decided to rummage thru my DVD collection, and found a movie i hadn't seen since it's original release, Planet of the Apes, the remake done by Tim Burton.

I've always been a big fan of Tim Burton's directorial style in his movies. He has great sets, wonderful cinematography, and wacky story lines that range from mildly amusing to downright outrageous.

I thought i'd rank movies he's done into two categories : Genius vs. Whack job.

Genius :
1. Edward Scissorhands
2. The Nightmare before Christmas
3. Willy Wonka
4. Planet of the Apes
5. Sweeney Tood
6. Sleepy Hollow
7. Mars Attacks
8. James and the Giant peach
9. Ed Wood
10. Beetlejuice
11. Pee Wee's Big Adventure

Whack Job :
1. Batman
2. Corpse Bride
3. Cabin Boy
4. Big Fish

So there you go. More genius movies than whack jobs for sure, so he is still one of my all time favorite directors of great movies. He is currently in the process of remaking "Alice in Wonderland" which i can't wait for. hopefully this will be added to the genius list!

BB10 update

So i just watched Sunday's episode last night (thanks TIVO) and my hopes for Keesha as HOH were high as she is my pick for ending up in the top two. But she faltered terribly! All this talk about how she was going to shake up the house, and then she goes around and tells almost everyone of her plan. Bad strategy my dear....it's a good thing you are pretty.

I can't say that i'm disappointed with your nominations, Jessie in particular has got to go, as i'm convinced that his muscles has affected his brain in a profound and seriously f--- up way, but your way of nominating him will most likely back fire on you. But if jessie does go, that will be the 3rd man in a row. Can't anyone else see woman power on the rise in the house?

We'll see.....

Good Night, and Good luck

Watched this movie again (released originally in 2006, with 6 oscar nominations) and forget how good this story truly is. It makes you think about the role of government, and how we, as citizens, must be constantly questioning what actions our government is taking, and holding them in check and accountable. Nothing is more important to each of us than our own individual freedoms and liberties. Never doubt that.

If you haven't seen this movie yet, put it on the top of your list.

Big brother 10

So on July 13th CBS kicked off new season of Big Brother, and just in time for my summertime blues. Strange mix of personalites this season, but my fav so far is Keesha the waitress. I'll make my early prediction right now that she'll be in the final two.

I love the elderly, but Jerry has got to go. And Brian was too cool to be kicked off first, but that seems to be the way the cookie crumbles in this crazy game

Two Men with the Blues

Looking for something different to listen to? Try the new Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis compliation live album, "Two Men with the Blues" . This album was taped live in NYC, and is a real treat for Jazz, country, and people who can just recognize and enjoy pure talent.

Listened to this while star gazing the other night. perfect.

Batman : The Dark Knight vs. Hellboy

Whether a fan of comic book movies or not, you should not miss this movie. Christoper Nolan truly out does himself from his first Batman movie, and make a true epic, in classic movie making style. My favorite scene in the show has to be the Semi truck chase scence thru Gotham. It's sick!!!

The next day i went and saw Hellboy 2. i fell asleep during the original, but went to see this for two reasons. 1 - Seans means, SL Trib entertainment writer gave it 4 stars (same as the dark knight) and i trust his movie criticisms (until now anyway) and the fact that Guillermo Del Toro directed it (famed director of Pan's Labyrinth, one of my favorite's)

I was so dissappointed. This movie's script felt forced thru out the show, and wasn't funny at all. It was mostly painful to listen to. The special effects were awesome, but what good are effects with no story to back them up? Hands down, this movie sucked. Do not see.

Pandora Radio

So I went and bought myself the new Iphone this past week. So far so good, it is one sweet little machine. I love it's instant Facebook applications and easy to access internet, but one of applications that it offers (for Free) is Pandora. It is a free Music website where you can type in one artist that you like, and the site will automatically not only paly music from them, but artists with similiar styles. It's a great way to quickly listen to what you want, and also great sounds from bands you might not of heard of.

Go to PANDORA RADIO for more info about them. Highly recommended.