Apple Tart Recipe

Pate Sucree - Sweet Shortcrust Bakery

For approximately 1lb (500g) pastry:
4oz. (125 g) soft butter
1/3 cup (3oz/90g) superfine (caster) sugar
1egg
2 cups (8oz/250g) all purpose (plain) flour
2 pinches salt

1. Cream the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the egg and mix for 30 seconds. Add the flour and salt and mix until a smooth dough forms.
2. Place the pastry on a work surface and knead, pushing it out with the palm of the hand and then reforming it into a ball, until the dough is smooth and elastic; this should take about 5 minutes. Wrap the ball of dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably longer. Remove from the refrigerator 1 hour before using. Any leftover pastry can be stored in the refrigerator for 4 days or frozen.
3. The egg will prevent this pastry from becoming soggy, even when cooked directly with the filling. It may also be baked blind, in large or small pans, by covering the pastry with waxed or parchment paper and filling it with rice, dried beans, or pie weights.


Tarte Aux Pommes A Alsacienne - Alsatian Apple Tart

10oz. (300g) sweet pastry (see above)
1lb. (500g) Golden Delicious or pippin apples
4 egg yolks
1/3 cup (3oz/90g) sugar
1 envelope vanilla sugar or 3 drops vanilla extract (essence)
4 pinches of cinnamon
3/4 cup (6fl oz/200ml) heavy (double) cream

1. Preheat oven to 425 deg. F (215 deg. C). Butter a 10-in (26-cm) deep tart plate (flan tin). Roll out the pastry dough into a 12-in (30-cm) circle and line the plate with it.
2. Peel, quarter and core the apples. Cut each quarter into 4 slices. Arrange evenly over the pastry in the form of a rose, starting from the outsidee and overlapping the slices slightly. Bake for 15 mins.
3. Meanwhile, combine the egg yolks, sugar, vanilla sugar, and cinnamon and beat well. Beat in the cream. Coat the apples with this mixture and bake for another 30 minutes or until the apples are tender. Serve warm.

From France the Beautiful Cookbook
Recipes: the Scotto Sisters
Collins Publishers: San Francisco, 1989.

I'll post a picture of the finished tart later.

About the marking

Written in January 2008, on another blog:

"I finally decided, now with more conviction than ever, how I want to permanently mark my body. It was my second to last day in Saigon and it came to me so clearly as I lay, meditating about the meaning of my trip and my direction in life. ... My exact thought/resolution was that I was to be fabulous from that point on, to show the world what I am and what I have to offer without reservation. It was such an empowering thought. ... I want something to show the world how fierce I can be, and a reminder of the commitment I made to myself.

My life is for me. And instead of wondering whether I'm #3 or #347 on another's priority list, I will be my own #1 Girl."



From Wikipedia:

The Fenghuang [Phoenix] has very positive connotations. It is a symbol of high virtue and grace. The Fenghuang also symbolizes the union of yin and yang. It appears in peaceful and prosperous times but hides when trouble is near. Shan Hai Jing - chapter 1 Nanshan jing records each part of Fenghuang's body symbolizes a word, the head represents virtue (德,) the wing represents duty (義,) the back represents propriety (禮,) the abdomen says belief (信) and the chest represents mercy (仁.)[3]
In ancient China, they can often be found in the decorations for weddings or royalty, along with dragons. This is because the Chinese considered the dragon and phoenix symbolic of blissful relations between husband and wife, another common yin and yang metaphor.

As a tattoo symbol, the Phoenix can be found in many tattoo genres, but of the Far East in particular. It is a symbol of resurrection, rebirth and regeneration. It also represents purification and transformation through fire and adversity.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

A tee/tank for the occasion. On my wish list!

Long Beach Marathon: Post-race report

I rocked the Long Beach Half Marathon yesterday and I feel awesome. I jogged/ran the whole distance and according to the official race results, my average mile split was 11:18 and I was running at about 5.3 mph--that's better than a car in rush hour on the some LA fwys! I'm proud of me! Total time: 2h:28m:5s

Highlights? (1) I hit my high running alongside the beach (must have been in Belmont Shore) with small waves crashing to my right. (2) There was a water station at Mile 9 that was playing Pitbull's "Ay Chico (Lengua afuera)" and was so tempted to stop running and shake my booty. A little reggaeton can go a long way! (3) After Mile 10 the course looped back near the same water station and I was also able to hear MJ's "I wanna rock with you." (4) At about Mile 3, I passed a runner that had to have been older than 80, maybe even 90. He was accompanied by someone who was probably was his son and who told an inquiring dentist that the super-aged runner was a retired MD running yet another marathon. Can't get much more awesome than that.

Training could have been more rigorous but it was consistent: I signed up for a circuit training weight course at school that I attend two times a week and I have been running about 5 miles a week since May, increasing the mileage in the last month before the race. I have a few strange traditions and rituals I do/complete before a big run, some too private for the internet. I'll share one: I listen to music on the way to the race to pump myself up and to get a song in my head to mentally sing, kind of keeping a cadence. For this race, Viva! The Killers.

Races are fun! Nothing compares to the energy of the runners lined up at the start line. My adrenaline rushes, my pulse races, my spirits are high. The half marathon distance (13.1 miles) is perfect for me. The distance is long enough for me to get in the zone (runner's high) and to hit a short yet surmountable "wall."

Unlike Revlon 5k run/walk, the LB marathon saw less people with tribute signs--the ones that pull at my heartstrings--but there was a good share of runners and walkers with the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. It's so motivating and inspiring to dedicate your run to someone who cannot be there themselves because of illness, injury or death. That seems starkly morbid, but I didn't know how else to put it. I didn't have anyone specific to run for, but I had a handful of people on my mind: a friend's father suffering from cancer and running a fever this weekend; another friend's baby whose corporeal heart shall one day be as strong as the love he gives and receives; my grandma and last living grandparent whose mental faculties and memory are slipping as her body gives way to age; and at the risk of sounding egotistic I run for my health, my future and myself.

I made it a goal of mine to run 300 miles between May and the end of the year and signed up for the half-marathon as a way to help myself keep up the mileage. For those of you who also visit my facebook page, the number in my status represents the number of miles I have run so far. Big thanks to those who openly (or telepathically) root for me and my running achievements. If you want to run, it's all possible.

Run, Baby, Run!

Remember when?

Whether or not Barack Obama wins the election, he will have had a lasting impact on my life. Thank you Obama for your time at ACORN as a community organizer. Because of you, less people will give me that perplexed look each time I explain the five years of my life after college.

I was a Community Organizer.

Yes, that means I dedicated my life to bringing up the lot of low income people and connecting people to resources, whether they existed or should exist.
Indeed, what I wanted the most was to restore dignity to people who did everything in their power to survive and feed their families.
Emphatically,  I wanted to encourage each of the students I worked with to force open doors of opportunity, and use those opportunities to succeed and help their communities.
-->
Each person I came in contact with--whether it was the family who lived in the converted garage, the city officials who talked out of both sides of their mouth, the parents and teachers and organizations who came together because they cared, or the recovering addicts who cleaned our office--taught me a lot about myself and helped me realize what kind of life I want to live.

Just for fun.

Quiz: Which Greek Goddess are You?
Hearty Artemis!
With qualities like strength, agility and perseverance, you enjoy a challenge, especially one associated with finding or keeping your soul mate. Assertive, confident and poised, you readily confront challenges and expect equality with your beloved. You like calling the shots, at least sometimes. With a bit of the tomboy lending a realistic aspect to your personality, you set and meet high goals in various aspects of your life.

Life is good...

I have been baking up a storm lately. Sugar cookies, Peanut butter cookies, Rice Krispy treats, chocolate chip cookies, banana bread (x 5). Such a cathartic experience to mix things together and have it all turn into something that warms people's hearts and bellies. I'm thinking of graduating onto cakes and more advanced cookies like these Mexican wedding cakes. Mmm. Mmm.

All I need now is a Kitchenaid stand mixer and my own kitchen and there will be no stopping the tasty goodness!

She'd love my job

This is one of my favorite web comics! (Have I already mentioned this?)
Questionable Content #1219

Obama rocks

Because he does

Call Me Penny

Another t-shirt to giggle at.

This is g33k-tastic!

Blame it on the... moon

I'm so tired. I can barely formulate thoughts. I started my shift at 6am today, which of course means that i woke up at 4:45. For work I have to be "on" because I am going through driver's training (ambulance). That made my work hours drag.

Afterwards I went to take a test in my Statistics class. (ugh.)

It's about time for bed, but I have to wash up first.

I'm looking forward to seeing friends this weekend and Feist at the Hollywood Bowl.

I should stop reading these

Today's Earth Sheep horoscope

You'll suddenly be seized by a great desire for change; you may want to change your customary environment by undertaking a long travel, to change your job, or even to change your love partner! In any case, think thoroughly before making a decision. In your work, you can this time bring your most ambitious project to a successful conclusion and by the same occasion outdistance your hardest competitors. The affairs of the heart will receive the benediction of the stars; any tension will be eased off; and if you're single you'll meet your soul mate in the most unusual circumstances.

Today's Earth Sheep horoscope

Your amorous initiatives will be favored and ecstasy will be at hand. As you are no Superman or Hercules, don't underestimate the effects of overwork. If you're single, you'll be struck by love at first sight. You'll have some budgetary problems because you've been improvident. If you're decided to achieve a project or another, you'll have the means to do it and chance will help you. Give a helping hand to a friend in need.

...
I'm skeptical.

What I learned today in class

Expression in terms of Probability:

P (K + Mr. Right) = 0
P (K + Mr. So-So) = 1

TEMPEH!

Food of the day: Tempeh

Some people might say, "Ew! tempeh." But I say, "Dang, I haven't had that in a long time."

It's a fermented soybean cake-ish thing, originally from Indonesia. It was scrumptious when I was vegetarian and ate at the Banyan House (sigh... too bad it closed down). The texture and taste can be a little weird for the novice, but the nutritional value (e.g. iron and calcium) for vegans and vegetarians is superb. Well, except for the saturated fat part. Everything in moderation, I guess.



How about some Tempeh fajitas?!

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (8 ounce) package tempeh, broken into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 1/2 cups chopped green bell pepper
1 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms, drained (I'd use a mix of brown, crimini, and shitake)
1/2 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 tablespoon chopped green chile peppers
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon dried minced onion

Directions
1. Marinate the tempeh for a few minutes in the soy sauce, lime juice, and a clove of minced garlic--enough for the it to soak up a little flavor.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute tempeh with a little more soy sauce and lime juice until tempeh browns.
3. Stir in bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, chile peppers, cilantro and dried onion.
4. Increase heat to medium-high and cook until fluids have reduced, stirring occasionally. Add water as needed to keep the tempeh from drying or burning.


Serve with corn tortillas or over white/brown rice. I'd also add a side of southwestern salad.

Hungry yet? I know I am.

Foodie News

On my quest to eat better (yes, i know, i have many quests), I am assembling a collection of restaurants and recipes to whet your appetite and spice up your life... and mine. I lost my desire to cook last year and want to kickstart my way back into it.

Feel free to share ideas and suggestions...

Hope you like it!

TODAY's Earth Sheep Horoscope

Your ambitions will be great but well justified; make an attack on what's dearest to your heart in order to achieve your professional projects at the fastest. There'll be clouds over your love affairs; beware of possessiveness and tyranny. Risk of a break of the thighbone: be watchful in your movements. Without forgoing your outdoor life, devote a little more time to your family; this is important.

It's Mental

(meaning, "A Little Crazy" and "Willpower" at the same time)

On a whim, I signed up for the Long Beach Half Marathon, which is going to be held October 12. I did the Honolulu Marathon in 2002, so I'm not new to the marathon training regiment. However, this time I don't have a training partner or group. Instead, I have my wits and a training program built into the nike.com website. It's pretty neat. I enter my training level, (Beginning, Intermediate 1 or 2, or Advanced). I chose Intermediate 1 because I need to improve my time. The program then maps out and details when I should do runs, with how much Perceived Exertion, what distances, etc. The gimmick is that I have to buy something that allows me to sync my runs into the computer so I can keep track of my progress. Eh! I needed one anyway. And I have to get a new pair of shoes since I've been running so much. I see these things as investments in my personal health--what a concept!

What's this mean for my diet? Cutting back and/or cutting out alcohol, caffeine, junk food, fast food, empty carbs. Consciously focused on intake of water, veggies, lean protein, and water again--of course, all of this I should be doing anyway.

Why in the world would I do this? You ask? I operate best when I have a goal. Fitness goals and physical challenges keep me focused and I'm looking forward to testing my mettle. Wish me luck.

Yo La Tengo

"Tears are in Your Eyes"

You tell me summer's here
and the time is wrong
You tell me winter's here
And your days are getting long

Tears are in your eyes
Tonight

You tell me that you haven't slept in days
You tell me sleeping only makes you tired anyway

Tears are in your eyes
Tonight
Tears are in your eyes
Every night

Although you don't beleive me, you are strong
Darkness always turns into the dawn
And you won't even remember this for long
When it ends alright

Please tell me how you know tomorrow staring at your shoes

Tears are in your eyes
Every night
Tears are in your eyes
Every night
Tears are in your eyes
Tonight

Life on the Ambulance, Vol. 1

As of this moment I have logged in about 237 hours at the private ambulance company where I work. One of the first lessons I learned in training was, "Don't make their emergency your emergency." I say that to myself each time I get a 911/fire call. Actually, only about 98% of the calls I get are on the private side--which means I'm a glorified medical taxi taking patients from hospitals to other hospitals, convalescent homes, dialysis centers, MRI offices, etc.

Everyone guesses that I am about 24-25, and are usually perplexed that little ol' me is there instead of some 6-foot white dude in his early 20's that looks like he surfs in his spare time and is on the way to becoming a Firefighter or Paramedic. When I tell them I want to be a nurse, they seem to understand. Still, a few of them still take one glance at me and tell me (and my partner), "You'd better not drop me."

As an attendant (not a driver), I get to sit in the back with the patients and talk to them (given that they are alert and oriented) as I monitor their vital signs. I've had dozens of fascinating conversations with patients. After the important medical questions, my favorite question to ask older female patients--whose husbands were in the hospital upon pick up--is, "How long have you been married?" and "What do you think is the key to a successful relationship?" I'm still collecting stories, but the common thread is Patience. There always ups and downs... how you get through those times is as important as the act itself. In between time, "Don't go to bed mad." If I get to it, I tell them a little about myself since they are offering so much of themselves. I tell them that I recently had a 6-year relationship end about 9 months ago. And they give me the same look. The wince that says, "Ouch, that much be tough." It is the same look anyone that has been in love gives me when when I tell them that.

Downside, Upside

Con: It's nearly an hour-long commute to work, each way.
Pro: It's a committed hour of Morning Edition (AM) and Fresh Air (PM) that I didn't have before.

I heard two stories that got me thinking today.

A Nod to Arranged Marriage
I couldn't shake the image of a dancer and an engineer standing on opposite sides of an unfinished bridge, shouting to be heard over the roar of the fast-moving river. Not physically together but newly married and dying to communicate with each other, get to know each other, and be together. Poetic. Romantic. Inspiring.

My Stroke of Insight
This neuroanatomist's story was so compelling. Pulled me right in. She recounts her experience with her left-brain stroke/hemorrhage with such clarity and detail. Only took 8 years to remember.

I am so right-brained. No wonder left-brained people think that I'm spacey. More details about right brain vs. left brain. BUT I think I've been re-wired in order to try to function properly in the world. According to this test, I am left-brained.

Who needs rings?

Why exchange eternity bands when you and your sweetheart can get a set of these.

How awesome is that?

BAA!

Campaign T- shirt

Hiphopopotamus

A smile for your day.

Awesomeness

Thank you for the thoughtful bday gift.
I love this Flaming Lips album/cover. And a needed a new Moleskine!

Great gifts these make.

New tricks

javascript:void(0)

Eureka!

I spent a lovely hour this Sunday morning at a local store that sells yoga clothing. They offer free yoga classes every Sunday morning. Some of the women in this class had super amazing yoga skills: headstands and other balancing asanas/poses. So impressive. Part of me knows that they could have been planted by the store to inspire us novices to get more into it and in turn buy their clothes... so, in sum, it worked. I didn't buy anything yet, but I want to get back into a regular yoga routine.

Finally! Some centeredness in this crazy existence I have been leading for the past few months. Trying to get a job, getting my courses all planned out, my career path paved, bills paid, while staying emotionally, physically, and mentally healthy has been taxing. I finally got relief in the hour at yoga. It's been about 4-5 years since I was in a yoga class that helped me feel this way: focused, centered and in tune with myself and the world. Now I can start processing all the thoughts that have been floating around in my head. #1 thing to remember: breathe.

Though it will take some time to completely get on the ball, this morning was an awesome start.

One Day...

...I will realize my super power

And have a t-shirt to go with it.

Pip | My sidekick

I was washing my car this morning and I realized that I love her. She embodies the intersection of idealism and practicality. Ideal because I want to do my part to save the world. Driving normally, I can get between 43 and 45 MPG. Instead, I drive like a grandma and I get between 48 and 50 MPG. Yes, she's already a hybrid and I will get double the MPG of most cars on the road, I still choose to save fuel.

And Pip is pretty too.

New string of blog posts

I'm going to stop with the Things to See and Do. I'm short on time these days because of the long hours and list of ongoing errands. Instead, I will spend my free time looking for awesome t-shirts online!




I want (Not the girl, the t-shirt.)

One of my friends got this one for his b-day.

Suburban roosters

I woke up this morning to a symphony of weedwackers and lawnmowers. It sounded like everyone and his/her mother tended to their lawns before 8:00am this Memorial Day. Chores. Whoopee. [Sense the enthusiasm?]

Btw, I hate the shrubs that were planted at the perimeter of the new shopping center. It smells like manure as I run by. I hope it goes away--the smell, not the plants nor the shopping center. Hooray for Trader Joe's

Bay to Breakers: Halloween in May

The more time I spend in the Bay Area, the more I think that I should live there. This time, I fell in love with the City of San Francisco. I ran the 12k Bay to Breakers run today and boy was it awesome. Not only did i get to see a lot of SF, I got a feel for the crazy people who live in/near it. They don't take themselves too seriously and really like to have a good time. Here are some snapshots of the festivities:


My friend C and I decided to make scavenger hunt lists for each other to keep the race interesting. It was too crowded and hectic to try to run the race for time, so we jogged it for a friendly competition (prize: bragging rights). We ended up in a tie.



Before the start of the race. Everyone is so jazzed. Bouncing beach balls and flying tortillas everywhere!



Me and C. I'm not sure why I look so lop-sided in this picture.



Me as Garbage Pail Kid Hairy Cary. This was a photo cut out thing that I saw during the race. I stopped to get a photo.

Almost everyone was in a costume. I saw Viking ships, the Running of the Bulls, Team Zissou from the Life Aquatic, Indiana Jones and the villain from the Temple of Doom and...

Plenty of people in their birthday suits.



So many people running in such a beautiful day.


The swimmer is male.



Promoting organ donation.



Disney princesses gone wild! If I wasn't abstaining from alcohol, I totally would have asked to partake in that sangria. Mmm.



Sushi!



There was music and bands everywhere. People blasted music from their homes and from their cars parked along the route. So much more energy and enthusiasm than any Rock n Roll marathon!



This kid didn't run/walk. He was just hanging out with his mom, handing out high-fives. Cute, eh?





After the finish line, we headed to the Ferry building for lunch.


(I'd be broke.) Do I really whine that much? Only when I'm not fed.

Lost an excuse

As a person in her late 20's, my family and friends have continued to ask, "When are YOU getting married?" When it seemed I had no other excuse, I used to tell people that I would get married when my gay friends can get married. I have lost an excuse to not be married today. Go California!

Well. Half a year ago, I gained an important excuse--I don't have anyone to marry. That doesn't stop them from asking. They probably won't be satisfied until they feel like I am actively working on it. To that I say, bah! Give me a nursing license (specifically RN) first.

Things to See and Do - 5/16

Missed last week, but here is a list for this weekend. I'll be in the Bay Area for the weekend and running in the Bay to Breakers race on Sunday. Here is a list of things I may have been doing instead:

Trapezoid.
I have not been to an Asian American small theatre production for about 5 years. The storyline for this play sounds interesting. April 19 - May 25. $16 general admission, $14 students/seniors.

If you live on the Westside and wanted to see exotic animals without having to drive to the LA Zoo, visit Ecostation! Year-round: Saturday & Sunday 10am- 4pm & Friday 1-5pm
**Summer hours (July-August): Monday-Friday 1-5pm. Adults–$8 Children–$6 Seniors–$7 (65 and over)

Raging Waters! I haven't been here since I was in junior high. Have to go back now that I am comfortable in the water. It's going to be in the 100's this weekend. Let's cool off! Adults $34.99, $29.99 Online - Save $5.00, Children - Under 48 inches $19.99, Seniors - 55+ with ID $22.99. The season passes are on sale too!

Or, of you're in the Bay (SF) this weekend come cheer for me at Bay to Breakers! Let me know which mile marker you'll be at: 1 through 7, or Finish Line.

The Best Man of Honor Speech Ever

It's so great how much love was put into this. I guess it's one of the awesomest things about working in theatre and music.



Thanks for sharing this with me, Jeannie! I guess the season has started.

Concert Prep

I'm getting myself pumped up for the concerts I'm attending at the end of the month. Both concerts I'm attending will be at my favorite place for outdoor music, the Hollywood Bowl. Yaaay picnics.

REM, Modest Mouse, The National - May 29
The Cure - May 31
Radiohead in August (we'll save that excitement for later)

Here are some highlights from my foraging:

REM
At My Most Beautiful


REM - Be Mine (feat. Thom Yorke)

Thom Yorke is awesome...



THE NATIONAL
Relatively new to my Likes list, they are more the reason why I wanted to attend this H-bowl show. Though REM and Modest Mouse are no small beans.
NPR story
Fake Empire - Letterman appearance


The National - Mistaken for Strangers




MODEST MOUSE
My favorite album is Good News for People Who Love Bad News and I saw them perform in Santa Barbara when they toured it. I decided at that time that the band is better in studio.
Here's one of my favorites-- The View Someone made a video for this song... it's pretty cool.
Other songs I like on this album: Float On and Ocean Breathes Salty

From the new album: We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank
Missed the Boat
I'm looking forward to seeing what they do with this song live. Would be great if they screen the video contest finalists as they perform it.

Modest Mouse - Dashboard (Letterman appearance)





THE CURE
I was listening The Cure the entire weekend a few weeks ago. When I mentioned this to one of my friends, he asked "why? were you depressed or something?" Too funny. They are the OG emo band.

Letter to Elise


The Cure - Lovesong


More for your aural pleasure:
Boys Don't Cry

The Cure makes everything better- These songs crack me up! Loving it.
The Cure vs. Justin Timberlake- Lullaby Love
The Cure vs. TLC - Scrub Close to Me
I thought of posting the Eminem vs. The Cure - Friday I'm superman, but it would have changed the way I saw/heard "Friday I'm in Love" forever.

You Tube is a Treasure Chest

Things to See and Do - 5/3

See a film or three at the Asian Pacific Film Festival. There are many films in 58 Program events and 3 venues to choose from. $8 students/seniors/member-$10 general admission per Program.

Visit the gardens at the Huntington Library, especially this one. My parents fear that I am turning Chinese. I tell them the word is turning Chinese. $15 weekdays, $20 weekend.

Three MOCA Venues: Free Every Thursday!

Pasadena Roving Archers. I really don't want to tell people about this one because it's so crowded as it is. I tried going once but I got lost and by the time I got there, the parking lot was too full.

Sorry I didn't post this sooner. I was too busy trying to get life in order this week! :)

There's a Fine, Fine Line - Avenue Q

Things to See and Do- 4/25

I've started this list in my browser's bookmarks of things and places I'd like to do and visit. Instead of hoarding them all for myself until I get to do them, I thought I'd share on a regular basis. For some events/places, I will not be able to do because of prior engagements. If you do end of doing any of these, let me know how it goes!
.
Velvet Hustlers & Weird Lovemakers: Japanese Sixties Action Films - April 25, 26, 27 (7:30pm)
(TIckets & Location) $10 General Admission
.
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books - April 26 (10am - 6pm) & 27 (10am to 5pm)
Admission to the Festival of Books is free. Parking is $8.
.
Wicked! - Until Sept 2008
$35 - $98. I've only heard good things about it.
.
Watch the Grey Whale migration - Now through 4/30
$25 adults / $20 children under 12, seniors over 60.
"Sightings are guaranteed: you will get a free trip if we do not see whales or dolphin!"
Another option for a whale excursion
If you wanted to make a whole-day adventure out of it. More pricey.
.
Critical Mass - every last Friday of the Month
More info! Where is my bike anyway?
.
2 EARTH DAY EVENTS
Eco-Fair at Universal Studios - Sat, April 26 (10am - 4pm) Free! And Free Parking for hybrid vehicles.

City of Pasadena GREENING THE EARTH DAY & Armory Center for the Arts FAMILY ARTS FESTIVAL - Sat, April 26 (10am - 4pm) Free!


Enjoy, everyone. And I hope you have and fun and safe weekend!

Pumping

They say that cells from the same heart beat independently of each other. And they beat in unison. Say you were to take a cardiac cell that is beating fast and place it in space, outside the heart. Then you take a cardiac cell from the same heart that beats a little slower and place it next to the first one. They will eventually sync up... usually taking up the faster beat. See.

What are your heart cells doing? Because my heart is beating really fast right now. (Must be the coffee.)

Today

Before the birds wake
And the day breaks, I rise to
Caffeinate the world!

I [heart] Badminton

These guys are awesome! I need to learn how to smash and defend like this.


I've been doing some research about where to play badminton in the LA area. Sidenote: if you have to question why I can't just set up a net outside, I cannot play with you.

I'm excited about what I found:

OMG, this place looks intense. San Gabriel Valley Badminton Club. Club members can reserve courts and request coaches. I'm sure a beginner would be intimidated by players like this. $7/person for guests.

Arcadia Badminton Club So many players in the area, I guess thay HAD to open another 17-court gym. This one has a cafe and shower facilities!? I found a badminton meet-up club that meets at this location. This guy's arm is strong! Too bad he doesn't have anyone to play with. $5 before 5pm on weekdays, $8 other times.

There's a gym that has Open Badminton hours 15 minutes away from where I live, but I don't want to tell you where it is because it gets really crowded as it is. Let me know if you really want to play and I'll let you in on the "secret" location. $1.

Be sure to catch Badminton during the 2008 Olympics (if they even broadcast it on American TV). You can barely see the birdie, it travels so fast.

Let's Drive

I remember one of the first times I was in a car driving through the Palos Verdes hills. Late autumn.

Sometimes a Cold Rain Can Push Down on the Back of Your Head.

Anti-rock campaign (kick-off)

So I'm thinking that I need to actively shove off the rock I have been living under and (re)discover the world around me. In conjunction with The List (see list to the right of this post), I will be gettin' out of the house, exploring my environs, and interacting with the world. Documentation will occur here at this blog and here. <--- Check this site out! You'll like it.

OMG these shirts at the Mental Floss store are awesome. Some of them blow threadless ones out of the water. Might depend of what kind of messages you like to send with your clothing...

If only I lived in a place like Bozeman, MT... I could eat bison once a week. Leaner than chicken, more protein than beef. Alas, I like my sunshine-filled comfort zone. So I'll have to settle for bison from local farmer's markets or online.

826 in Los Angeles since 2004!? [Damn this rock I've been hiding under. I have a feeling I will continue to curse it until I die. Excuses, excuses.] When I first went to the Pirate Supply store in San Francisco, I fell in love. Can't wait to visit! Thank you Dave Eggers, McSweeney's, and 826 National for continuing to cultivate creative writers and fuel imaginations.

Pleasant trees

Thank you to all my neighbors and others who planted fragrant plants in their yard: jasmine, orange blossoms, rosemary, eucalyptus. You make my runs delightful!

the sexiest place on the planet

artist's studio, cu chi, vietnam


This is the studio of the production designer of The Rebel. Something about the architecture and layout emanates sensuality...reminds me of old kung fu movies, but with a rustic twist. (above: bathroom, where the shower could make you feel like you are bathing in a waterfall. below: bed--complete with mosquito net; front entry way.) You should see it all in the moonlight!







Same artist, different location, different day/time. This is a doorway leading to a waiting/meeting room and office.



Must have been the time of night (like 2am), but I was so snap-happy. I don't think I've seen any design like this without it appearing too Orientalist or kitschy. I was told a lot of the wood used in the office's design came from old railroad ties--even sexier! If I ever win some sort of jackpot, I am flying the designer out and having him design my house. No doubt.

A Day at the Races

Today was the Santa Anita Derby and Derby Day 5k. Part of my course was on the dirt of the race track itself... it was fun to pretend i was a thoroughbred. I ran with humans in the morning and watched horses run in the afternoon. Here are pictures from the pony races:


View of the infield, where there was a beer garden. I had a Blue Moon Belgian White and a Mirror Pond Pale Ale (yum).



Mmm. Hot dog. I know, hot dog buns have sugar. But I deserved it after the awesome job I did during the 5k run a few hours before. I still haven't looked up my time, but it was under a 10 min/mile pace.



Deserved the beer too. Yes, that is 3 glasses in one. BTW, they say it's customary for a lady to wear a hat when she goes to the races...



Me and the track.



The Santa Anita Derby is actually one race out of like 11 for the day. I think it was televised somewhere in the world. Look at the ponies go!



We were too late to place a bet, but I was rooting for Meeting with Destiny (30 to 1 odds). She came in second to last.



For the next race, I bet on the Longshot... Quiet Warrior, #7.



Uproarious laughter! This is my Quiet Warrior, my Longshot, in the paddock. Definitely looks the part. If you're curious whether her expression is normal, it isn't. She was the only one i saw who had her tongue hanging out like this.



My bet.



There she goes, Quiet Warrior, in last place! It REALLY would have been something if she won. A story for the grandkids. Alas.



I threw my ticket and my friend Steven's ticket on the ground in defeat.



Thought it was random.



What a winning horse should look like. Her name is Missit.



And she won! Steven gets to buy me In-n-Out now.



(Not my horse / bets.)



Took out my frustrations another way.



He's okay. No complaints.

Honey Month

The things you learn in a World Religions online course:

"It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer, and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month -- what we know today as the honeymoon."

1. My dad is not going on my honeymoon with me.
2. It's cool if my honeymoon is a month long, but my figurative honeymoon period better not be so short.
3. Do you have to get married to have a honeymoon? ... i mean, what about the spinsters? and the life-long bachelors? Oh, that's right, at that point that's called vacation or at best a romantic getaway.
3a. I'll take the mead instead.


"Honeymoon" in different languages (from Wikipedia):

French-lune de miel (honeymoon)
Welsh-mis mêl (honey month)
Arabic-shahr el 'assal (honey month)
Spanish-la luna de miel (the moon of honey)
Italian-luna di miele (the moon of honey)
Persian-mah e asal (honeymoon and honey month-mah in Persian means both moon and month).

---

The most disturbing list of fun facts I've read:
- Cookie Monster's real name is Sid?!
- More bacteria in the ice machine at fast food restaurants than in a toilet bowl?!

Not as disturbing facts on the same list:
- Eau de Cologne was originally marketed as a way of protecting yourself against the plague.
- Bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers were all invented by women.

Living under a rock?

A list of things I learned about in the past few days... but probably would have already know had I not been stuck in the Void that is facebook.

Bubble Gum Zombie Pop
On my way home from the Bay Area, I picked up a rideshare from Salinas. He was a 20-year old who had a distinct taste in punk rock and underground hip hop (by white guys). He introduced me to what he called Bubble Gum Zombie Pop, and a group called Zombina and the Skeletones. Listen to "Nobody Likes You." There was another track we listened to while driving the hills and curves of State Route 46 that sounded more like surf music than anything. I felt like I was riding waves of purple, yellow and orange wildflowers.

The soundtrack to Stubbs the Zombie
Who could ask for a better CD of remade songs from the 1950's, 60's, and older? Many of my favorite musicians on it.

Barack Obama and Reverend Wright
I can't believe I missed this news. Really, now. Where have I been? At least I got some porcelain reading time in there... I'm not completely in the dark. NPR, where are you?

The Watchmen Series
A Movie? Never even read the graphic novel. Shame on me.

The best thing i learned this past week!

Planet Granite

I love the name of this gym! It's such an awesome place to spend Sunday morning. They have regular gym equipment like treadmills, elliptical machines, weight machines, free weights, medicine balls, pilates balls, etc. And they have boulders and walls for CLIMBING!


After much psychological deliberation (e.g. getting over fear of heights, having confidence in my ability, etc) I was able to get up on the first boulder. Lesson #1 Black pants + chalk do not mix.


Then the second, where the grips wrapped around the corner. Lesson #2: Have fun, don't overthink.


Lesson #3: Falling can be fun.


Success!


Ready for the walls and ropes, mental toughness needed for top roping on the 5.2. Steer clear of the first timer!


This will keep me from hitting the ground at 9.8 m/s2 (pretending i'm in a vacuum)


Success on the 5.6 Easy peasy.


On to the 5.7, I think I needed the excess mental toughness from the 5.2 for this one. My arms were already tired at this point. Yeah so, I DO need to use my legs more.


TENSION! Much needed rest.


Success. Whew! That was a doozie.


The photo does not capture the type of pain one can get rock climbing. Try running your palm against the grater next time you make shredded cheese.


The most comfortable position for my hand. This is one of the only time I will INSIST that a guy opens all doors for me.