It's been four months since I last posted anything to this blog.
unhealthy thinking indeed.
I'm back at it. Just for me. To remember where I am, why I am here, why all this matters. In the past four months, since July when I saw the President speak, things have changed and they havent changed. Hm, scratch that last sentence because I didn't even say anything. Empty words. Politician words. That's one thing I now understand after 3 semesters studying public policy here in DC. Wait, scratch that again, while I'm studying policy, I'm really just learning how to cut everything apart and analyze everything objectively. Which isn't always very fun. No room for opinions here, that's politics. No room for personal ideologies, that's politics too. Just numbers and peer-reviewed journals. But then again, even numbers can be biased. I've learned that stats and economics are simply tools. Every peer-reviewed article has another refuting it. And another refuting that. The fucked up thing is...nobody is right.
But nobody is wrong, either. That's what they're trying teach us. To make your arguments, you have to understand the other side. As Professor Dietz [NSA/CIA guy, who has probably been the most interesting prof I've had here at Mason] has said, you do not want to be that guy, the one sitting behind whatever superior when a questions arises that you/your superior hadn't prepared for. But in understanding the other side, you just become jaded with the whole process and realize that you'll never convince anyone of anything because everything is relative! Einstein even proved that! So what is and what isn't? What is right and what is wrong?
I've learned that I still carry with me strong opinions...but I also realize that every opinion I have has a counter, and every counter is also valid. Fuck. That means none of us are right or wrong. It's all relative. Even the concepts of equity and equality are subjective. And that's why shit doesn't get done here in DC. Because it's so much easier to just hunker down in your cave of "my truth" and defend it to the end. Forget understanding the other side, MY side is the right one, and hence, the only one that matters. That cave is a good place to be. especially if you can convince others to hunker down in there with you. But the other side of the aisle is always thinking the same god damned thing. And as of 6:43pm on Saturday, November 12th, I realize that that is the essence of politics.
Politics drive policy. Simple as that. Posturing. Rhetoric. All of it is useless in policy, worth its weight in gold when re-election comes around. Many think it should be the other way around. In fact, you would think it would be the other way around. But that's just no fun and that also leaves no place for $$$ to enter the picture. No inflammatory language to throw at the other party. Admitting, "oh, I understand your point" is fantastic for policymaking but toxic for politics. The policy guy/girl is never right because he/she knows there is no Truth (capital T). There is always a counter. And that's just terrible politics. Why go grey when there's black and white?
Oh, first world problems.
At the end of the day though, I still want to understand all sides. It matters. Maybe not for practical reasons, but for personal ones. Although I'll never understand why God asked Herman Cain to run for president.
Someone please provide the counter-argument to my rant. I know it's out there.
11.12.2011
7.06.2011
white house
I heard these words first-person:
"But the bottom line is that our core values of responsibility, opportunity, making sure that the American dream is alive and well so that anybody who is willing to put in the time and the effort and the energy are able to get a good education in this society, find a job that pays a living wage, that they’re able to send their kids to college without going broke, that they’ve got basic health care, that they’re going to be able to retire with some dignity and respect, that that opportunity is open to anybody regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation, that that basic principle- that’s what holds us together, that’s what makes us Americans. We’re not all tied together by ethnicity or a single religion; what ties us together is this idea that everybody’s got a shot. As long as you carry out your responsibilities, you can make it. You can get into the middle class and beyond. You can start a company and suddenly help bring the whole world together. That’s what makes this country outstanding. But in order to do that, it requires us to both have a commitment to our individualism, our freedom and creativity, and our idiosyncrasies, but it also requires us to have a commitment to each other, and to recognize that I would not be president if somebody hadn’t helped provide scholarships to my school and you would not have Twitter if the DOD at some point and a bunch of universities hadn’t made investments in something that ended up becoming the internet. And those were public goods that were invested in. You and I are sitting here because someone somewhere made an investment in our futures. We’ve got the same obligation for the folks who are coming up behind us. We’ve got to make sure that we’re looking out for them, just like the previous generations looked out for us. And that’s what I think will help us get through what are some difficult times and make sure that America’s future is even brighter than the past."
- President Obama, July 6, 2011
"But the bottom line is that our core values of responsibility, opportunity, making sure that the American dream is alive and well so that anybody who is willing to put in the time and the effort and the energy are able to get a good education in this society, find a job that pays a living wage, that they’re able to send their kids to college without going broke, that they’ve got basic health care, that they’re going to be able to retire with some dignity and respect, that that opportunity is open to anybody regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation, that that basic principle- that’s what holds us together, that’s what makes us Americans. We’re not all tied together by ethnicity or a single religion; what ties us together is this idea that everybody’s got a shot. As long as you carry out your responsibilities, you can make it. You can get into the middle class and beyond. You can start a company and suddenly help bring the whole world together. That’s what makes this country outstanding. But in order to do that, it requires us to both have a commitment to our individualism, our freedom and creativity, and our idiosyncrasies, but it also requires us to have a commitment to each other, and to recognize that I would not be president if somebody hadn’t helped provide scholarships to my school and you would not have Twitter if the DOD at some point and a bunch of universities hadn’t made investments in something that ended up becoming the internet. And those were public goods that were invested in. You and I are sitting here because someone somewhere made an investment in our futures. We’ve got the same obligation for the folks who are coming up behind us. We’ve got to make sure that we’re looking out for them, just like the previous generations looked out for us. And that’s what I think will help us get through what are some difficult times and make sure that America’s future is even brighter than the past."
- President Obama, July 6, 2011
7.02.2011
roo and beyond
It's been a while since Bonnaroo, but this is the first real downtime I've had since. So go figure.
That farm in Manchester, TN is hot, sticky, and DUSTY as hell, but I think I had some of the best times of my life out there. Bonnaroo is absolute insanity. People just not giving a fuck and having a grand old time. Sweating for 4 straight days in a cramped RV with 8 people (although I cannot complain at all since, well, we had an RV and most had tents)...I took 1 shower, ate junk food every day, and partied the eff out. I drank gallons of water and inhaled (what seemed like) metric tons of dirt and dust. Rode a ferris wheel, danced into the night...still nothing I can say here really describes Bonnaroo. It's another dimension. From catching MMJ on the massive main stage, to smashing up close for Girl Talk, to partying into the night with Bassnectar, to rocking the Silent Disco, to finally catching Arcade Fire light up the stage after 3 years...it was an amazing experience. I think I lost a few years of my life that weekend. But totally worth it. I'd do it again.
Top 4 performances...because if you know me, (spoiler alert) you know Arcade Fire took the cake. Feel like I need at least 3 suspenseful, unknown picks to make this list a tad bit compelling....so here goes.
4) Deerhunter - Highlight of day 1 (Thursday). It was a low key day, perfect for kicking off the madness that would ensue throughout the weekend. Never seen Deerhunter before, but have heard their albums...wasn't sure what kind of live show to expect. Turns out Deerhunter set a high bar. Bradford Cox has a big voice - not totally evident on recordings. "Earthquake" was simply haunting live.
3) Pretty Lights + Bassnectar - Highlights of day 2 (outside of the MMJ-AC back-to-back, of course). What a party. Having never seen either artist, I just knew there would be lots of glowsticks and hulahoops. Truly an audio-visual bombardment. By 2-3am, it's party time at Roo. Bassnectar and Pretty Lights hooked us up with the beats to keep it going. Epic.
2) CWK, Devotchka, Explosions in the Sky - All ridiculous...all bands I've spend lots of $ on over the years. These are bands that never fail to impress, no matter how many times I see them. Simply great live bands. Like an ACL 07 Reunion!
1) Arcade Fire - I gush about Arcade Fire every chance I get. I hadn't seen them in 3+ years. I always say i'm not religious, so AC is the closest thing I can have to a truly spiritual experience. Yeah, my love for their live performance is that deep. They came on back-to-back with MMJ, which rivals AC for sheer grandiosity and live execution. Still, AC is AC. They hit all the big ones, from 'Intervention' to 'Tunnels' to 'Ready to Start' to 'Laika'. To enjoy that with thousands at Bonnaroo was truly...I don't know if there's an adjective to describe it. The new tracks are ridiculous live. Never heard 'Rococo' in person. It was beautiful. 'Sprawl II' = amazing. I can't want to see them again. Now if only they'd play 'Kettles' one more time.
I returned home after a marathon drive back to DC. Two days later, I had the privilege of seeing Yeasayer at 9:30. Apparently, a few of them are form the Baltimore area and grew up attending shows at 9:30. They said, no less than 3 times, how 9:30 is the best venue they've ever played. The longer I was in there (which was the first time, actually), the more I realized that they could be right. Great sound, great setup, intimate...9:30 is a gem. It only made Yeasayer's performance that much more amazing. That day, I realized 'Tightrope' is one of my favorite songs. I also realized that Yeasayer kills it live (2080 and ONE are HUGE), and everyone should do themselves a favor by seeing them at least once. This was #3 for me and I still want more.
Everything I just wrote about happened in one week. Life is moving so fast right now. I am loving it.
Next on tap: Animal Collective @ MPP, Battles @ 9:30, Interpol @ 9:30, Bassnectar @ Armory, Explosions in Baltimore...
That farm in Manchester, TN is hot, sticky, and DUSTY as hell, but I think I had some of the best times of my life out there. Bonnaroo is absolute insanity. People just not giving a fuck and having a grand old time. Sweating for 4 straight days in a cramped RV with 8 people (although I cannot complain at all since, well, we had an RV and most had tents)...I took 1 shower, ate junk food every day, and partied the eff out. I drank gallons of water and inhaled (what seemed like) metric tons of dirt and dust. Rode a ferris wheel, danced into the night...still nothing I can say here really describes Bonnaroo. It's another dimension. From catching MMJ on the massive main stage, to smashing up close for Girl Talk, to partying into the night with Bassnectar, to rocking the Silent Disco, to finally catching Arcade Fire light up the stage after 3 years...it was an amazing experience. I think I lost a few years of my life that weekend. But totally worth it. I'd do it again.
Top 4 performances...because if you know me, (spoiler alert) you know Arcade Fire took the cake. Feel like I need at least 3 suspenseful, unknown picks to make this list a tad bit compelling....so here goes.
4) Deerhunter - Highlight of day 1 (Thursday). It was a low key day, perfect for kicking off the madness that would ensue throughout the weekend. Never seen Deerhunter before, but have heard their albums...wasn't sure what kind of live show to expect. Turns out Deerhunter set a high bar. Bradford Cox has a big voice - not totally evident on recordings. "Earthquake" was simply haunting live.
3) Pretty Lights + Bassnectar - Highlights of day 2 (outside of the MMJ-AC back-to-back, of course). What a party. Having never seen either artist, I just knew there would be lots of glowsticks and hulahoops. Truly an audio-visual bombardment. By 2-3am, it's party time at Roo. Bassnectar and Pretty Lights hooked us up with the beats to keep it going. Epic.
2) CWK, Devotchka, Explosions in the Sky - All ridiculous...all bands I've spend lots of $ on over the years. These are bands that never fail to impress, no matter how many times I see them. Simply great live bands. Like an ACL 07 Reunion!
1) Arcade Fire - I gush about Arcade Fire every chance I get. I hadn't seen them in 3+ years. I always say i'm not religious, so AC is the closest thing I can have to a truly spiritual experience. Yeah, my love for their live performance is that deep. They came on back-to-back with MMJ, which rivals AC for sheer grandiosity and live execution. Still, AC is AC. They hit all the big ones, from 'Intervention' to 'Tunnels' to 'Ready to Start' to 'Laika'. To enjoy that with thousands at Bonnaroo was truly...I don't know if there's an adjective to describe it. The new tracks are ridiculous live. Never heard 'Rococo' in person. It was beautiful. 'Sprawl II' = amazing. I can't want to see them again. Now if only they'd play 'Kettles' one more time.
I returned home after a marathon drive back to DC. Two days later, I had the privilege of seeing Yeasayer at 9:30. Apparently, a few of them are form the Baltimore area and grew up attending shows at 9:30. They said, no less than 3 times, how 9:30 is the best venue they've ever played. The longer I was in there (which was the first time, actually), the more I realized that they could be right. Great sound, great setup, intimate...9:30 is a gem. It only made Yeasayer's performance that much more amazing. That day, I realized 'Tightrope' is one of my favorite songs. I also realized that Yeasayer kills it live (2080 and ONE are HUGE), and everyone should do themselves a favor by seeing them at least once. This was #3 for me and I still want more.
Everything I just wrote about happened in one week. Life is moving so fast right now. I am loving it.
Next on tap: Animal Collective @ MPP, Battles @ 9:30, Interpol @ 9:30, Bassnectar @ Armory, Explosions in Baltimore...
5.30.2011
beyond new england and exploration of the eastern coast
I stepped foot in West Virginia yesterday, for the first time ever.
I hiked in along the Appalachian Trail, just outside of Purcellville, VA. That would be the 12th state (plus 1 District) I've been in over the past 7 days. It was also the first time I stepped foot on the legendary trail. It's been an epic run these past few days...
Ask me a year ago, between Makers rocks at Bar 107, where I'd be on my 26th birthday and I'd have never guessed the opposite corner of the country. Somewhere in New England, driving around, and sharing brews in Portland, Maine.
Life is so good right now...
...and Bonnaroo is right around the corner. Cannot wait to see the Arcade Fire for the first time in about 4 years. And MMJ, and Cold War Kids, and Deer Hunter, and Devotchka, and Beirut, and even Wiz Khalifa?
I hiked in along the Appalachian Trail, just outside of Purcellville, VA. That would be the 12th state (plus 1 District) I've been in over the past 7 days. It was also the first time I stepped foot on the legendary trail. It's been an epic run these past few days...
Ask me a year ago, between Makers rocks at Bar 107, where I'd be on my 26th birthday and I'd have never guessed the opposite corner of the country. Somewhere in New England, driving around, and sharing brews in Portland, Maine.
Life is so good right now...
...and Bonnaroo is right around the corner. Cannot wait to see the Arcade Fire for the first time in about 4 years. And MMJ, and Cold War Kids, and Deer Hunter, and Devotchka, and Beirut, and even Wiz Khalifa?
4.02.2011
here and there
I've already been back in dc for 2 weeks...and it's still cold! At least the cherry blossoms are blooming. Although the sheer number of haoles walking around the tidal basin is insane. This is NOT Los Angeles...
Anyway, regarding spring break - I actually came back to dc more tired than when I left - a sure sign it was one of the best spring breaks ever. Recap - chilling with an old friend for the first time since Davis and smashing on a Suehiro $4.20 lunch special; finding the park at the end of Crenshaw Blvd (2x) and its ridiculous views of Catalina with the lady; finding suede shoes at the Rose Bowl swap meet; hitting up the old watering hole with the Tuesday night happy hr crew (bar107); saying "what up" to Olga (who recognized me-awesome) and buying some fantastic Mexican food; having fish tacos 4 times in 1 week (fuuuck yeahh); cracking open some nice bourbon with the homies in Culver City; tan tan ramen (2x- Kiraku/Umemura); oh yeah, and Vegas for the 1st/2nd rounds of the NCAA tourney. Holy crap. That was one week. Epic.
Then I come back to dc, only to find my way into one of the sickest potlucks ever (with beer pong a sweet bonus). Wandered around Shaw and found my new favorite coffee shop (where I am as I type). And many good things to look forward to- Philly. Bonnaroo. Baseball season. Warmer weather.
I'm most thankful for everything I've learned in the 7 months I've been here. It's only been 7 months, but that feeling of stagnation is completely gone (not that home is ever bad thing-I absolutely love you, LA). I realize the beauty of Los Angeles that I couldn't really see before I left- the change of perspective is a beautiful thing. After a few years, I'm moving in a direction again...and I love it. There's routine, but it's new. There's still bills, but I'm paying for something new- I think that counts for something. Seeing the clouds, the sun, the rain, and the snow (yeah, the novelty is still there) is a whole new thing here. I miss the breeze off the Pacific and I miss the 65-85 degree window that Los Angeles perennially exists in, but I'm loving seeing the seasons change for the first time in my life- something you can't see without actually living in it, the streets covered with snow, the trees blossoming, and birds returning after the cold winter.
I guess the only sucky thing is school...Eff. Oh, and the odd feeling I get when I'm not the only one with a key to my apartment...but I can't complain. Life is good. Enjoying the ride...
Anyway, regarding spring break - I actually came back to dc more tired than when I left - a sure sign it was one of the best spring breaks ever. Recap - chilling with an old friend for the first time since Davis and smashing on a Suehiro $4.20 lunch special; finding the park at the end of Crenshaw Blvd (2x) and its ridiculous views of Catalina with the lady; finding suede shoes at the Rose Bowl swap meet; hitting up the old watering hole with the Tuesday night happy hr crew (bar107); saying "what up" to Olga (who recognized me-awesome) and buying some fantastic Mexican food; having fish tacos 4 times in 1 week (fuuuck yeahh); cracking open some nice bourbon with the homies in Culver City; tan tan ramen (2x- Kiraku/Umemura); oh yeah, and Vegas for the 1st/2nd rounds of the NCAA tourney. Holy crap. That was one week. Epic.
Then I come back to dc, only to find my way into one of the sickest potlucks ever (with beer pong a sweet bonus). Wandered around Shaw and found my new favorite coffee shop (where I am as I type). And many good things to look forward to- Philly. Bonnaroo. Baseball season. Warmer weather.
I'm most thankful for everything I've learned in the 7 months I've been here. It's only been 7 months, but that feeling of stagnation is completely gone (not that home is ever bad thing-I absolutely love you, LA). I realize the beauty of Los Angeles that I couldn't really see before I left- the change of perspective is a beautiful thing. After a few years, I'm moving in a direction again...and I love it. There's routine, but it's new. There's still bills, but I'm paying for something new- I think that counts for something. Seeing the clouds, the sun, the rain, and the snow (yeah, the novelty is still there) is a whole new thing here. I miss the breeze off the Pacific and I miss the 65-85 degree window that Los Angeles perennially exists in, but I'm loving seeing the seasons change for the first time in my life- something you can't see without actually living in it, the streets covered with snow, the trees blossoming, and birds returning after the cold winter.
I guess the only sucky thing is school...Eff. Oh, and the odd feeling I get when I'm not the only one with a key to my apartment...but I can't complain. Life is good. Enjoying the ride...
2.17.2011
I am getting old.
I hear that a lot now from folks I know, most of which are peers of mine, so I guess by proxy that means I'm getting old...?
Yeah, I guess. I can say I've been around for a half-century...25 years. I was born before the cold war ended. Before the Internet ruled us. Or cell phones for that matter. Same age as Radiohead though.
I don't feel old. Unless I go hit at the cages for an hour after a long break, in which case I blame it on me getting old and not me just complaining more. I really don't feel old though. There are so many things that I'd like to do and so many places I'd like to see. I'm still planning on doing most of 'em. And I keep adding to the list.
Old is relative. Time is just another dimension of relativity. Everything is fleeting. Flux. Enjoy the ride.
Bonnaroo.
Appalachian Trail.
Glen Canyon.
...working on it. You down?
I hear that a lot now from folks I know, most of which are peers of mine, so I guess by proxy that means I'm getting old...?
Yeah, I guess. I can say I've been around for a half-century...25 years. I was born before the cold war ended. Before the Internet ruled us. Or cell phones for that matter. Same age as Radiohead though.
I don't feel old. Unless I go hit at the cages for an hour after a long break, in which case I blame it on me getting old and not me just complaining more. I really don't feel old though. There are so many things that I'd like to do and so many places I'd like to see. I'm still planning on doing most of 'em. And I keep adding to the list.
Old is relative. Time is just another dimension of relativity. Everything is fleeting. Flux. Enjoy the ride.
Bonnaroo.
Appalachian Trail.
Glen Canyon.
...working on it. You down?
2.15.2011
Capitol
I learned yesterday that every state gets to send two statues of famous state figures to the US Capitol for display in the rotunda, crypt, etc. California has a statue of Junipero Serra (sure, I guess...he did 'civilize' the native heathens) and.....Mr .Ronald Reagan. For the record, the following must have missed the cut:
Caesar Chavez - guess they thought a state holiday was enough? All he did was organize farm unions which still hold strong today. Or is it because he was born in Mexico? Wait, Reagan and Serra= both not Cali natives...
John Steinbeck - A Cali native, hailing from Salinas - capturing the plight of poor dust bowl-ers and winning a Nobel Prize...
John Muir - mapped the most beautiful wilderness in CA, more than 100 years before gps, bear canisters, or even trails. Guess the ol John Muir Trail is good enough? Too bad 95% of the world will never set foot on it...
Harvey Milk or Mayor Moscone - assassinated for being gay/a supporter of gay rights...guess the federal gov't (McCain?) just wouldn't be cool with this just yet. A shout-out from Gus Van Sant didn't help the cause either...but how cool would it be to have a statue of the two of them?
Jackie Robinson - granted, a Georgia native, but a Muir High School grad (Pasadena), a Pasadena City College grad, UCLA BRUIN, and decorated veteran. Oh, and he broke the color barrier in MLB...but for the Brooklyn Dodgers so...maybe not.
Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo - First European to explore the Cali coast.
Huey Newton and Bobby Seale - Yeah, nobody's ready for that yet. But it might be kinda cool.
Coach John Wooden - played for Purdue, sure, but he is a Bruin, and an inspiration, for ever. See my Bruin bias?
Idda voted for any of em before Reagan...and I'm not a Reagan hater- I'm totally indifferent on the guy. But he a bit recent...and not that big of an actor. Give it some time! Let his legacy simmer a bit, then take a look 50 years from now. In the meantime, can we please have Clint Eastwood, Jim Morrison, Tupac, Dr. Dre, Grace Slick, or Jerry Garcia?
Or how about this guy? Most awesome dude to ever hail from Torrance, CA.
They're making a movie about him. word.
2.14.2011
valentines day
Back in DC after a winter break that, I'll admit, was a bit too long. I feel like I've almost lost the drive to begin studying again, especially after the extra-long 5 week break...but I came out here for a reason, and I still feel great about my long-term goals...even if I'm not exactly sure what those goals are. I'm heading toward something and I'm learning more (at least I hope) about the things I came here to learn about.
In retrospect, the first 4 months of DC have been good to me. I've met some great people and am inspired by many of them. Also, no snowmageddon this year, so I didn't have to hunker down in my basement apartment for days on end (hooray). Storms have been mostly mild, and today warmed up into the 60s. I admit, as a transplanted Los Angelino, I'd have never described 60 as "warm", but it's a far cry from the light snow we received last Wednesday. Looking forward to the spring time and seeing leaves on the trees once again...
This weekend I got to do some sightseeing with a good friend. DC is really a tourist ghost town during the winter months, and it sure is surreal to not see children screaming and running through the Smithsonian. Did the Washington Monument for the second time in a few weeks- if you're in the DC area, now is the time to do it. Likewise for the Archives. Love them free tourist attractions.
I just have to say, I'm getting a little tired of just being in DC every day. Oh, the joys of a car. ZipCar it may be, and very soon. This weather is getting nice fast. Hope it stays like this for another two months...is that too much to ask? I have no idea what to expect next.
That Egypt news is some heavy stuff. I have so many opinions about it, but a blog isn't the time or place to start this discussion. Actually, that's what blogs are for, so that was a stupid thing to say. But I'm going to stay away for now. It'll be interesting. The folks out there are changing the world and others will follow suit. Let's all hope for democracy in Egypt, minus the internet shut-offs.
Which is actually a crazy thing. What would happen if the government shut down the internet? Even scarier- A private Silicon Valley firm provided the technical assistance to get it done. Sometime, not too long from now, a single event will instantly change everything we (the casual internet users) know and how we will handle the internet. For now, just keep tweeting. Don't mess with a good thing.
In other news, Arcade Fire picked up a big Grammy award. Funny how after "Funeral" didn't receive album of the year the first time around, I totally lost faith in all things Grammy and have always had a reason to hate on the award show. Now they win with their 3rd album. Bout time. So what exactly happened? Did enough people actually buy Arcade Fire's album for them to actually get notice? Or is the entire Grammy philosophy actually changing to actually represent the best in music for the year? My anti-Grammy bias continues, and I have to think the former best describes the situation. Otherwise LCD Soundsystem would be blowing up that stage alongside AF, a la 2007. And did the Black Keys win because of their constant appearance in commercials? There's always reason to be cynical, especially when it's the Grammys, but for one night, all the college kids and music geeks and hipsters could rejoice and say, "yeah, duh, I've been listening to them since '04!"
Random thoughts to end this thing:
LCD sold out MSG. wtf? James Murphy has some words. With any luck.....
Also saw Santigold/Major Lazer/Miike Snow coming up in NYC. Jealous of you hipsters, I really am.
Lol@ Rep Lee
I have a rant. But I will hold back for now. Happy lovers' day!
12.12.2010
will haikus de-stress me tonight?
it's almost over
i tried to manage my time
still up all night long
snow falls in DC
not quite ready for the cold
need a new jacket
a normal weekend?
feels like nights at infill 2
without smelly trees
need a quiet place
but the library closes
way too early here
mexican food calls
a hunger i cannot fix
a whole coast away
this actually worked
maybe i like writing haikus?
back to this paper
12.08.2010
call to action
get up, get active, and make a difference.
the first steps are the toughest. like getting out of bed in the morning.
but what is life without challenges?
without perseverance?
without seeing what you're capable of?
without finding your calling? it's certainly out there.
fuck being comfortable. im starting to enjoy the flux.
the stress can be a lot to deal with. but that's what beer is for.
if you're wondering whether or not to try...
...whether to put yourself outside your comfort zone...
...whether or not to see what's out there...
...whether or not to breathe fresh air...
...you already know the answer....
...yes.
this is a call to action.
mostly to remind myself that life won't slow down for me.
enjoy the ride. then blog about it.
12.07.2010
year end list.
This is the first time I've been able to write something in a while. Better make it count, right?
I think I have a blog entry around this time every year. I think it's because I start to see these crazy year-end "best of the year" music articles in Rolling Stone, Spin, etc. and they're all so ridiculous. I start off by thinking how utterly futile it is to quantify something so subjective as music into a "top 25" list.
You basically get a single list that encompasses music throughout the year. Which in itself is ridiculous because, at least for me, context matters. I'll love something in the summertime simply because it sounds good in warm weather. Same for the fall, spring, and winter...
But fuck it, I'm jealous of the folks who get to push their music tastes out there. It really does feel nice to make your music preferences public. A little vanity never hurt anybody, right?
2010 - don't mind the countdown. it's more for dramatic effect than an actual ranking system.
12 Tame Impala - thanks Rosy
11 Beach House - the winter trip to bryce canyon wouldn't have been the same without them.
10 Wolf Parade - r.i.p.? thanks for one last go-round, fellas.
09 Sleigh Bells - loud. solid- especially live.
08 Janelle Monae - her music video is sick. and she can def sing.
07 Yeasayer - if only for 'i remember'. but the whole thing is oddly good.
06 Hot Chip - solid, once again
05 Broken Social Scene - underrated? i saw it as bss's return
04 Cold War Kids - just an EP, but it was my fix for 10 until january...
03 LCD Soundsystem - refined. anything that has folks dancing in the aisles at the bowl works for me
02 Black Keys - the best and most distinguishably different black keys album.
01 Arcade Fire - duh. you guys know me.
disclaimer - i'm going to think of 5 more albums that I should have included right after posting this.
In fact, I already forgot Cosmogramma. How could I forget the Thom Yorke contribution for 2010?
btw, I went to NYC for the first time on Thanksgiving.
Brooklyn...I get it now.
11.22.2010
rambling
I logged onto to the blog website and saw that I'm really falling behind.
I told myself I'd try to do a blog, at least record some thoughts if only for myself, etc. In fact, it's probably in my last blog post about 2 months (?) ago. I've fallen behind. I see eyeball burp 's blog and it's got 159 posts, I see justin keeping up the wells blog, and it's got 44 posts. And I have every reason to be doing this, living in a new city, on a new coast, in a new time zone...better get on it, I suppose...It's funny, I left LA and came out here, but I now can't get enough of music from LA. It's like I almost took it for granted? Who knows. I hope not. I like the Cold War Kids a lot...and their new single "royal blue" sounds fantastic. I can only imagine how good it sounds live, since they always sound about 5x better live. I realize they rank up there with my faves. People out here have heard the Local Natives. Is that a trip or are they really that big? Nobody knows what Anticon is. So far. But they know Animal Collective. Naturally. I bought Avey Tare's cd yesterday...I should open it. It's cold sometimes. It's really not that bad yet, I sometimes expect it to be freezing and it's kinda warm (like today); other days it looks nice but it's biting cold out. We'll see how it goes after this Thanksgiving break.
dc still never fails to amaze me, for better or worse.
for example:
-the licence plates here all say, "taxation without representation" awesome.
-I saw a gnarle sticker on a car here. awesome.
-public transportation has rush hour too. not awesome
-and laker/bruin games start at 10 effing 30. not awesome.
...and there are so many things that just make me think that dc is the land of opposites. Like I walked through a mirror in LA and fell out here.
...first, there's the obvious ones you see at first:
-you can't buy everything you want to buy at the grocery store
-there's an nfl team
-i walk a lot
-the nba team sucks
-real seasons, trees change colors
Then theres the small things that kind of start to show after some time
...people watch hockey
...mexican beer is expensive here
...there are no jack in the boxes in the area
...everywhere sells crab cakes or lobster rolls
...the water isn't 'arrowhead' it's 'deer park'
...there's no such thing as "crv" so it makes no sense for me to leave a glass bottle beside a trashcan
it's a trip. I say that a lot, but it's a trip.
Seeing yellow leaves fall from trees along a brick sidewalk among the brick houses. I'd never see that back home. Thunderstorms. It actually gets colder when it rains...with no marine layer to soften the sharp chill. Rain comes fast and quick, but it rarely sticks. Riding the bus is an experience. I think I'm getting used to it. This past weekend, I found suluDC. Saw taiko for the first time in a while. I think they were more Asian than taiko groups around home. I haven't driven a car in weeks. I miss it, but I'm so happy I don't have to drive around here.
I'm heading to NYC in 2 days. Wednesday til Monday. Seeing the bruins play at the Garden. I have absolutely no idea what to expect. I'm as excited for the bus ride there as I am for the whole trip. I haven't been out of DC in more than a month. What the heck exists between cities out here? I always imagine farmland, but that's a California thing. This will be interesting...
Finally, I'm glad I'm doing this Writing in this blog. For me. Someday I'll look back and laugh at myself. Which is always fun...
p.s. Stinky Pinky is a good ass band. What an EP.
10.21.2010
Hawthorne, Home, and Beer...
...could it get any better than that?
Let me start by saying that I saw Mayer Hawthorne tonight. Dude rocked it.
We headed out to the Black Cat (awesome venue, by the way), only a 10 minute walk from my spot in Logan Circle. I realized how privileged I am to be living in a big city. Just 10 minutes away, I could see a great show, have some great beers on tap, and chill the fuck out, without having to worry about DD's and all. No driving out to the El Rey or the Fonda, worrying about how to get home without risking my life or criminal record...Anyway, the show was great. The dude has some serious stage presence and really knows how to get a crowd going. If nothing else, I absolutely recommend seeing him if you get a chance...although it still tripped me out to hear the guy yell, "hello DC!".
During the course of the night, I had three fantastic beers. I just thought I'd brag a bit.
Started with a Guinness. That's actually one thing I noticed about DC. Guinness on tap is more the norm than the exception. Everyone's got the stuff on tap. Is it because the East Coast is closer to Dublin? I'm curious to know if the stuff is available everywhere in the east. Regardless, I just love that. Guinness almost seems like a luxury in LA...here it quickly become the old dependable brew.
Anyway, I tried a Dogfish Head 60-minute IPA. That stuff does wonders. It felt like the first time I tried Stone IPA. It's just a fantastic IPA- strong, hoppy, and delicious. I recommend trying it if you ever see it. I finished the night with a Dogfish Head 90-minute. The stuff is 9%. Imagine the the 60-minute and add more alcohol and flavor. Good times. Despite paying $10 for four 12-oz bottles.
By the way, I realized what Yuengling is. Supposedly the Yuengling Brewery is the oldest brewery in the States, located in Pottsville, PA...i think I'm going to have to visit one of these days. It's everywhere out here; everyone carries the stuff. It's pretty generic... tastes like an American brew. I just can't believe how many bars out here carry it. Like Sierra Nevada back home, I guess.
The weather is getting cold. Rain hits almost every week. But the rainy days are mixed in with some seriously beautiful, cold days. When the sun shines on DC, it's a fantastic thing to see...the sun hits the old buildings and churches, and the city really comes alive. I just wish I had more time to just walk the streets...
I have, however, walked from Maryland back to DC through Rock Creek Park. I made it from Logan to Georgetown. I even walked through the National Zoo. This after spending my life driving from place to place...it's definitely a change.
The metro, the marble buildings...it's a different world out here...I truly miss California, another world away...but I'll be back...at least I know what's out here...I guess...
Home this past weekend was amazing. I saw people I haven't seen in a long time. Thanks everyone, for making my quick 3 days a great 3 days to remember.
Cheers all...
...it's only Thursday night...
enjoy your weekend!
9.30.2010
washington dc
I've been here for a little more than a month now...
...and DC is a still a trip.
So many new experiences every day, things I'd never see anywhere back home. Circles and squares, diagonal State streets, The Capitol Mall, The Washington Monument towering over the city...my office only a few blocks from the White House. I don't quite know what to think of this place yet. I've always enjoyed it from afar- I've spent a few weeks here, seen it in movies, known people who've lived here. Still, though, actually immersing myself in it is a whole different story. Waking up to it each morning falling asleep each night...finding a new rhythm in a city 3000 miles from home. The humidity is a big change (90% humidity and rain today). And the food (zero Mexican, Japanese, and Hawaiian- lots of Mediterranean). So is public transportation (Walk to the left, stand to right...). But among the most interesting things about this city is that most of the folks in the city aren't from here. They're from Kentucky, Tennessee, New York, Hawaii, Wisconsin, Oregon, Illinois, Ohio...California. There are so many students and young professionals everywhere, representing every corner of the world. There are nonprofits, NGO's, think tanks...and of course the giant department buildings along Constitution Avenue. Folks say Washington is to politics what NYC is to business. Having never seen the Financial District in NY, I can only imagine how fast-paced and dynamic it must be. Washington has a distinct feel to it. Politics run this town and the air just feels...important. People know and care about what happens on the hill and in the courts...and, of course, what happens to Donovan, Mike, and the Skins.
Today it rained on and off; tonight it's pouring. Heard it was 115 in Downtown LA the other day...I guess some raindrops aren't so bad...
It's been a quick first month and I'm slowly getting used to life out here...More specifically, life on my own. I live in a neat part of town right by Logan Circle. It's a few blocks from U street, a few blocks from downtown, and a few blocks from Dupont. I've figured some things out, like how to ride the Metro (lots of practice), how to grocery shop without a car (sadly, you never get everything you need in 1 trip), where to read on a nice day (the Mall, National Botanic Garden, or the Metro). In fact, I've been, at least once, on all the Metro Lines in the city. Now if I could only figure out the buses...I'll really be pro. I found a few good bars in town ($6 Powers whiskey), I found a new place to get my hair cut (with a crapload of famous politicians and justices all over the wall), and found a great local bookstore (just bought a great new book today). I understand why Julia and her empanadas are so famous (looove Chilean style after a night of drinks) but not why they can't just build a Jack in the Box somewhere close by. Have yet to try a Five Guys, Cosi, Au Bon Pain, or Ben's Chili Bowl- I know, total fail on my part. I found an indoor shopping complex with 1 huge entrance, consisting of a - Best Buy, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Staples (with a Julia's right across the street) right off the Green/Yellow Line too! Hooray for Transit-Oriented Development. I strolled through Adam's Morgan on a Saturday night and had dinner at the Madam's Organ (BBQ!). Oh, and I found a Japanese Market, complete with all the basics you might find at Nijiya or Mitsuwa. About 1/16th the size of a supermarket, it still does the trick. I guess I'm slowly figuring things out here, and have a ways to go.
Oh, and School is intense. Reading for days. But that's school. All I can do is laugh that I'm actually paying to do this to myself. I think it's worth it.
Finally, I do find myself thinking about life back home. I miss the ocean air and the marine layer. I so miss Wednesday mornings. I miss El BJ and Umemura and GBowl. But I'll be back eventually, and I might as well start appreciating this opportunity now. I'll try to keep this up, keep a record of what I've been able to accomplish here in DC...if not only for a good laugh 10 years from now.
Be well everyone, and look what I got from the bookstore today:
cheers!
...and DC is a still a trip.
So many new experiences every day, things I'd never see anywhere back home. Circles and squares, diagonal State streets, The Capitol Mall, The Washington Monument towering over the city...my office only a few blocks from the White House. I don't quite know what to think of this place yet. I've always enjoyed it from afar- I've spent a few weeks here, seen it in movies, known people who've lived here. Still, though, actually immersing myself in it is a whole different story. Waking up to it each morning falling asleep each night...finding a new rhythm in a city 3000 miles from home. The humidity is a big change (90% humidity and rain today). And the food (zero Mexican, Japanese, and Hawaiian- lots of Mediterranean). So is public transportation (Walk to the left, stand to right...). But among the most interesting things about this city is that most of the folks in the city aren't from here. They're from Kentucky, Tennessee, New York, Hawaii, Wisconsin, Oregon, Illinois, Ohio...California. There are so many students and young professionals everywhere, representing every corner of the world. There are nonprofits, NGO's, think tanks...and of course the giant department buildings along Constitution Avenue. Folks say Washington is to politics what NYC is to business. Having never seen the Financial District in NY, I can only imagine how fast-paced and dynamic it must be. Washington has a distinct feel to it. Politics run this town and the air just feels...important. People know and care about what happens on the hill and in the courts...and, of course, what happens to Donovan, Mike, and the Skins.
Today it rained on and off; tonight it's pouring. Heard it was 115 in Downtown LA the other day...I guess some raindrops aren't so bad...
It's been a quick first month and I'm slowly getting used to life out here...More specifically, life on my own. I live in a neat part of town right by Logan Circle. It's a few blocks from U street, a few blocks from downtown, and a few blocks from Dupont. I've figured some things out, like how to ride the Metro (lots of practice), how to grocery shop without a car (sadly, you never get everything you need in 1 trip), where to read on a nice day (the Mall, National Botanic Garden, or the Metro). In fact, I've been, at least once, on all the Metro Lines in the city. Now if I could only figure out the buses...I'll really be pro. I found a few good bars in town ($6 Powers whiskey), I found a new place to get my hair cut (with a crapload of famous politicians and justices all over the wall), and found a great local bookstore (just bought a great new book today). I understand why Julia and her empanadas are so famous (looove Chilean style after a night of drinks) but not why they can't just build a Jack in the Box somewhere close by. Have yet to try a Five Guys, Cosi, Au Bon Pain, or Ben's Chili Bowl- I know, total fail on my part. I found an indoor shopping complex with 1 huge entrance, consisting of a - Best Buy, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Staples (with a Julia's right across the street) right off the Green/Yellow Line too! Hooray for Transit-Oriented Development. I strolled through Adam's Morgan on a Saturday night and had dinner at the Madam's Organ (BBQ!). Oh, and I found a Japanese Market, complete with all the basics you might find at Nijiya or Mitsuwa. About 1/16th the size of a supermarket, it still does the trick. I guess I'm slowly figuring things out here, and have a ways to go.
Oh, and School is intense. Reading for days. But that's school. All I can do is laugh that I'm actually paying to do this to myself. I think it's worth it.
Finally, I do find myself thinking about life back home. I miss the ocean air and the marine layer. I so miss Wednesday mornings. I miss El BJ and Umemura and GBowl. But I'll be back eventually, and I might as well start appreciating this opportunity now. I'll try to keep this up, keep a record of what I've been able to accomplish here in DC...if not only for a good laugh 10 years from now.
Be well everyone, and look what I got from the bookstore today:
cheers!
6.08.2010
VOTE
I like to say it every election day. Get out there and vote! It's a pain in the ass to make your way down to that polling spot, but it matters!
Some may have seen the commercials touting 'yes' on prop 16, which they call the "right to vote" act or something insane like that. Don't be fooled! This prop is just a way for PG&E to circumvent the traditional legislative process and take advantage of California's unique proposition system. PG&E wants to pass this law, which works directly against local governments, preventing them (without a 2/3 vote) from diversifying their utilities. Smaller energy companies, many of which use a higher percentage of renewables than PG&E, are capable of delivering more sustainable energy to cities; however, this proposition would virtually make it impossible for them to switch without a super-majority vote. This proposition virtually eliminates all of PG&E's competition, hence, their massive spending on 'yes on 16' commercials.
In effect, a 'yes' vote on this proposition is not a voter's right to vote, it's a 'yes' vote for a PG&E monopoly.
The saddest thing? Local governments are forbidden to spend on campaigns, so 99% of the money in this debate comes out of PG&E's pockets. They're hiding the truths of the issue; in fact, the commercials PG&E have running all night don't ever truly touch the real issues at hand. They're trying to play us all for fools.
Stand up to these clowns, keep competition in the energy markets, and vote for a more sustainable future!
3.22.2010
big news
This evening, the US House passed an epic health care bill.
I remember moping around 10 years ago when the first Bush presidency began, dumbfounded by a presidential election won by a candidate who somehow failed to secure the popular vote.
I remember four years after that, the extreme disappointment I felt when Bush was voted in for another four years. How a smear campaign was concocted to cast doubt upon the resolve of an American veteran.
Then, in 2008, the next American president stepped up, in the midst of two wars and a global recession. We bought in to his hope and his change. Obama took office in early 2009 and we waited for something to happen.
Today, that big change and hope we've been waiting for has never been closer. Only a few final Senate votes and a presidential signature stand in the way of sweeping changes in health care unprecedented in my life.
The bill is not perfect. There are so many people looking for loopholes, so much money spent fighting this thing, so many special interests with bottomless bank accounts. But just to be here, on the eve of change, is something amazing in itself.
I have never been a witness to something more immediate and more relevant to myself, something that would affect me personally. Health care hits home. It's a part of all of our lives, since it's basically the privilege to receive proper medical care if/when something goes wrong. Obama has pushed to change that privilege into a right...an entitlement for us all to live on if something goes wrong.
So thank you, Mr. President, I've never felt my vote more meaningful and important, my faith in our country stronger.
Now if only the Supreme Court could get their shit together.......but I'll save the corporate candidate rant for another day.
Dear Senate,
Let's get this passed.
I remember moping around 10 years ago when the first Bush presidency began, dumbfounded by a presidential election won by a candidate who somehow failed to secure the popular vote.
I remember four years after that, the extreme disappointment I felt when Bush was voted in for another four years. How a smear campaign was concocted to cast doubt upon the resolve of an American veteran.
Then, in 2008, the next American president stepped up, in the midst of two wars and a global recession. We bought in to his hope and his change. Obama took office in early 2009 and we waited for something to happen.
Today, that big change and hope we've been waiting for has never been closer. Only a few final Senate votes and a presidential signature stand in the way of sweeping changes in health care unprecedented in my life.
The bill is not perfect. There are so many people looking for loopholes, so much money spent fighting this thing, so many special interests with bottomless bank accounts. But just to be here, on the eve of change, is something amazing in itself.
I have never been a witness to something more immediate and more relevant to myself, something that would affect me personally. Health care hits home. It's a part of all of our lives, since it's basically the privilege to receive proper medical care if/when something goes wrong. Obama has pushed to change that privilege into a right...an entitlement for us all to live on if something goes wrong.
So thank you, Mr. President, I've never felt my vote more meaningful and important, my faith in our country stronger.
Now if only the Supreme Court could get their shit together.......but I'll save the corporate candidate rant for another day.
Dear Senate,
Let's get this passed.
2.21.2010
Utah Recap
The four hour drive north through the Mojave ends with a long, straight descent into a different world. Las Vegas, its sleek glass and marble monoliths stretching toward the sky, beckons ahead. Throwaway imitations of the world’s great cities lie side-by-side along the Strip in an attempt at grandeur and elegance. Disneyland for the 21+ crowd. Onward through Sin City we drove, however, resisting the urge to stop and indulge. Because we knew we’d be back.
The last gambling oasis on the Arizona/Nevada state line is a small town called Mesquite, NV, home to a few casinos and a few golf courses. The Virgin River, a tributary of the mighty Colorado, runs through this town. Our route going forward would follow the river almost to its source, high above Zion Canyon. We took a quick break for gas and continued on into the dark desert. Only a few miles east of Mesquite, the highway enters the Virgin River Gorge, a deep canyon cut into sandstone cliffs by the Virgin River. Massive rock formations line the steep gorge as the road twists and turns high above the river. The new moon, however, ensured little visibility of any of this.
Soon enough, the lights of St. George appeared in the black, preceded shortly by a slightly underwhelming “Welcome to Utah” sign. At St. George, we cut across to the UT-9, a scenic route that heads directly through Zion National Park. The windy, two lane road guided us through the pitch black until we entered the town of Springdale, our first stop of the trip.
Springdale is actually located inside the canyon, it was just too dark for any of us to notice. When we got up in the morning, huge red sandstone cliffs stared down at us right outside of our hotel. After a rough, microwaved breakfast, we headed out to Zion National Park.
Our first stop was the Emerald Pools Trailhead. From here, three levels of pools are accessible via a system of hiking trails. The path starts with an easy uphill, along a wide, maintained trail. Parts of this trail were covered in ice and mud, making the easy incline a little sketchy. We ascended to the second emerald pool section, where water gathers before a final drop off a rock face into the lower pools. We took the trail to the third (and highest) pool, which is the real treat of the hike. The upper pool is nestled against the canyon walls, fed by a small crack in the rocks above, sending a fine, misty ribbon of water down below. Since the upper pool is pushed up against the rock wall, the area is shaded for most of the day. The cold allows for a healthy layering of ice where the water finally lands. The mist freezes on branches and rocks, forming small icicles on nearby tree branches. We took in the amazing view for a few minutes and followed the stream of water downhill to the lowest pools.
Our next stop was the Temple of Sinawava stop, at the far end of the canyon. This area, around the towering Angel’s Landing, is where the Virgin River enters Zion Canyon. As we walked further, we noticed the walls getting drastically closer together. The sheer cliff faces are immense, especially when looking straight up from beneath them. The paved Riverside Walk leads to the Narrows, following the river for a mile until the walls converge and the Narrows begin. With the water close to freezing and no sunlight, we had to stop, take in the view, and only imagine a summer trip into the Narrows.
From Sinawava, we took one final stop at Weeping Rock, which really is a huge, leaking rock formation. Water entering the rock from high above emerges below through small cracks, creating the illusion of rain. A short hike took us behind the falling drops, with perfect views of the lower canyon.
After a few hours back at the hotel, Brent and I decided to tackle one more quick hike. We walked through Springdale, into the park, and hooked up with the Watchman Trail, right near the park gates. We charged the trail, knowing we had limited time until the sun gave way to the night. The trail is a moderate incline, offering great looks at both the different sandstone formations that line the walls of Zion and the lower sections of Zion Canyon. About 30 minutes in, very close to the end of the trail, we hit a muddy stretch that just wasn’t worth slogging through. We took in the last sunset views of Springdale and the lower Zion area, then turned back.
We enjoyed a nice pizza dinner, complete with a cold pitcher of beer. Brewed locally too. Score.
The next morning we got up and had some breakfast at a local cafe. The breakfast burrito was kick-ass. We followed the UT-9 into the park, cutting across the eastern edge of the park. A series of switchbacks continues through a tunnel that cuts right through a cliff face. Emerging on the other side, about 1000 feet above Springdale, petrified sand dunes lay covered with snow. The scenic drive out the eastern gate exists on a much smaller scale, separated from the main Zion Canyon. Still, the snow and morning light on the rocks made the drive very nice.
We drove until the UT-9 meets with the UT-89, took it north, then headed east on UT-12. Endless fields of snow lined the highway through this section. Small towns flew past on our way to Bryce Canyon. Near the start of the UT-12, we passed through Red Canyon, a recreation area with rock spires resembling Big Thunder Mountain. Snow blanketed the area, a preview of what was to come at Bryce.
After checking in to our hotel near Ruby’s Inn, we drove the length of Bryce Canyon. The clear, cold air gave way to some amazing views. The anticipation built. The highest lookouts at Bryce were probably the main reason I wanted to take this trip. The views didn’t disappoint. Navajo Mountain, usually beyond visibility in the summer months, rose clearly more than 75 miles due southeast. From Rainbow and Yovimpa Point lookouts, more than 9000 feet up, we could see a vast, snow-covered landscape stretching for miles. The ability to sit at the end of a massive plateau, millions of years in the making, and stare for miles into a mostly untouched landscape is just one of those things. Words and pictures will never do it justice. I have never been able to see so many things, so far away, from one place. I sat for a few minutes taking it all in, then sat for a few more. Everything seems so trivial when millions of years of the Earth’s history sits right in front of you. It’s certainly humbling.
We tackled some of the lookouts on our way back out of the park, stopping at the Natural Bridge, Agua Canyon, Farview Point, and a few others. We also stopped to take a look at the major amphitheaters near the front of the park. The serene beauty of snow glistening atop the hoodoos is something you can’t forget.
Back in town, we fixed up a budget meal (as in microwave), and prepared to revisit the park lookouts to see the stars. We were lucky enough to be there a day off the new moon, so roads were pitch black. The first stop we made was the lookout at Sunset Point. The lookout rests at a point hanging over Bryce Amphitheater, although that really didn’t matter as we could barely see anything below the horizon. Up above, the sky took a milky hue, with billions of stars emitting light from the depths of space. I have never seen the Milky Way the way I saw it that night. It was thicker than I’d ever seen before. I was actually having trouble finding constellations because the sky looked completely different than at home; the endless blanket of stars blending together across the sky. Orion was no longer just three stars in a line, and I could actually imagine how ancient stargazers could find the shape of a warrior watching us from up there. The philosophical discussions we shared are too much to type here, but it was an amazing sight to behold.
How could we, as tiny humans on a tiny rock in one galaxy among billions, think we have anything figured out? To assign one God to all of it just seems arrogant...
We woke early the next day to pick up some snowshoes and take a hike down into Bryce Amphitheater. We settled on the Queen’s Garden trail of Sunrise Point, connecting to the Navajo Loop, taking us down into the hoodoo mazes and up Wall Street. The snow was extremely deep, and for the most part untouched off the paths. Snowshoes allow a whole new dimension to hiking; staying on the “trail” is subjective when there really isn’t much of anything resembling one. Big hills of snow were laid out in all directions, just begging for someone to see what the view was like on top. After a few hours of running around, we finally made our way back up the Wall Street section, a narrow space between massive hoodoos. What during the summer is a steep switchback trail is in the winter a giant wall of snow. The hike up was tiring, but you really can’t complain with giant metal spikes attached to the bottoms of your feet. We emerged at Sunset Point and trekked across the rim back to Sunrise Point.
We rolled out of the Bryce Canyon area at midday and headed back toward Vegas.
Hell of a trip...can’t wait to do it again.
The last gambling oasis on the Arizona/Nevada state line is a small town called Mesquite, NV, home to a few casinos and a few golf courses. The Virgin River, a tributary of the mighty Colorado, runs through this town. Our route going forward would follow the river almost to its source, high above Zion Canyon. We took a quick break for gas and continued on into the dark desert. Only a few miles east of Mesquite, the highway enters the Virgin River Gorge, a deep canyon cut into sandstone cliffs by the Virgin River. Massive rock formations line the steep gorge as the road twists and turns high above the river. The new moon, however, ensured little visibility of any of this.
Soon enough, the lights of St. George appeared in the black, preceded shortly by a slightly underwhelming “Welcome to Utah” sign. At St. George, we cut across to the UT-9, a scenic route that heads directly through Zion National Park. The windy, two lane road guided us through the pitch black until we entered the town of Springdale, our first stop of the trip.
Springdale is actually located inside the canyon, it was just too dark for any of us to notice. When we got up in the morning, huge red sandstone cliffs stared down at us right outside of our hotel. After a rough, microwaved breakfast, we headed out to Zion National Park.
Our first stop was the Emerald Pools Trailhead. From here, three levels of pools are accessible via a system of hiking trails. The path starts with an easy uphill, along a wide, maintained trail. Parts of this trail were covered in ice and mud, making the easy incline a little sketchy. We ascended to the second emerald pool section, where water gathers before a final drop off a rock face into the lower pools. We took the trail to the third (and highest) pool, which is the real treat of the hike. The upper pool is nestled against the canyon walls, fed by a small crack in the rocks above, sending a fine, misty ribbon of water down below. Since the upper pool is pushed up against the rock wall, the area is shaded for most of the day. The cold allows for a healthy layering of ice where the water finally lands. The mist freezes on branches and rocks, forming small icicles on nearby tree branches. We took in the amazing view for a few minutes and followed the stream of water downhill to the lowest pools.
Our next stop was the Temple of Sinawava stop, at the far end of the canyon. This area, around the towering Angel’s Landing, is where the Virgin River enters Zion Canyon. As we walked further, we noticed the walls getting drastically closer together. The sheer cliff faces are immense, especially when looking straight up from beneath them. The paved Riverside Walk leads to the Narrows, following the river for a mile until the walls converge and the Narrows begin. With the water close to freezing and no sunlight, we had to stop, take in the view, and only imagine a summer trip into the Narrows.
From Sinawava, we took one final stop at Weeping Rock, which really is a huge, leaking rock formation. Water entering the rock from high above emerges below through small cracks, creating the illusion of rain. A short hike took us behind the falling drops, with perfect views of the lower canyon.
After a few hours back at the hotel, Brent and I decided to tackle one more quick hike. We walked through Springdale, into the park, and hooked up with the Watchman Trail, right near the park gates. We charged the trail, knowing we had limited time until the sun gave way to the night. The trail is a moderate incline, offering great looks at both the different sandstone formations that line the walls of Zion and the lower sections of Zion Canyon. About 30 minutes in, very close to the end of the trail, we hit a muddy stretch that just wasn’t worth slogging through. We took in the last sunset views of Springdale and the lower Zion area, then turned back.
We enjoyed a nice pizza dinner, complete with a cold pitcher of beer. Brewed locally too. Score.
The next morning we got up and had some breakfast at a local cafe. The breakfast burrito was kick-ass. We followed the UT-9 into the park, cutting across the eastern edge of the park. A series of switchbacks continues through a tunnel that cuts right through a cliff face. Emerging on the other side, about 1000 feet above Springdale, petrified sand dunes lay covered with snow. The scenic drive out the eastern gate exists on a much smaller scale, separated from the main Zion Canyon. Still, the snow and morning light on the rocks made the drive very nice.
We drove until the UT-9 meets with the UT-89, took it north, then headed east on UT-12. Endless fields of snow lined the highway through this section. Small towns flew past on our way to Bryce Canyon. Near the start of the UT-12, we passed through Red Canyon, a recreation area with rock spires resembling Big Thunder Mountain. Snow blanketed the area, a preview of what was to come at Bryce.
After checking in to our hotel near Ruby’s Inn, we drove the length of Bryce Canyon. The clear, cold air gave way to some amazing views. The anticipation built. The highest lookouts at Bryce were probably the main reason I wanted to take this trip. The views didn’t disappoint. Navajo Mountain, usually beyond visibility in the summer months, rose clearly more than 75 miles due southeast. From Rainbow and Yovimpa Point lookouts, more than 9000 feet up, we could see a vast, snow-covered landscape stretching for miles. The ability to sit at the end of a massive plateau, millions of years in the making, and stare for miles into a mostly untouched landscape is just one of those things. Words and pictures will never do it justice. I have never been able to see so many things, so far away, from one place. I sat for a few minutes taking it all in, then sat for a few more. Everything seems so trivial when millions of years of the Earth’s history sits right in front of you. It’s certainly humbling.
We tackled some of the lookouts on our way back out of the park, stopping at the Natural Bridge, Agua Canyon, Farview Point, and a few others. We also stopped to take a look at the major amphitheaters near the front of the park. The serene beauty of snow glistening atop the hoodoos is something you can’t forget.
Back in town, we fixed up a budget meal (as in microwave), and prepared to revisit the park lookouts to see the stars. We were lucky enough to be there a day off the new moon, so roads were pitch black. The first stop we made was the lookout at Sunset Point. The lookout rests at a point hanging over Bryce Amphitheater, although that really didn’t matter as we could barely see anything below the horizon. Up above, the sky took a milky hue, with billions of stars emitting light from the depths of space. I have never seen the Milky Way the way I saw it that night. It was thicker than I’d ever seen before. I was actually having trouble finding constellations because the sky looked completely different than at home; the endless blanket of stars blending together across the sky. Orion was no longer just three stars in a line, and I could actually imagine how ancient stargazers could find the shape of a warrior watching us from up there. The philosophical discussions we shared are too much to type here, but it was an amazing sight to behold.
How could we, as tiny humans on a tiny rock in one galaxy among billions, think we have anything figured out? To assign one God to all of it just seems arrogant...
We woke early the next day to pick up some snowshoes and take a hike down into Bryce Amphitheater. We settled on the Queen’s Garden trail of Sunrise Point, connecting to the Navajo Loop, taking us down into the hoodoo mazes and up Wall Street. The snow was extremely deep, and for the most part untouched off the paths. Snowshoes allow a whole new dimension to hiking; staying on the “trail” is subjective when there really isn’t much of anything resembling one. Big hills of snow were laid out in all directions, just begging for someone to see what the view was like on top. After a few hours of running around, we finally made our way back up the Wall Street section, a narrow space between massive hoodoos. What during the summer is a steep switchback trail is in the winter a giant wall of snow. The hike up was tiring, but you really can’t complain with giant metal spikes attached to the bottoms of your feet. We emerged at Sunset Point and trekked across the rim back to Sunrise Point.
We rolled out of the Bryce Canyon area at midday and headed back toward Vegas.
Hell of a trip...can’t wait to do it again.
2.07.2010
mere thoughts
The buzz of a great superbowl is still affecting my ability to type...
Gearing up for a road trip through Utah once again, this time to see Zion and Bryce glisten in fresh snowfall. I'm infinitely excited to take the drive through these two amazing parks, to see what so few ever experience, to breathe some of the cleanest air around and to sit beneath a milky-white display of stars as far as the eye can see. The Earth the way it always has been, natural and beautiful. Water and air, freeze and thaw, on a time line in which we are mere hiccups - a grand display that the most arrogant among us could only hope to hope to achieve. I look forward to immersing myself in something so sadly foreign - what should be in front of us, always. A reminder of 'why?'. The only answer to our deepest questions and the realization that we are because we are, not because we're supposed to be. Because any force that would decline intervention in our desire to destroy so openly yet rationally...well I only hope that something (one?) like that just doesn't exist.
Gearing up for a road trip through Utah once again, this time to see Zion and Bryce glisten in fresh snowfall. I'm infinitely excited to take the drive through these two amazing parks, to see what so few ever experience, to breathe some of the cleanest air around and to sit beneath a milky-white display of stars as far as the eye can see. The Earth the way it always has been, natural and beautiful. Water and air, freeze and thaw, on a time line in which we are mere hiccups - a grand display that the most arrogant among us could only hope to hope to achieve. I look forward to immersing myself in something so sadly foreign - what should be in front of us, always. A reminder of 'why?'. The only answer to our deepest questions and the realization that we are because we are, not because we're supposed to be. Because any force that would decline intervention in our desire to destroy so openly yet rationally...well I only hope that something (one?) like that just doesn't exist.
1.28.2010
Thoughts
Today is January 28th.
Every day seems important when I'm sitting in front of my computer.
Obama delivered his State of the Union address to Congress last night. It's interesting to see a mostly centrist address polarize the left and the right even more. Is it Obama's tactics? Is he attacking the right too much or not doing enough for the left? Or is it just the sad state of the Fox-News/Keith Olberman vitriol that is polarizing America itself, forcing elected leaders to respond to the radicals? One side says he isn't doing enough, the other says he's doing too much. I say just do it. If Obama is to live up to his Diane Sawyer interview (1 good term over 2 iffy ones), then forget the far right, just get something done. Losing the Mass seat isn't a cue to move right. Like the GOP would do, fight harder. They'll find something to hate no matter the concessions. Fuck, Obama is even too right-center as is. Last time the GOP lost seats at a midterm election with a Dem president, they fucking impeached his ass.
And how anyone can disagree with Americans (not just poor Americans either, because I NEED COVERAGE TOO) getting fair health coverage is beyond me. There couldn't be anything more selfish and sickening than refusing people's right to get taken care of when they're sick or injured. Choosing $ over quality of life is just totally bollocks.
From our home state...more than 700,000 signatures were delivered to election officials, well beyond the 400,000+ needed for a ballot initiative. Meaning pot legalization legislation will be on the ballot come November. Snap! I guess this is the true test. Has the City of LA just wasted weeks debating the dispensary issue? Figures.
JD Salinger passed away yesterday. Thank you, sir, for Holden Caulfield.
And the supreme court just failed in epic fashion. Obama even had to call them out in the State of the Union, in front of Congress, which never happens. Where do we stand when we allow corporations give endlessly to campaigns? Will Legislators now be allowed to wear NASCAR-style suits with corporate logos stuck all over them? Can they wear hats with company logos? Can they tattoo "HALLIBURTON" across their foreheads? Or will CEO's just follow these guys on the campaign trail? Scarier yet - many corporations aren't even based in the US. Foreign business will now have a powerful say in the most powerful government on the planet. And citing the First Amendment is just a slap in the face to the founding fathers. This country is FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE.
Corporations are NOT people. American CEO's can still vote, just like the rest of us. And they really haven't had that difficult of a time getting their pawns in office anyway. We suffered through that shit for 8 long years.
The saddest thing? Most of us don't even realize how much power we've just lost.
And finally...
Update on Google Apple War:
RE: "Apple Unveils the Sadly Underwhelming iPad"
And then there was that suspicious lack of multitasking. Yes, a tablet computer wasn't shown running more than one app at a time. An oversight that couldn't possibly be considered "slight." But there was also a nice surprise. Although unmentioned by name, Google (GOOG) was featured prominently in the presentation -- both Google Maps and YouTube were given a test run. Though YouTube integration goes without saying -- there's a Safari browser, after all -- built-in Google Maps means there's still remnants of a partnership between the warring factions.
Pick a side.
Every day seems important when I'm sitting in front of my computer.
Obama delivered his State of the Union address to Congress last night. It's interesting to see a mostly centrist address polarize the left and the right even more. Is it Obama's tactics? Is he attacking the right too much or not doing enough for the left? Or is it just the sad state of the Fox-News/Keith Olberman vitriol that is polarizing America itself, forcing elected leaders to respond to the radicals? One side says he isn't doing enough, the other says he's doing too much. I say just do it. If Obama is to live up to his Diane Sawyer interview (1 good term over 2 iffy ones), then forget the far right, just get something done. Losing the Mass seat isn't a cue to move right. Like the GOP would do, fight harder. They'll find something to hate no matter the concessions. Fuck, Obama is even too right-center as is. Last time the GOP lost seats at a midterm election with a Dem president, they fucking impeached his ass.
And how anyone can disagree with Americans (not just poor Americans either, because I NEED COVERAGE TOO) getting fair health coverage is beyond me. There couldn't be anything more selfish and sickening than refusing people's right to get taken care of when they're sick or injured. Choosing $ over quality of life is just totally bollocks.
From our home state...more than 700,000 signatures were delivered to election officials, well beyond the 400,000+ needed for a ballot initiative. Meaning pot legalization legislation will be on the ballot come November. Snap! I guess this is the true test. Has the City of LA just wasted weeks debating the dispensary issue? Figures.
JD Salinger passed away yesterday. Thank you, sir, for Holden Caulfield.
And the supreme court just failed in epic fashion. Obama even had to call them out in the State of the Union, in front of Congress, which never happens. Where do we stand when we allow corporations give endlessly to campaigns? Will Legislators now be allowed to wear NASCAR-style suits with corporate logos stuck all over them? Can they wear hats with company logos? Can they tattoo "HALLIBURTON" across their foreheads? Or will CEO's just follow these guys on the campaign trail? Scarier yet - many corporations aren't even based in the US. Foreign business will now have a powerful say in the most powerful government on the planet. And citing the First Amendment is just a slap in the face to the founding fathers. This country is FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE.
Corporations are NOT people. American CEO's can still vote, just like the rest of us. And they really haven't had that difficult of a time getting their pawns in office anyway. We suffered through that shit for 8 long years.
The saddest thing? Most of us don't even realize how much power we've just lost.
And finally...
Update on Google Apple War:
RE: "Apple Unveils the Sadly Underwhelming iPad"
And then there was that suspicious lack of multitasking. Yes, a tablet computer wasn't shown running more than one app at a time. An oversight that couldn't possibly be considered "slight." But there was also a nice surprise. Although unmentioned by name, Google (GOOG) was featured prominently in the presentation -- both Google Maps and YouTube were given a test run. Though YouTube integration goes without saying -- there's a Safari browser, after all -- built-in Google Maps means there's still remnants of a partnership between the warring factions.
Pick a side.
1.26.2010
green tech corridor
A departure from my usual rants...
but FYI, especially if you have a thing for Downtown.
So the CRA-LA and the Mayor are planning the "Green Tech Corridor" on the Eastern side of Downtown LA. More specifically, it's the area between Alameda and the LA River. The plan calls for sustainable businesses and research firms coming together in an environmentally friendly region, of course with some incentives from local government. I don't know much about it yet, but did hear a few words at a Little Tokyo Planning Meeting. Sounds promising...check the link below.
They say they'll be creating "green-collar" jobs. What a great marketing plan.
http://www.crala.org/internet-site/Projects/Central_Industrial/CleanTech.cfm
but FYI, especially if you have a thing for Downtown.
So the CRA-LA and the Mayor are planning the "Green Tech Corridor" on the Eastern side of Downtown LA. More specifically, it's the area between Alameda and the LA River. The plan calls for sustainable businesses and research firms coming together in an environmentally friendly region, of course with some incentives from local government. I don't know much about it yet, but did hear a few words at a Little Tokyo Planning Meeting. Sounds promising...check the link below.
They say they'll be creating "green-collar" jobs. What a great marketing plan.
http://www.crala.org/internet-site/Projects/Central_Industrial/CleanTech.cfm
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