After a nice last partial day in Santa Monica and a pleasant flight, I got back here late last night. I knew I was back when I heard a woman behind me on the jetway say "Okay, we're in the area of the country that knows how to fry okra; we're alright."
So...law school completion: check. Finally returning to Cali: check. Now I have two days to readjust before the bar exam prep class begins and I'm back in lockdown for two months. It's gonna be a great summer in Alabama!
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Final Night
Last night was the last night of my trip. Hence, even though it was cloudy, I still went out to enjoy the sunset, one of my favorite LA activities.
So today I'm doing some last fun stuff, then packing up and heading east. Esha and I just went to Peet's and to California Map & Travel, a store I used to frequent. Sadly, they are going out of business, but it means good deals until they close in a week or so. Right now everything in the store is 75% off, so I just got 5 books that would normally be $106 but I got them for $26.
Time to pack...
So today I'm doing some last fun stuff, then packing up and heading east. Esha and I just went to Peet's and to California Map & Travel, a store I used to frequent. Sadly, they are going out of business, but it means good deals until they close in a week or so. Right now everything in the store is 75% off, so I just got 5 books that would normally be $106 but I got them for $26.
Time to pack...
Friday, May 26, 2006
Desert Day
I had a long day yesterday in the desert. Drove out to Palm Springs and then south over the mountains to Anza-Borrego. It took a long time; lotta ground covered. I finally got down into the desert, after many winding mountain roads, in late afternoon. It was great to commune with cacti again. And I went through so many different climates and geographies, the temperature ranged from 107 to 53! It's amazing that there are so many diverse worlds in such a small area. California, baby.
After nightfall I went to La Jolla to have dinner with Cheryn. That was great too. Now I'm back for my last full day here. Unless I just stay.
A few pics from yesterday:
The Colorado Desert
Me with a friendly barrel cactus
Another friend - the Ocotillo
After nightfall I went to La Jolla to have dinner with Cheryn. That was great too. Now I'm back for my last full day here. Unless I just stay.
A few pics from yesterday:
The Colorado Desert
Me with a friendly barrel cactus
Another friend - the Ocotillo
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Eat Chocolate
From CNN: "Study: Chocolate may boost brain power"
Now all I need is a study detailing the many benefits of bacon.
LA update: I'm about to go to the desert for the day. Out to the Palm Springs/Coachella Valley area, then over the mountain to Anza-Borrego State Park.
Now all I need is a study detailing the many benefits of bacon.
LA update: I'm about to go to the desert for the day. Out to the Palm Springs/Coachella Valley area, then over the mountain to Anza-Borrego State Park.
Busy Afternoon
Well today was busy. After the market and some light shopping in Santa Monica, I drove up the PCH, through Topanga Canyon, and up to the Valley to visit Katie Rogers at work. She gave me the grand tour of the animation studio where she works. There were all kinds of neat drawings and storyboards and other animation things everywhere. Looked like a really neat place to work.
Then I drove through Laural Canyon to Hollywood, got a bacon & cheese dog at Pink's, hit Samy's Camera, Trader Joe's, and got a mexican mocha at Sabor y Cultura. Next, a cruise through downtown to say hello to my old friend the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and finally back home. Now, I'm hungry and it's time to hit Norms!
First, some scenes:
Palisades Park
Redwood Hill Farm's feta: the cheese that started it all for me.
Topanga Canyon. You can see the creek lower left and kinda see the road on the right. This is 5 minutes from the ocean.
Then I drove through Laural Canyon to Hollywood, got a bacon & cheese dog at Pink's, hit Samy's Camera, Trader Joe's, and got a mexican mocha at Sabor y Cultura. Next, a cruise through downtown to say hello to my old friend the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and finally back home. Now, I'm hungry and it's time to hit Norms!
First, some scenes:
Palisades Park
Redwood Hill Farm's feta: the cheese that started it all for me.
Topanga Canyon. You can see the creek lower left and kinda see the road on the right. This is 5 minutes from the ocean.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Cheese & Apples
Reporting live from the Apple Store on 3rd St. Promenade. Just went to the farmers market and got cheese - the very cheese from Redwood Hill Farms that sparked my cheese love about 3 years ago. It's another beautiful day.
Hello.
Hello.
Planes
One of the joys of Santa Monica is planes flying overhead. Just to the south is LAX, so you see all kinds of trans-Pacific big beasts. And just to the east is Santa Monica Airport, so you have small private planes flying directly over you. This is all best seen from the beach, of course.
What prompted me to write this post just now is that I just walked out of the apartment and heard a distinct big jet sound above. It sounded like a lumbering 747. I thought, "that's gotta be a 74." And once I got clear of the trees and looked up...sure enough! 74, on downwind for LAX!
What prompted me to write this post just now is that I just walked out of the apartment and heard a distinct big jet sound above. It sounded like a lumbering 747. I thought, "that's gotta be a 74." And once I got clear of the trees and looked up...sure enough! 74, on downwind for LAX!
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Live Report from Beverly Hills
I just saw Rick Fox, ex-Laker and husband of Vanessa Williams, eating at a sidewalk cafe on Beverly Drive. He looked at me with lust.
Also, I forgot to mention...I hadn't even been in town 30 minutes yesterday before I saw a film shoot in Santa Monica. Right there on Main was a bunch of crew, lighting, and other equipment, all swarming around a white Lamborghini. Hollywood, baby.
Also, I forgot to mention...I hadn't even been in town 30 minutes yesterday before I saw a film shoot in Santa Monica. Right there on Main was a bunch of crew, lighting, and other equipment, all swarming around a white Lamborghini. Hollywood, baby.
Eli
I just had a great 3 hour visit with my old compadre Eli. I met him at the old Raymond St. apartment and we walked down to Main for breakfast at Mani's, then a nice walk down the boardwalk in Venice and back. He's doing well. More on his world here.
Here we are sitting in stands watching basketball at the Venice Beach courts.
Alright...time to get back out there. I think I need me some Jamba Juice...
Here we are sitting in stands watching basketball at the Venice Beach courts.
Alright...time to get back out there. I think I need me some Jamba Juice...
Back on the West Side!
So yeah, I'm finally back in LA. It's wonderful. I can't believe it's been almost three years. So great to be back. And after a few cloudy days in NoCal, it's absolutely gorgeous down here. I'm staying with Esha and Mary Kristen in Ocean Park, just a few blocks from my old apt. We had dinner tonight at Toi Rockin' Thai Food, where Jiin works, and Katie stopped by there too. I haven't even been here a day and I've already seen four of my friends here. Next - breakfast tomorrow with Eli.
Here's a little natural beauty for ya - today's sunset, from the edge of the continent.
Here's a little natural beauty for ya - today's sunset, from the edge of the continent.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
SF Antics
Stephanie and I listening intently to Matt & Marielle at dinner at Medicine on Thursday night.
Here's Dan eating in Chinatown yesterday.
And here's me & Matt at the Apple Store last night. Photo taken by a MacBook's iSight webcam. Stephanie and Marielle were close by, enthralled as ever.
Here's Dan eating in Chinatown yesterday.
And here's me & Matt at the Apple Store last night. Photo taken by a MacBook's iSight webcam. Stephanie and Marielle were close by, enthralled as ever.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Thursday, May 18, 2006
New Music Explosion!
In the midst of finals and graduation, we've got new Pearl Jam, new Chili Peppers (and a double album at that), and Neil Young + WAR! All in just over a week! I'm overwhelmed. So great to have a bunch of new stuff to listen to. It's been too long.
PS...coming soon: live reports from San Francisco! (got here yesterday at 5:30.)
PS...coming soon: live reports from San Francisco! (got here yesterday at 5:30.)
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
MacBook!
The MacBook, the replacement for the iBook, was finally introduced today! Big day! Still comes in white, but also a cool new black now too. These things should sell like hotcakes. You all should get one so we can have easy video chats (see that little camera in the middle of the top bezel?).
See more at Apple and AppleInsider.com.
Scene from Saturday
Here I am graduating. That's Dean Ken Randall on the left. The "diploma" he's handing me is actually just blank white paper. In fact, no one got a diploma. Grades aren't all in yet and final status won't be official for weeks, so there's still time to fall short and not really graduate. How lovely!
Monday, May 15, 2006
Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva
Have you heard about this? What a bizarre, unbelieveable thing...
NYT: Finally, with Genetic Discovery, Hope for Escape from a Prison of Bone
Beginning in early childhood, the muscle, tendons and connective tissue of those afflicted with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva simply morph into bone.
Also see IFOPA.
By the way, Prison of Bone is not a bad band or album name.
NYT: Finally, with Genetic Discovery, Hope for Escape from a Prison of Bone
Beginning in early childhood, the muscle, tendons and connective tissue of those afflicted with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva simply morph into bone.
Also see IFOPA.
By the way, Prison of Bone is not a bad band or album name.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Law School is OVER!
Just finished my last ever final exam a little while ago. And it feels great! Even though I didn't go to bed last night, I'm wired! It's amazing what healthy eatin' plus good ol' coffee will do for you. Now I'm cleaning house, doing laundry, about to take a huge load to the recycle bin (it completely fills up the back of the Explorer), and hopefully I'll be able to cut the grass in a little while. I've got to find the key to the shed before it gets dark.
I'm doing all of this not only because I'm wired, and not only because some housekeeping sorely needed to be done, but also because I'll be having visitors tomorrow. Mom, Dad, and Chip will be in town for graduation. That's right, I Graduate from Law School tomorrow at 5pm CDT. Quite a milestone. Our Big Tuscaloosa Event for their visit is going to be a few slabs of ribs at Archibald's. That's right. Forget Dreamland. Archibald's is how I roll. That's MY graduation feast!
I'm doing all of this not only because I'm wired, and not only because some housekeeping sorely needed to be done, but also because I'll be having visitors tomorrow. Mom, Dad, and Chip will be in town for graduation. That's right, I Graduate from Law School tomorrow at 5pm CDT. Quite a milestone. Our Big Tuscaloosa Event for their visit is going to be a few slabs of ribs at Archibald's. That's right. Forget Dreamland. Archibald's is how I roll. That's MY graduation feast!
Almost There
Just finished my next-to-last final exam. Got to take one more tomorrow afternoon, then it's all over! Graduation is Saturday afternoon. And next week...California!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Amazing.
Truly primitive people, untouched by the modern world, emerging from the jungle. Can you believe people like this really still exist on earth? It's like looking back in time hundreds or thousands of years. I'd love to know about their genome. With no european contact, they must be truly, purely native; maybe related to the Incas.
From NYT:
INTERNATIONAL / AMERICAS | May 11, 2006
Leaving the Wild, and Rather Liking the Change
By JUAN FORERO
A group of Nukak-Makú tribespeople left the Amazon rainforest in Colombia and declared themselves ready to join the modern world.
From NYT:
INTERNATIONAL / AMERICAS | May 11, 2006
Leaving the Wild, and Rather Liking the Change
By JUAN FORERO
A group of Nukak-Makú tribespeople left the Amazon rainforest in Colombia and declared themselves ready to join the modern world.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Mr. T advice show!
this is going to be great.
Mr. T to Offer Advice on TV Show
The Associated Press
NEW YORK -- If Dr. Phil can dispense advice, why not Mr. T?
The TV Land network announced Tuesday that it will start "I Pity the Fool," a series where "The A-Team" star travels across the country dispensing inspiration and advice.
"The 'T' stands for talking," he said in an interview with The Associated Press. "I'm going to talk it up. It's what I've been doing all my life."
The series starts in October. He'll offer help to people struggling with personal or professional problems.
"My show ain't no 'Dr. Phil,' with people sitting around crying," he said. "You're a fool - that's what's wrong with you. You're a fool if you don't take my advice."
Mr. T to Offer Advice on TV Show
The Associated Press
NEW YORK -- If Dr. Phil can dispense advice, why not Mr. T?
The TV Land network announced Tuesday that it will start "I Pity the Fool," a series where "The A-Team" star travels across the country dispensing inspiration and advice.
"The 'T' stands for talking," he said in an interview with The Associated Press. "I'm going to talk it up. It's what I've been doing all my life."
The series starts in October. He'll offer help to people struggling with personal or professional problems.
"My show ain't no 'Dr. Phil,' with people sitting around crying," he said. "You're a fool - that's what's wrong with you. You're a fool if you don't take my advice."
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
More Good Government from the Bush Administration
Don't you love the honor, respect, transparency, and decency that these guys have brought back to government? Makes me so proud to be a subject of this regime!
Bush challenges hundreds of laws
President cites powers of his office
By Charlie Savage, Globe Staff | April 30, 2006
WASHINGTON -- President Bush has quietly claimed the authority to disobey more than 750 laws enacted since he took office, asserting that he has the power to set aside any statute passed by Congress when it conflicts with his interpretation of the Constitution.
Among the laws Bush said he can ignore are military rules and regulations, affirmative-action provisions, requirements that Congress be told about immigration services problems, ''whistle-blower" protections for nuclear regulatory officials, and safeguards against political interference in federally funded research.
Legal scholars say the scope and aggression of Bush's assertions that he can bypass laws represent a concerted effort to expand his power at the expense of Congress, upsetting the balance between the branches of government. The Constitution is clear in assigning to Congress the power to write the laws and to the president a duty ''to take care that the laws be faithfully executed." Bush, however, has repeatedly declared that he does not need to ''execute" a law he believes is unconstitutional.
...Full article here.
Bush challenges hundreds of laws
President cites powers of his office
By Charlie Savage, Globe Staff | April 30, 2006
WASHINGTON -- President Bush has quietly claimed the authority to disobey more than 750 laws enacted since he took office, asserting that he has the power to set aside any statute passed by Congress when it conflicts with his interpretation of the Constitution.
Among the laws Bush said he can ignore are military rules and regulations, affirmative-action provisions, requirements that Congress be told about immigration services problems, ''whistle-blower" protections for nuclear regulatory officials, and safeguards against political interference in federally funded research.
Legal scholars say the scope and aggression of Bush's assertions that he can bypass laws represent a concerted effort to expand his power at the expense of Congress, upsetting the balance between the branches of government. The Constitution is clear in assigning to Congress the power to write the laws and to the president a duty ''to take care that the laws be faithfully executed." Bush, however, has repeatedly declared that he does not need to ''execute" a law he believes is unconstitutional.
...Full article here.
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