Monday, December 15, 2008

Mount Wilson Sunset

Jeremy and I went to Mount Wilson on Sunday for an adventure. The original plan was to drive up Angeles Crest and do some geocaching and see some snow.

We got a bit of a late start, and it wasn't snowing, so we made it to one geocache and then decided to drive to the top of Mount Wilson to watch the sunset. It was perfect. Cold, but perfect.

Love

15 MPH

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Radical Times When I Met Radiohead

First time: 1995 at the Trocadero in Philadelphia - a tiny venue that holds about 1000 people, maybe less. I was like 14 at the time, and we made a shirt that said "I LOVE THOM" with iron-on letters. We attached a little note to it with a safety pin and threw it up on stage during the show.

My mom took us to the show, and we convinced her to let us stay afterwards to see if we could wait around and meet the band. One by one, they started coming out. Thom was the last one and was wearing a leather jacket. We were all just standing around talking to him, taking photos, getting autographs, etc, and my friend started sort of freaking out. I looked over at her, asked her if she was ok, and all she could get out was, "..he's... wearing... the shirt!"

Thom heard her and then said, "oh you made this? it's brilliant! thank you!"

The letter attached to the shirt had our addresses on it, and about a month later, we each received a letter from Thom in the mail. The envelope was handwritten, and he told us to make fishy faces in the photo.



Second time: we went to see them open for Alanis Morrisette (left before she started!). We brought a little bag of things we wanted to give them with another note in it. When we arrived, we went to our seats, which totally sucked. But we were seeing them at Hershey Stadium, which is an outdoor stadium where you can see the whole backstage area. My friend looked down in that area and swore she saw Thom walking around. So we gathered up all our things and ran down there.

In the time it took us to get there, Thom had walked away, but Ed and Phil were there. We called them over, talked to them for a bit and gave them the little bag with the note. They went and sat down with Jonny and Colin, opened the bag, read the note and passed everything around their little circle. We were obviously kind of freaking out at this point.

After a little while, they all got up and went to the buses. When they finally emerged, it was to go on stage. This was pre-Ok Computer, so we freaked out when they played Paranoid Android and other OK Compy stuff. Just before the 4th song, Thom said, "Oh wait a moment," and pulled out a piece of paper from his back pocket, unfolded it and said, "the next song is dedicated to Dana, Kathi, and Melissa." They played High and Dry, and we freaked the fuck out.

After the show, they came over to us, said hello, signed stuff for us and other people around. Thom was talking to someone else and I said to my friend, "this is the best birthday present ever." (it was my birthday in like 6 days, but this was my gift from my friends.) Thom overheard me, asked whose birthday it was, I told him mine, and he said "happy birthday" and gave me a hug. And right as he was about to hug me, he said, "sorry, I might smell a bit." Oh man! like I cared!

Thom Wears the Shirt We Made and Sends Me a Letter

Thom Sends Me a Letter

Monday, December 1, 2008

Cloud Cone Point

Jeremy called me on Saturday afternoon to let me know he was on his way home to take me on a surprise adventure! This sounded fun, so I immediately jumped out of bed and got ready. All I knew was that it would be outside and cold. I packed us a lunch and off we went. J insisted that I drive because "that was part of the adventure."

As we cruised along in Laser I saw the sign for Angeles Crest Highway and was even more excited. I've heard great things and had never been... Now I understood why my driving was part of the adventure! Beautiful twisty mountain road that took us up and up...

Finally we made it to what we've now named Cloud Cone Point. We parked Laser, hiked up beneath some Big Pines and came out with a beautiful view. It was definitely cold, so J built us a little fire. We ate our lunch, took some photos, and had a lovely time! We stopped between the two tunnels - a magical place of hope and wonder - and then began our descent along with the sun.

Remembering the new Americana Grove-like mall, we decided to go check it out. There was a gigantic Christmas tree, a massive fountain and the place was mobbed. So we elected to see Australia. Great, fun film!

A perfectly ideal day. :)


Here is the route we took and some photos from the adventure.


View Larger Map

Missed the self timer boat - always better that way
Between the tunnels, there are secrets

Magical sunset

Can be.

Jeremy posted this last week, and it's still cracking us up.

Enjoy the absurd brilliance.


Saturday, November 22, 2008

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Radiohead Perform Neil Young -Tell Me Why

Jeremy and I went to the Lakers game tonight! So much fun. Took the G9, and while uploading the photos (which I'll post later) Jeremy discovered this video I took back in August, added a title and helped out with the camera shake. Pretty awesome stuff. Glad it was rediscovered.


Thursday, November 13, 2008

Prop H8: Perfectly Articulated

Veteran's Day Sunset/Moonrise

It really looked like this. Amazing colors. Beautiful sunset with a view and a moonrise behind me.

(click the photos for larger sizes)

Veteran's Day Sunset

Veteran's Day Sunset

Veteran's Day Moonrise

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Friday, November 7, 2008

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Joshua Tree Halloween Dance Party in the Desert

Best Halloween ever.

Jeremy went to Joshua Tree last year with the Playa Surfers and suggested we go this year. We organized a group of 13, hopped into The Fits, and headed into the desert. It couldn't have worked out better. We knew the Playa Surfers were going again this year and hoped to meet up with them, but didn't know how or where.

We arrived at Joshua Tree around 11am on Friday. As we drove around scoping out available campsites, we pulled up to one that looked perfect. There were some other people staking out the site as well. We introduced ourselves, chatted, figured out the campsites and started unpacking. Ten mins later, a guy from the other campsite walks over and says, "Is that Jeremy? Were you here last year?" Turns out we were camped immediately next to the Playa Surfers! Once again, playadipity extends beyond the playa!!

The weekend was perfectly relaxing and so much fun. Saturday, we went to Hidden Valley for a day hike. The one mile loop took the whole day because we were so into it! We climbed around like the monkeys we are and had a frigging blast!!

Peggy brought everything to make Hot Totties and Banana Boats. Yummy goodness all around!

Here are some of the photos. For the rest, click any of them to get to Jeremy's site.







To make Banana Boats - peel the top section of the banana, carve out and eat, replace with assorted goodies like chocolate chips, caramel chunks, mini marshmallows, wrap in foil, place on grill, wait for goodies to melt, consume, enjoy!



No, really, dance party in the desert:

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

YES WE DID!!

As I watched Obama speak tonight, I cried. For the hope of progress and change that such a landslide brings to me, this country, and the rest of the world. As I walked across the street from Steve & Kristan's, my phone dinged its little email notification letting me know that my friend Joseph had tagged me in a Facebook note. I couldn't have articulated this better:

I cried tonight.

I did.
I cried watching Obama speak in Chicago.
I watched the speech at my downstairs neighbor's house. I've never been inside, but I heard his TV and asked if I could come in.
I sat there surrounded by four black guys and we sat speechless, watching the families of our next president and vice president, white and black, hug each other.

An hour ago I called my dad. He picked up the phone with: "You won. What else do you want to talk about?"
My dad voted for McCain.
Tonight as I watched Obama talk about hope and change, as I watched him talk about leading this nation into a spirit of service––into a spirit of consciousness of ourselves as members of a larger world order––I cried a little.

I cried because something inside me felt like we get to be proud to be American again.
I cried because I knew somehow that the society I'm going to work for, the America I'm going to live in and build for my kids and the kids of my neighbors, doesn't have to be the land my parents and my friends parents understand.
I cried because, on a personal note, my love for all people regardless of race and my anger at the atmosphere of hatred that I grew up around in Republican Orange County, was somehow validated.
I cried because I watched our beautiful new first lady and her beautiful black daughter stand in front of the world as loving family members of the new most powerful man in America.

Let me underline my optimism with reality.
Because Obama is president, this country will not cease to be veined with racism.
Because Obama is president, the wars in Afganistan and Iraq will not magically cease and leave healed countries in their wake.
Because Obama is president, Los Angeles will not cease to have almost 90,000 homeless people sleeping on the street tonight and for many nights to come.
Because Obama is president, the economy will not cease to be in disarray.
Because Obama is president, injustice will not dissolve.
Because Obama is president, there is still no guarantee that gay people will be treated equally. That struggle will continue. Even Obama does not support gay marriage in principle, and there is a good chance that prop 8 will pass tonight. For that, this victory is bittersweet.

But.

Because Obama is president, I can say that the country I believe in (in principle) does not prohibit someone from being in charge just because of their skin color.
Because Obama is president, I can be assured that while our goals might not be fulfilled, at least they are validated and aimed in the right direction.
Because Obama is president, I now believe there is a chance that we might begin to act as servants of the world and its people rather than a hegemonic, money-hungry juggernaut.
Because Obama is president, I no longer have to be ashamed to be American.

Because Obama is president, I have watched one of the most remarkable political victories in America manifested in front of my eyes.

Our generation has spoken.

If you were tagged in this note, it's because you were there alongside me and helped me care about the political process of this country.
Special props and love to my mom Kat and her wife Lynnette. I love you both and nothing can ever take away the love you have for one another. I will continue to fight for justice.


Thanks for reading,
-Joseph

President Obama

Barack the Vote!





My Election Day Getup!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

VOTE!!

Dom filled out his absentee ballot last night!! I took photos!


gObama!

Obama!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Monday, October 20, 2008

In Raindock

New dock arrangement.



(Got the idea from James)

Violet vs. My New Compy

She was relentless with her desire to lick it! She failed.


Saturday, October 18, 2008

I ♥ My Compy

New Mac Book Pro!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

FACT: I'm more royal than you.

According to this Wikipedia entry: "A clubbed thumb is a term used to describe the genetic clubbing of one or both thumbs. It is characterized by a particularly short thumb that is round in section and bulbous at the end. The thumb nail is very wide and short. The scientific term for clubbed thumb is Brachydactyly type D or "BDD". Clubbed thumbs are historically thought of as a sign of royalty. This rare condition was much more common in royal European blood-lines than in the general population and was used as a factor in determining the pureness of the blood."

In all their greatness:



This blog entry goes out to my lady, Rayne, who shares in my newfound royalty! Though I'm still more royal than her because both of my thumbs are clubbed, and she's only got one.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Cinderella Slippers?

I received the following email this morning from my guy friend:

monday night i was on 129th street in harlem looking for a taxi with my friend when we saw a pair of
orange stripper/hooker shoes in a dumpster.
i, of course, grabbed them and put them on(with socks, so as to avoid shoe-borne diseases).
i wore them in the taxi down to the bowery where i got tired of wearing them(they are kind
of painful, to be honest).
as the night progressed i, sadly, forgot about them.
then last night(4 days later) a random stranger/dj came up to me and said 'are these your shoes?' and handed
me aforementioned orange stripper/hooker shoes.
i said 'yes', and immediately put them on, having been reunited with said shoes.
so i ask you, what are the chances that:
a-i'd find a perfect pair of orange stripper hooker shoes at 2 a.m in a dumpster in harlem on a monday night?
and
b-that some random stranger would re-give them to me at 2 a.m on the bowery on a friday night?
i now believe that these shoes are my soulmate.

xxxxxxxxx

p.s-here are my soulmate shoes.



I would like to know if they actually FIT?! Funny how the only reason these are deemed hooker shoes is because of the silver spiked heel. if it were a regular heel, they'd just be lady's heels.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Blah/Yay!

I have been completely uninspired to post lately. Busy-ness does it, I think. Here's what I've been up to:

----------------------------------

I began that post last night when I was at a pretty low point. I think I just needed a good talk and some sleep. All better now!

I started school about two weeks ago. The classes this quarter are good. Abnormal psych, Sensation & Perception, and I'm doing another research assistantship for credit. Some days are much more interesting than others. Yesterday, for instance, I was pretty bored during Sensation & Perception, started organizing my compy's desktop and rediscovered some photos I'd neglected to post. Shortly after I returned from New York, Jeremy and I rented bikes at the beach and found swings.

flight

We also had two amazing nights at The Greek. Thursday October 2, Cameron, Chelsea, Jeremy and I rode my scooter and Cam's motorcycle to see Sigur Ros. Cameron and I have waited months to see them - especially after our failed adventure to see them in Mexico due to the civil unrest that was happening there.

Sigur Ros at The Greek

( ^ also my current desktop - feel free to download the full size. it's scaled for 1440 x 900)

The following night, October 3, Jeremy, Stevel, and I saw David Byrne! It was an amazing performance. Dancers, music, dancing, BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE!! Here is a really great review from of the show.

David Byrne at The Greek

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Friday, September 26, 2008

Giraffe WANT.

I am infinitely fascinated by giraffes. They're beautiful, majestic, and I relate the whole long neck thing! :)

Found this via Design Milk:

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Good Morning Hampstead!

I housesat for my closest Los Angeles Family for the past two weeks. The following animals currently live there:

Lord Haynesworth


Admiral Nelson


Hampstead (4 years ago)


Jeremy, Hampstead and I made a little movie. Enjoy!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

On and On and On

On and on and on we’ll stay together yeah
On and on and on we’ll be together yeah
You and I will try to stay together yeah
On and on and on we’ll be together yeah

Please don’t cry we’re designed to die
Don’t deny what’s inside
On and on and on we’ll stay together yeah
On and on and on
On and on and on

One day we’ll disappear together in a dream
However short or long our lives are going to be
I will live in you or you will live in me
Until we disappear together in a dream

Please don’t cry we’re designed to die
You can’t deny even the gentlest tide
On and on and on we’ll be together yeah
On and on and on
On and on and on
We’re going to try

Please don’t cry
This world of words and meanings makes you feel
outside
Something that you feel already
deep inside
You’ve denied
Go ahead and cry

On and on and on we’ll stay together yeah
On and on and on
On and on and on

You and I will stay together yeah
You and I will try to make it better yeah

- Wilco



YES.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Burning Man 2008 - The American Dream

Open playa. Gerlach. Art Car. The Man. Center Camp. Dust Storm. Theme Camp. The Temple. Playadipity. Homeslice. Decompression. Transformation.


These are all words that I now know the meaning. The Playa provided.


The most amazing experience of my life that I've actively chosen to participate in.

This Is The Only Steel, And You'll See It Again

The Sun Has A Message For Us

OKNOTOK


Let's Drive Out There, Like An Art Car

TRANSFORMATION UNDERWAY

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Radiohead Mosaic iPhone Wallpaper

I made this mosaic out of my photos from the show. Feel free to download and use!

Current iPhone Wallpaper

Monday, September 8, 2008

Radiohead Hollywood Bowl 08.25.2008

This show was, hands down, the best show I've ever been to. Pure magic.

Radiohead Hollywood Bowl 08.25.2008

Radiohead Hollywood Bowl 08.25.2008

(click the photos to see them all)

Setlist:

1. Reckoner
2. Optimistic
3. There There
4. 15 Step
5. All I Need
6. Pyramid Song
7. Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
8. The Gloaming
9. Videotape
10. Talk Show Host
11. Faust Arp
12. Tell Me Why (Neil Young Cover)
13. No Surprises
14. Jigsaw Falling Into Place
15. The Bends
16. The National Anthem
17. Nude
18. Bodysnatchers

Encore 1:
19. House of Cards
20. Planet Telex
21. Go Slowly
22. Fake Plastic Trees
23. True Love Waits Intro/Everything In Its Right Place

Encore 2:
24. Cymbal Rush
25. Karma Police
26. Idioteque

Monday, August 25, 2008

Now is the Time!

I leave to see Radiohead (for the second night at Hollywood Bowl) in less than 12 hours, followed by my immediate departure to Burning Man!

I'll be back Sept 3.

See you on the Playa or back in LAlaland.






Photo by Jeremy

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

New York is a Swell Place

Cameron and I went to New York for All Points West. Saw Radiohead twice and had amazing adventures all along the way... We're great travel partners. I can't wait to go back.

Click the photos for the entire set.